FIP Radio – Dr. Jan E. Patterson

Episode Title: Integrative Medicine, Grief, and Wellness with Dr. Jan E. Patterson

Host: Dr. Allen Lycka

Guest: Dr. Jan E. Patterson, MD

Introduction

Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes listeners to a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Jan E. Patterson, MD, a pioneer in integrative healthcare and a valued member of the International Order of Fantastic Professionals. Together, they explore Dr. Patterson’s journey into integrative medicine, the inspiration behind her book Breath for the Soul: Self-Care Steps to Wellness, and her powerful insights on grief, resilience, and holistic healing.

Dr. Jan E. Patterson’s Journey

• Transitioned from over 30 years in academic medicine and infectious diseases to integrative medicine.
• Personal challenges, including the loss of her son to suicide, her mother’s death, and her battle with cancer, shaped her holistic approach to wellness.
• Realized the importance of therapies like breathwork, meditation, essential oils, and spirituality alongside traditional treatments.
• Formal training at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine led her to establish an integrative medicine program in her hospital.

Integrating Holistic Therapies into Traditional Medicine

• Addressing skepticism from traditional practitioners:
• Emphasizes the evidence-based benefits of breathwork, meditation, and aromatherapy.
• Positions integrative medicine as complementary rather than alternative to traditional treatments.
• Highlights the empowering nature of holistic therapies for patients.

Managing Grief and Finding Resilience

• Dr. Patterson’s grief journey:
• The loss of her son and how her faith, holistic therapies, and counseling helped her cope.
• Acceptance and reframing guilt as part of understanding mental illness and life’s challenges.
• Techniques for dealing with waves of grief:
• Using essential oils for emotional regulation.
• Leaning on faith and belief in continued spiritual connection with loved ones.

The Power of Breathwork

• Overview of breathwork and its benefits for stress, anxiety, and overall well-being.
• Explanation of Box Breathing:
• Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts, and hold for 4 counts.
• Popular technique used in the military for managing stress.
• Dr. Patterson incorporates breathwork into her daily routine to combat stress in a high-pressure medical environment.

Living a Fantastic Life

• Dr. Patterson’s keys to living well:
• Faith as a foundation for resilience.
• Positive relationships with family and friends.
• Finding joy through meaningful work and helping others.
• Incorporating movement, such as yoga and outdoor activities, into daily life.
• Encourages others to make small, actionable changes in their lives:
• Practice breathing exercises.
• Add more fruits and vegetables to meals.
• Start simple physical activities like walking or chair yoga.

Dr. Jan E. Patterson’s Book: Breath for the Soul

• Breath for the Soul: Self-Care Steps to Wellness explores breathwork, movement, nutrition, and spirituality to address stress, anxiety, and grief.
• Available on Amazon and through local bookstores.

Closing Thoughts

Dr. Lycka emphasizes the importance of taking small steps toward wellness and applying Dr. Patterson’s insights to live a fantastic life. He invites listeners to explore his website for upcoming services, a new newsletter, and weekly golden pearls.

BIO:

Dr. Jan E. Patterson is an integrative medicine and infectious diseases physician who has practiced and taught medicine for more than 30 years. She trained at University of Texas, Vanderbilt, Yale, and the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine at University of Arizona. She believes in using all the tools in the toolbox for better health, and works to integrate holistic therapies with conventional ones.

Social Media:

Twitter @drjanpatterson

Instagram:@drjanpatterson

LinkedIn Jan Evans Patterson, MD, MS

Website https://www.drjanpatterson.com

My latest book: Breath for the Soul

Episode Title: Tania Anderson – Courage, Compassion, and Living a Fantastic Life

Podcast Host: Dr. Allen Lycka

Guest: Tania Anderson

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Fantastic International Professionals, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Tania Anderson, the 2024 and 2025 recipient of the Diversity and Inclusion Advocate Award. Tania shares her incredible journey as a flight attendant for over three decades, her experiences in war zones, and her work supporting underserved communities worldwide. From flying into conflict zones to visiting leper colonies and supporting Afghan refugees, Tania's story is one of bravery, empathy, and making a global impact.

Highlights from the Episode

Receiving the Diversity and Inclusion Advocate Award

• Tania discusses her shock and gratitude at receiving the prestigious award.
• The honor recognizes her contributions to fostering inclusivity and diversity through her global efforts.

Flying into War Zones During the Gulf War

• Tania shares her experiences flying into Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm.
• Despite the risks, Pan Am flight crews volunteered for these missions, showcasing extraordinary courage.
• She recounts a similar experience in 2013 flying into Afghanistan’s Bagram Air Base under dangerous conditions.

The Afghan Translator Rescue Mission

• Tania reflects on her involvement in the airlift of Afghan translators to safety in the U.S. during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
• She shares heartwarming updates about a young Afghan translator she stays in touch with.

Global Humanitarian Efforts

• Tania recounts her visits to leper colonies in Nigeria, where she witnessed both hope and hardship.
• She details her time at Mother Teresa’s orphanage in India, highlighting the struggles of young girls abandoned due to dowry traditions.

Acknowledging Global Kindness

• Tania and Dr. Lycka discuss Canada’s hospitality during global crises, including Gander’s response on 9/11 and the country’s ongoing refugee support.
• Tania emphasizes the importance of paying kindness forward, citing her habit of collecting hotel amenities to donate to those in need.

The Power of Empathy and Open-Mindedness

• Tania credits her open heart, willingness to listen, and ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds as keys to her fantastic life.
• She highlights the importance of building bridges through shared human experiences.

Memorable Quotes

• Dr. Allen Lycka: "Ordinary people can live extraordinary lives if they just decide to move forward."
• Tania Anderson: "The whole world belongs to us. We're human first, and we're all in this story of life together."

About the Guest

Tania Anderson is a seasoned flight attendant, global humanitarian, and advocate for diversity and inclusion. Her memoir, On Butterflies’ Wings, recounts her travels to 78 countries and her mission to honor the human spirit.

Call to Action

Know someone making an extraordinary impact? Nominate them for the International Order of Fantastic Professionals award at www.fantasticprofessionals.com.

Connect with Us:

• Website: Fantastic Professionals
• Follow Dr. Allen Lycka on social media for more inspirational stories and updates.