TarHeal Wellness: A Podcast for UNC Residents: Recent Episodes

Robert Rowe MD, MBA, MPH

Welcome to TarHeal Wellness, the resident wellness podcast! From the University of North Carolina Hospitals Office of Graduate Medical Education, Dr. Robert Rowe MD, MBA, MPH (linkedin.com/in/robertrowemd/) explores the world of medical residency through interviews with current and former residents and experts in various wellness topics. Discussions vary from self-care to career decisions, to family and social relationships, and everything in-between. Though expressed through perspectives of UNC Hospitals residents, topics are relatable and applicable to residents training across the world.

View Details

In this episode, Dr. Rui Ariyapala speaks with Dr. Andrea Otero Rios. Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Dr. Otero Rios is a first-generation doctor and has been part of several events in Puerto Rico, including Hurricane Maria, the 2021 earthquake, and COVID-19 relief efforts with the Puerto Rico National Guard.

After finishing medical school Dr. Otero Rios became a Neurology Pre-Resident Intern at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. Her interests include sports medicine, brain injury, pain management, lifestyle medicine, medical Spanish, and research. She is now in her second year as a resident in family medicine at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center - El Paso. We discussed her unique journey, where she overcame many challenges in the residency match process. She recommends every listener to read the book: “Attending: Medicine, Mindfulness and Humanity” by Ronald Epstein. Dr. Otero Rios provides useful wellness tips for our listeners on how to have a positive mindset in the face of setbacks and adversity in medical training.

View Details

In this episode Dr Rui Ariyapala speaks with Dr. Christina Metzler Miller. Dr Miller is a graduate of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and obtained her MPH in Population Medicine at Loma Linda University, where she also completed a Family Medicine and Preventive Medicine Residency. While she was a resident, she founded and led a nonprofit free clinic in the city of San Bernardino. She completed a fellowship in global health with World Medical Mission in Malawi. She recently co-founded another nonprofit, Cornerstone Group Consultants, assisting a number of organizations with grant writing, research, and publications. Dr. Miller is certified through the American Academy of Family Physicians Leading Physician Wellbeing program and as a lifestyle medicine intensivist with the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine. We delve into how she overcame her most challenging moments of residency and global health fellowship. Dr. Miller discusses how to stay in the “green zone” for wellness, sharing her Plan of Action for Resilience, which became one of her cornerstone practices of finding regenerative joy.

View Details

In this episode, Dr Rui Ariyapala speaks with Dr. Michael Baca-Atlas. Dr. Baca-Atlas is originally from Baltimore, MD. He completed his undergraduate work at the University of Maryland, College Park and medical school at University of Maryland in Baltimore. He completed his Family Medicine residency at UNC and an Addiction Medicine fellowship at UNC in the Department of Psychiatry. He serves as the Medical Director for UNC REACH Enhanced Primary Care and Associate Medical Director for the Tobacco Treatment Program. Dr. Baca-Atlas has a special interest in the intersection of physical and mental health and addiction. He also serves as a contributor for Primary Care RAP (Reviews and Perspectives), a medical education podcast. We dive into how he switched his career aspirations from OBGYN to Family Medicine and he gives important advice on how to choose your specialty wisely. We talk about the need to triage medical tasks as a resident, to feel empowered and work to the best of your ability. Finally, we discuss how to navigate the interesting concept of moral injury in medicine and address burnout, as he provides insights in building your own ‘wellness toolkit’ during residency and beyond.

View Details

In this episode, Dr. Sara Helvey speaks with Dr. Disha Spath, also known as The Frugal Physician. Dr. Spath is a board-certified Internal Medicine Physician, educated at the University of Georgia Honors Program, the Medical College of Georgia, and The University of Tennessee-Nashville Internal Medicine residency program. She is the founder and CEO of The Frugal Physician, which has been recognized as a Plutus award nominee for excellence in financial media.

In addition to leading her own initiative, Dr. Spath contributes as a personal finance columnist for Practice Link magazine and has served as a finance contributor to NBC Universal. She is also an ambassador for White Coat Investor.

Her expertise and guidance have been featured in major media outlets such as CNBC and Forbes. Dr. Spath is passionate about helping physicians manage their finances effectively, enabling them to define and pursue their ideal lives.

In this episode, we review why budgeting is both difficult and important. Dr. Spath discusses her own path to financial independence using budgeting to achieve her goals. We also discuss best methods for budgeting for physicians and how to get started. We review hesitancy that providers may experience due to the negative feelings that are associated with “budgeting” and what it actually means to budget. We conclude with an overview of Dr. Spath’s recommendations for residents to budget including apps and best budgeting styles for residents to use.

Click this link to sign up to receive frugal freebies:

https://thefrugalphysician.com/freebies

HANDLES

Facebook Page: @thefrugalphysician

Facebook Group: @The Frugal Physicians

Instagram: @frugalphysician

X: @frugalphysician

Website: www.thefrugalphysician.com

Topics Discussed on her platform:

· General Frugality

· How to Create Passive Income

· Build up Investment

· Savings

· Selective Extravagance

· Quality of life

· Wealth Building

Link to the Frugal Physician budgeting spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1MUz3qAVVj_W2zIt7pEd1AkXSXwREhRalugc5-EyNme0/edit?usp=sharing

Frugal Physician Spotify link:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6zYnpzBey57tqjztLNUcUt?si=501605e7c77f4168

Frugal Physician Apple link:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-financial-freedom-with-the-frugal-physician/id1689336180?i=1000658992187

Frugal Physician Assets:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1AdB_rmpE7eGyft8WUlD0aD2_dfWKzNHa?usp=sharing

View Details

In this episode, Dr Rui Ariyapala speaks with Dr David Barra. Dr Barra went to Northeastern University for his undergraduate degree while simultaneously being in the ROTC military program. He went to Tufts University School of Medicine under a health professional scholarship program, before completing his anesthesia residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He is currently completing a fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic in Anesthesia and Critical Care. We discuss his experiences in the military and how this taught him resilience in residency. We then explore the ebbs and flows of medical training and how to stay focused over many years before reaching the coveted attending role. During his residency in anesthesia, Dr. Barra was a member of the Northeast Track Club. For over 2 years he competitively raced everything from the mile to the marathon whilst being a resident. Dr Barra shares his serendipitous story of how he became an elite runner, which ultimately became his wellness outlet. We delve deep into developing a growth mindset, which has now become the foundation for the positive outlook he has on life.

