On-Call with Dr. Dave: Recent Episodes
Dr. Dave
Dr. Dave calls up his colleagues in the medical field to share stories. The stories are sad, funny, strange, and all true! We see humanity in the most unique circumstances, and want to share our stories with you.
In this episode, Dr. Dave and Ashley share their journey of launching Dr. Dave’s solo practice. They open up about transitioning from a group setting to full independence, balancing medical and business challenges, and how their complementary skills made it all possible. From navigating financing and legalities to creating a strategic marketing plan, they unpack the realities of building a practice from the ground up. Ashley also reflects on the rewarding nature of helping healthcare professionals reclaim their vision of medicine, while Dr. Dave discusses the authenticity and freedom he’s found in solo practice.
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to run a medical business or dream of going solo, this episode is a must-listen!
In episode 049 of "On Call with Dr. Dave," Nurse Hannah shares fascinating insights from her emergency nursing career, highlighting the wide range of patient interactions, from life-and-death situations to amusing misunderstandings about human anatomy. She emphasizes the importance of patient education and reflects on the profound experiences of witnessing death and the emotional complexities of providing care. The episode also touches on the challenges medical professionals face in separating work from personal life, underscoring the need for debriefing and finding personal rituals to transition between roles. Nurse Hannah's passion extends beyond nursing as she discusses her course aimed at supporting medical families, showcasing her dedication to fostering resilience in relationships amidst the demanding medical landscape.
In this engaging episode of "On Call with Dr. Dave," Dr. Drew, an internal medicine specialist, joins the conversation. He discusses the nuances of internal medicine, focusing on adult care and chronic diseases. Dr. Drew shares two poignant stories: one about a patient's unexpected turn for the worse post-consultation, highlighting the challenges and learning moments in medical practice. The second story contrasts this, involving a terminally ill patient who chose to avoid hospitalization, emphasizing the importance of respecting patients' autonomy and understanding their personal health goals. Dr. Drew also reflects on the inevitability of aging and the psychological preparation needed for the bodily changes that come with it. The episode blends professional insights with personal anecdotes, illustrating the complex, humane aspects of medical care and the unique bond between doctor and patient.
In this episode of "On Call with Dr. Dave," Dr. Dave chats with Dr. Steve, a family medicine practitioner in a community-based practice. Dr. Steve shares insights into the unique challenges and rewards of treating a range of conditions and sometimes even friends and family in a small community. He recounts an array of intriguing stories from his career, like discovering a BB near a patient's optic nerve years after an incident, and his own amusing sleepwalking experience where he 'delivered' multiple babies. The episode also delves into Dr. Steve's approach to mental health care in family medicine, highlighting the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in the field. Dr. Steve further discusses his innovative solution to IBS through a specially formulated meal replacement shake, showcasing his dedication to improving patient care. This episode blends serious medical discussions with light-hearted anecdotes, offering a fascinating glimpse into the life of a family doctor.
In this episode of "On Call with Dr. Dave," Dr. Dave talks with Dr. Steve, a family medicine doctor, about the challenges and variety in community-based practice. Dr. Steve shares unique stories, including a surprising discovery of a BB near a patient's optic nerve and a humorous account of his sleepwalking 'deliveries'. He also discusses handling a patient with a broken portacath and the unpredictability of family medicine. Additionally, Dr. Steve introduces his entrepreneurial venture of creating a meal replacement shake for IBS patients, highlighting his commitment to improving healthcare solutions.
In episode 46, "Extended Release," of "On Call with Dr. Dave," Dr. Jyoti recounts his extraordinary journey in medicine. Initially practicing in Nepal, he moved to the US, facing the challenge of re-entering medical school as an International Medical Graduate. Despite numerous rejections and even considering law school, Dr. Jyoti's resilience and passion for medicine prevailed, inspired by his wife's unwavering support. He shares poignant experiences from Nepal, like treating patients who rarely saw doctors and a woman deeply grateful for simple medical care. Dr. Jyoti also discusses cultural adjustments in the US, including language barriers and patient interactions. His podcast, MedSchool 2.0, aims to inspire others by sharing stories of struggle and perseverance in medicine. This episode highlights the universal nature of healthcare and the importance of dedication, empathy, and humanity in the medical profession.
