Medicine: The Truth with Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr

By Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy CorrNews Medicine Health & Fitness Politics Daily News

Medicine: The Truth with Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr episodes

March 12, 2025MTT #92: The worst flu season in 15 years, a measles resurgence & Medicaid cuts
In this episode of Medicine: The Truth, co-hosts Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr dive into the latest developments in American healthcare, from a severe flu outbreak to deep Medicaid cuts that could change health coverage as we know it.
This year’s influenza season is the worst in 15 years, leading to more flu hospitalizations and deaths than COVID-19 for the first time since the pandemic began. Meanwhile, a measles outbreak in Texas is raising alarms, fueled by low vaccination rates and a surprising response from the new Health and Human Services Secretary, RFK Jr. On the policy front, federal funding cuts to Medicaid and the NIH are already affecting hospitals, academic research and public health agencies.
Here’s a snapshot of just some of the major topics covered in this episode:
Flu cases surging as hospitalizations now outpace COVID.
A measles outbreak in Texas affecting unvaccinated children.
Massive Medicaid cuts to the tune of $880 billion.
NIH funding slashed with research centers feeling the squeeze.
FDA staff cuts are slowing drug approvals.
CDC is struggling to track new infectious disease threats amid cuts.
Congress debating whether AI should write prescriptions.
GLP-1 drugs may curb drinking, too.
Kids’ test scores are still down from the pandemic.
Tune in as Dr. Pearl and Jeremy Corr break down these pressing healthcare topics and explore what they mean for the future of American medicine.
* * *
Dr. Robert Pearl is the author of the new book “ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine” about the impact of AI on the future of medicine. All profits from the book go to Doctors Without Borders.
Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on Twitter and LinkedIn
The post MTT #92: The worst flu season in 15 years, a measles resurgence & Medicaid cuts appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.
37 min
February 12, 2025MTT #91: The future of AI in healthcare & the latest on vaccines, dementia, cancer
In this episode of Medicine: The Truth, co-hosts Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr discuss some of the most pressing issues in medicine today, from the latest breakthroughs in generative AI to concerning trends in breast cancer and dementia.
A major shake-up in artificial intelligence is unfolding, with China’s DeepSeek releasing an open-source AI model that rivals industry leaders like ChatGPT and Gemini—at a fraction of the cost. Dr. Pearl explains how this could democratize AI in medicine, enabling more companies to develop specialized AI tools for chronic disease management, patient diagnosis and treatment recommendations. He predicts that within three to five years, AI-powered healthcare tools will be widely available, cutting costs while improving outcomes.
Meanwhile, UnitedHealth Group’s latest earnings call sheds light on how the insurance giant plans to navigate growing public anger over healthcare costs. The company, which generated $400 billion in revenue and employs 90,000 doctors, is blaming high prices on hospitals and drugmakers. Dr. Pearl questions whether United will continue its current approach—restricting care through denials and prior authorizations—or if it will finally take the lead in reducing costs by investing in chronic disease prevention and patient health.
Here’s a snapshot of just some of the other topics covered in this episode of Medicine: The Truth:
The latest on winter viruses, vaccine safety and the MMR controversy
The FDA’s plan to require clearer nutrition labels on food packaging
A concerning rise in aggressive breast cancer cases among younger women
Why dementia rates are expected to double over the next three decades
The FDA’s approval of a groundbreaking non-opioid pain medication
The Biden administration’s plan to negotiate drug prices, including Ozempic and Wegovy
The U.S. decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization and its potential consequences
Tune in as Dr. Pearl and Jeremy Corr untangle these complex issues and explore what’s next for medicine in America.
* * *
Dr. Robert Pearl is the author of the new book “ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine” about the impact of AI on the future of medicine. All profits from the book go to Doctors Without Borders.
Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on Twitter and LinkedIn
The post MTT #91: The future of AI in healthcare & the latest on vaccines, dementia, cancer appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.
40 min
