In this episode of Unstable Vitals, ER docs-turned-entrepreneurs Dr. Adam Brown and Dr. Lara Zibners sit down with Dr. Owais Durrani — emergency physician, media personality, STEM advocate, and Coldplay superfan — for an unfiltered conversation that flies from fighter jets to frontline care. A first-generation college student, Dr. Durrani shares how his lived experiences shaped his passion for equitable healthcare, science education, and public policy.

They unpack the harsh realities of an unstable U.S. healthcare system, the impact of funding cuts on STEM initiatives, and why inspiring the next generation of scientists matters more than ever. Oh, and yes, Coldplay and sh*t golfer names all make an appearance.

In this episode of Unstable Vitals, hosts Dr. Adam Brown and Dr. Lara Zibners sit down with Dr. Melissa Parsons, a former top pediatrician turned life coach, to unpack the emotional cost of surviving in the healthcare system. Melissa shares her deeply personal journey from burnout and perfectionism to finding healing through coaching, vulnerability, and letting go of the unrealistic expectations placed on physicians. Melissa walks us through the moment she realized she needed help—and how that decision transformed her life.

Together, the trio explores the culture of silence and shame in medicine, especially around mental health, and the dangerous separation of emotional and physical well-being. They confront the damaging myths doctors are taught: that resilience means suppression, that rest is weakness, and that showing emotion is unprofessional. The episode tackles physician burnout, systemic failures, and the urgent need to create a healthcare system that supports its healers.

In this special episode of Unstable Vitals, your hosts Dr. Adam Brown and Dr. Lara Zibners dive into their experience at the HLTH Europe conference in Amsterdam — a dynamic, innovation-driven gathering for health tech startups, investors, and industry leaders. They share what made the event stand out, from the high-energy networking and startup pitches to the unconventional amenities like on-site massages, ginger shots, and even a roaming unicorn mascot named Petunia. As founders and participants, they reflect on how the event compared to traditional medical conferences and discuss the importance of early strategy, branding, and planning for startup success.

Beyond the booths and business cards, the episode captures the human side of attending a global health innovation conference. This includes bonding dinners, the emotions of pitching on stage, and surprise bird poop attacks (yes, you read that right). Whether you're a founder, clinician, or just curious about what really happens behind the scenes at one of Europe's most impactful healthcare events, this episode delivers a mix of insight, inspiration, and chaos.

The full video version can be watched here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2XcPo_3Pnc