The Modern Medicine Podcast

Dennis opens the September Modern Medicine Podcast with guest Ellen Lubensky, founder of the Mental Health Choice Project, a nonprofit seeking 501(c)(3) status that advocates for informed consent and patient choice around psychiatric medications, better clinician/therapist awareness of medication withdrawal (including benzodiazepines), and improved 988 crisis-line training to avoid “catastrophizing” callers who can be kept safe. Lubensky urges therapy as a first resort when possible, second/third opinions, and bringing a trusted person to rushed appointments; she shares her own benzodiazepine-withdrawal experience and says many patients lie to taper safely. In “In the News,” Dennis and producer Dave discuss markets allowing bets on drug-trial outcomes and fraud risk, a crackdown on compounded GLP-1s amid insurance coverage loss, promising Merck/Moderna personalized mRNA melanoma vaccines, a study suggesting at least 25% of sampled NFL players had CTE, research warning NAD+/B3 anti-aging derivatives may aid cancer cells, a Massachusetts ballot question on legal cannabis, and the Lindsay Clancy trial and challenges of an insanity defense.
 
Topics
02:02 Meet Ellen Lubensky
03:12 Mental Health Choice Mission
04:58 988 Crisis Line Reform
06:30 Informed Consent Explained
08:10 Benzos Risks and Withdrawal
09:59 Therapy Before Medication
12:47 Chemical Imbalance Myth
17:15 Overprescribing and Market Expansion
21:21 AI Second Opinions Debate
29:17 In the News Segment Begins
29:38 Betting on Clinical Trials
32:51 Compounded GLP-1 Crackdown
36:50 mRNA Cancer Vaccine Breakthrough
40:22 NFL CTE Study and Safety
46:17 Anti-Aging Supplements Warning
47:47 Supplement Safety Reality Check
48:40 Massachusetts Weed Ballot Debate
50:29 Health Risks and Messaging
52:52 Medical Marijuana Skepticism
53:53 Lindsay Clancy Trial Discussion
56:10 Insanity Defense and Empathy
59:14 Doc Off the Clock Banter
01:00:31 Family Group Chat Drama
01:04:05 Tim Curry Favorites
01:07:54 Remembering Dolly Parton
01:09:47 Boston Sports Minute Begins
01:10:07 Patriots Season Predictions
01:13:36 Red Sox Playoff Outlook
01:16:40 Final Thanks and Sign Off

Dennis interviews urologist Dr. Michael Curran, founder of Greater Boston Urology, about prostate cancer screening. Curran explains prostate cancer is common and often symptomless, making PSA trends and rectal exams important, and critiques the 2012 USPSTF “D” rating for PSA screening. He outlines higher-risk groups (first-degree family history and African American men) who should start screening at 40, and suggests most men begin around 50, with follow-up intervals based on results. The discussion covers limitations of PSA, biopsy risks, newer tools such as supplemental blood/urine markers, prostate MRI, high-definition ultrasound, and transperineal biopsy, plus treatment options including active surveillance, focal therapies, robotic surgery, and newer radiation approaches. They also discuss no-scalpel vasectomy and safe monitoring for testosterone therapy. Later segments cover competitive eating risks, mixed evidence for creatine in depression, Utah’s AI prescription refills, rectal bleeding as a colorectal cancer red flag, rising alpha-gal syndrome, summer “would you rather,” and Boston sports updates on the Celtics, Red Sox, and Patriots.
 
Topics
01:56 Meet Dr Curran
04:04 Why Prostate Cancer Matters
07:39 PSA Screening Controversy
14:59 Who Should Screen When
19:00 Reading PSA Trends
23:04 Modern Biopsy Options
26:52 Treatment Paths Today
29:58 Vasectomy Quick Guide
31:39 Safe Testosterone Therapy
34:48 First PSA Expectations
36:46 Post Interview Wrap
38:03 PSA Screening Debate
39:12 Competitive Eating Risks
41:24 Hot Pepper Pain Tolerance
42:52 Creatine and Depression
47:17 AI Prescription Refills
51:39 Rectal Bleeding Warning
54:33 Tick Bites and Meat Allergy
57:46 Disney Ride Scare
01:02:26 Summer Would You Rather
01:03:07 Drone Shows vs Fireworks
01:04:01 Firework Mishap Story
01:05:29 Dog Bite or Human
01:06:09 Central AC or Pool
01:07:03 Dog Poo vs Gum
01:08:47 Poison Ivy vs Sunburn
01:10:08 Celtics Jaylen Brown Trade
01:15:40 Red Sox Second Half Outlook
01:19:26 Patriots QB Rankings Talk
01:22:09 Family Anthem News
01:23:28 Wrap Up and Farewell

Dr. Wayne Altman joins Dennis to discuss the Massachusetts primary care crisis—poor access, retiring clinicians, burnout, rising costs, and spillover into ED and specialty care—and Altman’s JAMA-proposed solution: a “primary care common fund” treating primary care like a utility to deliver universal, no-cost primary care, bypass ERISA limits for self-funded plans, reduce administrative waste, and reallocate existing healthcare dollars with projected budget-neutral savings in 2–4 years; he urges listeners to contact state legislators. The episode also covers an FDA-approved post-exposure COVID preventive pill (XCOORA), concerns about “functional unblinding” in psychedelic trials, rising diagnosed mental health disorders, RFK Jr.’s push for more nutrition education in medical training, updated resistance training guidance, and evidence that stopping GLP-1 drugs may erase cardiovascular benefits, plus Boston sports talk and brief discussion of Star Wars and the World Cup in Foxborough.
 
Topics
01:44 Meet Dr Altman
03:02 Primary Care Crisis
06:44 ED Overflow Stories
10:34 Primary Care Value
12:07 Utility Model Proposal
17:35 Funding Without Taxes
20:49 Not Single Payer
25:38 Clinician Support
27:21 Advice For Med Student
29:33 Boston Sports Minute
30:38 Knicks Spurs Breakdown
34:19 Red Sox Frustrations
38:19 Patriots AJ Brown
39:59 Legislation Call To Action
40:55 In The News Tease
41:11 New COVID Prevention Pill
43:18 Psychedelic Trials Unblinded
47:21 Mental Health Surge Explained
50:04 Nutrition in Medical School
54:39 Strength Training Myths
57:35 GLP-1 Benefits Fade Off Drug
59:37 Star Wars Mando Debate
01:03:32 World Cup Comes to Boston
01:06:51 Wrap Up and Farewell

The guest is licensed mental health counselor Celeste Viciere, founder/medical director of the Shifting the Way You Think Wellness Center in Stoughton, Massachusetts, discussing holistic mental wellness that integrates therapy with body-based modalities (yin yoga, sound healing, workshops) to address nervo
us system dysregulation, stress-related physical symptoms, mindfulness, and self-compassion; the center is also developing an insurance-covered partial hospitalization program with prescribing support and plans virtual classes via Mindbody and ClassPass, with details at stwyt.com. In news, they cover a cruise-linked hantavirus outbreak with quarantines and three deaths, emphasizing low pandemic risk; RFK Jr.’s plan to curb antidepressant prescribing and mixed evidence versus patient-reported benefit; FDA approval of a new motion sickness drug; criminal charges after an IV infusion spa potassium dosing death; debate over a doctor delaying an incurable cancer diagnosis so a patient could enjoy a cruise; a Florida surgeon indicted after removing the wrong organ; and widespread clinician use of AI tools like OpenEvidence. They briefly discuss underwhelming UFO file releases and Boston sports struggles for the Celtics, Bruins, and Red Sox.
 
More on Celeste: https://stwyt.com/
 
Topics
00:56 Meet Celeste Viciere
02:10 Holistic Mind Body Care
03:02 Somatic Classes Explained
05:14 Stress Hits the Body
10:09 When Patients Push Back
12:22 Trauma Mindfulness Basics
15:45 Small Steps and Services
18:16 Mental Health Myths
21:35 How to Get Started
23:01 After the Interview Debrief
24:34 In the News Hantavirus
27:48 RFK and Antidepressants
32:12 New Motion Sickness Drug
33:17 Motion Sickness Stories
34:22 Infusion Spa Tragedy
36:27 Medical Director Liability
39:27 Cancer News Delayed
42:50 Wrong Organ Surgery
46:31 Doctors Using AI
50:37 UFO Files Reaction
54:23 Boston Sports Minute

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
 

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

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

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

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

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