The Doc Talk Podcast

Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe and Dr. Shazma Mithani

Dr. Shazma Mithani and Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe have spent years navigating the health care system. Not just as doctors for their patients, but as moms for their kids, and patients themselves. And they know it's not always straightforward.

Every two weeks they'll take a real question from a real patient, and provide in-depth answers with a clear path to action, with help from other trusted experts.

No jargon. No time wasted. Just real talk about real issues from two doctors who've seen it all. And they'll give you the inside scoop on how to navigate the health care system like a pro.

This is The Doc Talk.

Disclaimer: The Doc Talk is for general information purposes only. This podcast is not intended to replace medical advice from your doctor. While we are doctors, we are not your doctor. Always speak to your own healthcare provider for questions related to your personal health needs.

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Tuesday · 25 min
38. Tired, Foggy, Run Down? Let's Talk Iron
October is Iron Deficiency Awareness Month, and iron deficiency is one of the most common things we see in clinic and the ER that still gets missed. In this episode we cover what iron deficiency and anemia are, who is at risk, how to spot it and how to manage it, with specific guidance for vegetarian and vegan listeners. What to expect in this episode: The difference between iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia, and why you can feel unwell with a normal hemoglobin Who is affected in Canada, and why ferritin cutoffs are changing and vary by province and lab The main causes: increased needs, blood loss, low intake and poor absorption Signs and symptoms, from fatigue and brain fog to restless legs and hair changes Food and absorption, including how to get more from plant-based iron Supplements, IV iron and who should ask about a ferritin test Special groups: pregnancy, infants and toddlers, and heavy periods Quick takeaways for the general public and for healthcare workers Thank You to Our Sponsor This episode was created in partnership with Canada Beef for Iron Deficiency Awareness Month. Find out more information below: https://thinkbeef.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Iron-Essentials-Toolkit_6.22.26.pdf https://thinkbeef.ca/everyday-beef/eating-iron-rich/ https://thinkbeef.ca/iron-matters/ Additional Resources Health Canada, Iron: A Powerhouse Nutrient for Your Health (2025 infographic) Health Canada, Learn about iron Sholzberg M et al., Diagnosis and management of iron deficiency in females, CMAJ 2025 Canadian Paediatric Society, Iron requirements in the first 2 years of life
September 29 · 35 min
37. In The Kitchen with Diabetes Canada
More than four million people in Canada are living with diabetes and one of the most common questions after a diagnosis is also one of the most confusing: What am I actually supposed to eat? Between social media nutrition advice, restrictive diets, conflicting messages about carbohydrates, and the growing use of medications like GLP-1s, figuring out what belongs on your plate can feel complicated. In this episode of The Doc Talk, we're joined by Mairlyn Smith, Professional Home Economist, award-winning cookbook author and host of In The Kitchen with Diabetes Canada, and Cayla Runka, Registered Dietitian and Manager of Knowledge and Connection at Diabetes Canada. Together, they cut through some of the noise around food and diabetes and talk about what sustainable, enjoyable eating can actually look like. In The Kitchen with Diabetes Canada Mairlyn also gives us a look inside In The Kitchen with Diabetes Canada, a free, live four-week virtual cooking and nutrition series running this fall. Participants can cook along, learn practical strategies for preparing balanced meals, and have nutrition questions answered by experts in real time. Find the program at diabetes.ca/inthekitchen. You can also find Diabetes Canada's free handy portion guide and balanced plate resources, their online community Diabetes Canada Connect, and their virtual diabetes education program at diabetes.ca. Our Prescription for Health Managing diabetes doesn't mean eating perfectly or abandoning the foods that matter to you. Start with sustainable changes to your overall eating pattern, build meals around balance, protein and fibre, and look for ways to adapt the foods you already know and love. For healthcare professionals: when starting someone on a GLP-1 medication, consider pairing the medication conversation with practical nutrition guidance rather than simply advising them to "eat less." And when patients need more education and support than can fit into a clinic visit, Diabetes Canada's free programs can be useful resources to have on hand. This episode is brought to you by Diabetes Canada. Resources: Diabetes Canada: diabetes.ca In The Kitchen with Diabetes Canada: diabetes.ca/inthekitchen Virtual Diabetes Education Program: diabetes.ca/VDEP In this episode, we discuss: Why nutrition misinformation around diabetes is so common Where to start if you've just been diagnosed with diabetes Why diabetes management is about your overall eating pattern, not one individual food or meal Nutrition considerations for people taking GLP-1 medications, including getting enough protein and fibre as appetite and portions decrease Why you don't have to give up your favourite cultural or family foods Why healthy cooking can feel difficult, and ways to make it more realistic Practical, trustworthy resources for people living with diabetes and the healthcare professionals supporting them Disclaimer: The Doc Talk is for general information purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice from your doctor. While we are doctors, we are not your doctor. Always speak with your own healthcare provider about questions related to your personal health needs.
