The Human Doctor

Innocent until proven...innocent

While reflecting on two pivotal experiences as a mom and as an educator, Kimberly gives a masterclass in the value of pausing to ask questions before assuming the worst. 

What is we gon' do?

When things feel uncertain and you have no idea what to do, every once in a while, the answer you need is right there in front of you. This week, Ashley reflects on a beautiful connection that was made during a time of doubt. 

"And it was still hot"

When we find ourselves in certain situations that seem like way more than we bargained for, sometimes we do have to ask the question, "if not me, then who?" Recently, Kimberly was thrust into one of these circumstances and in this episode, she shares her experience of how things unfolded. 

Get Proximate

Often, it's only through proximity to different lived experiences and that issues become personal enough for us to change our thoughts and behaviors. This week, Ashley reflects on some key moments that opened her awareness to issues she hadn't previously contended with. 

Topics Discussed:

• UCSF Black Caucus Gala 
• Oakland Black Joy Parade
• How Can Black People Write About Flowers at a Time Like This - poem written and read by Hanif Abdurraqib
• Quiet - book by Susan Cain
• Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez (@DoctoraEdith)
• Look out for Dr. McMullen and Dr. Manning at the SGIM National Meeting - May 2025

Shrink to Fit

The stories we often tell ourselves, about ourselves, later become self-fulfilling prophesies that can either help us reach our potential or keep us constricted. Sometimes we need to pump the breaks long enough to ask, what story am I telling and is it true? Sometimes we need others to help us do it. This week Kimberly shares a pivotal moment that invited her to reshape her narrative and learn to aim higher. 

Topics Discussed: 

• Becoming Wise - by Krista Tippett
• On Being - Podcast 
• Jesus and the Disinherited - by Howard Thurman
• The Fire Next Time - James Baldwin 
• Look out for Dr. McMullen and Dr. Manning at the SGIM National Meeting - May 2025

"Be nice, or leave"

How you treat people always matters; and in places or spaces where there are differences in power, it's even more important to recognize the type of impact we can have on others. Here, Ashley shares a story from training and lessons she learned from a negative interaction. 

Topics Discussed:

• White Coat Investor - On YouTube
• Look out for Dr. McMullen and Dr. Manning at the SGIM National Meeting - May 2025!

What's the Point?

At a time when concepts like diversity and inclusivity may seem dilute or even controversial in some cases, it's worth revisiting the WHY behind DEI. This episode, Kimberly highlights how proximity to a very different lived experience set her up to become a better doctor and better human.

 

Look out for Dr. McMullen and Dr. Manning at the SGIM National Meeting - May 2025!

Take the Leap

The HD Pod is back! This week Ashley shares some important updates from our time away and a story that highlights the importance of taking the occasional leap of faith, especially in times that feel difficult or uncertain. 

Topics Discussed: 

• Unrivaled - Women's Basketball League
• Poet Andrea Gibson
• All Fours, by Miranda July 
• Australia recs: State Library of New South Wales, The Rocks, Botanic Gardens of Sydney
• Look out for Dr. McMullen and Dr. Manning at the SGIM National Meeting - May 2025
   

Right and Wrong

In many situations, the line between right and wrong can be blurred or confusing, but sometimes it is very clear. On this final episode of the season, Kimberly gives a powerful reflection on accountability and owning what is right vs. what is wrong when it comes to certain behaviors. 

It's Ok to Cry

Everyone expresses grief or sorrow in different ways, and in an ideal world, we would all feel safe enough to do so however we choose. This week, Ashley shares stories on what this has looked like in her life.