View Details

In this episode, Dr Rui Ariyapala speaks with Dr Mark Martinez, who is a native New Yorker practicing Emergency Medicine at Baptist Health South Florida in Miami. He attended medical school at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University in Brooklyn before completing his residency in Emergency Medicine at Albert Einstein/Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx. Dr. Martinez recently graduated with a Masters in Industrial Organizational Psychology at Florida International University, and he shares how he developed his approach to preventing and mitigating physician burnout and discusses the utility of ‘Participative Management’. Dr. Martinez had practiced physician coaching for several years focusing on wellness and personal development. The motivation for all of that was a difficult and protracted personal battle with burnout and mental illness. Aside from practicing emergency medicine Dr. Martinez is currently working as a consultant for the FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, developing a more evidence-based and specific approach to medical student selection. We discuss his personal experience as an Emergency Physician through COVID and how he conducted a resident wellness program along with several faculty members at his residency alma mater, using a three-pronged personal coaching, group training, and daily ritual approach.

View Details

New doctors at UNC Health and across the US are starting their residency training programs. In this special episode of TarHeal Wellness, show creator, Dr. Robert Rowe, narrates as physicians of diverse backgrounds and specialties share stories and lessons learned from their first days of medical training. Join us as we explore the challenges, triumphs, and enduring advice that helped shape the careers of these physician contributors, as they aim to help the next generation of physicians successfully navigate their way through residency. Some tales will evoke joy and laughter, while others touch on more serious moments. But all are designed to inspire and resonate with new and aspiring physicians. Although our focus is on the beginning of this incredible journey, the advice shared extends beyond the start of residency.

View Details

Did you know that the wellness app, Headspace, is available for free to UNC Health employees, including medical trainees? In this episode, Dr. Robert Rowe speaks with Sandra Kuhn, LCSW, as they take a deeper dive into how the wellness app can help medical residents and the science behind it. We end with a real mindfulness meditation.

View Details

Did you know that the wellness app, Headspace, is available for free to UNC Health employees, including medical trainees? In this episode, Dr. Robert Rowe speaks with Rachel Schenkemeyer, Strategic Client Account Executive with Headspace, to discuss what Headspace is, the partnership that makes its availability possible, why the app works well for healthcare providers, how they are using it, and how to get started.

View Details

In this episode, Dr. Robert Rowe continues the riveting conversation with Erin Allman Updyke, MD, PhD, and Erin Welsh, PhD, scientific communicators and co-hosts of the popular science podcast This Podcast Will Kill You. They discuss the differences between how med learn information as training physicians and scientists, and how we convey that information to others, including our patients. The Erins also speak on how their perceptions of physicians and other providers have changed due to their work on the podcast and give advice to those hoping to follow in their footsteps.

View Details

In this episode, Dr. Robert Rowe speaks with Erin Allman Updyke, MD, PhD, and Erin Welsh, PhD, scientific communicators and co-hosts of the popular science podcast This Podcast Will Kill You. We start off with how we connected (2:40). Then the Erins reflect on the beginnings of their podcast (4:25), supporting and keeping each other accountable (9:00), and their thoughts on being scientific communicators in an ever-evolving scientific landscape (12:11), drawing clear parallels to challenges of medical trainees. We finish part one of our conversation exploring one of their favorite phrases, "Great question, I don't know" and what that means to them and other conveyers of complex information (26:40).

View Details

In this episodes, Dr. Robert Rowe continues his conversation with Dr. Erin Allman Updyke, MD, PhD, family medicine resident, scientific communicator, and co-host of the popular science podcast This Podcast Will Kill You. Erin expounds upon challenges she has experienced during her medical training, how she has managed them, and what has surprised her about life as a resident.

View Details

In this episode, Dr. Robert Rowe speaks with Dr. Erin Allman Updyke, MD, PhD, family medicine resident, scientific communicator, and co-host of the popular science podcast This Podcast Will Kill You. Erin reflects on her unpredictable path from aquatic biology and entomology to medicine, how hosting the podcast has shaped her residency experience, and some of the challenges of balancing family life and podcasting in the midst of her program.

View Details

In this episode, Dr. Sara Helvey speaks with Dr. Nirav Shah, Neurologist, entrepreneur, and partner at Physician on FIRE. Dr. Shah started his career in medicine specializing in neurology, stroke, and neuroimaging before starting and successfully funding a startup called Alertive Healthcare, a company that went on to pioneer the use of digital health sensors to monitor patients’ cardiac health using reimbursable Remote Physiologic Monitoring (RPM). Nirav and his partner Jorge Sanchez later sold that company to Carbon Health. Among his many roles as a physician, innovator, creator, and father, he partnered with the online platform called Physician on FIRE. This online experience offers expertise and advice to other physicians and high-income earners looking to expand their streams of income and follow the FIRE pathway (Financial Independence, Retire Early). Physician on FIRE is dedicated to assisting these individuals in taking control of their finances to enjoy a worry-free retired life. Dr. Shah’s new journey is about helping fellow physicians and others achieve financial freedom and optional retirement so they can pursue their aspirations and dreams.

In this episode, we discuss the 12 steps of investing as well as some of the common ways that physicians and other high earners can start their path to financial freedom. We continue the conversation by talking about some ways to budget and a high-level overview of several areas of financial planning. Dr. Shah offers advice on how to get started on improving one’s financial position and then more advanced steps to take along the way. Listeners are welcome to reach out to the team at Physician on FIRE and several useful links to topics discussed in the episode are listed below.

Useful links:

Main Website: https://www.physicianonfire.com/

Financial Planning: https://www.physicianonfire.com/financial-planning-for-medical-residents/

12 Steps: https://www.physicianonfire.com/high-income-retirement-options/

Recommended Financial Advisors: https://www.physicianonfire.com/recommended-financial-advisors/

View Details

In this episode, Dr. Sara Helvey speaks with Dr. Nirav Shah, Neurologist, entrepreneur, and partner at Physician on FIRE. Dr. Shah started his career in medicine specializing in neurology, stroke, and neuroimaging before starting and successfully funding a startup called Alertive Healthcare, a company that went on to pioneer the use of digital health sensors to monitor patients’ cardiac health using reimbursable Remote Physiologic Monitoring (RPM). Nirav and his partner Jorge Sanchez later sold that company to Carbon Health. Among his many roles as a physician, innovator, creator, and father, he partnered with the online platform called Physician on FIRE. This online experience offers expertise and advice to other physicians and high-income earners looking to expand their streams of income and follow the FIRE pathway (Financial Independence, Retire Early). Physician on FIRE is dedicated to assisting these individuals in taking control of their finances to enjoy a worry-free retired life. Dr. Shah’s new journey is about helping fellow physicians and others achieve financial freedom and optional retirement so they can pursue their aspirations and dreams.

In this episode, we discuss the 12 steps of investing as well as some of the common ways that physicians and other high earners can start their path to financial freedom. We continue the conversation by talking about some ways to budget and a high-level overview of several areas of financial planning. Dr. Shah offers advice on how to get started on improving one’s financial position and then more advanced steps to take along the way. Listeners are welcome to reach out to the team at Physician on FIRE and several useful links to topics discussed in the episode are listed below.

Useful links:

Main Website: https://www.physicianonfire.com/

Financial Planning: https://www.physicianonfire.com/financial-planning-for-medical-residents/

12 Steps: https://www.physicianonfire.com/high-income-retirement-options/

Recommended Financial Advisors: https://www.physicianonfire.com/recommended-financial-advisors/

View Details

In this episode, Dr. Sara Helvey speaks with David McSwain, MD, MPH. Dr. McSwain is the system Chief Medicine Informatics Officer for UNC Health and Professor of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine at UNC Children’s Hospital. Dr. McSwain completed his MD, MPH in Health Policy and Administration, and a combined residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at UNC Chapel Hill. He also completed a fellowship in Pediatric Critical Care at Duke University and earned his Board Certification in Clinical Informatics in 2021. He has many notable career accomplishments, including creating one of the first Pediatric Critical Care Telemedicine programs in the country and founding the South Carolina Children’s Telehealth Collaborative. In addition, he is the recipient of the 2018 American Telemedicine Association Champion Award, awarded to one individual in the country who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in the advancement of quality telehealth practice, policies, and adoption at the local, state, national, or international level.

During our conversation, we examine the struggles that the electronic health records (EHR) and its users have experienced over the years. Particularly as it relates to provider burnout, we discuss how the EHR has contributed to this and how we can use it to reduce burnout and make charting easier for providers. We also discuss the current state of EHR’s in terms of advancements, achievements, and future areas of growth. We talk about Dr. McSwain’s experience navigating these challenges and how UNC has been working to improve the electronic health record so that it can be seen as a tool that improves patient care.

Resources for UNC Residents:

Information on SmartUser Training

SmartUser is an online training program hosted by Epic that helps providers leverage their user settings and covers more than 140 Epic tips and tricks. The course is free and available to all providers who are live with Epic. To start, send your specialty champions and provider super users so they can keep their skills sharp and share what they learned with other providers. For more information about these courses, refer to the SmartUser FAQ document.

Provider Coaching Session:

The UNC ISD Clinical Informatics Team provides coaching sessions for increased efficiency in Epic@UNC. Here is a link to place a Provider Coaching Session if residents or fellows would like to sit down 1:1 with a Clinical Informaticists to personalize Epic@UNC.

View Details

In this episode, Dr. Sara Helvey speaks with David McSwain, MD, MPH. Dr. McSwain is the system Chief Medicine Informatics Officer for UNC Health and Professor of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine at UNC Children’s Hospital. Dr. McSwain completed his MD, MPH in Health Policy and Administration, and a combined residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at UNC Chapel Hill. He also completed a fellowship in Pediatric Critical Care at Duke University and earned his Board Certification in Clinical Informatics in 2021. He has many notable career accomplishments, including creating one of the first Pediatric Critical Care Telemedicine programs in the country and founding the South Carolina Children’s Telehealth Collaborative. In addition, he is the recipient of the 2018 American Telemedicine Association Champion Award, awarded to one individual in the country who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in the advancement of quality telehealth practice, policies, and adoption at the local, state, national, or international level.

During our conversation, we examine the struggles that the electronic health records (EHR) and its users have experienced over the years. Particularly as it relates to provider burnout, we discuss how the EHR has contributed to this and how we can use it to reduce burnout and make charting easier for providers. We also discuss the current state of EHR’s in terms of advancements, achievements, and future areas of growth. We talk about Dr. McSwain’s experience navigating these challenges and how UNC has been working to improve the electronic health record so that it can be seen as a tool that improves patient care.

Resources for UNC Residents:

Information on SmartUser Training

SmartUser is an online training program hosted by Epic that helps providers leverage their user settings and covers more than 140 Epic tips and tricks. The course is free and available to all providers who are live with Epic. To start, send your specialty champions and provider super users so they can keep their skills sharp and share what they learned with other providers. For more information about these courses, refer to the SmartUser FAQ document.

Provider Coaching Session:

The UNC ISD Clinical Informatics Team provides coaching sessions for increased efficiency in Epic@UNC. Here is a link to place a Provider Coaching Session if residents or fellows would like to sit down 1:1 with a Clinical Informaticists to personalize Epic@UNC.