September 15 · 29 min
36. Longevity Testing: Meh, Maybe or Definitely? What’s Actually Worth It
Blood tests. Full-body MRIs. Biological age kits. Inflammation panels. Hormone testing. It seems like you can test everything in the name of longevity, if you’re willing to pay for it. But does having more health data actually make you healthier? In Part 2 of our longevity series, we’re taking on testing and once again sorting it into three buckets: Meh, Maybe and Definitely. We look at everything from the basic tests you may already be getting through primary care to some of the much pricier testing showing up in longevity clinics and on social media. And for every test, we ask one simple question: If I know this number, will it actually change what I do? We also talk about the potential downside of testing too much and why finding something earlier isn't automatically helpful if finding it doesn't actually improve your health. So before you spend hundreds (or thousands) on a longevity workup, give this one a listen. And if you missed it, start with Part 1: Longevity: Meh, Maybe or Definitely? What Actually Works, where we tackle the lifestyle side of living longer and healthier. Helpful resources Osteoporosis Canada: osteoporosis.ca Evidence-based information on bone health, osteoporosis risk and bone density testing. Choosing Wisely Canada: choosingwiselycanada.org Great Canadian resource on when medical tests and treatments are and aren't likely to help. Diabetes Canada: diabetes.ca Information on diabetes risk, screening and prevention. Canadian Cancer Society: cancer.ca Information on cancer screening and screening programs across Canada. Heart & Stroke: heartandstroke.ca Resources on blood pressure, cholesterol and cardiovascular risk. Follow us @thedoctalkpod and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks to our Season 3 sponsor FIGS. Head to wearfigs.com and use code FIGSDOCTALK for 20% off your first order. The Doc Talk is for general information only and isn't a substitute for medical advice. While we're doctors, we're not your doctor. Speak with your own healthcare provider about your individual health needs.
September 8 · 25 min
35. Longevity: Meh, Maybe or Definitely? What Actually Works
Welcome to Season 3 of The Doc Talk! Longevity is everywhere right now. NAD+. Peptides. Rapamycin. Cold plunges. CGMs. Creatine. Sauna. Supplements. Everyone seems to have a protocol...and something to sell you. But what’s actually backed by evidence? We’re kicking off Season 3 with a two-part series on longevity, and first up: what we do (and don’t) know about the things people are doing to live longer and healthier. We’re putting some of the biggest longevity trends into three buckets: Meh, Maybe and Definitely. Which ones have great marketing but not much human evidence? Which ones are genuinely promising? And which decidedly unsexy habits still beat most of the expensive longevity hacks? We also get into where the science is evolving, when “we don’t know yet” is actually the right answer, and why something changing a biomarker doesn’t necessarily mean it changes how well, or how long you live. If you’re spending time, energy or money trying to optimize your health, this is the episode to listen to before adding one more thing to your routine. And this is only Part 1. We had so much to share, we split it into two separate episodes. Follow us @thedoctalkpod and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks to our Season 3 sponsor FIGS. Head to wearfigs.com and use code FIGSDOCTALK for 20% off your first order. The Doc Talk is for general information only and isn't a substitute for medical advice. While we're doctors, we're not your doctor. Speak with your own healthcare provider about your individual health needs.
