Knock Knock, Hi! with the Glaucomfleckens

Latest Episodes:

Glauc Talk: Should Med Students Have to Work Overnight? Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode we dive into one of the most debated topics in medical education—should medical students have to work overnight shifts? We break down both sides of the argument, from whether it builds necessary skills to whether it just reinforces unnecessary suffering.

Takeaways:

Med students doing night shifts remains a heated debate, with strong opinions on both sides about whether it actually improves training.

Bribing kids to try harder in sports works… but it may also backfire when they start expecting to be paid for everything.

Elizabeth Holmes will remain in prison after losing her appeal, marking another chapter in the Theranos fraud case.

Doctors love arguing with each other, especially when it comes to medical education policies and resident training.

Understanding motivation is tricky, whether you're training a doctor or a fourth-grade basketball player.

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Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact. For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link: Anatomy Warehouse Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15

A friendly reminder from the G’s and Tarsus: If you want to learn more about Demodex Blepharitis, making an appointment with your eye doctor for an eyelid exam can help you know for sure. Visit http://www.EyelidCheck.com for more information.

Today’s episode is brought to you by DAX Copilot from Microsoft. DAX Copilot is your AI assistant for automating clinical documentation and workflows helping you be more efficient and reduce the administrative burdens that cause us to feel overwhelmed and burnt out.

To learn more about how DAX Copilot can help improve healthcare experiences for both you and your patients visit aka.ms/knockknockhi.

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Knock Knock Eye: The Wildest Eye Surgery You've Never Heard Of Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

In this episode I unpack the wildest eye surgery you’ve never heard of—a procedure that uses a patient’s tooth to hold an artificial cornea in place. This rare surgery restores vision in people with severe corneal damage. I also react to Goldie Hawn mentioning her cataracts at the Oscars, discussing why cataracts are a normal part of aging and why most people should have them removed by their 70s.

Takeaways:

Tooth-Based Eye Surgery Sounds Crazy, But It Works: The osteoodontokeratoprosthesis (OOKP) procedure involves implanting a patient’s tooth into their cheek, then using it as a corneal support. It’s used in extreme cases of corneal blindness when traditional transplants won’t work.

Goldie Hawn’s Cataract Revelation at the Oscars: A throwaway comment at the Oscars sent cataract searches skyrocketing, highlighting how common cataracts are after age 60—and why most people should consider surgery by their 70s.

Should Cataract Surgery Be Delayed? Dr. Flanary breaks down why waiting too long can make cataract surgery riskier, especially when glare, reading issues, or night driving problems start affecting daily life.

Australia Wants to Learn from America’s Healthcare Failures: Ahead of his keynote speech in Sydney, Dr. Flanary shares how Australia is facing growing privatization threats—and why they don’t want to end up with a U.S.-style system.

Healthcare Comedy as a Teaching Tool: Dr. Flanary floats the idea of a stand-up show explaining U.S. healthcare, mixing satire and real policy breakdowns to educate audiences worldwide on how we got here.

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To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live

We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! knockknockhi@human-content.com

Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! – http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken

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Produced by Human Content

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Glauc Talk: The Dress: 10 Years Later, Can You Still Trust Your Eyes? Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

In this episode we cover a little bit of everything—from childhood misconceptions about adult life to the latest terrible UnitedHealthcare news. Also, Kristin opens up about her official ARFID diagnosis and they revisit the infamous "The Dress" optical illusion 10 years later—has science finally settled the debate on white and gold vs. blue and black?

Takeaways:

Some kids believe adults don’t have dreams… except about taxes.

Kristin has officially been diagnosed with ARFID and has started exposure therapy, which is as terrifying as it sounds.

UnitedHealthcare is being investigated (again), this time for allegedly inflating Medicare Advantage claims to get more federal funding.

The Dress debate still messes with people’s heads 10 years later, and your brain is constantly interpreting color in ways you don’t realize.

Trying to explain your weird internet job to other parents can get awkward fast.

—

We have an active survey going. Hope you participate here: http://glaucomflecken.com/survey

To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live

We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! knockknockhi@human-content.com

Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! – http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken

Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/

If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken

If you want more information on models I use:

To learn more about how DAX Copilot can help improve healthcare experiences for both you and your patients visit aka.ms/knockknockhi.

Produced by Human Content

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Knock Knock Eye: The Bizarre VA Investigation That’ll Make You Facepalm Mar 06, 2025

Show notes

In this episode I share a wild VA investigation story involving misplaced suspicion, misinterpreted medical images, and seven months of wasted time. I also dive into measles-related eye complications, explaining how this highly contagious virus can lead to conjunctivitis, corneal scarring, and even blindness.

