Episode 021 - From Anesthesia to Empathy: Pioneering Ketamine Therapy in Brazil with Dr. Tiago Gil

In this episode of the Ketamine Startup Podcast Sam interviews Dr. Tiago Gil, an anesthesiologist from Brazil and a pioneer in the ketamine treatment landscape in his country. Dr. Gil shares his unique journey from traditional anesthesia practice to becoming a specialist in ketamine therapy, offering deep dives into the intricacies of ketamine’s impact and its practical applications.

Discover the importance of seeing ketamine as a treatment to provide patients rather than a product to be scaled and sold - emphasizing the deeply personal and empathetic approach necessary in interventional psychiatric mental healthcare.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:.

• Professional Development: Learn how continuous learning and specialization can lead to significant shifts in medical practice and patient care.

• Strategic Guidance: Gain valuable insights on navigating the medical and ethical considerations when introducing new treatments like ketamine, helping you tailor patient care approaches in diverse medical environments

• Innovative Approaches: Understand Dr. Gil's innovative approach to ketamine therapy, focusing on quality of life as the primary goal

Episode 21 show notes:

00:00 Teaser - Don’t Do it for the Daiquiris

00:27 Intro and Meet Dr. Thiago Gil: Anesthesiologist from Brazil

01:13 Discovering Ketamine's Antidepressant Properties

01:41 Transition to Ketamine Therapy

05:31 Learning from International Experts

10:12 Challenges and Realizations

10:39 The Brazilian Healthcare System

13:24 Growth of Ketamine Clinics in Brazil

16:54 The Shift to Esketamine

20:30 Clinical Practice Differences

23:26 Quality of Life Through Ketamine

23:58 Ketamine vs. Traditional Operating Room

25:29 Respecting Patients on Their Worst Days

26:09 Exploring Alternative Treatments

29:34 The Power of Dreams in Healing

33:23 Advice for Aspiring Ketamine Clinic Owners

36:12 Balancing Work and Personal Life

39:28 Fun and Personal Insights

46:48 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Thanks for listening

Connect with Dr. Gil:

Dr. Gil's Instagram

Dr. Gil’s Clinic website

Dr. Gil's LinkedIn

Check out Dr. Gil’s article discussed in the episode:

Efficacy of intravenous esketamine in reducing suicidal ideation and major depressive symptoms: A real-world evidence study

✅ Want to fast track launching your ketamine clinic? If so, download our free checklist.