Reclaim your Rise Podcast

106. Holistic Endocrinology: Wisdom on Meditation, Patient Relationships, and AI in Medicine with Dr. Allen Sussman

February 13, 2024

He’s an endocrinologist who has met the Dalai Lama three times! In this episode, I get to talk with Dr. Allen Sussman about why he sees endocrinology as a holistic field, the root of burnout in medicine, and how he thinks the healthcare system can be changed. He shares stories of meeting with the Dalai Lama, what he has seen work and not work when supporting patients in making changes to their T1D health, and more. He also highlights the vital significance of community and connection to our health and discusses the limitations of AI in medicine with its lack of mind-body connection which is unique to humans. Dr. Sussman also shares his top four habits for a healthy life. This is a truly unique conversation to have with an endocrinologist, and I hope you appreciate his unique perspective as much as I do! 



Time Stamps:  

  • (03:53) Becoming a Freudian in High School 
  • (6:00) His Turning Point in Holistic Health & Meditation
  • (08:05) What His Family Thought of This in the 60’s
  • (9:30) Meditation and Connection to the Dalai Lama
  • (14:40) The Importance of Slowing Down 
  • (17:18) Medical School & Endocrinology as Holistic
  • (20:55) Developing Relationships with Patients 
  • (27:05) Changing the Healthcare System
  • (29:00) The Role of Community & Connection and Your Health
  • (34:32) The Third Place and Limitations of AI in Medicine
  • (40:32) The Importance of Mind-Body Connection & Meaning in Life
  • (42:30) “T.I.P.” and How Can We Increase the Placebo Effect and Why?
  • (46:38) Diabetes as a Blessing
  • (47:20) His Top Four Habits for a Healthy Life


What to do now: 

  1. Check out Dr. Sussman’s book and website Saving the Art of Medicine HERE.
  2. Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop for when new episodes drop.
  3. Learn more about our coaching programs HERE. 


Disclaimer: Nothing you hear on the Reclaim your Rise podcast should be a substitute for personalized professional medical advice. Please always consult your physician or other medical professional before making any changes to your diet, insulin dosages, or healthcare plan. 

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