Takeaways:

The VA’s Seven-Month Investigation Fail: Dr. Flanary tells the almost unbelievable story of how VA police spent months investigating "pornographic images"—only to realize they were larynx photos from ENT exams.

Measles Can Cause Blindness: He explains how measles-related conjunctivitis and keratitis can permanently scar the cornea, making it one of the leading causes of childhood blindness in low-income countries.

Spleens, Extra Organs, and Evolution: Responding to fan comments, Dr. Flanary revisits the spleen vs. second liver debate and expands on which organs would be most useful if humans could regenerate them.

Do We Really Need Multiple Skins? In a bizarre but hilarious discussion, Dr. Flanary considers the logistical nightmare of humans molting like reptiles, questioning what we’d even do with billions of discarded skins.

Get Vaccinated Against Measles: With rising measles cases in the U.S., Dr. Flanary strongly emphasizes the importance of the MMR vaccine to protect against severe illness, eye damage, and preventable deaths.

—

To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live

We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! knockknockhi@human-content.com

Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! – http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken

Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/

If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken

If you want more information on models I use:

Produced by Human Content

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Glauc Talk: What Do NIH Cuts Mean for the Future of Medicine? Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

In this episode we discuss a controversial topic that could shake the foundations of medicine: NIH budget cuts. With proposed funding reductions for medical research, we explore what this means for scientific innovation, medical education, and residency funding. Could these cuts limit opportunities for new doctors? Will private corporations step in to fill the gap—and at what cost? We break down the potential long-term consequences of slashing government funding for medical research and what it means for patients, physicians, and future healthcare providers.

Takeaways:

NIH budget cuts could drastically impact medical education, residency funding, and future scientific research.

Slashing research funding could open the door for more corporate influence in medicine, raising ethical concerns.

Medical advancements rely on publicly funded research, and cutting it could slow innovation for years to come.

External motivation works in the short term but can reduce long-term internal motivation—as Will learned the hard way with his basketball incentive plan.

The balance between motivation and bribery is tricky, and parenting is one long experiment in figuring it out.

—

We have an active survey going. Hope you participate here: http://glaucomflecken.com/survey

To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live

We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! knockknockhi@human-content.com

Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! – http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken

Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/

If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken

If you want more information on models I use:

To learn more about how DAX Copilot can help improve healthcare experiences for both you and your patients visit aka.ms/knockknockhi.

Produced by Human Content

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Knock Knock Eye: Is There a Way to Reverse Eye Dilation? Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

In this episode I answer frequently asked eye health questions, tackling topics like why your eyes hurt after removing contacts, whether it’s possible to reverse pupil dilation with Rizumvi, and how UV light therapy for seasonal depression affects eye safety.

Takeaways:

Why Contact Lenses Should Never Hurt: If your eyes hurt after removing contacts, it’s a sign of severe dryness, poor oxygen flow, or corneal irritation. Overwearing contacts can worsen long-term eye health, so taking breaks is essential.

Reversing Eye Dilation with Rizumvi: A listener introduced Dr. Flanary to Rizumvi, an FDA-approved medication for reversing dilation. He explains why it’s expensive, slow to act, and not widely used, meaning most people still have to wait it out.

UV Light Therapy and Eye Safety: Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) lamps can help mood regulation, but they must have UV filters to prevent potential eye damage. Without proper filtering, they can increase the risk of photokeratitis (sunburn of the eye).

Cataract Surgery and Timing: Not everyone needs cataract surgery at 60—it depends on how much the cataracts affect vision. Dr. Flanary explains how eye doctors determine when surgery is actually necessary.

Watching Live Eye Surgery: A listener shared their experience of watching a live cataract surgery through a viewing window in a clinic. Dr. Flanary discusses why some clinics allow this and why most patients prefer NOT to see their own surgery up close.

—

To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live

We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! knockknockhi@human-content.com

Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! – http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken

Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/

If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken

If you want more information on models I use:

Produced by Human Content

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Glauc Talk: How Many Times Can One Person Escape Death? Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

In this episode we take a deep dive into fear—caving, the deep ocean, cruise ships, and even horseback riding. We discuss the internet’s obsession with terrifying survival stories and why people voluntarily put themselves in dangerous situations. I also recounts the time I fell off a horse… into the ocean, proving yet again that I have somehow escaped death multiple times. But it's not all fun and fear—we also discuss the ongoing Providence Health strike, where physicians and nurses continue to fight for fair wages and safer staffing conditions.

Takeaways:

Caving is an unnecessary risk—you don’t have to do it, ever, and you’ll probably be just fine.

The ocean is objectively terrifying, whether it’s open water, cruise ships, or mysterious creatures lurking below.

