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…
Building trust with our patients is key to providing effective care and achieving positive outcomes. This is especially true for adults who are relatively high functioning and prefer to be engaged in decision-making. For these individuals, being told what to do without any room for negotiation can lead to feelings…
In this episode, we're joined by Susan MacLellan-Tobert, a pediatric cardiologist, to discuss the issue of institutional betrayal in health care. The pandemic has put a strain on health care systems and workers, leading to a term called "institutional betrayal" to describe the feeling of betrayal from employers who fail…
Primary care clinicians play a crucial role in identifying and diagnosing various health conditions, including Alzheimer's disease. With the right tools and resources at our disposal, we have the power to make a basic diagnosis and get patients on the path to treatment and care. The first step in making…
It's our job to be vigilant and identify any potential health concerns in our patients. One of the most common issues we encounter is memory loss, and it's often the families of the individuals who first bring it to our attention. If a patient reports difficulty remembering appointments, paying bills,…
In this special sponsored episode, we explore the importance of identifying Alzheimer's disease early. Our guests will be neurologist Andrew E. Budson and Alzheimer's caregivers Jess Rappé and Ellie Freedman. They will share their expertise and personal experiences as we delve into the challenges of diagnosing Alzheimer's, its impact on…