EMJ Podcast: Insights For Healthcare Professionals

In this fast-paced episode, host Jonathan Sackier introduces ImmunoProfile's Sudip Ghatak and Paul Olivo. Discover their motivations, myths about diagnostics, and how curiosity fuels innovation in just a few minutes.

A recent survey among 2,000 patients in the USA revealed a growing openness to AI in healthcare, especially when it enhances time with physicians. The majority of patients support AI tools if used as ambient listening devices leading to more direct interaction with the HCP allowing more face-to-face time. However, concerns remain, particularly around AI when used for diagnosis. 55% of patients still feel uneasy about AI making clinical decisions. Therefore, there is an increasing request for transparency when AI is used in this case and for follow-ups like lab results. However, it might be recognised that if AI is used automating repetitive tasks and expanding care capacity, it might support healthcare workforce current crisis. Ultimately, the future of AI in healthcare depends on trust, transparency, and collaboration, with both patients and providers at the centre.

Chronic pain, particularly in the context of rheumatic diseases, represents one of the most pervasive global health challenges, affecting over one-quarter of the world's population. In recent decades, the influence of gender on pain perception and management has emerged as a significant focus of both scientific inquiry and clinical practice.

Epidemiological data consistently demonstrate that women are disproportionately affected by chronic pain syndromes, including musculoskeletal pain. Compared to men, women tend to exhibit a lower pain threshold and heightened pain sensitivity. These differences are not only quantitative but also qualitative, with phenomena such as allodynia and secondary hyperalgesia appearing more pronounced in female patients. Moreover, psychosocial factors, such as individual pain history and levels of anxiety, may further modulate pain experiences in women. These observations align with the biopsychosocial model of pain, which posits that biological, psychological, and social dimensions collectively shape the pain experience

Tracey Woodruff breaks down how pollutants, from pesticides to plastics, affect pregnancy and early development. She discusses evolving research on replacement chemicals, the biological mechanisms behind toxic exposure, and the latest findings that alarm (and motivate) scientists today.

In this rapid-fire Q&A, Woodruff shares her top environmental health concerns for pregnancy and childhood. From phthalates and plastics to practical tips for clinicians, she highlights why even small exposures matter, and how awareness is the first step to prevention.

• How patients and physicians can navigate the shock of diagnosis and information overload.
• Why aligning treatment goals goes beyond molecular milestones to focus on quality of life.
• Practical ways to foster trust, encourage open conversations, and strengthen shared decisions.

This promotional podcast has been initiated and funded by Merck, and a Merck product will be discussed. The intended audience is multiple sclerosis healthcare professionals in the UK only. The comments of the speakers in this podcast reflect their own opinions and are not necessarily those of Merck.

What happens after GLP-1s? Holly Wyatt discusses medication exit strategies, physiological adaptation, and future hope in obesity care. Learn how to transition from medication to mastery with purpose and self-efficacy.

Timestamps:

00:40 – GLP-1s

03:36 – Stopping GLP-1s

09:13 – Challenges

09:56 – Exit strategies

11:17 – Looking ahead

From nutrition to sleep and stress, this episode examines the real-life habits that make or break long-term success. Holly Wyatt explains how to build sustainable routines and redefine relapse without shame or failure.

Timestamps:

00:36 - Diets

04:30 - Physical activity

07:25 - Weight re-gain

09:09 – Sleep/Stress

11:52 – Public health

The following podcasts were funded by Edgewise Therapeutics.

Disclaimers: The views and opinions expressed in these podcasts are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of Edgewise Therapeutics or EMJ.

The speakers received honoraria for participating in this recording.

This episode offers experts insights from with Dr. Amit Sachdev. It explores Becker muscular dystrophy (Becker) by raising awareness of the main Becker natural history studies that look at NSAA outcomes and other functional assessments, and to discuss how the findings in natural history studies support that functional decline can begin at any age and is irreversible.