The Interesting MD Podcast

Doctor, Explorer, Pilot… NASA Consultant?! (Ft. Dr. Howard Donner)

What do mountain rescue, space medicine, and filmmaking have in common? Dr. Howard Donner. In this episode of The Interesting MD, host Dr. Rob Beck talks with the high-altitude physician, pilot, and NASA consultant about his extraordinary path through wilderness medicine and beyond.
 
Dr. Donner shares how his love for adventure shaped his career, from guiding rivers and flying planes in Telluride to designing medical kits for astronauts. He opens up about imposter syndrome, career pivots, and the value of taking risks outside the traditional clinical path.
 
Perfect for anyone feeling stuck or burned out in medicine, this episode offers a bold reminder: your career can be as unconventional and exciting as you’re willing to make it.
 
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The Truth About Physician Entrepreneurship with Dad, Doctor and Entrepreneur (Ft. Dr. Mark Royer)

In this episode of The Interesting MD, host Dr. Rob Beck chats with Dr. Mark Royer, ENT surgeon, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Specialty Locums. Dr. Royer shares how he and his wife (also an ENT) built a thriving private practice and launched two businesses while raising a family and chasing outdoor adventures.
 
They dive into the value of MBAs for doctors, avoiding burnout, keeping costs low, and growing methodically—not through social media hype or outside investors. Dr. Royer offers real, no-fluff advice on business, locums, and how to keep life fun along the way.
 
Whether you're a physician thinking about entrepreneurship or curious about the locums lifestyle, this episode offers insights, laughs, and practical takeaways you won’t want to miss.
 
Podcast Link: The Interesting MD Podcast YouTube Link: The Interesting MD Website Link: https://www.interestingmd.com/
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How Dr. Patrick Ryan Found Freedom in the Skies (Ft. Dr. Patrick Ryan)

What do surgery and helicopter flying have in common? More than you think. 🛠️🚁 In this episode of The Interesting MD, Dr. Rob Beck catches up with Dr. Patrick Ryan, a surgeon and helicopter pilot, to explore how aviation became his passion—and how it helps him stay grounded (emotionally) while lifting off (literally).
 
Dr. Ryan walks listeners through the realities of helicopter training, from cost and licensing to emergency maneuvers like autorotation. He shares behind-the-scenes stories of learning to fly, teaching others, and preparing for helicopter tours over Nashville.
 
More than just a technical deep dive, this episode is a reminder of how powerful hobbies can be in preventing burnout and reconnecting with joy. A great listen for healthcare professionals—or anyone curious about what it takes to get airborne.
 
Podcast Link: The Interesting MD Podcast YouTube Link: The Interesting MD Website Link: https://www.interestingmd.com/
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BC’s Health Minister on Why Canada Wants U.S. Doctors (Ft. Josie Osborne - BC Health Minister)

Thinking about practicing medicine in Canada? 🇨🇦 In this episode of The Interesting MD, Dr. Rob Beck talks with B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne about the province’s new initiative to recruit U.S.-trained physicians, especially those certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
Osborne explains how B.C. is reducing licensing barriers, expanding medical training programs, and offering streamlined immigration pathways to help doctors and their families settle in Canada. With a focus on family medicine and rural care, this episode outlines everything you need to know about applying, relocating, and thriving in British Columbia.
An eye-opening and encouraging conversation for American physicians ready for change.
 
Podcast Link: The Interesting MD Podcast YouTube Link: The Interesting MD Website Link: https://www.interestingmd.com/
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US vs Canada: A Doctor Compares working in Universal Healthcare, Pay & Lifestyle (Ft. Dr. P. Hertz)

Thinking about making the move to Canada? 🍁 In this episode of The Interesting MD, host Rob Beck talks with Dr. Paul Hertz about practicing medicine under Canada's universal healthcare system and how it compares to life as a doctor in the U.S.
They discuss differences in pay, work-life balance, billing, and why British Columbia is an attractive destination for physicians. Dr. Hertz also shares tips on licensing, training, and the high demand for internists in the region.
Whether you’re exploring international opportunities or just curious about how healthcare works across the border, this episode has you covered. 🌎🎧
 
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This Doctor Trains for Underwater Emergencies—at 250 Feet Deep (Ft. Dr. Mark James)

Dr. Mark James trains for emergencies—underwater at 250 feet deep. In this fascinating episode of The Interesting MD, he joins host Dr. Rob Beck to share his passion for technical diving and how it overlaps with his career in anesthesiology and intensive care.
From cold-water dives in British Columbia to cave and wreck diving around the world, Dr. James offers insights into mixed gases, dive planning, and the human factors critical for staying safe—both underwater and in the hospital.
He also shares how diving helped him build stronger family connections, especially during the pandemic, and offers tips for doctors who want to get started in scuba.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about high-performance teamwork, extreme hobbies, or the unexpected ways physicians find meaning outside of medicine. 🌊🎧
 
Podcast Link: The Interesting MD Podcast YouTube Link: The Interesting MD Website Link: https://www.interestingmd.com/
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The Hidden Burden of Women Doctors (Ft. Dr. Marcia Glass)

In this important episode of The Interesting MD, Dr. Rob Beck talks with Dr. Marcia Glass about the unseen struggles faced by women and minorities in medicine.
They discuss imposter syndrome, bias in healthcare, and the added pressures women doctors face when juggling career and family. Dr. Glass shares powerful personal stories and highlights the role of mentorship in creating a more inclusive and supportive medical environment.
If you're interested in health equity, medical culture, or supporting women in medicine—this episode is a must-listen. 🎧
 
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Starting your own practice (Ft. Dr. Patrick Ryan)

What does it take to go solo in medicine? Dr. Patrick Ryan, a vascular surgeon, joins The Interesting MD to talk about his journey from a large surgical group to launching his own private practice.
He and Dr. Rob Beck break down the business side of medicine, covering everything from setting up an office and managing finances to navigating insurance and hiring the right team.
If you’re a doctor thinking about starting your own practice, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now! 🎧
 
Podcast Link: The Interesting MD Podcast YouTube Link: The Interesting MD Website Link: https://www.interestingmd.com/
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Work-Life Balance Through Triathlons and Medicine (Ft. Dr. Mallory Pullman)

How can triathlons help doctors manage stress? In this episode of The Interesting MD, Dr. Mallory Pullman joins Dr. Rob Beck to talk about how endurance sports provide an escape from the pressures of emergency medicine.
She shares her journey from rowing to triathlons, the challenges of training while working full-time, and tips for physicians looking to balance hobbies with their careers.
If you’re looking for inspiration to stay active, find balance, and prevent burnout—this episode is for you! 🎧
 
Podcast Link: The Interesting MD Podcast YouTube Link: The Interesting MD Website Link: https://www.interestingmd.com/
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How to Work Overseas as a Doctor (Ft. Dr. Marcia Glass)

What’s it like to be a doctor in a war zone or disaster-stricken area? Dr. Marcia Glass joins The Interesting MD to share her experiences working with Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in places like Haiti, Liberia, and the DRC.
She and Dr. Rob Beck dive into the challenges of international medicine, the importance of adaptability, and how doctors can get involved in global health while balancing their personal lives.
If you’ve ever thought about working overseas, this episode is packed with insights. Tune in now! 🎧
 
Podcast Link: The Interesting MD Podcast YouTube Link: The Interesting MD Website Link: https://www.interestingmd.com/
Have a content suggestion?Email us at Ideas@interestingmd.com
Contact meEmail us at Rob@interestingmd.com