

Medicine Redefined
Altamash Raja, DO and Darsh Shah, DO
Medicine Redefined challenges outdated conventions by elevating conversations around what health truly means. Hosts Dr. Darsh Shah and Dr. Altamash Raja spotlight clinicians, scientists, thought leaders, and reformers who are reshaping how we think about physical, mental, metabolic, and systemic health. While the healthcare system focuses on treating disease, our guests focus on optimizing human potential. From sleep and nutrition to stress resilience and lifestyle medicine, discover how forward-thinking practitioners are putting the health back in healthcare.
Episodes
Mentioned books

5 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 0sec
189. Creatine as Medicine: Brain Health, Bone, & Longevity | Darren Candow, PhD
Dr. Darren Candow, a leading expert on creatine and director at the Aging Muscle and Bone Health Laboratory, sheds light on the surprising benefits of creatine beyond just muscle gains. He discusses its potential to enhance brain health, particularly during sleep deprivation, and its role in preserving bone mass, especially in postmenopausal women. Candow also tackles common myths around creatine, explores its applications for aging, and hints at exciting future research on its effects in conditions like Alzheimer's and cancer.

Nov 24, 2025 • 0sec
188. The Hip Expert's Blueprint: FAI, Load Management, Strength & Hormones | Alison Grimaldi, PhD
Join Dr. Altamash Raja and Dr. Darsh Shah in a comprehensive discussion with Dr. Allison Grimaldi on femoral acetabular impingement (FAI) and hip health. This episode of Medicine Redefined dives into part two of the hip-focused conversation. Dr. Grimaldi provides a deep dive into FAI, discussing types of impingement, symptoms, and the importance of accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment. The conversation also touches on advances in hip arthroscopy, metabolic health, and the role of systemic inflammation in joint conditions. Tune in for valuable insights into hip pathology, patient care, and the future of hip health.00:00 Introduction and Exciting Update00:40 Recap of Part One and Introduction to FAI01:04 Understanding Femoral Acetabular Impingement (FAI)03:49 Imaging and Diagnosis of FAI07:53 Development and Risk Factors of FAI12:05 Weightlifting and FAI in Adolescents16:07 Surgical Interventions and Outcomes24:53 Non-Surgical Management and Rehabilitation29:48 Post-Surgery Expectations and Long-Term Management41:15 Micro Instability and Dysplasia45:02 Understanding Hip Dysplasia and Instability46:44 Clinical Tests and Imaging for Hip Dysplasia49:29 Rehabilitation Approaches for Hip Instability53:47 Exercises for Deep Muscle Recruitment01:02:23 Metabolic Health and Tendon Pathology01:09:41 Considerations for Aging Athletes01:14:18 Future of Hip and Pelvic Pain Care01:19:51 Shifts in Understanding Hip Impingement01:22:28 Final Thoughts and Advice for PractitionersResources & citations2016 Warwick Agreement on FAIS (consensus statement). UK FASHIoN RCT: arthroscopy vs physio for FAIS (BMJ 2019). Australian FASHIoN trial: cartilage imaging & outcomes (BMC 2021). Hip microinstability: international consensus diagnostic criteria. Post-arthroscopy effusion/synovitis and outcomes: overview blog + PubMed. Modern Hip Arthroscopy for FAIS May Delay the Natural History of Osteoarthritis in 25% of Patients: A 12-Year Follow-up Analysis. - PubMedConnect with Dr. GrimaldiWebsite: dralisongrimaldi.com. Hip Academy: Program & membership. Instagram: @dralisongrimaldi. X (Twitter): @alisongrimaldi.

5 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 0sec
187. What We Get Wrong About Lateral Hip Pain | Alison Grimaldi, PhD
Dr. Alison Grimaldi, a leading physiotherapist and researcher with over 30 years of experience, shares insights on lateral hip pain and gluteal tendinopathy. She discusses the complexities of hip anatomy and addresses common misdiagnoses, emphasizing that tendon issues are often mistaken for trochanteric bursitis. Dr. Grimaldi highlights the importance of lifestyle changes over corticosteroids and shares practical tips for sleep positions to ease pain. Her work from the LEAP trial showcases how education combined with exercise provides superior outcomes.

