Health Discovered

Recurring painful bumps in your underarms, groin, or under the breasts may seem like acne – but they could be hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic, often misunderstood skin condition. HS affects up to four percent of people in the U.S., yet it’s frequently misdiagnosed or dismissed. What can those impacted do to heal and prevent these bumps? What are the misconceptions about HS? And how can patients advocate for themselves? We spoke with Vivian Shi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, about the early warning signs of HS, treatment options ranging from topical therapies to biologics and surgery, and debunked myths linking HS to poor hygiene. We also hear from Ebone Colbert, who shares her 15-year journey with HS, from symptoms to diagnosis, and why support and the right care team matter.

Credits

• Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
• Guests: Vivian Shi, MD; Ebone Colbert
• Producer: Lauren Summers
• Editor: Jason Hammel
• Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the U.S., about 10% of colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed in people under 50 – and rates are rising one to two percent each year. What’s behind this trend: lifestyle, genetics, or environment? We spoke with Andrea Cercek, MD, physician-scientist and medical oncologist, about her groundbreaking clinical trial that revolutionized treatment for early-stage rectal cancers. She discusses the multifactorial causes behind these rising diagnoses, from diet and lifestyle to environmental exposures and medications, and why screening, symptom awareness, and healthy habits like exercise and stress management are critical.

Credits

• Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
• Guest: Andrea Cercek, MD
• Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
• Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week in the U.S., about 200 people are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), and women are four times more likely than men to develop it. What are the warning signs? What challenges do patients face? And how can they advocate for themselves? We spoke with Mitzi Joi Williams, MD, a board-certified neurologist, to discuss health disparities that delay diagnosis in underserved communities, stigmas that prevent women from seeking care, and why early detection is crucial for long-term health. We also hear from Angelina Cubero, diagnosed in 2020, who shares her story and how self-advocacy shaped her journey. Tune in to learn how preparing for medical visits, recognizing symptoms, and finding peer support can empower those living with MS.

Credits

• Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
• Guests: Mitizi Joi Williams, MD; Angelina Cubero
• Producer: Lauren Summers
• Editor: Jason Hammel
• Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Half of Americans skipped important cancer screenings in the past year. How does fear play a major factor? Or the amount of time we have? We spoke with Christopher Scuderi, DO, a primary-care physician and cancer survivor, about which screenings are most often missed, the risks of delaying them, screening guidelines to be aware of, and how to prioritize our health despite fear of knowing or busy schedules. He also highlights how talking with your doctor can help identify personal risk factors and the role healthy habits – like diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management – play in lowering cancer risk and supporting overall well-being.

Credits

• Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
• Guest: Christopher Scuderi, DO
• Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
• Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About 1 in 8 men will face a prostate cancer diagnosis. Early-stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms—so how should men approach screening and advocacy? What disparities do Black men experience that would negatively impact their outcomes? And what can we do about it? We spoke with Otis Brawley, MD, professor of oncology at Johns Hopkins, about the types of prostate cancer, key symptoms, when and how often to screen, and why access to equal treatment is essential for equal outcomes for Black men. He also explains metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and why advanced imaging like PSMA PET scans matters. Survivor David Diaz Sr., executive director of The Reluctant Brotherhood, also shares his story of diagnosis, treatment, and the power of support groups for men navigating prostate cancer. 

Credits

• Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
• Guests: Otis Brawley, MD; David Diaz Sr.
• Producer: Lauren Summers
• Editor: Jason Hammel
• Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Psychedelics like ketamine, psilocybin, and MDMA are emerging as promising treatments for mood disorders that don’t respond to standard care. What has research shown using these compounds as therapeutic tools? How can psychedelics work in the brain to alleviate mental health symptoms? We spoke with Janette Leal, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist, about the psychedelics currently being studied, their potential to safely and effectively ease symptoms in supervised settings, how they may help rewire thought patterns, common misconceptions about psychedelic-assisted therapy, and why working with a trained clinician is essential.

Credits

• Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
• Guest: Janette Leal, MD
• Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
• Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Medications are designed to work best when stored at the right temperature, but heat can affect their potency and even increase health risks. How exactly can heat compromise the effectiveness of certain medications? What heat-related illnesses or side effects can occur during periods of high temperatures? We spoke with Shellyza Sajwani, pharmacist and co-founder of Climaceutics Health Solutions, about how extreme heat can damage medications and increase the risk of side effects such as dehydration, kidney issues, or reduced sweating ability. She shares how to store medications safely, protect yourself during hot weather, and why your pharmacist and prescriber are key partners in medication management.

Credits

• Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
• Guest: Shellyza Sajwani
• Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
• Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can we improve care for older adults while supporting their independence and dignity? In this episode, we speak with Ellen Flaherty, PhD, MSN, APRN, vice president of the Dartmouth Health Geriatric Center of Excellence, about the 4 M’s of age-friendly care: what matters, medication, mind, and mobility. She shares how older adults can advocate for their needs, why proper medication management is vital, and what red flags caregivers should watch for, including delirium and cognitive changes. We also explore the importance of staying active and resources like the My Health Checklist, a workbook to help adults 65+ prepare for healthcare visits. Discover how the 4 M’s can guide more personalized care that honors each person’s goals.

Check out The John A. Hartford Foundation at https://www.johnahartford.org/.

Credits

• Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
• Guest: Ellen Flaherty, PhD, MSN, APRN
• Producer/Editor: LaEuren Summers
• Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How many pesticides are on the produce we eat – and what can we do about it every day? We spoke with Alexis Temkin, PhD, senior toxicologist at the Environmental Working Group (EWG), for an overview of EWG’s 2025 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce. We unpacked everything from the “Clean Fifteen” and “Dirty Dozen” lists to the most common chemicals of concern, the impact of choosing organic vs. non-organic, and how to properly wash your fruits and vegetables to help reduce surface pesticide residue.

Credits

• Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
• Guest: Alexis Temkin, PhD
• Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
• Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)? Why is it often misdiagnosed, and what does effective care look like? We spoke to Jennifer L. Hsiao, MD, dermatologist and director of the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Specialty Clinic at USC, to break down what HS really is, why a multidisciplinary team matters, and how new treatments, including FDA-approved biologics, are changing the landscape. We also hear from Athena Gierbolini, president of Hope for HS, who shares her 14-year journey with HS, from painful trial-and-error treatments to finding life-changing support and specialist care. Join us as we learn how to advocate for better care and find the right resources to manage this complex and chronic condition.

Credits

• Host: John Whyte, MD, MPH
• Guest: Jennifer L. Hsiao, MD; Athena Gierbolini
• Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
• Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.