In Conversation with Dr. Wolfgang Weyers: The Complexities of Dermatopathology Diagnosis

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Christine welcomes Dr. Wolfgang Weyers, a highly respected dermatopathologist and author, to discuss his experience and perspectives on medical diagnosis. Dr. Weyers shares a personal anecdote about his influential mentor, Dr. Bernie Ackerman, and dives into a critical discussion on overdiagnosis, the importance of specific diagnosis in dermatopathology, problems caused by partial samples, and the criteria for diagnosing melanoma. He emphasizes the importance of experience, proper training, and the need to biopsy adequately developed lesions. The conversation also touches on the complexity of biological classification and the role of behavior and molecular studies in understanding diseases.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Wolfgang Weyers

00:46 Personal Anecdotes and Influences

02:05 Discussion on Overdiagnosis

05:04 Criteria for Melanoma Diagnosis

08:34 Challenges in Diagnosis and Solutions

16:48 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Overdiagnosis and Medical Decision Making with Dr. Kathleen Kerr

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Dr. Kathleen Kerr, a Professor of Biostatistics at the University of Washington, discusses overdiagnosis and medical decision making. Dr. Kerr delves into how patients perceive mammogram results, the difference between overdiagnosis and overcalling, and the challenges pathologists face in diagnosing cancer. She also shares findings from her research on the influence of prior opinions on second diagnoses and the cognitive processes involved in interpreting pathology images. The discussion highlights the complexities and subjectivity in pathology diagnoses and the implications for patient care.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:33 Personal Anecdote on Mammograms

01:25 Understanding Screening and Its Limitations

02:24 Exploring Overdiagnosis

05:59 Research on Dermatopathologists' Perceptions

08:20 Second Opinions in Medical Decision Making

12:26 Pathologists' Diagnostic Process

15:42 Final Thoughts on Diagnostic Criteria

The Impact of Gaze and Fatigue on Medical Decision-Making with Dr. Bulat Ibragimov

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Christine interviews Dr. Bulat Ibragimov, an Associate Professor of Machine Learning and Medical Imaging at the University of Copenhagen. Dr. Ibragimov shares personal anecdotes and discusses his research on the role of artificial intelligence and eye tracking in medical decision-making. Key topics include the impact of gaze patterns and fatigue on diagnostic accuracy, the potential for AI to recognize when doctors may make errors, and how individualized gaze patterns can indicate the level of expertise and certainty in medical professionals. The conversation explores the implications of this research for improving the integration of AI in medical practices and enhancing training and decision-making processes for healthcare professionals.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:49 Personal Anecdote and Background

01:46 Eye Tracking and Medical Decision Making

03:18 Patterns in Gaze and Error Prediction

11:00 Fatigue and Its Impact on Accuracy

16:09 AI and Gaze Analysis in Medical Training

20:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Exploring Wellbeing, Motivation, and Lifelong Learning with Dr. Oksana Babenko

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Christine welcomes Dr. Oksana Babenko, an Associate Professor at the University of Alberta, to discuss themes of wellbeing, motivation, and lifelong learning. Dr. Babenko shares her personal journey from the Soviet Union to Canada, her academic inspirations, and how her experiences in sports have shaped her approach to challenges and burnout. The conversation delves into her research on the importance of exercise in managing burnout among medical students and professionals. Dr. Babenko emphasizes individualized approaches to maintaining psychological needs, the significance of a mastery mindset, and the value of staying curious in a complex world.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:35 Personal Anecdotes and Academic Journey

02:36 Path to Canada and Research Interests

04:19 Wellbeing, Motivation, and Lifelong Learning

05:09 Exercise as a Preventive Measure for Burnout

10:27 The Importance of Consistency and Intentionality

12:19 Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness

14:36 Mastery Mindset and Need Crafting

15:42 Final Thoughts and Staying Curious

The Girl Doc Survival Guide: Wellbeing in Medicine

In this New Year's Eve 2026 short, Christine highlights the focus of this podcast on work-life balance, physician wellbeing, burnout, and self-care; as well as compassion, empathy, career development, and emotional experiences in healthcare. Upcoming episodes will feature conversations with Dr. Oksana Babenko on preventing burnout with exercise and mindset, and Dr. Bulat Ibragimov on decoding decisions using eye tracking.

00:00 Introduction and New Year Greetings

00:20 Upcoming Topics and Expert Interviews

01:03 Special Guests and Future Episodes

01:25 Closing Remarks and Holiday Wishes

Embrace the Present: Insights from Sadhguru

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Christine extends holiday greetings and delves into the teachings of Indian guru Sadhguru. Highlighting his Miracle of Mind meditation app, the episode discusses the practice of daily seven-minute meditations aimed at reinforcing the ideas that we are not merely our bodies or minds, but life itself. Christine reflects on the notion that life's essence is found in our breath, rather than the external 'drama' of our experiences. The episode encourages viewers to seek exuberance, live with a sense of wonder, and stay present in each moment.

00:00 Welcome and Holiday Greetings

00:12 Introduction to Sadhguru

00:29 Miracle of Mind App

00:44 The Essence of Life

01:35 Living with Exuberance

01:59 Final Thoughts and Holiday Wishes

Navigating Dermatopathology with Dr. Ronald Barr: An Inspiring Career Journey

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Christine interviews Dr. Ronald Barr, a seasoned pathologist, dermatologist, and dermatopathologist. Dr. Barr shares his intriguing journey from his time in the Navy to his pivotal mentorship with Dr. James Graham. He explores the complexities of diagnostic discordance, the evolution of dermatopathology, and offers heartfelt advice for thriving in one's career. Personal anecdotes and insights into the field make this a compelling listen for both medical professionals and enthusiasts.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:39 Dr. Barr's Journey into Dermatopathology

03:35 The Influence of Dr. Graham

04:50 Consistency in Diagnosis

05:30 Thoughts on Diagnostic Discordance

11:32 Advice for Thriving in Your Career

13:54 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Questioning Overdiagnosis: A Conversation with Dr. H Gilbert Welch

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Christine speaks with Dr. H Gilbert Welch, a general internist and senior researcher at the Center for Surgery in Public Health at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Dr. Welch is known for his critical views on the medical profession, particularly around the issue of overdiagnosis in cancer screening. He explains the concept of overdiagnosis, shares a compelling personal anecdote from his career, and discusses the complexities and consequences of early cancer detection. They also explore the differing patient perspectives on diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing the importance of balanced understanding between medical professionals and patients. The conversation sheds light on the unintended impacts of too much medical care and advocates for a more thoughtful approach to screening and diagnosis.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. H Gilbert Welch

01:31 Understanding Overdiagnosis

03:24 A Personal Anecdote on Overdiagnosis

07:48 The Complexity of Overdiagnosis

11:09 Challenges in Medical Screening

20:24 Final Thoughts and Reflections