In this episode of Your Health, Your Wealth, Dr. Eddie Patton welcomes Dr. David Sandberg, recently retired pediatric neurosurgeon from the UT Department of Neurosciences in Houston. Dr. Sandberg opens up about his journey into pediatric neurosurgery, from early inspirations to impactful patient care experiences, including his mission work in Honduras and navigating the challenges of complex, high-risk cases.

The conversation explores a range of topics, such as the realities of defensive medicine, the emotional weight of delivering difficult news to families, and why compassion is fundamental to good medical practice. Dr. Sandberg also reflects on his own personal journey, including his diagnosis with early-onset Parkinson’s disease and how that influenced his decision to retire. He introduces his new book, Brain and Heart, which chronicles the intersection of life as a physician and the personal obstacles he has faced, offering an honest look at the human side of medicine.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Patton HERE.

Subscribe to Your Health, Your Wealth on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your favorite podcasts. 

Order Dr. Sandberg's book Brain and Heart on Amazon here.

Key Takeaways
The Emotional Impact of Medicine: Dr. Sandberg shares how physicians are profoundly affected by their patients’ outcomes—celebrating life-saving successes, but also carrying the sorrow of setbacks and loss. Empathy and genuine human connection are vital, with doctors often bearing emotional burdens beyond the hospital.
Challenges of Pediatric Neurosurgery: Treating young patients is both technically and emotionally demanding. The intricate nature of working with children’s brains and the high stakes of each case mean the field is marked by both exhilarating successes and heartbreaking lows, requiring a special kind of resilience and dedication.
Adversity and Perspective: Dr. Sandberg discusses the unpredictability of both medicine and life—facing lawsuits and his own Parkinson’s diagnosis. He stresses the value of humility, gratitude, and maintaining perspective, no matter the circumstances.
Compassionate Communication: Delivering hard news to families is an unavoidable part of the job. Dr. Sandberg advocates for honesty and emotional presence during these moments, believing that openness and compassion can help families feel supported and less isolated.
Demystifying the Medical Profession: Through his book and this conversation, Dr. Sandberg aims to provide clarity about what physicians truly experience—for patients, families, and future doctors alike. By sharing real stories, he hopes to foster understanding and help guide those considering a career in medicine.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Pediatric Neurosurgery and Hope's Role