View Details

In this episode, Dr. Rui Ariyapala speaks with Julie McNamara. Julie McNamara, MS, is a Certified Professional Coach and Certified Health and Well-being Coach with 22 years of experience in fitness and wellness. She has spent the majority of her career in hospital-affiliated fitness centers, developing programs such as Strength Training for Women and the 5-week Well-being Reboot, coaching individuals in leadership and lifestyle change, and leading efforts to expand health and well-being education. She currently leads Health Education for the UNC Wellness Centers and uses one of her top strengths as learner to bring research to real life practical application through her monthly ‘Coffee with the Coach’ sessions. Her latest learning pursuit is understanding the Enneagram and its application in coaching, leadership, and life. Ultimately, she is passionate about helping high achievers balance their lives for more enjoyment and better health. She recently led an excellent seminar on UNC Health’s ‘Care for Me’ week on Wellness. We specifically dive into the concept of habit stacking and incremental change as tools to solidify healthy habits for residents. We also explore career opportunities intersecting wellness and clinical work for physicians and residents.

View Details

In this episode, Dr. Rui Ariyapala speaks with Dr. Amy Goetzinger, PhD. Dr. Goetzinger has been a UNC School of Medicine Wellness committee member for 5 years. Dr. Goetzinger is also the Anesthesiology Wellness Liaison through Faculty Affairs and Leadership Develop (FALD) which is within SOM and co-chairs the Wellness Engagement and Planning subcommittee which alongside UNC Health, helped plan the successful ‘Care for Me Week’ on wellness. With her background in clinical psychology and health behavior, we explore topics on mindfulness and stress reduction, cognitive planning for healthy habits, burnout and tools for resilience through challenging medical residencies.

View Details

In these episodes, Dr. Sara Helvey speaks with Colleen Milroy, MD, MHCM. Dr. Milroy is the Division Director and REI at UNC Fertility. She received Board Certifications in both Ob/Gyn and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and has more than 10 years of experience in this space. Prior to coming to UNC, she successfully managed REI programs at the University of Kansas and in Billings, Montana. In addition, she achieved a Master’s in Healthcare Management to further her leadership and operational skills. Her clinical interests include IVF, RPL, Oncofertility, and minimally invasive surgeries. During our conversation, we discuss several topics, including what to test for in order to determine the current state of your ovarian reserve. We also discuss some of the more common procedures you may encounter during a fertility journey and what to expect. We also learn about how to best advocate for yourself both personally and professionally so that you can have more autonomy around family planning and the fertility process if you find yourself needing these services. We hope you take a listen, as we feel it is packed with incredibly valuable information for young people considering parenthood but are trying to manage their busy careers.

If you need more information on the services offered at UNC fertility, please schedule a consult with them at 919-908-0000.

For more information on fertility benefits offered at the University of North Carolina, please reach out to the benefits office at 984-974-1072.

View Details

In these episodes, Dr. Sara Helvey speaks with Colleen Milroy, MD, MHCM. Dr. Milroy is the Division Director and REI at UNC Fertility. She received Board Certifications in both Ob/Gyn and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and has more than 10 years of experience in this space. Prior to coming to UNC, she successfully managed REI programs at the University of Kansas and in Billings, Montana. In addition, she achieved a Master’s in Healthcare Management to further her leadership and operational skills. Her clinical interests include IVF, RPL, Oncofertility, and minimally invasive surgeries. During our conversation, we discuss several topics, including what to test for in order to determine the current state of your ovarian reserve. We also discuss some of the more common procedures you may encounter during a fertility journey and what to expect. We also learn about how to best advocate for yourself both personally and professionally so that you can have more autonomy around family planning and the fertility process if you find yourself needing these services. We hope you take a listen, as we feel it is packed with incredibly valuable information for young people considering parenthood but are trying to manage their busy careers.

If you need more information on the services offered at UNC fertility, please schedule a consult with them at 919-908-0000.

For more information on fertility benefits offered at the University of North Carolina, please reach out to the benefits office at 984-974-1072.

View Details

In these episodes, Dr. Sara Helvey speaks with Jenna Miller, MD. Dr. Miller is a pediatric intensivist with over 10 years of experience in the field. She also serves as the pediatric ECMO director at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City and she is a co-discoverer of Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Associated Respiratory Failure. While she has had incredible success in her professional career, she personally fought a battle with infertility for 7 years. After a long road with many emotional highs and lows, she welcomed her son into the world in 2023. In order to help others trying to navigate the complicated and nuanced field of infertility, she wrote a book called Navigating your Infertility as a Woman in Medicine. This book is written for anyone who is looking for a simple yet detailed explanation on how infertility works in the United States. During our conversation, we explore Dr. Miller’s experiences with infertility in medicine, how she managed to navigate the challenging time and emotional commitment, and what advice she has for others who are currently facing infertility or are simply trying to make better decisions around family planning.

Please see links to her book and her website:

https://www.jennamillermd.com/

https://store.bookbaby.com/book/navigating-your-fertility-as-a-woman-in-medicine

For more information on fertility benefits offered at the University of North Carolina, please reach out to the benefits office at (984) 974-1072.

View Details

In these episodes, Dr. Sara Helvey speaks with Jenna Miller, MD. Dr. Miller is a pediatric intensivist with over 10 years of experience in the field. She also serves as the pediatric ECMO director at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City and she is a co-discoverer of Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Associated Respiratory Failure. While she has had incredible success in her professional career, she personally fought a battle with infertility for 7 years. After a long road with many emotional highs and lows, she welcomed her son into the world in 2023. In order to help others trying to navigate the complicated and nuanced field of infertility, she wrote a book called Navigating your Infertility as a Woman in Medicine. This book is written for anyone who is looking for a simple yet detailed explanation on how infertility works in the United States. During our conversation, we explore Dr. Miller’s experiences with infertility in medicine, how she managed to navigate the challenging time and emotional commitment, and what advice she has for others who are currently facing infertility or are simply trying to make better decisions around family planning.

