Fixing Healthcare Podcast

A major measles outbreak in Texas tops 1,000 cases, marking the worst resurgence since 2000. Falling vaccination rates risk tens of thousands of preventable deaths. Meanwhile, soaring drug prices threaten access to life-saving medications as tariffs mount. Positive developments include a study indicating shingles vaccination may lower dementia risk by 20%. Despite challenges, opioid-related deaths are declining due to increased availability of treatments like naloxone. Discussions also cover the quest for universal antivenom and innovations in accessible healthcare.

In this episode of Unfiltered, cohosts Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr are joined once again by cardiologist and physician wellness advocate Dr. Jonathan Fisher. The trio take an unfiltered look at physician burnout, asking whether the profession itself is pushing doctors to emotionally “split in two.” The discussion covers a wide range of pressing issues, from declining reimbursements and ineffective wellness programs to the cultural expectation that doctors must suppress grief, frustration and empathy to survive the workday. Dr. Fisher warns that this emotional compartmentalization resembles the plot of the dystopian show Severance, and he draws on both psychological research and personal experience to explain how it can corrode doctors’ professional fulfillment and personal lives. Dr. Pearl counters with skepticism that systemic change will happen unless clinicians lead the charge, proposing a bold, clinician-run experiment in preventive care that could reshape incentives and eliminate bureaucratic friction. For more, listen to the full episode and check out these helpful links: ‘Just One Heart’ (Jonathan Fisher’s newest book) ‘ChatGPT, MD’ (Robert Pearl’s newest book) Monthly Musings on American Healthcare (Robert Pearl’s newsletter) * * * Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple Podcasts or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on Twitter and LinkedIn. The post FHC #175: Burnout, Broken Systems & The Severed Self appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

In the latest episode of Fixing Healthcare, hosts Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr welcome Oliver Kharraz, founder and CEO of Zocdoc, for a conversation about the power of technology to eliminate one of medicine’s biggest pain points: access. This interview, part of Season 10’s focus on transformative technology, spotlights Zocdoc’s role as a digital marketplace where patients can search for providers by specialty, insurance, availability and location. As Kharraz explains, Zocdoc aims to be the “connective tissue” of healthcare, streamlining care navigation while empowering both patients and providers. Here are four key insights from the episode: Regulatory red tape still strangles innovation: Kharraz recalls how outdated laws nearly shut down Zocdoc in its early days. Because federal regulations didn’t clearly address whether providers could be charged per appointment booked, Zocdoc was forced into a flat-fee model that stifled its growth. “It took us years to secure permission,” he says, but it proved that reform is possible when innovators persist. AI will revolutionize patient access, starting with the phone. Zocdoc is rolling out Zo, an AI-powered phone assistant that autonomously handles 70% of inbound scheduling calls. Kharraz calls the phone “bad for business” because it wastes staff time, frustrates patients and leaves money on the table. Zo offers real-time, friendly and flexible support without hold times, dramatically improving the patient experience and ROI. Healthcare needs a ‘Shopify,’ not a walled garden. According to Kharraz, most healthcare platforms create friction by forcing patients to juggle multiple logins and portals. Zocdoc’s model is open, decentralized and designed to integrate with EHRs, insurance systems and external platforms. It prioritizes ease and choice. “We’re not trying to be the only platform,” he says, “we’re trying to manage the complexity.” The future is patient-centered, not provider-centric. Kharraz envisions a healthcare experience where patients receive proactive support — from appointment reminders to prescription refills — through augmentative AI that acts like a superhuman assistant. He’s optimistic that a more personalized, consumer-driven model is emerging. “This doesn’t come at the provider’s expense,” he says. “Both sides benefit when the right match is made.” Kharraz has long championed patient-first thinking. This conversation not only explains how Zocdoc is improving access today, but where digital health innovation is headed next. Don’t miss it. * * * Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on Twitter and LinkedIn. The post FHC #174: Zocdoc CEO says AI will cure healthcare’s scheduling chaos appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

In this week’s Fixing Healthcare podcast, co-hosts Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr flash back to a pivotal interview recorded in December 2021 with famed venture capitalist Vinod Khosla. Season 10 of the show is dedicated to exploring how technology can reshape American medicine. What better way to reflect on the promises and pitfalls of healthcare innovation than by revisiting Khosla’s bold predictions—made a full year before the release of ChatGPT. As an early investor in OpenAI and a tech visionary, Khosla discussed the transformative potential of AI, telemedicine and digital health platforms long before the current explosion of interest. “The most expensive part of the system is expertise,” Khosla told listeners. “And expertise can relatively be tamed with technology and AI.” In this flashback episode (#40 if you’re looking for the original airing), Khosla outlines how technology could bolster specialist access for rural communities, slash the cost of chronic disease care and eventually disrupt traditional hospital-centered healthcare systems. Dr. Pearl and Jeremy Corr encourage listeners to pair this 2021 conversation with Khosla’s more recent appearance on the show (episode #153), offering an opportunity to compare past predictions with today’s emerging realities. Helpful links: Vinod Khosla: How venture-backed tech is transforming U.S. healthcare (FHC #153) ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine (Pearl’s newest book) Khosla Ventures (Official Site) * * * Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on Twitter and LinkedIn. The post FHC #173: Before ChatGPT, Vinod Khosla predicted healthcare’s AI revolution appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

In this month’s Diving Deep episode of the Fixing Healthcare podcast, cohosts Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr tackle one of healthcare’s most misunderstood facts: nearly 91% of Americans receive some form of government healthcare assistance. Whether your insurance comes through an employer, the online health insurance marketplace, Medicare or Medicaid, the government is footing part of the bill. But as federal debt surges and lawmakers search for places to cut spending, those subsidies—and your coverage—may be in jeopardy. Dr. Pearl breaks down each of the five main ways the government subsidizes healthcare and explains why those programs are now in the political crosshairs. He also offers solutions to America’s spiraling healthcare costs, ones that go beyond cutting services. Later in the episode, the focus turns to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the new Secretary of Health and Human Services, and what his policies might mean for the future of American medicine. Kennedy has promised to address chronic disease, mental health and pandemic preparedness, but his vaccine skepticism and unscientific treatment suggestions could further undermine public trust and worsen health outcomes. Click play to hear the full conversation or check out these useful links below. HELPFUL LINKS 91% Of Healthcare Is Government Subsidized. Is Yours Safe? (Forbes) Americans Are Dying Younger: Will RFK Jr.’s Policies Help Or Harm? (Forbes) Monthly Musings on American Healthcare (Robert Pearl’s newsletter) * * * Dr. Robert Pearl is the author of “ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine.” All profits from the book go to Doctors Without Borders. Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on Twitter and LinkedIn. The post FHC #172: 91% of Americans get subsidized healthcare. What if it vanishes? appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

In this episode of Medicine: The Truth, co-hosts Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr examine the alarming spread of measles across 25 U.S. states (with outbreaks in six). The disease, as of this episode’s publication, has already led to 700 cases and the confirmed deaths of two unvaccinated children. Meanwhile, healthcare costs have ballooned to $5.2 trillion, federal funding cuts are hampering outbreak response (as well as important scientific research), and Medicaid expansion under the ACA is facing serious threats. Dr. Pearl discusses the broader implications of these events along with a host of key topics covered in this episode: Measles cases top 700, with 60 hospitalizations and two pediatric deaths so far—making this the worst year for measles since 2019. RFK Jr. draws criticism for downplaying vaccine safety and promoting unproven treatments like cod liver oil and vitamin A. Federal healthcare spending rose 7.4% in 2024 to $5.2 trillion, with site-neutral payment reform under serious consideration. Massive HHS layoffs are threatening vaccine oversight, chronic disease research and global health initiatives like tuberculosis detection. Medicaid expansion under the ACA may be on the chopping block as Republicans look to trim $880 billion from federal spending. New leaders confirmed at the FDA and NIH, but Dr. Pearl questions whether they’ll have true autonomy under RFK’s restructuring plan. Academic research slows, with grant freezes, staff cuts and rescinded PhD offers throughout leading universities and academic medical centers. AI scribes reduce burnout, but cost savings remain elusive for providers and health systems. Tuberculosis remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease, and U.S. funding cuts may allow global cases to surge. GLP-1 warnings grow for women of childbearing age amid limited research and concerns about fetal risks. New study shows GenAI experienced ‘anxiety’ after reading traumatic stories—raising fresh questions about emotional modeling in virtual therapy tools. Opioid deaths fall to 82,000, down 25% in the past year, thanks to better treatment access, more naloxone and less fentanyl availability. Low back pain study finds invasive treatments are least ineffective with ibuprofen, NSAIDs and exercise still the best options. Allergy seasons are worsening, with climate change driving longer frost-free periods and increased pollen counts. Tune in as Dr. Pearl and Jeremy Corr break down these pressing healthcare topics and explore what they mean for the future of American medicine. * * * Dr. Robert Pearl is the author of the new book “ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine” about the impact of AI on the future of medicine. All profits from the book go to Doctors Without Borders. Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on Twitter and LinkedIn The post MTT #93: Measles death toll rises, healthcare spending hits $5.2 trillion appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

Join cardiologist Jonathan Fisher, author of 'Just One Heart' and advocate for physician wellness, as he dives into the cultural shifts in physician attire and its implications for healthcare. He shares insights on how the absence of neckties symbolizes changing perceptions of medical authority and burnout among clinicians. The conversation highlights generational differences in patient preferences, the devaluation of primary care, and strategies for reclaiming pride in the profession—all wrapped in personal stories and sociological insights.

This discussion dives deep into how large language models like ChatGPT can revolutionize patient care, showcasing real stories of lives changed through AI. Telemedicine emerges as a powerful ally to these technologies, enhancing care delivery. The conversation highlights the challenges of AI adoption in healthcare while exposing alarming biases that need addressing. With an eye on the future, the potential for AI to significantly improve chronic disease management and reduce medical errors is emphasized, paving the way for safer, more efficient healthcare.

In this month’s Diving Deep episode of the Fixing Healthcare podcast, cohosts Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr tackle the fusion of generative AI and telemedicine, demonstrating how the combination could radically improve chronic disease care in the United States and save millions of lives. The conversation begins at the Paris AI Summit, where U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance surprised global attendees by blasting the world’s “self-conscious, risk-averse” approach to AI. Vance warned that overregulation could “paralyze” this generation-defining technology. Pearl notes a fundamental shift is now underway, with leaders beginning to view generative AI as a force for progress rather than a threat to contain. From there, the hosts explore the rise of DeepSeek, a new open-source AI system out of China that has opened the door to game-changing medical advances: powerful medical applications that will be affordable to produce and accessible to all. Pearl explains how DeepSeek’s use of “knowledge distillation” combined with expert specialization, data compression and real patient interactions will enable health innovators to build hyper-specialized, disease-specific tools. The most exciting prospect, Pearl says, lies in the synergy between GenAI and telemedicine. Alone, each technology has serious limitations. Together, they create a breakthrough model for 24/7, real-time care. This innovative blend of technologies would allow doctors and patients to overcome geographic, financial and clinical bottlenecks. Pearl outlines how these tools could provide better chronic disease control, enhance access to rare specialists and prevent medical crises before they happen. He also issues a warning: none of this will happen without fundamental payment reform. As long as physicians are paid to treat complications—not prevent them—America will remain stuck in a costly and outdated model. Click play to hear the full conversation or check out these useful links below. HELPFUL LINKS Why DeepSeek Will Upend American Medicine (Forbes) How GenAI Plus Telemedicine Could Save Millions Of Lives (Forbes) Monthly Musings on American Healthcare (Robert Pearl’s newsletter) * * * Dr. Robert Pearl is the author of “ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine.” All profits from the book go to Doctors Without Borders. Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on Twitter and LinkedIn. The post FHC #169: How GenAI, telemedicine can fix America’s chronic disease crisis appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

Dr. Jonathan Fisher, a cardiologist and author of 'Just One Heart', returns to discuss the profound effects of political unrest on American healthcare. He highlights the potential impacts of Medicaid cuts and the resurgence of measles amid vaccine debates. The conversation sheds light on rising physician burnout linked to policy uncertainty and emphasizes the importance of rebuilding trust in the doctor-patient relationship. Fisher explores the ethical challenges faced by healthcare professionals and the qualities needed for effective leadership during crises.