
Hosted by Mike Asbach, John McDonald · EN

Mike and John are joined by Alex Howson to discuss the field of continuing medical education (CME) and its career opportunities. Alex shares her background as a trauma OR nurse and sociology professor before transitioning into medical writing and specializing in CME. She highlights the importance of empathy and patient perspective in CME writing and emphasizes the transferable skills that clinicians bring to the field. Alex also provides insights into the job market for CME writers and suggests steps for clinicians interested in pursuing a career in CME.

Mike and John discuss the importance of career planning and staying relevant in your field. They emphasize the need for both short-term and long-term goals, and the importance of aligning those goals with your personal values and higher calling. They also discuss the challenges of saying no to projects that don't align with your goals and offer strategies for having conversations with your superiors about your career objectives. The episode concludes with a discussion about the upcoming break and the importance of tradition and family.

Mike and John talk with Nicole Plourd, a physician assistant, as she shares her career trajectory from clinical practice to the pharmaceutical industry. She started in clinical practice, specializing in orthopedics and ENT, before transitioning to telemedicine dermatology. In her role, she also got involved in medical content review and marketing. Eventually, she moved into the pharmaceutical industry, working in medical content review and promotional review. Nicole emphasizes the importance of taking risks and trying new things, as well as seeking advice from others who have made similar career transitions.

Mike and John discuss the recent FTC ban on non-competes in contracts, which will have significant implications in the healthcare system. The elimination of non-competes will increase competition, raise wages, and provide more options for patients. The ruling will give more negotiating power to healthcare professionals and encourage employers to focus on employee retention and satisfaction.

In this episode, Mike and John discuss the concept of SWOT analysis and its application in personal career planning. They explore how SWOT analysis can help individuals identify their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in order to make informed decisions about their career paths.

In this episode, Mike and John are joined by Jenn Fluke to discuss the benefits of outdoor recreation in combating burnout. Jenn shares about her project, Inspiring Wild Hearts, which aims to help women overcome their fears and connect with nature. The conversation emphasizes the importance of resilience, pushing oneself, and finding balance in work and personal life through outdoor recreation as well as discusses the challenges of loneliness and social isolation, and the role of outdoor activities in building friendships and communities.

The conversation explores the use of the term 'doctor' in healthcare and when it is appropriate to use. John and Mike discuss the different perspectives on when and how the term should be used, particularly in clinical settings while still emphasizing the importance of patient comfort and trust. They also touch on the importance of transparency, the changing dynamics of healthcare, and the potential misuse of the title on social media.

Mike and John discuss the biohacking industry, focusing on the benefits and concerns associated with lifestyle modifications. They explore the idea of optimizing human function through practices such as exposure to natural light, breathing techniques, and structured routines. However, they also raise concerns about the potential for obsession and the need for evidence-based practices.

Mike and John answer audience questions about consulting in healthcare. They discuss topics such as highlighting consulting work on a CV, the difference between a CV and a resume, the importance of additional degrees in consulting, setting up a consulting company, liability insurance, and determining hourly rates. The full webinar is available for members on the AAPA website.https://www.aapa.org/

John McDonald and guest Frank Randall discuss various aspects of personal finance. They explore the impact of small purchases and the concept of the 'latte factor.' They also discuss the use of apps and automation to help with saving and investing. The conversation delves into the importance of saving and the trade-off between short-term pleasures and long-term financial wellness, as well as addressing generational perspectives on finances and the need for professional financial advice.