Healthcare Unfiltered

Former FDA Commissioner Robert Califf returns to the show for an in-depth discussion on the integration of artificial intelligence into regulatory processes, including how AI is currently being used—and should be used—in drug and medical device approvals, the detection and review of fraudulent data, and clinical decision support systems. He also explores the boundaries between algorithmic automation and human judgment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining transparency, accountability, and trust in an increasingly data-driven regulatory landscape. Check out Chadi’s website for all Healthcare Unfiltered episodes and other content. www.chadinabhan.com/ Watch all Healthcare Unfiltered episodes on YouTube. www.youtube.com/channel/UCjiJPTpIJdIiukcq0UaMFsA

Last week, Chadi and researchers explored the KETO-CTA study, which investigated the effects of the ketogenic diet on coronary plaque formation in Lean Mass Hyper-Responders (LMHR), or individuals who experience significant LDL cholesterol elevations on low-carb diets. This week, the other side of the conversation is presented. A leading cardiologist joins the show to critically examine the KETO-CTA study findings, questioning their clinical significance and broader applicability. What do these results really mean for cardiovascular risk in the general population? Should elevated LDL in the context of good metabolic health be treated the same as traditional hyperlipidemia? This episode dives into the nuances of lipidology, the role of LDL in atherosclerosis, and the complexity of applying study findings to real-world patients. Whether you're a clinician, researcher, or just interested in the science behind diet and heart health, this conversation is essential listening. View the KETO-CTA study. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772963X25001036 Check out Chadi’s website for all Healthcare Unfiltered episodes and other content. www.chadinabhan.com/ Watch all Healthcare Unfiltered episodes on YouTube. www.youtube.com/channel/UCjiJPTpIJdIiukcq0UaMFsA

The ketogenic (keto) diet has surged in popularity, with many touting its weight loss and metabolic benefits. However, some individuals—particularly those following a low-carb, high-fat regimen—experience a significant rise in LDL cholesterol, a phenomenon now known as the Lean Mass Hyper-Responder (LMHR) phenotype. What does this mean for cardiovascular risk? In this episode, Chadi is joined by three of the lead investigators of the KETO-CTA study, recently published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. They break down their findings on how the keto diet affects coronary plaque formation and what it could mean for LMHR individuals. This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Next week, Chadi brings in a contrasting perspective on the study’s conclusions. A must-listen series for anyone interested in the intersection of diet, cholesterol, and cardiovascular health. View the KETO-CTA study. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772963X25001036 Check out Chadi’s website for all Healthcare Unfiltered episodes and other content. www.chadinabhan.com/ Watch all Healthcare Unfiltered episodes on YouTube. www.youtube.com/channel/UCjiJPTpIJdIiukcq0UaMFsA

Cardiologists Andrew Foy and Anish Koka return to the show for a deep and often contentious debate on one of the most pressing healthcare policy issues of our time: should the government negotiate drug prices? Using the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) as a springboard, the conversation explores the underlying causes of inflated drug prices in the US, including the role of third-party payers, lack of transparency, and market distortions. The discussion also examines the global landscape—how other countries manage drug pricing—and whether those models offer lessons or cautionary tales. What impact will the IRA have on patients, access, and innovation? Can payers do more to control costs without sacrificing care? This episode dives into the complexities of healthcare economics, the free market, and the question of whether government intervention helps or hinders progress. Check out Chadi’s website for all Healthcare Unfiltered episodes and other content. www.chadinabhan.com/ Watch all Healthcare Unfiltered episodes on YouTube. www.youtube.com/channel/UCjiJPTpIJdIiukcq0UaMFsA

With over 513,000 licensed advanced practice providers (APPs) in the U.S.—including 355,000 nurse practitioners and 158,470 physician assistants—and a projected 31% growth in the next five years, APPs are playing an increasingly vital role in oncology care. In this episode, Chadi is joined by Mary DiLorenzo and Clare Stone, two seasoned APPs practicing in North Carolina, for an in-depth conversation about how the field has evolved over the past 10–15 years. Together, they explore the nuances of APP scope of practice, how responsibilities vary across institutions and physician teams, and the ways in which APPs are integrated across inpatient and outpatient settings. The discussion also dives into critical questions: Are APPs seeing new patients as well as follow-ups? Could they eventually replace oncologists in some roles? What happens when clinical opinions diverge between APPs and physicians? Why do some patients feel more comfortable opening up to their APP than their oncologist? This episode offers a timely look at how APPs are shaping the future of cancer care delivery. Check out Chadi’s website for all Healthcare Unfiltered episodes and other content. www.chadinabhan.com/ Watch all Healthcare Unfiltered episodes on YouTube. www.youtube.com/channel/UCjiJPTpIJdIiukcq0UaMFsA

Drs. Emil Lou and Shruti Patel join Chadi on the podcast to unpack the alarming rise of gastrointestinal cancers in younger patients. They explore a range of possible environmental contributors—from plastic exposure and processed meats to alcohol and tobacco use—and discuss how these factors might be investigated through laboratory science. The conversation also highlights the promise of genomic profiling in shedding light on these trends, and reviews key findings from ASCO GI that could help steer future research and prevention efforts. Check out Chadi’s website for all Healthcare Unfiltered episodes and other content. www.chadinabhan.com/ Watch all Healthcare Unfiltered episodes on YouTube. www.youtube.com/channel/UCjiJPTpIJdIiukcq0UaMFsA

Drs. Sanam Loghavi and Amer Zeidan delve into the history behind the recent classification split between the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Consensus Classification (ICC) for myeloid and lymphoid malignancies, and how a few years of minor disagreement have culminated in a unified system. They explore the critical differences in how myeloid and lymphoid neoplasms are now categorized, what this alignment means for pathologists, oncologists, regulators, and patients, when the new classification will take effect, and how it is expected to influence research, diagnosis, and clinical care. Check out Chadi’s website for all Healthcare Unfiltered episodes and other content. www.chadinabhan.com/ Watch all Healthcare Unfiltered episodes on YouTube. www.youtube.com/channel/UCjiJPTpIJdIiukcq0UaMFsA

Where does AI truly fit into the future of biomedicine and healthcare, beyond the usual headlines in radiology and pathology? Jonathan Carlson, Managing Director of Research Health Futures at Microsoft, joins the show to explore the evolution of AI in medicine, from the early days to cutting-edge innovations like ambient clinical intelligence. Together, he and Chadi unpack how pretrained models and machine learning are transforming care delivery, as well as the ethical and practical questions we need to be asking now. Check out Chadi’s website for all Healthcare Unfiltered episodes and other content. www.chadinabhan.com/ Watch all Healthcare Unfiltered episodes on YouTube. www.youtube.com/channel/UCjiJPTpIJdIiukcq0UaMFsA

A Georgia court recently awarded over $2 billion to a plaintiff who developed lymphoma due to Monsanto’s Roundup exposure, but a new bill could prevent future victims from suing the company. Patient advocate Kelly Ryerson unpacks the legal maneuvering behind this legislation, its potential impact on consumer rights, and what it means for the future of environmental and food safety. Don’t miss this critical discussion on the intersection of law, public health, and corporate accountability. For more on this, check out this article. https://www.thecentersquare.com/georgia/article_2065b5e4-1052-433d-9af8-d840389e722d.html View Kelly’s website. https://glyphosatefacts.com/about/ Check out Chadi’s website for all Healthcare Unfiltered episodes and other content. www.chadinabhan.com/ Watch all Healthcare Unfiltered episodes on YouTube. www.youtube.com/channel/UCjiJPTpIJdIiukcq0UaMFsA

Dr. Mohammad Jahanzeb, a renowned oncologist specializing in lung and breast cancer who opened his own virtual second opinion clinic, joins the podcast to explore the growing need for second opinion clinics and the challenges patients face in accessing them, from financial barriers to lingering stigmas. He delves into how often second opinions lead to changes in patient management, which disease settings benefit most, and how virtual second opinion models provide expert guidance while overcoming traditional obstacles. Additionally, Dr. Jahanzeb shares his serendipitous, “Forrest Gump-like” career path, the vital role of mentorship in shaping careers, and his philosophy on avoiding “professional stagnation.” Check out Chadi’s website for all Healthcare Unfiltered episodes and other content. www.chadinabhan.com/ Watch all Healthcare Unfiltered episodes on YouTube. www.youtube.com/channel/UCjiJPTpIJdIiukcq0UaMFsA