
The Podcast by KevinMD
Social media's leading physician voice, Kevin Pho, MD, shares the stories of the many who intersect with our health care system but are rarely heard from. 15 minutes a day. 7 days a week. Welcome to The Podcast by KevinMD.
Latest episodes

Mar 7, 2025 • 17min
How generative AI can transform cardiovascular disease prevention
Cardiology and preventive medicine fellow Anand Shah discusses his article, "The role generative AI can play in cardiovascular education for patients," exploring how artificial intelligence can revolutionize patient education and prevention strategies. Anand highlights the challenges patients face in understanding and adhering to cardiovascular disease prevention plans, emphasizing the limitations of brief clinical visits and generic lifestyle recommendations. He explains how generative AI can bridge these gaps by delivering personalized, accessible, and culturally relevant health guidance tailored to individual needs. The conversation also addresses concerns surrounding AI accuracy, bias, and data privacy, while envisioning a future where AI-driven education enhances patient engagement, medication adherence, and long-term heart health. Listeners will gain insights into how AI can empower patients to take control of their cardiovascular well-being. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise—and it's built on a foundation of trust. It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended GET CME FOR THIS EPISODE → https://www.kevinmd.com/cme I'm partnering with Learner+ to offer clinicians access to an AI-powered reflective portfolio that rewards CME/CE credits from meaningful reflections. Find out more: https://www.kevinmd.com/learnerplus

Mar 6, 2025 • 25min
How illegal cosmetic procedures are putting patients at risk
Physician and author Kate Dee discusses her article, "Medspa madness: How illegal practices are putting patients in peril" and book, Med Spa Mayhem: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly Secrets of the Aesthetics Industry, exposing the alarming rise of unregulated med spas operating without proper medical oversight. Kate highlights cases of illegal Botox and filler injections, unlicensed individuals performing medical procedures, and the increasing use of counterfeit products leading to serious injuries and even death. She details shocking incidents, including arrests in Texas and California and the tragic case of Jennifer Cleveland, who died after receiving an improperly administered IV infusion. Kate advocates for stronger enforcement, public awareness, and the need for a national certification system to ensure patient safety. Listeners will gain insights into the risks of unregulated med spas and what they can do to protect themselves from dangerous practices in the aesthetics industry. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise—and it's built on a foundation of trust. It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended GET CME FOR THIS EPISODE → https://www.kevinmd.com/cme I'm partnering with Learner+ to offer clinicians access to an AI-powered reflective portfolio that rewards CME/CE credits from meaningful reflections. Find out more: https://www.kevinmd.com/learnerplus

Mar 5, 2025 • 12min
How poor doctor-patient communication leads to worse outcomes
Family physician Pamela Buchanan discusses her article, "How poor communication is killing patients and burning out doctors," exploring the devastating impact of unclear or avoided conversations in health care. Pamela shares firsthand experiences from the emergency room, where patients often arrive not just for treatment but for clarity about their diagnoses and prognoses. She highlights the systemic failure of communication between specialists and patients, leading to unnecessary ER visits and emotional distress. Pamela urges specialists to take responsibility for having difficult but essential discussions about prognosis, treatment expectations, and palliative care. She provides actionable steps for improving patient education, reducing miscommunication, and alleviating the burden placed on ER physicians. This conversation is a call to restore trust and humanity in medicine through clear, compassionate communication. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise—and it's built on a foundation of trust. It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended GET CME FOR THIS EPISODE → https://www.kevinmd.com/cme I'm partnering with Learner+ to offer clinicians access to an AI-powered reflective portfolio that rewards CME/CE credits from meaningful reflections. Find out more: https://www.kevinmd.com/learnerplus

Mar 4, 2025 • 22min
How to combat the rise of health care ransomware
Health care executive Cecil Pineda discusses his article, "Under siege: the escalating ransomware crisis in health care," examining the alarming rise in cyberattacks on hospitals and health systems. Cecil highlights the growing frequency and financial toll of ransomware attacks, with major incidents affecting patient care, disrupting operations, and costing billions. He explores the ethical dilemma of whether to pay ransom demands, the importance of cybersecurity investments, and the role of law enforcement in mitigating risks. Listeners will gain insights into how health care organizations can fortify their systems, develop response plans, and make critical decisions to protect patient data and ensure operational continuity in an era of increasing cyber threats. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise—and it's built on a foundation of trust. It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended GET CME FOR THIS EPISODE → https://www.kevinmd.com/cme I'm partnering with Learner+ to offer clinicians access to an AI-powered reflective portfolio that rewards CME/CE credits from meaningful reflections. Find out more: https://www.kevinmd.com/learnerplus

