This week Rebecca Coombes is back with another big-food investigation, this time about fast-food giant MacDonalds subverting attempts to stop it opening stores near schools. Sticking with industry behaving badly, May van Schalkwyk, from the University of Edinburgh, wonders why we haven't learn lessons from the attempts to control big tobacco companies, when it comes to other industries that harm health. And finally, AI in healthcare - Karim Lekadir, from the University of Barcelona, explains new guidelines which can help evaluate which AI applications are trustworthy.   Reading list McDonald’s triumphs over councils’ rejections of new branches FUTURE-AI: international consensus guideline for trustworthy and deployable artificial intelligence in healthcare

Daniel McIsaac, a Professor of Anesthesiology at the University of Ottawa, discusses how prehabilitation—exercise and nutrition before surgery—can significantly improve patient outcomes. Julia Sinclair, a Professor of Addiction Psychiatry, highlights the urgent need for a national strategy to address alcohol's impact on health that the NHS has overlooked. Lastly, Matt Morgan, a Consultant in intensive care, shares compelling insights from his book 'A Second Act,' reflecting on the transformative experiences and renewed perspectives of those who survive cardiac arrest.

Larry Gostin, a Georgetown University Professor of Global Health and director of the WHO Collaborating Center on National and Global Health Law, tackles the implications of the U.S. executive order to withdraw from the WHO. He argues that congressional approval is necessary for the withdrawal, not just an executive order. The discussion covers the WHO’s funding challenges, its relationship with China, and the benefits of U.S. involvement, emphasizing the critical need for reforms and international cooperation in managing global health crises.

Richard Smith, former editor of The BMJ and chair of UKHACC, argues for a more convivial society, linking it to better health. Tina Korownyk, a professor at the University of Alberta, discusses the influence of TV medical talk shows and their unexpected results. Tim Feeney, a research editor at the BMJ, shares insights from quirky Christmas research, including the fascinating connection between taxi driving and reduced Alzheimer's risk. Lastly, paramedic Mari Martensen recounts memorable experiences in Svalbard, where polar bears add an adventurous twist to emergency medical services.

Join Qi Sun, an associate professor at Harvard, as he dives into fascinating research linking chocolate intake, especially dark chocolate, to lower rates of diabetes. Meanwhile, Sam Hutt, an NHS doctor and musician known as Hank Wangford, shares his heartfelt tribute to the NHS through his new song inspired by personal experiences. They also delve into the concerning infiltration of big food brands in UK schools and the ethical implications it has for children's nutrition. A compelling blend of science, music, and social commentary!

David Miliband, the President of the International Rescue Committee and former UK Foreign Secretary, shares insights on the geopolitical factors affecting healthcare. He discusses the urgent need for humanitarian support in crisis zones like Sudan and Gaza. Giuseppe Moscelli, an economics expert from the University of Surrey, dives into new research linking staff turnover to negative patient outcomes, especially in the NHS. The conversation underscores the critical need for healthcare reforms and the importance of retaining skilled professionals for better patient care.

Christos Christou, the international president of Médecins Sans Frontières, shares insights on the ethical dilemmas faced by healthcare workers in conflict zones, emphasizing the vital role of neutrality and international advocacy. Ara Darzi, a surgeon and executive chair of the WISH conference, discusses the urgent need to tackle antimicrobial resistance, spotlighting funding challenges and the importance of diagnostics. Together, they confront the pressing issues of violence against healthcare and the fight against antibiotic resistance while fostering hope for collaborative solutions.

Richard Brennan, WHO Emergency Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, discusses the dire impact of armed conflict on healthcare access in regions like Gaza and Lebanon. He highlights the brave efforts of healthcare workers amidst escalating violence. Menaka Paranathala, a clinical editor at The BMJ, focuses on addressing gender inequity in medical research, emphasizing the historical neglect of women's health issues. The conversation also touches on the critical role of palliative care and the need for its integration across all medical specialties for improved patient outcomes.

Lakshmi Krishnan, a physician and cultural historian of medicine, discusses the pressing link between climate change and healthcare. The conversation highlights how healthcare is a significant carbon emitter, urging immediate action for sustainability. Krishnan explores the genre of climate fiction ('cli-fi') as a tool for advocacy, sharing book recommendations to inspire action and hope. Additionally, the panel examines the effects of climate change on migration and tuberculosis, emphasizing the need for enhanced nutritional support to tackle this global health crisis.

Louis Klarevas, a research professor at Columbia University and author of "Rampage Nation," dives deep into the intricacies of gun control policy. He discusses the historical evidence vacuum in the U.S. and how grassroots movements are driving change. Klarevas emphasizes the power of data in advocacy while revealing challenges posed by misinformation and lobby influences. The conversation highlights the potential of citizens' assemblies to inform pivotal debates in gun regulation and NHS reform, illuminating a path forward for evidence-based policy.