May 19 · 44 min
34. Season 2 Finale: All Your GLP-1 Questions Answered
Episode Overview In this season finale, Dr. Shaz and Dr. Sheila answer your most pressing questions about GLP-1 medications and peptides from safety and side effects to menopause, mental health, and the exciting frontier of emerging research. Whether you're brand new to the Ozempic conversation or already on a GLP-1 and hitting a plateau, this episode covers it all. We Cover: GLP-1 Basics What GLP-1 stands for and how it works as a natural gut hormone Why these medications are so much more powerful than your body's own GLP-1 Why GLP-1s are having a cultural moment right now — and what the science actually says Peptides explained: what they are, how they differ from approved GLP-1 medications, and why the regulatory and safety picture is more complex Your Questions Answered: We collected your incredible questions from safety to duration, microdosing, what happens if you plateau and the potential benefits of these medications beyond weight loss. This episode marks the end of an incredible season. Thank you so much for listening, for sending in your questions, and for trusting us with your health conversations. We'll see you in Season 3. This season is brought to you by FIGS: scrubs, compression socks, work bags, and loungewear for healthcare workers and beyond. Use code FIGSDOCTALK at wearfigs.com for 20% off your first order. Connect With Us: Follow us on social: @thedoctalkpod Like, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen Disclaimer: The Doc Talk is for general informational purposes only and does not replace advice from your personal healthcare provider. Shaz and Sheila are doctors, but they are not your doctor.
May 5 · 25 min
33. Who’s Lying About Your Health?
In this episode, we’re tackling a question that feels increasingly common and increasingly urgent: If you don’t have a family doctor and you’re getting your health advice online, how do you know who to trust? With nearly nine in ten Canadians turning to the internet for health information, this isn’t surprising. Access to care is limited for many, and people are looking for answers wherever they can find them. But what we’re seeing in clinic and in the ER is that misinformation is no longer harmless. It’s changing decisions and, in some cases, causing real harm. We walk through some of the myths we’re actually hearing from patients right now, from vaginal steaming and detoxes to high-dose vitamin D, “natural” cancer cures, and ongoing fears around vaccines and fertility. These conversations aren’t theoretical. They’re showing up in delayed diagnoses, complications from supplements, and patients stopping medications that were protecting them from serious outcomes. This episode isn’t about shaming people for going online. It’s about understanding why they’re there in the first place, and giving you practical tools to navigate that space more safely. We talk about the red flags to watch for, what credible information actually looks like, and why confidence and popularity don’t equal accuracy. At its core, this is bigger than individual choices. Health misinformation is a public health issue. It affects trust, access, and outcomes, especially for communities already facing barriers to care. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what to believe, this episode is for you. Disclaimer A reminder that The Doc Talk is for general information purposes only. This podcast is not intended to replace medical advice from your doctor. While we are doctors, we are not your doctor. Always speak to your own healthcare provider for questions related to your personal health needs. Follow us on social media @thedoctalkpod and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen to podcasts.
April 18 · 43 min
The Pitt – Season 2 Finale: What It Got Right…and What It Missed
In this special episode, we take a deeper look at the Season 2 finale of The Pitt. Rather than a full recap, we focus on the major medical storyline and the bigger themes the episode tries to tackle, including what it gets right, what it doesn’t, and what it reflects about real-life medicine. We break down the case of preeclampsia progressing to eclampsia, discuss the realities of neonatal resuscitation, and explore the portrayal of burnout in healthcare, and why it deserves a more direct conversation. We also reflect on key character arcs and what they reveal about the emotional cost of working in emergency medicine. In this episode, we discuss: Preeclampsia and eclampsia: recognition, escalation, and management HELLP syndrome and maternal risk Resuscitative hysterotomy (perimortem C-section): when and why it’s done Neonatal resuscitation (NRP): key steps and where the show missed the mark Physician health: Dr. Al’s seizure disorder and implications for practice Burnout in healthcare: what it actually looks like and why it’s more than “just being tired” Character reflections: Robby, Whittaker, Mohan, Javadi, and Mel & Santos A note on burnout and mental health in healthcare Burnout, moral injury, and mental health struggles are common in medicine, particularly in high-intensity environments like emergency departments. These experiences are not a personal failure; they are often the result of systemic pressures combined with emotionally demanding work. If you are a healthcare worker and you are struggling, you are not alone - and support is available. Mental Health & Suicide Support Resources (Healthcare Workers) Canada Talk Suicide Canada Call or text 988 (24/7, free, confidential) Canadian Medical Association Physician Wellness Hub Resources for physicians and learners, including mental health supports and crisis tools Canadian Nurses Association Wellness Resources Mental health and resilience resources for nurses and healthcare teams Provincial Physician Health Programs (PHPs) Confidential support services available in every province (e.g., Alberta Physician & Family Support Program) United States National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988 (24/7) Physician Support Line 1-888-409-0141 (free, confidential peer support by physicians, daily) Global International Academy of Physician Associate Educators Wellness Resources Many hospitals and health systems offer confidential Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) If you’re in immediate distress Please contact your local emergency services or a crisis line in your region. Follow us on social media at @thedoctalkpod and let us know your thoughts on this episode.
