00:00:00 Dr. Demetrios Louis, a double board-certified anesthesiologist and pain medicine specialist, discusses the hectic end of the year in healthcare due to insurance company deductibles. He mentions that everyone rushes to get treatments done before their deductibles reset on January 1st. Dr. Louis also shares his personal background as a third-generation physician, with both his grandfather and father being doctors, and how their proud legacy in medicine influenced his decision to become a doctor.

00:05:00 In this section of the podcast episode titled "The Patient is Your Boss" with Dr. Demetrios Louis, the topic shifts to the advancements in medicine and technology, and how they have shaped the speaker's career choices and current practice. The speaker shares how his father's work as a former oncologist and his own experiences in medical school inspired him. He also mentions the pride he takes in seeing the quality of work his father did and the advances in science that his father didn't have access to during his time. The speaker reflects on how his father would have felt about the ease of access to information through the internet and the use of PubMed, which was a significant challenge in his father's day. The speaker also mentions that he and his family, who are all in the medical field, often discuss healthcare and medicine during family gatherings. Overall, the speaker expresses gratitude for the advancements in medicine and technology that have made practicing medicine easier and more effective.

00:10:00 Dr. Demetrios Louis discusses the importance of using resources like PubMed and Google to stay updated on medical research and standards of care. He emphasizes the need to validate arguments for patient care and learn new information to provide better treatment. Dr. Louis also acknowledges the limitations of a physician's knowledge and the importance of steering patients in the right direction when unable to help them directly. He highlights the financial implications for patients with high insurance premiums and deductibles, making it crucial for doctors to be advocates for their patients. Dr. Louis, who is double board-certified in anesthesiology and pain medicine, shares that he uses both certifications but focuses more on pain management. He mentions that in the past, he did more anesthesia work but now only does minor sedation occasionally.

00:15:00 Dr. Demetrios Louis outlines his experience balancing the roles of an anesthesiologist and a pain management specialist. He shares how the demands of anesthesia, which often requires long hours in the operating room, made it difficult for him to see patients as a pain specialist. He reflects on how he came to prioritize the patient-centered approach of pain management over the high-pressure environment of anesthesia. Dr. Louis expresses his gratitude for being able to focus solely on pain management, as it allows him to make a significant impact on patients' lives by helping them manage and alleviate their chronic pain. He emphasizes the satisfaction of being able to improve patients' quality of life and their appreciation for the care provided.

00:20:00 Dr. Demetrios Louis discusses the importance of addressing the psychological component of pain management in addition to physical treatments. He explains that a more relaxed and comfortable atmosphere can help reduce pain, and cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques are beneficial for patients. Dr. Louis also shares his experience as an anesthesiologist, emphasizing the importance of taking off and landing during surgery, and the role of anesthesiologists as the captains of the ship ensuring the best outcomes for patients. The conversation also touches on the interventional-based approach in their practice, focusing on correct diagnoses to effectively treat patients with interventions such as injections, nerve blocks, ablations, and implantation of stimulators.

00:25:00 The discussion revolves around various interventional procedures used to alleviate spine-related pain. These less invasive treatments include spinal decompression, nerve ablations, and kyphoplasties/vertebroplasties. The goal is to help patients avoid major surgeries, and these interventions often serve as a bridge before moving to pain management or surgical treatments. The importance of collaboration between pain physicians, surgeons, and internal medicine specialists is emphasized, as patients may move along a continuum of care depending on their response to treatment. Interventions can help diagnose the source of pain and provide temporary relief, allowing for more accurate surgical intervention if necessary. Overall, interventional treatments play a critical role in managing pain and determining the next steps in a patient's care.

00:30:00 Dr. Demetrios Louis discusses the evolution of his perspective on his role as a healthcare professional. He mentions that while in residency and fellowship, he did not initially see himself as a pivotal point in the healthcare spectrum. However, he acknowledges that this understanding often comes with experience. He explains that while in training, one gains a deep understanding of their field, but it's only when in private practice that one encounters the full spectrum of cases and faces the challenges of running a business. He shares an analogy of hitting a "white wall" in one's first few years of practice, where one must figure things out for the sake of the patient. He also notes that while employed doctors may not have the same level of exposure to the business side of medicine, it is a crucial aspect of private practice. Overall, Dr. Louis emphasizes the importance of gaining practical experience and understanding the business side of healthcare to effectively serve patients.

00:35:00 In this section of the podcast episode "The Patient is Your Boss" with Dr. Demetrios Louis, the discussion revolves around the lack of business education medical students and residents receive, particularly in dealing with insurance companies and patient care. Dr. Louis expresses his belief that medical schools should provide more guidance on these matters, as they are crucial aspects of running a successful medical practice. He recalls his own experience, having worked for a hospital after completing his fellowship, and realizing he was unprepared for the business side of medicine. He emphasizes the importance of patients having the freedom to choose their healthcare providers and hopes for changes in medical education to better equip physicians for the real world. The conversation does not directly address what prompted Dr. Louis to go into private practice.

00:40:00 Dr. Demetrios Louis shares his experience of starting a private practice despite facing skepticism and challenges. He explains how his determination to succeed and provide for his family drove him to work long hours and make personal sacrifices to keep the practice afloat. He also discusses the freedom and autonomy that comes with being an independent practitioner, which he values highly.

00:45:00 In this section, they discuss the benefits of private practice for both physicians and patients. Dr. Louis explains that working in a private practice setting allows for better life balance and improved patient interaction. He emphasizes that the patient is the true boss, as their satisfaction and referrals significantly impact a physician's reputation and success. The conversation also touches upon the differences between the independent and employed models, with the former requiring more business savvy and the ability to build a practice through reputation and word of mouth. Overall, the perspective of working for the patient is emphasized as a key aspect of private practice.

00:50:00 Dr. Demetrios Louis discusses the evolution of healthcare insurance companies and how patients have historically functioned as both the patient and the customer. He explains that before the 1960s, patients paid for services directly to doctors, making them the true bosses. Using the analogy of an HVAC installer, Dr. Louis emphasizes that the client is the boss, and the provider's success depends on their satisfaction and referrals. He also shares his perspective on working for investors in his business and how the patient-provider relationship can be viewed in a similar light. The conversation then shifts to discussing the potential future of patient care, with artificial intelligence (AI) being a likely contender for the next big transformation in the industry. AI could allow patients to input their symptoms online, potentially leading to preemptive screenings and prescriptions, with a licensed physician reviewing the results.

00:55:00 Dr. Demetrios Louis lays out the potential benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare. He believes that AI will be particularly helpful in emergency rooms, improving patient flow and triage. AI could also aid in diagnosing diseases, such as breast cancer, more quickly and accurately than humans. However, Dr. Louis emphasizes that while AI can assist in many aspects of healthcare, it cannot replace the art of bedside manner and the human connection between physicians and patients. He also mentions that AI integration into electronic medical records (EMRs) is a possibility for the future.

01:00:00 In this section, Dr. Demetrios Louis discusses the dynamic nature of medicine and the importance of staying updated with new techniques and technologies to better serve patients. He mentions AI as a potential game-changer and expresses excitement about exploring its potential applications in their practice. The conversation then shifts to a rapid-fire question segment where Dr. Louis shares his favorite Greek dish, Bronzino, and recommends several authentic Greek restaurants in Chicago. He also expresses his fondness for turkey and stuffing during Thanksgiving and shares his love for green bean casserole and a unique macaroni corn bake.

01:05:00 Dr. Demetrios Louis engages in a casual conversation with his guest about food and their favorite beverages. The topic shifts to whiskey and bourbon, with Dr. Louis expressing his preference for smooth varieties, particularly those from Kentucky. He mentions his fondness for Buffalo Trace and Willit, among others. The conversation then veers towards football, with Dr. Louis expressing his long-standing loyalty to the Chicago Bears and his prediction that they will lose their upcoming game. He also shares his belief that Jim Harbaugh may become the next coach of the Bears, speculating that Harbaugh, who played for the team in the past, is waiting for a "storied franchise" to revive his NFL career.

01:10:00 Dr. Demetrios Louis discusses the importance of having a good relationship with one's coach or employer, using the example of quarterback Justin Fields and his current situation with the Chicago Bears. He compares it to how some individuals excel in certain corporate environments but struggle in others. Dr. Louis expresses concern that young fans may become too accustomed to the Mahomes era in football and be disappointed when it ends. He also shares his personal experiences growing up with legendary football teams and the impact they had on him.

01:15:00 Dr. Demetrios Louis concludes with the importance of prioritizing patient satisfaction in medical practice. He emphasizes that patients are the ultimate decision-makers in healthcare and that their satisfaction is crucial for the success of a medical practice. Dr. Louis shares his personal experience of how he transformed his approach to patient care by focusing on building strong relationships with his patients and delivering personalized care. He also highlights the importance of effective communication and empathy in creating a positive patient experience. Overall, Dr. Louis encourages healthcare professionals to view their patients as their bosses and to prioritize their needs and satisfaction to build a successful and rewarding medical practice.