Fixing Healthcare Podcast

In this month’s Diving Deep episode, part of the Fixing Healthcare podcast series, Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr tackle two powerful stories that stand at medicine’s crossroads. Dr. Pearl begins by exploring the rise of Nvidia and the decline of Intel as a framework for understanding healthcare’s current challenges. Nvidia’s success in embracing cutting-edge GPU technology and pivoting toward future demands stands in stark contrast to Intel’s hesitation to adapt. The biggest lesson for healthcare professionals is clear: clinging to outdated models will lead to stagnation and failure. Pearl urges his colleagues in the industry to make an important series of shifts: to value-based care and chronic disease prevention that will transform the system, improve patient outcomes and empower clinicians. The episode then shifts to the controversial public response to the killing of Brian Thompson. Pearl and Corr discuss why tens of thousands of Americans reacted to the news with “likes” and laughter on social media. Pearl explains how this visceral response reflects the agony of patients and families who feel abandoned and powerless in a system that prioritizes bureaucracy over compassion. He argues that healthcare’s failures should be reframed as a moral crisis—one that demands immediate and transformative action from leaders and policymakers. Click play to hear the full conversation and explore what it will take to transform healthcare for the better. HELPFUL LINKS Do We Care Enough To End The Suffering Our Healthcare System Inflicts? (Forbes) Healthcare Professionals Are Doomed—Unless They Learn From Nvidia, Intel (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 #163: Lessons from the tech industry & a CEO’s tragic murder appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

In this Unfiltered episode of Fixing Healthcare, co-hosts Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr are joined by cardiologist and burnout expert Dr. Jonathan Fisher for an up-close look at two pressing challenges in healthcare: the persistent issue of medical errors and the growing erosion of public trust in the U.S. healthcare system. Dr. Pearl kicks off the discussion by highlighting a staggering statistic—400,000 people die annually from diagnostic errors in the U.S., with another 400,000 suffering permanent disability. Despite these figures, the conversation around AI in healthcare tends to focus on its limitations rather than its potential to reduce human error. Drs. Fisher and Pearl explore why physicians struggle to acknowledge medical mistakes and how shifting the culture to one of psychological safety and continuous learning could help. The conversation later pivots to the recent assassination of a prominent healthcare CEO and the surprising public response on social media. Fisher and Pearl dissect the public’s growing disillusionment with the healthcare system, emphasizing the deep emotional pain that many Americans experience when they feel powerless to access or afford the care they need. Key topics discussed in this episode include: Medical errors and AI’s potential role in reducing misdiagnoses The hidden fears and pressures physicians face in acknowledging mistakes Rebuilding trust in healthcare leadership amid rising public frustration The emotional toll of poor healthcare access and affordability Balancing new technology with traditional patient care Setting meaningful goals for healthcare organizations in the new year For more raw, insightful commentary, 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 #162: Overcoming medical errors and rebuilding public trust appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

In this episode of Medicine: The Truth, co-hosts Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr take on the pressing medical challenges dominating headlines this winter. From rising concerns about respiratory infections and vaccine skepticism to the harsh realities of healthcare costs, this episode delivers a comprehensive look at what’s happening in American medicine today. The conversation opens with an update on winter viruses, including COVID-19, the flu, RSV and a resurgence of whooping cough. Dr. Pearl explains the risks posed by low vaccination rates and the new COVID variant, XEC, which combines troubling mutations from prior strains. Meanwhile, pertussis (whooping cough) infections have soared to six times higher than last year, endangering unvaccinated children and vulnerable infants. The discussion also examines the role of vaccine skepticism in the political sphere, focusing on President-elect Trump’s appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to a key health position. Dr. Pearl shares insights on the consequences of anti-vaccine rhetoric and what it could mean for public health policy. Here’s a snapshot of just some of the other topics covered in this episode of Medicine: The Truth: The rise of bird flu and its potential to spark a pandemic Falling public confidence in healthcare quality and coverage The troubling response to the UnitedHealthcare CEO’s tragic death New regulations eliminating medical debt from credit scores Declining alcohol and marijuana use among teenagers Encouraging trends in obesity rates thanks to GLP-1 medications 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 #90: Winter viruses, vaccine skepticism & America’s healthcare frustrations appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Karen DeSalvo unveils the revolutionary potential of generative AI in healthcare. She emphasizes AI's role in enhancing clinical workflows and personalizing patient care. The conversation explores how innovative technology can empower community health workers, improving access to care in underserved areas. Additionally, the podcast delves into the importance of data ownership and privacy, as well as the evolution of electronic health records to facilitate patient access. It's a forward-looking glimpse into the future of medicine!