April 7 · 23 min
32. HPV Positive — Now What?
HPV is common. Cancer is not inevitable. In this episode, we break down Human Papillomavirus (HPV), what it actually means if your test is positive, and how vaccination and screening can prevent most HPV-related cancers. About 75–80% of sexually active people will be exposed to HPV at some point. Most infections clear on their own. But certain high-risk strains can persist and increase cancer risk over time. In Canada, approximately 1,550 people are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year and about 400 die annually (Canadian Cancer Society). Almost all cases are linked to HPV and are largely preventable. In this episode, we cover: What HPV is (and isn’t) What happens after a positive test Who should get the vaccine and whether it’s ever too late Changes to cervical cancer screening in Canada We also clear up common myths and explain how to move from panic to prevention. If you’ve ever received an HPV-positive result and worried, this one’s for you. Thank you to our sponsor, FIGS. If you work in health care (or love someone who does), you know how important comfort and function are. Use code FIGSDOCTALK for 20% off your first order at wearfigs.com. Disclaimer A reminder that The Doc Talk is for general information purposes only. This podcast is not intended to replace medical advice from your doctor. While we are doctors, we are not your doctor. Always speak to your own healthcare provider for questions related to your personal health needs. Follow us on social media @thedoctalkpod and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen to podcasts.
March 24 · 43 min
31. What Should You Actually Feed Your Kids?
Feeding kids has become one of the most overwhelming parts of parenting. In this episode, we cut through the noise on starting solids, picky eating, supplements, and the growing confusion around sugar and ultra-processed foods. We’re joined by Registered Dietitian Nita Sharda (Happy Healthy Eaters) to break down what the evidence actually says and how to apply it in real life. What we cover: Baby-led weaning vs spoon-feeding What it is, what the evidence shows, and how to approach it safely Starting solids Nutritional priorities in early feeding and practical first food guidance Safe introduction of common allergens including peanut, egg and dairy Iron and vitamin D When supplementation is needed vs food-based approaches Signs kids may not be meeting requirements Picky eating What’s developmentally normal vs concerning Strategies to reduce mealtime stress and support variety How to think about “enough” intake and growth Nutrition misinformation Common myths circulating online and how to identify credible sources Added sugar What the evidence says about timing and amounts in childhood Ultra-processed foods What they are, why they matter and how to approach them realistically Guest: Nita Sharda, Registered Dietitian and co-founder of Happy Healthy Eaters, shares practical, evidence-based strategies to support family nutrition. Connect with Nita: Instagram: @nita_sharda Instagram: @happyhealthyeaters Thank you to our sponsor, FIGS. If you work in health care (or love someone who does), you know how important comfort and function are. Use code FIGSDOCTALK for 20% off your first order at wearfigs.com. Disclaimer A reminder that The Doc Talk is for general information purposes only. This podcast is not intended to replace medical advice from your doctor. While we are doctors, we are not your doctor. Always speak to your own healthcare provider for questions related to your personal health needs. Follow us on social media @thedoctalkpod and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen to podcasts.
March 10 · 23 min
30. Are Women Being Gaslit in Medicine?
For International Women’s Day, we’re tackling a difficult but important question: are women’s symptoms being dismissed in healthcare? Research shows that women experience higher rates of missed and delayed diagnoses for several major conditions. Women under 55 are more likely than men to be misdiagnosed during a heart attack. Endometriosis takes an average of 7–10 years to diagnose. And women account for roughly 75–80% of autoimmune disease cases, often after years of unexplained symptoms. So what’s going on? In this episode, we break down the data behind women’s health inequities, why these patterns occur and how system pressures, research gaps and cognitive bias can contribute to women feeling unheard in medical settings. We also talk about the broader consequences of this trust gap, why it matters for the future of Canadian healthcare and how clinicians, patients and policymakers can help move the system forward. This episode is not about blaming individual doctors. It’s about understanding patterns, rebuilding trust and asking what needs to change so women’s symptoms are taken seriously. In this episode we discuss: • Why cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women • The long road to diagnosis for conditions like endometriosis and autoimmune disease • How research history has shaped modern medicine • System pressures in Canadian healthcare that affect complex diagnoses • The role of cognitive bias in clinical decision-making • Why women may feel dismissed in medical encounters • Practical ways patients can advocate for themselves • What clinicians and health systems can do to improve trust and outcomes Thank you to our sponsor, FIGS. If you work in health care (or love someone who does), you know how important comfort and function are. Use code FIGSDOCTALK for 20% off your first order at wearfigs.com. Disclaimer A reminder that The Doc Talk is for general information purposes only. This podcast is not intended to replace medical advice from your doctor. While we are doctors, we are not your doctor. Always speak to your own healthcare provider for questions related to your personal health needs. Follow us on social media @thedoctalkpod and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen to podcasts.