In episode 46 of "On Call with Dr. Dave," Dr. Jyoti shares his unique journey of attending medical school twice—first in Nepal and then in the US. A Nepali immigrant, Dr. Jyoti recounts the challenges and cultural shifts he faced, including failing to secure a residency in the US initially and considering a switch to law. His wife's support led him to pursue medical school again in the US. Dr. Jyoti reflects on his experiences as a doctor in Nepal, where he was revered, recalling patients who traveled days for medical care and another who showered only annually due to extreme cold. These stories highlight the stark contrast in healthcare access between rural Nepal and the US. Dr. Jyoti's podcast, MedSchool 2.0, aims to inspire others by sharing stories of perseverance in the medical field. His tale is a testament to the power of resilience and the diverse paths to becoming a doctor.
Episode 045 of 'On-Call with Dr. Dave' dives into the world of medicine, but in a super accessible way. Dr. Dave and Ashley chat about all the different jobs in healthcare, from the basics like shadowing docs and volunteering, to more advanced roles like nurses, paramedics, and doctors. They make it clear that there’s something for everyone in medicine, no matter your interest or how much time you can commit. It’s like a friendly guide for anyone thinking about a medical career, showing how diverse and rewarding the field can be. Whether you're just curious or seriously considering a career in healthcare, this episode's got you covered with insights and real talk.
In this Extended Release Episode of On-Call with Dr. Dave with Dr. Charlie, he tells us all the details of vagina potatoes, beer pong went wrong, homemade anal beads, the dangers of too much lube on the pole, and three-year-old peeing rainbows. He also talks more about his expansion into hospice care and how it counterbalances the short-term care of the ER with long-term patient care. He expounds on what it was like to not only work during Covid but also what losing a parent to the virus has done for his career going forward. Dr. Charlie gave us a wild ride that you won’t soon forget!
As an emergency room physician, Dr. Charlie has seen his fair share of unique patients. He tells about a peculiar case of a woman who forgot about a potato she had inserted vaginally. The conversation turns to a young man with seven ping pong balls lodged rectally after a beer pong game and another incident involving improvised anal beads made from golf balls. We also discuss Dr. Charlie’s transition into hospice care and highlight the emotional depth and range of emergency medicine. In this episode, Dr. Charlie underscores the unpredictability and humanity of the ER, blending laughter with life’s profound moments. You don’t want to miss this one!
In this Best of Prison Stories episode of "On Call with Dr. Dave," the spotlight shines on the extraordinary and often bizarre medical cases encountered in a prison setting.
Dr. Dave is joined by P.A. Todd, a physician assistant with seven years of experience working in a prison. Dr. Adam, an ophthalmologist, gives a picture of what kind of patients are seen, and Dr. Dave even recounts his experiences working and operating in a medical prison.
The episode is a rollercoaster of unusual and sometimes humorous stories, ranging from inmates concealing cell phones in unexpected places to discovering a 14-centimeter knife embedded in a patient's arm! Don’t miss this one!
Join us for more of Med Student Andreas in this Extended Release version, where we dive in more about what it's like being a medical student in the public eye.
Med Student Andreas has a heart as big as his sense of humor. While navigating medical school, Andreas shares laugh-out-loud tales that keep him sane and his 3.2 million TikTok followers coming back for more.
We delve into the underestimated role of nurses, the rollercoaster of med school life, and the power of humor in healthcare. Andreas's knack for turning medical student frustrations into viral social media gold helps shed light on the real, raw, and ridiculously funny side of medical training.
Join us for this heartwarming and humorous take on the life of a medical student!
Ever wondered what it would be like to dedicate years of your life to a medical specialty, only to face the crushing disappointment of not matching into your dream residency?
This is the reality that Dr. Julie, a brilliant MD and PhD, faced after years of relentless training. In this episode, she joins Dr. Dave, who experienced the same rejection, to share their stories of doubt and struggles. While we were both eventually able to pursue our desired specialties, many young doctors face the unfortunate reality of not securing a training spot in their chosen field, often leading them to pursue less desirable alternatives.
We delve into the emotional rollercoaster of not matching and explore the challenges faced by many well-qualified doctors in securing their desired residency positions. Dr. Julie's insights into the profound difference between mentoring and sponsoring someone will leave you rethinking how you can support aspiring professionals.
Listen to this inspiring conversation and discover how resilience, determination, and a bit of sponsorship can turn dreams into reality.
Listen to a dynamic conversation with three innovative medical professionals. Dr. Jack discusses the vital role of mentorship in medicine, sharing his insights as a resident and mentor to students and peers. Dr. Kristine, a psychiatrist turned entrepreneur and coach, reflects on how her career evolution has enabled her to impact the lives of patients on a broader scale. Dr. Aleea is a family medicine practitioner that cut out the middleman of insurance and directly cares for her patients. Dr. Dave reinforces the message of hope and growth in the medical field, encouraging the next generation to carry the torch.
Dive into a chilling episode with Dr. Dave! This Halloween special brings spine-tingling tales of eye-related injuries: from a garage door mishap splitting an eyeball to BB gun accidents. But, these stories are more than just horror tales. Dr. Dave stresses the vital importance of eye safety, even in everyday tasks like lawn mowing. He shares heart-wrenching descriptions about injured eyes and eerie tales from prison. The key takeaway? Always prioritize safety. Protect your peepers and have a hauntingly safe Halloween!
In this “Extended Release” version Nurse Alissa shares even more shocking and eye-opening stories from the frontlines of healthcare. In addition to the stories included in the shorter edit, Nurse Alissa also tells the tale of a husband who asked his wife to take a piece of metal out of his eye, only to have her accidentally stab him in the eye instead. She also shares the story of a patient on meth who left the hospital against medical advice and then made a scene and got arrested. There are also additional details to the stories in the shorter version including
the gut-wrenching tale of a trucker couple's medical nightmare and the male patient's bizarre reaction to Nurse Alissa's questions about his problematic erection. Hear more details about Nurse Alissa's harrowing experiences as a nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Whether you listen to the shorter edit or the longer edit, you're sure to be entertained and informed by Nurse Alissa's candid and insightful stories. She offers a unique perspective on the healthcare system and the people who work in it. Her stories are both heartwarming and heartbreaking, but they always leave listeners with a better understanding of the challenges and rewards of being a nurse.
In this “Fast Acting” Edit we hear Nurse Alissa's most shocking and eye-opening stories from the frontlines of healthcare. From a gut-wrenching tale of a trucker couple's medical nightmare to a male patient's bizarre reaction to Nurse Alissa's questions about his problematic erection, this episode is full of jaw-dropping moments. And we don't shy away from the tough topics, as Nurse Alissa shares her harrowing experiences as a nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you're looking for a podcast that will both inform and entertain, then you won't want to miss this episode!
In this "Extended Release" episode dive deeper with Dr. Adham and Dr. Dave and find out what drives them.
In this "Fast Acting" episode Dr. Adham, a hematologist oncologist, shares insights from his professional journey. His early experiences during medical school deeply influenced his commitment to the field of oncology. Dr. Adham's personal life intersected with his profession when, during his intern year in the U.S., his fiancée in Lebanon was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. This personal ordeal underscored the intricacies and unpredictability of cancer diagnoses, reminding him of the profound responsibility and challenges in his chosen field.
At the end of Dr. Dave's fellowship and the beginning of his career he and Ashley were trying to reconnect and rebuild their marriage. They read the book the 5 Love Languages (Chapman, 2015), and it did not go well! Here we discuss what we learned and how to better use the ideas in the book to connect.
This is the extended release episode with CNA Cecily. In addition to the stories you heard in the short acting release we talk about "see one, do one, teach one." Cecily tells us her first medical experience, and Dr. Dave talks about putting needles in the eye socket and removing eyeballs!
CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) Cecily is currently in school to become a RN (registered nurse). This is the "Fast Acting" cut where we discuss why nursing home residents were an eye opening experience and seem to view clothing as optional. Cecily shares her sweet experience with death and how she views end of life. Then she shares her mom's favorite story of Cecily's involving a leg in a garbage bag and a patient who was more than ok with that!
For the first time ever some episodes will be released as a short, quick listen and as an extended cut. Listen how you like. If you want to hear the whole conversation with Dr. Sasa then here it is!
Dr. Sasa cares for and about women. She mentors women in medicine and was thrilled to be a part of a surgery program full of women surgeons. She is a breast oncology surgeon who also does breast reconstruction. She hates breast cancer and loves being able to help her patients become cancer free and still feel like themselves afterwards.
Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife, sex therapist and relationship expert, sat down with us to answer some hard hitting questions about how to make a marriage work while one spouse has chosen a high demand career. We talk about resentments, self-awareness, introspection, and conscious choice. Every relationship can benefit from this advice! Don’t miss this one!
You can learn more from Dr. Finlayson-Fife on her website: finlayson-fife.com
Nurse George can take a punch and keep on working. Granted that punch may have been from a small little girl, but she hits like a trained boxer! He can even keep on doing his job well when covered in poop. No matter what the situation Nurse George cares about you, wants to know your story, and will get the job done.
Season 2 of "On-Call with Dr. Dave" is here! In our first episode, we're talking about our one of the worst days of our medical journey… not matching into residency.
During season 2, we'll not only be talking more about our journey, but talking about all kinds of challenges, triumphs, and the stories that keep us connected.
Thank you all for an amazing first season of On-Call with Dr. Dave! We are grateful to all of our guests and listeners. We laughed, we cried, and we were occasionally shocked. We reflect on what the podcast has taught us and where we envision we will go in season 2. Shout out to both Conan O'Brien and Brené Brown!
Dr. Ryan is a radiologist who specializes in breast imaging and is on the cutting edge of technologies to diagnose breast cancer early and accurately. He gives a brief overview of what he does and then shares a couple heartbreaking stories of patients with rare and aggressive cancers. Ashley tells us why she got a chocolate chip when she had her recent mammogram. We debunk some common myths about breast cancer screenings and biopsies.
Dr. Chris is a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation doctor who is also a research scientist. He has created artificial limbs and adaptive devices to restore function and joy to life. He is creating a better future for us all. “A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit.”
Dr. Renée and Dr. Nii met while in medical school. Dr. Renée is an Ob-Gyn and Dr. Nii is a trauma surgeon. They are podcast hosts of Docs Outside the Box @docsoutsidetheboxpodcast which is afusion of medicine, money, and pop culture.
Nurse Shayne has been a nurse in Alaska for over 2 decades. Moose Attacks, Bear Attacks, Gun Shots, etc. Nurse Shayne tells one story that would make a great country song if you're into that type of thing.
Dr. Adam loves getting to know his patients. In this episode we start by reminiscing about residency and rotating in the prison. That experience taught him a lot and that he can handle anything. He shares a story of one of his favorite patients and her unfortunate experience with a BB Gun and how her life changed for the better at the races in Talladega. As teaser I will give you a visual: a pig in a blanket. Make sure you listen to find out what that means!
Dr. Marc is Dr. Dave’s mentor and he was literally on-call with Dr. Dave for 2 years. Dr. Marc has been training ophthalmology residents and Oculofacial plastic surgery fellows for 25 years. Find out why he requires all of the applicants for the fellowship position to submit a music playlist, and why choosing a fellow feels like getting married after a single date.
In this episode, Nurse Aimee's incredible resilience and compassion are highlighted as she shares a personal story of taking a punch to the throat and still tending to the patient who hit her. Throughout the episode, Nurse Aimee emphasizes the importance of open communication between healthcare workers and patients for a positive healthcare experience. As a former CNA, she reflects on her experiences and shares some memorable moments from her first week as a nurse, including delivering a baby in a challenging situation. She then takes us to the Emergency Department which was not what she expected it would be. Nurses will be there for you in your toughest moments and will continue to care about you long after you leave.
Dr. Omar has dedicated himself to helping as many people as possible. He used to do four medical mission trips yearly. The pandemic tried to slow him down but he was able to use video chatting to still help people. Now he is back to being able to travel to help those in need. He recently took his talents to Syria to help those affected by the war and the recent earthquake.
Dr. Omar shares some of the heart wrenching things he saw and went through in Syria. He grapples with how to handle such harsh conditions and misery in the world. He feels he is not built for such sorrow, but are any of us? Yet even with his tender heart he continues to strive for new ways to help.
If you would like to help please consider donating to the organization that helped organize his latest trip. https://www.sams-usa.net/donate/
Rachel is a Doula and in this episode she takes you the most unexpected place she helped a mom deliver: the Firehouse! Rachel also shares the craziest story from her time as a medical assistant for an ENT doctor. It involves something that got stuck in someone’s throat after eating fish... It's not what you think! She finishes by sharing a personal story involving her son and exploding sports equipment.
Nurse Ruth has been a nurse for over 40 years. She takes you though how emotionally taxing being a nurse during the COVCID pandemic was. She witnessed more deaths during the early pandemic than at any other time during her career. She shares some funny stories from being a nursing student and why she not impressed by what you have under your hospital gown.
Chesley is an EMS Pilot and also a volunteer EMT. He is often first on the scene and sees some of the most intense situations. He lives in a small community and most of his patients are family, friends, or acquaintances. When people see him they instantly feel some comfort. Find out what it’s like in the back of an ambulance or in a cramped helicopter transporting some of the sickest patients.
