Medicine Redefined

Ravi Hariprasad, MD, MPH, is the founder and CEO of Intuitive Mental Health, a start up focused on partnering with primary care physicians to deliver comprehensive and personalized mental health support. Dr. Hariprasad obtained his medical degree of the University of Pennsylvania and completed his Masters in Public Health as well as his psychiatry residency at Harvard University. Dr. Hariprasad is well versed in both Western medicine as well as holistic and complementary perspectives such as Ayurveda. His early experience as an engineer and an entrepreneur have helped him understand system design, root cause analysis, and solution development and implementation.

Mentioned in the show:

Irene Davis, PhD, PT, is a Professor in the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science in the Morsani College of Medicine at the University of South Florida.  Prior to this, she was the founding Director of the Spaulding National Running Center in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School.  Dr. Davis received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Massachusetts, and in Physical Therapy from the University of Florida.  She earned her Masters degree in Biomechanics from the University of Virginia, and her PhD in Biomechanics from Pennsylvania State University. Her research is focused on the relationship between lower extremity structure, mechanics and injury and extends to the development of interventions to alter faulty mechanics through gait retraining. Her interests also include the effect of minimal footwear on mechanics and injury. She has given over 350 lectures both nationally and internationally and authored 160 publications on the topic of lower extremity mechanics during walking and running gait. She has been named one of the 50 Most Influential People in Running.  She is the current President of the American College of Sports Medicine. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Buying a minimalist shoe online or in the store
• Transition protocol into minimalist shoes or barefoot core
• Biomechanics of the Nike Vaporfly (4% show)
• Advantages and disadvantages of a carbon foot plate
• The role of athletic footwear
• Why older people should consider minimalist shoes

Mentioned in the show:

EC Synkowski is a nutritionist, CrossFit Level 4 Coach, and the owner of OptimizeMe Nutrition. EC is the creator of the #800gchallenge and #LazyMacros. Her podcast TheConsistencyProject is a medium for education where she elaborates on the nuances of nutrition and translates evidence-based scientific data into practical solutions for everyday success.

EC's academic background

• BS in biochemical engineering
• MS in environmental sciences 
• MS in Nutrition & Functional Medicine

Resources Mentioned in the show:

In this episode, Dr. Darsh and Dr. Altamash take a deep dive into fasted cardio and training. Is it beneficial? Or do we just think we are burning more fat?

Altamash also talks about his experience with training, sleep, stress, and nutrition during the holy month of Ramadan.

For anyone who is, was, or has thought about fasting in any capacity, this is the episode for you!

Studies mentioned in the show:

Irene Davis, PhD, PT, is a Professor in the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science in the Morsani College of Medicine at the University of South Florida.  Prior to this, she was the founding Director of the Spaulding National Running Center in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School.  Dr. Davis received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Massachusetts, and in Physical Therapy from the University of Florida.  She earned her Masters degree in Biomechanics from the University of Virginia, and her PhD in Biomechanics from Pennsylvania State University. Her research is focused on the relationship between lower extremity structure, mechanics and injury and extends to the development of interventions to alter faulty mechanics through gait retraining. Her interests also include the effect of minimal footwear on mechanics and injury. She has given over 350 lectures both nationally and internationally and authored 160 publications on the topic of lower extremity mechanics during walking and running gait. She has been named one of the 50 Most Influential People in Running.  She is the current President of the American College of Sports Medicine. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Dr. Davis’ journey into PT and how she developed a passion into minimalist footwear and training.
• Foot anatomy and the importance of spending time training and addressing the foot core
• Various foot strike patterns and force distribution
• Foot types, and shoe types such as motion control, stability, etc.
• The role of minimalist footwear training and how it applies to clinical medicine
• Early and lifetime exposure to barefoot training

Studies mentioned in the show:

Deepak Melwani is a serial entrepreneur and a 3rd year medical student at Midwestern University Chicago of Osteopathic Medicine, with a robust background in computer science. Before starting medical school, Deepak co-founded a retail software service, scaling it to achieve millions in revenue. His passion lies in leveraging business and technology to reach and impact lives globally. Deepak is deeply committed to integrating these interests with the transformative power of healthcare to profoundly influence individual lives. As a founding partner of Med Matrix, he is at the forefront of innovating the educational landscape for health professional students, revolutionizing their daily study routines.

