The Podcast by KevinMD

Health care executive Traci Sweet discusses her article, "The role of contingency management in addiction treatment." She makes a compelling case for the increased use of contingency management—an evidence-based approach utilizing positive reinforcement—to improve outcomes for individuals with substance use disorder (SUD). Traci explains how this method, which rewards positive behaviors like treatment engagement, can effectively leverage the brain's reward system and is particularly beneficial given the high relapse rates associated with traditional treatments. The conversation explores practical applications of contingency management, including app-based digital incentive programs, and highlights its success in her own practice. Traci also outlines a broader vision for the future of SUD care, emphasizing the need to embrace innovation, technology such as AI and digital therapeutics, emerging pharmacological treatments like GLP-1 agonists and psychedelic-assisted therapy, and holistic interventions to create more personalized and effective recovery pathways. The key takeaway is: To address the ongoing addiction crisis, the health care system must move beyond one-size-fits-all models and actively integrate innovative, evidence-based strategies like contingency management alongside cutting-edge technologies and a wider range of therapeutic options. 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

Registered dietitian Ava Safir and physician advocate Kim Downey discuss their article, "Why patients need a registered dietitian on their health care team." They highlight the often-overlooked yet crucial role registered dietitians play in improving patient health outcomes and supporting physicians. Drawing from personal experiences and professional insights, Ava and Kim explain how dietitians offer specialized, in-depth nutritional counseling that goes beyond the scope of typical medical appointments, addressing everything from chronic conditions to overall well-being. The conversation emphasizes the comprehensive approach of dietitians, who dedicate significant time to understanding patients' lifestyles, food psychology, and specific needs, thereby fostering sustainable dietary changes and myth-busting misinformation. They argue that integrating registered dietitians more actively into health care teams can lead to reduced medication reliance, better management of conditions like pre-diabetes and GI issues, and enhanced patient empowerment. The key takeaway is: Patients and health care providers alike should recognize registered dietitians as essential team members whose expertise in medical nutrition therapy can be a game-changer for achieving long-term health and quality of life. 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

Certified coach Kathleen Muldoon discusses her article, "The cost of presence: a lesson in listening." She recounts a poignant experience observing a health care student disengaged during a powerful presentation by a mother sharing her life as a caregiver to children with disabilities. Kathleen, who is also a medical school faculty member and mother to a child with complex health needs, reflects on the immense value of such shared stories for interprofessional students and the "cost of presence" willingly paid by these community educators. The conversation delves into the critical need for future health care professionals to cultivate presence, active listening, and empathy, even amidst academic pressures. Kathleen emphasizes that while technical skills are vital, truly seeing and hearing patients is foundational to compassionate and effective care. The key takeaway is: Medical education must actively foster an environment where students learn to honor patient narratives and engage with genuine human connection, as these qualities are as indispensable as clinical knowledge for the future of health care. 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

Health care executive and patient advocate Aja Best discusses her article, "How early CKD diagnosis can save lives: a transplant survivor's journey." She shares her harrowing personal experience with a delayed diagnosis of IgA nephropathy during pregnancy, which led to a challenging path through dialysis and ultimately to a life-saving kidney transplant. Aja highlights the often-silent progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), a growing global health crisis, and points to critical gaps in the health care system that prevent timely intervention. The conversation explores the importance of early screening, proactive and coordinated care, the potential of technology and predictive analytics to improve patient outcomes, and the power of patient advocacy. Aja passionately calls for systemic changes and greater awareness to ensure others don't face the same missed opportunities she did. The key takeaway is: Early CKD detection through routine screening and a more integrated, patient-centered health care approach can significantly alter disease progression, improve lives, and reduce the burden of this widespread condition. 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

Health care public relations leader Melanie Doupé Gaiser discusses her article, "Antimicrobial resistance needs a publicist." She highlights antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as an urgent and deadly public health crisis that is not receiving the attention it warrants, particularly in the U.S. Melanie shares her personal stake in the issue, living with a critical antibiotic allergy, and underscores the looming threat of a post-antibiotic era where common infections could become fatal. The conversation covers the staggering potential human and economic costs of AMR, the reasons behind its low public profile despite these risks, and legislative efforts. Melanie issues a compelling call to action for everyone—researchers, health care professionals, patients, and the general public—to become "AMR publicists" by sharing stories, engaging with media, and advocating for policy changes. The key takeaway is: Collective public and professional advocacy is crucial to elevate AMR on the national agenda, drive innovation in antibiotic development, and implement policies to combat this growing global threat. 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