Please see links to her book and her website:

https://www.jennamillermd.com/

https://store.bookbaby.com/book/navigating-your-fertility-as-a-woman-in-medicine

For more information on fertility benefits offered at the University of North Carolina, please reach out to the benefits office at (984) 974-1072.

View Details

In this episode, Dr. Rui Ariyapala speaks with Sharon Delaney McCloud. Sharon has had an illustrious career from being Emmy Award winning Broadcaster, TEDx Speaker, Certified Diversity Executive CDE®, Adjunct Professor and Cancer Slayer whose goal is to help people make an impact in business, health and life by embracing the power of communication. Sharon is currently the Director of Corporate Communications of UNC Health and led a transformative workshop for UNC's “Care for Me Week” on Wellness entitled “Your Health is Your Wealth”. We explore Blue Zones which are populations across the globe with extraordinarily high life expectancies and quality of life. We also go into depth about the concept of the Power Nine, which are lifestyle habits of the world’s healthiest and longest-lived people, and then translate these philosophies into pragmatic, actionable steps for our medical residents to emulate.

View Details

Welcome to "Resilient Minds: Navigating Wellness in Medical Residency," a pivotal 2-part podcast series crafted by the TarHeal Wellness team at the University of North Carolina Hospitals' Office of Graduate Medical Education. In this must-listen episode, host Dr. Daniel Carnegie, invites the esteemed Dr. Robert Brooks to explore the indispensable role of resilience in the demanding journey of medical residency.

Embark on a profound exploration of resilience as Dr. Brooks, a venerated expert in the fields of motivation and family relationships, shares his unparalleled insights garnered over 45 years. This episode is more than a conversation; it's a masterclass in cultivating resilience, offering strategies that are crucial for navigating the highs and lows of residency with grace and determination.

Discover practical tools and inspirational stories that resonate with the unique challenges faced by medical residents. Learn how to harness resilience not just as a survival mechanism, but as a powerful catalyst for personal growth, professional excellence, and improved patient care. Whether you're confronting burnout, grappling with stress, or aspiring to elevate your practice, this episode is tailored to inspire and empower residents across the globe.

Tune in to "Resilient Minds: Navigating Wellness in Medical Residency" and transform the way you approach the pressures of medical training. Let this series be your guide to building a resilient foundation that will support you throughout your residency and beyond, fostering a fulfilling career and a balanced life. Don't miss this essential conversation that will change the way you think about resilience in medicine.

View Details

Welcome to "Resilient Minds: Navigating Wellness in Medical Residency," a pivotal 2-part podcast series crafted by the TarHeal Wellness team at the University of North Carolina Hospitals' Office of Graduate Medical Education. In this must-listen episode, host Dr. Daniel Carnegie, invites the esteemed Dr. Robert Brooks to explore the indispensable role of resilience in the demanding journey of medical residency.

Embark on a profound exploration of resilience as Dr. Brooks, a venerated expert in the fields of motivation and family relationships, shares his unparalleled insights garnered over 45 years. This episode is more than a conversation; it's a masterclass in cultivating resilience, offering strategies that are crucial for navigating the highs and lows of residency with grace and determination.

Discover practical tools and inspirational stories that resonate with the unique challenges faced by medical residents. Learn how to harness resilience not just as a survival mechanism, but as a powerful catalyst for personal growth, professional excellence, and improved patient care. Whether you're confronting burnout, grappling with stress, or aspiring to elevate your practice, this episode is tailored to inspire and empower residents across the globe.

Tune in to "Resilient Minds: Navigating Wellness in Medical Residency" and transform the way you approach the pressures of medical training. Let this series be your guide to building a resilient foundation that will support you throughout your residency and beyond, fostering a fulfilling career and a balanced life. Don't miss this essential conversation that will change the way you think about resilience in medicine.

View Details

In this episode, Dr. Robert Rowe continues his conversation with Brendetta Huffman-Rowe, CPNP, a recently board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, with 13 years of bedside and outpatient nursing experience in dozens of specialties (and yes, they’re married). They continue to respond to advice given by a diverse set of nurses and physicians for residents who wish to have strong, productive professional relationships with nursing staff with which they work.

View Details

In this episode, Dr. Robert Rowe speaks with Brendetta Huffman-Rowe, CPNP, a recently board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, with 13 years of bedside and outpatient nursing experience in dozens of specialties (and yes, they’re married). Robert and Brendetta discuss and respond to tips submitted by nurses and physicians to help trainees establish, develop, and maintain positive professional relationships with nursing staff, highlighting their own experiences. They discuss ways to nurture a culture of respect and collaboration, strengthening patient care, and making everyone’s lives and jobs easier.

View Details

Welcome to "Doctor Marvel Moms: Health in Heels,” a two-part podcast series dedicated to the health and wellness journeys of four busy doctor moms. In a field where long hours and high stress are the norms, finding time for personal health and fitness can seem like an insurmountable challenge. Yet, it's crucial, not just for personal wellbeing but also for the quality of care provided to patients. This podcast is a two-part exploration into the lives of busy doctor moms, offering insights, inspiration, and practical advice on integrating fitness, nutrition, and mental wellness into a demanding medical career.

Each episode features candid conversations with former resident physicians and seasoned doctors who have navigated the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle amidst the pressures of the medical field. From practical tips on fitting exercise into a hectic schedule, to nutrition advice, time management strategies, and coping with stress and burnout, our guests share their personal journeys and the lessons they've learned along the way. Whether you're a busy doctor mom or a supportive spouse, a medical professional looking to revitalize your health routine or simply interested in the intersection of healthcare and personal wellness, "Doctor Marvel Moms: Health in Heels" provides the motivation and guidance you need to take those first steps towards a healthier, more balanced life. Join us as we uncover the secrets to thriving in health and medicine, one episode at a time.