Nurse Dan is our first guest outside of our friend circle. He comes from a family of doctors. Find out what drew him to nursing instead of med school. He shares what drives him and what almost broke him. His journey like most nurses is full of highs and very deep lows.
We discuss why you owe it to your loved ones to discuss your end of life wishes no matter your age or health. Have these conversations now and create an Advance Directive. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/advance-care-planning-advance-directives-health-care
Dr. Dave and Ashley sit down with their friend Francesco to discuss identity, imposter syndrome, and the battle against insurance companies.
In this episode we dig into the following questions: Why do doctors view their professions as more as a calling than a job? How has this changed in recent years? Why are doctors confident and don’t have imposter syndrome?
Dr. Jimmy and Brené Brown would get along. Dr. Jimmy is an internal medicine doctor that specializes in addiction medicine. He shares his own personal story and gets vulnerable and honest in the podcast. He explains how he takes this approach in his personal life and with his patients. Learn how to destigmatize addiction and ways you can help. We are all just people doing our best.
Dr. Dave and his good friend Ty discuss consent for exams under anesthesia and how to appropriately consent. We also go back to medical school and discuss how medical students are taught to do pelvic and rectal exam. And yes, it is just as awkward as you might imagine! The second portion of the conversation focuses on how patients can advocate for themselves and get the most out of their appointments with doctors.
Dr. Jesse is an ophthalmologist and specializes in eye surgery. In this episode he shares some some stories about serious trauma to the eyeball. If the words fish hook, ball point pen, and paintball don't scare you yet then they soon will! He also shows his humanity and his willingness to not only go the extra mile but an extra 20 miles in order to give his patient the proper care.
Dr. Farhan is an eye surgeon who takes great pride in what he does. When he thinks about the impactful experiences of his career he chose to focus on two of his most vulnerable patients who needed additional care and expertise. Listen how his compassion drives him to go the extra mile to give his patients the best care he can give them. At the end find out what shocked him when he went into a patient's room.
Nurse Lori has seen it all on the labor and delivery floor. Most people show up and leave with a baby. That's the way it supposed to go. The stories that have stuck with Nurse Lori are the sad and humorous. Trigger warning one story is about infant loss. We finish with a lightherted story where everyone left friends even though something was left behind!
This week find out what it was like for Dave and Ashley to go through medical training. Ashley shares what it was like to be the spouse of someone going through training. Dr. Dave shares the workload, stress, and financial burden of the process. At the end of it all both of them would do it all over again.
Dr. Dave is interviewed by his friend Kent. The stories have some surprising twists in them! Dr. Dave expresses how much he hates the disease of diabetes and wished it was taken more seriously. This is the second episode we have done with Ashley as the co-host.
In this episode nurse Corley shares what inspired her to go into nursing and why she works with our veterans. Our veterans have unique needs and they are lucky to have someone like Corley caring for them.
NP Dan has been a nurse and Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP). For some reason we focus almost exclusively on foley and coude catheters in this episode. Catheters are needed in most longer surgeries and things don't always go according to plan!
Imagine in the best southern accent... "You my new student boy?" Find out why a pistol is needed on the way to check the duck boxes, and how to find the perfect balance between charisma and crass.
In this episode Dr. Steve explains why you can't hide anything from a radiologist! You find out when gun and knife club starts. You'll also learn why it matters what type of party it is.
This is the first episode with Dr. Dave sharing his own stories. For this first episode featuring Dr. Dave he calls up and speaks with his good friend Jamil, who does not work in the medical field. Dr. Dave and Jamil met right before Dr. Dave started medical school. They discuss a couple stabbings with various instruments, talked more prison stories, and even take a little side trip to Haiti.
I work in a prison. I've been there about 7 years. Most of my stories are pretty inappropriate.
Nurse Pam shares stories from her time working as a registered nurse. In one touching story she shares how she ended up caring for a friend and being there as a nurse and as a friend. She also shares some humorous stories from the hospital and dementia wards.
"I went back into the room and it was completley empty." Dr. Craig is an ER physician. He shares a humorous story followed by some touching moments in medicine.
Introduction to On-Call with Dr. Dave. Dr. Dave calls up his colleagues in the medical field to share stories. The stories are sad, funny, strange, and all true! We see humanity in the most unique circumstances, and want to share our stories with you.