Turn on the Lights Podcast

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Latest Episodes:

Art, activism, and health care with Michelle Browder Aug 30, 2024

Show notes

Michelle Browder began using art at 13 to channel her energy and fight against racism, leading to her lifelong journey in activism.

In this episode, Michelle Browder, an American artist and activist known for her work in reimagining the future of gynecology and obstetrics in the US, explores the connection between art, activism, and medicine. Michelle's journey from a young fighter against racism to a renowned artist began at 13, using art to channel her energy and convey the need to dismantle racism. She discusses her plans to create a museum in Montgomery, Alabama, combining art, history, and medicine to educate and inspire future healthcare professionals, emphasizing empathy, dignity, and the need for equitable care. Collaborating with institutions like Harvard and UAB, Michelle aims to empower young women to pursue careers in healthcare despite societal barriers, expressing optimism about the future due to the dedication of young people fighting for justice and equity.

Tune in and learn about the transformative power of art in addressing historical and contemporary issues in gynecology and obstetrics!

Rerun: What Happened to Patient Safety with Sue Sheridan Aug 23, 2024

Show notes

How accountable are we when it comes to injuries caused by medical errors?

Since this archive episode aired, patient safety remains a serious issue, with thousands of Americans dying from errors in their care. Although interest in improving patient safety has sadly waned, many are working to revive it and increase attention to the problem.

In this interview, Sue Sheridan, founder and a global leader of Patients for Patient Safety US, shares how, ever since going through family tragedies caused by medical error twice, she’s actively worked to improve and ensure patient safety across the United States. As a newborn, Sue’s son’s unattended Kernicterus caused permanent brain damage, and some years later, her husband died because of a late-stage sarcoma diagnosis that had been previously detected; after these events, she decided to make a change and share her family’s story across health care. However, patient safety has been deprioritized as there are still gaps in the system regarding data collection that can catch mistakes. With Patients for Patient Safety, Sue seeks to democratize patient safety by highlighting transparency, illustrating the magnitude of the problem, and using input from the patient community when coming up with changes or solutions.

Tune in to learn more about the importance of patient safety!

Rerun - Penalized for Being Sick: The Uniquely American Crisis of Medical Debt with Berneta L. Haynes Aug 16, 2024

Show notes

Since this archive episode aired early in our podcast, organizations have paid off billions of dollars in medical debt, and many hospitals have stopped suing patients for small claims. However, the problem of medical debt is far from over and now is the best moment to do something about medical debt.

In this interview, Berneta Haynes, Staff Attorney with the National Consumer Law Center, talks in depth about what medical debt is, who is affected by it, why it’s a massive issue in the United States, and how to start solving this problem. In the US, getting sick or suffering an accident can lead to costly bills that trap a patient in a debt and disparity cycle when they lack money, insurance coverage, or live with a chronic condition. The National Consumer Law Center seeks to help communities of color and low-income populations by teaching them to manage their debt, handle collectors, and know their rights. Berneta explains the provisions and protections the Affordable Care Act and the No Surprises Act have to protect consumers from unfair medical bills and aggressive collections while highlighting changes and actions that improve the law, reduce debt, and expand the support umbrella across the country.

Tune in to learn more about the issue of medical debt and how to tackle it best!

We need a health care system that supports healthy aging with Maria Carney and Charles Kenney Aug 09, 2024

Show notes

The aging population is rapidly growing, posing significant challenges for global health care systems.

In this episode, Dr. Maria Carney, Chief and Medical Director at Northwell Health, and Charles Kenney, Senior Vice President at Northwell Health, talk about the need for a health care system that supports healthy aging. Dr. Carney and Charles discuss Robert Butler's vision of alleviating older adults' suffering, advocating for better treatment, and combating ageism, while also emphasizing the need for more support for caregivers and improved home care systems to enhance the quality of life for the elderly. They stress that addressing negative stereotypes and championing the importance of geriatric medicine is crucial for preparing for the future. Dr. Carney and Charles also address potential challenges, like for-profit health care systems denying payment for essential services, and highlight the importance of political support and education in creating an inclusive, effective approach to geriatric care.

Tune in and learn how we can transform our health care system to better serve the growing aging population and support a healthier, longer-lived society!

Patient empowerment and community engagement for better health outcomes Aug 02, 2024

Show notes

Patients and their families feel more empowered and regain normalcy by participating in their own care.

In this episode, Dr. Kavita Bhavan, Chief Innovation Officer at Parkland Health and an infectious disease specialist, shares how empowering patients to self-administer IV antibiotics at home has improved health care access and equity. She highlights the success of involving patients and their families in their care, addressing health disparities, and engaging the community. Dr. Bhavan discusses initiatives like using Dobutamine at home for end-stage heart failure patients, holding financial literacy fairs for kids, and improving flu vaccination rates through community health assessments. She also emphasizes the importance of trusting patients, addressing social determinants of health, and moving away from paternalistic health care models.

