America Dissected

Is a hospital the best place for childbirth? That question is driving a revolution in birthing, focused on creating outpatient birth centers. This National Birth Center Week, Abdul reflects on the birth experience — and who it leaves behind. Then he sits down with the co-founder and CEO of the birth center Birth Detroit Leseliey Welch to talk about why birth centers are a key public health intervention against racial inequities in maternal and infant mortality — and her fight to expand them.This show would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. America Dissected invites you to check them out. This episode was brought to you by:Marguerite Casey Foundation: Sign up for their new Summer School program at CaseyGrants.org/SummerSchool.Liquid I.V.: Turn your ordinary water into extraordinary hydration with Liquid I.V.® Get 20% off your first order of Liquid I.V.® when you go to liquidiv.com and use code DISSECT at checkout.Lumen: If you want to take the next step in improving your health, visit go.lumen.me/AD for 15% off your purchase.Rhone: Upgrade your closet with Rhone and use AD to save 20% at https://www.rhone.com/AD.   

In a thought-provoking discussion, Prof. Wendy Kline, an author and historian, delves into the troubling history of pelvic exams and their evolution in healthcare. She highlights the discomfort many feel regarding these procedures and examines the ethical implications linked to consent. Kline discusses innovative self-collection tools that could revolutionize pelvic health care, stressing the importance of a patient-centered approach. The conversation also touches on systemic disparities in medical practices and the need for improved communication in women's health.

It’s back-to-school season — and that means back-to-school vaccines. Abdul reflects on the roles that ritual and trust play in shaping vaccination. Then he sits down with Dr. Natasha Bhuyan, a family physician, to discuss the conversations she has with hesitant families and the future of family medicine.This show would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. America Dissected invites you to check them out. This episode was brought to you by:Marguerite Casey Foundation: Sign up for their new Summer School program at CaseyGrants.org/SummerSchool.

Dr. Michael Boyle, President and CEO of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, discusses the groundbreaking drug Trikafta, which has transformed cystic fibrosis treatment and extended life expectancy. He highlights the ethical dilemmas of its staggering $326,000 price tag and the ongoing fight for universal affordability. The conversation delves into the historical evolution of cystic fibrosis care, the challenges of access, and the exciting future of genetic therapies like CRISPR. Boyle also touches on the importance of advocacy in ensuring equitable healthcare for all.

Darren Riley, CEO of JustAir, is dedicated to tackling environmental injustice through innovative air monitoring solutions. In this conversation, he illuminates the dire impact of air pollution on marginalized communities, especially highlighting the health risks of asthma. Darren discusses leveraging technology for improved air quality data and community engagement. He shares insights on addressing systemic issues from redlining to public health disparities, all while advocating for environmental justice and community-driven solutions.

Public health is universal–or at least it should be. But since the pandemic, it’s been politicized in ways that threaten critical work in conservative communities. Abdul reflects on how the way we talk about public health may be contributing to that. Then he sits down with Dr. Dwayne Proctor, President and CEO of the Missouri Foundation for Health to learn about the pioneering work they sponsor in Missouri, and what we can learn from their experiences. This show would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. America Dissected invites you to check them out. This episode was brought to you by:Marguerite Casey Foundation: Sign up for their new Summer School program at CaseyGrants.org/SummerSchool.Henson Shaving: Go to https://hensonshaving.com and enter AD at checkout to get 100 free blades with your purchase. (Note: you must add both the 100-blade pack and the razor for the discount to apply.)Blueland: Reinvent cleaning essentials to be better for you and the planet, with the same powerful clean you’re used to. Right now, get 15% off your first order by going to Blueland.com/america.

The concept of “excited delirium” has been used to justify extreme force from law enforcement and to cover up police violence. Coined by a medical examiner in Florida in the ‘80s, it has its roots in eugenics. Abdul reflects on the way that pseudoscience has too often been used by the medical establishment to justify racist maltreatment. Then he interviews Prof. Aisha Beliso-De Jésus, an anthropologist and author of a new book about the history and consequences of “Excited Delirium.”This show would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. America Dissected invites you to check them out. This episode was brought to you by:Marguerite Casey Foundation: Sign up for their new Summer School program at CaseyGrants.org/SummerSchool.Article: Check out their spring and summer home collection at article.com/AD. Make sure to use promo code AD at checkout to save $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more.Liquid I.V.: Turn your ordinary water into extraordinary hydration with Liquid I.V.® Get 20% off your first order of Liquid I.V.® when you go to liquidiv.com and use code DISSECT at checkout.

Fat Joe, a rapper turned healthcare advocate, passionately discusses the need for price transparency in healthcare. He shares powerful personal stories behind his advocacy against medical debt and why awareness is crucial for families struggling with costs. The conversation touches on the significant impact of legislative changes and the urgency of community engagement, particularly among Black and brown populations, to drive change. Fat Joe emphasizes that understanding healthcare expenses is essential for empowering patients and ensuring fair treatment in the system.

The Supreme Court is an unelected body–there was a time when the justices understood that. Not this court. In their most recent set of rulings, they took a hammer to the fundamentals of American government. Abdul unpacks the most important ruling. Then he sits down with Leah Litman, Constitutional Law professor and host of Crooked Media’s  Strict Scrutiny to understand the implications for public health and healthcare. This show would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. America Dissected invites you to check them out. This episode was brought to you by:Marguerite Casey Foundation invites you to sign up for their new Summer School program at caseygrants.org/summerschool.Liquid I.V. Turn your ordinary water into extraordinary hydration with Liquid I.V.® Get 20% off your first order of Liquid I.V.® when you go to liquidiv.com and use code DISSECT at checkout.Article. Check out their spring and summer home collection at article.com/AD. Make sure to use promo code AD at checkout to save $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more.Lumen. If you want to take the next step in improving your health, visit go.lumen.me/AD for 15% off your purchase.

Recently, the FDA approved a genetic test for opioid use disorder despite clear opposition from scientists and the FDA advisory panel that had reviewed the evidence. The case demonstrates the space where Pharma’s incentive may drive innovation that may not help–or worse, cause harm. Abdul reflects on how genetic essentialism and the wrong incentives can reinforce each other. Than he speaks with Dr. Elizabeth Joniak-Grant, a sociologist and patient advocate who voted against the genetic test.This show would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. America Dissected invites you to check them out. This episode was brought to you by:Marguerite Casey Foundation invites you to sign up for their new Summer School program at caseygrants.org/summerschool.Henson Shaving invites you to find the razor that will last you a lifetime. Go to https://hensonshaving.com and enter AD at checkout to get 100 free blades with your purchase. (Note: you must add both the 100-blade pack and the razor for the discount to apply.)Blueland invites you to celebrate Plastic Free July with up to 25% off your Blueland order. Go to Blueland.com/america now for your special limited time offer.