The Modern Medicine Podcast

Near-Death Experiences & the Limits of Materialism with Dr. Jeffrey Long

Dennis welcomes Dr. Jeffrey Long, radiation oncologist, founder of the Near Death Experience Research Foundation, and author of “Evidence of the Afterlife,” to discuss near-death experiences (NDEs). Long describes how he began researching NDEs after reading a JAMA article during residency and says he has reviewed over 4,000 accounts, concluding NDEs are real and not explainable by physical brain function. He outlines common NDE elements (out-of-body perception, tunnel, light, “heavenly” realm, life review, encounters with deceased loved ones/pets, choice to return) and reports major aftereffects such as decreased fear of death, increased belief in an afterlife, compassion, and life changes. They discuss evidence against hypoxia, medication effects, and hallucination explanations, including NDEs under anesthesia and in blind individuals, plus cross-cultural and young-child similarity. The episode also covers news on GLP-1 drugs and substance use, a Lyme vaccine, AI safety concerns, easing licensure for foreign-trained doctors, nursing home antipsychotic use, plus cover-song favorites and brief Boston sports talk.
 
Topics
00:53 Meet Dr Jeffrey Long
02:07 How NDE Research Began
04:16 Science Versus Materialism
08:24 Core NDE Elements
11:05 Aftereffects and Life Changes
14:56 Hyperlucid Memories
16:16 Why Not Hallucinations
16:51 Anesthesia Blindness and Culture
22:43 Time and Nonlinear Reality
24:59 Takeaway We Are More
27:33 Hosts Reflect After Interview
30:11 In the News Segment Begins
30:38 GLP1s and Addiction
32:25 Lyme Vaccine Update
35:15 AI Medical Safety Concerns
37:04 AI Misses Heart Pause
38:04 Chatbots and Mental Health Risks
38:56 Licensing Foreign Doctors
41:16 Antipsychotics in Nursing Homes
44:14 Greatest Cover Songs Debate
50:46 Boston Sports Minute Drama
55:25 Red Sox Early Season Check
57:55 Celtics and Bruins Outlook
59:27 Final Thanks and Sign Off
 

Oncologist Dr. Erin DeRose

Dennis dedicates the episode to his late father Dennis J. Teehan Sr., who died of cancer, featuring his oncologist Dr. Erin DeRose from Beth Israel Needham Cancer Center. DeRose shares her path into oncology, her experience in community practice, and the “best of both worlds” model: intimate, accessible suburban care with strong links to Boston specialists, tumor boards, clinical trials, and second opinions. They discuss rising lung cancer in never-smokers, screening debates and risks of incidental findings, risk factors like secondhand smoke, occupational exposures, family history, and radon, and advances from targeted therapies (including EGFR) and immunotherapy, plus emerging approaches like CAR-T, bispecifics, and antibody-drug conjugates alongside concerns about cost and access. They critique direct-to-consumer cancer blood tests, discuss prognosis conversations, then cover news on rising US life expectancy, GLP-1 benefits versus insurer losses, AI in diagnosis, and ultra-processed carbs, ending with March Madness, St. Patrick’s Day, and Boston sports.
 
Topics
01:00 Episode Dedication
02:06 Dr. Erin DeRose Background
05:59 Needham Cancer Center
07:04 Best of Both Worlds
12:52 Lung Cancer Screening
17:21 Non Smoking Risk Factors
19:40 Targeted Therapy Breakthroughs
23:34 Future of Cancer Care
26:23 Access and Cost Questions
28:03 Blood Tests for Screening
30:59 Talking Prognosis Compassionately
34:43 Closing Thanks and Advocacy
35:14 Post Interview Reflections
35:44 Cancer Care Shoutout
36:42 Life Expectancy Rebound
40:18 GLP One Benefits Debate
41:09 Insurance Coverage Crunch
42:09 Ozempic Safety Reality
43:50 AI In The Clinic
46:25 Good Carbs Vs Bad
49:34 March Madness Talk
52:00 St Patricks Day Bits
53:33 Boston Sports Minute
57:44 Wrap Up And Thanks

