Risk Never Sleeps Podcast

Episode #172: Why Accepting Our Expiration Date Makes Doctors Better Healers
Host: Ed Gaudet
Guests: Dr. Orvil Martinez (CEO, Advanced Medical Research Center) & Dr. Felix Rivera (Owner, US Neurology Consulting)
Date: December 19, 2025

Episode Overview

In this warm and lively episode, host Ed Gaudet sits down with two long-time friends and healthcare leaders, Dr. Orvil Martinez and Dr. Felix Rivera, to explore how accepting mortality shapes both medical practice and personal fulfillment. With stories, laughter, and philosophical digressions, the doctors reflect on risk, trust, and living fully—touching on everything from wild personal adventures to technological innovation in healthcare, their roots in Puerto Rico, and the promise of AI to transform medicine. The conversation repeatedly circles back to the powerful impact of recognizing our own "expiration date" on being more present, empathetic, and pragmatic as healers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Origins, Camaraderie & Taking Risks (00:55 – 08:47)

• Introductions and playful banter: The episode kicks off with a lighthearted exchange about leather jackets, eyewear, and podcasting, showcasing the guests' close friendship.
• On risk-taking: Both doctors share memorable stories illustrating their approach to risk: Dr. Martinez mentions investing in cryptocurrency, while Dr. Rivera recounts bungee-jumping from a crane in a shopping mall and skydiving from a plane wing.
  • “I like the fear of death. The adventure and the challenge. I don’t do it now because I’m married.” – Dr. Felix Rivera (06:25)
• Balancing risk and caution: The friends reflect that their personalities complement each other—Dr. Rivera gravitates toward adrenaline, while Dr. Martinez is naturally more measured.

2. Cultural Roots & Medical Background (08:47 – 10:07)

• Both doctors share their Puerto Rican origins and pride in their homeland, also connecting over family and career overlap.
  • “His father is my patient. His grandma was my patient. … Feels like you guys are brothers.” – Ed Gaudet (09:54)
• Their specialties: Dr. Martinez in general practice, Dr. Rivera in neurology.

3. Healthcare, AI, and the Future of Medicine (10:31 – 12:21)

• Dr. Rivera highlights technology’s potential to revolutionize medical workflows, especially for under-resourced clinics and tele-neurology.
  • “There’s so much need in helping primary care physicians have a more efficient office... technology will definitely help.” – Dr. Felix Rivera (11:23)
• Announcement of the first Artificial Intelligence Congress in Puerto Rico, to be held in 2026—the guests are organizing this major event to boost innovation on the island.

4. Humor, Adversity, and Healing in Puerto Rico (12:21 – 21:57)

• Ed’s story of a dangerous ear infection in Puerto Rico emphasizes local hospital resourcefulness and the unpredictability of emergencies. The conversation detours into ER culture and how cold temperatures in hospitals help prevent infections.
  • “Why do they keep it so cold? ... It’s because the particles...the particulation of the particles, you know, like sneezing or coughing. … They go down.” – Dr. Orvil Martinez (14:25)
• Embrace of natural remedies—funny and poignant anecdotes about family cures, like lime juice for conjunctivitis and herbal teas for kidney stones.
  • “My mom...she grabs a knife, opens up a lemon. Well, a lime. … The most horrendous pain I’ve had. … I never got conjunctivitis ever again.” – Dr. Felix Rivera (19:09, 19:32)
  • Dr. Martinez: “I tried every medication at home [for kidney stones]...my dad told me, go in the garden and look for this leaf…didn’t work, ended up in the ER.” (20:05, 20:14)

5. Reflections on Mortality, Trust, and Enjoying Life (21:28 – 24:08)

• Both doctors answer, “What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?”
  • Dr. Rivera: “Trust. Everything will be okay...Just relax. Pray. It’ll be okay.” (20:33–21:12)
  • Dr. Martinez: “What I regret is not to be risky. … Get risky. Don’t worry....and do it.” (21:18–21:39)
• Discussion on the value of living with a sense of finality:
  • “If I were to live forever, I would not enjoy the present because I know I’m not going to die.” – Dr. Felix Rivera (22:47)
  • “I recognize that we have an expiration date. … That makes me feel alive.” – Dr. Orvil Martinez (23:21)
• Ed sums it up: “The summers are counting down.” (23:45)
• The notion that acknowledging mortality encourages gratitude and stronger, more empathetic healing.

6. Parenting, Technology, and Playfulness (24:15 – 25:28)

• Both doctors share about their children, the challenges of raising them in a digital age, and the importance of staying active and connected with family.
  • “They’re growing so fast. No phones. Don’t give them phones ever.” – Ed Gaudet (24:39)
  • Jokes about coloring books and the “Trojan horse” nature of screen time.

7. Looking Forward: AI, Congress in Puerto Rico & Friendship (25:31 – End)

• Plans for a follow-up episode at the AI Congress in Puerto Rico—humorous musings about location, hospitality, and bringing even more attention to the island’s innovations.
  • “We got to do this there, guys. … Puerto Rico. Yeah. At the St. Regis Hotel.” (25:44–25:49)
• Heartfelt goodbyes and mutual gratitude, with the episode ending on a note of optimism and camaraderie.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On risk-taking in medicine and life:
  • “Get risky. Don’t worry. … The ying and the yang.” – Dr. Orvil Martinez & Dr. Felix Rivera (21:32–21:58)
• On why doctors shouldn’t aspire to immortality:
  • “If I were to live forever, I would not enjoy the present because I know I’m not going to die.” – Felix Rivera (22:47)
  • “That makes me feel alive. I recognize that we have an expiration date.” – Orvil Martinez (23:21)
• On trusting the future and faith:
  • “Trust. Everything will be okay...Just relax. Pray. It’ll be okay.” – Felix Rivera (20:33–21:12)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Intro/Banter & Risk Stories: 00:55 – 08:47
• Puerto Rico & Medical Backgrounds: 08:47 – 10:07
• AI in Medicine, First PR Congress: 10:31 – 12:21
• Ed’s Medical Horror Story in PR: 12:21 – 18:36
• Natural Remedies/Humor: 18:38 – 20:13
• Advice to Younger Selves: 20:28 – 21:39
• Mortality and Meaning: 22:38 – 24:08
• Parenting & Tech: 24:15 – 25:28
• Plans for AI Congress & Closure: 25:31 – End

Summary Takeaways

• Accepting mortality fosters gratitude, authenticity, and better patient care.
• Innovation and risk (in life and tech) are essential for progress and resilience.
• The human side of medicine—friendship, wellness, culture—matters as much as technology.
• Puerto Rico’s healthcare leaders are boldly infusing AI into their medical landscape, grounded in both global best practices and deep local roots.
• Living fully means knowing life is finite—and bringing that awareness to every patient interaction.

For more risk leadership insights and to connect with the guests, see the show notes at censinet.com