March 3 · 22 min
29. Before You Board: Travel Health Essentials Every Canadian Should Know
Travel is exciting. Getting sick on vacation is not. In this episode, we walk through what Canadians should think about before heading out of the country, and even within it. From vaccines and malaria prevention to travel insurance, food and water safety and emergency planning, this is your practical guide to staying safe while you explore. We focus on what actually matters, where to find reliable information and how to prepare without overcomplicating it. In This Episode, we cover: Why travel health planning should start weeks before departure How to check if you need travel vaccines What to know about malaria prevention Why travel insurance is not optional outside Canada What to bring in a basic travel health kit Food and water precautions abroad What symptoms should prompt medical attention How to prepare for emergencies in another country What Canadians should know about healthcare coverage between provinces Preparation does not take the fun out of travel. It protects! Thank you to our sponsor, FIGS. If you work in health care (or love someone who does), you know how important comfort and function are. Use code FIGSDOCTALK for 20% off your first order at wearfigs.com. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only and does not replace medical advice from your own health care provider. Follow us on social media @thedoctalkpod and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen to podcasts.
February 24 · 30 min
Special Heart Month Rerelease! Episode 10: Think It’s Not Your Heart? Think Again.
In light of Heart Month, The Doc Talk Podcast is dropping a special re-release of our episode on heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in Canada. In this episode of The Doc Talk Podcast, we dive into what heart disease can look like in women, how it’s too often overlooked, and what you can do to protect yourself and those you love. We kick off with a listener question from Kellie, who asks: “What does the research say about how heart disease shows up differently in women—and how can we advocate for ourselves when screenings don’t tell the whole story?” It’s a crucial question—because heart disease often does look different in women, and the healthcare system isn’t always set up to recognize that. In this episode, we break down how to recognize symptoms, what tests can (and can’t) show, and the steps you can take to protect your heart. In this episode, we cover: What heart disease really is and why women are underdiagnosed How the symptoms of heart attacks and strokes differ in women Why perimenopause and menopause increase risk—and what to do about it The gender gap in medical research and its impact on heart health Advocacy tips for navigating the ER and pushing for follow-up care What “knowing your numbers” actually means (and when to start checking them) Dr. Shaz and Dr. Sheila share personal insights, ER stories, and a practical “Prescription for Heart Health” that’s rooted in prevention and empowerment. Key Takeaways: Symptoms of heart attack in women can be subtle: nausea, fatigue, dizziness Many risk factors—like high blood pressure, smoking, or inactivity—are preventable Menopause plays a key role in heart risk due to hormonal changes Speak up in healthcare settings—your story matters Screening starts at 40, earlier if you have risk factors or family history If this episode helped you see heart health in a new light, please share it—it might just save a life. Missed our perimenopause episode? Go back and check out Episode 2 for more on how hormonal changes affect heart and brain health. Follow us on Instagram @thedoctalkpod! Have a question for our docs? Send us a message—we might feature it in an upcoming episode! Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information purposes only and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Always consult your own healthcare provider for recommendations specific to your health.
February 17 · 36 min
28. Perimenopause: What’s Happening to Me?!
Perimenopause can feel confusing, frustrating, and at times overwhelming and most of us aren’t taught what to expect. We usually start with a listener question, but this time, it’s Dr. Shaz asking Dr. Sheila all the real-world questions about perimenopause. The ones patients bring to clinic every day. The ones many are Googling at 2 a.m. From symptoms to lifestyle shifts to medication options and how to know what’s right for you, we break it down clearly and practically. Perimenopause isn’t just about hormones, it’s about being heard. We talk about how to prepare for appointments, what to ask, when to investigate further, and how to advocate for yourself in a system that doesn’t always prioritize midlife women’s health. You deserve evidence-based information. You deserve options. You deserve care that takes your symptoms seriously. With the right support, this phase can be navigated with clarity and confidence. Tune in and share with someone who needs this conversation. We’re in this with you. Thank you to our sponsor, FIGS. If you work in health care (or love someone who does), you know how important comfort and function are. Use code FIGSDOCTALK for 20% off your first order at wearfigs.com. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only and does not replace medical advice from your own health care provider. Follow us on social media @thedoctalkpod and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen to podcasts.
