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Succeed in Medicine: Practical Knowledge for Busy Physicians

Succeed in Medicine: Practical Knowledge for Busy Physicians

By: Bradley B. Block MD Doctor Podcast Network
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Summary

 Was your medical education enough to handle everything physician life demands? From lawsuits to leadership, career decisions to challenging conversations, balancing the personal with the professional — not enough was addressed in medical school, residency or fellowship. This medical podcast fills those gaps so you can live up to the expectations that come with the white coat — not just in the exam room, but in all the places your MD follows you. This show is the physician mentor you didn’t realize you needed. Your host, Dr. Bradley Block, a private practice ENT, is right there with you — navigating the same challenges and bringing in world-class guests to teach, as he puts it, “everything we should have been learning while we were memorizing Kreb’s cycle.” With nearly 500 episodes and close to half a million downloads, Brad has built a trusted space where physicians come for brass-tacks, immediately-applicable advice. You don’t need another certification. You need a medical podcast that can be your physician mentor. It covers interpersonal skills, medical education, doctor personal finance, doctor charting, doctor careers, doctor mental health, physician soft skills, physician parenting, physician executive skills, medical decision making, medical professional development, physician side gigs, main gigs, reacting to bad reviews, misinformation, social media, negotiating and what to do when someone yells, “Is there a doctor on board?” Guests have included Lady Glaucomflecken Kristen Flanary, Matt Abrahams, PhD, Gita Pensa, MD, Nneka Unachukwu, MD, (Dr. Una) Amy Fogelman, MD, and Bapu Jena, MD, PhD. A proud founding member of the Doctor Podcast Network!Copyright 2018-2025, all rights reserved, Bradley B. Block, MD Career Success Economics Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success Physical Illness & Disease
Episodes
  • How to Succeed in Medicine (Without Really Trying) | EP513

    How to Succeed in Medicine (Without Really Trying) | EP513
    May 12 2026

    What does success in medicine really look like?

    In this heartfelt final episode of Succeed in Medicine, Dr. Bradley Block reflects on the seven-and-a-half-year journey of building a podcast dedicated to helping physicians grow as communicators, leaders, and human beings. As he steps away from podcasting to focus on his newly elected position on the board of his nearly 300-physician practice, Dr. Brad shares the lessons, insights, and personal growth that shaped both his career and his understanding of success.

    He discusses why he started the podcast in the first place: to ask questions he didn’t have answers to and learn directly from experts about communication, leadership, burnout, parenting, financial planning, and the business of medicine. Along the way, those conversations transformed not only his perspective but also the trajectory of his professional life.

    Brad opens up about burnout, overcommitting, side hustles, physician identity, and the “arrival fallacy” that convinces physicians happiness always exists in the next milestone. He also shares practical communication strategies for building trust with patients and emphasizes the importance of intentional living, meaningful work, and aligning your time with your values.

    More than a farewell, this episode is a reflection on growth, purpose, and what it truly means to succeed, not by titles or achievements alone, but by spending your time in ways that are meaningful, fulfilling, and aligned with who you want to become.

    Top 3 Takeaways:

    • Success Is Alignment, Not Achievement Alone: Dr. Brad redefines success as spending your time intentionally, consistently with your values, and aligned with your purpose. Career milestones and titles may matter, but fulfillment comes from engaging daily in work and relationships that genuinely feel meaningful and energizing.
    • Communication in Medicine Is About Building Trust: Excellent physician communication is not simply about gathering information, it is about creating trust. Patients need to feel seen, heard, and cared for as human beings. Small actions like eye contact, emotional validation, and intentional presence dramatically improve both patient experience and physician satisfaction.
    • The Arrival Fallacy Keeps Physicians Chasing Happiness: Many physicians believe success will come after the next promotion, title, or accomplishment. But waiting for future milestones delays fulfillment. Instead of constantly chasing the next achievement, physicians can build meaningful lives now by intentionally pursuing work, relationships, and activities that align with their purpose.

    About the Show:

    Succeed In Medicine covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!

    About the Host:

    Dr. Bradley Block – Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts Succeed In Medicine podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians

    Want to be a guest?

    Email Brad at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!

    Socials:

    @physiciansguidetodoctoring on Facebook

    @physicianguidetodoctoring on YouTube

    @physiciansguide on Instagram and Twitter

    Want to start a podcast? Visit: doctorpodcastnetwork.co

    This medical podcast is your physician mentor to fill the gaps in your medical education. We cover physician soft skills, charting, interpersonal skills, doctor finance, doctor mental health, medical decisions, physician parenting, physician executive skills, navigating your doctor career, and medical professional development. This is critical CME for physicians, but without the credits (yet). A proud founding member of the Doctor Podcast Network!

    Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let’s grow!

    Disclaimer:

    This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    36 mins
  • What Caregiving Taught this Physician about Physician Blind Spots with Heather Gatcombe, MD | EP512

    What Caregiving Taught this Physician about Physician Blind Spots with Heather Gatcombe, MD | EP512
    Apr 7 2026
    Being on the caregiver side of complex, rare disease care reveals critical gaps in our healthcare system, even for two physician parents with strong connections. In this powerful follow-up episode of Succeed In Medicine, host Dr. Bradley Block welcomes back Dr. Heather Gatcombe, as she recounts her family’s journey: her son’s initial metabolic stroke-like episodes at age 7, the five-year path to a definitive mitochondrial disease diagnosis (including a muscle biopsy and eventual identification of a pathogenic variant), sudden heart failure at age 11 during the COVID-19 pandemic, ECMO, LVAD placement, and successful heart transplant. She openly discusses the immense challenges of hospital discharge with an LVAD when no pediatric rehab would accept him, managing tube feeds and alarms at home without adequate home health support, and the frustration of subtle symptoms like throat clearing being overlooked as a sign of heart failure. Dr. Gatcombe also reflects on moments where she felt her family wasn’t fully heard, and the lasting impact of those experiences. Throughout the conversation, she shares how this journey has made her a more empathetic and effective clinician, particularly in communicating uncertainty, avoiding premature reassurance, listening to parental intuition, ensuring robust discharge planning with support services, and staying curious even when a diagnosis remains elusive. This episode offers practical lessons for all physicians on improving communication, supporting families through diagnostic uncertainty, preparing patients for safe transitions home, and the power of transparency and advocacy in rare disease care. Three Actionable Takeaways: Communicate uncertainty honestly and compassionately: When the diagnosis isn’t clear yet, be transparent about what you know and don’t know. Offer guidance on next steps, second opinions, and support resources rather than premature reassurance that may later need to be walked back.Prioritize discharge planning and support services: The transition from hospital to home is one of the most vulnerable periods. Ensure patients and families have home health, equipment (wheelchair, shower chair, etc.), dietician and nurse navigator follow-up, and clear instructions before discharge, especially for medically complex cases.Listen to patients and families as the experts on their own bodies: Parental intuition and lived experience matter. When a child or family member expresses concern, even if it seems outside the norm, take it seriously, investigate, and avoid dismissing it. Follow up after adverse events when possible to maintain trust. About the Show: Succeed In Medicine covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school! About the Guest: Dr. Heather Gatcombe is a board-certified radiation oncologist at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University and an Assistant Professor at Emory University School of Medicine. She specializes in breast radiation oncology and serves as Vice Chair for Community and Belonging. As the mother of a child with mitochondrial disease who experienced metabolic strokes starting at age 7, progressing to heart failure and transplant, she is deeply committed to raising clinician awareness, reducing diagnostic delays, and advocating for patients and families. She serves on the Board of Trustees and the Scientific and Medical Advisory Board Clinical Training and Education Committee of the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation (UMDF). Website: https://winshipcancer.emory.edu/profiles/gatcombe-heather.php LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-gatcombe-md-3891875 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathergatcombe UMDF: https://umdf.org/about/board-trustees About the Host: Dr. Bradley Block – Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts Succeed In Medicine podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians Want to be a guest? Email Brad at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more! Socials: @physiciansguidetodoctoring on Facebook @physicianguidetodoctoring on YouTube @physiciansguide on Instagram and Twitter This medical podcast is your physician mentor to fill the gaps in your medical education. We cover physician soft skills, charting, interpersonal skills, doctor finance, doctor mental health, medical decisions, physician parenting, physician executive skills, navigating your doctor career, and medical professional development. This is critical CME for physicians, but without the credits (yet). A proud founding member of the Doctor Podcast Network!Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and ...
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    28 mins
  • The DOJ is Being Weaponized against Gender-Affirming Physicians with Crystal Beal, DO, QueerDoc | EP511