Nov 11, 2025 • 0sec
186. Stop Overpaying for Your Health Insurance: EOBs, Tiers & Avoiding Bad Bills
Ever felt like your insurance company is gaslighting you? Dr. Altamash Raja shares a real story that turned a routine billing error into a masterclass on how to actually navigate health insurance. From copays and deductibles to hidden tiers and the fine print that drains your wallet - this Progress Note breaks it all down. Join hosts Dr. Darsh Shah and Dr. Altamash Raja as they cut through the noise, explain the system in plain English, and arm you with the knowledge to advocate for yourself next time your claim gets “lost”.TIMESTAMPS00:36 Insurance Negotiations Frustrations06:33 Understanding Health Insurance Terms17:26 Navigating Insurance Plans and Benefits23:56 Navigating Insurance Verification25:52 The Business Side of Healthcare26:37 Challenges in Inpatient Rehab28:41 Understanding Healthcare Metrics31:59 Emergency Visits and Insurance34:10 Planning for Medical Emergencies37:14 Insurance Tiers Explained40:01 Practical Tips for Managing Insurance46:20 Final Thoughts and Recap48:10 Outro and DisclaimerSOURCES[00:06:00] — Premiums, Deductibles, Coinsurance & Copays Explained – Aetna[00:17:00] — HMO vs. PPO: Which Is Right for You? – Humana[00:34:00] — What Is a “Surprise Medical Bill” and What Should I Know About the No Surprises Act? – Consumer Financial Protection Bureau[00:34:00] — No Surprises Act: Balance Billing Rules for Emergency and Air Ambulance Services – Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services[00:40:00] — Navigating the Insurance Appeals Process –Patient Advocate Foundation

Oct 13, 2025 • 0sec
185. The Functional Medicine Revolution That Went Wrong | Nisha Chellam, MD
Dr. Darsh Shah and Dr. Altamash Raja sit down with Dr. Nisha Chellam to explore her journey from traditional internal medicine to functional medicine. Together, they discuss the “revolving door” of chronic disease, why she stopped attending supplement-driven conferences, and how she blends evidence-based care with lifestyle change. Dr. Chellam shares how she helps patients uncover the true root causes of illness and reclaim ownership of their health.SOURCES:00:10:00 — Discovering Functional MedicineInstitute for Functional Medicine: What Is Functional Medicine?00:18:00 — Root Cause Medicine ExplainedCleveland Clinic: Functional Medicine Approach00:34:00 — Functional vs. Lifestyle MedicineAmerican College of Lifestyle Medicine: What Is Lifestyle Medicine?00:58:00 — Functional Labs and Data-Driven CarePubMed: The Value of Advanced Biomarkers in Functional Medicine01:06:00 — Metabolic Health and Insulin ResistanceAmerican Heart Association: Understanding Insulin Resistance01:15:00 — Redefining What “Good Medicine” MeansBMJ: Rethinking Medicine — The Movement to Redefine CareContact Dr. Chellam:Linkedin | Nisha Chellam Instagram, YouTube, X | @holisticicon Find Us Here:Instagram, Threads, X, TikTok | @medredefined Thank you for listening! Let us know what you think!

Sep 29, 2025 • 59min
184. Fixing Credentialing and the Future of Physician Autonomy | Leah Houston, MD
Dr. Leah Houston, an emergency medicine physician and healthcare entrepreneur, shares her mission to fix the broken credentialing system. She discusses the widespread issues in physician credentialing and how AI and decentralized identity can restore autonomy to doctors. Dr. Houston highlights the burdensome timelines and manual processes that hinder mobility. She advocates for digital solutions like credential wallets and real-time license verification to streamline workflows. Her vision includes a future where direct payment models reduce insurance dependency, enhancing care for patients and restoring trust in healthcare.