View Details

Welcome to "Doctor Marvel Moms: Health in Heels,” a two-part podcast series dedicated to the health and wellness journeys of four busy doctor moms. In a field where long hours and high stress are the norms, finding time for personal health and fitness can seem like an insurmountable challenge. Yet, it's crucial, not just for personal wellbeing but also for the quality of care provided to patients. This podcast is a two-part exploration into the lives of busy doctor moms, offering insights, inspiration, and practical advice on integrating fitness, nutrition, and mental wellness into a demanding medical career.

Each episode features candid conversations with former resident physicians and seasoned doctors who have navigated the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle amidst the pressures of the medical field. From practical tips on fitting exercise into a hectic schedule, to nutrition advice, time management strategies, and coping with stress and burnout, our guests share their personal journeys and the lessons they've learned along the way. Whether you're a busy doctor mom or a supportive spouse, a medical professional looking to revitalize your health routine or simply interested in the intersection of healthcare and personal wellness, "Doctor Marvel Moms: Health in Heels" provides the motivation and guidance you need to take those first steps towards a healthier, more balanced life. Join us as we uncover the secrets to thriving in health and medicine, one episode at a time.

View Details

In this episode, Dr. Rui Ariyapala, MD speaks with Dr. Shannon Aymes, MD, Program Director of the Preventive Medicine residency program at UNC Health. We discuss her journey from medical school, life as an Internal Medicine attending and clinical work in obesity medicine, emphasizing the necessity of wellness through healthy behaviors. As a program director, Dr. Aymes focuses on how leaders in medical education should advocate for resident wellness and prioritize this in their training.

View Details

Resident Match Day is the term commonly used to describe the day most medical students and other applicants learn where they will be training as residents. For some, it’s a dream come true; for others, a nightmare. In this special episode, Dr. Robert Rowe, MD explores the emotional complexities of this pivotal event, sharing his personal experiences and insights. From the historical evolution of the match process to the rollercoaster of “Match Week,” Robert offers solace and encouragement to listeners facing disappointment or uncertainty. He emphasizes resilience, self-compassion, and community support, reminding us that Match Day doesn't define our worth as individuals or physicians. Whether celebrating success or grappling with challenges, this episode serves as a beacon of understanding and solidarity for all navigating the journey of medical training.

Sources: https://www.nrmp.org, https://www.umhs-sk.org/blog/history-of-medical-school-match-day

View Details

In this episode, Dr. Rui Ariyapala, MD speaks with Dr. Ken Busby, DO, a future Stanford University Pediatric Integrative Medicine Fellow in July 2024. Dr. Busby is currently a Pediatric Hematology-Oncology (PHO) fellow at UNC, after completing his Pediatric Residency at the University of Tennessee. We explore his groundbreaking work in Integrative Medicine and how it aligns with his passion for public health and PHO. He is a strong advocate for wellness not only for his patients but for physicians and provides his perspective on how to grow mentally and physically through the challenges of residency.

View Details

In this episode, Dr. Robert Rowe continues his conversation with Dr. Nathan Walker, MD, assistant professor of neurology, sleep medicine specialist, and sleep medicine fellowship director at UNC. Nathan continues to give advice to residents who work long hours with varying schedules. They then discuss common sleep disorders, the most effective treatment for insomnia, and general strategies for those with both insomnia and anxiety/depression. They also list “dos and don’ts” of exercise as it relates to sleep and if we can really trust our smartwatches and fitness trackers to accurately measure our sleep quality.

View Details

We sleep for about 1/3 of our lives. However, sleep deprivation affects most resident physicians and many practicing health providers during their career. In this episode, Dr. Robert Rowe speaks with Dr. Nathan Walker, MD, assistant professor of neurology, sleep medicine physician, and sleep medicine fellowship director at UNC. Nathan briefly explains his journey to sleep medicine. They dive into what constitutes “good sleep,” the definition and prevalence of sleep deprivation, and how to create the ideal environment. They close part 1 of the conversation discussing caffeine, noise machines, and how you can bank sleep (sort of) before long shifts.

View Details

"Fit for the Rounds: Wellness Journeys of Doctor Dads" is a two-part podcast series that shines a spotlight on the unique challenges and triumphs of male physicians balancing the rigors of medicine with personal health and wellness. In a profession where the demands can be as relentless as the rewards are profound, maintaining a commitment to fitness, nutrition, and mental health is not just a personal achievement but a professional necessity. This podcast delves into the lives of doctor dads who have found innovative ways to integrate wellness into their busy schedules, offering insights that inspire and practical advice that empowers.

In each episode, we engage with resident physicians and seasoned practitioners who share their personal stories, from overcoming obstacles to building routines that sustain both physical and mental health. Our conversations cover a range of topics, including effective exercise strategies for time-constrained schedules, nutritional tips for energy and focus, managing stress in high-stakes environments, and the importance of building a supportive community among fellow healthcare professionals. "Fit for the Rounds" is more than just a podcast; it's a community for doctor dads seeking to lead by example, showing that even in the busiest of lives, health and wellness can take center stage. Tune in to discover how these medical professionals keep their health in check while wearing the many hats of a doctor, father, and wellness advocate.

View Details

"Fit for the Rounds: Wellness Journeys of Doctor Dads" is a two-part podcast series that shines a spotlight on the unique challenges and triumphs of male physicians balancing the rigors of medicine with personal health and wellness. In a profession where the demands can be as relentless as the rewards are profound, maintaining a commitment to fitness, nutrition, and mental health is not just a personal achievement but a professional necessity. This podcast delves into the lives of doctor dads who have found innovative ways to integrate wellness into their busy schedules, offering insights that inspire and practical advice that empowers.

In each episode, we engage with resident physicians and seasoned practitioners who share their personal stories, from overcoming obstacles to building routines that sustain both physical and mental health. Our conversations cover a range of topics, including effective exercise strategies for time-constrained schedules, nutritional tips for energy and focus, managing stress in high-stakes environments, and the importance of building a supportive community among fellow healthcare professionals. "Fit for the Rounds" is more than just a podcast; it's a community for doctor dads seeking to lead by example, showing that even in the busiest of lives, health and wellness can take center stage. Tune in to discover how these medical professionals keep their health in check while wearing the many hats of a doctor, father, and wellness advocate.

