Being a Doctor on Skid Row with Dr. Susan Partovi, Renegade MD

Since she was a girl, Dr. Susan Partovi felt the pull toward a career in medicine. But it wasn't until a transformative journey to Tijuana, Mexico that her calling took on a deeper meaning, igniting a lifelong commitment to championing the health of marginalized communities. Now, after decades of serving people experiencing homelessness on the streets of Skid Row in Los Angeles, Susan stands as a testament to the vitality and impact of women flourishing in their passions after 40, all while uplifting society's most vulnerable. While "Hotter Than Ever" isn't a show about social issues, Susan's remarkable work - and the fact that she’s a relatable woman our age taking on such a big challenge - compelled us to spotlight her story. Join us as we explore the challenges and complexities of addressing homelessness, mental illness, and substance use disorders with raw honesty and insight. Susan's story is a treasure trove of wisdom, showcasing resilience and the profound impact of human connection that can inspire transformative change within any community. We discuss:The importance of honoring people’s humanity, no matter their circumstancesDefining harm reduction, and advocating for non-judgmental approaches to addressing substance use and mental health issues among the unhousedExamining the systemic factors contributing to homelessness, including trauma, inadequate mental health support, and societal stigmaReframing language to remove judgment and cultivating empathy in health and helping vulnerable communitiesHow money is distributed for homelessness solutions and why costs are still high despite the problem’s persistenceStrategies for improving care and housing options for the severely mentally illThe importance of maintaining a balance between serving others and self-care (like  having boundaries in our dating lives!)OUR GUEST: Born and raised in Los Angeles, Dr. Susan Partovi developed a passion for serving the underserved during high school, catalyzed by volunteering in Tijuana. After earning a medical degree from Thomas Jefferson Medical School and completing residency at Harbor – UCLA Medical Center, Dr. Partovi dedicated herself to providing healthcare to the homeless and uninsured. As a faculty member at Harbor, she mentored future healthcare professionals for six years before becoming medical director at Homeless Health Care Los Angeles in 2006, pioneering street medicine initiatives. Her advocacy extends internationally through H.E.A.L., a nonprofit she co-founded to provide healthcare in Haiti. Through writing and media, Dr. Partovi amplifies the voices of the marginalized, advocating for compassionate healthcare and social justice.Want more Dr. Susan Partovi? Find her online at https://therenegademd.com/ and read her book “Renegade MD: A Doctor’s Stories from the Streets” Follow Susan on social media:Instagram: @the_renegade_mdFacebook:@the_renegade_mdTikTok: @the_renegade_mdLinkedIn: Susan PartoviWant more Hotter Than Ever? Find us and episode transcripts online at www.hotterthaneverpod.com