Drs. Darsh and Altamash sit down to discuss what they beleive will be the biggest health trends of 2024, a recent paper in the Cell Reports Medicine about maximizing protein consumption for muscle growth, and a paper discussing the role of visceral fat in joint pain.

Asare Christian, MD is a board-certified Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation physician who practices musculoskeletal and pain medicine in Wayne PA. He also has an academic appointment with the University of Pennsylvania PM&R Department. He received his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin and completed residency training at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.  He also received his masters in public health from the Harvard School of Public Health with a concentration in health policy and management.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Peptides and their role in general health, as well as MSK medicine
• Understanding disease and health at a cellular level
• Problem solving for health
• Learning to learn

Resources Mentioned in the Show:

Alex King, DO is a neuromusculoskeletal physician and associate program director of the Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine Program at Rowan University. He received his DO and completed his residency in neuromusculoskeletal medicine at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. King is also licensed in medical acupuncture, receiving his education from the Helms Medical Institute.

Mentioned in the show:

Udo Erasmus, Ph.D., introduced the importance of essential fats (EFA's) derived from organic flax seeds to the world. He pioneered methods for producing unrefined oils made with health in mind which are still used today by manufacturers of flax and other oils. Starting in the mid-1980's, Udo popularized the use of flax oil through an exhaustive itinerary of public lectures, which eventually led to TV and radio interviews. His ground-breaking book, Fats that Heal Fats That Kill, became the industry's bible on fats. Later he developed an oil blend which is an improvement on flax oil, offering a better ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6. Because of Udo's commitment to the field of fats and oils, there are now a variety of high-quality, EFA-rich oils available in health food stores and dispensaries around the world. Udo's contribution to the fields of health and nutrition, along with his pioneering work to establish standards of quality for oil manufacture will continue to benefit humanity for decades to come.

Dr. Baktari graduated magna cum laude from Case Western Reserve before continuing on to medical school at Ohio State University) and after graduation (he became a triple board-certified physician with specialties in internal medicine, pulmonary and critical care medicine, completing his residency at Northwestern University and fellowships at UCLA).

In this episode, we start by discussing

• Digital health - what it is and why it’s exciting
• The current role of digital health in medicine as we practice now
• Foundational limitations for incorporating digital health successfully into healthcare
• Where and how we would start to optimize the system using digital health
• What a bright future with a robust and efficient digital health system looks like

Resources mentioned in the show:

Dr. Jonathan Baktari is the CEO of eNational Testing, e7 Health, & US Drug Test Centers. He brings over 20 years of clinical, administrative, and entrepreneurial experience. . 

Dr. Baktari graduated magna cum laude from Case Western Reserve before continuing on to medical school at Ohio State University) and after graduation (he became a triple board-certified physician with specialties in internal medicine, pulmonary and critical care medicine, completing his residency at Northwestern University and fellowships at UCLA).

Starting with private practice, he took on leadership roles at major Las Vegas hospitals. (AS the medical director for an ICU…or chief of internal medicine at Desert Springs Hospital, and system medical director for utilization management for six Valley Health Systems.) He also taught medicine at the University of Hawaii and Touro University, and spent time working on the insurance side, serving as medical director of the Culinary Health Fund and as Anthem’s medical director for the State of Nevada.

In this episode, we start by discussing

• Digital health - what it is and why it’s exciting
• Travel Medicine
• Vaccinations
• Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic
• Science communication and the scientific method

Resources mentioned in the show:

Dr. Jyoti Patel is a triple board certified physician in integrative pediatrics, internal medicine, and integrative & functional medicine. Dr. Patel was named one of the TOP DOCS in Phoenix Magazine 2009, 2016, 2022, Internist of the Year 2011 by the American College of Physicians Arizona Chapter and she received the Women In White Coats Hero Award in 2019.   She spearheaded a community garden in Fountain Hills, AZ and she was awarded the Healthcare Provider of the Year 2017 by the Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce and Volunteer of the Year Award 2018 by the Town of Fountain Hills. S She is certified in Functional Medicine by IFM, is a Qualified MBSR teacher through UCSD and a Chopra Certified Ayurvedic Lifestyle Practitioner. Dr. Patel has a special interest in Corporate Wellness, Ayurvedic Retreats, Integrative Medicine, Functional Medicine, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, and medical cosmetics.