View Details

In this episode, we had the pleasure of introducing Dr. Kurt Ribisl, the Jo Anne Earp Distinguished Professor and Chair in the Department of Health Behavior at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Ribisl’s primary research interest is population-level efforts to reduce tobacco use, with a particular emphasis on regulating the sales and marketing of tobacco products at retail outlets and we explore ways to advocate for our patients’ wellness through this lens, among other lifestyle modifications. Dr. Ribisl is a prolific academic instructor in Health Behavior and we dissect its application directly onto resident life, from challenging nightshifts to weekend calls.

View Details

In this episode, host Dr. Sara Helvey continues her conversation with Dr. Carrie Cunningham, Associate Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School, Section Head of the Massachusetts General Hospital Endocrine Surgery Unit, Associate Director of Mentoring in the Department of Surgery and the immediate Past-President of the Association of Academic Surgery. Dr. Cunnigham draws parallels between her profession and addiction as mentioned in her presidential address, "Removing the Mask," (available from the link below), continuing to draw from her own experiences. The conversation closes with direct advice to listeners currently struggling and those who want to help others who may need help. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaNBH4UPHv4

View Details

In this episode, host Dr. Sara Helvey continues her conversation with Dr. Carrie Cunningham, Associate Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School, Section Head of the Massachusetts General Hospital Endocrine Surgery Unit,Associate Director of Mentoring in the Department of Surgery and the immediate Past-President of the Association of Academic Surgery. They dive deeper into points from her powerful presidential address, "Removing the Mask," (available from the link below), linking her lived experiences with mental health and substance use disorders to the wider issues so many physicians face in their daily lives. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaNBH4UPHv4

View Details

In this episode, host Dr. Sara Helvey speaks with Dr. Carrie Cunningham, Associate Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School, Section Head of the Massachusetts General Hospital Endocrine Surgery Unit, Associate Director of Mentoring in the Department of Surgery and the immediate Past-President of the Association of Academic Surgery. During her presidential address (available from the link below), she gave a powerful speech called "Removing the Mask" which brought attention to the private struggle that many physicians have with mental health and substance use disorders through her lived experiences. Dr. Cunningham has become an advocate for struggling providers in her quest to increase awareness of and reduce stigmas surrounding these important issues, inspiring change within the medical community and beyond. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaNBH4UPHv4

View Details

In this episode, Dr. Robert Rowe continues his conversation with Maryam Makowski, PhD, a nutrition scientist, physician well-being expert, and National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach. Maryam continues to map out the relationships between nutrition, sleep, mental health, and performance, and addresses specific challenges residents may face when attempting to lead a healthy, more productive life amidst less optimal circumstances.

View Details

In this episode, Dr. Robert Rowe speaks with Maryam Makowski, PhD, a nutrition scientist, physician well-being expert, and National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach. Maryam explains the science behind the relationships between nutrition, sleep, mental health, and performance, giving tips residents can use to optimize performance despite busy schedules and limited resources.

View Details

In this episode, we had the pleasure of introducing Dr. Emma Doran, Medical Director of Vaccine Preventable and Respiratory Diseases in the Medical Consultation Unit of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and former chief resident of the Preventive Medicine residency program at UNC. We discuss her journey from her internship in Naval Hospitals, flight surgeon training in the military as a Woman in Medicine, and her career in public health. As a clinician and advocate for healthy behaviors and lifestyle medicine, Dr. Doran discusses strategies to help our residents keep a balanced approach to wellness.

View Details

In this episode, we had the pleasure of having Lieutenant Aaron Nette, an Active-Duty Navy Nurse in Emergency Medicine and an MPH student at UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. We discuss his journey in the healthcare setting, ranging from his military and clinical experiences in San Diego, Rota (in Spain) and Chicago as well as his Public Health Leadership MPH program at UNC and the Building Veteran Healthy Communities Project. We focus on his perspective on building resilience as a healthcare worker and the importance of mental health in the context of wellness.

View Details

In this episode, Dr. Robert Rowe continues the conversation with Dr. Tom Mayer, emergency physician and Medical Director of the National Football League Players Association. We dive into his book, Battling Healthcare Burnout, examining why it is so common in healthcare, and what we can do to identify, combat, and even prevent it.

View Details

In this episode, Dr. Robert Rowe speaks with Dr. Thom Mayer, emergency medicine physician and Medical Director of the National Football League Players Association. An author, public speaker, and entrepreneur, Dr. Mayer recounts his career journey from humble beginnings to the NFL Hall of Fame, matching one’s sense of purpose with what is deeply needed in the world, and prioritizing building relationships over resumes. We then begin to discuss his book, Battling Healthcare Burnout, a discussion we continue in part II.

View Details

In this episode, Dr. Robert Rowe speaks with Dr. Sara Helvey MD, MBA, a current preventive medicine resident who will be joining the podcast as a host and content creator. Sara talks about her transition from internal medicine residency to a career as an electronic health record (EHR) specialist, what has changed with EHRs over the last decade, and why it seems as though change in this space happens so slowly. She also discusses her other interests and some of the many things she’s accomplished during her residency thus far.

View Details

In this episode, Dr. Robert Rowe speaks with Dr. Rui Ariyapala, MD, EdM, a current preventive medicine resident who is on a quest to spread the word about health behavior and lifestyle medicine. Rui talks about experiences that shaped who he is as a physician, similarities and differences between healthcare in the US and other countries in which he has lived and trained, and the impact health behavior has on primary prevention of chronic, potentially debilitating diseases. He will also be joining the podcast as a host!

View Details

In this special episode, we speak with Dr. Kim Shoenbill, Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Director of the UNC Tobacco Treatment Program, about the importance of lung cancer screening for our patients and within our own communities. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and November 11th is Lung Cancer Screening Day.

