Five years ago this month, I died. I mean, not for long—but long enough. In this episode, I talk about it. The cardiac arrest. The four-year curse. The memory gaps. The part where Kristen saved my life on a mattress, then got told I was “end of life” and left in a hospital hallway with no cell service. I don’t usually get into this on the podcast, but it’s time. I also talk about what it’s like to return to clinic too soon, what empathy fatigue feels like when it hits you mid-exam, and why Australia’s healthcare system makes me want to scream and cry and hug a Medicare card. Oh, and yes, I checked—I did not get a single ophthalmology consult while hospitalized. Rude.
Takeaways:
I Gave the Saddest Talk in Australia—and They Thanked Me for It.
Nothing like telling an entire country of surgeons: "Whatever the U.S. does, do the opposite."
We’ve Got Trauma. We’ve Got Memory Loss. We’ve Got... Thai Food?
My hippocampus was out to lunch, but at least I wasn’t. Shoutout to solo dinners in Sydney.
Cardiac Arrest Might’ve Been the Easy Part.
Kristen had to do chest compressions. Then fight a hospital. Then explain to our kids why Dad was suddenly gone.
Empathy Fatigue is Real. And It’s Ugly.
I went back to work too soon. And I knew it the moment I got irrationally annoyed by dry eye complaints.
I Think My Wife Asked for Artificial Tears While I Was in the ICU.
I can't prove this, but it feels on brand. I’ll confirm and get back to you.
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