The Patient Physician

Hosted by Johanna Nuding, Paul Smith, Chris Fullbright

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May 2026

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Welcome to The Patient Physician, a space for doctors to explore their physical, mental, and financial wellness. Your peers and industry leaders will destigmatize institutional perceptions while redefining success, money, and personal care. Get ready to pull back the curtain - because here you are both patient and physician.

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August 18, 20261 hr 4 min

Reclaiming the Doctor–Patient Relationship: Chiropractic Care & Nervous System Wellness with Dr. Christian Nelson

What happens when chiropractic care becomes part of a truly collaborative, patient-centered approach to health? Dr. Christian Nelson of Advocate Wellness joins The Patient Physician podcast to explore chiropractic care, nervous system wellness, preventive healthcare, and the power of a stronger doctor–patient relationship. Dr. Nelson shares how severe neck and low-back pain as a teenager led to a transformative chiropractic experience—and ultimately inspired his career. He discusses building his practice during COVID and why longer visits, fewer patients, and “present time consciousness” can improve outcomes while reducing clinician burnout. The conversation also examines how chiropractors can collaborate with PTs, dentists, OBGYNs, mental health clinicians, neuro-optometrists, and other medical specialists—and why communication between clinicians can still be a major barrier to coordinated care. Dr. Nelson explains chiropractic’s approach to nervous system optimization, the health effects of chronic fight-or-flight activation, his treatment philosophy, the case for earlier pediatric and preventive care, and his perspective on sauna and cold-plunge practices. A conversation about moving beyond old stigmas, strengthening clinical collaboration, and rethinking what it means to care for the whole patient. MEET OUR GUEST: Dr. Christian Nelson’s life was changed at the age of 15 by a chiropractic adjustment after living in excruciating low back and neck pain for 6 years. After his second adjustment he decided to become a chiropractor and has dedicated his life to becoming an exceptional clinician. His clinical passions revolve around neuroscience, restoring the ideal brain-body connection, and helping to empower his patients in as many areas of life as he can. He and his wife, Mary Katherine, have three handsome boys and live right on the Fort Worth/Keller border. Dr. Nelson pursues jiujitsu (he holds his blue belt under Roberto Kaelin and Carlos Machado) and enjoys carpentry projects in his spare time. Learn more and connect with Dr. Nelson: https://keller-chiro.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/advocatewellnesstx/ TIME STAMPS: 00:00 Welcome and Setup 00:42 Meet Dr Nelson 01:42 Launching Advocate Wellness During Covid 03:34 Dr. Nelson's Chiropractic Origin Story 04:45 Pain Relief Breakthrough 08:27 Present Time Consciousness 12:26 Longer Visits Better Care 17:40 Reclaiming Doctor-Patient Bond 20:19 Collaborating With Specialists 24:21 How Referrals Actually Work 29:16 Where The Stigma Came From 33:37 Three Levels of Care 34:24 Stress and Nervous System 36:51 Fight or Flight Signs 38:19 Blood Flow Under Stress 42:20 Treatment Approach Explained 45:21 Chiropractic in Care Teams 49:59 Future and Pediatric Focus 57:36 Cold Plunge and Sauna 01:01:46 Patient Physician Meaning 01:03:28 Closing Thanks Please email questions or show ideas to info@physiciansrs.com. Connect with Us on Social: FACEBOOK LINKEDIN YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM @physiciansRS Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 27, 20261 hr 5 min