February 3 · 19 min
27. Clot or Not? The Blood Clot Symptoms You Can’t Afford to Miss
Blood clots are common, often preventable, and still widely misunderstood. In this episode, Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe and Dr. Shazma Mithani unpack what people actually need to know about deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), conditions we see every day in clinic and the ER. We talk through real-world risk factors, symptoms that should never be ignored, and why clots don’t always present in obvious or dramatic ways. We also cover practical prevention strategies, how clots are diagnosed, and what treatment typically looks like. Whether you’re a healthcare worker or someone trying to understand your own risk, this episode focuses on awareness, early recognition, and why acting quickly matters. In this episode, we cover: •What DVTs and PEs are and why they can be dangerous •Who is at higher risk and why risk isn’t evenly distributed •Symptoms that should prompt urgent medical care •What prevention actually works •How blood clots are diagnosed and treated •Clinical pearls for healthcare workers Thank you to our sponsor, FIGS. If you work in health care (or love someone who does), you know how important comfort and function are. Use code FIGSDOCTALK for 20% off your first order at wearfigs.com. Disclaimer Thank you for tuning into The Doc Talk Podcast. This podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice from your doctor. While we are doctors, we are not your doctor. Always speak to your own healthcare provider for questions related to your personal health needs. Follow us on social media @thedoctalkpod and be sure to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you get your podcasts.
January 20 · 21 min
26. Sick, Stuck, or Waiting: How Do You Navigate Care in Canada?
In this episode of The Doc Talk Podcast, we break down how the Canadian health care system is actually structured and how to navigate it safely when access is limited, from the perspectives of an emergency room doc and family doctor. With more Canadians living without a family doctor and emergency departments under increasing strain, this episode offers practical, honest guidance on where to go for care, what different parts of the system are designed to do, and how to advocate for yourself and your loved ones. What we cover: How Canada’s publicly funded, provincially run health care system works The central role of family doctors and what happens when that hub is missing How referrals and specialist care function — and where delays happen What to expect if you don’t have a family doctor The real role of walk-in clinics, virtual care, and community health centres What emergency departments are designed (and not designed) to do A clear explanation of ER triage and why waiting works the way it does What tests and referrals the ER can reasonably provide When hospital admission happens and how discharge planning works Key takeaway: You should not need insider knowledge to stay safe in the health care system — but until access improves, information can reduce harm. Thank you to our sponsor, FIGS. If you work in health care (or love someone who does), you know how important comfort and function are. Use code FIGSCA for 20% off your first order at wearfigs.com. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only and does not replace medical advice from your own health care provider. Follow us on social media @thedoctalkpod and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen to podcasts.
January 12 · 20 min
The Doc Talk × The Pitt Recap Season 2: Episode 1
This is our last episode breaking down the Pitt and we’re closing this chapter with an episode we’re really proud of. As always, we watch through two clinical lenses as Dr. Shaz as an emergency physician giving us the actual behind the scene truths. We dig into the emergency medicine moments that stood out, the intense cases, the new characters, and yes… Dr. Robbie’s no-helmet choices. What felt real, what felt like TV, and what life in the ER actually looks like behind the scenes. Thank you for watching along with us and for all the thoughtful messages and questions. New episode of The Doc Talk Podcast is live. A Quick Reminder The Doc Talk is for general information only. It’s not medical advice — even though we are doctors, we’re not your doctor. Always speak to your own healthcare provider for personal care. Follow us on Instagram: @TheDocTalkPod
January 6 · 40 min
25. Keep, Skip, or Caution: Sorting Exercise Fact From Fiction with Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple
The exercise and wellness space is louder than ever and often full of confident, conflicting advice. In this episode, we sit down with exercise physiologist and researcher Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple to cut through the noise using a simple framework: Keep, Skip, or Caution. Together, we tackle some of the most common questions and trends people are confused about right now, especially in midlife. We break down what’s evidence-based, what’s overhyped, and where nuance matters. In this episode, we discuss: Weighted vests and who they may (or may not) be helpful for How much cardio people actually need each week Strength training myths, including whether heavier is always better How often you really need to lift weights Cardio vs strength training and how to prioritize Protein needs for muscle health in midlife Creatine, who may benefit, and who should be cautious Midsection weight gain in midlife and common misconceptions Cold plunges, recovery, and timing around workouts VO₂ max and longevity DEXA scans and body composition data Vibration plates Cycle timing and exercise We close with one of the most important conversations of the episode: how to decide who to trust online when it comes to fitness and health information. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by exercise advice or unsure what actually matters, this episode is for you. Disclaimer This podcast is for general information purposes only and does not replace medical advice from your own healthcare provider. While we are doctors, we are not your doctor. Always speak with your healthcare provider about your personal health needs. Follow us on social media @thedoctalkpod and send us your questions.
