Knock Knock Eye: The Pitt: Is This the Most Realistic Medical Show Ever?

In this episode we are joined by a long-awaited guest—the one, the only, Emergency Medicine Doctor. Known for his mile-a-minute energy, caffeine addiction, and refusal to slow down, he makes his first-ever in-person podcast appearance… and it’s just as chaotic as you’d expect. Takeaways: He’s caffeinated. He’s chaotic. And now he’s got a microphone. What happens when a fictional ER doctor enters a real podcast studio? We tested ChatGPT’s joke-writing abilities… and the results were cringe. Batman might belong in the ER—but not for the reason you think. Some patients say wild things under sedation. One of them proposed. — We have an active survey going. Hope you participate here: http://glaucomflecken.com/survey To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! [email protected] Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! – http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact.  For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link:  Anatomy Warehouse Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15 -- A friendly reminder from the G’s and Tarsus: If you want to learn more about Demodex Blepharitis, making an appointment with your eye doctor for an eyelid exam can help you know for sure. Visit http://www.EyelidCheck.com for more information.  Today’s episode is brought to you by DAX Copilot from Microsoft. DAX Copilot is your AI assistant for automating clinical documentation and workflows helping you be more efficient and reduce the administrative burdens that cause us to feel overwhelmed and burnt out. To learn more about how DAX Copilot can help improve healthcare experiences for both you and your patients visit aka.ms/knockknockhi. Produced by Human Content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode I dive deep into the chaotic world of Match Day, exploring the emotional rollercoaster for medical students who match—and those who don’t. I share insights into why family medicine and pediatrics residency spots are going unfilled at alarming rates and what this means for the future of primary care. I also review the medical drama The Pitt, breaking down one of its most realistic emergency eye trauma scenes—complete with a lateral canthotomy and high-pressure eye injuries. Takeaways: Match Day is one of the most stressful times in a medical student’s life, and not matching doesn’t mean your career is over. Family medicine and pediatrics residency spots are going unfilled, raising concerns about the future of primary care. The Pitt is one of the most medically realistic shows, and its portrayal of emergency eye trauma is surprisingly accurate. Medical education is becoming increasingly unaffordable, and debt is pushing students away from lower-paying but essential specialties. ER doctors need to know how to handle emergency eye procedures, including lateral canthotomies and managing high-pressure eye trauma. — We have an active survey going. Hope you participate here: http://glaucomflecken.com/survey To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! [email protected] Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! – http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact.  For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link:  Anatomy Warehouse Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15 -- A friendly reminder from the G’s and Tarsus: If you want to learn more about Demodex Blepharitis, making an appointment with your eye doctor for an eyelid exam can help you know for sure. Visit http://www.EyelidCheck.com for more information.  Today’s episode is brought to you by DAX Copilot from Microsoft. DAX Copilot is your AI assistant for automating clinical documentation and workflows helping you be more efficient and reduce the administrative burdens that cause us to feel overwhelmed and burnt out. To learn more about how DAX Copilot can help improve healthcare experiences for both you and your patients visit aka.ms/knockknockhi. Produced by Human Content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we invite Dr. Ryan Marino, a triple-board-certified toxicologist, addiction specialist, and emergency physician known for his relentless battle against medical misinformation—particularly myths about fentanyl and drug policy onto the podcast to share his shocking experience of being targeted by Tucker Carlson, which led to online harassment, real-life threats, and even attempts to get him fired. Takeaways: The fentanyl “touch overdose” myth is still widely believed, despite overwhelming scientific evidence proving it’s impossible. Tucker Carlson’s attack on Dr. Marino led to real-world harassment, job threats, and an online mob—highlighting the risks of fighting misinformation. Social media is both a tool and a trap—it helps spread accurate medical information but also fuels toxic debates and misinformation. Proposed laws targeting fentanyl analogs may actually hurt public health by criminalizing research into safer treatment options. Doctors engaging in online advocacy can make a difference, but they also need support to withstand the backlash. — Want more Dr. Ryan Marino: BlueSky: @ryanmarino.bsky.social Instagram: @drryanmarino YouTube: @RyanMD We have an active survey going. Hope you participate here: http://glaucomflecken.com/survey To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! [email protected] Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! – http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact.  