Health Discovered

Latest Episodes:

Living With Lupus: Early Signs, Triggers, and Common Misconceptions Dec 18, 2025

Show notes

At least 1.5 million people in the United States are living with lupus, a chronic and often misunderstood autoimmune disease. What are the most common myths about lupus – and who does it really affect? We spoke with Karen Costenbader, MD, MPH, director of the Lupus Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, about early symptoms to watch for, potential environmental triggers, widespread misconceptions, and what patients can expect from their healthcare team when seeking diagnosis and care.

Credits

Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Guest: Karen Costenbader, MD, MPH
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life After a Heart Attack: What Recovery Really Looks Like Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

About 805,000 people in the U.S. have a heart attack each year – and the experience doesn’t end in the ER. Recovery is a long-term process. We spoke to Harmony R. Reynolds, MD, director of both the Center for Women’s Cardiovascular Health and the Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center at NYU Langone Health, about the signs and symptoms to watch for, what healthy recovery can look like, how to support yourself or a loved one after a heart attack, and the key lifestyle changes that make a lasting difference.

Credits

Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Guest: Harmony R. Reynolds, MD
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Protecting Yourself Against Scams Targeting Older Adults Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

Fraud targeting older adults is on the rise, with schemes designed to steal personal information, drain savings, or even jeopardize health through the sale of fake medical equipment. We spoke with Robert “Bob” Blancato, who serves as the National Coordinator of the bipartisan Elder Justice Coalition and is the Executive Director of the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Program, about the biggest red flags – from fake Medicare calls to deceptive billing – and why trusting your instincts, speaking up if something feels off, and staying connected to your community are key to staying safe.
Check out The John A. Hartford Foundation at https://www.johnahartford.org/.

Credits

Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Guest: Robert "Bob" Blancato
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headaches or Something More? Understanding Childhood Migraine Nov 26, 2025

Show notes

About 10% of U.S. children ages 5 to 15 experience migraine. For parents, figuring out what’s normal, what’s serious, and how to help can be overwhelming. We spoke with Sara Pavitt, MD, chief of the Headache Program at UT Health Austin Pediatric Neurosciences at Dell Children’s, to break it down. She explains how to recognize the signs and symptoms of migraine in kids, when to call a doctor, and how to manage them day to day – from improving sleep and hydration to using supplements and cognitive behavioral therapy. Your child doesn’t have to suffer. Learn how to navigate migraine with confidence.

Credits

Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Guest: Sara Pavitt, MD
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Planning for Pregnancy With IBD: Expert Tips for a Safe Start Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) causes inflammation in the digestive tract and can raise important questions for those who are pregnant or planning to be. Is your pregnancy “high risk” because of IBD? Can you safely stay on your medication? We spoke with Uma Mahadevan, MD, director of the UCSF Colitis and Crohn’s Disease Center, about how to prepare for a healthy pregnancy with IBD. She explains why keeping your condition under control is the safest choice for your baby, which modern IBD medications are considered low-risk in pregnancy, and how a coordinated care team can make all the difference.

Additional resources: https://pianostudy.org/

Credits

Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Guest: Uma Mahadevan, MD
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Understanding Postpartum Depression: Early Signs and Effective Care Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects up to 1 in 5 new mothers in the U.S. – and it can impact anyone, regardless of age, background, or how many children you’ve had. In this episode, we speak with Megan Spence, PsyD, PMH-C, licensed clinical psychologist, about how PPD is diagnosed, the signs to look for, and what effective treatment and recovery truly involve. We also explore why open communication and early support are key to healing and reclaiming emotional well-being after birth.

Credits

Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Guest: Megan Spence, PsyD, PMH-C
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Living With Fibromyalgia: Understanding the Pain and Finding Relief Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

Fibromyalgia affects about 4 million U.S. adults. Though its cause remains unclear, it can be effectively diagnosed, treated, and managed. But what exactly is fibromyalgia, and why is it sometimes dismissed as “made up”? We spoke with Kevin Hackshaw, MD, a board-certified rheumatologist, to discuss how fibromyalgia is diagnosed, common pain patterns, ongoing research, and practical strategies for living well with the condition. Learn why realistic management – like exercise and self-care – can make a difference and help prevent flare-ups.

Credits

Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Guest: Kevin Hackshaw, MD
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Your HS Treatments Stop Working: Finding New Paths to Relief Oct 30, 2025

Show notes

Living with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) can mean navigating a long and often complicated treatment journey, but finding the right care and support can make all the difference. What happens when your regimen stops working or new symptoms appear? We spoke with Christopher Sayed, MD, professor of dermatology at the UNC Department of Dermatology, to discuss when it’s time to talk to your doctor about escalating treatment, why switching therapies or care teams isn’t a setback, and how HS support groups can provide vital expertise and advocacy. We also hear from Katie, a patient advocate with Hope for HS, who shares her story of diagnosis, experiences with flare-ups and stigma, and how she ultimately found the right care.

Credits

Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Guests: Christopher Sayed, MD; Katie
Producer: Lauren Summers
Editor: Jason Hammel
Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Age-Friendly Tech: Using AI to Support Healthy, Independent Aging Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

When we think of AI, we don’t often connect it to the needs of older adults. But how can technology support age-friendly care in the digital age? We spoke with Kedar Mate, MD, co-founder and chief medical officer of Qualified Health AI, about how simple AI tools can empower older adults to take control of their health and wellness. From managing medications and detecting fall risks early to improving memory and mood, we explore how AI can enhance care and independence. Discover how the right tools, used the right way, can help us age safely, confidently, and in line with what matters most.
Check out The John A. Hartford Foundation at https://www.johnahartford.org/.

Credits

Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Guest: Kedar Mate, MD
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Finding the Right Care Team and Treatment Strategies Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

Recurring painful bumps in your underarms, groin, or under the breasts may seem like acne – but they could be hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic, often misunderstood skin condition. HS affects up to four percent of people in the U.S., yet it’s frequently misdiagnosed or dismissed. What can those impacted do to heal and prevent these bumps? What are the misconceptions about HS? And how can patients advocate for themselves? We spoke with Vivian Shi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, about the early warning signs of HS, treatment options ranging from topical therapies to biologics and surgery, and debunked myths linking HS to poor hygiene. We also hear from Ebone Colbert, who shares her 15-year journey with HS, from symptoms to diagnosis, and why support and the right care team matter.

Credits

Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Guests: Vivian Shi, MD; Ebone Colbert
Producer: Lauren Summers
Editor: Jason Hammel
Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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