The Medical Detectives is a weekly podcast where medicine meets mystery—told by the very people who’ve lived it. Hosted by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Erin Nance and...
This week on The Medical Detectives, we sit down with the incredible Chan, known to many as @chanplante on TikTok, to hear her harrowing medical journey from an invisible illness to a visible one. Chan takes us through the baffling medical experiences that followed her COVID-19 diagnosis—unexplained strokes, eye pain, and a frustrating maze of misdiagnoses that ultimately led to her losing vision in one eye.In this raw and deeply personal conversation, Chan opens up about the emotional toll of seeking answers in a healthcare system that often dismisses young women, the frustration of living with an undiagnosed chronic illness, and the resilience it takes to advocate for yourself when doctors tell you, "It's just anxiety."If you've ever felt unheard in a medical setting, struggled with a chronic illness, or simply want to hear an inspiring story of strength, this episode is for you.Join the conversation! Have a medical mystery or story of your own? Send it to [email protected]. ***The information provided on the medical detectives is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. While we may feature licensed medical professionals, including doctors, we are not your personal doctors and no doctor patient relationship is established by listening to this podcast or interacting with our content. All discussions are general in nature and may not apply to your specific health situation. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional before making any medical decisions or taking any action based on the content of this podcast. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking treatment because of something you have heard on this show If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please contact emergency services immediately or consult a qualified healthcare pro***
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Mary's Story: The Miracle
This week’s episode is an extraordinary journey of resilience, groundbreaking medical innovation, and the power of hope. We welcome Karen, a devoted mother who fought tirelessly for her daughter Mary’s survival, and Dr. Brian Druker, the pioneering physician-scientist who helped develop Gleevec, the revolutionary cancer treatment that saved her.Mary was diagnosed with an incurable form of leukemia as a child and given only a few years to live. But thanks to a medical breakthrough and the unwavering determination of her family, she not only survived—she thrived. Now, decades later, she shares her remarkable journey, from clinical trials to living treatment-free, to becoming a mother herself.Dr. Druker joins the conversation to reflect on the scientific and personal triumphs that changed the landscape of cancer treatment forever. This is a story of perseverance, medical miracles, and what happens when you refuse to give up—even when the odds are stacked against you.Tune in for an inspiring episode that proves sometimes, the impossible becomes possible.
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Caroline's Story: When Food Turns Fatal
In this deeply moving and inspiring episode of The Medical Detectives, Dr. Nance and Anna sit down with Caroline, a vibrant and determined young woman navigating life with a mysterious syndrome that makes her allergic to most foods. From her early childhood experiences with life-threatening allergies to her diagnosis during college, Caroline shares the twists, turns, and triumphs of living with a chronic condition that redefined her life.This episode is a testament to resilience, the importance of community, and the human capacity to adapt in the face of uncertainty. Tune in for a story that will resonate with anyone living with—or loving someone with—a chronic condition. Follow along with Caroline's journey on her socials @CarolineCray2
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1:13:54
Kathy's Story: The Case of Mysterious Double Vision
In this shocking episode of The Medical Detectives, Dr. Erin Nance and Anna O’Brien sit down with Kathy to unravel a years-long medical mystery that took her from a diagnosis of ADHD in childhood to a harrowing journey through depression, bipolar disorder, and physical debilitation. Kathy shares her story of navigating a healthcare maze, encountering medical bias, and her relentless pursuit of answers despite feeling dismissed by numerous specialists.Through trial, error, and her own determination, Kathy finally uncovers the surprising culprit behind her debilitating symptoms and rediscovers her sense of self. This episode offers an emotional exploration of resilience, the pitfalls of fragmented care, and the importance of advocating for yourself in the face of uncertainty. Join us for a heartfelt conversation that inspires hope and empowers listeners to keep fighting for their health and well-being.If you have a medical mystery story that you would like to be featured on the show, please email us at [email protected]
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Anna's Story
Welcome to the very first episode of The Medical Detectives!In this powerful first episode, co-hosts Dr. Nance and Anna flip the script and Dr. Nance interviews Anna about her extraordinary health journey. Anna spent years struggling in her body, before finally deciding to get help, which sent her on a whole other journey trying to crack the mystery of her diagnosis. Anna opens up about her experiences with confronting medical bias, navigating being a public figure while living with a chronic illness, and grappling with the shame that often comes with living in a bigger body.Discover how she overcame shame, fear, and repeated misdiagnoses to finally find compassionate healthcare providers who looked beyond her size. If you’ve ever felt dismissed or misunderstood on your own path to wellness, Anna’s story will bring you hope and validation. Tune in for an honest conversation about women’s health, body acceptance, and the power of self-advocacy—plus the surprising twists and setbacks that make Anna’s story one you won’t want to miss.Do you have a medical story you want to share on the show? Email us at [email protected]!
The Medical Detectives is a weekly podcast where medicine meets mystery—told by the very people who’ve lived it. Hosted by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Erin Nance and content creator Anna O’Brien, each episode unravels strange and surprising medical tales from the people who lived through them. Think of it as a detective story—only here, the clues are hidden in blood tests, x-rays, and patient files.
From curious, unsolved diagnoses to behind-the-scenes accounts of what really goes on in hospital corridors, Anna and Dr. Nance guide you through the ups, downs, and jaw-dropping moments of life in the medical world. Dr. Nance brings her professional insight as a practicing physician committed to uncovering disparities in healthcare, while Anna shares her experiences as a patient navigating a complex system.
In every episode you’ll hear first hand stories from guests who’ve confronted real medical puzzles on the relentless search for answers in a system that doesn’t always have them. Dr. Nance brings her insider expertise, while Anna uses her own patient experiences to spot the heart of every story. Together, they explore the suspense, the drama, and sometimes even the humor, behind solving these real-life medical mysteries.
Whether you’re a curious mind, an avid true-crime fan, or someone who’s been left in the dark by confusing diagnoses, The Medical Detectives shines a light on the unexplained. Listen in each week to learn, to question, and to be amazed by the strange but true cases that prove sometimes the most gripping mysteries unfold in hospital corridors.
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