Fitness Resolutions with Dedham Health Fitness Director Guy Caracciolo

Dennis welcomes fitness director Guy Caracciolo from Dedham Health and Athletic Complex to discuss New Year's fitness resolutions. They delve into the importance of gradually starting an exercise regimen, especially for those new to fitness, and highlight the 60-60 program designed to help individuals integrate exercise into their lives safely. The episode also examines recent health news, including the correlation between CRP levels and heart disease, the ineffectiveness of cannabis-based medicines for pain relief, and the financial hardship associated with surgical procedures. Additionally, the show covers the impact of daylight savings on health and the importance of kidney disease awareness. To close, Dennis and producer Dave engage in a spirited discussion about the upcoming AFC Championship game, snowstorm etiquette, and the role of ownership in the success of Boston sports franchises.
 
Topics
00:40 Introducing Fitness Expert Guy Caracciolo
02:25 Gym Anecdotes and Safety Tips
04:14 Guy Karachi's Fitness Journey
06:15 Overview of Dedham Health and Athletic Complex
09:09 The 60/60 Medical Wellness Program
11:06 Exercise Benefits and Barriers
27:04 Doctors and Exercise Prescriptions
31:48 In the News Segment
32:04 CRP Levels and Heart Disease
33:37 Daylight Savings Time and Health
35:58 Cannabis and Chronic Pain
38:52 Financial Hardship After Surgery
40:12 Chronic Kidney Disease Awareness
42:29 Patriots and Altitude Sickness
46:20 Snowstorm Etiquette
51:21 Boston Sports Minute
01:00:45 Conclusion and Sign-Off

Tackling Addiction with Dr. Michael Hamrock

The episode features a compelling discussion with Dr. Michael Hamrock, an expert in addiction medicine from Boston Medical Center, Brighton. Dr. Hamrock shares his insights on addiction, its impact on families, and effective treatment strategies. The conversation covers public health perspectives, the opioid crisis, the role of physicians in pain management, and mental health dual diagnoses. The episode also touches upon the challenge of helping loved ones with substance abuse issues and offers practical advice for families. Additionally, the hosts delve into current health news, such as the impact of commercialization of cannabis on teen mental health and new cancer detection tests. The episode concludes with a spirited debate on the worst Christmas songs, a reflection on the Patriots' recent game, and well-wishes for the holiday season.
 
Topics
12:02 The Impact of Addiction on Families
18:10 Challenges in Treating Substance Abuse
21:57 Cannabis and Mental Health
29:06 In the News: Cannabis and Psychosis
33:37 In the News: Early Cancer Detection
35:25 In the News: Pre-Diabetes and Cardiovascular Risk
38:53 In the News: Ozempic and Cardiovascular Benefits
40:12 The Impact of Losing Medication Coverage
40:37 The Cost and Challenges of Weight Loss Medications
42:28 Insurance Companies and the Healthcare Tug of War
43:10 Anxiety, Insomnia, and Immune Function
44:35 The Importance of Sleep and Exercise
47:34 Listener Mailbag: Measles Booster Shots
50:20 Non-Medical Topic: Worst Christmas Songs
54:39 Sports Talk: DK Metcalf Incident and Boston Sports
01:05:03 Wrapping Up: Holiday Wishes and Final Thoughts

The Truth About Cannabis with Dr. Smita Das

Dennis welcomes Dr. Smita Das, a clinical associate professor from Stanford, to discuss the health effects of marijuana, a topic that's gaining importance. They delve into marijuana legalization, its impact on public health, misinformation surrounding it, and the neuropsychiatric effects of high-potency cannabis, especially in young and frequent users. They also touch on public policy, addiction, and the lack of effective science-based messaging. Additionally, the episode covers other healthcare news, including the impact of supplements on cardiovascular health and the latest findings in flu season predictions.
 
