Can We Change How We Respond to Bad News? | Shadi Vahdat | TEDxAWC

We can't dodge devastating news for our entire lives- one day we, too, will face a tragedy. We may have a tendency to panic, but how can we develop strategies before bad news hits to help move ourselves from crisis to empowerment? Dr. Shadi Vahdat is a board-certified internal medicine physician specializing in integrative medicine. When she was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition and advised to start high risk medications shortly after finishing her medical training, she knew she wanted a different approach for treating her condition. Navigating a new course for her health journey resulted in additional training in integrative medicine which included: nutritional and lifestyle medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, yoga and meditation. She continues to treat hospital patients as assistant clinical professor at the University of California, Los Angeles and teaches doctors in training. She is the Founder for LiveWell Center for Integrative Medicine in Los Angeles and has authored several research papers in cardiovascular medicine. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, aerial acrobatics, and traveling with her husband and two daughters. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@kakashihatake2052]

She has such a calming voice and terrific story-telling skills.

[@shadiv3457]

Thank you for your kind words ❤

[@loristofft660]

Shadi - you are such a compelling story teller! Thank you for presenting in Yuma!

[@shadiv3457]

Dear Lori, I’m so grateful for the opportunity and can’t imagine having a more positive experience sharing the message on the AWC stage. I felt the love and support throughout the whole process. Thank you again for everything ❤

[@sepidasazgar9844]

Dr. Vahdat is such an eloquent and knowledgeable speaker.

[@susiesharpe1342]

She has excellent take-home points that we all can use. A great talk!

[@DDY-gs7hu]

Dr. Vahdat provides such valuable information in a concise and accessible way. Well done!

[@shadiv3457]

Thank you so much! Really appreciate it.

[@saraamani4773]

Dr. Shadi Vahdat's captivating talk at our TEDxAWC 2023 left the audience profoundly inspired. Her ability to blend scientific research with real-life anecdotes made her talk a truly enriching experience, leaving an indelible mark on how one can perceive and navigate the challenges that life presents. Her insights were deeply relatable, inviting the audience to reevaluate their own emotional responses and consider the potential for positive transformation.

[@neelupayrov-patterson5275]

Very proud of you Dr. Vahdat❤

[@shadiv3457]

Thank you ❤😊

[@aerial_method]

This is a really insightful perspective. Thank you Dr. Vahdat.

[@shadiv3457]

Thank you Aerial Method :)

[@lauriehk454]

We love you, Dr. Vahdat! You are the best.

[@stacymeyer5525]

Thank you for sharing this Shadi! Such a valuable and empowering talk!

[@shadiv3457]

Thank you Stacy 🙏

[@michellep150]

Happy to see this topic (second opinion), navigating health care jungle for mere mortals is a significant issue with our health care system. I failed to get a second opinion when diagnosed with serious illness, blindly followed my doctor who prescribed everything under the sun, wondering if my symptoms afterwards were preventable had I gotten a second opinion, will never know.

[@shadiv3457]

I'm sorry for your experience Michelle. We have all been there. Sometimes system/insurance challenges, time or financial limitations and so many more variables prevent us from getting the opinions we need or desire. All we can do is to educate ourselves and do our best. Be well.

[@jaycebelle]

That was a wonderful talk Dr. Vahdat. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and ideas.

[@shadiv3457]

Thank you for your message :)

[@user-wk7et6vp3o]

Shadi had touched on a very relevant and important matter in the current social environment l. She is also an accomplished speaker, giving salient points in the least amount of time. Very well done!

[@shadiv3457]

Thank you so much!!!

[@KatToupsMD]

Wonderful and compelling talk! And such important information to empower people to seek second opinions for medical issues. I often encourage my patients to do this. No reputable doctor should ever feel threatened by a second opinion. If your doctor gets defensive, that's a red flag that you really need a second opinion!

[@shadiv3457]

I actually wanted to say that in the talk so thank you for the comment. Yes if any doctor gives you a hard time for getting another opinion (and I'm sure we've both had that experience) you should question if they are the right person to keep on your health team. A good doctor will understand and support this decision!

[@askcesar]

You rocked this talk, Shadi!

[@shadiv3457]

Thank you Cesar!!!!

[@user-gs7em7oy6f]

Very important to hear a medical doctor recommend getting a second opinion. The message I heard very clearly is medical doctors are people who are not always right. By stepping back from panic and fear, we can gain perspective lost when we stay in limbic brain mode. Thank you for some needed and sound advice.

[@shadiv3457]

Exactly!! Medical misdiagnosis impacts 12 millions Americans in the outpatient setting each year. In Emergency rooms that estimate is around 7.5 million. Major diagnostic errors are found in 10-20% of autopsies. I suspect the actual numbers are much higher. So when it comes to a more complex case or serious diagnosis it's important to take these numbers into consideration and plan wisely. Thank you for watching.