Lifers with Christina Farr

Dr. Jeff Wessler, cardiologist and CEO of Heartbeat Health, dives into the pivotal role of preventative measures in cardiovascular wellness. He discusses the myth that heart attacks are random, shedding light on advancements in diagnostic technology. The conversation explores the challenges and complexities of behavior change post-heart events and the skepticism surrounding digital health solutions. Wessler also highlights the groundbreaking C15 fatty acid, its health benefits, and the impact of AI in discerning health information, especially for longevity-driven health strategies.

This week on Second Opinion, Christina Farr interviews Liana Douillet Guzmán, CEO of FOLX, about the healthcare challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. They discuss systemic discrimination, the growing demand for inclusive care, and the importance of patient-centered, community-based healthcare solutions tailored to the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals.—📰 Be notified early when Turpentine drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess  🙏 Help shape our show by taking our quick listener survey at https://bit.ly/TurpentinePulse  —SPONSORS:🏥 Thatch makes it easy to give your team great healthcare. Save ~$1620 per employee yearly while giving them customizable plans. Visit https://thatch.ai/HR for a demo and receive a $100 gift card.🏋🏻‍♀️ Strengthen your cells from the inside-out with Fatty15, a pure C15 supplement proven to boost energy, improve sleep, and support metabolic, heart, and liver health – without the downsides of fish oil. Ready to restore your long-term health? Get 15% off your 90-day subscription Starter Kit at https://fatty15.com/secondopinion using code SECONDOPINION at checkout. 👩‍⚕️ Hot flashes, insomnia, brain fog? You don't have to accept these as just another part of aging. Midi Health is the virtual care clinic for women navigating midlife hormonal transition, offering FDA-approved medications, supplements and lifestyle coaching - all covered by insurance. Visit https://joinmidi.com to book your virtual visit today.—LINKS: FOLX Health: https://www.folxhealth.com/ —FOLLOW:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lianaguzman https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubagreenwood/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashzenooz/—HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE: FOLX is a virtual clinic providing healthcare specifically for LGBTQIA+ individuals. The current healthcare system was not built for LGBTQIA+ individuals and is often openly discriminatory. 40% of LGBTQIA+ community avoids seeking medical care due to fear of discrimination. 10% of US adult population identifies as queer, while 25%+ of Gen Z identifies as queer. LGBTQIA+ community has higher rates of mental health challenges due to societal stress. Most clinicians graduate with only five hours of LGBTQIA+ training. FOLX started as a direct-to-consumer service for gender-affirming care and expanded to serve the broader LGBTQIA+ community. The company added insurance acceptance and employer partnerships to increase accessibility. The current political climate has created increased demand for FOLX's services. Patient-centered care should value the patient's expertise about their own experience. Liana believes "you can do good and do well at the same time." FOLX positions itself as a smart business decision rather than just a DEI initiative.

Dr. Asima Ahmad, Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Carrot, shares her insights as a fertility specialist and entrepreneur. The discussion highlights the urgent need for early fertility education and how technology is revolutionizing access to care. They tackle the rising trend of 'revenge egg freezing' in response to recent job layoffs, examining its implications for equity in fertility treatment. Ahmad emphasizes the importance of mentorship and addresses the shortage of specialists in reproductive health, advocating for accessible solutions.

This week on Second Opinion, we're featuring Christina Farr, Ash Zenooz, and Luba Greenwood's conversation with Sami Inkinen, CEO of Virta Health. They discuss the company's mission to reverse type 2 diabetes and obesity through personalized nutrition and intensive telemedicine.—📰 Be notified early when Turpentine drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess  🙏 Help shape our show by taking our quick listener survey at https://bit.ly/TurpentinePulse  —SPONSOR: 👩‍⚕️ Hot flashes, insomnia, brain fog? You don't have to accept these as just another part of aging. Midi Health is the virtual care clinic for women navigating midlife hormonal transition, offering FDA-approved medications, supplements and lifestyle coaching - all covered by insurance. Visit https://www.joinmidi.com/ to book your virtual visit today.—LINKS: Virta Health: https://www.virtahealth.com/ PHTI: https://phti.org/ Caroline Pearson on Second Opinion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbo3T654g6c —FOLLOW:https://www.linkedin.com/in/samiinkinen/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubagreenwood/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashzenooz/—HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE: Sami Inkinen is an "accidental healthcare entrepreneur" who founded Virta Health after discovering he was pre-diabetic despite being a world championship triathlete. Sami's key insight was that "you cannot outrun a bad diet" – excessive processed carbohydrates lead to insulin resistance regardless of exercise level. Virta Health's mission is to reverse type 2 diabetes and obesity in 1 billion people through nutrition, lifestyle changes, and telemedicine support. Virta spent five years running clinical trials that demonstrated they could reverse type 2 diabetes and deliver sustained weight loss (13% at one and two years). They highly individualize treatment plans based on each person's circumstances, whether they're eating from a casino, a 7-Eleven, or McDonald's. Unlike traditional quarterly doctor visits, Virta provides 2-3 interactions daily, monitoring biomarkers and adjusting in near real-time. Their approach doesn't rely on willpower – patients eat to satiety, which is key to long-term success. Patients typically get free access to Virta, with employers or health plans paying because Virta saves them about $600/month per patient. The Peterson Health Technology Institute found Virta was the only digital diabetes program that actually worked. Sami believes the ideal obesity treatment combines nutrition (as first-line defense) with GLP-1 drugs when necessary, not an either/or approach. Virta employs full-time doctors and coaches who form long-term relationships with patients, empowered by software and AI. The company is focusing on scaling their current services, becoming profitable in 2025, and potentially becoming a public company.

This week on Second Opinion, Christina Farr sits down with healthcare investing legend Zen Chu, who shares his framework for backing resilient entrepreneurs and insights from early investments in companies like Abridge and PillPack.—📰 Be notified early when Turpentine drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess  🙏 Help shape our show by taking our quick listener survey at https://bit.ly/TurpentinePulse  —SPONSOR: 👩‍⚕️ Hot flashes, insomnia, brain fog? You don't have to accept these as just another part of aging. Midi Health is the virtual care clinic for women navigating midlife hormonal transition, offering FDA-approved medications, supplements and lifestyle coaching - all covered by insurance. Visit https://www.joinmidi.com/ to book your virtual visit today.—LINKS: Zen Chu (MIT): https://mitsloan.mit.edu/faculty/directory/zen-chu MIT Hacking Medicine: https://hackingmedicine.mit.edu/ —FOLLOW:https://www.linkedin.com/in/hackmed/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubagreenwood/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashzenooz/—HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE: According to Zen, technology is essential to scale medicine and achieve the quadruple aim: better quality, lower cost, better access, and reduced burnout. When investing, Zen looks for entrepreneurs who have weathered crises and shown adaptability and resilience. He prefers "missionaries over mercenaries" - founders whose personal identity connects with their business mission. Zen believes in "founder-market fit" where entrepreneurs deeply understand the problems they're solving. Determined founders refuse to give up during challenging periods and find ways to pivot successfully. Zen highlights examples of his successful investments, including Abridge and PillPack. Zen recommends securing a personal "FU fund" that provides the financial security to take entrepreneurial risks. Investing in friends can be effective but may alter the dynamics of personal relationships. Zen advises investors to only put money in startups they're willing to lose entirely. Health systems make challenging customers because they often "pilot things to death." Most physicians aren't suited to be startup CEOs as they're typically trained for individual decision-making rather than collaborative leadership. The best physician entrepreneurs often come from resource-constrained healthcare settings. "Algorithmic care" enables automated, guideline-based treatment for patients who know what they need. The healthcare system frequently underestimates patients' understanding of their own health needs. In his rapid assessment, Zen considers AI in medicine appropriately hyped with incredible potential. He sees point solution care delivery businesses as likely overhyped with many failures ahead. Consumerization of healthcare is "about right" though possibly receiving too much funding. Medical devices are "under invested" with insufficient venture capital expertise in the sector. Many healthcare technology tools struggle as standalone products, pushing startups to vertically integrate and deliver care directly.

The week on Second Opinion, Christina Farr and Luba Greenwood sit down with Georgina McMillan to discuss the impact of celebrities and influencers on the healthcare and longevity sectors, exploring how their endorsements and social media presence can both promote health awareness and lead to misinformation, and the need for authentic and scientifically-backed partnerships.—📰 Be notified early when Turpentine drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess  🙏 Help shape our show by taking our quick listener survey at https://bit.ly/TurpentinePulse  —SPONSOR: 👩‍⚕️ Hot flashes, insomnia, brain fog? You don't have to accept these as just another part of aging. Midi Health is the virtual care clinic for women navigating midlife hormonal transition, offering FDA-approved medications, supplements and lifestyle coaching - all covered by insurance. Visit https://www.joinmidi.com/ to book your virtual visit today.—RECOMMENDED PODCAST:Check out Modern Relationships, where Erik Torenberg interviews tech power couples and leading thinkers to explore how ambitious people actually make partnerships work. Founders Fund's Delian Asparouhov and researcher Nadia Asparouhova kick off the series with an unfiltered conversation about their relationship evolution.Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1786227593 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5hJzs0gDg6lRT6r10mdpVg YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernRelationshipsPod —LINKS: Headline: https://headline.com/ Apple Cider Vinegar (Netflix): https://www.netflix.com/title/81637595 Subscribe to Second Opinion Newsletter: https://secondopinion.media/ —FOLLOW:https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgie-mcmillan/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubagreenwood/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashzenooz/—HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE: There's a distinction between celebrity doctors starting their own businesses and traditional celebrities getting involved in health companies. Social media has become crucial for healthcare distribution, allowing doctors to grow their practices by building online authority. Celebrity partnerships may solve rising customer acquisition costs by offering startups access to built-in audiences. Trust and authenticity are essential for effective celebrity involvement in healthcare. The longevity trend raises concerns, particularly when physicians promote products without clinical evidence. Social media rewards extreme content, which can lead to health misinformation. Vanity and aesthetics can positively motivate health behaviors. There's a trend shifting from artificial fillers toward natural-looking solutions based on real science. The beauty industry draws healthcare resources away from traditional care into more lucrative aesthetic practices. Celebrity motivations range from authentic interest to financial incentives. Olivia Munn's breast cancer diagnosis post demonstrates the powerful positive impact celebrities can have on public health education. Celebrity attention to rare diseases can be crucial for driving research and finding cures. Celebrities and influencers can be powerful patient advocates when connected to scientifically-backed products and services.

