Bicycle helmets save lives, and Dr. David Sandberg has the experience to prove it.

As a pediatric neurosurgeon with more than 20 years in major trauma centers, he’s never seen a child suffer a fatal or devastating head injury while wearing one.

In this episode, Dr. Patton sits down with Dr. Sandberg to explore the life-saving importance of helmets, the dangers of head trauma, and what happens when helmets aren’t used—or aren’t worn correctly. They discuss how the Hard Hats for Little Heads program is making helmets accessible through free distributions and community partnerships.

From skull fractures and brain injuries to cultural attitudes that influence helmet use, this conversation tackles the hard truths and offers practical solutions. With education, proper fit, and community outreach, more families can help kids stay safe on wheels.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Patton HERE.

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Key Takeaways

1. Wearing helmets significantly reduces the risk and severity of head injuries among children riding bicycles, scooters, skates, and similar vehicles. Dr. Sandberg emphasized that he has never seen a devastating head injury in a child who was wearing a helmet.

2. Even in educated communities, helmet use remains extremely low, such as at Stanford University where only about 1 in 50 students wore helmets. Awareness and behavioral change need to improve so the proven benefits of helmet use can save more lives.

3. Community initiatives like “Hard Hats for Little Heads” are essential because they distribute free helmets, educate families on proper helmet fit, and focus on underserved communities where cost can be a barrier. These programs actively bridge gaps in access and safety.

4. Falls from bikes or being struck while unprotected can lead to skull fractures, brain hemorrhages, long-term disabilities, or death. Many of these traumatic outcomes are entirely preventable with something as simple as a well-fitted, strapped helmet.

5. There is a persistent cultural belief among children and adolescents that helmets are “uncool” or unnecessary, and parents face challenges convincing kids to wear them. Counteracting these attitudes through education and normalization is crucial for prevention.

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What is it like to practice medicine on the Texas-Mexico border? Dr. Linda Villarreal started as a pharmacist, became a physician when her community needed more care, and then became the first Hispanic female president of the Texas Medical Association. On this episode, hear

• how Dr. Villarreal’s childhood shaped her path to medicine,

• why advocacy for healthcare access matters along the border,

• and her advice for the next generation of doctors.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Patton HERE.

Subscribe to Your Health, Your Wealth on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

Key Takeaways

1. Practicing medicine at the border presents unique challenges, including language barriers, cultural sensitivities, and limited healthcare access. Dr. Villarreal emphasizes how these factors necessitate more tailored healthcare solutions and the urgent need for bilingual, culturally competent physicians in the region.

2. There has historically been a shortage of physicians—especially female and bilingual doctors—along the border. Dr. Villarreal’s journey from pharmacist to becoming the only female internist in her region highlights the pressing need for diversity in medicine to better serve the population’s needs.

3. Advocacy is crucial for systemic change. Dr. Villarreal’s involvement in policy—most notably, helping drive tort reform and increased access to medical specialists—demonstrates how proactive advocacy can address long-standing issues like malpractice rates, recruitment of specialists, and disparities in healthcare delivery

4. Establishing medical schools and residency programs in the Valley is transformative. Training physicians locally increases the likelihood they will stay and practice in the area, thereby directly improving health access. The progression from limited training opportunities to more robust educational institutions in the region is already showing benefits.

5. Deep-rooted cultural values such as pride and reluctance to seek care due to financial barriers or lack of trust in the medical system contribute to poorer health outcomes. Dr. Villarreal describes how patients often delay care until emergencies arise, reinforcing the need for community-based advocacy and culturally sensitive healthcare leaders.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 From Edinburgh to Hospital Pharmacist

04:08 Journey to Medical Career

06:23 Medical Journey: Mexico to Ohio

11:36 Advocacy for South Texas Healthcare

15:34 AMA Delegate: Not a Vacation

16:31 Ongoing Challenges in Policy Reform

20:17 Healthcare Access Delays in Houston

23:04 Encouragement for Aspiring Physicians

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In this episode of Your Health, Your Wealth, Dr. Eddie Patton welcomes Dr. David Sandberg, recently retired pediatric neurosurgeon from the UT Department of Neurosciences in Houston. Dr. Sandberg opens up about his journey into pediatric neurosurgery, from early inspirations to impactful patient care experiences, including his mission work in Honduras and navigating the challenges of complex, high-risk cases.

The conversation explores a range of topics, such as the realities of defensive medicine, the emotional weight of delivering difficult news to families, and why compassion is fundamental to good medical practice. Dr. Sandberg also reflects on his own personal journey, including his diagnosis with early-onset Parkinson’s disease and how that influenced his decision to retire. He introduces his new book, Brain and Heart, which chronicles the intersection of life as a physician and the personal obstacles he has faced, offering an honest look at the human side of medicine.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Patton HERE.

Subscribe to Your Health, Your Wealth on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

Order Dr. Sandberg's book Brain and Heart on Amazon here.

Key Takeaways

1. The Emotional Impact of Medicine: Dr. Sandberg shares how physicians are profoundly affected by their patients’ outcomes—celebrating life-saving successes, but also carrying the sorrow of setbacks and loss. Empathy and genuine human connection are vital, with doctors often bearing emotional burdens beyond the hospital.
2. Challenges of Pediatric Neurosurgery: Treating young patients is both technically and emotionally demanding. The intricate nature of working with children’s brains and the high stakes of each case mean the field is marked by both exhilarating successes and heartbreaking lows, requiring a special kind of resilience and dedication.
3. Adversity and Perspective: Dr. Sandberg discusses the unpredictability of both medicine and life—facing lawsuits and his own Parkinson’s diagnosis. He stresses the value of humility, gratitude, and maintaining perspective, no matter the circumstances.
4. Compassionate Communication: Delivering hard news to families is an unavoidable part of the job. Dr. Sandberg advocates for honesty and emotional presence during these moments, believing that openness and compassion can help families feel supported and less isolated.
5. Demystifying the Medical Profession: Through his book and this conversation, Dr. Sandberg aims to provide clarity about what physicians truly experience—for patients, families, and future doctors alike. By sharing real stories, he hopes to foster understanding and help guide those considering a career in medicine.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Pediatric Neurosurgery and Hope's Role

06:17 Transformative Medical Aid in Honduras

07:14 Bringing Hope Amid Resource Limitations

12:07 Neurosurgery's Unpredictable Challenges

16:28 Reflections of a Neurosurgeon

18:05 Doctor Diagnosed with Parkinson's

21:02 Emotional Connection in Medicine

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