More on Dr. Das at https://med.stanford.edu/profiles/smita-das
 
Topics
00:51 Introducing Dr. Smita Das
02:52 The Health Effects of Marijuana
06:48 Cannabis and Mental Health
17:06 Cannabis Use Disorder and Addiction
32:22 In the News: Latest Healthcare Stories
43:27 Mind-Body Medicine and Stress
44:23 Peanut Allergies and Early Exposure
47:56 Flu Season Warnings
49:45 Fan Mailbag: Ozempic and Blood Pressure
52:23 Thanksgiving Traditions and Football
57:42 Boston Sports Minute
01:04:46 Conclusion and Thanksgiving Wishes

Navigating Vaccine Myths with Dr. Paul Offit

Dennis interviews Dr. Paul Offit, a renowned expert in virology, immunology, and vaccination, focusing on COVID-19 vaccines and the broader topic of vaccine skepticism. They discuss the importance of vaccines, debunk recent misleading studies linking COVID vaccines to cancer, and explore the impact of general vaccine skepticism. The conversation also touches on the rise in global cancer cases due to behavioral risk factors and inaccessible treatments. The show concludes with a fun segment on the Boston sports scene and a discussion on interstellar objects possibly linked to alien technology.
 
Topics
01:28 Introducing Dr. Paul Offit
03:00 COVID Vaccination Recommendations
05:19 Debunking the COVID Vaccine and Cancer Myth
19:32 General Vaccine Skepticism and Science Denialism
34:33 In the News: Medicare Payments and Cancer Trends
42:20 The Problem with Modern Diets
42:31 Quest Diagnostics' Alzheimer's Blood Test
45:18 Ethical Considerations of Alzheimer's Testing
47:46 Alcohol and Dementia Risk
51:47 Unexpected Benefits of Ozempic for Psoriasis
54:38 The Costco Craze
57:06 Interstellar Object 3I/Atlas
01:01:02 Boston Sports Minute
01:10:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Debunking the Myths: Tylenol & Autism

Dennis welcomes guest Brian Kirby to delve into the controversial topic of the relationship between Tylenol (acetaminophen) and autism. Sparked by a recent press conference, the team discusses the scientific nuances, past and present research studies, the role of confounding factors, and the implications of misinterpreted data. They stress the importance of understanding context in scientific information and reject claims of a direct causal link between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism. The episode aims to provide clarity and promote better-informed public discourse on the matter.
 
Topics
00:24 Introducing the Hot Topic: Tylenol and Autism
01:05 Brian Kirby Joins the Discussion
01:36 Media and Misinformation
03:46 Personal Stories and Reactions
06:35 Dissecting the Science
12:25 Bradford Hill Criteria Explained
16:51 Confounders in Epidemiological Studies
17:48 Sibling Pair Study in JAMA
19:53 Dose Response Relationship and Tylenol
22:09 Autism Causes: Genetic vs Environmental
25:16 Summarizing the Tylenol-Autism Debate
28:41 Conflict of Interest in Scientific Research
29:55 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Mind-Body Medicine with Physiatrist Eugenio Martinez

Special guest Dr. Eugenio Martinez, a renowned physiatrist, joins the conversation to delve into mind-body medicine, emphasizing its impact on chronic pain and wellness. The episode explores topics such as the role of emotions in physical health, the efficacy of narcotics for pain management, and the significance of physical therapy in treating musculoskeletal issues. The team also touches on medical studies, the misuse of imaging in diagnoses, and provides insights into AI's influence on cognitive function. Additionally, the podcast covers recent sports achievements and cultural events, adding a lighter note to the comprehensive medical discussions.
 
