Ep. 52 - From DC to the ER: Dr. Damian Caraballo Calls for Physician Power

Listen in as Dr. Damian Caraballo—an emergency physician, health policy leader, and tireless advocate for healthcare reform—sits down with Meredith Hirsh after returning from a lobbying trip to Washington, DC. Damian breaks down how decades of policy shifts have tilted power toward insurance companies, sidelined physicians, and left patients buried under rising costs and limited access. He walks through pivotal moments in healthcare history and explains how we ended up with a system that often feels more corporate than compassionate. And here’s a tip: if the government gives a new rule an acronym, doctors know it’s probably not good news—just more red tape. Damian shares what it’s really like to speak with lawmakers like Senator Rick Scott, makes a compelling case for why physicians must reclaim their influence in shaping healthcare policy and provides tips on how physicians can get involved. This passionate episode reflects years of on-the-ground advocacy and a deep commitment to building a better system. Speak up, get involved, and help create change—listen now.