What can the world of Special Operations teach us about practicing better medicine?

In this BS Free MD encore episode, Drs. May and Tim Hindmarsh revisit their conversation with Dr. Mike Simpson, exploring the intersection of military experience, medicine, leadership, and decision-making under pressure.

From high-stakes environments to everyday challenges in healthcare, this conversation examines the importance of preparation, adaptability, teamwork, and staying focused when the stakes are high.

Whether you're a physician navigating an increasingly complex healthcare system or someone interested in leadership and personal resilience, this episode offers a different perspective on what it takes to perform when it matters most.

In This Episode:

• How lessons from Special Operations translate into clinical medicine
• The importance of leadership, accountability, and teamwork
• Making decisions under pressure and uncertainty
• Why preparation and adaptability matter in high-stakes situations
• Building resilience in demanding professional environments
• What physicians can learn from a mission-focused mindset

Why We're Bringing This One Back

Great leadership isn't limited to the battlefield, and the ability to remain calm, think critically, and work effectively with others is just as important in medicine. This conversation is worth revisiting for anyone looking to become a stronger physician, leader, or teammate.

Listen in as May and Tim explore what happens when lessons from Special Operations meet the realities of modern medicine.

Stay BS Free!

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What happens when a scientist discovers a serious safety concern, but the institutions responsible for protecting the public fail to act?

In this BS Free MD rerun, Drs. May and Tim Hindmarsh welcome Sofia Karstens for a revealing conversation about scientific integrity, medical accountability, and the courage it takes to challenge powerful institutions.

At the center of the discussion is Dr. Bernice Eddy, a government scientist whose research raised concerns about early polio vaccine safety. Her warnings preceded the infamous 1955 Cutter Incident, when improperly manufactured vaccines exposed children to live poliovirus.

Sofia explores Eddy's legacy, the subsequent discovery of SV40 contamination in some early polio vaccines, and the difficult questions these events raise about regulatory oversight, institutional pressure, and public trust.

The conversation also examines modern debates surrounding pharmaceutical testing, whistleblower protections, medical censorship, and the importance of independent scientific inquiry.

In this episode:

• Dr. Bernice Eddy's research and the history of the Cutter Incident
• SV40 contamination and its significance in vaccine safety history
• The challenges scientists face when questioning established institutions
• Pharmaceutical regulation, transparency, and accountability
• How censorship and institutional pressure can undermine public trust
• Why grassroots advocacy and local involvement matter

Why revisit this conversation?

Because the relationship between science, public health, and institutional accountability remains as relevant as ever. This discussion is a reminder that scientific progress depends on rigorous testing, open debate, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable findings.

Whether you're interested in medical history, public health policy, or the role of citizen advocacy, this episode offers plenty to think about.

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This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or establish a physician-patient relationship. Opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent their employers or affiliated organizations. Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals regarding personal medical decisions.

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In Part 2 of our conversation with investigative journalist and author Ben Westhoff, we continue exploring the hidden world of synthetic drugs and the global business behind the opioid crisis.

Ben shares how he created an online identity on the dark web and infiltrated a Chinese drug lab while posing as a drug dealer. We discuss the risks he faced, the realities of illicit drug manufacturing, and what his investigation revealed about the people and networks fueling the fentanyl crisis.

We also examine the ongoing “war on drugs,” lessons from other countries, and potential approaches to addressing the crisis.

Ben Westhoff is the author of Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic, an investigative look at the emergence of fentanyl and other novel psychoactive substances around the world.

If you missed Part 1, be sure to listen to that episode first.

In this episode:

• Ben’s undercover investigation into the dark web and illicit drug production
• His experience infiltrating a Chinese drug lab
• The global supply chain behind fentanyl and other synthetic drugs
• The challenges and limitations of the war on drugs
• What other countries are doing—and what lessons the U.S. might learn

Guest: Ben Westhoff, investigative journalist and author of Fentanyl, Inc.

Links:

• Ben Westhoff’s website
• Fentanyl, Inc.
• Physician Financial Services

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