Dr. Vipul Kella on Physician Entrepreneurship, Health Tech VC, AI & Wearables

In this episode of The Patient Physician, emergency physician and healthcare investor Dr. Vipul Kella discusses physician entrepreneurship, health tech venture capital, AI in healthcare, wearable devices, and the future of digital health. Dr. Kella shares his journey from practicing ER medicine to becoming a healthcare executive and general partner at Physicians Capital Fund, where he invests in early-stage healthcare startups. The conversation explores why many doctors are leaving clinical medicine, how physicians can transition into startups and venture capital, and where the biggest opportunities exist in healthcare innovation today. We also discuss: physician burnout and loss of autonomy health tech investing and startup evaluation AI workflow tools vs AI hype remote patient monitoring and wearable technology software as a medical device healthcare operations and back-office innovation behavior change and patient adoption improving healthcare access in underserved communities Whether you're a physician, founder, healthcare operator, or investor, this episode offers practical insights into the future of healthcare innovation and digital health. MEET OUR GUEST: Vipul Kella, MD MBA, is a board-certified emergency medicine physician and healthcare executive with over 20 years of clinical and administrative experience, primarily in the Washington, D.C. metro area. He holds an MBA from Johns Hopkins University with concentrations in healthcare administration, finance, and entrepreneurship, as well as an MD from the University of Toledo and a BS in molecular biology from the University of Michigan. Ten years into his career, Dr. Kella pivoted into a hybrid physician role wearing multiple hats: clinical medicine, general partner of Physicians Capital Fund, and medical and scientific advisory. Currently, he practices as an emergency medicine physician at Adventist Health Care. He has over a decade of experience in hospital executive roles. Learn more about Physicians Capital Fund: https://phycapfund.com/ TIME STAMPS: 00:00 Welcome and Dr. Vipul Kella Intro 02:14 Detroit Roots and ER Calling 06:22 Why Pivot Beyond Clinical 09:55 Physician Entrepreneurship Mindset 16:02 Venture Capital for Doctors 18:07 Inside Physicians Capital Fund 20:37 Deal Flow and Fund Strategy 25:51 Software as Medical Device 28:07 Remote Monitoring Future 32:16 Access and Underserved Care 33:44 Wearables Meet Reality 34:05 Clinical Data Liability 35:19 Wearable Data Overload 36:30 Behavior Change Matters 38:01 Mass Adoption And Access 40:19 Why Doctors Are Leaving 45:03 Reclaiming Autonomy 47:32 Innovation Mindset Shift 49:40 VC Pitfalls For Physicians 54:57 AI Hype Vs Workflow Wins 58:14 Who Gets The Savings 59:55 Speeding Up Innovation 01:02:04 Meaning Of Patient Physician 01:04:47 Final Thanks And Outro Please email questions or show ideas to info@physiciansrs.com. Connect with Us on Social: FACEBOOK LINKEDIN YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM @physiciansRS Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

April 15, 20261 hr 13 min

The Psychedelic Renaissance in Psychiatry: Ketamine, Breathwork & Patient Care

What if the future of mental health care lies in revisiting ancient tools—through a modern clinical lens? In this episode of The Patient Physician, psychiatrists Dr. Zachary Herrmann and Dr. Sarah Slabaugh share their personal and professional journey to the forefront of psychedelic therapy. As a married couple and collaborators, they offer a unique perspective on mental health care, blending clinical expertise with lived experience to explore new frontiers in psychiatry. They explain how approaches like ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and breathwork are reshaping treatment for trauma and beyond. Healing isn’t just clinical—it’s deeply human. And the future of psychiatry may depend on embracing both. MEET OUR GUESTS: Dr. Zachary Herrmann & Dr. Sarah Slabaugh are a married team of board-certified psychiatrists who have worked together for over a decade. Their practice, HS Psychiatry, offers specialized psychiatric consultation and interventions for adolescents and adults. They apply Osteopathic and Holotropic principles to their work and specialize in psychedelic treatments such as ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and psychedelic integration therapy. The duo's values are grounded in patient-centered care, transparency, patience, and acceptance. Their hope for clients is that they find a space of inner exploration to discover their own deep wisdom. Learn more: https://www.hspsychiatry.com/ Connect: info@HSPsychiatry.com TIME STAMPS: 00:00 Welcome and Setup 02:03 Meet the Psychiatrists 04:50 Origins in Psychedelics 09:23 Training and Definitions 14:11 FDA Timeline and Setbacks 21:39 Business and Treatment Models 25:47 Inside Assisted Therapy 32:12 Adolescent Research and Safety 35:27 Insurance and Access Barriers 37:05 Who Is a Good Fit Patient-Wise 38:28 PTSD Treatment Limits 39:46 Veterans Seeking Psychedelics 41:26 Mindset And Safety Planning 43:33 Therapeutic Alliance Matters 44:52 Wellness Versus Diagnosis 47:01 Grof Breathwork Explained 51:43 Retreat Effects And Cell Phone Breaks 54:35 Physician/Clinician Self-Care 01:01:04 Advice For Struggling Doctors 01:07:55 Meaning Of Patient Physician 01:11:12 Closing And Documentary Suggestion Please email questions or show ideas to info@physiciansrs.com. Connect with Us on Social: FACEBOOK LINKEDIN YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM @physiciansRS Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

March 18, 20261 hr 1 min

Disrupting Physician Staffing and Transforming Locum Tenens

On this episode of The Patient Physician, meet Joe White, founder and CEO of SendIt Healthcare, a marketplace connecting health systems directly with physicians to reduce locums agency overhead and improve staffing transparency, efficiency, and quality. Doctors will benefit from this conversation by learning concrete ways to increase work flexibility and take-home pay, understand locums economics, and reduce credentialing and scheduling friction as a locum tenens doc. Joe traces his path from sweeping hospital floors to HCA executive roles and physician staffing leadership, during which he identified major flaws in the traditional staffing model, which sparked the creation of SendIt. Joe explains how the platform works and the mutual benefits to both doctors and healthcare systems. The conversation covers burnout, physician shortages, IMLC licensing benefits, corporatization, and how AI efficiency gains may shift expectations. MEET OUR GUEST: JOE WHITE , a Las Vegas native, began his career in healthcare sweeping floors at a local HCA hospital. After earning his MHA from the University of Minnesota, Joe returned to HCA, where he spent nearly 10 years in senior executive roles and graduated from HCA's prestigious executive development program. Following his time at HCA, Joe joined a corporate management group focused on staffing hospital-based providers. These combined experiences, both as a hospital executive and a physician staffing leader, gave him firsthand insight into the challenges facing the locums industry. This unique perspective led Joe to launch Sendit, a solution that connects health systems with high-quality, affordable providers. SendIt is an innovative two-sided marketplace connecting physicians with healthcare organizations to efficiently fill locum needs. The platform empowers physicians to set their own rates and choose opportunities that fit their schedules and goals. Direct communication with healthcare organizations happens without hidden fees or unnecessary intermediaries. By reducing friction and increasing transparency, SendIt is reshaping locum work into a fairer, physician-first experience. LEARN MORE: https://www.senditgigs.com/ CONNECT with Joe and SendIt: LinkedIn , Facebook , Instagram TIME STAMPS: 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:38 From Sweeping Floors 03:57 COVID and Staffing Pain 04:55 Why Launch SendIt Healthcare 06:15 Macro Shifts and Burnout 10:10 Physician Shortage Solutions 12:38 Credentialing Wallet and AI 14:11 IMLC and Pricing Transparency 16:27 Marketplace Autonomy and Scheduling 26:44 Uber vs Locums Experience 29:55 Gig Pay And Risk 34:24 What Agencies Still Do 37:29 Referrals Not Recruiters 38:13 AI And Physician Leverage 42:57 Quality Control And Reviews 49:14 COVID, IMLC, and Ensuring a Fluid Workforce 51:02 1099 Hybrid And LLCs 53:17 Why Marketplaces Lagged 55:55 Five-Year Vision 57:47 Closing And Takeaways Please email questions or show ideas to info@physiciansrs.com. Connect with Us on Social: FACEBOOK LINKEDIN YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM @physiciansRS Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

February 17, 20261 hr 0 min

Physician Contract Negotiation Strategies with Ashley Shaw

In this episode of 'The Patient Physician,' meet Ashley Shaw, founding attorney at Contract Rx, to explain common misconceptions, negotiation tactics, and the critical terms doctors should watch for in employment contracts. With Ashley's extensive experience, she breaks down how even the smallest details can have significant impacts on a physician's career and financial well-being. The episode highlights the need for legal expertise to ensure that physicians are not disadvantaged by contract terms, emphasizing that everything is negotiable and that understanding one's contract is key to a successful medical career—a must-listen for medical professionals, especially those exiting residency and beginning their careers as physicians. MEET OUR GUEST: Ashley Shaw is the founding attorney of Contract Rx, a law firm that focuses exclusively on physician contracts. As a physician contract expert, Ashley guides physicians through the contract process to negotiate what really matters in a physician contract. With nearly 20 years of legal experience, Ashley has helped thousands of physicians nationwide negotiate better contract terms and better compensation. Contract Rx empowers physicians by offering affordable flat-rate physician contract review and negotiation services that are tailor-fit for your physician contract. Learn more: mycontractrx.com | info@mycontractrx.com | 314-282-7546 TIME STAMPS: 00:00 Welcome and Excitement for the Guest 01:14 Introducing Ashley Shaw from Contract Rx 01:34 The Role of Attorneys in Physician Contracts 03:36 Negotiation and Misconceptions in Physician Contracts 06:22 Importance of Contract Review and Legal Advice 08:50 Understanding Compensation and Legal Terms 13:12 When to Consult a Contract Attorney 17:32 The Value of Specialized Legal Expertise 29:39 Understanding Compensation and Its Impact 30:08 The Importance of Contract Details 31:37 Empowering Physicians Through Flat Fee Services 32:48 Tailored Packages for Different Career Stages 34:44 The Journey to Specializing in Physician Contracts 36:41 The Bright Spots in Helping Physicians 41:03 Negotiation Coaching and Empowerment 45:22 The Value of Contract Reviews and Revisions 54:04 Rapid Fire Questions and Key Takeaways 57:15 Final Thoughts and Reflections Please email questions or show ideas to info@physiciansrs.com. Connect with Us on Social: FACEBOOK LINKEDIN YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM @physiciansRS Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

