Pediatric nephrologist, educator, and “Sheriff of Sodium” Dr. Bryan Carmody joins Dr. Ned Palmer for a candid deep dive into the world of medical education and residency selection. Known for his sharp analysis and willingness to challenge convention, Dr. Carmody offers a four-star review of the medical education system, praising the outcomes, but questioning the inefficiencies baked into the process.

Together, they explore the ripple effects of the USMLE Step 1 exam’s move to pass/fail, the evolving competitiveness of specialties like anesthesiology and pediatrics, and how international medical graduates fit into the shifting landscape. Dr. Carmody also weighs in on the growing presence of AI in residency applications.

As the conversation turns toward the future, Dr. Carmody highlights the urgent need to align medical education with real-world competencies and the expectations of residency programs. How can medical education evolve to meet the needs of both students and patients? And what happens when AI, equity, and efficiency collide in the residency match? This episode unpacks the complexities shaping the next generation of physicians.

Dr. Michael Jerkins and Dr. Ned Palmer tackle the pressing issues facing today’s physicians. From high turnover rates and burnout to the appeal of direct primary care models, they explore how doctors can regain autonomy, protect their well-being, and find balance in an increasingly complex and demanding healthcare landscape. They discuss the realities of hospital medicine, the pressures of episodic care, and the systemic factors driving many physicians to rethink their career paths.

What drives physicians to leave hospital medicine, and how can the next generation avoid the pitfalls of burnout? How can doctors navigate the nuances of job contracts and employment agreements while protecting their time and financial interests? And what lessons can be drawn from the evolving COVID-19 treatment pathways that highlight the need for flexibility and innovation in practice? Dr. Jerkins and Dr. Palmer break down these challenges with candid insights, real-world examples, and a mix of humor and practicality, offering actionable advice for physicians at every stage of their career.

Panacea Financial is not a law firm and provides no legal advice of any kind whatsoever. The information regarding legal matters shared on this website is provided for your private use and does not constitute legal advice or substitute for the advice of an attorney. If you require legal advice about a specific matter or question, you should consult with an attorney of your choosing or contact Panacea Legal Services panacea.legal.

Pediatric and preventative cardiologist, endurance athlete, and social media influencer Dr. Derek Weyhrauch joins Dr. Michael Jerkins to share how intense physical challenges, like swimming from Alcatraz and competing in Ironman triathlons, have shaped his approach to medicine, stress management, and patient care.

He details his journey from medical school to becoming a leading voice in preventative cardiology, emphasizing the power of lifestyle changes in combating heart disease. He opens up about the art of balancing a demanding professional life with personal passions, and why exercise and being outdoors are like an antidote for the stress of medical training.

How can a physician truly leverage social media to fight a rising tide of health misinformation? And what happens when the conversation shifts from generalized advice to candid talk about topics like cholesterol and vaccines? They dig into the opportunities and challenges of connecting with a broader audience, why human connection and storytelling remain irreplaceable in healthcare, and the enduring value of being a physician who educates through digital platforms.

From discovering his calling in veterinary neurology to tackling the realities of practice ownership, Dr. Adam Moeser sits down with Dr. Michael Jerkins for a candid conversation on the highs and hurdles of a veterinary career. He shares how an open mind (and a few detours) led him to neurology, why mentorship and internships are game changers, and what aspiring specialists should know before committing to a path.

What is the biggest misconception about owning a veterinary practice? How did COVID-19 reshape demand for care? And where does the industry go as corporate consolidation accelerates? Dr. Moeser pulls back the curtain on everything from his daily neurology cases like epilepsy and intervertebral disc disease to the financial, personal, and systemic challenges veterinarians face today.

This episode mixes real talk on family, balance, and the business side of veterinary medicine. And yes, we even settled the cats-versus-dogs debate — Dr. Moeser’s answer might surprise you. Whether you are a vet student, practice owner, or just curious about the future of animal care, this one is for you.

