Healthcare Unfiltered

Chadi sits down with Creed McKinnon, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of VersaWare, to explore how this cutting-edge startup is redefining the intersection of technology and nutrition. VersaWare’s AI-powered platform integrates voice assistants and real-time chatbot support from expert nutritionists to simplify meal building, enhance recipe discovery, and streamline pantry management. Creed shares insights into the challenges of developing a solution for users who often abandon traditional nutrition tracking apps, the innovative revenue streams behind the brand—including a consumer-friendly app—and the company’s ambitious vision for the next 6 months as it seeks to empower individuals with smarter, more personalized approaches to health and nutrition. Learn more about VersaWare. https://versaware.io/ 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. Andrew Foy, a cardiologist at Penn State Health, returns to the show to unpack the findings of his JAMA publication exploring industry payments in medicine and their influence on clinical practice. He examines how financial relationships with the industry may shape guideline recommendations, alter quality-of-care metrics, and contribute to potentially inappropriate prescribing practices, particularly in cases of expanded indications. Together, Chadi and Dr. Foy consider critical questions about whether medical societies should face the same scrutiny as individual physicians and whether backlash against industry involvement in healthcare is disproportionate compared to other sectors. Read the JAMA research letter on COIs. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2816900#google_vignette 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. Lecia Sequist, an expert in lung cancer and early detection, and Dr. Jeff Yang, a renowned thoracic surgeon, join Chadi to unravel the complexities of early lung cancer detection. Together, they explore the nuances of lung cancer screening, including the challenges of overdiagnosis and managing false-negative and false-positive results. The discussion delves into cutting-edge advancements like multi-cancer early detection tests, current patient screening eligibility criteria, and the critical factors contributing to low screening rates, such as accessibility barriers. They end on a note to raise awareness about the importance of lung cancer screening, emphasizing its safety, simplicity, and potential to save lives. 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

Maz Jobrani, star standup comedian and actor, joins the show to share his career journey and his beginning as an immigrant turned comedian and celebrity. Maz shares his sister's journey when diagnosed with breast cancer at a very young age. He opens up with details on challenges of being one of her caregivers and how he balanced comedy with tragedy. His sister catalogued her journey in a documentary available on Amazon Prime, titled "Everything Must Change," that is a must-watch. Maz and Chadi celebrate his sister's life and highlight how "The Cancer Journey" addresses all elements pertaining to the unfortunate journey patients and families must undertake. Find out more about Maz Jobrani. https://www.mazjobrani.com/ 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

Chadi speaks with Dr. Matt Davids, a hematology expert at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, known for his groundbreaking work on CLL therapies. They delve into the latest advancements in CLL treatment, highlighting the development of venetoclax. Dr. Davids shares his personal experiences from pivotal conferences and the excitement surrounding the drug's efficacy. The conversation also explores innovations in drug mechanisms and promising combination therapies that could redefine treatment paradigms for blood cancers.

As the holidays approach, questions about maintaining nutrition, wellness, and a healthy lifestyle take center stage. Australian nutrition icons Kim Morrison and Cyndi O'Meara join Chadi to explore vitalistic principles that emphasize natural health approaches without relying on medication. They dive into how the holiday season amplifies mental health and nutritional struggles and share actionable strategies to tackle these challenges beyond mere willpower. With an anthropological lens, they break down how understanding your unique body can guide you to maintain a healthy weight, improve overall health, and develop lasting habits. The conversation also provides practical tips for identifying high-quality ingredients and making mindful food choices that support your wellness goals. 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

Leading into the ASH Annual Meeting, Dr. Kami Maddocks, professor in the Division of Hematology at The Ohio State University and medical director of infusion services at The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, provides an in-depth analysis of advancements in non-Hodgkin lymphoma care, with a focus on aggressive B-cell lymphoma. She explores the evolving roles of immunotherapies like CAR-T cells and bispecific antibodies in high-risk patient populations, discusses the impact of cell-of-origin testing on frontline treatment decisions, and evaluates the latest data guiding choices between R-CHOP, transplant, and CAR-T therapy after first relapse. Dr. Maddocks also highlights the promise of BTK inhibitors and maintenance approaches in transforming patient outcomes, offering insights into the future of lymphoma treatment. 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. Vivek Subbiah returns for another edition of Vivek's Takes, sharing his insights on key updates from ESMO Congress 2024, including breakthroughs in neuroendocrine tumors, gastric cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer. He also delves into the highlights of his AACR debate on integrating early cancer detection with AI, arguing for the transformative potential of humans with AI versus the readiness of AI today. 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

Chadi welcomes Dr. Andrea Apolo, an internationally recognized leader in bladder cancer research from the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Apolo shares her expertise on recent advancements in urothelial cancer therapy, including key breakthroughs in checkpoint inhibition that have marked a significant turning point in treatment. The conversation delves into optimal sequencing and combination strategies for checkpoint inhibitors, contrasts in treatment approaches between early-stage and late-stage disease, and the evolving landscape of bladder-sparing options. Dr. Apolo also provides an in-depth look at the comprehensive process of designing, executing, and publishing impactful clinical research, highlighted by her latest publication in The New England Journal of Medicine. Read more about her NEJM trial. https://www.nejm.org/doi/abs/10.1056/NEJMoa2401726 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. Joe Mikhael, Chief Medical Officer of the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) and Professor at TGen, takes us beyond his medical career to explore the personal experiences that have shaped his journey in oncology. Dr. Mikhael discusses the IMF’s targeted strategies for reducing health disparities among diverse ethnic and racial groups affected by myeloma, shedding light on specific initiatives aimed at improving access and outcomes. He also dives into his role in medical education, where he mentors the next generation of oncologists through innovative fellowship programs, advancing research, and fostering a more inclusive approach to cancer 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