Faisel and Friends: A Primary Care Podcast
Health, Fitness & Longevity
About
Dive deep into the cutting edge of healthcare transformation, explore innovative approaches to primary care, and tackle physician burnout. Join hosts Dr. Faisel Syed and Dr. Dan McCarter as they delve into the issues plaguing the country's most vulnerable populations. They engage with healthcare thought leaders, unsung heroes, and other professionals who share their perspectives on revolutionizing the healthcare industry and rebuilding faith in medicine. If you're a primary care physician seeking to make a difference, this podcast is your guide to transforming healthcare through high-touch primary care.
Episodes
- Ep. 191 Sharing Care: Expanding Primary Care Delivery w/ Dr. Yasir Abdul-Rahman
In episode 191, Faisel and Friends discuss expanding primary care delivery with Dr. Yasir Abdul-Rahman. The conversation covers virtual group visits, enhancing patient outcomes, alleviating physician burnout, and fostering community in sha…
- Ep. 190 More than Just Mom: the Role of Family and Community in Maternal Health w/ Dr. Esa Davis
Dr. Esa Davis discusses the importance of family and community support in maternal health, emphasizing continuity of care and collaboration with community health professionals for holistic patient well-being.
- Ep. 189 The Doctor Abides: Simple Rules of Family Medicine w/ Dr. Kurt Stange
In Ep. 189, Faisel and Dan speak with Dr. Kurt Stange about "The Doctor Abides: Simple Rules of Family Medicine." They explore the roles of generalists and specialists, the importance of primary care, and the influence of family physicians.
- Ep. 188 Optimizing the Match: the Residency Selection Improvement Initiative w/ Dr. Karen Mitchell
Dr. Karen Mitchell joins Faisel and Dan to discuss the Residency Selection Improvement Initiative, aiming to enhance the resident application process and address the applicant-offer gap in family medicine.
- Ep. 187 A Call to Action: the Primary Care Triple Double w/ Dr. Asaf Bitton
Dr. Asaf Bitton discusses the Primary Care Triple Double with Faisel and Dan, focusing on the next four years of primary care advancement, the factors needed to achieve this vision, and the outcomes of these efforts. Learn more about the P…
- Ep. 186 Rural Collective Care: Primary Care That Shows Up w/ Dr. Jim Lancaster
Dr. Jim Lancaster joins Faisel and Dan to discuss Rural Collective Care, emphasizing value measurement, community-focused patient care, and advancing rural healthcare.
- Ep. 185 Physician as Patient: Navigating the Healthcare System in an Emergency w/ Dr. Lauren Hughes
In episode 185, Faisel and Dan speak with Dr. Lauren Hughes about her experience as a patient after a car accident. They discuss navigating insurance, the challenges of patient responsibility during a crisis, and the policy changes require…
- Ep. 184 The Compass of Connection: Using Moral Insight to Guide Patient-Centered Care w/ Dr. Peter Murphy
In episode 184, Dr. Peter Murphy discusses Direct Primary Care, moral injury related to financial harm in healthcare, and building value-based care models focused on relationships.
- Ep. 183 A Year in Review: Looking Forward to 2026
In Ep. 183, Faisel and Dan review the learnings from 2025 and look ahead to 2026. They discuss improving the healthcare system, expanding access to Direct Primary Care, and personalizing care coordination for better outcomes.
- Ep. 182 Following the Information Blueprint: Restoring Joy in Primary Care w/ Karen Johnson, PhD
Faisel and Friends episode 182 features Karen Johnson, PhD, discussing the Primary Care Information Blueprint. The conversation focuses on using AI and improving information flow to reduce practice burdens and enhance trust within healthca…
- Ep. 181 Smarter Tech, Stronger Connections w/ Dr. Paulius Mui & Dr. Gina Engel
Faisel and Dan, joined by Dr. Paulius Mui and Dr. Gina Engel, discuss leveraging technology and AI to strengthen human connection and clinical judgment in healthcare, emphasizing technology as support. The conversation was recorded live at…
- Ep. 180 Reclaiming the Human Interaction in The Age of AI w/ Dr. Steven Waldren & Dr. Jay Lee
Faisel and Friends episode 180 features Dr. Steven Waldren and Dr. Jay Lee discussing how to reclaim human interaction in the age of AI. The conversation focuses on empowering clinicians, optimizing team collaboration, and reinforcing the…
- Ep. 179 Empowering Patients to Make the Best Decisions w/ Dr. Alex McDonald
In episode 179 of Faisel and Friends, Faisel and Dan discuss empowering patients with Dr. Alex McDonald. Topics include vaccination options, building online communities, and lifestyle medicine.
- Ep. 178 Raising the Bar in Value Based Primary Care Payment w/ Purva Rawal, PhD
In episode 178, Faisel and friends discuss value-based primary care payment with Purva Rawal, PhD. Topics include navigating healthcare policy changes, moving away from fee-for-service, and utilizing community relationships in alternative…
- Ep. 177 Growth, Equity, and Alignment in Primary Care Systems w/ Dr. Doug Jacobs
In episode 177, Faisel and Friends hosts Faisel and Dan interview Dr. Doug Jacobs, Executive Director of the Maryland Health Care Commission, to discuss growth, equity, and alignment in primary care systems. They cover fee-for-service cons…
- Ep. 176 Teaching Tomorrow’s Family Doctors: Residency, Resilience, and New Models of Care w/ Dr. Makandall Saint Eloi, Dr. Christian Widder and Dr. Farah Shaukat
Faisel and Dan are joined by Dr. Makandall Saint Eloi, Dr. Christian Widder, and Dr. Farah Shaukat to discuss teaching tomorrow’s family doctors, resilience in residency, and new models of care, including AI in family medicine. The discuss…
- Ep. 175 From Inspiration to Impact: Family Medicine at the Crossroads of Change w/ Shawn Martin and Dr. Tina Sharma
Faisel and Friends features Shawn Martin and Dr. Tina Sharma discussing the future of Family Medicine, including the direct primary care movement and AI's role. The conversation was recorded live at the AAFP's FUTURE conference.
- Ep. 174 Direct Primary Care: a Rising Tide for American Healthcare w/ Dr. Jeffrey Davenport
In episode 174, Faisel and Dan talk with Dr. Jeffrey Davenport about Direct Primary Care's growing influence on American healthcare. They cover recent policy shifts, the alternative care model movement, and achieving physician satisfaction.
- Ep. 173 Beyond the Copay: DPC, HSAs, and the Politics of Change w/ Jay Keese
Faisel and Dan discuss healthcare delivery, IRS policy, and Direct Primary Care with Jay Keese, CEO of Capitol Advocates and Executive Director of the Direct Primary Care Coalition. The episode explores leveraging policy to improve patient…
- Ep. 172 Taking Care: of Ourselves, Each Other, and Our System w/ Dr. Asaf Bitton
In Ep. 172, Dr. Asaf Bitton discusses with Faisel and Dan how to innovate payment models, extend patient care beyond clinic visits, and improve connections with patients and colleagues.
- Ep. 171 Advanced Primary Care: Investing in Happier and Healthier Patients w/ Dr. Jon Leizman
In episode 171 of Faisel and Friends, Faisel and Dan discuss Advanced Primary Care with Dr. Jon Leizman, Chief Medical Officer at Premise Health. The conversation covers primary care access, the shift in employer-based healthcare, and the…
- Ep. 170 Relationships and Community: the Fabric of Rural Health w/ Dr. Sonya Bruton
In this episode, Faisel and Dan host Dr. Sonya Bruton to explore the connection between relationships, community, and rural health. They discuss the link between physical and behavioral health, the importance of physician passion, and pati…
- Ep. 169 Innovations in Primary Care: Independent & Rural Practices
Faisel and Friends features a panel discussing innovations in independent and rural primary care practices. Experts explore solutions for community care, rural workforce shortages, and financial challenges faced by independent practices.
- Ep. 168 Addressing the Chronic Disease Crisis: The Foundation of Making America Healthy
This episode of Faisel and Friends features a panel discussion on addressing the chronic disease crisis in America. The conversation focuses on making primary care a viable career, optimizing patient processes, and utilizing multidisciplin…
- Ep. 167 Connecting Back to Care: Reimagining Maternal Health w/ Dr. Esa Davis
Dr. Esa Davis discusses reimagining maternal health on Faisel and Friends, focusing on navigating challenging medical situations and creating a psychologically safe healthcare environment where patient voices are central.
- Ep. 166 From Pain to Purpose: Transforming Trauma into Healing w/ Dr. Jeff Brenner
Faisel and Dan are joined by Dr. Jeff Brenner to discuss transforming trauma into healing. They cover unexpected findings in coordinated care, the medicalization of social issues, and the significance of timely empathy in mental health.
- Ep. 165 Expanding the Frontier: The Future of Primary Care w/ Tim Gronniger
Faisel and Dan speak with Tim Gronniger, CEO of Hopscotch Primary Care, about the future of primary care, particularly in rural areas and the next generation of primary care practices.
- Ep. 164 The Reality of Residency: Shaping Tomorrow’s Family Physicians w/ Dr. Sarah Cole
In episode 164, Faisel and Dan speak with Dr. Sarah Cole about the realities of residency, focusing on workload, leadership opportunities, and the 2025 family medicine Match.
- Ep. 163 Primary Care Scorecard: The Cost of Neglect w/ Dr. Yalda Jabbarpour
Dr. Yalda Jabbarpour discusses the Primary Care Scorecard with Faisel and Dan, covering the major strains on primary care in 2025, the emphasis on prevention, and factors influencing workforce retention and depletion.
- Ep. 162 Compassion in Code: Leveraging Technology for Personalized Patient Care w/ Dr. David Carmouche
Dr. David Carmouche joins Faisel and Dan on Faisel and Friends to discuss leveraging technology for personalized patient care. The episode covers industry adoption of healthcare technologies, influencing health equity factors, and AI-Physi…
- Ep. 161 Primary Care MVPs: Excellence in Cost and Outcomes w/ Dr. Alison Huffstetler
Dr. Alison Huffstetler joins Faisel and Dan to discuss Primary Care MVPs, focusing on excellence in cost and outcomes. The episode explores research supporting clinicians through changing models, the shrinking primary care workforce, and s…
- Ep. 160 Primary Care on the Brink: Towards a Healthier Tomorrow w/ Timothy Hoff, PhD
Timothy Hoff, PhD joins Faisel and Dan to discuss "Primary Care on the Brink: Towards a Healthier Tomorrow." They cover collaboration between primary care physicians and specialists, private sector roles in shaping future primary care, and…
- Ep. 159 Resolution: Hope for Holistic Health in 2025
In episode 159, Faisel and Dan look forward to 2025 with a focus on holistic health, exploring how lifestyle choices can create lasting impacts and the importance of preventive primary care.
- Ep. 158 Humanity and Health in the Age of AI w/ Dr. Steven Lin
Dr. Steven Lin discusses the role of AI in family medicine with Faisel and Dan, focusing on improving the doctor-patient relationship and addressing social equity in healthcare.
- Ep. 157 Connecting Hearts and Health: Creating an Empathetic EHR w/ Kyna Fong, PhD
Kyna Fong, PhD, CEO and Co-Founder of Elation Health, joins Faisel and Dan to discuss building an empathetic EHR. The episode covers the importance of the human relationship in healthcare and how a primary care tool can empower physicians.
- Ep. 156 Primary Care Pulse Check: Transitioning in a Time of Uncertainty w/ Shawn Martin
In episode 156, Faisel and Dan speak with Shawn Martin, CEO of the American Academy of Family Physicians, about strengthening primary care, advancing population health, and engaging future healthcare professionals in alternative care model…
- Ep. 155 Pursuing Equitable Access to High Quality Care w/ Dr. Mark Gwynne
Dr. Mark Gwynne joins Faisel and Dan to discuss pursuing equitable access to high-quality care. The conversation covers value-based care, collaborative outcomes, and transforming access for better population health.
