Making the transition from the political arena to the healthcare world has been an eye-opening experience for me. To my surprise, I've discovered that healthcare is just as political, if not more so, than the political world I once inhabited. This realization has been both shocking and motivating, as it's…
In this episode, we're joined by Emmanuel K. Konstantakos, an orthopedic surgeon and Jeff Morris, an attorney and CEO of American Board of Physician Specialties. They discuss the ongoing debate about physician board certifications and the role of monopolistic practices in limiting patient access to care. During the COVID-19 crisis,…
If you're considering a biosimilar medication, there are a few key questions to ask yourself. First and foremost, consider the impact on cost, as biosimilars have been shown to reduce out-of-pocket expenses by up to 45% in some cases. Next, review the data and make sure that you feel comfortable…
Biosimilars are FDA-approved biologics that are similar to a reference medication. This similarity is made possible through a rigorous regulatory process that verifies their safety and efficacy. Proteins, which make up these medications, are complex and can have inherent variability, but the process of creating biosimilars ensures that they are…
In this special sponsored episode, we focus on biosimilar medications and how they can benefit patients. I'm joined by Tim de Gavre, the VP and chief commercial officer at Sandoz, a member of the Sandoz U.S. Executive Committee, and a graduate of The Wharton School and Princeton University. In this…
HIV and COVID-19 are two highly stigmatized infections that both impact vulnerable populations. The similarities between the two include the presence of misinformation and myths, as well as the ongoing challenge of combating disinformation and promoting belief in science. Given these similarities, it makes sense to address both HIV and…
The current CDC guidelines for HIV/AIDS screening suggest that primary care physicians ask patients between the ages of 13 and 65 about their HIV risk and offer testing at least once. However, this approach has a major flaw as risk behaviors need to be continuously assessed, not just during one…
In this episode, we welcome clinical research assistant professor, Maranda C. Ward, to discuss the importance of routine screening for both HIV and COVID-19 in primary care. During the COVID pandemic, we became familiar with answering questions about our risk of exposure and symptoms, yet we have failed to make…
The recent news about Chris Hemsworth highlights the need for caution when it comes to genomic testing. I advocate for the prudent use of this technology in a clinically supervised environment. Randomly testing patients without proper indications can cause undue mental and emotional stress, especially if there is no family…
The use of genomic testing in medication prescription is becoming increasingly important, with over 200 medications now recommended or mandated by the FDA for this type of testing. One of the most critical areas where this applies is in the use of opioids, which play a significant role in the…
Today, we're discussing the news about actor Chris Hemsworth and his genetic test results. Hemsworth announced that he is taking a break from acting after learning that he has a heightened risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Our guest today is Ani Rostomyan, a nutrigenomics pharmacist, who will provide some insight…
Making a difference, one patient at a time: the role of physicians in improving lives As physicians, we hold immense power in our hands. We have the ability to change a person's life for better or for worse with every interaction. That's why it's so important to listen, to keep…
As a parent, finding a physician who truly understands your child's unique needs and is willing to listen can be a difficult task. But when you find one who believes in you and your child, it can make all the difference. In recent years, I've been so grateful to come…
In this episode, we have a special guest, Laura Fernando, a patient advocate, who shares her heart-wrenching story of her daughter Lily's medical journey with COVID-19 and other health conditions. Joining her and Lily is Linda Bluestein, an integrative medicine physician. Lily was a healthy 12-year-old when she contracted COVID-19…
Effective communication is a cornerstone of quality patient care, but it's not always easy to get it right. One of the biggest mistakes physicians make is failing to put themselves in their patient's shoes. This can result in communication breakdowns and a lack of understanding. As George Bernard Shaw famously…
The fear of speaking to a patient about an unexpected outcome is understandable, but avoiding the conversation only increases the likelihood of a lawsuit. It's important to approach the situation with empathy and transparency, and to offer a medical explanation if possible. Let's work together to improve communication and promote…
In this episode, we sit down with attorney and author Michael J. Grace to discuss his book, The Mumbo Jumbo Fix: A Survival Guide for Effective Doctor-Patient-Nurse Communication. As a defense lawyer representing health care providers, Michael discovered that many of his clients didn't fully understand their legal obligations when…
Have you ever felt frustrated by how complex our healthcare system is? It shouldn't be this hard for us to navigate or understand. Healthcare is a basic human need, not a commodity. I believe we all have a role to play in making our system more straightforward, whether it's by…
If you're considering Medicare Advantage or traditional Medicare, it's important to weigh the pros and cons. Research indicates that while many people are content with Advantage plans when they're healthy, they may switch back to traditional Medicare when they become ill or experience more health problems. This suggests that Advantage…
We're joined by Aniyizhai Annamalai, an internal medicine-psychiatry physician. Dr. Annamalai's patients are mostly indigent, not employed due to disability, and have serious mental illnesses. Most of them qualify for Medicaid. In this episode, Dr. Annamalai shares her insights on Medicare Advantage plans and how they affect her patients. Despite…
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology is a matured system that accurately and reliably monitors glucose levels without the need for painful finger pricks four or more times a day. All type one diabetes patients are recommended to use CGM devices, and now it's recognized that even those with type two…
Continuous glucose monitoring is a revolutionary technology that provides real-time updates on blood glucose levels without the need to enter a blood vessel. A small cannula is placed under the skin to measure interstitial glucose levels, typically in the arm, abdomen, or leg. This sensor records blood glucose every minute…
Our guest today is James Malone, an endocrinologist and health care executive with over 30 years of experience in the field of diabetes. James has seen firsthand the challenges that many people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) face when it comes to daily insulin management. Despite advancements in diabetes care…
As healthcare professionals, it's important to maintain strong relationships with our colleagues, patients, and staff. One key aspect of this is providing feedback in a gentle and effective manner. When giving feedback, it's essential to share your perspective rather than dictating how things should be. This sets the stage for…