AME: The Shame Drawer

Dr. Alan Mead, host of the Alan Mead Experience, reveals a deeply personal struggle: his long-standing failure to maintain high-quality dental chart notes—a chronic shortcoming he’s carried for decades, hidden in what he calls his 'drawer of shame.' Despite knowing charting is essential for patient care, legal protection, and continuity of care, he’s avoided fixing it due to the anxiety of change. That changed when he discovered AI-powered tools like Heidi Health and Plod AI, which can record patient visits, generate accurate notes, and ensure HIPAA compliance through Business Associate Agreements (BAAs). Mead details his decision to invest $1,200 in a year-long subscription and a $150 recorder, not just to improve documentation but to finally confront a habit he’s been avoiding. He argues that AI is at its best not as a replacement for clinicians, but as a tool that removes the friction of tedious, memory-dependent tasks—making it easier to do what’s right. His journey is a powerful metaphor for how modern tools can help professionals overcome the psychological barriers to self-improvement, especially when the real obstacle isn’t skill, but the anticipation of change. The episode is a candid exploration of professional shame, perfectionism, and the transformative potential of AI when used responsibly. Mead’s story isn’t just about charting—it’s about confronting the 'drawer of shame' in any area of life where we know we should improve but keep putting it off.