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Episode Overview: In this episode, Dr. Michael Foti discusses the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in the healthcare profession. Dr. Foti is an internal medicine physician and faculty at the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is also on the board of directors for the New York State Osteopathic Medical Society and vice president of the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Orange County, New York.

Introduction to Dr. Foti:

1. Dr. Michael Foti discusses his roles and contributions in various medical organizations.

Personal Mental Health Journey:

1. Dr. Foti shares his personal experience with mental health struggles, exacerbated during his intern year amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. He describes the intense pressures of his training and the personal loss of his mother to undiagnosed stage four lung cancer

The Impact of Stigma:

1. Dr. Foti highlights the stigma associated with mental health issues in the healthcare field.

Overcoming Mental Health Challenges:

1. Dr. Foti details his own struggles with panic disorder and the severe symptoms he experienced.
2. He emphasizes the importance of seeking help and shares his journey of getting better through therapy and medication.

Healthcare Workers and Mental Health:

1. Discussion about the challenges healthcare workers face regarding mental health and the fear of professional repercussions.
2. Dr. Foti mentions the legal protections for mental health issues under the ADA and ongoing legislative efforts to support mental health in the healthcare workforce.

Legislative Efforts and Advocacy:

1. Introduction to the Dr. Lorna Breen Provider Protection Act, which aims to support mental health for healthcare workers.
2. Dr. Foti’s involvement in national advocacy for mental health, including speaking engagements with the U.S. Surgeon General

Practical Tips for Mental Health:

Dr. Foti's Book:

1. Discussion of Dr. Foti’s book, "Grief: A Doctor’s Battle with Anxiety and Depression," which started as a therapeutic exercise.
2. The book includes personal experiences and patient stories from the COVID-19 pandemic and aims to empower others to seek help.

About Dr Michael Foti
Author of Grief: A Doctor's Battle with Anxiety and Depression. Vice President of NAMI Orange County NY. NYS Osteopathic Medical Society Board of Director. Clinical Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Book
https://amzn.to/4cg4g7l

Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-f-6324b526a/

The Power of Peacefulness and Stress Relief Podcast was created by Sharon McLaughlin MD FACS to help normalize mental health.

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