Dr. Alfred Atanda Jr., is a pediatric sports medicine surgeon at Nemours Children's Hospital. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and completed his residency training at the University of Chicago. He then went on to complete his fellowship in in pediatric orthopedics at DuPont Hospital (now known as Nemours Childrens) and sports medicine surgery at Jefferson Health. He is also the Director of Clincial Wellbeing at Nemours Children's Health. Dr. Atanda is a motivational speaker touching on topics such as finding one's purpose/calling,  time management, effective communication, daring leadership, continuous improvement, lean thinking, identifying alternative revenue streams, and design thinking. He leverages various digital, social, and multimedia platforms to connect with professionals in a vulnerable way to motivate and inspire them to attain their fullest personal and professional potential.

Alfred Atanda:

Dr. Kathryn Schmitz is a distinguished figure in the field of exercise oncology, renowned for her tireless efforts to improve the lives of cancer survivors through the integration of physical activity into their treatment and recovery. Dr. Schmitz's academic journey led her to earn a Ph.D. in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from the University of Minnesota.

Dr. Schmitz's groundbreaking research has not only solidified the role of exercise in cancer recovery but has also influenced international guidelines on cancer survivorship care. She currently leads the Moving Through Cancer Program at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and is a professor in the division of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Her research at this tine includes studying technology-based supportive care treatments that include physical activity to improve outcomes among people with advanced cancer.

She is a past president of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and was the moving force behind two ACSM development processes for exercise and cancer guidelines for patients.

Her remarkable contributions have made her a beacon of hope and a trailblazer in redefining cancer care through the transformative power of physical activity. Dr. Kathryn Schmitz's work continues to have a profound impact on the world of health and wellness, offering support and hope to those affected by cancer.

Kathryn Schmitz:

Bishoi Khella does not work in healthcare. But he knows a thing or two about being healthy. Bishoi was 355 pounds at his peak weight, living a busy lifestyle, drinking alcohol, eating out at fast food restaurants. He knew he had to the potential to be fit - he was into fitness and pretty lean back in high school. But much like David Goggins' early days, there was no discipline and the weight kept stacking on. He finally decided he had enough after he went on vacations with his friends and was embarrassed by his lack of energy. Bishoi started a lifestyle and fitness program called 75 Hard which changed his life forever.

Jim Eubanks, MD, is a board-certified physiatrist and newly minted attending at the Medical University of South Carolina Dr. Eubanks graduated from Furman University in Greenville, SC, and received his medical degree from Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, graduating with Distinction in Research. He completed his residency in PM&R at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) where he served as academic chief resident. He subsequently completed a fellowship in spine and musculoskeletal medicine and health policy at UPMC before joining the faculty at MUSC as an Assistant Professor. Dr. Eubanks also has a Master of Science (MS) in sports science and rehabilitation. Dr. Eubanks has presented nationally and internationally on a number of topics related to spine care, and serves on the Editorial Board of PM&R, the official scientific journal of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R). He serves on AAPM&R's Innovative Payment and Practice Models committee, and is currently involved in leadership roles at the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) and the North American Spine Society (NASS). He was selected as a 2023 recipient of NASS's "20 under 40" award.

Mentioned in the show:

Jo Bhakdi is the Founder and CEO of Quantgene with the mission to extend the healthy human life span by a decade within a decade. Together with Quantgene’s team of scientists and engineers, he is dedicated to introducing cloud, AI, and precision diagnostics into the standard of care to enhance the quality and accessibility of care for everyone and protect human life. Born to scientist parents, Jo grew up with a backdrop of medical research before earning a Master’s in Economics from Tubingen University, one of Germany’s leading academic institutions. Prior to Quantgene, Jo held executive positions at BDDO and Omnicom with a focus on business model innovation and technology, then founded i2X, an investment platform that provides quantitative analytics for biotechnology and technology portfolios.