Tune in and learn how innovative approaches to health care delivery are significantly impacting patient empowerment and health equity!

The future of medical education with Holly Humphrey Jul 26, 2024

Show notes

Disparities in patient care based on race and insurance status lead to frustration, fueling a growing movement to unionize and push for fair treatment.

In this episode, Dr. Holly Humphrey, President of the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation, explores the pressing issues facing the American health care system and the foundation's pivotal role in transforming health professional education. Dr. Humphrey shares her insights on the high costs of medical training and how it drives specialty choices, the foundation's strategic initiatives focusing on diversity, equity, and belonging, and the adaptations made during the global pandemic. She discusses the grassroots activism of residents and students addressing disparities in patient care and how the Macy Foundation supports these efforts through innovative programs and career development opportunities. Kedar, Don, and Dr. Humphrey also tackle the future of medical education, touching on the financial stress trainees face, the ethical dilemmas introduced by high finance in health care, and the revolutionary potential of artificial intelligence. Dr. Humphrey brings to light the importance of investing in human capital and preparing the workforce for the health care challenges ahead.

Join this episode to explore critical topics, and stay tuned for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of health care and medical education!

The importance of evidence-based medicine and health care with Dr. Rita Redberg Jul 19, 2024

Show notes

Significant variations in medical treatments, even within the same state, challenge the belief that medical care is primarily based on science.

In this episode, Dr. Rita Redberg, a Professor of Medicine at UCSF Health, examines the belief that medical care is based primarily on science by discussing significant variations in treatment practices and advocating for evidence-based medicine. In her "Less is More" series in JAMA Internal Medicine, she aims to improve test readability and effectiveness. Throughout this interview, Dr. Redberg discusses the US Preventive Services Task Force's controversial mammography guidelines and the potential harms of over-testing, underscoring the importance of high-quality, unbiased evidence and rigorous FDA approval processes for new medical devices and drugs. She also addresses issues like unnecessary procedures motivated by fear of litigation or financial incentives and strongly calls for removing conflicts of interest from scientific trials and enhancing NIH funding to promote independent research.

Tune in and learn about the importance of evidence-based practices in health care and the steps needed to ensure safer, more effective patient care!

The Power of Patients and Clinicians Aligning on a Deep Issue: Prior Authorization Law Change, with Dr. Nisha Mehta and Dr. Tina Shah Jul 12, 2024

Show notes

Imagine mobilizing a community of doctors and patients to spark change in the health care system.

In this episode, Dr. Nisha Mehta and Dr. Tina Shah share how they made significant strides in addressing one of the most pressing issues in health care today: prior authorizations. They share how they mobilized a vast community of doctors to tackle the pressing issue of prior authorizations and their detrimental impact on patient care.

Listen in to learn about the powerful role of physician-patient alliances, the significance of sustained advocacy, and how a focused community can drive monumental change in health care.

Beacons of scientific truth, with Alan Weil Jul 05, 2024

Show notes

Evidence is paramount in policy-making due to its reliance on the scientific method.

In this episode, Alan Weil, the editor-in-chief of Health Affairs, explores ways to improve the US healthcare system and combat widespread misinformation. He shares insights from his extensive career in state health policy, emphasizing the critical importance of evidence-based decision-making and the scientific method in driving effective healthcare policies. Alan explores the complex interplay between federal and state policies, highlighting states as "laboratories of democracy" where innovative healthcare solutions can be tested and refined. Kedar, Don, and Alan tackle the challenges of implementing evidence-based policies in a polarized political landscape and the essential role that Health Affairs plays in fostering scientific understanding among policymakers and healthcare professionals.

Join this episode to learn why teamwork across fields and good science communication are important for policy and why there's hope for the future of healthcare policy despite challenges!

Information exchange and the role publications play in health care and medical media today, with Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, 17th Editor-in-Chief of JAMA and the JAMA Network Jun 28, 2024

Show notes

The US health care system is facing a crisis of mistrust, with less than half of Americans trusting health care professionals.

In this episode, Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, the 17th Editor-in-Chief of JAMA and the JAMA Network, discusses various topics, ranging from the importance of truth, transparency, and scientific thinking to the role of health equity, structural racism, AI, and machine learning in health care. She highlights the significance of effective communication in making scientific knowledge accessible and engaging for both professionals and the general public. Within the interview, Kirsten emphasizes the use of various media to reach wider audiences and combat misinformation, emphasizing the necessity of rigorous peer review and maintaining high standards in scientific publications. Additionally, she addresses the impact of the polarized political environment and the need for inclusive and diverse perspectives in health care research and practice.

Tune in and learn how these efforts aim to improve trust and care in the health care system!

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