Dhruv Khullar, a physician and health policy expert who writes for The New Yorker, explores the complexities of modern medicine, comparing it to a Gilded Age. He discusses how groundbreaking innovations often obscure deep systemic issues like rising costs and misaligned incentives. The conversation dives into the effects of private equity on healthcare, the pitfalls of Medicare Advantage, and the significance of clinicians engaging in health policy debates. Khullar emphasizes the need to address access and equity in the healthcare system.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Dhruv Khullar, a physician and New Yorker writer, dives into the health impacts of ultra-processed foods, linking their consumption to rising obesity rates. He highlights the manipulative marketing tactics of the food industry and emphasizes the importance of home-cooked meals and educational initiatives for healthier choices. The conversation also touches on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s controversial health policies, including his scrutiny of pediatric vaccines and mental health medications, provoking thoughts on transparency in public health.

Dr. Dhruv Khullar discusses the impact of medications like Ozempic on diabetes, weight loss, heart health, and addiction treatment. They explore societal perceptions of weight, body image, and the challenges in healthcare. The episode also covers the economic influence of Novo Nordisk and concerns with drug manufacturing and compound pharmacies.