In this episode of Real Medicine, we dive into the invisible wounds left by the healthcare system — the kind that don’t show up on scans but live deep in the body, mind, and memory.

We talk about medical trauma — what it is, how it shows up, and why it’s so often missed. From medical gaslighting and systemic dismissal to the ripple effects on caregivers, providers, and siblings of complex patients, this episode names what many have felt but never had words for.

You’ll hear insights from:

• My personal story and what I have seen in myself and patients
• Dr. Gabor Maté on how trauma becomes embodied
• Dr. Bessel van der Kolk on how “the body keeps the score”
• Recent 2024 research from Current Psychology validating the trauma caused by medical dismissal and bias

We explore:

• How to regain power in healthcare after being harmed
• Somatic tools for healing trauma stored in the body
• The overlooked experiences of caregivers and siblings
• The silent trauma carried by clinicians asked to stay strong while witnessing harm
• Why we must recognize medical gaslighting as a legitimate pathway to PTSD
• This episode is a call to witness, validate, and begin to heal — for everyone who has been hurt by the very system meant to care for them.
  Because real medicine starts not with fixing — but with listening.

Podcast Music Copy write 2025 Jason Houghton

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In this powerful episode of Real Medicine, Dr. Jennifer Anderson sits down with former NHL enforcer turned wellness advocate Riley Cote to explore the journey from trauma to healing. Riley shares his raw and deeply personal transformation—how years of head injuries, chronic pain, and emotional toll from professional hockey led him to question everything he knew about health and recovery.

Now a co-founder of Athletes for CARE , Riley is a vocal advocate for cannabis, psychedelics, breath work, and holistic healing. Together, we unpack his experience in the acclaimed documentary Peace of Mind, discuss the long shadow of CTE, and challenge outdated narratives around what it means to truly heal.

This episode is a conversation about pain, purpose, and the courage to rewrite your story—on and off the ice.

Podcast Music copyright 2025 Jason Houghton

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In this deeply personal episode of Real Medicine, Dr. Anderson shares her journey through the hidden world of medical trauma — the unspoken grief, fear, and emotional injuries that many patients, caregivers, and even healthcare providers carry.

Drawing from her own experiences in the Pediatric ICU with her son, and more recently navigating a new medical crisis with another child, she explores how medical systems often dismiss trauma instead of recognizing and healing it.

Through powerful storytelling, research-backed insights, and reflections on vulnerability and authenticity in medicine, Dr. Anderson reveals how real healing begins — not with perfection, but with presence.

Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of medical trauma, why trauma-informed care matters, and three practical ways to begin their own healing journey.

Key Takeaways:

• Medical trauma is real — and more common than we realize.
• Authenticity and vulnerability are essential for healing, not weaknesses to hide.
• Being heard and seen by healthcare providers can be as powerful as any prescription.

This episode is for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals ready to reimagine what true healing looks like.

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In this inaugural episode of the Real Medicine podcast, Dr. Jennifer Anderson shares her personal and professional journey in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of holistic approaches and the need to address medical trauma. She discusses her experiences as a physician and a mother, particularly the challenges faced when traditional medicine fell short in treating her son's severe health issues. Dr. Anderson advocates for a broader understanding of health that includes alternative therapies and the significance of patient empowerment. The episode sets the stage for future discussions on various health topics, aiming to redefine what real medicine means.

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