January 13, 20261 hr 13 min

You're the Cure: From Conventional to Integrative Healthcare with Dr. Ben Edwards

In this episode of The Patient Physician, meet Dr. Ben Edwards, founder and CEO of Veritas Medical and Veritas Wellness. Dr. Edwards shares his journey from a family legacy of conventional small-town doctors to embracing and championing root cause resolution medicine. Dr. Edwards delves into the limitations of conventional medicine, drawing on personal experiences and profound patient recoveries using integrative approaches. The discussion covers the four pillars of health: nutrition, hydration, movement, and peace, highlighting the transformative potential of understanding and addressing the underlying factors of disease. Dr. Edwards also touches on the role of epigenetics, patient education and empowerment, and the systemic challenges faced by healthcare providers. This insightful conversation underscores the need for a more holistic approach in medical education, healthcare, and patient responsibility in achieving wellness. MEET OUR GUEST: Dr. Ben Edwards has over 20+ years in the medical field. He is the host of "You're The Cure" Podcast (top 75 Functional Health Podcasts), where he educates people on getting to the root cause of disease, and teaching them how to NOT NEED a Doctor! Raised in Belton, TX, Dr. Edwards holds degrees from Baylor University and the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. He completed his residency at Waco's McLennan County Medical Education and Research Foundation before moving to West Texas in 2005 with his wife Jamie where Dr. Edwards was the only doctor in the county at the Garza County Health Clinic. After 7 years of practicing conventional medicine, a divine appointment opened his eyes to root cause resolution medicine. He is the founder and CEO of Veritas Medical and Veritas Wellness headquartered out of Lubbock, TX. TIME STAMPS: 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:53 Meet Dr. Ben Edwards 01:46 Dr. Edwards' Journey to Medicine 04:36 Discovering Root Cause Resolution Medicine 08:13 The Limitations of Conventional Medicine 13:19 His Nurse Practitioner's Journey to Healing 18:55 The Turning Point: Integrative Medicine 21:37 Challenging Medical Assumptions 35:29 The Power of Epigenetics 38:03 Epigenetics and Chronic Disease 38:44 Historical Insights on Diet and Disease 40:14 The Role of Modern Diet in Health 41:07 The Influence of Thoughts and Environment 42:15 Challenges in Medical Education and Practice 46:22 Diet and Nutrition 49:54 The Four Pillars of Health 51:59 The Power of Spiritual Identity in Healing 59:56 A New Approach to Medicine 01:07:38 The Birth of Veritas Medical 01:11:09 Final Thoughts and Reflections Please email questions or show ideas to info@physiciansrs.com. Connect with Us on Social: FACEBOOK LINKEDIN YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM @physiciansRS Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

December 16, 202557 min

Navigating Taxes, Medicine & Family with Erin Anderson, CPA

In this episode of The Patient Physician, meet Physician's Resource Services' own Erin Anderson, a CPA with a unique background in agriculture, medicine, and business, to discuss the intertwining of her professional and personal life. Erin shares her journey from earning degrees in Agricultural Economics and Accounting to becoming a CPA, and her valuable experience in tax planning for medical professionals. Supported by her unique perspective as the spouse of an anesthesiology resident, Erin emphasizes the importance of tax planning rather than tax filing, offering invaluable advice on tax strategies for physicians. She also delves into the personal challenges and triumphs of balancing her career, supporting her husband through his medical training, and raising three children, offering a deeply personal look into the life of a physician's spouse. This material is provided as a courtesy and for educational purposes only. Please consult your investment professional, legal or tax advisor for specific information pertaining to your situation. Advisory services offered through PRS Investment Advisors, a Member of Advisory Services Network, LLC. Tax services and insurance products offered through Physician’s Resource Services. Advisory Services Network, LLC and Physician’s Resource Services are not affiliated. All information contained herein is derived from sources deemed to be reliable but cannot be guaranteed. All views/opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the presenters and do not reflect the views/opinions held by Advisory Services Network, LLC. MEET OUR GUEST: Erin Anderson, is a Certified Public Accountant with a unique background that bridges agriculture, business, and medicine. Erin earned her bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics and Accounting and her master’s degree in Agriculture from Oklahoma State University. She became a CPA in 2018 and has since built her career around tax planning and preparation, working in both industry and public accounting before joining PRS in December 2021. What makes Erin’s perspective especially valuable is her connection to the medical field — she’s married to a physician currently completing his residency, giving her firsthand insight into the financial challenges and opportunities that come with a career in medicine. TIME STAMPS: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 02:40 Erin's Journey into Accounting 04:06 The Unique Perspective of a CPA Married to a Physician 08:35 Common Tax Mistakes Physicians Make 15:51 W2 vs. 1099: Tax Strategies for Physicians 26:58 The Importance of Tax Planning 31:18 Providing Value to Clients with Tax Strategies 32:06 The Importance of Proactive Meetings with CPAs 32:43 Navigating Life Changes and Financial Decisions 34:08 The Unique Challenges of Physician Spouses 36:11 Personal Stories and Sacrifices 39:39 Support Systems and Community 44:04 Looking Forward: Future Plans and Advice 54:37 Final Thoughts and Reflections Please email questions or show ideas to info@physiciansrs.com. Connect with Us on Social: FACEBOOK LINKEDIN YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM @physiciansRS Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

November 18, 20251 hr 15 min

Disability Insurance Decoded: Making Sense of Coverage and Claims

In this episode of 'The Patient Physician,' we delve into the nuances of disability insurance with Derek True, the brand & operations manager for The DI Center. The conversation explores medical underwriting, policy exclusions, and the importance of early claims reporting. Derek explains the significance of securing coverage early in a medical professional's career, the role of Guaranteed Standard Issue (GSI) offers, and how trends and technology are shaping the industry. The episode provides valuable insights for physicians seeking to understand the intricacies of disability insurance policies and best practices for ensuring timely and fair claim payments. MEET OUR GUEST: Derek True, DIA, DHP is the Brand & Operations Manager for The DI Center , a Brokerage General Agency in Allen, Texas, that makes asset protection and income protection easier for producers nationwide. Derek oversees brokerage marketing and underwriting processes with a knack for the competitive landscape. He has presented to audiences throughout the country on disability insurance, operational excellence, and sales. So we thought he’d be a great guest to tackle the disability insurance 101 questions that we field all of the time from our physician clients. Derek has been an active member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors since joining The DI Center in 2011, shortly after graduating from Texas Tech University. He is the current NAIFA-Dallas President-Elect and has served on the NAIFA-Texas Membership Value and TLRT Committee since 2021. He is also a member of the Texas Leaders Round Table (TLRT) and the International DI Society (IDIS). Derek is also a family man, active in his community, and leads within his church, and enjoys travel and sports. TIME STAMPS: 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:46 Meet the Guest: Derek True 03:25 Derek's Career Journey 06:10 Understanding Disability Insurance 08:38 Mental Nervous Exclusions in Insurance 15:59 Spine and Other Common Exclusions 30:02 Guaranteed Insurability and Policy Increases 36:40 Understanding Variations in Insurance Underwriting 37:19 The Role of Underwriters and Market Dynamics 38:35 Shopping for Insurance: Informal Inquiries and MIB 40:44 The Impact of Technology on Underwriting 45:12 Accelerated Underwriting and COVID-19 47:31 The Importance of Full Disclosure in Underwriting 52:05 Group Coverage and Guaranteed Standard Issue (GSI) 01:05:39 The Claims Process: Best Practices and Common Pitfalls 01:13:45 Final Thoughts and Reflections Please email questions or show ideas to info@physiciansrs.com. Connect with Us on Social: FACEBOOK LINKEDIN YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM @physiciansRS Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