    The DOJ is Being Weaponized against Gender-Affirming Physicians with Crystal Beal, DO, QueerDoc | EP511
    Mar 31 2026
    A subpoena from the Department of Justice isn’t just paperwork, it’s a powerful tool that can drain resources, intimidate providers, and threaten patient care. In this eye-opening episode of Succeed In Medicine, host Dr. Bradley Block welcomes back Dr. Crystal Beal, along with Adrian Levitt from the ACLU of Washington. In June 2025, Dr. Beal’s small private practice received one of over 20 identical DOJ subpoenas targeting providers of gender-affirming care for adolescents. While large institutions like Boston Children’s, Seattle Children’s, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia also received subpoenas, the impact on a solo practitioner is uniquely daunting. Dr. Beal describes the anti-climactic moment the subpoena arrived via their accountant and the immediate decision to fight it with pro bono support from the ACLU, Arnold & Porter, and Perkins Coie. The conversation unpacks the broader context: the Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Skrmetti, executive actions, funding cuts, and the federal government’s stated goal of ending gender-affirming care for minors. Adrian explains how the DOJ is using the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) in a novel way, traditionally applied to drug manufacturers, to investigate individual physicians. The subpoena demanded extensive records, including patient names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, training materials, and communications with pharmaceutical reps. Throughout the episode, they emphasize their ethical obligation as a physician to provide evidence-based, life-saving care and reflect on the deeper moral questions raised by this moment in history. Three Actionable Takeaways: Know your rights and secure legal support early: If you receive a government subpoena or face regulatory pressure, contact organizations like the ACLU or the Abortion Defense Network immediately. Do not assume you must comply right away.Document and practice ethically, but prepare for scrutiny: Continue providing medically necessary, evidence-based care while understanding that political targeting of certain specialties is increasing. Build relationships with legal counsel before crises hit.Speak up and combat misinformation: Physicians have a unique platform in their communities. Learn about gender-affirming care if it’s within your scope, talk openly with colleagues and patients, and stand against efforts to criminalize or restrict legitimate medical practice. About the Show: Succeed In Medicine covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school! About the Guests: Dr. Crystal Beal is a board-certified family medicine physician and founder of Queer Doc, providing expert, individualized queer and gender-affirming medical care. A nonbinary femme with lived experience in the community, Dr. Beal has extensive training in sexual health, queer health, and gender-affirming care. They also offer continuing education on transgender medicine through QueerCME.com. Adrian Levitt is an attorney with the ACLU of Washington, specializing in protecting access to gender-affirming care and defending providers against government overreach. Website: QueerCME.com Queer Doc website: https://queerdoc.com About the Host: Dr. Bradley Block – Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts Succeed In Medicine podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians Want to be a guest? Email Brad at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more! Socials: @physiciansguidetodoctoring on Facebook @physicianguidetodoctoring on YouTube @physiciansguide on Instagram and Twitter This medical podcast is your physician mentor to fill the gaps in your medical education. We cover physician soft skills, charting, interpersonal skills, doctor finance, doctor mental health, medical decisions, physician parenting, physician executive skills, navigating your doctor career, and medical professional development. This is critical CME for physicians, but without the credits (yet). A proud founding member of the Doctor Podcast Network!Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let’s grow! Disclaimer:This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    35 mins
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