Ditch The Labcoat

• Physician Burnout meet AI with Dr. Kyle Fortinsky and Jay Gilbert

  In this episode of Ditch the Lab Coat, Dr. Mark Bonta takes us into the underappreciated world of medical documentation—and the burnout it breeds—by shining a spotlight on two disruptors aiming to change the status quo. Joined by Dr. Kyle Fortinsky, a gastroenterologist and self-proclaimed tech enthusiast, and serial entrepreneur Jay Gilbert, the discussion pulls back the curtain on the all-too-familiar struggle of physicians, nurses, and healthcare workers documenting late into the night while real life passes them by.Together, they unpack the daily grind of charting and how the current EMR landscape keeps clinicians glued to screens, often at the expense of patient care and personal well-being. Jay and Kyle reveal the origin story of their innovative startup, Clever Consult, born from both firsthand medical experience and the intimate view of a spouse disappearing into late-night charting marathons. Listeners get a candid look at their journey from scribbled napkin ideas to building a privacy-first AI assistant that actually understands clinical nuance.Beyond the tech talk, this episode explores everything from the high-risk realities of endoscopy procedures to the frustrating hunt for vital information buried in endless patient charts. The conversation also delves into the real fears—and hurdles—of integrating AI into healthcare, from privacy concerns to the challenge of building tech that truly lightens clinicians’ workloads.With humor and humility, Dr. Fortinsky and Jay Gilbert make the case that “doctor-built, doctor-focused” AI can finally start to reclaim the cognitive energy clinicians lose to admin overload. Rather than replace clinicians, this technology aims to empower them, helping doctors spend less time as scribes and more time as healers, problem-solvers, and humans.Tune in to hear how the marriage between entrepreneurial grit and frontline medical experience is forging a new path—one where AI does the heavy lifting behind the scenes, so healthcare professionals can get back to what truly matters: caring for people.Episode HighlightsWhy We NEED This: Kyle and Jay share horror stories of never-ending notes, missed dinners, and knowing your patient is safe to scope only after 20 minutes combing PDFs for hidden warfarin doses.The Product: An AI tool designed not to replace doctors, but to free them from scribal servitude. Clever Consult ingests mountains of charts, consults, labs, and more—then gifts you the focused summary you need, before you see the patient.Built by Doctors, for Doctors: "If physicians don’t look after themselves, they can’t look after patients.” That’s the mantra guiding Clever Consult’s development.Privacy FIRST: With patient confidentiality sacred, the team spent more money on privacy law than anything else. All data’s in Canada, nothing is retained by AI vendors, and legal experts guide every tech decision.The Human Touch: While some fear robots will take the stethoscope, Jay and Kyle see AI as an assistant—not a replacement—to boost diagnostic accuracy, flag hidden dangers, and (finally!) give us more one-on-one time with patients.The Future: Imagine charting in a fraction of the time, cognitive energy reserved for real-life problem-solving (not formatting notes on endless EMR screens), and leaving “scut work” to the machines.Episode Timestamps03:35 – Revolutionizing Healthcare with Tech09:13 – Streamlining Medical Data Management12:52 – “Improving Medical Efficiency with AI”16:21 – Serendipitous Developer Collaboration17:14 – Building & Validating the Business Model20:57 – “Balancing AI’s Strengths and Weaknesses”25:36 – AI Legal Consultation for Data Compliance28:27 – Bridging Software and Medical Expertise32:27 – AI Revolution in Medical Diagnostics34:33 – AI‑Enhanced Medical Diagnosis40:29 – Deep AI Solutions for Medical Documentation42:06 – “AI‑Driven Healthcare Documentation”47:33 – AI Revolutionizes Healthcare DocumentationDISCLAMER >>>>>>    The Ditch Lab Coat podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not serve as a substitute for professional medical services such as medicine or nursing. It does not establish a doctor/patient relationship, and the use of information from the podcast or linked materials is at the user's own risk. The content does not aim to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and users should promptly seek guidance from healthcare professionals for any medical conditions.   >>>>>> The expressed opinions belong solely to the hosts and guests, and they do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Hospitals, Clinics, Universities, or any other organization a

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• Trauma For Dummies with Andrew Petrosoniak

