In this compelling episode of Flatline to Lifeline, Dr. Bill Long welcomes his longtime colleague Dr. Bryce Potter, a remarkable specialist with dual MD and DMD degrees, to explore how specialized training and innovative systems change patient outcomes.
Dr. Potter represents a rare breed of medical professionals - at the time of his practice, he was one of only twelve people in the United States with his particular combination of training. This unique background allowed him to handle complex head and neck trauma cases that would typically require multiple specialists working in sequence. Together, Drs. Long and Potter revolutionized trauma care by breaking down the territorial barriers between medical specialties to create a truly patient-centered approach.
The heart of this episode examines a fascinating case study of a 70-year-old man who survived a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The bullet became lodged in his frontal sinus, creating a complex medical challenge that required innovative thinking and surgical expertise. The doctors discuss the critical decision-making process that took place, including the consideration of multiple surgical approaches and the necessity of having a "Plan B" when initial strategies prove impossible.
Most striking is their candid conversation about the psychological aspects of trauma medicine - how physicians respond differently to extreme stress, the dangers of perseveration and task fixation, and why some doctors struggle to adapt when faced with unexpected complications. This rare glimpse into the mindset of elite trauma specialists reveals why adaptability may be the most crucial skill in trauma care of critically injured patients and life-threatening emergency surgery.
Whether you're a medical professional seeking insights into trauma care or simply fascinated by remarkable human stories, this episode offers profound lessons about the systems and approaches that make unexpected survival outcomes possible.

Listen now to hear the full story of this amazing recovery. If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to our show and leave us a review. To learn more about these life saving strategies and techniques, look for Dr. Long’s upcoming book, Flatline to Lifeline.

Special Guest Bio:

Dr. Bryce Potter, MD, DMD, is a board-certified surgeon in both Oral Surgery and ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat). He earned his dental degree from the University of Oregon Dental School and also received his medical degree and completed his ENT residency at the University of Washington School of Medicine. He gained extensive trauma experience at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle and co-founded Head and Neck Surgical Associates in Portland, Oregon.

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Producer: Esther McDonald

Technical Director: Lindsey Kealey, of PAWsitive Choices

Editing and Post Production: Adam Scott of Atamu Media Productions

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