Saad Alam, the Co-founder and CEO of Hone Health, shares his inspiring journey from experiencing low testosterone to launching a platform for men's hormone optimization. He discusses the growing cultural shifts in men's wellness, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle changes before medication. Alam also addresses the younger generation's increasing interest in hormone care, the challenges men face in discussing health issues, and recent trends in nutrition and weight-loss medications. His insights illuminate the evolving conversation around men's health and well-being.

Ash Zenooz and Luba Greenwood interview Dr. Dean Ornish, a cardiologist, researcher, and advocate for lifestyle medicine who notably treated Bill Clinton. They discuss his journey into preventative medicine, the development of the Ornish Diet, and his data showing reversal of chronic diseases and improving overall health and longevity.—📰 Be notified early when Turpentine drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess  🙏 Help shape our show by taking our quick listener survey at https://bit.ly/TurpentinePulse  —SPONSOR: 👩‍⚕️ Hot flashes, insomnia, brain fog? You don't have to accept these as just another part of aging. Midi Health is the virtual care clinic for women navigating midlife hormonal transition, offering FDA-approved medications, supplements and lifestyle coaching - all covered by insurance. Visit https://www.joinmidi.com/ to book your virtual visit today.—LINKS: Ornish Lifestyle Medicine: https://ornish.com/ Michael E. DeBakey, M.D.: https://www.bcm.edu/about-us/our-campus/debakey-museum/legacy-of-excellence Books by Dr. Ornish (mentioned):Love and Survival: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Survival-Scientific-Healing-Intimacy/dp/0060172134 Undo It: https://www.amazon.com/Undo-Lifestyle-Changes-Reverse-Diseases/dp/052547997X The Spectrum: https://www.amazon.com/Spectrum-Scientifically-Proven-Program-Better/dp/0345496310 Eat More, Weigh Less: https://www.amazon.com/Eat-More-Weigh-Less-Abundantly/dp/006109627X  Subscribe to Second Opinion Newsletter: https://secondopinion.media/ —FOLLOW:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-ornish-m-d-1057167/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/preventive-medicine-research-institute/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubagreenwood/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashzenooz/—HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE: Dr. Ornish took a year off medical school to conduct a pilot study, finding that 8 out of 10 patients showed improved blood flow to their hearts through lifestyle changes alone. The landmark Lifestyle Heart Trial proved that arteries could become less clogged through lifestyle changes. The program crystallized into four key elements: whole foods plant-based diet, moderate exercise, stress management through meditation/yoga, and social support groups. It took 16 years of effort to get Medicare to cover the program, demonstrating that changing medical practice required changing reimbursement structures. The program achieved a remarkable 93% completion rate because participants felt better quickly, compared to only one-third of people staying on statins after a few months. Research with Nobel laureate Elizabeth Blackburn showed these lifestyle changes could lengthen telomeres, potentially reversing aging at a cellular level. Recent studies demonstrated the same program could stop or reverse early-stage Alzheimer's progression in 71% of participants within 20 weeks. Data from health insurers showed significant cost savings: 80% of cardiac patients avoided surgery, saving $30,000 per patient in the first year. Studies of over 20,000 participants revealed a nearly 50% reduction in depression scores through the program. President Clinton's adoption of the program helped demonstrate its effectiveness to a broader audience and influenced healthcare policy. The program's core philosophy emphasizes joy and immediate benefits over fear of future consequences, making the changes more sustainable. For disease reversal (versus prevention), patients need 80-100% adherence to the program's principles.

In a captivating discussion, Jonathan Bush, serial healthcare entrepreneur and CEO of Zus Health, shares his insights on practical uses of AI to streamline healthcare. He believes the true value lies in tackling mundane administrative tasks instead of lofty goals like curing cancer. Jonathan emphasizes the need for organized patient data and critiques the focus on distant innovations over immediate operational improvements. He champions rule-breakers and diverse thinkers, arguing that successful innovation comes from those who embrace risk and rejection.

In this engaging discussion, John Zutter, CEO of Lantern, and Matt Harmon, a benefits executive veteran, delve into the skyrocketing costs of healthcare. They explore how large employers are tackling expensive treatments like cell and gene therapies. The duo discusses the rise of centers of excellence to direct patients towards quality care, the challenges faced by small employers in covering costly therapies, and the balance between employee choice and employer strategy. Their insights reveal the complex landscape of healthcare spending today.