As we prepare to usher in 2025—with a new presidential administration and shifting congressional landscape—it’s the perfect time to revisit the politics of medicine, both in the workplace and on the national stage. This Fixing Healthcare flashback features a December 2022 episode of Unfiltered, where cohosts Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr dive into this thorny topic with Zubin Damania, better known as ZDoggMD. For Pearl, the relationship between medicine and politics wasn’t always so clear cut. He recalls his college decision to pursue healthcare, imagining it as a field free from the messiness of politics. “Healthcare is about life and death,” Pearl reflects, laughing at his teenage naivety. “How could there be politics entwined inside that esteemed world?” Of course, the reality proved far different, with politics and medicine deeply intertwined at every level—from hospital boardrooms to Capitol Hill. In this lively discussion, ZDoggMD brings his characteristic humor and insight to the table as the trio explores how politics—whether institutional, cultural or governmental—shapes American healthcare. Together, they ponder whether logic and common sense have any chance of prevailing in a system so heavily influenced by competing interests. To navigate the political landscape of medicine, press play and listen to this insightful episode. * * * 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 #160: Fixing Healthcare flashback with Zubin Damania appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

This holiday season, Fixing Healthcare hosts Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr invite listeners to reflect on the most valuable gift you can give yourself: a healthier, happier heart. In the spirit of well-being and renewal, we’re revisiting one of the first-ever “Unfiltered” episodes featuring Dr. Jonathan Fisher, a respected cardiologist and advocate for physician wellness. This flashback episode highlights timeless lessons from his acclaimed book, Just One Heart: A Cardiologist’s Guide to Healing, Health, and Happiness. Originally aired in mid-2023, the interview dives into the “Seven Timeless Traits of the Heart”: steadiness, wisdom, openness, wholeness, courage, lightness, and warmth. Each trait offers actionable strategies and exercises to cultivate greater health, joy, and meaning in life. “As you strengthen the seven traits of your heart,” Fisher says, “you will find more health, joy, meaning, and connection in your own life and have the tools to help others do the same.” This episode serves as a perfect reminder that, during the holidays, taking care of your heart—both physically and emotionally—is a gift that keeps on giving. To discover more, press play and check out these helpful links: ‘Just One Heart’ (Jonathan Fisher’s new book) A Cardiologist on Leading From the Heart (‘Human Leaders’ on LinkedIn) Meet ‘the mindful heart doctor’ (NHF) Brain, Heart, Spine: The Anatomy of Healthcare Leadership (Forbes) * * * 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 #159: Fixing Healthcare flashback with Jonathan Fisher appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

In this month’s Diving Deep episode, part of the Fixing Healthcare podcast series, Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr tackle three critical topics shaping the future of medicine: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services, the escalating healthcare cost crisis and the potential of primary care to mitigate it, and the challenge of distinguishing hype from reality in the world of generative AI. The episode begins as Dr. Pearl acknowledges the controversy surrounding Kennedy’s anti-establishment views, particularly on vaccines, but also highlights an upside: his focus on food reform. Pearl says that Kennedy’s willingness to challenge the food industry could create meaningful change, and he points to successful soda taxes and lead removal as examples of how bold action can improve public health.Next topic on today’s show: Pearl outlines his Enhanced Primary Care model to combat obesity and chronic disease: Align incentives. Pay doctors for better patient outcomes, not just office visits. Empower patients. Use generative AI and real-time monitoring tools to help patients manage their health between visits. Finally, Dr. Pearl closes with a reality check on AI. While AI can’t override biology, it holds immense promise in empowering patients, improving outcomes, and reducing clinician burnout. Click play to hear these insights and more, and explore how healthcare leaders can improve care for patients at all stages of life. HELPFUL LINKS How RFK Jr. Could Reverse Our Nation’s Illogical Approach To Obesity (Forbes) Healthcare’s Cost Crisis: How Primary Care Can Deliver The Savings We Need (Forbes) 3 Simple Questions To Separate AI Reality From Hype In Medicine (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 #158: RFK Jr., obesity, the healthcare cost crisis and AI appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

In this latest episode of Fixing Healthcare, hosts Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr welcome Kimberly Powell, vice president of healthcare at NVIDIA, to explore how the company’s technologies are reshaping healthcare. Powell provides a fascinating lens through which to view healthcare’s future, especially as AI begins to play a more prominent role in patient care, diagnostics and clinical decision-making. The interview, part of Season 10’s deep dive into transformative healthcare technologies, kicks off with a question from Pearl: “What are the three technologies that will have the greatest impact on healthcare over the next five to 10 years?” Here’s what Powell had to say: 1. Accelerated computing Powell explains how NVIDIA’s GPUs (graphics processing units) have revolutionized data processing, enabling breakthroughs in medical imaging, molecular simulations and AI-driven diagnostics. She highlights how GPUs’ parallel processing power surpasses traditional CPUs, unlocking new possibilities in real-time medical applications. 2. Generative AI The conversation turns to the explosive growth of generative AI, powered by NVIDIA’s latest technologies. Powell details GenAI’s capacity to handle massive datasets, train neural networks and power applications like ChatGPT and digital health agents. These tools, she notes, will transform everything from clinical documentation to patient monitoring, and in turn will help to reduce clinician burnout, improve patient engagement and drive personalized treatments. 3. Robotics and physical AI Powell introduces the concept of “physical AI,” where robots equipped with advanced AI capabilities will redefine patient care. Powell highlights how this technology could automate surgical procedures, creating smarter hospital systems and deploying robots that enhance patient care and safety.  She paints a picture of a future where AI technology not only optimizes operations but also enhances safety and outcomes.The company hopes to leverage its technologies—from real-time patient monitoring systems and digital avatars for mental health to clinical trial optimization tools—to solve healthcare’s thorniest problems. A recurring theme in the episode is Powell’s emphasis on the “ecosystem of innovation” NVIDIA has built, fostering partnerships with startups and healthcare institutions worldwide. The company is planning to leverage its technologies—from real-time patient monitoring systems and digital avatars for mental health to clinical trial optimization tools—to solve healthcare’s thorniest problems. Pearl and Powell also reflect on the implications of generative AI in healthcare, as explored in Pearl’s recent Forbes article, “Nvidia’s AI Bot Outperforms Nurses, Study Finds. Here’s What It Means” and his 2024 book “ChatGPT, MD.” Powell speaks to how NVIDIA’s innovations will complement, rather than replace, human expertise. Pearl concludes the interview by predicting that generative AI will save hundreds of thousands of lives annually, make healthcare more affordable and alleviate the burnout crisis plaguing clinicians. He sees the triad of a dedicated clinician, an empowered patient and generative AI as the key to unlocking medicine’s full potential, delivering outcomes that far exceed what any one component could achieve alone. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about how technology is reshaping 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 #157: NVIDIA expects AI, robots to cure healthcare’s biggest problems appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

In this week’s Fixing Healthcare podcast, co-hosts Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr revisit one of the show’s most memorable interviews: Malcolm Gladwell’s first appearance in 2022. Known for his sharp insights and masterful storytelling, Gladwell joined the podcast during a season focused on “breaking the rules of healthcare,” offering his perspective on what it takes to drive transformative change in medicine. Note: Listeners are encouraged to check out Gladwell’s fabulous new book, Revenge of the Tipping Point, a re-evaluation of his groundbreaking work on social epidemics, now reframed for the modern world. It’s an excellent holiday gift for friends and family, alongside Dr. Pearl’s ChatGPT, MD, which Gladwell personally endorsed as a must-read for anyone curious about AI’s role in the future of healthcare. This flashback episode highlights Gladwell’s exploration of rule breakers in healthcare, emphasizing the delicate balance between innovation and recklessness. Gladwell examines the personalities and motivations of iconoclasts, using vivid examples like Dr. Emil Freireich, the father of combination chemotherapy, and Elizabeth Holmes, the fallen biotech entrepreneur. Dr. Pearl introduces this flashback by reaffirming the timeliness of Gladwell’s insights, noting that the qualities needed to break medicine’s entrenched rules are as relevant today as they were when the episode first aired. Gladwell’s stories and analysis offer inspiration and a framework for identifying the kinds of leaders who can disrupt American medicine for the better. HELPFUL LINKS Revenge of the Tipping Point: Overstories, Superspreaders, and the Rise of Social Engineering by Malcolm Gladwell (available now) Malcolm Gladwell’s Revisionist History (podcast link) ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine (available now) * * * 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 #156: Fixing Healthcare flashback with Malcolm Gladwell appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

Discover the future of healthcare as generative AI like ChatGPT revolutionizes patient and clinician experiences. The discussion reveals the staggering healthcare costs projected to soar beyond $7 trillion by 2031, urging urgent reforms. Delve into the complexities of prior authorization, which complicates patient access to timely care. The potential of AI is highlighted alongside critical challenges that must be addressed to ensure ethical integration. Overall, the vision for a patient-centered healthcare system emerges as a call for transformation.