In this episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons is joined by Dr. Austin Lake. Together, they explore how chronic disease became normalized, why the Flexner Report reshaped modern medical training, and what it really takes to take ownership of your health in today’s world.

Dr. Lake shares why environmental toxins, stress, and lifestyle choices are driving so much illness, and how personal responsibility and community support can radically change health outcomes. He and Dr. Jenn break down the vaccine debate, the future of medical autonomy, and why true healing requires questioning long-held assumptions.

They also dive into the role of diet and detoxification, the nuances of hormone replacement therapy, why foundational lifestyle work must come before hormones, and how faith and spiritual grounding help guide healing. This conversation empowers listeners to understand their bodies, advocate for their choices, and take back control in a healthcare system that often overlooks the root cause of disease.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:
• How the Flexner Report reshaped modern medicine
• Why chronic disease is not inevitable
• How environmental toxins and stress fuel illness
• Why personal responsibility is essential for healing
• How community support strengthens health outcomes
• Why vaccines remain a complex and evolving conversation
• How diet and detoxification support metabolic health
• Why hormones cannot replace foundational lifestyle changes
• How elimination diets uncover hidden sensitivities
• Why stress is a major driver of metabolic dysfunction
• How women experience and carry stress differently
• Why faith and mindset support physical healing
• Why understanding your own body leads to better care
• Why healing requires education, empowerment, and curiosity

Episode Timeline Highlights:
03:01 The evolution of medical education and practice
06:09 The Flexner Report and its impact on medicine
08:59 Challenging conventional wisdom in healthcare
11:58 The role of environmental factors in health
15:00 The importance of personal responsibility in health
18:06 The future of healthcare and community support
20:49 The vaccine debate and public health
27:06 Innovative approaches to breast cancer screening
33:00 The importance of diet and detoxification
35:51 Hormones as a tool, not a solution
42:52 The nuances of hormone replacement therapy
49:42 The role of diet in hormonal health
55:24 The connection between stress and metabolic health
01:00:05 The role of faith in health and healing

Where to find Dr. Austin Lake:

Social: @dr.austin.l

To talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with RHMD, visit:
https://jennsimmons.simplero.com/page/377266?kuid=327aca17-5135-44cf-9210-c0b77a56e26d&kref=vOKy0sAiorrK

To get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuide

To purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.

Connect with Dr. Jenn:
Website: https://www.realhealthmd.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmons
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons