The Doc Talk Podcast

23. How to Avoid Medical Mishaps Over the Holidays

Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe and Dr. Shazma Mithani

The holidays look cozy online, but in clinics and emergency rooms, this time of year can be really hard if you're sick or injured.

In this episode, we break down what actually spikes over the holidays: GI flare-ups, slips and falls, viral illnesses, alcohol-related issues, and the mental load that quietly pushes people to the brink.

We talk through what’s common, what’s preventable, when to seek care, and how a simple home health kit can save you hours in a packed ER. Plus: vaccination reminders, “holiday heart,” decorating injuries, and a quick holiday true-or-false based on real hospital patterns.

Practical, honest, and designed to help you get through the season with fewer mishaps and some permission slips to get more rest.

Thank you to our episode sponsor, FIGS.  In our line of work, we basically live in our scrubs, and we love FIGS for making ones that are comfortable, breathable, durable, and actually flattering. Beyond great scrubs, FIGS builds real community for healthcare workers with meaningful events, conversations, and (let’s be honest) the best memes online. If you work in healthcare or know someone who does, visit wearfigs.com and use code FIGSCA for 20% off your first order.

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