Dr. John with Shaunna Sanders, JD/MBA | What is a family physician and how can I use mine?

In this episode, Dr. John interviews his wife, Shaunna Sanders, who has a JD/MBA from BYU. Shaunna shares her experience as a mother of four children, ranging from ages 14 to 21, and how she has navigated modern life and raised her children to be healthy. Shaunna and Dr. John reflect on their personal experiences with the healthcare system, including a story about their daughter’s trachea issue and the challenges of managing healthcare for a newborn while John was in medical school.
Dr. John elaborates on the role and training of family physicians, emphasizing their versatility and comprehensive approach to patient care. He describes the rigorous training family doctors undergo, which includes emergency medicine, internal medicine, and various subspecialties. Dr. John highlights the importance of family physicians in providing continuous care, advocating for patients, and managing both urgent and chronic health conditions. He contrasts the care provided by family doctors with that of urgent care facilities, pointing out the benefits of having a doctor who knows the patient's history and can offer more personalized care.
The discussion also touches on the financial aspects of healthcare, with Shaunna sharing her frustrations about the opaque billing practices she encountered when paying for her child's surgery. Dr. John explains how patients can advocate for themselves to get fair pricing, particularly when paying out of pocket. They also discuss the importance of holistic care, with Dr. John giving examples of how he approaches patient care by considering all aspects of a patient's health, including diet, sleep, and physical activity. The podcast emphasizes the value of having a family doctor who not only provides medical care but also supports and advocates for patients in navigating the complex healthcare system.