Podcast Summary: "A Doctor. His Brain Tumor. A New Perspective." Chasing Life with Dr. Sanjay Gupta | Released March 7, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Chasing Life, Dr. Sanjay Gupta welcomes his longtime friend and esteemed colleague, Dr. Bobby McComilla. Dr. McComilla, a practicing head and neck surgeon and president-elect of the American Medical Association (AMA), shares his deeply personal journey after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. The conversation delves into his diagnosis, surgical experience, the emotional and logistical challenges faced, and his insights on healthcare disparities.

Diagnosis and Initial Reaction

Dr. McComilla recounts the shocking moment during an AMA conference when his speech became incoherent, leading to immediate medical evaluation. An MRI revealed an 8 cm glioma in his left medial temporal lobe.

• Dr. Sanjay Gupta (00:40): "Here's what happened. A few months ago, Bobby was at an AMA conference giving a speech... the words were coming out of his mouth, but they didn't make any sense."

• Dr. Bobby McComilla (01:03): "It was more than gibberish, but it didn't come together as a sentence."

Upon discovering the tumor, Dr. McComilla promptly involved his family, showcasing his methodical approach even in crisis.

• Dr. Bobby McComilla (05:17): "Ignoring the emotional consequence on those that are equally affected is something that I've learned isn't appropriate."

Access to Care and Healthcare Disparities

Dr. McComilla highlights the stark contrasts in healthcare access, even within the same geographic areas. While he could swiftly consult top neurosurgeons, he reflects on the broader systemic issues that prevent others from receiving similar timely care.

• Dr. Bobby McComilla (08:00): "I live in Flint, Michigan... my access to the world's best glioma surgeons is so different than somebody that lives three blocks from my house in that same zip code."

He emphasizes his commitment to narrowing this gap through his role in the AMA, aiming to improve access and quality of care for chronic diseases.

• Dr. Bobby McComilla (09:49): "I started to kind of write down what I created in my Google Drive that I call my tumor reflections. The blessing that I have... to close that gap is my goal."

The Operation Experience

Dr. McComilla describes his surgical procedure, an awake craniotomy, detailing the anesthesia process and his lack of recollection during the operation. Post-surgery, he discusses the initial recovery phase and the emotional toll it took on him and his family.

• Dr. Bobby McComilla (20:00): "Last time we spoke was right before you were going to have the operation. How did that day go?"

• Dr. Bobby McComilla (21:36): "It was more the comfort with the number of cases that this person does... And those are the things that basically said, yep, this is who we're going to."

He also touches upon the importance of selecting the right surgeon based not only on expertise but also on personal rapport and communication.

Personal Reflections and Healthcare Leadership

Facing his mortality, Dr. McComilla reflects on his upbringing and philosophical beliefs about life and the body versus the soul. This perspective influenced his reaction to the diagnosis and his approach to treatment decisions.

• Dr. Bobby McComilla (32:22): "The purpose of the body is to help us do our work in this lifetime, and when it ends, it ends. Not to be attached to this body."

He discusses how this experience has reshaped his views on healthcare, fueling his dedication to enhancing the system through his leadership role in the AMA.

• Dr. Bobby McComilla (27:56): "I need to increase access to performed care, even the cost of care... That's the gap that we need to close."

Insights and Advice for Patients

Drawing from his ordeal, Dr. McComilla offers invaluable advice for patients facing similar challenges. He emphasizes the importance of being an active participant in one's healthcare journey and the benefits of having support during medical consultations.

• Dr. Bobby McComilla (28:56): "You have to be an active participant in this process. You need to be the captain of that ship with your physician."

He also underscores the necessity of transparent communication with healthcare providers, encouraging patients to inquire about surgeons' experience and outcomes.

• Dr. Bobby McComilla (24:49): "I think the opportunity to ask those questions... how many of these have you done?"

Conclusion

Dr. Bobby McComilla's courageous narrative provides a profound look into the challenges faced by physicians-turned-patients. His experience underscores critical issues in healthcare access and quality while offering hope and guidance to those navigating similar paths. As he continues his recovery, Dr. McComilla remains committed to leveraging his experience to foster systemic improvements within the American Medical Association and beyond.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Sanjay Gupta (00:40): "A few months ago, Bobby was at an AMA conference giving a speech... the words were coming out of his mouth, but they didn't make any sense."

• Dr. Bobby McComilla (09:49): "I started to kind of write down what I created in my Google Drive that I call my tumor reflections... to close that gap is my goal."

• Dr. Bobby McComilla (28:56): "You have to be an active participant in this process. You need to be the captain of that ship with your physician."

This episode of Chasing Life not only shares a personal battle against a brain tumor but also shines a light on broader healthcare challenges, inspiring listeners to advocate for themselves and others within the medical system.