Ep 9. Doctors Are the Worst Patients

My Feet Are Killing Me is a reality show that follows the lives of two podiatrists, Dr. Brad Schaeffer and Dr. Ebonie Vincent, as they diagnose and treat various foot-related ailments. In season 1 episode 9, titled Doctors Are the Worst Patients, the two doctors find themselves in unfamiliar territory as they switch roles and become the ones receiving medical treatment.

The episode begins with Dr. Schaeffer complaining about a nagging foot pain that he has been experiencing for months. Despite being a foot specialist himself, he has been putting off getting his own foot examined. Dr. Vincent recommends that he see a colleague of theirs, Dr. Pedram Hendizadeh, who is an expert in foot surgery.

Meanwhile, Dr. Vincent is dealing with her own medical issue - a nasal polyp that is causing her to have difficulty breathing. She visits an ear, nose, and throat doctor, Dr. Nina Shapiro, to have it removed. Dr. Shapiro reassures her that the procedure is routine and will take only a few minutes.

As the two doctors prepare for their procedures, they begin to experience a range of emotions. Dr. Schaeffer is anxious about going under the knife, despite having performed countless surgeries on his own patients. Dr. Vincent, on the other hand, is terrified of the anesthesia and worries about not waking up.

The first procedure is Dr. Vincent's nasal polyp removal. She is given anesthesia and wheeled into the operating room. As she begins to doze off, she becomes emotional and tearful, expressing her fears to the doctors. Fortunately, the procedure is successful and Dr. Vincent is relieved to wake up and find that she can breathe properly again.

Next, it's Dr. Schaeffer's turn. He meets with Dr. Hendizadeh, who examines his foot and diagnoses him with a neuroma - a painful condition that occurs when a nerve in the foot becomes pinched. Dr. Hendizadeh explains that the only way to treat it is through surgery. Dr. Schaeffer is nervous but trusts his colleague to do a good job. The surgery goes smoothly, and Dr. Schaeffer is grateful to have his pain relieved.

Throughout the episode, both doctors reflect on the experience of being in the patient's shoes. They realize that it can be scary and vulnerable to be on the receiving end of medical treatment, and gain a newfound appreciation for the courage of their own patients. They also learn that it's important to take their own health seriously and not put off medical care.

Overall, My Feet Are Killing Me season 1 episode 9 is a poignant exploration of the realities of medical treatment. It shows that even experienced doctors can struggle with fear and vulnerability when navigating the healthcare system, and underscores the importance of open communication and trust between doctors and patients.