06:17 Transformative Medical Aid in Honduras

07:14 Bringing Hope Amid Resource Limitations

12:07 Neurosurgery's Unpredictable Challenges

16:28 Reflections of a Neurosurgeon

18:05 Doctor Diagnosed with Parkinson's

21:02 Emotional Connection in Medicine

In this episode of&nbsp;Your Health, Your Wealth, Dr. Eddie Patton welcomes Dr. David Sandberg, recently retired pediatric neurosurgeon from the UT Department of Neurosciences in Houston. Dr. Sandberg opens up about his journey into pediatric neurosurgery, from early inspirations to impactful patient care experiences, including his mission work in Honduras and navigating the challenges of complex, high-risk cases.
The conversation explores a range of topics, such as the realities of defensive medicine, the emotional weight of delivering difficult news to families, and why compassion is fundamental to good medical practice. Dr. Sandberg also reflects on his own personal journey, including his diagnosis with early-onset Parkinson&rsquo;s disease and how that influenced his decision to retire. He introduces his new book, Brain and Heart, which chronicles the intersection of life as a physician and the personal obstacles he has faced, offering an honest look at the human side of medicine.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Patton <a href="https://www.eddiepattonmd.com/">HERE</a>.
Subscribe to Your Health, Your Wealth on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-health-your-wealth/id1753618933">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5Kt5d56fOGpaPnn2PmwPb2?si=c6f20d1320484e33">Spotify</a>, and wherever you get your favorite podcasts.&nbsp;
Order Dr. Sandberg's book Brain and Heart on Amazon <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Heart-Struggles-Pediatric-Neurosurgeon/dp/1639368930">here</a>.
Key Takeaways
<ol>
<li>The Emotional Impact of Medicine: Dr. Sandberg shares how physicians are profoundly affected by their patients&rsquo; outcomes&mdash;celebrating life-saving successes, but also carrying the sorrow of setbacks and loss. Empathy and genuine human connection are vital, with doctors often bearing emotional burdens beyond the hospital.</li>
<li>Challenges of Pediatric Neurosurgery: Treating young patients is both technically and emotionally demanding. The intricate nature of working with children&rsquo;s brains and the high stakes of each case mean the field is marked by both exhilarating successes and heartbreaking lows, requiring a special kind of resilience and dedication.</li>
<li>Adversity and Perspective: Dr. Sandberg discusses the unpredictability of both medicine and life&mdash;facing lawsuits and his own Parkinson&rsquo;s diagnosis. He stresses the value of humility, gratitude, and maintaining perspective, no matter the circumstances.</li>
<li>Compassionate Communication: Delivering hard news to families is an unavoidable part of the job. Dr. Sandberg advocates for honesty and emotional presence during these moments, believing that openness and compassion can help families feel supported and less isolated.</li>
<li>Demystifying the Medical Profession: Through his book and this conversation, Dr. Sandberg aims to provide clarity about what physicians truly experience&mdash;for patients, families, and future doctors alike. By sharing real stories, he hopes to foster understanding and help guide those considering a career in medicine.</li>
</ol>
Timestamped Overview
00:00 Pediatric Neurosurgery and Hope's Role
06:17 Transformative Medical Aid in Honduras
07:14 Bringing Hope Amid Resource Limitations
12:07 Neurosurgery's Unpredictable Challenges
16:28 Reflections of a Neurosurgeon
18:05 Doctor Diagnosed with Parkinson's
21:02 Emotional Connection in Medicine

In Your Health, Your Wealth, renowned neurologist Dr. Eddie Patton exposes the hidden forces driving up medical costs for millions of Americans. From the fragmented healthcare infrastructure to hospital billing practices and pharmaceutical pricing, Dr. Patton provides an exhaustive examination of why the U.S. spends significantly more on healthcare than other nations.

"The US healthcare system emphasizes autonomy and choice for patients,” said Dr. Patton during episode one. "Accessibility is a key term that will be important in healthcare as we move forward." 

Dr. Eddie Patton is a recipient of Texas Monthly Magazine's SuperDoctors®, Houstonia Magazine's Top Doctors awards, and was appointed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to the Texas Council on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders. These accolades, along with his decades of experience, make him the ideal host for a podcast like this.

The podcast is a must-listen for anyone grappling with skyrocketing premiums, outrageous medical bills, or lack of access to quality care. Dr. Patton encourages listeners to "Increase your mindset, health set, and heart set as it pertains to your health and the healthcare system.”

In Your Health, Your Wealth, renowned neurologist Dr. Eddie Patton exposes the hidden forces driving up medical costs for millions of Americans. From the fragmented healthcare infrastructure to hospital billing practices and pharmaceutical pricing, Dr. Patton provides an exhaustive examination of why the U.S. spends significantly more on healthcare than other nations.
"The US healthcare system emphasizes autonomy and choice for patients,” said Dr. Patton during episode one. "Accessibility is a key term that will be important in healthcare as we move forward." 
Dr. Eddie Patton is a recipient of Texas Monthly Magazine's SuperDoctors®, Houstonia Magazine's Top Doctors awards, and was appointed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to the Texas Council on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders. These accolades, along with his decades of experience, make him the ideal host for a podcast like this.
The podcast is a must-listen for anyone grappling with skyrocketing premiums, outrageous medical bills, or lack of access to quality care. Dr. Patton encourages listeners to "Increase your mindset, health set, and heart set as it pertains to your health and the healthcare system.”

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