Medical student Rishma Jivan discusses her article, "Medical curriculum 2.0: Integrating technology and innovation in medical education." She argues for an urgent update to medical training, embedding technology and innovation as core components to prepare future physicians for a digitally transformed health care landscape. Rishma highlights the necessity for medical students to become active contributors to health technology, not just end-users, to address pressing issues like physician burnout and patient distrust, and to bridge the gap between tech development and clinical needs. The conversation explores integrating concepts like the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) approach from the tech world into medical thinking, fostering collaboration between medical professionals and technology developers. She proposes a curriculum enriched with hands-on experiences, partnerships with innovators, and inclusion of diverse voices to ensure new solutions are equitable and effective. The key takeaway is: It is imperative to evolve medical education to equip the next generation of physicians with the skills to co-create and implement innovative solutions for better patient care and a more sustainable health care system. 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

Gastroenterologist Shamita B. Shah discusses her article, "How doctors can help IBD patients manage symptoms between visits." Addressing the rising prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the U.S., Shamita highlights the challenges patients face managing unpredictable symptoms like pain and diarrhea, even while on therapy, often leading to undertreatment and complications. She outlines three key ways physicians can empower patients for better self-management between appointments: First, engaging patients to track symptoms using tools like wearable devices or digital platforms incorporating patient-reported outcomes (PROs), citing studies showing these methods can predict flares and significantly reduce emergency room visits (by 48 percent) and hospitalizations (by 78 percent). Second, educating patients on the diet-disease connection, recommending approaches like the Mediterranean diet and the use of food diaries (potentially via apps) to identify individual triggers. Third, providing patients with a comprehensive health maintenance checklist, such as the one from the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, to ensure accountability for crucial screenings (cancer, mental health) and vaccinations, especially important for those on immunosuppressive therapies. Actionable takeaways focus on physicians proactively equipping patients with these tracking tools, dietary guidance, and checklists to foster better disease control and quality of life. 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

Practicing internist and psychiatrist Muhamad Aly Rifai discusses his article, "How America became overmedicated—and what we can do about it." He raises concerns about the high rate of psychotropic medication use in the U.S., citing CDC data suggesting nearly 1 in 4 adults may be taking these drugs, often without clear long-term plans or exit strategies. Muhamad contrasts this with U.K. NICE guidelines that emphasize structured deprescribing protocols, highlighting a significant gap in U.S. clinical guidance. He points to systemic issues like short medication management visits, lack of industry incentives for deprescribing, and the need for better physician training in distinguishing withdrawal symptoms from relapse. Dr. Rifai advocates for a national shift towards wellness, emphasizing medication optimization, integrated behavioral health (including therapy and trauma-informed care), addressing social determinants of health, and fostering recovery-oriented conversations that explore non-pharmacologic approaches like peer support, nutrition, and exercise. Actionable takeaways include the need for robust deprescribing guidelines, investment in holistic and integrated care models, and a conscious effort by clinicians to discuss not just starting medications, but also safely stopping them when appropriate. 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

Occupational medicine physician Robert Nathan Clapp discusses his article, "Why you should take a closer look at occupational and environmental medicine." Addressing the pervasive issue of physician burnout, Robert introduces occupational and environmental medicine (OEM) — a specialty under preventive medicine — as a compelling but often overlooked field boasting high job satisfaction and low burnout. He notes that despite its appeal, only about 20 percent of OEM residents knew about the specialty before finishing medical school, leading many to transition later in their careers. Robert explains that OEM focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating workplace and environmental injuries and illnesses, uniquely blending clinical care with public health principles. Key advantages drawing physicians to OEM include extremely diverse career paths (ranging from 100 percent clinical to 100 percent non-clinical in various settings like corporations, government, and academics), excellent work-life balance with minimal call or weekend work, a focus on functional outcomes rather than volume metrics, competitive salaries, and high demand. Furthermore, residency training is accessible (often two years, or even one year for those with prior GME) and includes a master of public health (MPH) degree, with prior specialty experience often being highly valued. Actionable takeaways encourage physicians feeling dissatisfied or burnt out, as well as medical students, to explore OEM as a pathway to a more sustainable and rewarding medical career. 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

Journalist and patient advocate Carol Steinberg discusses her article, "Alzheimer's impact on the young should be an open book." She argues that while Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) are known to affect the whole family, children under 18 are often excluded from conversations about a loved one's condition, leading to fear, confusion, and missed opportunities for connection. Carol details the emotional toll on children witnessing cognitive decline, the distinct difficulties for those with a parent with younger-onset ADRD, and the significant challenges faced by the 5.4 million caregiving youth in the U.S., who often experience adverse mental, physical, and academic outcomes. The discussion highlights a growing consensus among experts urging truthfulness and age-appropriate involvement for children, calling on the medical community and others to better recognize and support young carers. Carol introduces her children's book, Come Grandpa Meow, Let's Fly, as a tool to facilitate these difficult conversations and promote meaningful intergenerational activities, allowing families to connect and "meet in the moment" despite the disease's progression. Actionable takeaways emphasize the importance of candor, using resources to educate children, fostering continued relationships, and advocating for greater support systems for affected youth. 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