View Details

In this episode, Dr. Robert Rowe speaks with Dr. Daniel Carnegie, MD, MBA, MPH, a current preventive medicine resident who left his first residency program to pursue a career on the business side of healthcare. Daniel talks about life as a medical consultant, lessons learned from the profession that he uses in his current program, what led him to return to residency, his green thumb, and more. He will also be joining the podcast as a host!

View Details

In this episode, Dr. Robert Rowe continues his conversation with Dr. Anne Berry, a family medicine physician with 10 years of experience who returned to residency to pursue preventive medicine. Anne speaks about giving and receiving support from her partner, also a physician, advice to current residents, and where she’s going from here. The episode ends with an update on Anne’s Career since the recording of the podcast.

View Details

In this episode, Dr. Robert Rowe speaks with Dr. Anne Berry, a family medicine physician with 10 years of experience who returned to residency to pursue preventive medicine. Anne speaks on family life during residency, practicing in Tanzania, and what she learned from her first residency that she uses this time around.

View Details

In this episode, we continue the conversation with Associate Director for UNC’s Taking Care of Our Own Program, Dr. Bill Scheidler, who talks about his medical journey and the unique service providing all physicians and house staff at the UNC Medical Center the opportunity to benefit from convenient and confidential expertise in wellness and mental health.

View Details

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Bill Scheidler, Assistant professor of psychiatry and Associate Director for UNC’s Taking Care of Our Own Program. Dr. Scheidler talks about his medical journey and the unique service providing all physicians and house staff at the UNC Medical Center the opportunity to benefit from convenient and confidential expertise in wellness and mental health.

View Details

In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Christina Shenvi, MD, PhD, MBA. An emergency medicine physician, educator, blogger, podcaster, wife, and mother, Dr. Shenvi provides tips for how to rethink time and task management during residency and beyond.

View Details

In this episode, we continue the conversation with pathology resident, Dr. Kaysie Miller, DO who discusses long commutes to work, exercise, her journey as an Olympic level athlete, and how giving yourself grace can help in the gym and in your medical career.

View Details

In this episode, we had the pleasure of having Dr. Kaysie Miller, DO as our guest. At the time of recording, Dr. Miller is a pathology resident at UNC and has recently rekindled her career as an elite level competitive weightlifter. She talks about exercise, her journey as an athlete, and how giving yourself grace can help in the gym and in your medical career.

View Details

In this episode, we had the pleasure of having Liz Watt RD, LDN, who at the time of recording, was a clinical dietician with the UNC Wellness Centers, and has recently transitioned to working with the Transitioning Health and Resilience in Veterans (THRIVE) program. We discuss nutritional tips for maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet when time and energy is limited and Liz answers specific questions from UNC residents.

UNC Wellness Centers - https://uncwellness.com/

THRIVE Program - https://tbicenter.unc.edu/

View Details

In this episode, we continue the conversation with pediatrician and (at the time of recording) preventive medicine resident, Dr. Jessica Young, MD, MPH. We continue to discuss the importance of advocating for oneself during residency, a time when many feel they have little power and/or autonomy. We also explore her journey of early motherhood during residency, shifting priorities, and finding support.

View Details

In this episode, we had the pleasure of having Dr. Jessica Young, MD, MPH, a practicing pediatrician, on to discuss her medical professional journey. A preventive medicine resident at UNC at the time of recording, Dr. Young speaks about discovering her pregnancy as a pediatric resident during the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of advocating for yourself during residency and beyond.

View Details

In this episode, we continue the conversation with Dr. Arianne Morrison, MD, MSCR, a preventive medicine resident at UNC at the time of recording. Dr. Morrison talks about low points in her training and how the combined support of her husband and the UNC program Taking Care of Our Own helped improve her mental health and save her career.

Warning: this episode contains discussion of suicide, suicidal thought and ideations, and self-harm, which, while important to talk about may be disturbing to some listeners.

View Details

In this episode, we had the pleasure of having Dr. Arianne Morrison, MD, MSCR on to discuss her medical professional journey, including completing two residency programs and a fellowship. A preventive medicine resident at the time of recording, Dr. Morrison talks about low points in her training and how the combined support of her husband and the UNC program Taking Care of Our Own helped improve her mental health and save her career.

Warning: this episode contains discussion of suicide, suicidal thought and ideations, and self-harm, which, while important to talk about may be disturbing to some listeners.

View Details

In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Karen Bluth PhD. Dr. Bluth who holds a faculty position in the Department of Psychiatry at the UNC School of Medicine and is a Fellow at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute where she is founder of the Frank Porter Graham Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Program for Families.

Dr. Bluth explains the concept of self-compassion and how it applies to medical residents. She is also author and co-author of several books on mindfulness and self-compassion for teens but has also done work with adults, and pertinent to our discussion, healthcare providers.

If you want to know more about Dr. Bluth’s work you can go to her website karenbluth.com as well as www.centerformsc.orfg.

You can also find her on most social media platforms @karenbluth.

View Details

In this episode, we continue the conversation with Dr. Niketa Williams, MD, MPH, MSCR, a preventive medicine resident at UNC at the time of recording. Dr. Williams talks about medical training with ADHD, taking time away from medical practice to explore other opportunities, and self-discovery along the way.

View Details

In this episode, we had the pleasure of having Dr. Niketa Williams, MD, MPH, MSCR on to discuss her medical professional journey, full of twists, turns, challenges, and triumphs. A preventive medicine resident at UNC at the time of recording, Dr. Williams talks about medical training with ADHD, taking time away from medical practice to explore other opportunities, and self-discovery along the way.

View Details

Welcome to TarHeal Wellness, the resident wellness podcast! From the University of North Carolina Hospitals Office of Graduate Medical Education, host Dr. Robert Rowe MD, MBA, MPH explores the world that is medical residency through interviews with current and former residents and experts in various wellness topics.

In this introductory episode, Dr. Rowe introduces himself, discusses the journey that led to the creation of the podcast, and what to expect in this series.