Topics
00:54 Introducing Dr. Eugenio Martinez: What is a Physiatrist?
01:15 Mind-Body Medicine: The Connection Between Emotions and Pain
02:31 In the News: Respiratory Disease Season Outlook
03:45 COVID-19 Vaccination: Who Should Get It?
07:43 The Measles Tragedy: Importance of Vaccination
10:26 LSD for Anxiety: A Controversial Study
15:09 Artificial Sweeteners and Brain Aging
19:34 GLP-1 Agonists: A Breakthrough in Cancer Risk Reduction
21:20 Diabetes: The Hidden Epidemic
23:27 Guest Segment: Dr. Eugenio Martinez on Mind-Body Medicine
31:17 Understanding the Resilience of the Lumbar Spine
31:56 Personal Journey with Back Pain
32:31 Discovering Dr. Sarno's Healing Back Pain
34:22 Applying Mind-Body Medicine to Patients
34:35 The Controversy of Fibromyalgia
39:58 The Role of Secondary Gain in Chronic Pain
41:37 Challenges in Treating Chronic Pain
48:04 The Debate on Narcotics for Chronic Pain
54:54 The Impact of Over-Imaging in Back Pain Diagnosis
58:43 The Art of Surgery: Balancing Precision and Creativity
59:12 The Evolution and Efficacy of Spinal Fusion
01:00:50 The Development of the Spine Program at Dedham Health
01:03:42 The Importance of Physical Therapy and Biomechanics
01:05:38 Recommended Reading for Back Pain
01:07:03 Non-Medical Topics: Emmys and TV Shows
01:17:02 Boston Sports Minute: Patriots and Red Sox
01:22:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 

Understanding Chiropractic Care with Dr. Josh Helm

Dennis welcomes special guest Dr. Josh Helm from Pro Performance Care in Needham. They discuss the role and benefits of chiropractors, particularly in treating chronic back and neck pain, and delve into Dr. Helm' specialty in concussion rehab and neuro rehab. They also cover hot-button issues such as the impact of metabolic health on inflammation and the relationship between concussions and conditions like POTS. The episode wraps up with discussions on updated hypertension guidelines, the impact of mRNA vaccines, and Blue Cross Blue Shield's prepayment claims edits. In addition, the hosts touch on some light-hearted topics like the recent deaths of 80's icons, the new Tom Brady statue, and the latest updates in Boston sports, including the Red Sox and Patriots.
 
Topics
 
01:12 Meet Dr. Josh Helm: Chiropractor Extraordinaire
01:24 Understanding Chiropractic Care
03:01 The Science Behind Chiropractic Adjustments
09:12 Chronic Pain: Biomechanics and Psychological Factors
12:13 Inflammation and Metabolic Health
15:59 Neuro Rehab and Concussion Recovery
24:10 Viewer Question: POTS and Concussion Recovery
34:46 New Guidelines for Hypertension Treatment
40:05 RFK and mRNA Vaccines
41:40 Blue Cross Blue Shield Chart Audits
44:58 Mounjaro: A Game-Changer for Diabetes
47:11 Flesh-Eating Bacteria at Cape Cod Beach
49:55 Non-Medical Topic of the Week: 80s Celebrity Deaths
58:27 Boston Sports Minute
01:05:59 Conclusion and Social Media Call to Action

Gastroenterologist Stephen Rotman

Dennis welcomes Dr. Stephen Rotman, a gastroenterologist from Beth Israel Needham. Dr. Rotman shares insights on his practice, the importance of colonoscopies, and the rising issue of fatty liver disease. The episode also delves into the problematic trends of increased GI cancers in younger populations and the role of nutrition in these conditions. Discussions extend to current healthcare policies and their impact, as well as the viral sensation of the Coldplay concert reaction. The episode wraps up with a lively discussion on Boston sports.
 
Topics
00:40 Introducing Dr. Stephen Rotman
01:08 The Importance of Accurate Health Information
01:32 Hot Topics in Gastroenterology
02:27 Dr. Rotman's Medical Journey
05:57 The Role of Colonoscopy in Preventative Health
07:39 Challenges and Alternatives to Colonoscopy
18:31 The Human Side of Medical Practice
20:42 Rising Rates of GI Cancers in Younger People
21:09 The Impact of Nutrition on Health
22:33 Understanding Fatty Liver Disease
25:06 The Role of GLP-1 Medications
28:20 Managing Fatty Liver Disease
32:47 Closing Thoughts and Community Questions
33:40 Introduction and Setup
33:45 In the News: Turmeric Overdose
36:35 Probiotics and Supplements
37:47 Alcohol Consumption Guidelines
42:12 Trump's Health and Venous Insufficiency
43:48 Impact of New Healthcare Legislation
50:19 Non-Medical Topic: Coldplay Concert Reaction