  In today's episode of Ditch the Lab Coat, we dive into the raw, real-world chaos of trauma that unfolds beyond the controlled environment of a hospital. Dr. Mark Bonta is joined by Dr. Andrew Petrosoniak, a trauma director and emergency medicine expert who specializes in designing effective healthcare systems, to explore the unpredictable nature of street-level emergencies.Throughout the episode, the duo unpacks the reality of responding to accidents in real-world settings, where medical tools are limited and the stakes are high. From discussing the importance of overcoming the bystander effect to the critical role of tourniquets in stopping a traumatic bleed, Dr. Petrosoniak shares actionable insights that go beyond traditional medical scenarios.Dr. Petrosoniak reflects on his experience with high-stress situations, emphasizing the power of a calm presence and strategic communication to provide reassurance until professional help arrives. The conversation highlights how anyone, not just medical professionals, can make a significant difference during emergencies through basic actions like calling for help and offering reassurance.Listeners are encouraged to rethink what being prepared means, urging them to consider keeping essential items like a tourniquet, defibrillator, and first aid kit nearby. This episode serves as a poignant reminder that life-saving efforts often start not in the ER but at the scene of an accident, where immediacy, intuition, and courage can have the most profound impact.Join Dr. Bonta and Dr. Petrosoniak as they explore the instinctual side of emergency response, sharing both practical advice and engaging anecdotes from the frontline of trauma care.Episode HighlightsApplying Tourniquets Properly Apply a tourniquet tightly enough to stop bleeding below the site. This is crucial in emergencies to prevent excessive blood loss.Understanding Trauma's Reality Trauma doesn’t happen in a controlled environment. Real-life situations require quick thinking and improvisation with limited resources.Importance of the Bystander Effect Overcome the bystander effect by taking charge in emergency situations. Your presence and action can make a significant difference.Street-Level Medical Preparedness Real-life medical emergencies demand an understanding of how to act without hospital tools – a phone call and support can be vital.Interpreting Blood Loss Know signs of severe blood loss—confusion and cold extremities—rather than estimating based on visible blood alone.Role of First Responders Sometimes non-medical professionals, like St. John Ambulance volunteers, are better prepared for emergencies due to their specific training.Communication in Crisis In emergencies, communicate clearly, outlining the plan to provide comfort, rather than giving false assurances of safety.Understanding Electrical Injuries High-voltage injuries are extremely dangerous. Never approach if there’s a risk of being electrocuted. Safety should be our top priority.Value of Proper Equipment Keeping simple equipment like a tourniquet and blanket in your car can be life-saving during an unforeseen emergency.Preparedness Beyond Hospitals Being prepared for emergencies means more than medical skills. It's about readiness to act and show compassion, no matter where you are.Episode Timestamps04:44 — Thrill-seeking risks and physiological reactions08:12 — Managing stress and preparedness in emergencies11:54 — Immobilization advice after falls15:55 — Survival odds after high falls18:20 — Crisis communication in prehospital care22:35 — Ski injury first-aid and bystander concerns26:09 — Tourniquet use: prioritize stopping bleeding27:01 — Emergency situational awareness tips31:29 — Assessing blood loss in hospital settings33:31 — Understanding the impact of blood loss36:38 — Electrocution safety and response challenges39:56 — “Mark’s Power Room Dilemma”43:58 — Simplifying trauma response protocols45:48 — Compassion in crisis: the human side of trauma careDISCLAMER >>>>>>    The Ditch Lab Coat podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not serve as a substitute for professional medical services such as medicine or nursing. It does not establish a doctor/patient relationship, and the use of information from the podcast or linked materials is at the user's own risk. The content does not aim to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and users should promptly seek guidance from healthcare professionals for any medical conditions.   >>>>>> The expressed opinions belong solely to the hosts and guests, and they do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Hospitals, Clinics, Universities, or any other organization a

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• Long COVID: The Answers with Dr. Funmi Okunola