For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link:  Anatomy Warehouse Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15 -- A friendly reminder from the G’s and Tarsus: If you want to learn more about Demodex Blepharitis, making an appointment with your eye doctor for an eyelid exam can help you know for sure. Visit http://www.EyelidCheck.com for more information.  Today’s episode is brought to you by DAX Copilot from Microsoft. DAX Copilot is your AI assistant for automating clinical documentation and workflows helping you be more efficient and reduce the administrative burdens that cause us to feel overwhelmed and burnt out. To learn more about how DAX Copilot can help improve healthcare experiences for both you and your patients visit aka.ms/knockknockhi. Produced by Human Content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode I go on a private equity rant, breaking down how corporate takeovers are ruining healthcare—just like they’ve wrecked other industries, including Southwest Airlines. I explain how profit-driven ownership models are prioritizing revenue over patient care, forcing doctors into impossible situations and leading to worse outcomes for everyone. Takeaways: Private Equity is a Disaster for Healthcare: Dr. Flanary explains how private equity firms take over medical practices, cut costs, reduce patient care quality, and flip them for profit, leaving physicians and patients suffering. Southwest Airlines’ Private Equity Problem is a Warning: The downfall of Southwest’s customer-friendly policies is just another example of how corporate ownership ruins everything it touches—including medicine. Orthopedic Surgeons Really Love Pickleball: While speaking at an ortho conference, Dr. Flanary witnessed a full pickleball tournament happening inside the exhibit hall—which, honestly, makes a lot of sense for ortho docs. How ERs Handle Eye Emergencies: Not every ER has an on-call ophthalmologist, but level 1 and level 2 trauma centers are required to have one available 24/7—so if you have a serious eye emergency, that’s where you should go. The Internet Really Wants to Talk About Spleens: After joking about replacing the spleen with a second liver, Dr. Flanary responds to fan concerns that spleens can “explode”, clearing up how spleen ruptures actually happen. — We have an active survey going. Hope you participate here: http://glaucomflecken.com/survey To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! [email protected] Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! – http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact.  For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link:  Anatomy Warehouse Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15 -- A friendly reminder from the G’s and Tarsus: If you want to learn more about Demodex Blepharitis, making an appointment with your eye doctor for an eyelid exam can help you know for sure. Visit http://www.EyelidCheck.com for more information.  Today’s episode is brought to you by DAX Copilot from Microsoft. DAX Copilot is your AI assistant for automating clinical documentation and workflows helping you be more efficient and reduce the administrative burdens that cause us to feel overwhelmed and burnt out. To learn more about how DAX Copilot can help improve healthcare experiences for both you and your patients visit aka.ms/knockknockhi. Produced by Human Content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we dive into one of the most debated topics in medical education—should medical students have to work overnight shifts? We break down both sides of the argument, from whether it builds necessary skills to whether it just reinforces unnecessary suffering. Takeaways: Med students doing night shifts remains a heated debate, with strong opinions on both sides about whether it actually improves training. Bribing kids to try harder in sports works… but it may also backfire when they start expecting to be paid for everything. Elizabeth Holmes will remain in prison after losing her appeal, marking another chapter in the Theranos fraud case. Doctors love arguing with each other, especially when it comes to medical education policies and resident training. Understanding motivation is tricky, whether you're training a doctor or a fourth-grade basketball player. — We have an active survey going. Hope you participate here: http://glaucomflecken.com/survey To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! [email protected] Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! – http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact.  For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link:  Anatomy Warehouse Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15 -- A friendly reminder from the G’s and Tarsus: If you want to learn more about Demodex Blepharitis, making an appointment with your eye doctor for an eyelid exam can help you know for sure. Visit http://www.EyelidCheck.com for more information.  