Dec 30, 2025 · 30 min
24. Does My Cough Need Antibiotics?
As cold and flu season ramps up, coughs and breathing concerns are one of the most common reasons people seek medical care. In this episode, Dr. Shazma Mithani and Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe break down how to think about coughs during respiratory season, when antibiotics are helpful, and how to manage symptoms safely while your body recovers. In this episode, we discuss: Why most coughs during cold and flu season are not treated with antibiotics Situations where antibiotics may be appropriate Red flags that should prompt medical assessment How long post-viral coughs can realistically last Practical, evidence-based ways to manage cough and chest symptoms at home Special considerations for children and over-the-counter cough medications Wheezing, chest tightness, and when breathing symptoms need urgent care Other common non-infectious causes of persistent cough Teaching Corner (Health-Care Providers & Learners): Antibiotic stewardship and expectation-setting in patients with acute cough Identifying red flags and higher-risk patients early Framing supportive care as active clinical management Disclaimer This podcast is for general information purposes only and does not replace medical advice from your own healthcare provider. While we are doctors, we are not your doctor. Always speak with your healthcare provider about your personal health needs. Follow us on social media @thedoctalkpod and send us your questions.
Dec 23, 2025 · 32 min
The Doc Talk × The Pitt: Season 1 Finale Recap (Episodes 14 & 15) × Dr. Jacob Lentz
We’ve reached the end of Season 1 of The Pitt — and what a shift it’s been. In this finale episode, we’re joined by Dr. Jacob Lentz, one of the medical advisors for The Pitt, who took time while filming Season 2 to share a behind-the-scenes look at how the show brings emergency medicine to life with such realism, care, and emotional depth. As we close out season 1's recap episodes, we want to thank everyone who watched along with us, sent in thoughtful questions, and shared what this show stirred up for them. Whether you work in health care or simply love a series that doesn’t shy away from the emotional and human weight of medicine. We’re so grateful to be able to take you behind the curtain of emergency medicine and to have this community of curious, engaged listeners alongside us. The Doc Talk is for general information only. It’s not medical advice — even though we are doctors, we’re not your doctor. Always speak to your own healthcare provider for personal care. Follow us on Instagram: @TheDocTalkPod
Dec 16, 2025 · 28 min
23. How to Avoid Medical Mishaps Over the Holidays
The holidays look cozy online, but in clinics and emergency rooms, this time of year can be really hard if you're sick or injured. In this episode, we break down what actually spikes over the holidays: GI flare-ups, slips and falls, viral illnesses, alcohol-related issues, and the mental load that quietly pushes people to the brink. We talk through what’s common, what’s preventable, when to seek care, and how a simple home health kit can save you hours in a packed ER. Plus: vaccination reminders, “holiday heart,” decorating injuries, and a quick holiday true-or-false based on real hospital patterns. Practical, honest, and designed to help you get through the season with fewer mishaps and some permission slips to get more rest. Thank you to our episode sponsor, FIGS. In our line of work, we basically live in our scrubs, and we love FIGS for making ones that are comfortable, breathable, durable, and actually flattering. Beyond great scrubs, FIGS builds real community for healthcare workers with meaningful events, conversations, and (let’s be honest) the best memes online. If you work in healthcare or know someone who does, visit wearfigs.com and use code FIGSCA for 20% off your first order. Be sure to follow us @thedoctalkpod and rate, review and send us your questions. We love hearing from you.

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