  In today's episode of Ditch the Lab Coat, we're delving into the often overlooked world of long Covid and post-viral syndromes. Ever wondered why the medical community wasn't fully prepared for the enduring effects of post-viral conditions despite its potential impact?Dr. Mark Bonta talks with Dr. Funmi Okunola, a family physician and advocate for patients with Long Covid. Dr. Okunola discusses the challenges and frustrations surrounding the medical community's response to Long Covid and highlights her work in educating both the public and healthcare professionals about the condition.Throughout the episode, Dr. Okunola shares her journey from practicing family medicine to focusing on patient advocacy through digital education platforms. She aims to bridge the gap between medical evidence and public understanding, providing accessible and credible information to combat misinformation.Dr. Okunola emphasizes the lack of preparedness in the medical field for post-viral syndromes and the need for a shift in medical education to include complex chronic diseases like Long Covid, fibromyalgia, and ME/CFS as core parts of the curriculum. The conversation is rich with insights on how to better support patients with Long Covid and calls for a more proactive approach in the healthcare system to recognize and address complex chronic diseases. Dr. Okunola's passion for advocacy and education is a central theme in this episode, urging both healthcare providers and the public to acknowledge and act on the realities of Long Covid.Episode HighlightsUnprepared for Post-Viral Syndromes The medical community wasn't ready to tackle long-term effects of viral infections like Long Covid.Dr. Funmi Okunola's Journey From family medicine to Long Covid advocacy, Dr. Okunola founded educational initiatives during the pandemic to address patients' unmet needs.Navigating Healthcare for Long Covid Dr. Okunola and colleagues highlight the need for ongoing, informed care for Long Covid, often overlooked by the health system.Complexity in Diagnosis Treating conditions without clear tests or markers requires a multifaceted approach and reliance on patient narratives.Educational Gaps in Medicine Dr. Okunola argues for integrating complex chronic disease education in medical training as a part of core curriculum.Global Health Crises Insight Long Covid research offers a broader understanding of immune response and the impacts of viral infections on public health.Call for Systemic Change Dr. Okunola emphasizes that Long Covid is a public health issue needing urgent attention in both medical practice and policymaking.Episode Timestamps04:17 — Interprofessional approach for complex diagnoses10:01 — Urgent need for Long COVID recognition12:18 — Physician frustration with healthcare system15:56 — Misinformation & public health concerns17:48 — Somatic Symptom Disorder explained23:27 — Effective management strategies for Long COVID26:37 — Evidence vs. belief in diagnostics27:29 — Discussion on Long COVID & POTS33:28 — Long COVID exercise recommendations debunked37:28 — Causes and effects of Long COVID40:13 — Long COVID as an ignored immune threat42:43 — Public health vs. individual freedom47:13 — Campaigning for chronic disease education49:59 — Embracing complexity in healthcareDISCLAMER >>>>>>    The Ditch Lab Coat podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not serve as a substitute for professional medical services such as medicine or nursing. It does not establish a doctor/patient relationship, and the use of information from the podcast or linked materials is at the user's own risk. The content does not aim to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and users should promptly seek guidance from healthcare professionals for any medical conditions.   >>>>>> The expressed opinions belong solely to the hosts and guests, and they do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Hospitals, Clinics, Universities, or any other organization associated with the host or guests.    

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  52:43
• Ancient Tech to Smart Tech : The future of cardiac monitoring is now

  Today, we're diving into the captivating world where cardiology meets cutting-edge technology. Ever wondered how your smartwatch could potentially save your life or how wearable tech is revolutionizing heart rhythm monitoring? You're in for a treat! Joining us is Dr. Yaariv Khaykin, an internationally renowned expert in rhythm disorders. He's a self-proclaimed "heart electrician" with a knack for gadgets and tech, and he's here to guide us through the intersection of traditional cardiology and modern advancements. From exploring the 100-year-old ECG technology to discussing breakthrough wearable devices, this episode is packed with insights that will transform the way you think about heart health. So whether you're a medical professional, a tech enthusiast, or someone just curious about how wearables could benefit your health, stay tuned for a fascinating conversation that proves science fiction is quickly becoming present-day medicine.Episode HighlightsWearables Catch Fleeting Symptoms Wearables effectively detect fleeting health symptoms that traditional monitors might miss, especially heart rhythm abnormalities.ECG's Long-Standing Role ECGs have been crucial in cardiology for over 100 years, providing insight into heart's electrical activity.Technology Elevates Heart Monitoring Advanced tech offers multi-channel monitoring, improving safety and precision in diagnosing heart conditions like arrhythmias.Smartwatches: Medical Utility Evolving Smartwatches like Apple Watch are now FDA-approved for heart monitoring, offering reliable data for clinical decisions.Data in Wearables: Double-Edged Sword While empowering users, wearables can increase anxiety without proper context. Interpretation is key.Improving Life Through Wearables Devices encourage healthy behaviors, tracking sleep, steps, and exercise to guide lifestyle choices for longevity.Heart Rate Variability's Importance High heart rate variability indicates fitness and longevity, while low variability can signal health issues.Non-Invasive Monitoring Innovations Textile-based ECGs provide comfort, easy use, and continuous heart monitoring without traditional discomforts.Bridging Clinical and Consumer Tech The integration of wearables in daily life advances proactive healthcare, offering diagnostic-level insights easily accessible to all.Episode Timestamps00:00 - Ditch the Lab Coat Podcast06:09 - AI enhances ECG interpretation07:03 - Advanced cardiac mapping vest10:30 - Wearables revolutionize heart monitoring14:39 - Wearables' role in health monitoring18:58 - Assessing Apple Watch for heart rhythms21:00 - Atrial fibrillation detection limitations23:49 - Wearable limitations in symptom detection28:41 - Wearable ECG tech achieves 99.9% accuracy29:46 - Medical device risk and standards34:38 - "Tech bros & longevity obsession"38:17 - Wearables: balancing peace and anxiety42:32 - Heart rate variability explained46:02 - Heart tech: ECGs and innovation47:20 - Future of wearable cardiac technologyDISCLAMER >>>>>>    The Ditch Lab Coat podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not serve as a substitute for professional medical services such as medicine or nursing. It does not establish a doctor/patient relationship, and the use of information from the podcast or linked materials is at the user's own risk. The content does not aim to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and users should promptly seek guidance from healthcare professionals for any medical conditions.   >>>>>> The expressed opinions belong solely to the hosts and guests, and they do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Hospitals, Clinics, Universities, or any other organization associated with the host or guests.       Disclosures: Ditch The Lab Coat podcast is produced by (Podkind.co) and is independent of Dr. Bonta's teaching and research roles at McMaster University, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Queens University. 

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  49:22
• Cholesterol Unclugged with Dr. Malcolm Kendrick

  In this episode of "Ditch the Lab Coat, where we delve into health issues with a grounded, scientifically skeptical eye. Today, we're diving deep into the world of cholesterol science and statins with our special guest, Dr. Malcolm Kendrick, an acclaimed skeptic and thought provoker in the medical community. Dr. Kendrick, known for turning conventional wisdom on its head, will be sharing his insights on how statins really affect our health, stretching beyond the common narrative and challenging the status quo of the pharmaceutical-medical industry complex.In this episode, Dr. Kendrick shares his perspective on the actual benefits and risks associated with statins, exploring their history and the modern-day data controversies surrounding them. Are they truly the heart-protecting wonder drugs we have been led to believe? Prepare for a dialogue that ventures into the realm of medical guidelines, research transparency, and, most critically, how independent thinking can lead us to better healthcare decisions.Grab your headphones, get comfortable, and join us as we embark on this eye-opening journey to dissect the truths about statins and explore what might actually lie at the heart of cardiovascular health. This is an episode you won't want to miss.Episode HighlightsStatins and Life Extension Statins make you feel older, not necessarily extend life by 15 years.Challenge Conventional Wisdom Dr. Kendrick challenges mainstream cholesterol views, sparking debates and insights in the medical community.Studying Only Specific Populations Original statin studies lacked diversity, mostly involving young males, not reflecting today's patient demographics.Relative vs. Absolute Risk Be mindful of how risk reductions are presented; sometimes it's more about misleading percentages.Medical Research Conflicts Industry connections can bias studies. We must demand independent verification of data.Independent Medical Thinking Doctors should critically evaluate guidelines, balancing them with individual patient needs and circumstances.Cost of Conformity in Guidelines Blind adherence to guidelines, due to fear of malpractice, might not always benefit the patient.Lifestyle Over Medication Managing chronic conditions through lifestyle changes can often be more effective than medication.Potential of Lp(a) Lp(a) might provide clearer heart disease risk markers. However, it's crucial, to accurately interpret its significance.Empowering Patient Decisions Encourage patients to actively participate in their health decisions, weighing the true benefits and risks of treatments.Episode Timestamps04:18 - Prescription practices for elderly patients08:24 - Coenzyme Q10’s role in energy11:44 - "Uncommon statin side effects"16:28 - Statins’ minimal life extension19:59 - Statins: worth the effort?23:55 - Overprescription of statins debate26:02 - Reevaluating statins’ efficacy and bias29:40 - Oxford data transparency concerns33:27 - Pharma-research funding influence34:16 - Challenging medical system norms40:09 - NICE’s influence and conflict concerns43:19 - Human nature and medical conflicts45:58 - Advocating lifestyle over medication48:00 - Lifestyle over statins51:05 - Reevaluating statin use in elderly55:13 - Rethinking statins and patient care58:00 - Challenging healthcare’s status quoLet me know if you need any modifications!DISCLAMER >>>>>>    The Ditch Lab Coat podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not serve as a substitute for professional medical services such as medicine or nursing. It does not establish a doctor/patient relationship, and the use of information from the podcast or linked materials is at the user's own risk. The content does not aim to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and users should promptly seek guidance from healthcare professionals for any medical conditions.   >>>>>> The expressed opinions belong solely to the hosts and guests, and they do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Hospitals, Clinics, Universities, or any other organization associated with the host or guests.       Disclosures: Ditch The Lab Coat podcast is produced by (Podkind.co) and is independent of Dr. Bonta's teaching and research roles at McMaster University, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Queens University. 

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  59:36

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