Pediatric endocrinologist, mentor, and co-founder of NextGen Pediatricians, Dr. Chineze Ebo joins Dr. Ned Palmer to share how early exposure to medicine through her mother, an OB-GYN doctor, sparked a career dedicated to long-term patient care. She opens up about the moment she knew pediatric endocrinology was the right path, the joy of seeing patients thrive, and the unique challenges facing this small but vital specialty.

How can mentorship completely shift the trajectory of a young doctor’s career? And what happens when diversity in medicine goes from a talking point to a reality? They dig into how mentorship can transform opportunities for underrepresented minority physicians, why diversity is a driver of better patient outcomes, and the systemic shifts needed to attract more specialists to pediatric care.

From swapping career-shaping stories to throwing out bold ideas for the future of medicine and bonding over their shared (and admittedly controversial) dislike of Cincinnati chili; this conversation is as real as it gets. Whether you’re a doctor, med student, or just curious , you’ll leave inspired, informed, and maybe a little hungry… just not for chili.

Panacea Financial is not a law firm and provides no legal advice of any kind whatsoever. The information regarding legal matters shared on this website is provided for your private use, and does not constitute legal advice or substitute for the advice of an attorney. If you require legal advice about a specific matter or question, you should consult with an attorney of your choosing or connect to Panacea Legal Services panacea.legal.

What do clunky insurance networks and subscription-style doctor care have in common? According to Preston Alexander, they’re both part of the same fixable puzzle.

Healthcare advocate, writer, and author of The Healthcare Breakdown, Preston joins Dr. Michael Jerkins to explore where the U.S. healthcare system is broken and the quiet, practitioner-led shift already underway.

They dig into how insurance-driven incentives frustrate doctors and patients, why employers hold untapped power to change costs, and the growing appeal of subscription models like direct primary care. Preston shares how technology can make care more direct and transparent, how large health systems’ misaligned incentives hold progress back, and why physician voices are essential in decision-making.

From legislative barriers to the business skills doctors need to thrive, this conversation blends big-picture strategy with actionable ideas for building patient-centered, sustainable practices. Whether you’re a physician, employer, or simply curious about what’s driving healthcare costs, you’ll walk away with a clear-eyed view of what’s broken and what’s working.

What do boy bands, burnout, and bedside manner have in common? According to Dr. J Mack Slaughter—more than you think. In this episode, emergency medicine physician, musician, and social media creator Dr. J Mack joins Dr. Michael Jerkins to unpack his unlikely path from pop performer to practicing medicine, and how creativity still fuels his career today.

Dr. J Mack opens up about what led him to leave the entertainment industry, start over as a pre-med student, and ultimately find a way to merge both passions through his nonprofit, Music Meets Medicine. From the emotional toll of COVID-19 to his advocacy around EM residency reform and healthcare worker mental health, he shares how creating content online has helped him reclaim his voice and fight burnout, while educating the public along the way.

We explore the broken incentives in healthcare, how profit-driven systems are failing both doctors and patients, and why giving doctors the tools to speak out is more important than ever. Whether you're a clinician craving inspiration or just someone who wants to understand the person behind the white coat, this episode hits all the right notes.

Writer, advocate, and co-creator of the Glaucomflecken universe, Kristin Flanary joins the show to explore the unexpected intersections of humor, healthcare, and co-survivorship. Known online as Lady Glaucomflecken, Kristin shares her journey from casual Twitter banter to public advocacy after performing life-saving CPR on her husband, physician and comedian Dr. Will Flanary, during his sudden cardiac arrest.

In a system designed to center only the patient, where does that leave the partner who’s living through the trauma too? And what happens when caregivers are treated as accessories to recovery rather than humans navigating shock, PTSD, and grief of their own? Kristin reflects on the emotional toll of being a co-survivor, the role of humor in healing, and why changing the language we use in medicine is more powerful than we realize. We also unpack what it's like to build a life around a doctor’s schedule, how med school and training affects more than just the trainee, and why prestige in medicine is often overrated.

This episode shines a light on the forgotten patients, while challenging doctors to approach families with more intention and empathy. If you’ve ever struggled to be seen in the healthcare system or want to better understand the people who stand beside the patient, this one is for you.