🎧 Sailboat or Rowboat: Motivation vs. Discipline in Rehab

In this episode of the Talking Rehab Podcast, I explore a powerful analogy I shared with my kids: are you a sailboat or a rowboat? Sailboats move when the wind (motivation) shows up — but rowboats move when the person rowing decides to act, regardless of external forces. This concept becomes incredibly relevant in rehabilitation.

I dive into how discipline, not motivation, is the more reliable path forward for those dealing with chronic pain, musculoskeletal conditions, or slow progress in recovery. I talk about the dangers of waiting — for the right diagnosis, perfect treatment, or ideal circumstances — and how that delay often leads to greater pain, disability, and missed opportunities.

We also look at common reasons patients hesitate to act: fear of disappointment, lack of instant results, or waiting for specialists. I share why investing consistent effort — even in imperfect conditions — often yields the best outcomes.

Whether you're a patient, clinician, or someone navigating your own recovery journey, this episode is a reminder that progress is possible — but it starts with you picking up the oars.

⏱ Timestamps

• 00:33 – Parenting, motivation, and the "sailboat vs. rowboat" analogy
• 01:50 – Motivation is fleeting; discipline is reliable
• 04:04 – How discipline applies in rehab settings
• 06:00 – The risk of waiting for ideal treatment conditions
• 07:07 – Why pain, disability, and disappointment increase with delay
• 08:44 – The long referral cycle for musculoskeletal patients
• 10:00 – Understanding the fear of trying and failing
• 11:21 – Short-term vs. long-term treatments: a warning about quick fixes
• 13:00 – The emotional cost of waiting too long
• 15:01 – Muscle loss, missed life events, and poor conditioning from delay
• 16:01 – Final thoughts: build discipline, don’t wait for perfect timing

🎯 Call to Action
If this episode resonated with you or a patient you know, share it. And remember to subscribe, rate, and review so we can keep helping people take back control of their recovery.

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In this episode of the Talking Rehab Podcast, Dr. Fred Bagares dives into the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the healthcare space, particularly within the world of rehabilitation. From streamlining administrative tasks to improving accessibility for patients with language or hearing challenges, AI clearly has its benefits. But is it making healthcare more human—or less?

Dr. Bagares shares real-world examples from his own practice, discusses how he's experimenting with AI tools like ChatGPT, and questions the growing trend of replacing human interaction with automation in medical settings. If you're a healthcare provider, patient, or simply curious about how tech is shaping your care experience, this episode will challenge your thinking.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Intro: What is rehabilitation and why this podcast exists
• [01:00] The inspiration for this episode: AI in patient communication
• [02:00] Pros of AI in clinic operations and task automation
• [04:00] Using AI to simplify patient intake and FAQs
• [05:00] Improving accessibility through transcription and translation
• [06:00] The trade-off: Efficiency vs. Human Connection
• [07:00] Concerns with AI replacing frontline communication
• [08:00] Automation fatigue: Is AI really answering the patient’s question?
• [10:00] Communication as a therapeutic tool in rehabilitation
• [12:00] Multidisciplinary care and the problem with fragmented communication
• [13:00] Why human interaction is still irreplaceable
• [14:00] Final thoughts: AI as a support tool, not a replacement

Call to Action:
Like what you heard? Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who's curious about the future of healthcare. For more movement-centered insights, follow me @drfredbagares or visit linktr.ee/drfredbagares. See you next week on The Talking Rehab Podcast.

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🎧 Episode 57 – "Value in a Visit: A Doctor Becomes the Patient"

Hey, it’s Dr. Fred Bagares. In this episode, I share my recent experience as a patient in a traditional insurance-based clinic—something I rarely do since switching to direct care practice.

I went to see an ophthalmologist for some concerning floaters, and the visit made me reflect deeply on what value truly means in a medical encounter. As someone who's worked hard to build a personal, relationship-driven practice, it was eye-opening (pun intended) to sit on the other side and witness a very efficient—but impersonal—system at work.

If you’re a physician, patient, or just someone curious about what truly matters in healthcare today, this episode will give you a lot to think about.

🕰️ Episode Highlights & Timestamps:

• [00:00] – Why I saw an ophthalmologist (and what triggered the visit)
• [01:00] – First impressions: busy waiting room, multiple waiting areas
• [02:00] – A step-by-step walkthrough of the visit logistics
• [03:00] – The actual medical encounter: 7 minutes with the doctor
• [05:00] – Breaking down what I paid for vs. what I experienced
• [06:00] – The disconnect between medical quality and emotional experience
• [08:00] – What patients value in healthcare vs. other service industries
• [09:30] – Why the human side of care still matters—barbers, vets, and doctors alike
• [10:30] – "Price is what you pay. Value is what you get."
• [12:00] – How direct care models offer a more meaningful patient interaction
• [13:00] – Rehab isn’t transactional—it's relational and nuanced
• [14:00] – Why insurance-based systems often fail both patients and clinicians
• [15:00] – A challenge to both patients and physicians: What are you going to do about it?

This was a personal one. It reminded me why I started MSK Direct in the first place—to offer something better than a system that often prioritizes process over people. If you’re fed up with 7-minute visits and checked boxes, this episode is for you.

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if this episode sparked something for you. Let’s keep the conversation going about what healthcare could and should be.

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