EMJ Podcast: Insights For Healthcare Professionals

Despite decades of progress, elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol remains one of the most important modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. In this episode, Kausik Ray explores the evidence linking low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to atherosclerosis, discusses the challenges of achieving lipid targets in clinical practice, and reviews the latest therapeutic advances, from statins and ezetimibe to proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors and emerging treatments.

Timestamps:

00:00 – 01:17: Intro

01:17 – 02:23: LDL cholesterol

02:24 – 05:20: Management barriers

05:21 – 09:07: Treatment landscape

09:08 – 14:38: Familial hypercholesterolemia

14:39 – 18:42: Looking ahead

Join Kausik Ray for a rapid-fire introduction to the evolving world of cardiovascular prevention. In just a few minutes, discover why cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally, the key role of cholesterol and cardiometabolic risk factors, and the innovations that could reshape prevention in the years ahead. This episode provides a concise overview of the themes explored throughout the series.

In the final episode, Christopher Griffiths looks to the future of psoriasis research and care. From AI and global collaboration to improving access to advances in inflammatory skin disease, he explores the opportunities and challenges that could shape the next decade of psoriasis research.

Timestamps:

00:47 – Next decade of psoriasis research

03:33 – AI in psoriasis care

04:36 – Global collaboration

06:22 – Ensuring global access

How has psoriasis treatment changed beyond recognition? In Part 2, Christopher Griffiths discusses advances in treatment, precision medicine, and biomarkers, alongside insights from PSORT and BADBIR. He explores how real-world evidence complements clinical trials and how treatment success has evolved to focus on improving patients' lives.

Timestamps:

00:46 – Changing treatment landscape

02:05 – Precision medicine in psoriasis

03:19 – Promising biomarkers

07:16 – BADBIR

09:09 – Clinician and patient relationship

10:02 – Definition of treatment success

Christopher Griffiths joins host Saranya Ravindran to explore how our understanding of psoriasis has evolved from a disorder of skin cell proliferation to a complex immune-mediated inflammatory disease. Discover the breakthroughs that transformed psoriasis research and why the condition has become a model for understanding inflammation.

Timestamps:

00:56 – Previous understanding of psoriasis

01:57 – Psoriasis as an immune-mediated disease

03:30 – Psoriasis as a model disease

04:14 – International Psoriasis Council

05:41 – Unanswered questions in psoriasis

In this rapid-fire episode, Christopher Griffiths answers key questions about psoriasis, from what first drew him to the disease and the biggest changes in our understanding to the scientific breakthroughs transforming patient care. He also considers whether psoriasis could one day be prevented and what unanswered questions remain.

In the final episode of the series, Monica McLemore discusses nursing leadership, research translation, community partnership, and the future of reproductive healthcare. Drawing on her experience across clinical nursing, public health, academia, and policy, she explores how evidence can influence practice, why accessible science communication matters, and how nurses can help advance reproductive justice.

Timestamps:

48:52 – Shaping reproductive healthcare across settings

52:16 – Translating research into practice and policy

57:44 – Making health equity research accessible

61:02 – Nursing's role in advancing reproductive justice

64:51 – The future of reproductive and maternal healthcare

Monica McLemore joins host Catherine Glass to explore the persistent racial inequities affecting maternal health. From structural racism and barriers within healthcare systems to racism experienced in neonatal intensive care, this episode examines why disparities persist and how clinicians, researchers, and communities can work together to create meaningful change.

Timestamps:

05:02 – Drivers of racial inequities in maternal health

07:58 – Structural barriers to equitable pregnancy care

12:38 – Racism in neonatal intensive care

16:15 – Becoming an agent for healthcare change

21:25 – Moving beyond disparity documentation

25:51 – The role of community-engaged research

32:28 – Progress and challenges in maternal health equity