Work retreats should have limits—no horseback riding, extreme sports, or survivalist adventures required.

The Providence Health strike continues, with physicians and nurses standing together for fair wages and safe staffing.

Will has cheated death at least four times, including falling off a horse into the ocean during their honeymoon.

—

We have an active survey going. Hope you participate here: http://glaucomflecken.com/survey

To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live

We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! knockknockhi@human-content.com

Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! – http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken

Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/

If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken

If you want more information on models I use:

To learn more about how DAX Copilot can help improve healthcare experiences for both you and your patients visit aka.ms/knockknockhi.

Produced by Human Content

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Knock Knock Eye: United Healthcare Is A Wealth Of Content Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

In this episode I break down the latest research on Ozempic and its potential link to NAION (non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy), a rare condition that can lead to sudden vision loss. I also reflects on UnitedHealthcare’s continued public relations missteps, including its latest legal threats against physicians and anybody on social media, speaking out about the company.

Takeaways:

The Ozempic and Blindness Connection: Dr. Flanary explains a recent observational study that suggests Ozempic may increase the risk of NAION, a condition that affects the optic nerve. However, the data isn’t conclusive yet, and more research is needed before drawing firm conclusions.

Uveitis and the Syphilis Conversation: If you have eye inflammation (uveitis), your doctor may need to test for syphilis—leading to some of the most awkward conversations in ophthalmology. Dr. Flanary explains why this is necessary and how it helps with proper diagnosis.

UnitedHealthcare’s PR Nightmare: The insurance giant recently hired a law firm to threaten doctors on social media, proving once again that they’re more focused on silencing criticism than improving patient care.

Does Everyone Need Cataract Surgery at 60? Not necessarily! While cataracts affect nearly everyone with age, surgery should only be performed when they significantly impact vision. Dr. Flanary explains how doctors decide when it’s time for surgery.

Do We Really Need a Spleen? Dr. Flanary debates whether two livers would be better than one liver and a spleen, adding yet another hilarious (but oddly insightful) take on human anatomy.

—

To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live

We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! knockknockhi@human-content.com

Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! – http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken

Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/

If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken

If you want more information on models I use:

Produced by Human Content

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Glauc Talk: Patients Say Unexpected Things Under Sedation Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode we dive into the quirks of daily life and the unexpected moments in medicine. We debate the merits of keeping texts unread—Will's inbox is chaos—before sharing our latest adventures in pet ownership, including the struggle to bond with our new kittens while preventing our dog from eating them. We also discuss the hilarious things patients say under light sedation.

Takeaways:

Unread texts can be a personality trait—Will has 400+, while Kristin reads every single one.

Introducing cats and dogs takes patience (and some very careful planning).

Flirting at the grocery store is apparently a thing—especially if you're Kristin.

Doctors struggle with balancing documentation and patient interaction, especially when patients expect more eye contact.

Patients under light sedation say the funniest things, and sometimes, that includes a marriage proposal.

—

We have an active survey going. Hope you participate here: http://glaucomflecken.com/survey

To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live

We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! knockknockhi@human-content.com

Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! – http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken

Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/

If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken

If you want more information on models I use:

To learn more about how DAX Copilot can help improve healthcare experiences for both you and your patients visit aka.ms/knockknockhi.

Produced by Human Content

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Knock Knock Eye: What Really Happens to Your Eyes in Space? Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

In this episode I explore the science behind eye dilation and whether there’s a way to reverse it (spoiler: there isn’t). I also discuss space blindness, a phenomenon astronauts experience due to fluid shifts in microgravity, and what NASA is doing to combat it.

Takeaways:

You Can’t Reverse Eye Dilation (Safely): Dr. Flanary explains why pilocarpine, a medication that constricts pupils, isn’t an effective solution for reversing dilation and can even increase the risk of retinal detachment in nearsighted individuals.

Space Blindness Is a Real Condition: Long-term space travel can cause swelling of the optic nerves and changes in vision due to fluid shifts, leading NASA to study ways to mitigate these effects.

Cataract Surgery Patients Say the Darndest Things: Light sedation during cataract surgery makes patients extra chatty, leading to some hilarious surgery-day stories, including unexpected marriage proposals from patients.

What Causes Ocular Rosacea? This chronic eye condition is linked to facial rosacea, causing redness, irritation, and even corneal inflammation in severe cases.

Amniotic Membrane Transplants Are a Game Changer: Donated placental tissue is being used to heal severe eye injuries and neurotrophic keratopathy, proving that amniotic tissue has powerful regenerative properties.

—

To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live

We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! knockknockhi@human-content.com

Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! – http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken

Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/

If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken

If you want more information on models I use:

Produced by Human Content

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices