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A Critical Care Doctor's Survival Story with Dr. Dee Ford | #TheLastZebraPod

Published on: 2nd September, 2025

This episode we speak to Dr. Dee Ford, MD, MSCR, ATSF (Pulmonary / Critical Care), as a Critical Care doctor, she's seen it all. But when her own near-death experience began with a single symptom—fatigue—she discovered a opportunity in modern medicine hiding in plain sight.

This is the essence of The Last Zebra: a story that looks past the diagnosis to find a profound, human truth. It's not about a rare disease, but a rare insight into what we're getting wrong in patient care, showcasing the authentic, grounded conversations we need to have.

In this powerful clip, Dr. Ugo Ezema and Dr. Dee Ford discuss her harrowing journey from doctor to patient, exploring the complex intersection of medical ethics, diagnosis, and the doctor-patient relationship.

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Dr. Ugo Ezema on IG: https://instagram/ugoezemamd

TLZ Pod on IG: https://instagram/thelastzebrapod

Listen to the FULL, unfiltered conversation with Dr. Dee Ford on The Last Zebra Podcast:

Stream TLZ Pod On Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/13QjxW49xOkSqkP9zQKyRS?si=_94N98AiTYGFD02EgHXZtA


Listen TLZ Pod on Apple:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-last-zebra/id1715958112


Checkout TLZ Pod on Captivate:

https://feeds.captivate.fm/the-last-zebra/


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Hosted by Dr. Ugo Ezema, "The Last Zebra" looks for the common in all of us, focusing on the unique, diverse, and individual experiences of medical professionals. In a world defined by seeking the most likely causes, we explore the stories that deviate from dogma to reveal the extraordinary side of medicine and humanity.


Song: Filaments

Composer: Scott Buckley

Website: https://youtube.com/user/musicbyscottb

License: Creative Commons (BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Music powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.com

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About the Podcast

The Last Zebra
Nuanced conversations about different walks of life and those who live them
“The Last Zebra” draws its essence from the timeless medical adage:

“When you hear hoofbeats, think of horses, not zebras.”

Coined by Dr. Theodore Woodward in the 1940s, this maxim reminds us to prioritize common diagnoses over rare and improbable ones.

In a medical world often defined by seeking the most likely causes, “The Last Zebra” podcast takes a different approach. Here we are looking for the common in all of us.

The common focuses on the unique, diverse, and individual experiences of medical professionals. We hope to showcase the stories of these individuals, highlighting how they infuse their backgrounds, beliefs, and characteristics into their medical practice. By doing so, they add an artistic and personal touch that goes beyond the clinical norms and transforms their work into a deeply profound and meaningful endeavor.

Through these stories, “The Last Zebra” aims to reveal the extraordinary side of medicine— "heavy on the ordinary".

The stories that deviate from dogma and delve into the exceptional. It seeks to capture the essence of these medical professionals’ journeys, shedding light on their challenges, triumphs, and the remarkable ways they shape the landscape of healthcare.

In each episode, we delve into the non-clinical nuances that define the day-to-day lives of medical professionals from diverse backgrounds and specialties. This podcast will start and go beyond the clinical, shedding light on the intricate artistry, mosaicism, and diversity in medicine.

We explore how every guest crafts their unique personality and characteristics into the very fabric of their practice.

These stories not only celebrate individuality but also embody the soul of healthcare.

In a world where uniformity is prioritized, “The Last Zebra” podcast honors the rare and unique elements that medical professionals bring to their work. Together, we’ll discover how these exceptional individuals are shaping the future of healthcare, one personalized interaction at a time.

So, come along as we embrace the zebras — the extraordinary stories that make medicine a true art.
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Ugo Ezema