Rita Rubin, Lead Senior Staff Writer for JAMA Medical News, and Kate Schweitzer, Associate Managing Editor, delve into pressing medical issues. They discuss the alarming rise of antimicrobial resistance, spotlighting the UN's focus on global disparities in antibiotic access. The conversation shifts to the XEC COVID variant, its potential to dominate the winter wave, and the importance of vaccination. Together, they highlight critical strategies needed to combat these public health challenges.

Rita Rubin, the lead senior staff writer at JAMA, dives into the transformative impact of weight-loss drugs like GLP-1 on bariatric surgery. She discusses the decline in surgical bookings as these medications gain traction. The conversation also covers safety concerns surrounding compounded GLP-1 drugs and the shifting perspectives on cancer classifications. Rubin raises thought-provoking questions about renaming certain cancers and how these changes can influence patient treatment choices, ultimately advocating for better patient awareness.

Rita Rubin, the lead senior staff writer for JAMA Medical News, dives into the latest findings on COVID-19 vaccines and their limitations in preventing transmission. She discusses the crucial need for mucosal immunity to effectively combat infections. The conversation also highlights the innovative 'Safer at Home' program, which allows patients to receive acute care virtually, reducing hospital stays and improving access to healthcare. A fascinating look at challenges in evaluating mucosal vaccines and the evolution of virtual care models adds depth to the discussion.