Let Doctors Be Doctors With Jay Shah, MD
Texas Medical Association President Jayesh “Jay” Shah, MD, visits with Texas physicians about their journey into medicine, challenges they have confronted, and how they deal with moral injury (burnout) when it occurs. Listen to Dr. Jay Shah’s new podcast and the many voices of Texas medicine.
Episodes

Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
Dealing with prior authorization delays is a struggle for many patients and physicians says Elisabeth Potter, MD, who specializes in breast reconstruction and plastic surgery. She has shared her frustrations with media and on social media, and is now sharing her experience with TMA President Jayesh “Jay” Shah, MD, on his podcast, Let Doctors Be Doctors.
Notice
By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge and agree that the entire contents and design of this Podcast are the property of the Texas Medical Association (TMA), or used by TMA with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including, without limitation, reproduction, retransmission or editing, of this Podcast, whether in whole or in part, may be made without the prior written permission of the TMA, which may be requested by emailing pam.udall@texmed.org or by calling 512-370-1300.
Disclaimer
By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge and agree that TMA makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. I also acknowledge and agree to the following:
The content in this Podcast is for general information only and any reliance on any content, including any information, opinions, or recommendations provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This podcast does not constitute and should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs. Any information, opinions, or recommendations contained in this Podcast should NOT be considered medical, business, investment, retirement, financial, or legal advice and receipt of it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Nothing in this Podcast substitutes for the advice of an attorney or relevant professional. No content in this presentation may be considered a recommendation or endorsement of any entity, product, service, business model, or investment-related option and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement.*
This podcast is also not intended to establish medical standards of care for the purposes of litigation, including expert testimony. The standard of care is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances of each individual case and no generalization can be made that would apply to all cases.
The views and opinions expressed by the host or guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of TMA or the host’s or guest’s employer. Any third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards, or policies of TMA . TMA assumes no responsibility or liability for the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. Moreover, TMA makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties.
TMA EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.
*Note, however, that Texas Medical Liability Trust and Texas Medical Association Insurance Trust are endorsed by the Texas Medical Association.

Monday Oct 13, 2025
Monday Oct 13, 2025
In a new episode of the Let Doctors Be Doctors Podcast, TMA President Jayesh “Jay” Shah, MD, speaks with Amy Townsend, MD, a Bridge City family physician.
Dr. Townsend recalls her experience working in an administrative role at a hospital. She describes how the number of patients that physicians were required to treat “grew exponentially,” but the physicians lacked the resources needed to manage the additional workload.
“It really became apparent to me that it was not something I wanted to continue to participate in. I felt like I was ultimately part of the reason that my colleagues were experiencing burnout,” said Dr. Townsend.
Her advice to physicians who are feeling exhausted and burned out is to take action. “We can't look at the situation like we are victims … we have to act if we want the system to be different.”
Notice
By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge and agree that the entire contents and design of this Podcast are the property of the Texas Medical Association (TMA), or used by TMA with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including, without limitation, reproduction, retransmission or editing, of this Podcast, whether in whole or in part, may be made without the prior written permission of the TMA, which may be requested by emailing pam.udall@texmed.org or by calling 512-370-1300.
Disclaimer
By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge and agree that TMA makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. I also acknowledge and agree to the following:
The content in this Podcast is for general information only and any reliance on any content, including any information, opinions, or recommendations provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This podcast does not constitute and should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs. Any information, opinions, or recommendations contained in this Podcast should NOT be considered medical, business, investment, retirement, financial, or legal advice and receipt of it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Nothing in this Podcast substitutes for the advice of an attorney or relevant professional. No content in this presentation may be considered a recommendation or endorsement of any entity, product, service, business model, or investment-related option and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement.*
This podcast is also not intended to establish medical standards of care for the purposes of litigation, including expert testimony. The standard of care is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances of each individual case and no generalization can be made that would apply to all cases.
The views and opinions expressed by the host or guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of TMA or the host’s or guest’s employer. Any third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards, or policies of TMA . TMA assumes no responsibility or liability for the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. Moreover, TMA makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties.
TMA EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.
*Note, however, that Texas Medical Liability Trust and Texas Medical Association Insurance Trust are endorsed by the Texas Medical Association.

Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
Eddie Patton Jr., MD, a neurologist in Houston, spent a lot of time after work typing notes from his patient’’ visits, especially when the cases were complex. He is now using artificial intelligence (AI) to help speed up this process. He said AI can help with tasks that have little impact on patient care but could be done more efficiently. He discusses his interest in AI and how it has helped him free up time to spend with his family in new episode of the Let Doctors be Doctors podcast with TMA President Jayesh “Jay” Shah, MD.
He also encourages young physicians to experiment with AI to see how it can help them in their practice. “It's not a matter of if AI is integrating into health care. It's a matter of when and how fast because it's happening,” he said.
Notice
By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge and agree that the entire contents and design of this Podcast, are the property of the Texas Medical Association (TMA), or used by TMA with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including, without limitation, reproduction, retransmission or editing, of this Podcast, whether in whole or in part, may be made without the prior written permission of the TMA, which may be requested by emailing pam.udall@texmed.org or by calling 512-370-1300.
Disclaimer
By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge and agree that TMA makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. I also acknowledge and agree to the following:
The content in this Podcast is for general information only and any reliance on any content, including any information, opinions, or recommendations, provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This podcast does not constitute and should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs. Any information, opinions, or recommendations contained in this Podcast should NOT be considered medical, business, investment, retirement, financial, or legal advice and receipt of it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Nothing in this Podcast substitutes for the advice of an attorney or relevant professional. No content in this presentation may be considered a recommendation or endorsement of any entity, product, service, business model, or investment-related option and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement.*
This podcast is also not intended to establish medical standards of care for the purposes of litigation, including expert testimony. The standard of care is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances of each individual case and no generalization can be made that would apply to all cases.
The views and opinions expressed by the host or guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of TMA or the host’s or guest’s employer. Any third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of TMA . TMA assumes no responsibility or liability for the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. Moreover, TMA makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties.
TMA EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.
*Note, however, that Texas Medical Liability Trust and Texas Medical Association Insurance Trust are endorsed by the Texas Medical Association.

Tuesday Nov 11, 2025
Tuesday Nov 11, 2025
In a new episode of the Let Doctors be Doctors podcast, Roxanne Tyroch, MD, member, TMA Independent Physician Practice committee describes her journey from caring for patients in a hospital to academic medicine to private practice. She says there came a time in her career when she no longer wanted to have a “transient relationship” with her patients.
“I wanted to have long-standing relationships with my patients and be accountable for their care and be able to celebrate the successes in our health care journey together,” said Dr. Tyroch in the podcast conversation with TMA President Jayesh “Jay” Shah, MD.
Notice
By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge and agree that the entire contents and design of this Podcast are the property of the Texas Medical Association (TMA), or used by TMA with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including, without limitation, reproduction, retransmission or editing, of this Podcast, whether in whole or in part, may be made without the prior written permission of the TMA, which may be requested by emailing pam.udall@texmed.org or by calling 512-370-1300.
Disclaimer
By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge and agree that TMA makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. I also acknowledge and agree to the following:
The content in this Podcast is for general information only and any reliance on any content, including any information, opinions, or recommendations provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This podcast does not constitute and should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs. Any information, opinions, or recommendations contained in this Podcast should NOT be considered medical, business, investment, retirement, financial, or legal advice and receipt of it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Nothing in this Podcast substitutes for the advice of an attorney or relevant professional. No content in this presentation may be considered a recommendation or endorsement of any entity, product, service, business model, or investment-related option and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement.*
This podcast is also not intended to establish medical standards of care for the purposes of litigation, including expert testimony. The standard of care is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances of each individual case and no generalization can be made that would apply to all cases.
The views and opinions expressed by the host or guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of TMA or the host’s or guest’s employer. Any third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards, or policies of TMA . TMA assumes no responsibility or liability for the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. Moreover, TMA makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties.
TMA EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.
*Note, however, that Texas Medical Liability Trust and Texas Medical Association Insurance Trust are endorsed by the Texas Medical Association.

Monday Dec 01, 2025
Monday Dec 01, 2025
Fort Worth obstetrician-gynecologist Shanna Combs, MD, a chose a unique career before becoming a physician: She started as a professional ballet dancer after earning an undergraduate degree in the art.
“When I was getting ready to apply for college, I said to myself, ‘I'm going to study science for the rest of my life. So why don't I study something that I know I can't do forever?’” says Dr. Combs in a new episode of the Let Doctors be Doctors podcast.
After performing ballet on stage for three years, she shifted to pursue her true passion – becoming a physician.
In her conversation with TMA President Jayesh “Jay” Shah, MD, she describes the burnout physicians experience. “We as doctors put a backpack on and when people ask us to do something, we say, ‘Sure, throw it in the bag.’ We just keep doing that and eventually find ourselves falling over backwards,” says Dr. Combs.
To make sure she doesn’t feel overwhelmed, Dr. Combs trimmed her work schedule to four days per week. She also sees a therapist, takes time off to scuba dive, and attends Pilates classes.
Notice
By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge and agree that the entire contents and design of this Podcast are the property of the Texas Medical Association (TMA), or used by TMA with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including, without limitation, reproduction, retransmission or editing, of this Podcast, whether in whole or in part, may be made without the prior written permission of the TMA, which may be requested by emailing pam.udall@texmed.org or by calling 512-370-1300.
Disclaimer
By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge and agree that TMA makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. I also acknowledge and agree to the following:
The content in this Podcast is for general information only and any reliance on any content, including any information, opinions, or recommendations provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This podcast does not constitute and should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs. Any information, opinions, or recommendations contained in this Podcast should NOT be considered medical, business, investment, retirement, financial, or legal advice and receipt of it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Nothing in this Podcast substitutes for the advice of an attorney or relevant professional. No content in this presentation may be considered a recommendation or endorsement of any entity, product, service, business model, or investment-related option and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement.*
This podcast is also not intended to establish medical standards of care for the purposes of litigation, including expert testimony. The standard of care is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances of each individual case and no generalization can be made that would apply to all cases.
The views and opinions expressed by the host or guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of TMA or the host’s or guest’s employer. Any third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards, or policies of TMA . TMA assumes no responsibility or liability for the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. Moreover, TMA makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties.
TMA EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.
*Note, however, that Texas Medical Liability Trust and Texas Medical Association Insurance Trust are endorsed by the Texas Medical Association.

Monday Dec 15, 2025
Monday Dec 15, 2025
In a new episode of the Let Doctors Be Doctors podcast, McAllen internist Lenore DePagter, DO, shares a deeply personal story about her son who was diagnosed with autism and his journey to graduate high school. Dr. DePagter tells TMA President Jayesh Shah, MD, her experiences guide her interactions with patients. She says when she cares for a child with complex medical needs, she draws from – and shares – her own personal insights.
“And you can just see that wave of relief on the parent's face that, ‘She understands what I'm going through,’” says Dr. DePagter.
The physician also describes how being involved in organized medicine helps her give back to the community and mentor the next generation of physicians.
“Of all the wonderful opportunities that have been given to me in my life, in my profession and in my career, they wouldn't be as meaningful to me if I was not able to give back,” says Dr. DePagter, who serves on TMA’s Board of Councilors.
“I have a very strong sense of service and of giving back.”
Notice
By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge and agree that the entire contents and design of this Podcast are the property of the Texas Medical Association (TMA), or used by TMA with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including, without limitation, reproduction, retransmission or editing, of this Podcast, whether in whole or in part, may be made without the prior written permission of the TMA, which may be requested by emailing pam.udall@texmed.org or by calling 512-370-1300.
Disclaimer
By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge and agree that TMA makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. I also acknowledge and agree to the following:
The content in this Podcast is for general information only and any reliance on any content, including any information, opinions, or recommendations provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This podcast does not constitute and should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs. Any information, opinions, or recommendations contained in this Podcast should NOT be considered medical, business, investment, retirement, financial, or legal advice and receipt of it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Nothing in this Podcast substitutes for the advice of an attorney or relevant professional. No content in this presentation may be considered a recommendation or endorsement of any entity, product, service, business model, or investment-related option and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement.*
This podcast is also not intended to establish medical standards of care for the purposes of litigation, including expert testimony. The standard of care is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances of each individual case and no generalization can be made that would apply to all cases.
The views and opinions expressed by the host or guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of TMA or the host’s or guest’s employer. Any third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards, or policies of TMA . TMA assumes no responsibility or liability for the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. Moreover, TMA makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties.
TMA EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.
*Note, however, that Texas Medical Liability Trust and Texas Medical Association Insurance Trust are endorsed by the Texas Medical Association.


