The Benefits of Psychedelics on PTSD | Ben "Doc" Askins Interview
Download MP3Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses Psychedelic Medicine with Physician Assistant Ben "Doc" Askins who is a US Army combat Veteran and trailblazer in Psychedelic medicine.
Leah and former PA Ben "Doc" Askins discuss the integration of psychedelic medicine within veteran healthcare. Ben shares his journey from being a combat medic and National Guard member to pursuing a career in medicine, leading to his involvement in psychedelic science, particularly regarding mental health. He details his experiences with ketamine and MDMA, discussing their therapeutic potential in treating conditions like chronic depression, PTSD, and pain. Despite the challenges of navigating medical regulations and ensuring patient access, there's optimism for rescheduling these substances to allow for broader therapeutic use. Ben also touches on his work outside the clinic, including his podcast "The Anti-Heroes Journey" and his book "The Zero with a Thousand Faces," which plays on Joseph Campbell's "Hero's Journey" to advocate for self-compassion and understanding in human behaviour.
Please check out his podcast and most importantly his awesome new book Anti-Hero's Journey:
https://www.antiherosjourney.com
Leah and former PA Ben "Doc" Askins discuss the integration of psychedelic medicine within veteran healthcare. Ben shares his journey from being a combat medic and National Guard member to pursuing a career in medicine, leading to his involvement in psychedelic science, particularly regarding mental health. He details his experiences with ketamine and MDMA, discussing their therapeutic potential in treating conditions like chronic depression, PTSD, and pain. Despite the challenges of navigating medical regulations and ensuring patient access, there's optimism for rescheduling these substances to allow for broader therapeutic use. Ben also touches on his work outside the clinic, including his podcast "The Anti-Heroes Journey" and his book "The Zero with a Thousand Faces," which plays on Joseph Campbell's "Hero's Journey" to advocate for self-compassion and understanding in human behaviour.
Please check out his podcast and most importantly his awesome new book Anti-Hero's Journey:
https://www.antiherosjourney.com
If you would like more information on our services including Independent Medical Opinion Letters often referred to as nexus letters and records review, please check us out here: https://www.prestigeveteranmctx.com
Creators and Guests
Host
Leah Bucholz
Leah Bucholz is an Army combat veteran, board-certified Physician Assistant, former VA C&P examiner, and the founder of Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting. Through her work in medical evidence review and veteran education, Leah helps veterans better understand the medical side of the VA disability process, including nexus letters, DBQs, C&P exams, and complex medical opinions. She is also the host of The Veterans Disability Nexus podcast, where she discusses VA disability medical evidence from an educational and evidence-based perspective.
Guest
Ben Askins
Ben "Doc" Askins, PA-C, is a U.S. Army veteran, psychiatric physician assistant, educator, author, and nationally recognized speaker whose work focuses on trauma, resilience, and innovative approaches to mental health. A graduate of the U.S. Army Interservice Physician Assistant Program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, he has spent more than two decades practicing and teaching wilderness, tactical, and expeditionary medicine in both military and civilian settings. Doc is the founder of an integrative psychiatric practice specializing in PTSD, depression, and precision mental health. His clinical interests include ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, neuropsychiatry, genomics, and the emerging field of psychedelic medicine. He has completed specialized training in MDMA-assisted therapy through the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) and has contributed to clinical research examining the effects of ketamine treatment on epigenetic aging in patients with PTSD and major depressive disorder. In addition to his clinical work, Doc is the author of The Anti-Hero's Journey and host of the Anti-Hero's Journey podcast, where he explores the intersections of trauma, psychology, philosophy, leadership, and human consciousness with leading clinicians, researchers, and thought leaders. Through his writing and speaking, he challenges conventional thinking while advocating for evidence-informed, compassionate approaches to healing and personal growth.
