Fixing Healthcare Podcast

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 Academic research slows, with grant freezes, staff cuts and rescinded PhD offers throughout leading universities and academic medical centers.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.

In a special episode of Fixing Healthcare, Jeremy Corr flips the script and interviews fellow cohost Dr. Robert Pearl, who shares his expert view on the three most important technologies shaping the future of American medicine. This conversation is part of Season 10’s exploration of tech-enabled healthcare transformation, featuring CEOs and leaders of healthcare leaders at major tech companies like Nvidia, Google, Oracle, Microsoft and Hippocratic AI. The season has showcased how leaders in the field are approaching the digital revolution in medicine. Now, it’s Pearl’s turn to offer his unique perspective—nearly one year after the release of his bestselling book, ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine. Pearl identifies three game-changing technologies: 1. Large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT Pearl calls these “the most significant breakthrough,” capable of offering patients real-time medical expertise and ushering in a new era of healthcare consumerism. He shares several stories—including one about a CEO who used ChatGPT to identify his daughter’s rare illness in seconds—that illustrate the power of LLMs to close diagnostic gaps and empower patients with expertise in unprecedented ways. 2. Telemedicine as the perfect complement to AI Pearl describes telemedicine as a “complementor,” a technology that, when paired with another (in this case, generative AI), becomes far more powerful than either could be alone. While AI can monitor patients 24/7 and identify emerging health issues, only telemedicine can instantly connect those patients to a human clinician for evaluation and care. “The synergy of the two will be capable of overcoming the limitations and challenges of both time and distance,” Pearl explains. Together, these complementors can deliver real-time, personalized care while reducing costs and expanding access, especially in underserved and rural communities. 3. ‘Derivatives’ trained on distillation & real clinical interactions Pearl introduces a new class of AI-powered assistants designed to manage chronic diseases, perform triage and monitor patients at home. These tools, built through “knowledge distillation” and trained on actual clinician-patient exchanges, could help prevent hundreds of thousands of heart attacks, strokes and other major complications from chronic disease every year. Pearl also addresses concerns about bias, liability and job displacement. He argues that AI won’t replace doctors but will change their roles, reduce burnout and make healthcare more affordable for everyone. Additionally, Pearl praises the foresight of prior Season 10 guests while also pointing out that most focused on today’s tools (like documentation automation) rather than imagining the radically different world five to 10 years from now. Pearl believes generative AI will go far beyond helping doctors with administrative tasks. It will empower patients, reduce costs improve outcomes, and shift the balance of power in healthcare. Click play to hear this wide-ranging, insightful discussion about the digital future of medicine. * * * 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 #170: AI could save 500,000 lives, $1.5 trillion a year, says Dr. Pearl 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 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.

In this episode of Medicine: The Truth, co-hosts Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr dive into the latest developments in American healthcare, from a severe flu outbreak to deep Medicaid cuts that could change health coverage as we know it. This year’s influenza season is the worst in 15 years, leading to more flu hospitalizations and deaths than COVID-19 for the first time since the pandemic began. Meanwhile, a measles outbreak in Texas is raising alarms, fueled by low vaccination rates and a surprising response from the new Health and Human Services Secretary, RFK Jr. On the policy front, federal funding cuts to Medicaid and the NIH are already affecting hospitals, academic research and public health agencies. Here’s a snapshot of just some of the major topics covered in this episode: Flu cases surging as hospitalizations now outpace COVID. A measles outbreak in Texas affecting unvaccinated children. Massive Medicaid cuts to the tune of $880 billion. NIH funding slashed with research centers feeling the squeeze. FDA staff cuts are slowing drug approvals. CDC is struggling to track new infectious disease threats amid cuts. Congress debating whether AI should write prescriptions. GLP-1 drugs may curb drinking, too. Kids’ test scores are still down from the pandemic. 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 #92: The worst flu season in 15 years, a measles resurgence & Medicaid cuts appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

A mechanical engineer turned Microsoft executive shares his skepticism about AI's role in healthcare. He envisions AI as a co-pilot for doctors, enhancing workflows while preserving the human touch in patient care. Fascinatingly, he recounts an AI solution that allowed a physician to get home for dinner after decades. The conversation delves into the balance between innovation and patient privacy, the evolution of AI models, and the importance of collaboration between tech companies and healthcare providers to shape the future of medicine.

In this month’s Diving Deep episode, part of the Fixing Healthcare podcast series, Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr examine three pressing topics shaping the future of American medicine: the Musk-led effort to slash government spending (including healthcare programs), the neuroscience behind irrational decision-making and the defining moment facing UnitedHealth Group in the wake of its CEO’s tragic death. We begin the episode with Donald Trump’s second term and the launch of DOGE (the Department of Government Efficiency), led by Elon Musk. The duo share a vision of cutting billions, perhaps trillions, of dollars in “fraud and waste” from the federal budget. But with Social Security, Medicare, and defense deemed untouchable, Pearl explains why the focus will inevitably turn to Medicaid and online health insurance exchanges—programs that provide healthcare access to low-income Americans. He then breaks down the consequences, which include millions of Americans losing health coverage and, therefore, access to vital medical services. Shifting gears, the hosts explore a fascinating cognitive phenomenon called “brainshift,” a subconscious process in which perception becomes altered when people are faced with situations that involve significant fear or reward. Drawing on research he conducted with neurologist Dr. George York, Pearl explains how brainshift can make irrational choices feel rational. To illustrate this phenomenon in medicine, Pearl points to various examples of brainshift and, ultimately, touches on ways to overcome its negative effects. Finally, the episode revisits the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and the pivotal decisions now facing the company’s leadership. Pearl and Corr analyze UnitedHealth Group’s long-standing strategy of cost-cutting and claim denials, a model that has made it the largest insurer in the U.S. but also a target of public and congressional scrutiny. CEO Andrew Witty now has a chance to shift the company’s approach from restricting care to preventing illness. Pearl outlines three bold moves UnitedHealth could take. Click play to hear the full conversation and explore what it will take to transform healthcare for the better. HELPFUL LINKS UnitedHealth Faces A Defining Moment After CEO’s Killing (Forbes) The TikTok Reversal And The Science Of Illogical Medical Decisions (Forbes) Musk’s DOGE Could Threaten The Health Of Millions Of Americans (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 #166: Musk’s DOGE vs. healthcare + UnitedHealth’s defining moment appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

Dr. Jonathan Fisher, a cardiologist and author of "Just One Heart," discusses the trend of physicians pursuing side gigs—40% of doctors now supplement their income with an average of $34,000 annually. The conversation highlights rising burnout, financial pressures, and shifting generational attitudes toward work. Fisher explores whether these side endeavors serve as creative outlets or sources of stability. He also addresses the impact of AI on healthcare roles and the evolving nature of medical practice, emphasizing the need for healthcare organizations to adapt.

In this episode of Medicine: The Truth, co-hosts Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr discuss some of the most pressing issues in medicine today, from the latest breakthroughs in generative AI to concerning trends in breast cancer and dementia. A major shake-up in artificial intelligence is unfolding, with China’s DeepSeek releasing an open-source AI model that rivals industry leaders like ChatGPT and Gemini—at a fraction of the cost. Dr. Pearl explains how this could democratize AI in medicine, enabling more companies to develop specialized AI tools for chronic disease management, patient diagnosis and treatment recommendations. He predicts that within three to five years, AI-powered healthcare tools will be widely available, cutting costs while improving outcomes. Meanwhile, UnitedHealth Group’s latest earnings call sheds light on how the insurance giant plans to navigate growing public anger over healthcare costs. The company, which generated $400 billion in revenue and employs 90,000 doctors, is blaming high prices on hospitals and drugmakers. Dr. Pearl questions whether United will continue its current approach—restricting care through denials and prior authorizations—or if it will finally take the lead in reducing costs by investing in chronic disease prevention and patient health. Here’s a snapshot of just some of the other topics covered in this episode of Medicine: The Truth: The latest on winter viruses, vaccine safety and the MMR controversy The FDA’s plan to require clearer nutrition labels on food packaging A concerning rise in aggressive breast cancer cases among younger women Why dementia rates are expected to double over the next three decades The FDA’s approval of a groundbreaking non-opioid pain medication The Biden administration’s plan to negotiate drug prices, including Ozempic and Wegovy The U.S. decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization and its potential consequences Tune in as Dr. Pearl and Jeremy Corr untangle these complex issues and explore what’s next for medicine in America. * * * 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 #91: The future of AI in healthcare & the latest on vaccines, dementia, cancer appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.