In this week’s episode, Brain & Life Podcast co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by Kristin Flanary, AKA Lady Glaucomflecken. Kristin has advanced training in both cognitive neuroscience and social psychology and now is active on social media, podcasts, and comedy shows with her husband, Dr. Glaucomflecken. Kristin shares her unique perspective on the healthcare system, having been a patient, a caregiver, and a co-survivor of her husband's medical challenges, including his two cancer occurrences and a sudden cardiac arrest that led to a stay in the Neurological Intensive Care Unit. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Jessica McFarlin, is an associate professor of neurology at the University of Kentucky Department of Neurology and Chief of the Division of Palliative Care who is trained in both neurocritical care medicine and palliative care medicine. Dr. McFarlin explains how Neurological Intensive Care Units provide life-saving care for patients with severe neurologic injuries, such as strokes and brain trauma. Come back next week for part two to hear more about the term “co-survivor” and the importance of thoughtful doctor/patient communication.

Additional Resources

Lady Glaucomflecken

What is the Difference Between Coma, Minimally Conscious State, Persistent Vegetative State, and Brain Death?

How to Keep Loved Ones Safe in the Hospital

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics

What is an ICU and Neurologic Critical Care? Tips and a Guide for Everyone

Nora McInerny on Moving Forward with Grief

Advocating for a Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis with Comedian Kellye Howard

We want to hear from you!

Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

· Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206

· Email us at BLpodcast@brainandlife.org

Social Media:

Guests: Kristin Flanary @ladyglaucomflecken; Dr. Jessica McFarlin @ukadultneuro

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD