How My Nurse (& Work Mom) Became My Patient

The Checkup with Doctor Mike

24-01-2024 • 59 mins

Ginny Kaltenbach is not just any nurse, but my nurse, having working alongside me for the last 10 years in New Jersey. Ginny and I are great friends and coworkers, but we developed a new type of relationship this last year where Ginny actually became one of my patients. You see, Ginny was suffering from debilitating pain in her back, and after hearing her side of the story, I realized I wasn't happy with her treatment plan. So, I made Ginny book an appointment with me so we could get to the bottom of her pain. This turned out to be an excellent decision for many reasons detailed in this episode. We don't just talk about Ginny's health though, but also do a deep dive into our relationship and Ginny's opinions on the healthcare system as a nurse who has seen it all, and then some, in over 40 years on the front lines.


00:00 Intro
01:10 Our First Meeting / Fight
04:50 How Ginny Started
14:05 What Makes Doctors Special
19:31 What Nurses Actually Do
24:36 Memories Of Me
31:30 Flirting With Doctors
33:25 Ginny Going Viral
35:18 Ginny’s Injury
52:10 Ginny’s Retirement / My Boxing
54:48 Advice For Nurses


Executive Producer and Host: Doctor Mike Varshavski

Produced by Dan Owens and Sam Bowers

Artwork by Caroline Weigum