Health Discovered

Latest Episodes:

Why Are More Younger Adults Facing Colorectal Cancer? Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

In the U.S., about 10% of colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed in people under 50 – and rates are rising one to two percent each year. What’s behind this trend: lifestyle, genetics, or environment? We spoke with Andrea Cercek, MD, physician-scientist and medical oncologist, about her groundbreaking clinical trial that revolutionized treatment for early-stage rectal cancers. She discusses the multifactorial causes behind these rising diagnoses, from diet and lifestyle to environmental exposures and medications, and why screening, symptom awareness, and healthy habits like exercise and stress management are critical.

Credits

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health Equity in Multiple Sclerosis: Advocacy, Support, and Treatment Options Oct 02, 2025

Show notes

Each week in the U.S., about 200 people are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), and women are four times more likely than men to develop it. What are the warning signs? What challenges do patients face? And how can they advocate for themselves? We spoke with Mitzi Joi Williams, MD, a board-certified neurologist, to discuss health disparities that delay diagnosis in underserved communities, stigmas that prevent women from seeking care, and why early detection is crucial for long-term health. We also hear from Angelina Cubero, diagnosed in 2020, who shares her story and how self-advocacy shaped her journey. Tune in to learn how preparing for medical visits, recognizing symptoms, and finding peer support can empower those living with MS.

Credits

Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Guests: Mitizi Joi Williams, MD; Angelina Cubero
Producer: Lauren Summers
Editor: Jason Hammel
Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Risks of Delaying Routine Cancer Screenings Sep 25, 2025

Show notes

Half of Americans skipped important cancer screenings in the past year. How does fear play a major factor? Or the amount of time we have? We spoke with Christopher Scuderi, DO, a primary-care physician and cancer survivor, about which screenings are most often missed, the risks of delaying them, screening guidelines to be aware of, and how to prioritize our health despite fear of knowing or busy schedules. He also highlights how talking with your doctor can help identify personal risk factors and the role healthy habits – like diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management – play in lowering cancer risk and supporting overall well-being.

Credits

Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Guest: Christopher Scuderi, DO
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Metastatic Prostate Cancer in Black Men: Disparities, Advocacy, and Support Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

About 1 in 8 men will face a prostate cancer diagnosis. Early-stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms—so how should men approach screening and advocacy? What disparities do Black men experience that would negatively impact their outcomes? And what can we do about it? We spoke with Otis Brawley, MD, professor of oncology at Johns Hopkins, about the types of prostate cancer, key symptoms, when and how often to screen, and why access to equal treatment is essential for equal outcomes for Black men. He also explains metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and why advanced imaging like PSMA PET scans matters. Survivor David Diaz Sr., executive director of The Reluctant Brotherhood, also shares his story of diagnosis, treatment, and the power of support groups for men navigating prostate cancer.

Credits

Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Guests: Otis Brawley, MD; David Diaz Sr.
Producer: Lauren Summers
Editor: Jason Hammel
Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Psychedelics and Mental Health: Emerging Tools for Mood Disorders Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

Psychedelics like ketamine, psilocybin, and MDMA are emerging as promising treatments for mood disorders that don’t respond to standard care. What has research shown using these compounds as therapeutic tools? How can psychedelics work in the brain to alleviate mental health symptoms? We spoke with Janette Leal, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist, about the psychedelics currently being studied, their potential to safely and effectively ease symptoms in supervised settings, how they may help rewire thought patterns, common misconceptions about psychedelic-assisted therapy, and why working with a trained clinician is essential.

Credits

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heat and Health Risks: What You Need to Know About Your Medications Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

Medications are designed to work best when stored at the right temperature, but heat can affect their potency and even increase health risks. How exactly can heat compromise the effectiveness of certain medications? What heat-related illnesses or side effects can occur during periods of high temperatures? We spoke with Shellyza Sajwani, pharmacist and co-founder of Climaceutics Health Solutions, about how extreme heat can damage medications and increase the risk of side effects such as dehydration, kidney issues, or reduced sweating ability. She shares how to store medications safely, protect yourself during hot weather, and why your pharmacist and prescriber are key partners in medication management.

Credits

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 4 M’s of Age-Friendly Care: Improving Your Healthcare Experience as You Age Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

How can we improve care for older adults while supporting their independence and dignity? In this episode, we speak with Ellen Flaherty, PhD, MSN, APRN, vice president of the Dartmouth Health Geriatric Center of Excellence, about the 4 M’s of age-friendly care: what matters, medication, mind, and mobility. She shares how older adults can advocate for their needs, why proper medication management is vital, and what red flags caregivers should watch for, including delirium and cognitive changes. We also explore the importance of staying active and resources like the My Health Checklist, a workbook to help adults 65+ prepare for healthcare visits. Discover how the 4 M’s can guide more personalized care that honors each person’s goals.

Check out The John A. Hartford Foundation at https://www.johnahartford.org/.

Credits

Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Guest: Ellen Flaherty, PhD, MSN, APRN
Producer/Editor: LaEuren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Safe Is Your Produce? A Look at EWG’s 2025 Shopper’s Guide Aug 21, 2025

Show notes

How many pesticides are on the produce we eat – and what can we do about it every day? We spoke with Alexis Temkin, PhD, senior toxicologist at the Environmental Working Group (EWG), for an overview of EWG’s 2025 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce. We unpacked everything from the “Clean Fifteen” and “Dirty Dozen” lists to the most common chemicals of concern, the impact of choosing organic vs. non-organic, and how to properly wash your fruits and vegetables to help reduce surface pesticide residue.

Credits

Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Guest: Alexis Temkin, PhD
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa? Diagnosis, Treatment, and Support Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

What is hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)? Why is it often misdiagnosed, and what does effective care look like? We spoke to Jennifer L. Hsiao, MD, dermatologist and director of the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Specialty Clinic at USC, to break down what HS really is, why a multidisciplinary team matters, and how new treatments, including FDA-approved biologics, are changing the landscape. We also hear from Athena Gierbolini, president of Hope for HS, who shares her 14-year journey with HS, from painful trial-and-error treatments to finding life-changing support and specialist care. Join us as we learn how to advocate for better care and find the right resources to manage this complex and chronic condition.

Credits

Host: John Whyte, MD, MPH
Guest: Jennifer L. Hsiao, MD; Athena Gierbolini
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your Guide to Eczema: Types, Triggers, and Treatments Aug 07, 2025

Show notes

Approximately 31 million people in the U.S., or 10% of the population, live with some form of eczema. But what are the different types of eczema, and why do certain types affect some people more than others? We spoke with Candrice R. Heath, MD, FAAP, FAAD, adult and pediatric dermatologist, about the eczema umbrella, treatment options, the surprising role of lifestyle factors like stress and sleep, the importance of tracking your triggers, and how to effectively partner with your doctor when it comes to managing your skin.

Credits

Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Guest: Candrice R. Heath, MD, FAAP, FAAD
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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