7 Aug 2025
Breathless: A Surgeon’s Story of Resilience, Chaos, and the Power of Purpose with Dr. Tali Lando
Behind every surgeon’s mask is a story you’d never expect—like navigating residency during a divorce, surviving cancer, and still finding time to write books that inspire the next generation.
In this episode, Dr. Tali Lando, a pediatric ENT surgeon, shares her deeply personal and professional journey—from being the only doctor in a large Jewish family to surviving a grueling residency during a divorce, experiencing a miscarriage during fellowship, and ultimately thriving as a surgeon, mother of three, and published author. She candidly discusses the challenges of balancing her demanding career with motherhood, the chaos behind the polished image, and how she carved out time to write two impactful books, including her latest, Breathless: Surgical Tales from the Brink and Back. Through stories both heart-wrenching and humorous, Dr. Lando reflects on resilience, the unpredictability of medicine, and the power of narrative to heal, teach, and inspire.
Tune in to hear a powerful, unfiltered conversation that will leave you inspired, moved, and reminded of the strength it takes to heal others while healing yourself.
Episode Highlights:
● About Dr. Tali Lando
● How her childhood fascination with neonatology evolved into a career in Pediatric Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon
● Overcoming her personal hardships
● Juggling a demanding surgical career with the chaos of family life
● Her path to becoming an author and the process of writing her books
● Stories from her first book, “Hell and Back”
● Insights from her new book, Breathless: Surgical Tales from the Brink and Back
● Her dreams of reaching medical students, creating an audiobook, and adapting her work into a TV series
● The importance of storytelling, resilience, and finding purpose in the most difficult moments
About Dr. Tali Lando:
Dr. Tali Lando is a pediatric otolaryngologist, author, speaker, and breast cancer survivor whose compelling voice bridges the worlds of medicine and memoir. Fellowship-trained at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and a graduate of the Cornell-Columbia ENT residency program, Dr. Lando holds honors from Weill Cornell Medical College and graduated summa cum laude in neuroscience from Columbia University.
Her debut memoir, Hell and Back: Doctor and Patient, Wife and Mom, Dragon Slayer, has been widely acclaimed for its raw honesty and fierce humor. Her second book, “Breathless: Surgical Tales from the Brink and Back” is now available for pre-order on amazon. Her voice is real, raw, full, and heartfelt. Her writing is enthralling, superb, and unflinchingly honest—an edge-of-your-seat experience that resonates deeply with readers. Her stories are vivid and complex, with evolving storylines that unfold like episodes from a gripping, high-stakes medical drama.
A frequent guest on podcasts and in online media, Dr. Lando also connects with a wide audience through her Instagram videos, which are a hit with followers for their wit, insight, and authenticity. A former New York City girl and now a mother of three daughters in Westchester, she brings authenticity, medical insight, and humanity to every stage she steps on and every story she tells.
Her upcoming book, Breathless (releasing this fall), offers an edge-of-your seat, gripping, deeply human look into the world of pediatric surgery. “A testament to the precision, resilience, and compassion that define the very best of medicine… A must-read for anyone entering the world of medicine or seeking purpose in their surgical journey.” Dr. Lando continues to inspire with her candor, compassion, and unwavering commitment to both her patients and the next generation of physicians.
To Pre-Order Breathless: Surgical Tales from the Brink (and Back): https://www.amazon.com/Breathless-Surgical-Tales-Brink-Back/dp/1948238535/
Connect with Dr. Tali Lando:
● Website | drtalilando.com
● Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/tali-lando
● Instagram | @drtalilando
