September 17, 2021
To start the show, the guys discuss the sometimes murky issue of copyright claims on YouTube (1:30). Then the guys preview the upcoming 73rd annual Emmy awards and their picks in various categories (7:03). Then, Ali asks Asif about the academic publishing and why Asif feels the whole system of academic publishing needs to be fixed (29:39). He discusses the monopoly of academic publishers as well as the problems with the peer review process and so called Open Access. He then discusses the controversial website “Sci Hub” and the need for academics to stand up to publishers.
The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.
Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay
Contact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.com
Follow us on Social media:
Twitter: @doctorvcomedian
Instagram: doctorvcomedian
Show Notes
September 10, 2021
The guys start with a serious debate about whether ‘drums’ or ‘flats’ are the better chicken wings (00:50). Ali then discusses life on the road as a comedian (5:11), including tips on how to get started in comedy touring. Then, Asif discusses the influence of the pharmaceutical industry on the prescribing habits of doctors (29:36). He discusses his own personal experiences with pharma, as well as what the evidence says about whether the pens, dinners and trips given to doctors actually influences behaviour (spoiler: it does).
The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.
Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay
Contact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.com
Follow us on Social media:
Twitter: @doctorvcomedian
Instagram: doctorvcomedian
Show notes
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‘Manipulating physicians’: How drug reps pitch your doc: https://globalnews.ca/news/5702980/how-drug-reps-pitch-doctors/
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Big pharma pours millions into medical schools — here’s how it can impact education: https://globalnews.ca/news/5738386/canadian-medical-school-funding/
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Interactions between physicians and the pharmaceutical industry generally and sales representatives specifically and their association with physicians’ attitudes and prescribing habits: a systematic review: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5623540/
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Of principles and pens: attitudes and practices of medicine housestaff toward pharmaceutical industry promotions: https://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343%2801%2900660-X/abstract
September 3, 2021
In this episode, Ali and Asif discuss the surging rates of eating disorders during the Covid-19 pandemic, with Adolescent Medicine and Eating Disorders expert Dr. Megan Harrison (who also happens to be Asif’s wife). Dr. Harrison discusses what eating disorders are and how adolescents develop them. Dr. Harrison also discusses how eating disorders are occurring in younger and younger children and the effects of restricted eating on the brain. She discusses the risk of mortality in eating disorders and some of the messaging kids receive about “healthy” eating through schools and the media. Finally she discusses the spike in eating disorder cases during the Covid-19 pandemic and the possible reasons why this increase may have occurred.
The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.
Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay
Contact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.com
Follow us on Social media:
Twitter: @doctorvcomedian
Instagram: doctorvcomedian
August 27, 2021
To start the episode the guys give their thoughts on two recent summer movies; Asif talks about “The Suicide Squad” and Ali reviews “The Green Knight” (2:00). Then the guys talk about the 40th anniversary of one of the greatest summer movies of all time, ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ (18:55). The guys start off by talking about their personal connections to the movie. They then talk about how George Lucas and Steven Spielberg crafted the character of Indiana Jones and the development of the first movie, as well as trivia about the film. Then Ali asks Asif about Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) (39:39). Asif goes over the genetic cause of the disorder as well as the common presenting symptoms. Asif then goes over the (near-miraculous) new treatments for SMA and the high cost of these new therapies.
Show notes:
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The Making Of Raiders Of The Lost Ark: https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/indiana-jones-making-raiders-lost-ark/
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Advances in Treatment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy – New Phenotypes, New Challenges, New Implications for Care: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7029319/
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YouTube video links from various US hospitals regarding patients treated for spinal muscular atrophy:
August 20, 2021
To start the episode, Ali’s recounts a recent Drive-in comedy show he did with Shaun Majumder (1:03). Then Asif asks about the course Ali teaches at Queen’s University and whether you can “teach funny” (7:38). Ali then talks about various exercises he used with his students to develop their comedic skills. Ali then discusses various books on the history of comedy and to help with honing one’s stand up. Then Ali asks Asif about ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) (36:02). They discuss about how a listener suggested they address the topic and go over the symptoms and how there is often a delay in diagnosis. Asif clarifies that while Lou Gehrig had the disease, Stephen Hawking likely did not. They talk about the lack of effective treatments and the need for more advocacy regarding ALS. Finally, they discuss the case of Chris Snow, former Calgary Flames Assistant General Manager and his diagnosis and experimental treatment for a genetic form of ALS.
Show notes:
August 13, 2021
In this very special episode, Ali and Asif interview ophthalmologist, comedian and social media sensation Dr. Will Flannary aka Dr. Glaucomflecken. In their hilarious and wide ranging chat they discuss:
- His comedic influences
- How he got started doing stand up and how he transitioned to social media
- His philosophy of comedy, ‘punching up’ and why one should be cognizant of power dynamics when doing medical comedy
- Doctor stereotypes
- The benefits of letting patients see your comedic side
- The charity ‘First Descents’ and the impact it has made in his life
PLUS Ali asks random eye questions to Dr. Glaucomflecken!!!
