The Podcast by KevinMD

Latest Episodes:

How collaboration across medical disciplines and patient advocacy cured a rare disease Jun 03, 2025

Show notes

Patient advocate Tami Burdick discusses her article, "How collaboration saved my life from a rare disease doctors couldn't diagnose." Tami shares her personal and arduous journey with granulomatous mastitis (GM), a rare and poorly understood condition, and how embracing collaborative health care in three key ways led to her successful remission. She details the crucial partnership between her conventional Western medicine doctor, surgical breast oncologist Dr. Kelly McLean, and her functional medicine practitioner, Jared Seigler, which allowed for innovative testing and a broader perspective on her illness. Tami also highlights the power of patient-to-doctor collaboration, emphasizing how her own relentless research and self-advocacy were instrumental in uncovering answers that the traditional system initially missed, largely due to time constraints on physicians. Furthermore, she underscores the profound impact of patient-to-patient collaboration through her support group, where shared experiences and knowledge provided critical guidance and helped others navigate the complexities of GM. Tami's story is a testament to the potential of integrating different medical approaches, the necessity of patient empowerment, and a call for systemic changes in health care to foster more such collaborations, including better insurance coverage for alternative practices and more dedicated time for doctor-patient interactions.

Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot.

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Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow.

VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast

RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Avarie's story: Confronting the deadly gaps in food allergy education and emergency response Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

Patient advocate Lianne Mandelbaum discusses her article, "What Avarie's death in Rome teaches us about the gaps in food allergy education." Lianne reflects on the tragic death of Avarie, a young American student with a known tree nut allergy who died in Rome due to anaphylaxis, contrasting this loss with the promising advancements in food allergy research and treatment. She meticulously outlines the systemic failures in Avarie's case: despite informing the restaurant of her allergy, she was served pesto containing cashew; her first epinephrine auto-injector reportedly failed; and the responding ambulance lacked the appropriate medication. Lianne underscores how lived experience with anaphylaxis shapes risk perception and highlights the urgent need for comprehensive, lifelong food allergy education starting from a young age. This education must cover crucial skills such as safe food ordering, self-advocacy in various settings including when studying abroad, and clear emergency response protocols. She points to a pervasive societal underestimation of food allergies and calls for widespread education at all levels—for patients, families, schools, universities, the hospitality industry, physicians across specialties to ensure timely allergist referrals, and particularly for first responders to be properly equipped and trained. Lianne advocates for making the knowledge and use of epinephrine as normalized and accessible as CPR, urging the community to translate knowledge into action to prevent further avoidable deaths.

Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot.

Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow.

VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast

RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Reimagining Type 2 diabetes care with nutrition for remission Jun 01, 2025

Show notes

Endocrinologist William Hsu discusses his article, "Reimagining diabetes care with nutrition, not prescriptions." William argues for a paradigm shift in treating Type 2 diabetes, moving away from a primary reliance on medications for symptom management towards a focus on achieving disease remission and regression through comprehensive, nutrition-based lifestyle interventions. He critiques the traditional model that often consigns patients to a lifelong battle with chronic illness and a heavy medication burden, emphasizing the need to address the root causes of the disease, such as insulin resistance and impaired pancreatic beta-cell function, while aiming for optimal body composition and tackling premature aging. William highlights programmatic approaches like the Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD), used under medical and dietetic supervision, as a promising strategy that not only improves glucose levels and promotes fat-focused weight loss while preserving muscle mass but also fosters deeper cellular renewal and offers a sustainable, long-term plan. He advocates for a "triple bottom line" in diabetes care: achieving remission or regression, addressing underlying mechanisms, and enhancing longevity and quality of life, positioning nutrition-led programs as the new gold standard.

Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot.

Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow.

VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast

RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

How conflicts of interest are eroding trust in U.S. health agencies May 31, 2025

Show notes

Health reporter Martha Rosenberg discusses her article, "Conflicts of interest are eroding trust in U.S. health agencies." Martha outlines how faith in government health bodies like the FDA and CDC has plummeted due to escalating conflicts of interest, tracing some concerns back to the 1992 Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA), which allowed drugmakers to fund aspects of the drug approval process. She points to a pattern of FDA commissioners, such as Dr. Scott Gottlieb, Dr. Robert Califf, and Dr. Margaret Hamburg, having significant financial ties to the pharmaceutical industry, and notes the concerning practice of drug trials being funded by the manufacturers of the drugs under investigation. Martha also examines the CDC Foundation, which accepts private donations, and cites several CDC directors, including Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald, Dr. Tom Frieden, Dr. Julie Gerberding, and Dr. Robert Redfield, who faced scrutiny over alleged conflicts or ethical issues. The conversation delves into the pervasive influence of pharmaceutical lobbying on Congress and the increasing tendency of medical journals to publish industry-funded research, highlighting the danger these interwoven interests pose to public trust and patient well-being.

Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot.

Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow.

VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast

RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Physician job change: Navigating your 457 plan and avoiding tax traps May 30, 2025

Show notes

Shane Tenny discusses his article, "Navigating your 457 plan: key steps for physicians changing jobs." He provides crucial advice for physicians, particularly those with non-governmental 457(b) plans, on how to manage these retirement savings vehicles during a career transition. Shane clarifies that a 457(b) is a type of deferred compensation plan offered by state and local governments and certain tax-exempt organizations, differing in key ways from 401(k)s. For physicians leaving employers with non-governmental 457(b)s, he highlights critical considerations such as the likelihood of mandatory distribution upon separation, the general inability to roll these funds into an IRA or another qualified plan (a common option for 401(k)s and governmental 457(b)s), and the potential for the entire plan balance to become taxable income in the year of distribution. Shane outlines actionable steps for physicians, including thoroughly reviewing their specific plan documents, engaging in strategic tax planning, exploring possibilities for scheduled distributions to spread out tax impacts if the plan allows, and assessing the retirement benefits offered by their new employer. He also notes unique features of 457(b) plans, such as the absence of a 10 percent penalty for withdrawals before age 59 ½ and a special catch-up contribution provision for employees in the three years preceding their normal retirement age.

Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot.

Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow.

VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast

RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Reclaiming trust in online health advice May 29, 2025

Show notes

Urologist Diana Londoño discusses her article, "From healers to influencers: How fear took over health care advice." Diana addresses the concerning trend of physicians using fear-inducing tactics on social media, which she argues prioritizes engagement over genuine patient well-being. Instead of guiding and comforting, this approach often leaves people feeling scared and confused about their health choices. Diana explores the potential motivations behind this shift, such as the pursuit of clicks, likes, shares, and a perceived sense of worth tied to follower counts, questioning if a "dopamine rush" fuels this behavior. She advocates for a return to the core principles of the medical profession: to heal and teach by sharing information constructively and easing suffering, rather than perpetuating a cycle of fear. The conversation offers an actionable takeaway for medical professionals to reflect on their communication strategies and for listeners to become more critical consumers of online health content.

Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot.

Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow.

VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast

RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Breaking the cycle of sacrifice: from medical martyrdom to purposeful healing May 28, 2025

Show notes

Pediatrician and certified coach Jessie Mahoney discusses her article, "What if we stopped sacrificing ourselves to practice medicine?" She explores the pervasive culture of martyrdom and self-sacrifice within the medical field that often leads to physician burnout and a deep yearning for greater peace and purpose. Jessie shares her insights from coaching hundreds of physicians, emphasizing that the issue is not a lack of resilience but a system that discourages well-being. The conversation covers her "7 Cs of transformative change"—Courage, Creativity, Calm, Compassion, Capacity, Commitment, and Community—as a framework for physicians to reimagine their careers and lives. Jessie also recounts her personal journey from feeling depleted to creating impactful wellness initiatives, including retreats and coaching, to help fellow physicians reclaim joy, meaning, and alignment. The key takeaway is: Physicians deserve to prioritize their own well-being, and by embracing self-compassion and intentional change, they can move from a state of sacrifice to one of sustainable purpose and fulfillment, ultimately benefiting both themselves and their patients.

Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot.

Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click.

Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise—and it's built on a foundation of trust.

It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow.

VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast

RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Better dizziness diagnosis through skilled exams May 27, 2025

Show notes

Physical therapist John Corsino discusses his article, "Lifelong learning: a game-changer in diagnosing dizziness." He highlights how often the answers to complex cases, like acute dizziness, are present in the exam room but can be missed due to an over-reliance on diagnostic testing and systemic pressures that undervalue thorough physical examination. John champions the importance of lifelong learning for clinicians and the effective use of specific physical exam techniques, such as the HINTS exam, which can differentiate between peripheral vestibular issues and central nervous system insults with high accuracy, sometimes even outperforming imaging. The conversation delves into how misperceptions about dizziness persist and how a commitment to skilled examination can prevent diagnostic delays, reduce health care costs, and significantly improve patient outcomes. The key takeaway is: Investing time in honing physical examination skills and fostering a culture of continuous learning is crucial for clinicians to provide high-value, accurate diagnoses, especially for challenging symptoms like dizziness, ultimately transforming patient care.

Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot.

It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow.

VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast

RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

More than a meeting: Finding education, inspiration, and community in internal medicine May 26, 2025

Show notes

Former American College of Physicians treasurer and infectious disease physician Janet A. Jokela discusses her article, "Internal Medicine 2025: inspiration at the annual meeting." She shares her personal reflections on the profound value of attending the American College of Physicians annual internal medicine meeting, drawing from decades of experience. Janet highlights the three core pillars of the event—education, inspiration, and community—emphasizing the exceptional quality of clinical updates, the energizing atmosphere of professional excellence, and the deep sense of camaraderie among colleagues. The conversation covers how the meeting has evolved to cater to physicians at all career stages and serves as a vital touchstone for advancing the ACP's mission. Janet passionately conveys why this annual gathering is more than just a conference; it's a place for renewal, connection, and a reaffirmation of the core values in medicine. The key takeaway is: The ACP annual meeting offers internal medicine physicians an unparalleled opportunity for top-tier education, profound inspiration, and invaluable community building, making it an essential experience for professional growth and personal enrichment.

Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot.

It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow.

VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast

RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Rethinking addiction treatment: contingency management and the future of recovery May 25, 2025

Show notes

Health care executive Traci Sweet discusses her article, "The role of contingency management in addiction treatment." She makes a compelling case for the increased use of contingency management—an evidence-based approach utilizing positive reinforcement—to improve outcomes for individuals with substance use disorder (SUD). Traci explains how this method, which rewards positive behaviors like treatment engagement, can effectively leverage the brain's reward system and is particularly beneficial given the high relapse rates associated with traditional treatments. The conversation explores practical applications of contingency management, including app-based digital incentive programs, and highlights its success in her own practice. Traci also outlines a broader vision for the future of SUD care, emphasizing the need to embrace innovation, technology such as AI and digital therapeutics, emerging pharmacological treatments like GLP-1 agonists and psychedelic-assisted therapy, and holistic interventions to create more personalized and effective recovery pathways. The key takeaway is: To address the ongoing addiction crisis, the health care system must move beyond one-size-fits-all models and actively integrate innovative, evidence-based strategies like contingency management alongside cutting-edge technologies and a wider range of therapeutic options.

Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot.

It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow.

VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast

RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

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