Dr. Anthony Back, MD, a renowned oncologist, communication pioneer, and leader in psychedelic therapy research, joins the Life of Flow Podcast to discuss one of the most urgent issues in medicine today: physician burnout and the unconventional tools that may help heal it.

As a co-founder of the Center for Psychedelic Medicine at UW and an internationally respected palliative care expert, Dr. Back brings a special and unique perspective to the conversation on psilocybin therapy. In this episode, he shares what he’s seeing in physicians suffering from emotional exhaustion, the limitations of traditional wellness models, and how psychedelics, when used safely and intentionally, are offering a radical new approach to healing in the profession.

He also reflects on the personal toll of practicing medicine during COVID-19, the cultural resistance to psychedelic therapies in healthcare, and the importance of setting, guidance, and reintegration for physicians navigating these experiences.

🎧 Listen now for a powerful conversation that blends science, experience, and hope for a system in need of healing.

00:00 – Meet Dr. Anthony Back: Oncologist, researcher, and co-founder of the Center for Psychedelic Medicine
08:45 – What burnout really looks like in physicians, and why current tools aren’t enough
17:30 – Why Dr. Back turned to psilocybin as a possible treatment for emotional exhaustion
24:12 – Can psychedelics help doctors reconnect with purpose?
31:05 – The role of guidance, setting, and integration in medical psychedelic therapy
39:40 – What the future of healing could look like for physicians and the patients they serve

💡 Who Should Listen?
This episode is a must-listen for physicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals confronting the realities of burnout, emotional disconnection, and the limits of conventional wellness strategies. If you’re a clinician, medical educator, or health system leader looking for real conversations about mental health in medicine, this is the one to hear.

Medical students, residents, and early-career doctors will gain insight into the emotional side of clinical practice, while those exploring the intersection of psychedelics and healthcare will find a grounded, research-driven discussion on what’s possible and what’s next.

About Dr. Anthony Back
Dr. Anthony Back, MD, is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington, co-founder of VitalTalk, and a national leader in physician communication and palliative care. He co-directs the Center for Psychedelic Medicine, where he researches the use of psilocybin-assisted therapy to support clinician well-being.

His work focuses on bridging clinical practice, emotional health, and the potential of psychedelic therapy in healing burnout and restoring connection in healthcare.

Connect with Dr. Anthony Back
💼 LinkedIn: Anthony Back, MD
🔗 UW Faculty Profile: Center for Psychedelic Medicine – UW

Connect with Life of Flow:
📲 Instagram: @LifeofFlowPodcast
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💼 LinkedIn: Life of Flow Podcast
🐦 X: @VascularPodcast

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