

Medicine Redefined
Darsh Shah, DO and Altamash Raja, 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Medicine Redefined challenges outdated conventions by elevating conversations around what health truly means.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

Nov 13, 2023 • 1h 22min
131. The History of Fats, Deconstructing Seed Oils & Omega 3's and 6's | Udo Erasmus, PhD
Udo Erasmus, Ph.D., introduced the importance of essential fats (EFA's) derived from organic flax seeds to the world. He pioneered methods for producing unrefined oils made with health in mind which are still used today by manufacturers of flax and other oils. Starting in the mid-1980's, Udo popularized the use of flax oil through an exhaustive itinerary of public lectures, which eventually led to TV and radio interviews. His ground-breaking book, Fats that Heal Fats That Kill, became the industry's bible on fats. Later he developed an oil blend which is an improvement on flax oil, offering a better ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6. Because of Udo's commitment to the field of fats and oils, there are now a variety of high-quality, EFA-rich oils available in health food stores and dispensaries around the world. Udo's contribution to the fields of health and nutrition, along with his pioneering work to establish standards of quality for oil manufacture will continue to benefit humanity for decades to come.
Udo Erasmus Website
Udo's Choice
Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill

Nov 6, 2023 • 1h 4min
130. Digital Health and Why It's Taking Forever to Make Progress | Jonathan Baktari, MD
Dr. Baktari graduated magna cum laude from Case Western Reserve before continuing on to medical school at Ohio State University) and after graduation (he became a triple board-certified physician with specialties in internal medicine, pulmonary and critical care medicine, completing his residency at Northwestern University and fellowships at UCLA).
In this episode, we start by discussing
Digital health - what it is and why it’s exciting
The current role of digital health in medicine as we practice now
Foundational limitations for incorporating digital health successfully into healthcare
Where and how we would start to optimize the system using digital health
What a bright future with a robust and efficient digital health system looks like
Resources mentioned in the show:
Dr. Baktari's website
Baktari MD podcast

Oct 30, 2023 • 1h 6min
129. Preparing for the Next Pandemic & Travel Medicine | Jonathan Baktari, MD
Dr. Jonathan Baktari is the CEO of eNational Testing, e7 Health, & US Drug Test Centers. He brings over 20 years of clinical, administrative, and entrepreneurial experience. .
Dr. Baktari graduated magna cum laude from Case Western Reserve before continuing on to medical school at Ohio State University) and after graduation (he became a triple board-certified physician with specialties in internal medicine, pulmonary and critical care medicine, completing his residency at Northwestern University and fellowships at UCLA).
Starting with private practice, he took on leadership roles at major Las Vegas hospitals. (AS the medical director for an ICU…or chief of internal medicine at Desert Springs Hospital, and system medical director for utilization management for six Valley Health Systems.) He also taught medicine at the University of Hawaii and Touro University, and spent time working on the insurance side, serving as medical director of the Culinary Health Fund and as Anthem’s medical director for the State of Nevada.
In this episode, we start by discussing
Digital health - what it is and why it’s exciting
Travel Medicine
Vaccinations
Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic
Science communication and the scientific method
Resources mentioned in the show:
Dr. Baktari's website
Discovery of Helicobater pylori

Oct 23, 2023 • 24min
128. Progress Note #13: Long COVID Theories - Low Serotonin to Blame?
Drs. Altamash and Darsh discuss a recent paper in Cell examining a new theory for long COVID - low serotonin.
Resources mentioned in the show:
Serotonin reduction in post-acute sequelae of viral infection
Etiopathogenic theories about long COVID
Episode 16 with Dr. Will Bulsiewicz
Episode 17 with Dr. Will Bulsiewicz
Serotonin

Oct 16, 2023 • 1h 13min
127. Ayurvedic Principles: Breathwork, Gut Microbiome, Epigenetics & Hormetic Stress | Jyoti Patel, MD
Dr. Jyoti Patel is a triple board certified physician in integrative pediatrics, internal medicine, and integrative & functional medicine. Dr. Patel was named one of the TOP DOCS in Phoenix Magazine 2009, 2016, 2022, Internist of the Year 2011 by the American College of Physicians Arizona Chapter and she received the Women In White Coats Hero Award in 2019. She spearheaded a community garden in Fountain Hills, AZ and she was awarded the Healthcare Provider of the Year 2017 by the Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce and Volunteer of the Year Award 2018 by the Town of Fountain Hills. S She is certified in Functional Medicine by IFM, is a Qualified MBSR teacher through UCSD and a Chopra Certified Ayurvedic Lifestyle Practitioner. Dr. Patel has a special interest in Corporate Wellness, Ayurvedic Retreats, Integrative Medicine, Functional Medicine, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, and medical cosmetics.
Instagram
TikTok
Resources mention in the show:
Jyoti Patel,, MD on Medicine Redefined (Episode 3)
SOMA Breathwork
SHIFT Breathwork Test
The Comfort Crisis - Book
Breath - Book
The Microbiome in Health and Disease from the Perspective of Modern Medicine and Ayurveda
Andrew Huberman Physiologic Sigh
Andrew Weil's 4-7-8 Breathwork
Wim Hof Method

Oct 9, 2023 • 1h 27min
126. Wellness is a Mess in the Hospital and How to Get It Back | Alfred Atanda Jr., MD
Dr. Alfred Atanda Jr., is a pediatric sports medicine surgeon at Nemours Children's Hospital. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and completed his residency training at the University of Chicago. He then went on to complete his fellowship in in pediatric orthopedics at DuPont Hospital (now known as Nemours Childrens) and sports medicine surgery at Jefferson Health. He is also the Director of Clincial Wellbeing at Nemours Children's Health. Dr. Atanda is a motivational speaker touching on topics such as finding one's purpose/calling, time management, effective communication, daring leadership, continuous improvement, lean thinking, identifying alternative revenue streams, and design thinking. He leverages various digital, social, and multimedia platforms to connect with professionals in a vulnerable way to motivate and inspire them to attain their fullest personal and professional potential.
Alfred Atanda:
LinkedIn

Oct 2, 2023 • 1h 14min
125. Getting Fit Through Cancer, Exercise Oncology & Caretaker Roles | Kathryn Schmitz, PhD, MPH
Dr. Kathryn Schmitz is a distinguished figure in the field of exercise oncology, renowned for her tireless efforts to improve the lives of cancer survivors through the integration of physical activity into their treatment and recovery. Dr. Schmitz's academic journey led her to earn a Ph.D. in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from the University of Minnesota.
Dr. Schmitz's groundbreaking research has not only solidified the role of exercise in cancer recovery but has also influenced international guidelines on cancer survivorship care. She currently leads the Moving Through Cancer Program at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and is a professor in the division of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
Her research at this tine includes studying technology-based supportive care treatments that include physical activity to improve outcomes among people with advanced cancer.
She is a past president of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and was the moving force behind two ACSM development processes for exercise and cancer guidelines for patients.
Her remarkable contributions have made her a beacon of hope and a trailblazer in redefining cancer care through the transformative power of physical activity. Dr. Kathryn Schmitz's work continues to have a profound impact on the world of health and wellness, offering support and hope to those affected by cancer.
Kathryn Schmitz:
LinkedIn
Twitter/X
Instagram
Resources mentioned in the show:
Moving Through Cancer Initiative
Moving Through Cancer - Book
Research Papers - Kathryn Schmitz
American College of Sports Medicine Exercise and Cancer Guidelines
American Cancer Society

Sep 25, 2023 • 1h 3min
124. From 350 Pounds to 6 Pack: Insights Into Weight Loss, Discipline, and Mindset | Bishoi Khella
Bishoi Khella does not work in healthcare. But he knows a thing or two about being healthy. Bishoi was 355 pounds at his peak weight, living a busy lifestyle, drinking alcohol, eating out at fast food restaurants. He knew he had to the potential to be fit - he was into fitness and pretty lean back in high school. But much like David Goggins' early days, there was no discipline and the weight kept stacking on. He finally decided he had enough after he went on vacations with his friends and was embarrassed by his lack of energy. Bishoi started a lifestyle and fitness program called 75 Hard which changed his life forever.
Bishoi Khella Website
Bishoi's Instagram
Mentioned in the show:
Andy Frisella
75 Hard
1st Phorm
Health at Every Size
David Goggins
Can't Hurt Me - Book
Never Finished

Sep 18, 2023 • 44min
123. Progress Note #12: Live to 100 - Secrets of the Blue Zones
Darsh and Altamash dissect the new Netflix series "Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones" and lessons we can all extract to pursue a healthy, vibrant life.
Resources Mentioned in the Show:
Blue zones website
Dr. Will Bulsiewicz discussing Gut Health
Dr. Will Bulsiewicz Part II

Sep 11, 2023 • 1h 9min
122. Cracking the Complexity of Back Pain | Jim Eubanks, MD
Jim Eubanks, MD, is a board-certified physiatrist and newly minted attending at the Medical University of South Carolina Dr. Eubanks graduated from Furman University in Greenville, SC, and received his medical degree from Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, graduating with Distinction in Research. He completed his residency in PM&R at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) where he served as academic chief resident. He subsequently completed a fellowship in spine and musculoskeletal medicine and health policy at UPMC before joining the faculty at MUSC as an Assistant Professor. Dr. Eubanks also has a Master of Science (MS) in sports science and rehabilitation. Dr. Eubanks has presented nationally and internationally on a number of topics related to spine care, and serves on the Editorial Board of PM&R, the official scientific journal of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R). He serves on AAPM&R's Innovative Payment and Practice Models committee, and is currently involved in leadership roles at the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) and the North American Spine Society (NASS). He was selected as a 2023 recipient of NASS's "20 under 40" award.
Mentioned in the show:
Jim on Buddhism
Biopsychosocial model
UPMC Value-Based Fellowship in Spine and MSK
Built to Move by Kelly and Juliette Starrett
Gabapentin
Spinal Manipulation
Social media:
Jim Eubanks Twitter
Jim Eubanks Instagram