Today’s episode is brought to you by DAX Copilot from Microsoft. DAX Copilot is your AI assistant for automating clinical documentation and workflows helping you be more efficient and reduce the administrative burdens that cause us to feel overwhelmed and burnt out. To learn more about how DAX Copilot can help improve healthcare experiences for both you and your patients visit aka.ms/knockknockhi. Produced by Human Content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode I unpack the wildest eye surgery you’ve never heard of—a procedure that uses a patient’s tooth to hold an artificial cornea in place. This rare surgery restores vision in people with severe corneal damage. I also react to Goldie Hawn mentioning her cataracts at the Oscars, discussing why cataracts are a normal part of aging and why most people should have them removed by their 70s. Takeaways: Tooth-Based Eye Surgery Sounds Crazy, But It Works: The osteoodontokeratoprosthesis (OOKP) procedure involves implanting a patient’s tooth into their cheek, then using it as a corneal support. It’s used in extreme cases of corneal blindness when traditional transplants won’t work. Goldie Hawn’s Cataract Revelation at the Oscars: A throwaway comment at the Oscars sent cataract searches skyrocketing, highlighting how common cataracts are after age 60—and why most people should consider surgery by their 70s. Should Cataract Surgery Be Delayed? Dr. Flanary breaks down why waiting too long can make cataract surgery riskier, especially when glare, reading issues, or night driving problems start affecting daily life. Australia Wants to Learn from America’s Healthcare Failures: Ahead of his keynote speech in Sydney, Dr. Flanary shares how Australia is facing growing privatization threats—and why they don’t want to end up with a U.S.-style system. Healthcare Comedy as a Teaching Tool: Dr. Flanary floats the idea of a stand-up show explaining U.S. healthcare, mixing satire and real policy breakdowns to educate audiences worldwide on how we got here. — To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! [email protected] Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! – http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact. For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link: Anatomy Warehouse Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15 Today’s episode is brought to you by DAX Copilot from Microsoft. DAX Copilot is your AI assistant for automating clinical documentation and workflows helping you be more efficient and reduce the administrative burdens that cause us to feel overwhelmed and burnt out. A friendly reminder from the G’s and Tarsus: If you want to learn more about Demodex Blepharitis, making an appointment with your eye doctor for an eyelid exam can help you know for sure. Visit http://www.EyelidCheck.com for more information. Produced by Human Content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we cover a little bit of everything—from childhood misconceptions about adult life to the latest terrible UnitedHealthcare news. Also, Kristin opens up about her official ARFID diagnosis and they revisit the infamous "The Dress" optical illusion 10 years later—has science finally settled the debate on white and gold vs. blue and black? Takeaways: Some kids believe adults don’t have dreams… except about taxes. Kristin has officially been diagnosed with ARFID and has started exposure therapy, which is as terrifying as it sounds. UnitedHealthcare is being investigated (again), this time for allegedly inflating Medicare Advantage claims to get more federal funding. The Dress debate still messes with people’s heads 10 years later, and your brain is constantly interpreting color in ways you don’t realize. Trying to explain your weird internet job to other parents can get awkward fast. — We have an active survey going. Hope you participate here: http://glaucomflecken.com/survey To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! [email protected] Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! – http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact.  For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link:  Anatomy Warehouse Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15 -- A friendly reminder from the G’s and Tarsus: If you want to learn more about Demodex Blepharitis, making an appointment with your eye doctor for an eyelid exam can help you know for sure. Visit http://www.EyelidCheck.com for more information.  Today’s episode is brought to you by DAX Copilot from Microsoft. DAX Copilot is your AI assistant for automating clinical documentation and workflows helping you be more efficient and reduce the administrative burdens that cause us to feel overwhelmed and burnt out. To learn more about how DAX Copilot can help improve healthcare experiences for both you and your patients visit aka.ms/knockknockhi. Produced by Human Content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode I share a wild VA investigation story involving misplaced suspicion, misinterpreted medical images, and seven months of wasted time. I also dive into measles-related eye complications, explaining how this highly contagious virus can lead to conjunctivitis, corneal scarring, and even blindness. Takeaways: The VA’s Seven-Month Investigation Fail: Dr. Flanary tells the almost unbelievable story of how VA police spent months investigating "pornographic images"—only to realize they were larynx photos from ENT exams. Measles Can Cause Blindness: He explains how measles-related conjunctivitis and keratitis can permanently scar the cornea, making it one of the leading causes of childhood blindness in low-income countries. Spleens, Extra Organs, and Evolution: Responding to fan comments, Dr. Flanary revisits the spleen vs. second liver debate and expands on which organs would be most useful if humans could regenerate them. Do We Really Need Multiple Skins? In a bizarre but hilarious discussion, Dr. Flanary considers the logistical nightmare of humans molting like reptiles, questioning what we’d even do with billions of discarded skins. Get Vaccinated Against Measles: With rising measles cases in the U.S., Dr. Flanary strongly emphasizes the importance of the MMR vaccine to protect against severe illness, eye damage, and preventable deaths. — To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! [email protected] Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! – http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact. For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link: Anatomy Warehouse Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15 Today’s episode is brought to you by DAX Copilot from Microsoft. DAX Copilot is your AI assistant for automating clinical documentation and workflows helping you be more efficient and reduce the administrative burdens that cause us to feel overwhelmed and burnt out. A friendly reminder from the G’s and Tarsus: If you want to learn more about Demodex Blepharitis, making an appointment with your eye doctor for an eyelid exam can help you know for sure. Visit http://www.EyelidCheck.com for more information. Produced by Human Content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we discuss a controversial topic that could shake the foundations of medicine: NIH budget cuts. With proposed funding reductions for medical research, we explore what this means for scientific innovation, medical education, and residency funding. Could these cuts limit opportunities for new doctors? Will private corporations step in to fill the gap—and at what cost? We break down the potential long-term consequences of slashing government funding for medical research and what it means for patients, physicians, and future healthcare providers. Takeaways: NIH budget cuts could drastically impact medical education, residency funding, and future scientific research. Slashing research funding could open the door for more corporate influence in medicine, raising ethical concerns. Medical advancements rely on publicly funded research, and cutting it could slow innovation for years to come. External motivation works in the short term but can reduce long-term internal motivation—as Will learned the hard way with his basketball incentive plan. The balance between motivation and bribery is tricky, and parenting is one long experiment in figuring it out. — We have an active survey going. Hope you participate here: http://glaucomflecken.com/survey To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! [email protected] Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! – http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact.  For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link:  Anatomy Warehouse Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15 -- A friendly reminder from the G’s and Tarsus: If you want to learn more about Demodex Blepharitis, making an appointment with your eye doctor for an eyelid exam can help you know for sure. Visit http://www.EyelidCheck.com for more information.  Today’s episode is brought to you by DAX Copilot from Microsoft. DAX Copilot is your AI assistant for automating clinical documentation and workflows helping you be more efficient and reduce the administrative burdens that cause us to feel overwhelmed and burnt out. To learn more about how DAX Copilot can help improve healthcare experiences for both you and your patients visit aka.ms/knockknockhi. Produced by Human Content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode I answer frequently asked eye health questions, tackling topics like why your eyes hurt after removing contacts, whether it’s possible to reverse pupil dilation with Rizumvi, and how UV light therapy for seasonal depression affects eye safety. Takeaways: Why Contact Lenses Should Never Hurt: If your eyes hurt after removing contacts, it’s a sign of severe dryness, poor oxygen flow, or corneal irritation. Overwearing contacts can worsen long-term eye health, so taking breaks is essential. Reversing Eye Dilation with Rizumvi: A listener introduced Dr. Flanary to Rizumvi, an FDA-approved medication for reversing dilation. He explains why it’s expensive, slow to act, and not widely used, meaning most people still have to wait it out. UV Light Therapy and Eye Safety: Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) lamps can help mood regulation, but they must have UV filters to prevent potential eye damage. Without proper filtering, they can increase the risk of photokeratitis (sunburn of the eye). Cataract Surgery and Timing: Not everyone needs cataract surgery at 60—it depends on how much the cataracts affect vision. Dr. Flanary explains how eye doctors determine when surgery is actually necessary. Watching Live Eye Surgery: A listener shared their experience of watching a live cataract surgery through a viewing window in a clinic. Dr. Flanary discusses why some clinics allow this and why most patients prefer NOT to see their own surgery up close. — To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! [email protected] Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! – http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact. For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link: Anatomy Warehouse Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15 Today’s episode is brought to you by DAX Copilot from Microsoft. DAX Copilot is your AI assistant for automating clinical documentation and workflows helping you be more efficient and reduce the administrative burdens that cause us to feel overwhelmed and burnt out. A friendly reminder from the G’s and Tarsus: If you want to learn more about Demodex Blepharitis, making an appointment with your eye doctor for an eyelid exam can help you know for sure. Visit http://www.EyelidCheck.com for more information. Produced by Human Content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices