In this episode, we explore the often hidden struggles of healthcare professionals.Dr. Dhaval Desai and Dr. Jamie Gross share candid stories of burnout, bureaucracy, and the search to reconnect with medicine’s true purpose, reminding us that what affects clinicians ultimately affects patients and the entire system.
Dhaval challenges the myth that Direct Primary Care is only for the wealthy, explaining how it “fosters deeper, more meaningful patient-doctor relationships, free from the administrative burdens that often stifle care.”
“I need somewhere where I can have meaningful relationships with patients without being dictated what I can do, how I can do it, and when I can do it.” — Dr. Dhaval Desai
Jamie and Dhaval reflect on how rigid systems erode clinician morale:
“You didn’t do medicine for the politics… you did medicine because you wanted to make a difference to patients.” — Dr. Jamie Gross
“Lack of autonomy and the disconnection from purpose… [are] one of the biggest drivers for burnout in medicine.” — Dr. Jamie Gross
They also speak to the urgent need for mental health support:
“Every physician should have a therapist… one they can’t outsmart.” — Dr. Dhaval Desai
Despite the challenges, both offer hope — through innovation, authenticity, and reconnecting with purpose:
“What innovations will give me more time back at the bedside — that gives me hope.” — Dr. Dhaval Desai
“Once you start doing what you’re passionate about, that’s where the breakthroughs really happen.” — Dr. Jamie Gross
Healthcare affects us all. Behind the white coats are people juggling families, finances, and emotional strain. Understanding their lived experiences and listening to their voices can inspire better care models, more compassionate policies, and a healthier, more sustainable future for healthcare.
🎧 Press play to hear their stories — and inform your own perspective.