August 6, 2021
Today, after playing a clip of Will Ferrell ‘heckling’ Jimmy Fallon on the tonight show (1:52), Ali discusses heckling in comedy (2:25). He discusses the different types of interruptions that can occur and the ‘dangers’ of crowd work and a crazy story from Sudbury, Ontario. Then Asif discusses the idea of ‘difficult” parents in pediatrics (24:39)-- and quickly dismisses this terminology and emphasizes the need to reframe these as ‘difficult relationships’. He then discusses some of the tensions that exist in doctor-parent-patient relationships. Asif then lists 10 tips for doctors on ways to address difficult relationships and some ways for families to navigate their dealings with doctors.
The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.
Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay
Contact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.com
Follow us on Social media:
Twitter: @doctorvcomedian
Instagram: doctorvcomedian
Show notes
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The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: Peter and His Heckler - "Don't Stop Believin'" (with Will Ferrell):
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Difficult Relationships Between Parents and Physicians of Children With Cancer: A Qualitative Study of Parent and Physician Perspectives. Cancer February 15, 2017; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27727442
July 30, 2021
In this episode, Asif starts things off by discussing how he finally got around to seeing Zach Snyder’s Justice League (1:00) and they compare the viewing experience to Christopher Nolan’s Tenet. The guys then discuss clowns in comedy as well as hospital clowns. First, Ali discusses the different types of clowns and the history of clowning (4:59). Then he discusses a specific subtype of clown, “Le Bouffon” and why Sacha Baron Cohen loves to be called one.. Finally, Ali discusses modern entertainers who can be considered clowns. Next, Asif discusses the history of hospital clowns AKA doctor clowns (20:18). He reviews the history of hospital clowning, the type of people who become hospital clowns, and the job requirements. Asif discusses his personal experiences with hospital clowns, what the scientific evidence says about their effectiveness, and medical students doing rotations with hospital clowns.
The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.
Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay
Contact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.com
Follow us on Social media:
Twitter: @doctorvcomedian
Instagram: doctorvcomedian
Show Notes:
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For Actor-Activist Sacha Baron Cohen, Being Called A 'Bouffon' Is A Good Thing: https://www.capradio.org/news/npr/story?storyid=980502414
- Hospital Clowns -- modern day court jesters at work, The Lancet, 2006: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(06)69919-4/fulltext
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Effectiveness of hospital clowns for symptom management in paediatrics: systematic review of randomised and non-randomised controlled trial, British Medical Journal, 2020: https://www.bmj.com/content/371/bmj.m4290
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Hospital clowning: a paediatrician’s view, European Journal of Pediatrics, 2017: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5243901/
- The Best Medicine. How clowning around at CHEO is teaching new doctors empathy: https://newsinteractives.cbc.ca/longform/how-clowning-around-is-teaching-new-doctors-empathy
July 23, 2021
On today’s episode the guys first off start talking about last week’s Emmy nominations, including the surprises and snubs (00:54). Then Asif asks Ali about his thoughts on ‘Ted Lasso’ (5:16). The guys talk about the development of the show and praise the performances of the cast, particularly Jason Sudeikis and Hannah Waddingham. They then talk about why the show has resonated with so many people during the pandemic. They also discuss the real life parallels between Ted Lasso’s personal life and Jason Sudeikis’. Then Ali asks Asif about psychedelics in medicine and their surprising connection to Ted Lasso (24:18). Asif talks about psychedelics being brought to prominence by the author Micheal Pollan and discusses the emerging evidence for their use in mental health.
The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.
Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay
Contact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.com
Follow us on Social media:
Twitter: @doctorvcomedian
Instagram: doctorvcomedian
Show Notes
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How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence: https://michaelpollan.com/books/how-to-change-your-mind/
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'Reluctant Psychonaut' Michael Pollan Embraces The 'New Science' Of Psychedelics: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/05/15/611225541/reluctant-psychonaut-michael-pollan-embraces-the-new-science-of-psychedelics
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Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16826400/
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Neural correlates of the psychedelic state as determined by fMRI studies with psilocybin: https://www.pnas.org/content/109/6/2138
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Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2772630
July 15, 2021
On today’s episode, the guys start off by reminiscing about the career of the acclaimed director Richard Donner (1:07). They talk about his classic films including ‘Superman’, ‘The Goonies’, ‘Scrooged’, ‘Lethal Weapon’, as well as the not so classic ‘16 Blocks’ (featuring a classically bad vocal choice by Mos Def). Then Asif asks Ali about his thoughts on Mindy Kaling’s ‘Never have I Ever’ (7:25), whose second season is out now on Netflix. They talk about the excellent casting choice of the previously unknown Maitreyi Ramakrishnan. The guys discuss the diverse representation in the show and how the show depicts the idea of growing up South Asian in North America. Then Asif asks Ali about conversion disorder (aka functional neurologic disorder) which is depicted in season 1 of the show (31:12). Asif talks about the diagnosis, how it comes about and how it is NOT people ‘faking’ symptoms. The guys also reference Ricky Bobby from ‘Talladega Nights’. Asif then talks about the prognosis and treatment of the disorder.
The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.
Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay
Contact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.com
Follow us on Social media:
Twitter: @doctorvcomedian
Instagram: doctorvcomedian
Show Notes:
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What South Asian Youth Are Saying About Devi from "Never Have Ever":
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Decade of progress in motor functional neurological disorder: continuing the momentum:
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- https://www.neurosymptoms.org/en_US/
- Paralympics and conversion disorder: https://jnnp.bmj.com/content/87/2/217
