The Brain Doctor Will See You Now: Phones, Habits, and Digital Health

We all have a brain, but how many of us really understand how it works? In this episode of Smart Medicine, Dr. Scott Sigman sits down with Dr. Faye Begeti, neurologist at Oxford University Hospitals and author of The Phone Fix, to unpack what’s happening beneath the surface of our daily decisions. From why we’re wired to focus on the negative, to how our phones are shaping our brains in real time, Dr. Begeti shares the science that has our neurotransmitters firing. She explains the brain’s autopilot system, the role of the amygdala in shaping emotions, and how our digital habits can be rewired for better outcomes. Together, Dr. Begeti and Dr. Sigman also explore the surprising impact of the nocebo effect and what clinicians should know about managing their attention in a notification-heavy world. Whether you're a healthcare provider juggling tech and patient care, or someone just trying to make peace with their screen time, this is the brain health download here to help!