Clinician's Roundtable

Host: Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP

Guest: Lori Feldman-Winter, MD, MPH

Although breast milk is widely considered to be the best nutrition for infants, research tells us that breastfed babies may be at elevated risk for vitamin D deficiency, anemia, and tooth decay. What other health considerations may be associated with breastfeeding? Can we definitively say that breast milk is still the best option for infants? Dr. Lori Feldman-Winter, associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, division head of adolescent medicine at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, N.J., and an Executive Committee member of the American Academy of Pediatrics section on breastfeeding, shares her expertise with host Dr. Jennifer Shu.

Host: Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP

Guest: Lori Feldman-Winter, MD, MPH

Mothers in the United States have the lowest rates of breastfeeding in the developed world. What are the immediate and lasting benefits of breastfeeding for infants and their nursing mothers? How does breast milk compare to formula, in terms of the baby's nutrition and long-term growth development? Host Dr. Jennifer Shu welcomes Dr. Lori Feldman-Winter, associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, division head of adolescent medicine at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, New Jersey, and an executive committee member of the American Academy of Pediatrics section on breastfeeding.

Host: Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP

Guest: Lori Feldman-Winter, MD, MPH

Despite ambitious recommendations that new mothers breastfeed their infants for at least one year after birth, very few mothers meet this objective. Knowing there are barriers to breastfeeding--social, economic, and beyond--how can we help mothers get past these difficulties, where possible? Further, how can we allay the guilt many mothers feel when they're unable to breastfeed? For answers, host Dr. Jennifer Shu talks with Dr. Lori Feldman-Winter, associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, division head of adolescent medicine at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, N.J., and an Executive Committee member of the American Academy of Pediatrics section on breastfeeding.

Host: Bruce Bloom, DDS, JD

Guest: Timothy Coetzee, PhD

Through a venture philanthropy called Fast Forward, LLC the National Multiple Sclerosis Society plans to deploy 1.5 to 2 million dollars in the next 18 months as seed funding to biotech companies on the path towards cures for Multiple Sclerosis. Our guest, Timothy Coetzee executive director of Fast Forward, LLC joins host Dr. Bruce Bloom to talk about genomics, novel immune system therapies and other hopeful possibilities leading towards cures for multiple sclerosis. Interesting also is the process by which the biotech companies are evaluated and followed after an investment is made.

Host: Bruce Bloom, DDS, JD

Guest: Timothy Coetzee, PhD

Speeding up the translation process for MS patients is the mission of Fast Forward, LLC, a venture philanthropy of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Our guest today, Dr. Timothy Coetzee executive director of Fast Forward, LLC tells us how they are taking a business venture approach to find cures. Funded by private donations, the Fast Forward team makes investments in promising science backed by companies with a plan and strategy in place. Says Coetzee, "Its pivotal that charities think about using their capital towards commercial development. We are not sure where the next cure will come from."

Host: Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP

Guest: Robert Lamberts, MD

Are your patients always honest with you about their symptoms and related conditions? Do they treat your staff with the proper level of respect and courtesy? We all know that both patients and physicians are equal contributors to the doctor-patient relationship, yet this partnership isn't always as constructive and amiable as either side would hope. Are there simple rules we can encourage our patients to follow toward making a positive impact on this relationship? Dr. Rob Lamberts, board-certified internist and pediatrician, and author of the popular blog Musings of a Distractible Mind, prioritizes several keys from the patient's perspective toward maintaining a good working relationship with you, their healthcare provider.

Host: Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP

Guest: Robert Lamberts, MD

We all know that both patients and physicians play an integral role in the doctor-patient relationship. Yet this partnership isn't always as balanced as we might hope. Why might our patients become frustrated with us or feel uncomfortable in our office? Are there simple rules that we, as physicians, can follow to make a positive impact on this relationship, and to feel good about the connections we have built with our patients? Dr. Rob Lamberts, board-certified internist and pediatrician, and author of the popular blog Musings of a Distractible Mind, shares his insights on helping doctors and patients build a stronger rapport. Dr. Jennifer Shu hosts.

Host: Mark Nolan Hill, MD

Guest: Hugh Herr, PhD

In his successful quest to compete against able-bodied athletes, South African double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius has reshaped the landscape of elite athletic competition. Yet, the focus of his achievements remains squarely on the devices that enable these extraordinary athletes to compete at such a high level. Will we soon see devices that go beyond the bounds of human design? Dr. Hugh Herr, associate professor in the MIT-Harvard Division of Health Sciences and Technology, and director of the MIT Biomechatronics Group, peers into the future with host Dr. Mark Nolan Hill, forecasting where current research pursuits may take us over the next five to ten years. More specifically, how will the evolving shape and design of a prosthetic device change our perception of its fairness in competition?

Host: Larry Kaskel, MD

Guest: Robert Portman, JD, MPP

Converting a private practice to the concierge medical practice model raises many legal issues. Attorney Rob Portman, a partner with the law firm of Powers, Pyles, Sutter & Verville, explains the legal issues of a concierge medicine practice, including contract terms for participating patients, care obligation to non-participating patients, and rules for billing Medicare for services on concierge patients. In addition, Host Larry Kaskel explores with Mr. Portman the legal arguments that render concierge medicine unlawful, and the pending federal legislation to regulate this business model.

Host: Mary Leuchars, MD

Guest: M. Harvey Brenner, PhD

No one is exempt from feeling sick of his or her job from time to time. But in whom does employment confer actual serious health consequences? Are socioeconomic status differences the only distinguishing factors in selecting low vs high longevity occupations? Host Dr. Mary Leuchars explores how work impacts health with Dr. Harvey Brenner, professor of public health at the University of North Texas School of Public Health.