A Conversation with Dr. Jag Bhawan: Career, Challenges, and Lifelong Learning in Dermatopathology

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Dr. Jag Bhawan, a distinguished dermatopathologist from Boston University School of Medicine, shares his journey and accomplishments in the field. Dr. Bhawan recounts a significant anecdote from his early career, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an open mind, the value of perseverance, and the necessity of clinical-pathological correlation. He also discusses the inevitability of errors in medicine and the importance of owning up to mistakes. Additionally, Dr. Bhawan offers advice on achieving a work-life balance, the influence of serendipity in career success, and the enduring value of mentorship.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:41 Early Career Challenges and Anecdotes

05:49 The Importance of Open-Mindedness in Medicine

09:19 Handling Mistakes and Learning from Them

13:00 Career Advice and Work-Life Balance

17:13 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Medicine and Motherhood with Dr. Eliza Lo Chin

This episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide features Dr. Eliza Lo Chin, Executive Director of the American Medical Women's Association (AMWA) and former AMWA President. Dr. Chin, an internist with a focus on women's health, shares her personal journey balancing her career, motherhood, and marriage. She discusses the inspiration behind her anthology, 'This Side of Doctoring: Reflections from Women in Medicine,' and reflects on her path to becoming the Executive Director of AMWA. The conversation touches on the challenges of achieving work-life balance, the importance of community and mentorship, and the evolving role of women in medicine. Dr. Chin emphasizes the diverse opportunities available within the medical profession and encourages female physicians to forge their unique paths.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:43 Motherhood and Medicine

01:57 Inspiration Behind the Book

02:58 Challenges and Historical Perspectives

05:47 Path to Leadership in AMWA

08:40 Reflections on Work-Life Balance

10:40 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

The Balance of Work and Passion with Dr. Edward J Gutmann

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Christine welcomes Dr. Edward J Gutmann, MD, a cytopathologist at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. They discuss Dr. Gutmann's career path which includes studying English and history, and how these experiences inform his work in pathology. Dr. Gutmann shares a memorable anecdote about choosing a Bob Weir concert over an academic lecture, highlighting the importance of personal passions alongside professional commitments. They explore the roles of pathologists, the transient nature of their work compared to tangible products like zippers, and the significance of mentorship and networking in their field. The conversation also addresses the challenges faced by introverts in medicine and the impact of stereotypes among medical professionals. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of relationships and positive communication in fostering better patient care.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Edward J Gutmann

00:51 Anecdotes and Personal Stories

05:00 The Importance of Networking in Medicine

06:59 Reflections on a Zipper Factory Visit

08:46 The Impact of Pathologists

12:26 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

14:05 Final Thoughts on Medical Stereotypes

Insights on Success, Optimism, and Emotional Intelligence with Dr. William James

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Christine interviews Dr. William James, an Emeritus Professor of Dermatology with a distinguished career spanning over four decades. Dr. James shares his extensive medical background, personal anecdotes, and the importance of forming lasting relationships. He discusses key skills that have contributed to his thriving academic career, such as optimism, listening, and respect for others. The conversation also delves into emotional intelligence, handling medical errors, and the evolving nature of professional and personal growth. Dr. James emphasizes gratitude, altruism, and the value of human connections in achieving happiness and success in both life and dermatology.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

01:42 Personal Anecdotes and Relationships

02:48 Skills for a Successful Academic Career

04:50 Finding Meaning Beyond Work

05:28 Dealing with Mistakes in Medicine

08:08 Emotional Intelligence and Building Rapport

11:16 Career Reflections and Serendipity

12:30 Final Thoughts on Happiness and Gratitude

Embracing Change: From Breast Cancer to Being Nice to Yourself

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Christine edited an episode from the Lean Out Podcast with Dr. Dawn Baker. The conversation covers Christine's journey with a breast cancer diagnosis and its impact on her work. They discuss the importance of self-care, the fixed mindset, and having hobbies. Christine shares insights from her journey as a parent of a young patient and her reflections on medical decisions, emphasizing the value of patient education and listening to one's intuition.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:31 Unexpected Directions in the Interview

00:58 Balancing Work and Life Post-Cancer Diagnosis

02:37 Exploring New Hobbies and Interests

03:02 Writing and Parenting Influences

03:34 Navigating Medical Challenges with a Child

07:19 Reflections on Parenting Decisions

09:11 Fixed Mindset and Personal Growth

11:41 Being Kinder to Yourself

13:26 Conclusion and Podcast Outro

The Rejuvenating Power of a Well-Planned Vacation

In this short and sweet summer episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Christine shares her rejuvenating experience from a girls' vacation to Italy. The trip was a graduation gift from her sister to her daughter and included highlights such as exploring Rome, biking through Tuscany, and visiting Florence. Christine emphasizes the benefits of taking a vacation planned by someone else, visiting a new place, and engaging in the right amount of activity to disconnect from work and rejuvenate.

00:00 Welcome to the Girl Doc Survival Guide

00:07 A Memorable Girl's Vacation to Italy

00:40 Three Reasons This Trip Was Special

01:12 Vacation Tips for Doctors and Parents

01:25 Happy Summer!

Exploring Life with Cochlear Implants: A Conversation with Paul Bass and Owen Whang

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, we have excerpts from Dateline New Haven, in which host Paul Bass interviews Christine and her son Owen Whang about their picture book, SOUND SWITCH WONDER. The book, inspired by Owen's experiences with cochlear implants, aims to fill a gap in children's literature by featuring a character with the implants living his daily life. Christine, a Professor of Dermatology and Pathology at Yale, discusses the challenges and decisions they faced during Owen's early diagnosis and treatment for auditory neuropathy. Owen shares his perspective on the book and the unique advantages and challenges of having cochlear implants. The episode also delves into the creative process behind the book and the importance of representation and diversity in children's literature.

00:00 Introduction to the Episode

00:21 Meet the Authors: Christine Ko and Owen Whang

00:51 The Inspiration Behind SOUND SWITCH WONDER

01:20 Creating a Children's Book

02:28 Understanding Cochlear Implants

04:57 The Decision and Its Impact

05:53 Owen's Experience with Cochlear Implants

07:57 Funny Moments and Final Thoughts

Unveiling the Connection: Dr. Keira Barr on Stress, Skin Health, and the Mind-Body Paradigm

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Dr. Keira Barr, a dermatologist specializing in somatic psychodermatology, shares her personal journey of discovering early melanoma and the ensuing health challenges that led her to explore the mind-body connection. Dr. Barr discusses the critical role of stress in skin and overall health, highlighting the importance of recognizing and addressing body signals. She emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to wellness that includes proper diet, mindful movement, and adequate sleep. The conversation delves into adaptive strategies for handling stress, such as breath work and recognizing personal triggers, to maintain equilibrium in the face of the demands of medical training and professional life.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Keira Barr

00:26 Personal Journey: From Dermatologist to Somatic Psycho Dermatology

01:09 The Wake-Up Call: Diagnosing Her Own Melanoma

01:56 Connecting the Dots: Mind-Body Medicine

04:12 Lifestyle Changes for Better Health

06:13 The Impact of Medical Training on Health

07:26 Understanding and Managing Stress

11:01 The Nervous System and Stress Response

17:10 Practical Tips for Stress Management

19:57 Final Thoughts on Skin and Mental Health