Let me know your thoughts on the show and what topic you would like me to discuss next.

What happens when the doctor becomes the patient? Dr. Michael J. Hession's world turned upside down when a simple cold escalated into life-threatening pneumonia, putting him on a ventilator for 11 days followed by complete paralysis from Guillain-Barré syndrome. His remarkable journey from the edge of death to recovery offers powerful lessons about resilience, purpose, and finding happiness in the face of overwhelming adversity.
The distinguished cardiologist shares his near-death experience where he encountered a luminous figure who told him, "It is not your time, you must go back. There's much to do." This profound spiritual moment, coupled with the brutal realities of rehabilitation – learning to swallow, sit up, and eventually walk again – transformed his understanding of what it means to be both a physician and a human being.
Drawing wisdom from Viktor Frankl, Admiral Stockdale, and his own father's immigrant tenacity, Dr. Hession developed a framework for overcoming seemingly impossible challenges: acknowledge the facts, accept the situation without anger or denial, and adapt by finding a path forward. His story demonstrates how vulnerability and strength can coexist, and how gratitude becomes the foundation for genuine happiness.
For anyone supporting loved ones through critical illness, Dr. Hession offers crucial insights about the power of presence. Even when patients appear unresponsive, they can likely hear and remember conversations – connections that provide an essential lifeline during the disorienting experience of intensive care. Whether you're facing health challenges, career setbacks, or relationship difficulties, his three-step approach provides a roadmap for navigating life's most daunting obstacles.
Ready to transform your own challenges into opportunities for growth? Explore Dr. Hession's book "Physician Heal Thyself" and discover how confronting mortality can lead to a more authentic, purposeful life.

Key moments in this episode:

04:13 Michael's Near-Death Experience

11:28 The Struggle and Recovery

21:14 Finding Purpose and Happiness

29:38 Faith and Resilience

33:36 The Power of Relationships

35:39 Balancing Vulnerability and Strength

40:11 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

How to reach Dr Hession:

Website: https://www.acknowledgeacceptadapt.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560101224931

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaeljhession/

Book:

Support the show

Thanks for listening to the Revolutionary Man Podcast. For more information about our programs, please use the links below to learn more about us. It could be the step that changes your life.

Want to be a guest on The Revolutionary Man Podcast? Send Alain Dumonceaux a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/revolutionarymanpodcast
👉To join our movement:
⛰The Integrity Challenge

🕸 The Awakened Man

🤝Clarity Call