Both Sides of the Stethoscope featuring Alan Feren MD, FACS

Dr. Alan Feren is a former MD who is now practicing as an Independent Patient Advocate. In this episode, Dr. Feren shares his long and impressive journey of perseverance, integrity, and advocacy. As a general surgeon, Dr. Feren was always an advocate for his patients. He took on the tough cases that nobody else wanted to touch. His approach from day one has been to demystify medical jargon, making information accessible and comprehensible for patients and their families.

After 12 years practicing general surgery, Dr. Feren became Patient Feren. He underwent spinal surgery that failed, leaving him in a body cast for a full year. He was forced to pivot from practicing surgery and was recruited to write actuarial guidelines for an HMO. He refers to his HMO consultancy as working for the dark side, although he eventually became medical director. Another health condition- this time a heart condition requiring coronary bypass- was the impetus for his next series of career changes. Dr. Feren became a lifestyle consultant, then moved on to risk mitigation, and patient engagement and empowerment. He worked for private equity startups and ultimately became an Independent Patient Advocate during the Covid pandemic. 

This is an in-depth and candid discussion with an esteemed physician who became a passionate and life-saving advocate. You’ll hear about Dr. Feren’s service as an Air Force surgeon, his opinions on the difference between quality medical information websites and “Dr. Google,” and how he approaches his role as an advocate and the fine line he must walk. Dr. Feren advocates for informed, empowered patients who actively participate in their healthcare decisions, embodying the critical intersection of medicine, advocacy, and compassion in patient care.

This podcast reveals the unlimited potential for Independent Patient Advocacy and the opportunities available for physicians to use their unsurpassed knowledge of the medical system to help those who are struggling within it.