- Ep. 154 Embracing the Future of Advanced Primary Care w/ Dr. Kevin Spencer & Dr. Vikki DiGennaro
In episode 154 of Faisel and Friends, hosts Faisel and Dan speak with Dr. Vikki DiGennaro and Dr. Kevin Spencer about the future of advanced primary care. They explore risk-bearing models, personalized patient care, and the influence of Me…
- Ep. 153 Healing the Healers: Advances in Physician Wellbeing w/ Corey Feist & Dr. Stefanie Simmons
Corey Feist and Dr. Stefanie Simmons join Faisel and Friends to discuss advances in physician wellbeing. They cover how team-based care supports clinicians, bipartisan policy support for healthcare workers' mental health, and improving wel…
- Ep. 152 Illuminating the Path to DPC w/ Dr. Michelle Cooke
Faisel and Dan speak with Dr. Michelle Cooke about Direct Primary Care, covering community service, business models in American healthcare, and the wellness of both patients and physicians.
- Ep. 151 From Classroom to Clinic: Leadership in Healthcare Innovation w/ Dr. Wendy Barr
Faisel and Dan interview Dr. Wendy Barr about leadership in healthcare innovation, emphasizing collaboration in medical education and the importance of incorporating leadership training during residency.
- Ep. 150 Investing in the Future: Healing Access to Primary Care w/ Dr. Yalda Jabbarpour
In episode 150, Dr. Yalda Jabbarpour discusses the importance of investing in primary care to improve life expectancy and population health. The conversation covers essential infrastructure changes and how effective care teams contribute t…
- Ep. 149 Fixing the Foundation: Rebuilding with Lifestyle Medicine w/ Karen Johnson, PhD and Dr. Padmaja Patel
In episode 149, Faisel and Friends discuss lifestyle medicine with guests Karen Johnson, PhD, and Dr. Padmaja Patel. The conversation covers addressing patient concerns through lifestyle behaviors, policy changes, and providing quality car…
- Ep. 148 Striking the Balance: Moving towards Value Based Care w/ Michael Kopko
Michael Kopko, CEO of Pearl Health, discusses value-based care with Faisel and Friends, covering patient care outside of office visits, cost reduction without sacrificing quality, and addressing panel sizes for physicians.
- Ep. 147 Resiliency, Empowerment, and the Pursuit of Rewarding Primary Care
In episode 147, Faisel and Friends discuss resiliency, empowerment, and the pursuit of rewarding primary care with Dr. William Fox, Chairman of the American College of Physicians. They explore physicians' tools, support for time efficiency…
- Ep. 146 PrimaryCare24: See the Possibilities
Faisel and Dan recap the PrimaryCare24 event, covering support for physician leaders, innovation, key takeaways from primary care change makers, and the importance of supporting primary care workers.
- Ep. 145 Breaking Barriers in Primary Care through Innovative Models w/ Liz Fowler, PhD
Liz Fowler, PhD, JD, Director of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, joins Faisel and Dan to discuss innovative models for breaking barriers in primary care. The conversation covers incentives for access and equity, multi-org…
- Ep. 144 Primary Care Champions: Nurturing a Healthier Tomorrow
In episode 144, Faisel and Friends delve into the topic of Primary Care Champions. The hosts discuss challenges in delivering quality care, the moral injury experienced by physicians, and the importance of negotiations in preserving the do…
- Ep. 143 ChatGPT MD: AI Empowered Medicine w/ Dr. Robert Pearl
Dr. Robert Pearl joins Faisel and Dan to discuss generative AI in medicine, exploring how clinicians can manage patient success with AI tools and the difference between AI-generated knowledge and true expertise.
- Ep. 142 Beyond Insurance: the Assurance of Direct Primary Care w/ Dr. Kenneth Qiu
Dr. Kenneth Qiu discusses the Direct Primary Care (DPC) model with Faisel and Dan. The conversation covers prioritizing patient care, managing costs, and personalizing treatment within the DPC framework.