In episode 304, I speak with author, speaker, and MD, Michael J. Hession. As a distinguished graduate of Dartmouth Medical School and a seasoned physician with over three decades of experience, Michael’s professional credentials are impressive on their own. However, it is his profound personal journey that sets him apart. On December 31, 2013, Michael faced a near-death experience that transformed his perspective on life and medicine. This pivotal moment, followed by a lengthy and challenging recovery, imbued him with an unparalleled understanding of human frailty and resilience. It was during this journey he discovered two superpowers; empathy and compassion. This is an essential conversation, not to be missed.
Michael Hession, MD, is a distinguished graduate of Dartmouth Medical School and a physician with over three decades of experience. His career alone commands respect — but it’s his deeply personal story that truly inspires.
On December 31, 2013, Michael faced a near-death experience that forever altered his outlook on life and medicine. The long, arduous recovery that followed gave him a rare and intimate understanding of human vulnerability, the limits of physical endurance, and the extraordinary strength of the human spirit.
From this crucible of challenge and renewal, Michael emerged with a new perspective — and the discovery of what he calls his two superpowers: empathy and compassion. These insights form the heart of his acclaimed book, Physician Heal Thyself, where he shares lessons learned from both sides of the stethoscope.
In this conversation, Michael reflects on how empathy and compassion have reshaped his approach to medicine, deepened his human connections, and offered a roadmap for living with greater purpose.
Whether you’re in healthcare, facing personal challenges, or simply seeking to live a more connected and meaningful life, Michael’s story will inspire you to see kindness not as a weakness, but as a true superpower.
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