Mar 3, 2025 • 19min
Why physicians must uphold their oath in challenging times
Janet A. Jokela, an infectious disease physician, discusses her article, "Doctors, grounded in our oath, must act now more than ever," reflecting on the physician's solemn commitment to patient care, integrity, and advocacy. With increasing challenges to public health institutions like the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and World Health Organization (WHO), physicians must decide how to uphold their oath amid political and systemic disruptions. The conversation explores the role of medical professionals in defending science, advocating for patients, and maintaining ethical standards in health care. Listeners will gain insights into actionable steps, from professional advocacy to public communication, that reinforce the vital responsibility physicians carry both inside and outside the clinical setting. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise—and it's built on a foundation of trust. It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended GET CME FOR THIS EPISODE → https://www.kevinmd.com/cme I'm partnering with Learner+ to offer clinicians access to an AI-powered reflective portfolio that rewards CME/CE credits from meaningful reflections. Find out more: https://www.kevinmd.com/learnerplus

Mar 2, 2025 • 14min
How innovation can reduce disparities in cancer care
Physician executive Shamar Young discusses his article, "Geographic disparities in advanced cancer care: a call for innovation," highlighting the uneven access to emerging cancer treatments across different health care systems. Shamar explores the impact of geography on advanced therapies like theragnostics and transarterial radioembolization (TARE), emphasizing how disparities in expertise, technology, and resources limit patient options. He discusses how specialized third-party services, such as TeleDaaS, can bridge these gaps by centralizing expertise and improving care accessibility. The conversation examines potential solutions for ensuring that all patients receive optimal cancer treatment, regardless of their location. Listeners will gain insights into how innovation in care delivery can reduce health disparities and improve patient outcomes. Our presenting sponsor is DAX Copilot by Microsoft. DAX Copilot, by Microsoft, is your AI assistant for automated clinical documentation and workflows. DAX Copilot allows physicians to do more with less and turn their words into a powerful productivity tool. DAX Copilot automates clinical documentation—making it available in the EHR within minutes—and clinical workflows, including referral letters, after-visit summaries, style and formatting customizations, and more. 70 percent of physicians who use DAX Copilot say it improves their work-life balance while reducing feelings of burnout and fatigue. Patients love it too! 93 percent of patients say their physician is more personable and conversational, and 75 percent of physicians say it improves patient experiences. Discover AI-powered solutions for clinical documentation and workflows. Click here to see a 12-minute DAX Copilot demo. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended GET CME FOR THIS EPISODE → https://www.kevinmd.com/cme I'm partnering with Learner+ to offer clinicians access to an AI-powered reflective portfolio that rewards CME/CE credits from meaningful reflections. Find out more: https://www.kevinmd.com/learnerplus

Mar 1, 2025 • 21min
How innovative partnerships are reshaping patient safety
Physician executive Timothy McDonald discusses his article, "How innovative partnerships are transforming patient safety in health care," highlighting the role of collaboration in reducing preventable harm. Timothy explores how data sharing within and across health systems can uncover insights to enhance safety measures, emphasizing the importance of Patient Safety Organizations (PSOs) in identifying patterns of medical errors. He also discusses the impact of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in driving health care innovation, citing successful initiatives like the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services' Partnership for Patients. Through strategic collaborations with technology companies, hospitals can leverage cutting-edge solutions to improve patient safety. Listeners will gain actionable insights on how health care leaders can foster partnerships that prioritize safer, more effective patient care. Our presenting sponsor is DAX Copilot by Microsoft. DAX Copilot, by Microsoft, is your AI assistant for automated clinical documentation and workflows. DAX Copilot allows physicians to do more with less and turn their words into a powerful productivity tool. DAX Copilot automates clinical documentation—making it available in the EHR within minutes—and clinical workflows, including referral letters, after-visit summaries, style and formatting customizations, and more. 70 percent of physicians who use DAX Copilot say it improves their work-life balance while reducing feelings of burnout and fatigue. Patients love it too! 93 percent of patients say their physician is more personable and conversational, and 75 percent of physicians say it improves patient experiences. Discover AI-powered solutions for clinical documentation and workflows. Click here to see a 12-minute DAX Copilot demo. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended GET CME FOR THIS EPISODE → https://www.kevinmd.com/cme I'm partnering with Learner+ to offer clinicians access to an AI-powered reflective portfolio that rewards CME/CE credits from meaningful reflections. Find out more: https://www.kevinmd.com/learnerplus

Feb 28, 2025 • 15min
Emergency departments as primary care safety nets
Family physician Pamela Buchanan discusses her article, "The ER doctor who became the new PCP." In this compelling conversation, Pamela explains her transition from emergency medicine back to primary care, driven by a growing shortage of primary care providers that leaves many patients with no choice but to seek care in the ER. She highlights the strain on both patients and health care workers and emphasizes the importance of prevention and making primary care a more attractive career path for new physicians. Pamela offers actionable takeaways such as advocating for better incentives for primary care, emphasizing early intervention, and reimagining the health care system to support sustainable patient care. Our presenting sponsor is DAX Copilot by Microsoft. DAX Copilot, by Microsoft, is your AI assistant for automated clinical documentation and workflows. DAX Copilot allows physicians to do more with less and turn their words into a powerful productivity tool. DAX Copilot automates clinical documentation—making it available in the EHR within minutes—and clinical workflows, including referral letters, after-visit summaries, style and formatting customizations, and more. 70 percent of physicians who use DAX Copilot say it improves their work-life balance while reducing feelings of burnout and fatigue. Patients love it too! 93 percent of patients say their physician is more personable and conversational, and 75 percent of physicians say it improves patient experiences. Discover AI-powered solutions for clinical documentation and workflows. Click here to see a 12-minute DAX Copilot demo. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended GET CME FOR THIS EPISODE → https://www.kevinmd.com/cme I'm partnering with Learner+ to offer clinicians access to an AI-powered reflective portfolio that rewards CME/CE credits from meaningful reflections. Find out more: https://www.kevinmd.com/learnerplus

Feb 27, 2025 • 20min
Enhancing early language skills with focused attention
Pediatrician John D. Michael discusses his article, "How attention therapy transforms speech delay in young children." In this engaging conversation, John explains that sustained attention is crucial for developing effective speech and conversation skills in young children. He outlines how attention therapy teaches children to focus on adults rather than screens and toys, thereby enhancing their ability to respond, follow instructions, and build foundational language skills. John offers actionable takeaways for parents and therapists, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and a progressive approach to nurturing communication abilities. Our presenting sponsor is DAX Copilot by Microsoft. DAX Copilot, by Microsoft, is your AI assistant for automated clinical documentation and workflows. DAX Copilot allows physicians to do more with less and turn their words into a powerful productivity tool. DAX Copilot automates clinical documentation—making it available in the EHR within minutes—and clinical workflows, including referral letters, after-visit summaries, style and formatting customizations, and more. 70 percent of physicians who use DAX Copilot say it improves their work-life balance while reducing feelings of burnout and fatigue. Patients love it too! 93 percent of patients say their physician is more personable and conversational, and 75 percent of physicians say it improves patient experiences. Discover AI-powered solutions for clinical documentation and workflows. Click here to see a 12-minute DAX Copilot demo. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended GET CME FOR THIS EPISODE → https://www.kevinmd.com/cme I'm partnering with Learner+ to offer clinicians access to an AI-powered reflective portfolio that rewards CME/CE credits from meaningful reflections. Find out more: https://www.kevinmd.com/learnerplus

Feb 26, 2025 • 18min
Tobacco tactics in modern cannabis marketing
Pediatrician Gary Kirkilas discusses his article, "Cannabis advertising takes a page from the tobacco playbook." In this conversation, Gary explains how legal cannabis companies are adopting tactics once used by tobacco companies to target young users, drawing parallels between historical cigarette advertising and current cannabis marketing practices. He highlights the significant health risks of early cannabis use, including memory impairment and negative mental health outcomes, and calls for stricter regulations to protect children and prevent a new smoking epidemic. Our presenting sponsor is DAX Copilot by Microsoft. DAX Copilot, by Microsoft, is your AI assistant for automated clinical documentation and workflows. DAX Copilot allows physicians to do more with less and turn their words into a powerful productivity tool. DAX Copilot automates clinical documentation—making it available in the EHR within minutes—and clinical workflows, including referral letters, after-visit summaries, style and formatting customizations, and more. 70 percent of physicians who use DAX Copilot say it improves their work-life balance while reducing feelings of burnout and fatigue. Patients love it too! 93 percent of patients say their physician is more personable and conversational, and 75 percent of physicians say it improves patient experiences. Discover AI-powered solutions for clinical documentation and workflows. Click here to see a 12-minute DAX Copilot demo. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended GET CME FOR THIS EPISODE → https://www.kevinmd.com/cme I'm partnering with Learner+ to offer clinicians access to an AI-powered reflective portfolio that rewards CME/CE credits from meaningful reflections. Find out more: https://www.kevinmd.com/learnerplus