Jon Appino from Contract Diagnostics returns to the show to discuss the ins and outs of physician contracts.  In this episode, we talk about understanding noncompetes, obtaining malpractice insurance and tail coverage, and how to "negotiate" with employers.

Jess Daigle, MD, is a a pediatrician who specializes in newborn concierge medicine, placing emphasis on individualized attention, comprehensive support, and nurturing the overall well-being of both the newborn and their family. She received her medical degree from Louisiana State and completed her residency at Morehouse School of Medicine. Having witnessed the transformative power of a tailored approach to healthcare, Dr. Daigle made a conscious decision to depart from traditional medical practices and delve into the world of concierge medicine. Through her work, she aims to redefine the newborn experience, particularly during the critical 4th trimester, and challenge the existing healthcare norms by offering an alternative, empowering path for parents. Her expertise encompasses a wide range of topics, including newborn care, postpartum support, breastfeeding, sleep training, and early childhood development.

Catherine Staffieri, RDN, is the Nutrition Manager at Nutrisense. She has counseled thousands of clients on their glucose scores reviewing over 750,000 hours of glucose data and recorded meals in the process while recommending nutritional adjustments to improve metabolic health. She holds a Masters in Nutrition Education from Columbia University and completed her undergrad work at the University of Pennsylvania. 

Dr. Amy West is a board-certified Sports Medicine Physiatrist at the Northwell Health Orthopedic Institute. Dr. West received her MD and Master of Education degrees from Harvard University. She then went on to complete her residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Harvard-Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, followed by a Sports Medicine fellowship at Maine Medical Center. Dr. West is an Assistant Professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra University and serves at a Team Physician for Hofstra University. Her clinical focus includes non-operative sports medicine as well as work with special populations including the female athlete, adaptive athletes, and transgender musculoskeletal care. She is a former collegiate athlete, currently plays on multiple sports teams and is a CrossFit Level 2 Trainer.

Dr. Mary Alice Mina is a double-board certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon and leading expert on skin health and skincare. She received her medical degree from Vanderbilt University where she graduated at the top of her class with Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) honors. She trained at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for her internship followed by dermatology residency at Harvard Medical School where she was selected as Chief Resident in her final year. She then received sub-speciality training in Mohs micrographic surgery and procedural dermatology at Emory University. She is co-owner of Baucom & Mina Derm Surgery in Atlanta, Georgia where she treats patients with skin cancers and manages the procedural needs of her patient's skincare. With over a decade of clinical experience, she is nationally recognized for her work in treating skin cancers and helping people maintain their skin health, while boosting their self-confidence. She is an invited speaker on podcasts and at national meetings. She is also the host of THE SKIN REAL, a podcast for people looking for real skin care guidance, by true skin experts.

Dr. Peter Valenzuela joins the show to discuss the current state of our healthcare system in the US. Peter is a Family Physician who has worked in multiple healthcare settings over the past few decades. He's well known for his comics doc-related, which in his words were “inspired by experiences both as a physician and now as an executive who continues to practice medicine on a part-time basis.”  He is routinely invited for national and international presentations on topics related to provider well-being and engagement, clinical leadership development, practice management, and medical innovation. Over his career, he’s been recognized twice by the Medical Group Management Association and American College of Medical Practice Executives (MGMA-ACMPE) with the Harwick Innovation Award for meeting the challenges of the new healthcare system head-on and developing innovative solutions that enhance the effectiveness of healthcare delivery and Physician Executive of the Year for exhibiting leadership deemed outstanding to achieve exceptional medical group performance in the delivery of healthcare. 

In this episode we discuss: 

- Peter's background and his journey to writing an awesome book 

- Passion for comedy and using it as a medium for discussion of real issues  

- Differences between patient experience and patient satisfaction  

- A brief overview of the US insurance model and contrasting with other countries 

- Billing, coding, reimbursements, and electronic medical records 

- A path forward to better healthcare delivery