Sep 15, 2025 • 1h 6min
183. Tech Tools, Living Pro-Analog, Ketones, and Finding Preventive Healthcare
Darsh and Altamash are back, trading thoughts on what’s been capturing their attention lately - from the tech tools boosting daily efficiency to the appeal of living more “pro-analog.” They dive into the hype and science behind ketones, unpack how GLP-1s are reshaping the way we think about food and cravings, and share insights on what it really means to find preventive, proactive healthcare today. It’s a thoughtful but approachable conversation, blending current events, health trends, and practical takeaways.TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction to Medicine Redefined00:33 Current Events and Political Landscape02:10 Random Show Concept and Personal Updates02:44 Writing and Creative Outlets06:48 Tech Tools and Apps for Efficiency10:32 Medical Innovations: Vagus Nerve and Hydrodissection19:48 Breathwork and Meditation Techniques23:49 Exploring Exogenous Ketones28:31 Understanding Brain Health and Mood Disorders29:31 Exploring Ketone Supplements30:52 Nootropics and Cognitive Enhancers32:48 The Future of Social Connection40:44 The Concept of Misogi and Mental Fortitude42:34 GLP-1 and Obesity Treatment49:36 Navigating Healthcare and Finding the Right ProviderSOURCES05:12 | How and Why To Try Alternate Nostril Breathing (Cleveland Clinic)08:47 | Buteyko vs Soma Breathing: Origins, Benefits and Differences (Buteyko Clinic International)14:33 | OU Researchers Explore Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Multiple Conditions (University of Oklahoma)19:55 | Exogenous Ketones: Do They Work, and Are They Safe? (Medical News Today)24:18 | Ozempic Quiets Food Noise in the Brain — But How? (Scientific American)27:42 | “Food Noise”: Do Weight Loss Drugs Stop It? (Health.com)33:11 | How to Find a Medicine 3.0 Doctor like Dr. Peter Attia (Vitality / AWI Longevity Clinic)37:40 | Embracing an Analog Lifestyle: Opt Out of Overwhelm (The Tiny Life)41:05 | “The ‘Boring Phone’ – Gen Z Ditch Smartphones for Dumbphones” (The Guardian)45:22 | Alfred – Productivity App for macOS (Official Site)47:36 | OpenAI Whisper (Speech Recognition AI)

Sep 1, 2025 • 52min
182. How The Biggest Loser Revealed the Dark Side of Weight Loss
Delve into the surprising truth behind reality TV weight loss with a deep look at The Biggest Loser and its shocking tactics. Discover the dark side of rapid weight loss and its lasting repercussions on metabolism and mental health. The conversation highlights the ethical quandaries of using contestants as entertainment and questions the role of celebrity trainers. Plus, explore GLP-1 medications and their impact on dieting. Through humor and personal stories, the hosts reflect on societal beauty standards and the quest for self-acceptance.

21 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 1h 27min
181. The Truth About Menstrual Cycle Training & Hormonal Impacts on Performance | Shawn Arent, PhD, CSCS
Dr. Shawn Arent, a leading expert in human performance, discusses fascinating insights on female physiology, debunking myths about the menstrual cycle’s impact on athletic performance. He reveals the critical roles of thyroid hormones and their connection to metabolism. The conversation also touches on the influence of catecholamines in stress and energy during training. Arent speculates on the future of performance enhancement through GLP-1 agonists and myostatin inhibitors, providing a fresh perspective on optimizing health and performance for athletes.

Aug 5, 2025 • 1h 21min
180. The Truth About Cortisol, Insulin & Overtraining | Shawn Arent, PhD, CSCS
Join Dr. Shawn Arent, a renowned professor in exercise science, as he unpacks the complexities of cortisol and insulin. He clarifies cortisol's essential role in stress and athletic performance, while also addressing the risks of chronic elevation. Dr. Arent shares insights on nutrition's impact on hormone levels and the importance of tracking hormonal markers for athletes. With science-backed facts, he challenges common social media myths about hormones, helping listeners rethink their approach to training and recovery.


