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…

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 cardiova…

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,…

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 practi…

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 con…

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 …

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. Toge…

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…

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…

Dr. Simrit Parmar, founder of Cellenkos, joins the show to discuss her journey from the lab to the biotech startup world, detailing the inspiration behind launching her company, the challenges of securing funding, and the resilience required to overcome rejections. She shares insights into Cellenkos’ lead product, its progress toward market approva…

Carol Rausch—a healthcare professional, cancer researcher, and former patient with lymphoma—shares how her journey from researcher to patient transformed her understanding of medical language. She discusses the impact of word choice on patients, why certain battle and war metaphors can be harmful, and how language used in clinical settings differs …

Drs. David Braun and Toni Choueiri join to discuss a groundbreaking Nature study on a personalized neoantigen vaccine for adjuvant renal cell carcinoma. They explore the inspiration behind the trial, how the vaccine was developed and administered, and its safety profile. The conversation also covers patient outcomes after 3-4 years, including immun…

Dr. Jay Giri, Associate Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, joins the show to break down the recent NIH funding cuts and their impact on the medical research ecosystem. Together, he and Chadi explore the distinction between direct and indirect funding, the federal government's decision to reduce d…

Returning to the show, Drs. Vincent Rajkumar and Aaron Goodman engage in a dynamic debate over the evolving landscape of smoldering multiple myeloma, focusing on the highly anticipated study recently co-authored by Dr. Rajkumar and published in The New England Journal of Medicine after being presented at ASH 2024. They dissect the study’s findings,…

Dr. Sakhr (Sam) Youness, a Syrian entrepreneur and engineer, provides a comprehensive primer on artificial intelligence (AI), tracing its origins from WWII-era innovations to the breakthroughs of the 1990s that shaped modern AI capabilities. He demystifies key concepts like machine learning, large language models, and the role of labeled data in tr…

Amy Abernethy and Brad Hirsch, co-founders of Highlander Health, delve into their mission to transform healthcare through innovative, data-driven strategies. They discuss their firm's unique approach to investing in companies and technologies that advance personalized care, the creation of the Evidence Accelerator to streamline high-quality real-wo…

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 disc…

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 pote…

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 dis…

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…

Chadi sits down with Dr. Matt Davids, Director of Clinical Research in the Division of Lymphoma at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, to unpack the latest breakthroughs in leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) from the ASH annual meeting. A pioneer in CLL treatment, Dr. Davids recounts the development of venetoclax, a transformative therapy he…

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 hea…

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 evol…

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 transforma…

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 delv…

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 affect…

Tom Beer, Chief Medical Officer of the Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) program at Exact Sciences, delves into the groundbreaking science behind MCED tests, which use advanced biomarkers for early detection of multiple cancer types. He explains who may be eligible for these tests, how to interpret results to avoid unnecessary intervention from o…

In this special episode, Chadi gives up the microphone to guest host Kelly Ryerson, who takes over the show asking questions about Chadi's new book "The Cancer Journey."What inspired the book writing? What methods are used? Who is the target audience? What did the author learn? And what did he aim to achieve?Written for everyone who wants to learn …

Jon Chait never thought he would get cancer, but one day he found he had it. As he navigates his journey alongside his caregiver and wife Heather, he shares with Chadi the good and the bad, the ups and downs, and what he encounters in a broken, complex healthcare system.A fitting episode as Chadi launches his book "The Cancer Journey." It is a must…

Kathy Giusti, founder of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) and a two-time cancer survivor, opens up about her first diagnosis and the life-changing conversation with her primary care doctor. She reflects on the overwhelming "age of information," which often leads patients to more questions than answers, and shares her strategies for d…

Dr. Joe Lennerz, Chief Scientific Officer of BostonGene and a pathologist by training, joins Chadi to break down next-generation sequencing (NGS) in simple terms, discussing why some patients undergo NGS while others do not, along with its advantages and limitations. He also explores the impact of NGS on treatment pathways, the practicality of mini…

Dr. Sanjay Patel of Weill Cornell and Dr. Greg Goldgof of Memorial Sloan Kettering dive into the transformative role of AI in modern pathology. They discuss how large language models are enhancing diagnostic workflows, expediting report synthesis, and shaping the future of patient care. The conversation also touches on the complex training required…

David Canes, CEO of WellPrept and a Boston-based urologist, joins the show to share the story behind his innovative platform designed to reduce physician burnout. He explains how WellPrept empowers doctors to streamline patient education by organizing and delivering tailored materials before the first visit, allowing for more personalized and effic…

Graduating fellows Jennifer Marks and Megan Melody join the show to discuss the challenges of navigating the job search during fellowship. They share insights on when to start looking for positions, the importance of networking through mentors and conferences, and how to handle geographic limitations in the job market. The conversation also covers …

Yelak Biru, President and CEO of the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF), joins the show to share his remarkable personal and professional journey. After immigrating to the US from Ethiopia, Yelak was diagnosed with multiple myeloma at the age of 26, setting him on an extraordinary path as both a survivor and a passionate advocate for myeloma pa…

Dr. Anish Koka, a cardiologist at Jefferson Health, returns to the show for the first time since the inaugural episode in October 2020. With a sharp focus on healthcare policy, he delves into the impact of the Affordable Care Act on his practice, critiques the influence of political biases in academia, and shares his bold ideas for making healthcar…

Ziad Bakouny, MD, MSc, and Nazli Dizman, MD, return to the show to discuss the progress made for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) within the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). Building on their previous conversation, they explore the origins of their initiatives at ASCO 2022, the goals for integrating IMGs into successful medical c…

Chadi sits down with Russell Gong, President and CEO of Cabinet Health, and Eric Lessard, Vice President of Pharmacy, to explore their mission to revolutionize the healthcare industry with sustainable practices. They discuss the inspiration behind Cabinet Health, the significance of reducing plastic waste with their eco-friendly refillable medicine…

Dr. Ishwaria Subbiah, Executive Director for Cancer Care Equity and Professional Wellness at the Sarah Cannon Research Institute, joins Chadi to delve into the complexities of professional wellbeing and burnout in the healthcare field. She explores the prevalence of burnout, the concept of "learned helplessness," and effective strategies for improv…

Christian Rolfo, MD, PhD, of Mount Sinai Medical Center, explores the science and clinical applications of liquid biopsies, including circulating tumor DNA. With Chadi, he explains how this cutting-edge approach compares to traditional tissue samples in terms of concordance, sensitivity, and specificity, and expands on the methods used to distingui…

It's July/August and this is the time when residents and fellows start their new chapter of their lives.In this special episode, Chadi tackles the fellowship application process using the "hematology/oncology" fellowship as an example, while keeping the conversation broad to most other fellowships in other disciplines. To better understand the proc…

Chadi is joined by Drs. Rana McKay and Petros Grivas to discuss the latest genitourinary oncology research updates from the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting, covering topics such as the prognostic ability of KIM-1 in kidney cancer, patient-reported outcomes from enfortumab vedotin/pembrolizumab treatment, and the final overall survival update from the JAVE…

In this exclusive interview, Chadi welcomes Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, a Chinese immigrant who grew up under apartheid in South Africa and rose to become one of the world's most successful physician executives. Now the CEO of ImmunityBio, Dr. Soon-Shiong opens up about his remarkable journey. He shares what inspired him to pursue medicine, his entrep…

Drs. Balazs Halmos and Lecia Sequist delve into the groundbreaking updates from the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting. With Chadi, they reveal game-changing insights on EGFR-mutated lung cancer from the LAURA trial, small-cell lung cancer upgrades from the ADRIATIC trial, important revelations in ALK mutation research, innovative combination therapies, ctDN…

Vivek Subbiah, MD, Chief of Early-Phase Drug Development at Sarah Cannon Research Institute, kicks off his new series on Healthcare Unfiltered, “VIVEK’S TAKES,” in which he will provide his expert feedback on the importance and lasting effects of research presented at the top medical conferences in the world.In response to the 2024 ASCO Annual Meet…

Chadi is joined by Kate Dilligan, Founder and CEO of Cooler Heads Care, the manufacturer of a portable scalp cooling system authorized for adults 21 and older undergoing chemotherapy for a solid tumor. Kate shares her personal journey from being diagnosed with breast cancer to becoming an entrepreneur driven by a mission to help women undergoing ch…

Chadi sits down with David Krissman, a journalist and filmmaker whose passionate advocacy for kidney transplant and dialysis patients led him to create the groundbreaking podcast documentary series, "The Great Social Experiment." Krissman shares the harrowing personal story that inspired his film script, website, and podcast, exposing the stark fin…

Ronald Chapman, LLM, Shareholder and Chairperson of White Collar Defense & Government Investigations at Chapman Law Group, delves into the intricate intersections of law and daily life, highlighting the subspecialized nature of healthcare law and his primary areas of focus within this field. He offers insights into his strategic choices between jud…

Shaalan Beg, MD, MBA, FASCO, and Noelle K. LoConte, MD, FASCO, join Chadi to delve into the contentious relationship between alcohol consumption and cancer. Drawing from their expertise and insights, they navigate through the complexities of discerning causation from association in this context, shedding light on why a randomized controlled trial m…

Chadi is rejoined by special guest Dr. Pamela Kunz, Editor in Chief of the groundbreaking new publication, JCO Oncology Advances. Dr. Kunz, known for her expertise in gastrointestinal cancers, shares the story of how she landed the prestigious role, offering insights into the rigorous interview process. She discusses her innovative approach to gene…