Is Laughter the best medicine? We attempt to answer this and other pressing questions in Doctor Vs Comedian. Dr Asif Doja is a pediatric neurologist and Ali Hassan is a stand up comedian and actor (CBC‘s Laugh Out Loud, Designated Survivor, Goon) who are each fascinated by what the other one does. In each episode, Asif picks a topic for Ali from comedy and entertainment and questions Ali about it. Then Ali picks a topic from medicine and health and grills Asif on that subject. We talk about serious subjects in an unserious way. If you want to hear about comedy, entertainment, health and wellness and don‘t want to have to choose between being entertaining AND informed, then this show is for you.
Episodes
Friday Aug 27, 2021
Friday Aug 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 Pulp and Pleasure of ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark,’ 40 Years Later: https://www.theringer.com/movies/2021/6/11/22528978/indiana-jones-raiders-lost-ark-anniversary-lost-knowledge
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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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Spinal muscular atrophy — insights and challenges in the treatment era: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41582-020-00413-4
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Canadian first: Baby with rare disorder given early treatment thanks to new screening at CHEO: https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/canadian-first-baby-with-rare-disorder-given-early-treatment-thanks-to-new-screening-at-cheo-1.5214124
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YouTube video links from various US hospitals regarding patients treated for spinal muscular atrophy:
- UNC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEIXKHptpiQ
- Children’s Hospital Colorado: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DcO4fJ09ng
- Nationwide children’s: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRrqbvUv6gQ
Friday Aug 20, 2021
Episode 25: Can you teach ‘funny’? /ALS
Friday Aug 20, 2021
Friday Aug 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:
- The Stand-Up Comedian's Library: 21 Books For Comics Who Care About Their Craft: https://www.forbes.com/sites/sarahaswell/2019/04/26/the-stand-up-comedians-library-21-books-for-comics-who-care-about-their-craft/?sh=54ea44d565a5
- Time to diagnosis and factors affecting diagnostic delay in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: https://www.jns-journal.com/article/S0022-510X(20)30391-9/fulltext
- The Ice Bucket Challenge and the promise — and the pitfalls — of viral charity: https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2019/7/20/20699732/ice-bucket-challenge-viral-charity-als
- ‘I have been given a gift and extra time’: Flames assistant GM Chris Snow battles with ALS: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/article-i-have-been-given-a-gift-and-extra-time-flames-assistant-gm-chris-snow/
- https://www.kelsiesnowwrites.com/
- https://iamals.org/
- https://www.als.ca/
- https://alsactioncanada.org/
- www.als.org
Friday Aug 13, 2021
Episode 24: Interview with Dr. Glaucomflecken
Friday Aug 13, 2021
Friday Aug 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!!!
Friday Aug 06, 2021
Episode 23: Hecklers / 'Difficult' Patient-Doctor Relationships
Friday Aug 06, 2021
Friday Aug 06, 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
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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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Dealing with difficult parents of patients By: Ajibike Lapite - https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/expert-insights/dealing-with-difficult-parents-of-patients
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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