The Doctor's Art

2,442
Medicine #65

The practice of medicine–filled with moments of joy, suffering, grace, sorrow, and hope–offers a window into the human condition. Though serving as guides and companions to patients’ illness experiences is profoundly meaningful work, the busy nature of modern medicine can blind its own practitioners to the reasons they entered it in the first place. Join resident physician Henry Bair and oncologist Tyler Johnson as they meet with doctors, patients, leaders, educators, and others in healthcare, to explore stories on finding and nourishing meaning in medicine. This podcast is for anyone striving for a deeper connection with their medical journey. Visit TheDoctorsArt.com for more information.

Recent Episodes
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  • All Physicians are Leaders | Peter Angood, MD
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  • How Not to Die | Michael Greger, MD
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    Dec 31, 2024 – 57:57
  • Navigating the Wear and Tear of Living | Vincent Deary, PhD
    Dec 5, 2024 – 01:03:25
  • Abolishing Death | Ariel Zeleznikow-Johnson, Ph.D.
    Nov 26, 2024 – 57:30
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  • The Craft of Medical Storytelling | Anna Reisman, MD
    Oct 8, 2024 – 49:00
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    Oct 1, 2024 – 52:07
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  • Inside the World of Outbreak Response | Syra Madad, DHSc, MSc, MCP
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Recent Reviews
  • DrAnn5151
    Fascinating!
    Henry and Tyler get truly intriguing conversations going with their guests. I’m especially intrigued by the episode this week 5/1/25.
  • Jen who cant use this app
    Deep Meaningjnful Conversations
    I came across this podcast couple months ago and have been enjoying it immensely since. Each guest has their very unique perspective in the deeper meaning of medicine and what each can do to not lose sight on those things due to burnt out etc. I really appreciate the time and efforts that got put into this. Everyone should take a listen! So much you can gain from these!
  • Caduce07
    Incredibly inspiring
    The guests and stories are all inspiring, whether it's because of the humanism or because of the accomplishments. These episodes have some truly remarkable people. Very impressed over here.
  • Nubian Lyaness
    Promising Show
    Looks like this show is in its second year but it's quite impressive who they've managed to talk to. The conversations are fairly high quality though I did wish the audio quality was more consistent (I know it's sometimes not the show's fault but still). Hope the hosts continue improving.
  • ridesaschwinntowork
    I’m no doctor but…
    … I hope my doctors are listening to this podcast, for their own sanity and inspiration. And I’d like to do a better job making meaning in my own profession, which is music. It’s funny how music can become mechanical if I don’t “nurture [my] sense of wonder so it’s always ahead of [my] craft,” as composer JAC Redford says. Sound like that’s true in medicine, and I guess it’s true in just about any aspect of life. I’m trying to sustain the magic and meaning in music, and I’ve taken some inspiration by analogy from how these doctors rediscover and surface meaning, and bump into something bigger, in their own work.
  • Cari DeB
    The physician who cured himself
    Just a fantastic and inspiring story of the med school student who discovered and cured his own disease. I can’t wait to listen to the other podcasts!
  • Soaps by B
    The Doctor who cured himself episode
    This episode was absolutely incredible and inspiring. What an uplifting experience to listen to this remarkable journey. Thanks for all your podcast episodes!
  • Project x 24
    Thought Provoking and Fun
    This is one of my favorite podcasts! I’ve worked in healthcare marketing and communications most of my career and truly enjoy the stories, camaraderie and insights. Each episode provides a nice mix of thought-provoking questions, humor and empathy. I’ve recommended it to my colleagues, family and friends!
  • JMcGaLaw
    Love it
    I’m taking the MCAT next April and have been following y’all for close to a year; I love the content. I have to say though, the most recent show “purposeful rest” I would’ve appreciated some constructive dialogue, or an elaboration on why the host feels medicine is sexist/patriarchical. I don’t want the show getting political, because that’s not why the audience is here; but when a view such as that is espoused silence is agreement or you don’t care imo. Both of which I feel you owe the audience something on that front as the host because you’re controlling the conversation. I would’ve appreciated some feedback from the hosts, even if it’s a contentious topic. For real though, love the content; don’t stop! 🙏🏻
  • haryson465
    Nothing quite like it before
    This is a very well done show on storytelling in medicine. There are other podcasts on patient stories, but none quite like this, which blends together moving stories with a discussion of what makes medicine meaningful, along with practical advice for doctors who are listening.
  • MalloyMama
    A Space for Mystery
    The title is both of an episode and of a stance. This podcast series recognizes medicine as a moral art, intrinsically imbued with meaning that is beyond technological expertise. Wonder if Chatbots will replace doctors? Not doctors like those in the episodes! Grateful for wisdom in an age of burnout, economic efficiency and depersonalization in medicine. Keep going!
  • Dr Barbara per students :-;
    Recommended listening for my nursing students!
    Even though your podcast is tailored to an audience of doctors, I feel that it should be highly recommended for all those who enter the healthcare profession. As a certified nursing instructor for many years AND a cancer survivor, I can think of many stories that would also be informative from my experiences…some positive and some not so much. I wish I had an avenue for sharing…maybe the guts to start my own Nurse podcast!
  • Randomjoyluck
    Life-changing episode
    Episode 17 with the dying patient was absolutely transformational. She was so brave for sharing her experiences honestly. The episode has changed how I approach illness and relationships. The fact that she passed away less than a week after the episode was released only makes it more meaningful.
  • ENTGuy2
    Fantastic
    Great conversations with great people. A big thank you to the creators of the show for making a platform for wonderful thinkers in medicine to share their reflections.
  • lesneumer
    Important for our time
    The medical profession is facing a crisis of meaning, with rapid change coming in terms of technology, administration, social trends, and patient demographics. This podcast addresses all of these challenges and emerges hopeful. For all doctors and other healthcare workers who are wondering what this career means and where it is/should be headed, this show will be rewarding.
  • DSShaw2
    Much needed conversations
    These are important conversations we need to be having: how to solve physician burnout, how to inspire the next generation of doctors, how doctors fail patients, how doctors can better connect to patients, and how doctors overcome heartbreaking moments in their practice. Love this show.
  • MarcuśJP
    All Doctors — Please Listen
    Absolutely fantastic podcast that profiles some of the best thinkers in medicine working today. The range of clinicians is a huge plus, from established leaders of healthcare to young doctors. A big thanks to the hosts for searching far and wide for the most interesting voices in healthcare.
  • Tessie D. Raley
    Power and Insightful
    A powerful and insightful podcast.
  • Pronouncereux
    Quite interesting and I’m not even in the medical field
    Loved Chaplain Bruce Feldstein story with Mrs. Martinez, very touching. Looking forward to the next episodes.
  • Praveen T.
    Great for healthcare practitioners and the general public alike
    A great podcast and important for our times. Healthcare workers will find it engaging and inspirational, and the general audiences will find it interesting as well. Everyone will get a lot out of listening to it.
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