About 5 months ago I was working on the computer, minding my business, cranking out instagram content when suddenly I had a visitor lay down next to me. It was "Doc" aka John Lawrence MD who works out at Gotham Gym and I see him almost every day like clockwork. Because of gym etiquette I had a "smile and wave" relationship with Doc for a while before we actually got to talking, but that night we became exponentially closer as I was the person he turned to while he was having a heart attack. Doc and I first connected because he would always wear a "Doctors Without Borders" t-shirt and I gravitate towards people who have consistent attire :) We chatted about Medical Mission Ecuador and I learned he was the former president of Doctors Without Borders and a friendship was born. That day that he came into the studio was pretty scary from the first moment till I finally saw him after surgery smiling and hugging his wife (Leola - a total gem of a human). He survived, but not everyone does, and what you do in those first few minutes can be the difference between life and death. Here is his story so that we all can learn from it.
2:00 : Dr. John Lawrence MD introduces himself and how he ended up in the medical field and Doctors Without Borders Global Health
5:38 : John gives an anecdote about the most rewarding part of his career in medicine
7:55 : The current impacts of the pandemic on restrictions on travel and equipment that have affected Doctors Without Borders, and the preventative measures they are taking now
12:18 : One night at the Gotham gym while Steve was doing instagram when Dr. Lawrence was finishing his workout and felt a coldness and hollow feeling in his chest
18:10 : Steve describes his reaction to John's slow pulse and what next steps they took
21:57 : The importance of an AED and knowing where it is in your place of work or anywhere else
24:00 : A continuation of the steps taken to help John during his heart attack
26:10 : A shout out to FDNY and EMS
28:50 : The journey from the paramedics to the ER and surgery
30:05 : John recalls what he can remember from that chaotic day
35:00 : Where Dr. John's story picks up in the aftermath of the cardiac event and procedure
39:00 : How John built his fitness back up and the benefits of exercise
42:36 : The value of AED and CPR training and our societal responsibility for everyone's well being
46:33 : Speed of intervention as a factor for survival
49:17 : Dr. John familiarizes us with the ins and outs of what heart attacks are
51:45 : What you should do before starting an exercise regimen and awareness of risk factors
56:40 : How you might coach your GP or cardiologist to help get a thorough look at what a pre screen would look like for an exercise regimen
59:47 : How lifestyle plays a role in heart attacks alongside John and Steves helpful advice
1:08:24 : Signs and symptoms of a heart attack
1:14:02 : Information on where to find more on Dr. John, and suggestions on where to donate or get involved