October 15, 202548 min

A Home Buyer's Guide for Doctors

In this episode of 'The Patient Physician,' we explore the intricacies of home buying for physicians with Tony Kruse from First Horizon Bank. Tony shares valuable insights from his 31 years in mortgage lending, offering practical advice for new physicians on making informed financial decisions when buying a home. The discussion addresses common challenges physicians face, including dealing with high student debt, navigating job transitions, and planning for future financial stability. The episode emphasizes the importance of early preparation and consulting with financial advisors to ensure a smooth home-buying process. MEET OUR GUEST: Tony Kruse is a Mortgage Loan Officer with First Horizon Bank in Dallas, TX who specializes in fixed rate and adjustable mortgages and refinancing home loans. Tony has worked in the financial services industry since 1995. Tony is passionate about getting physicians into the home of their dreams and working closely with Realtors to make the home buying process an enjoyable, hassle free experience for everyone involved. Email: tony.kruse@firsthorizon.com TIME STAMPS: 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:51 Discussing Home Buying with Tony Cruz 02:15 Tony Cruz's Background in Mortgage Lending 06:30 Details of Physician Loan Programs 12:16 Adjustable vs Fixed Rate Mortgages 20:25 Regional Lending Limitations and Banking Crisis Impact 23:26 Navigating Interest Rates and Depository Balances 23:57 Changes in the Application Process 24:27 Debt-to-Income Ratios and Housing Costs 25:37 Texas Housing Market Trends 28:03 Physician Loan Benefits and Rates 31:24 Student Loans and Debt-to-Income Calculations 34:02 Tips for Prospective Homebuyers 35:52 Challenges and Solutions for Physician Loans 38:10 Advice for New Physicians on Home Buying 45:23 Concluding Thoughts and Final Advice Please email questions or show ideas to info@physiciansrs.com. Connect with Us on Social: FACEBOOK LINKEDIN YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM @physiciansRS Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 16, 20251 hr 11 min

The Nomadic Pediatrician: Finding Freedom Through Unconventional Paths

This Patient Physician podcast features Dr. Trevor Cabrera, known as 'The Nomadic Pediatrician.' Dr. Cabrera shares his unique journey from medical school to becoming a locum tenens physician, eventually pursuing a neonatal-perinatal medicine fellowship. Touching on themes of culinary medicine, honing communication, taking gap years, and the value of experiencing discomfort for personal growth, Dr. Cabrera provides a fresh perspective on finding depth through travel and cultural exploration. We also explore how Trevor paid off $350k+ in student loans in three years to achieve financial freedom and medical autonomy. Don't miss this enriching conversation filled with wisdom, storytelling, and practical advice for young physicians contemplating their career paths. MEET OUR GUEST: Dr. Trevor Cabrera - The Nomadic Pediatrician Born and raised in Roseville, California, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree (with a Minor in Health Care and Social Issues) from the University of California, San Diego. Driven by a love for languages and global exploration, he moved to Florence, Italy after college to earn his Certification in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. Trevor attended Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, where he earned his MD and cultivated a strong interest in Culinary Medicine—an emerging field focused on using food and nutrition as tools for improving health. He went on to complete his residency in General Pediatrics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, where he was drawn to the high-stakes, emotionally complex environments of Pediatric Oncology, the Pediatric ICU, Emergency Medicine, and Neonatology. Unsure of which subspecialty to pursue, and eager to grow both personally and professionally, Trevor chose to work as a full-time Locum Tenens physician—a traveling doctor who steps into temporary roles across a variety of healthcare settings. This lifestyle allowed him to deepen his medical skills while exploring diverse approaches to pediatric care across the U.S. In 2023, Trevor returned to formal training to pursue a Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship, reaffirming his commitment to one of the most critical and rewarding fields within pediatrics. Through his ongoing journey, he shares insights and experiences on his blog as The Nomadic Pediatrician , blending storytelling, clinical wisdom, and a global perspective on modern medicine. TIME STAMPS: 00:00 Welcome to The Patient Physician 00:34 Introducing Dr. Trevor Cabrera 01:07 Dr. Cabrera's Background and Education 01:39 Journey into Medicine and Culinary Medicine 02:35 Experiences in Medical School and Residency 03:19 The Nomadic Pediatrician and Personal Insights 04:35 Inspiration and Family Influence 08:51 Medical Training and Specializations 18:44 Culinary Medicine and Its Impact 30:33 Freedom in Medicine and Avoiding Burnout 36:11 Choosing Neonatology: A Personal Journey 36:48 Breaking Free from the Matrix: A New Perspective 37:22 Navigating the Challenges of COVID-19 39:02 The Struggles and Triumphs of Locum Tenens 42:27 Finding Inspiration in Shawshank Redemption 43:55 The Importance of Storytelling in Medicine 55:07 The Journey to Financial Freedom 58:40 The Decision to Pursue Fellowship 01:03:22 The Role of Communication in Neonatology 01:03:51 Advice for Young Physicians 01:07:31 The Meaning of The Patient Physician 01:10:01 Final Thoughts and Farewell Please email questions or show ideas to info@physiciansrs.com. Connect with Us on Social: FACEBOOK LINKEDIN YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM @physiciansRS Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.