The Podcast by KevinMD

Metrics got you into medicine and are making you unhappy in it

May 28, 2026·11 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

You hit every number: top grades, top test scores, top patients-per-hour. So why does practicing medicine feel hollow? Ben Reinking, a board-certified pediatric cardiologist, medical educator, and certified physician development coach, argues that the same metric-driven mindset that carries pre-meds into medical school is the one leaving attendings disconnected from why they practice. This episode is based on his article "How competency-based education is driving medical education reform," published on KevinMD. You will hear why a 15-minute billing slot frustrates both patient and physician, how competency-based education and entrustable professional activities shift the question from "did you meet the number" to "do we trust you in the system," and why admitting "I don't know, but let me figure it out" gets discouraged when learners are judged only by scores. If you have ever sensed the gap between your scorecard and your purpose, this conversation names what you have been feeling. Partner with me on the KevinMD platform. With over three million monthly readers and half a million social media followers, I give you direct access to the doctors and patients who matter most. Whether you need a sponsored article, email campaign, video interview, or a spot right here on the podcast, I offer the trusted space your brand deserves to be heard. Let's work together to tell your story. PARTNER WITH KEVINMD → https://kevinmd.com/influencer SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

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