The Human Doctor

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. 

Good Ol' Days

When is the last time you paused to really take in a meaningful moment - big or small? This week, Kimberly shares a reflection on this practice along with an invitation for us all to make time to appreciate the moments we may look back on one day and long for. 

Topics Discussed:

• Nexus Summit 2024 Conference 
• The Message - by Ta-Nehisi Coates
• Marcus Bookstore - Oakland, CA
• Playground - by Richard Powers
• "Cherish the Day" - by Sade
• Make a plan to vote!

Go See the Baby

Today, Ashley reflects on the most important gift she received in her medical training - it's one that continues to give, even to this day. 

Topics Discussed:

• Make a plan to vote!

No News is Good News

Our words have power - and sometimes a positive word can be life-giving, especially in a world that often prioritizes negativity. This week, Kimberly shares a story about a patient who reminded her of this possibility. 

 

Topics Discussed:

• Women in Medicine Summitt 2024 - Dr. Manning's Closing Keynote Speech 
• Beyond the A Word: Reproductive Life Stories 
• Make a plan to vote!