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I Quit: Dying for the Fifth Time; Why I Fled the Country; My Baby, My Nightmare

— Three Anamnesis physician stories about quitting

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Anamnesis is a podcast where we feature the story side of medicine -- not the science, or the drug dosing, or the techniques of procedures -- but the things that really keep up in medicine. The moments that make us cry, that make us laugh, that sometimes make us laugh and cry within seconds of each other.

So with this theme of "I Quit," it means many things in medicine. Sometimes it means literally why we quit medicine -- because sometimes we do.

It could mean why we quit something else to go into medicine -- because we have plenty of those as well. It could mean our patients saying "I quit" -- and us either supporting them in that or helping to show them the light. For me, I think I've personally cycled through all of those – had moments where I wanted to quit, had moments where I did quit, and moments where I both helped patients quit or got them to not. And I'm sure you have too.

No matter how you take it, "Quitting isn't for quitters, or losers," as the old saying goes. Quitting is sometimes the right decision and sometimes just a part of life.

Note: We produce Anamnesis for the ear. If at all possible, we strongly suggest listening to the audio. Much as we love the written word, voices convey nuanced intonation and emotion. We provide an edited transcript, but please double-check the actual audio before attempting quotation or reference. Click through for the edited transcripts of each story:

Chapter One. Dying for the Fifth Time: (2:10) David chases his own cure for a rare condition and ends up on a mission for many others. Story by David Fajgenbaum, MD.

Chapter Two. Why I Fled the Country: (13:55) When a hospital acquisition forces Joseph into an untenable position, he ends up having to leave the country. Story by Joseph Wiedermann, MD.

Chapter Three. My MD, My Baby, My Nightmare: (25:32) When Sapna, a new mother and fresh doctor, cuts herself and is exposed to HIV, she goes into emotional hiding. Story by Sapna Kudchadkar, MD.

Episode produced by

Hosted by Amy Ho, MD

Sound engineering by

Theme music by Palomar

Want to share your story? Read the Anamnesis Storyteller Tip Sheet and when you're ready, apply here!