January 15, 2025MTT #90: Winter viruses, vaccine skepticism & America’s healthcare frustrations
In this episode of Medicine: The Truth, co-hosts Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr take on the pressing medical challenges dominating headlines this winter.
From rising concerns about respiratory infections and vaccine skepticism to the harsh realities of healthcare costs, this episode delivers a comprehensive look at what’s happening in American medicine today.
The conversation opens with an update on winter viruses, including COVID-19, the flu, RSV and a resurgence of whooping cough. Dr. Pearl explains the risks posed by low vaccination rates and the new COVID variant, XEC, which combines troubling mutations from prior strains. Meanwhile, pertussis (whooping cough) infections have soared to six times higher than last year, endangering unvaccinated children and vulnerable infants.
The discussion also examines the role of vaccine skepticism in the political sphere, focusing on President-elect Trump’s appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to a key health position. Dr. Pearl shares insights on the consequences of anti-vaccine rhetoric and what it could mean for public health policy.
Here’s a snapshot of just some of the other topics covered in this episode of Medicine: The Truth:
The rise of bird flu and its potential to spark a pandemic
Falling public confidence in healthcare quality and coverage
The troubling response to the UnitedHealthcare CEO’s tragic death
New regulations eliminating medical debt from credit scores
Declining alcohol and marijuana use among teenagers
Encouraging trends in obesity rates thanks to GLP-1 medications
Tune in as Dr. Pearl and Jeremy Corr untangle these complex issues and explore what’s next for medicine in America.
* * *
Dr. Robert Pearl is the author of the new book “ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine” about the impact of AI on the future of medicine. All profits from the book go to Doctors Without Borders.
Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on Twitter and LinkedIn
The post MTT #90: Winter viruses, vaccine skepticism & America’s healthcare frustrations appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.
37 min
November 19, 2024MTT #89: Trump’s second term, weight-loss drugs & the rise of ‘walking pneumonia’
In this episode of Medicine: The Truth, co-hosts Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr tackle a wide array of medical issues, from the potential healthcare impact of a second Trump presidency to the latest trends in obesity treatments and respiratory infections.
With a historical election in the rearview mirror, the hosts dive into what a second Trump term could mean for Medicare, Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act and rural health. Among the key predictions: stricter work requirements for Medicaid, potential elimination of ACA subsidies and a likely push toward healthcare block grants for states.
The conversation also spotlights GLP-1 drugs, hailed as breakthroughs in weight-loss treatment. Dr. Pearl explains the pros and cons of these medications compared to bariatric surgery and the shifting dynamics they’ve introduced into obesity care.
Here’s a snapshot of just some of the topics covered on this episode of Medicine: The Truth:
The implications of Trump’s second term
GLP-1 drugs vs. bariatric surgery
Rising prevalence of walking pneumonia
Ethics of Alzheimer’s drug trials
Why sitting too long can harm you—and why standing might not be the solution
An unexpected outcome with advancements in IVF
Artificial intelligence in diagnosis
Join Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr as they unpack these complex healthcare issues and shed light on the path ahead for American medicine.
* * *
Dr. Robert Pearl is the author of the new book “ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine“ about the impact of AI on the future of medicine. All profits from the book go to Doctors Without Borders.
Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on Twitter and LinkedIn.

The post MTT #89: Trump’s second term, weight-loss drugs & the rise of ‘walking pneumonia’ appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.
35 min
October 23, 2024MTT #88: Abortion restrictions, PBMs and the rising cost of care
In the latest episode of Medicine: The Truth, Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr return with timely insights on some of the most pressing issues in healthcare today.
From the chilling implications of abortion restrictions on women’s health to the opaque and controversial role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in driving up drug prices, the episode covers a lot of ground.
The conversation kicks off with an update on COVID-19 and the flu season, emphasizing that while hospitalizations remain stable, low vaccination rates may raise concerns in the months ahead. Dr. Pearl also delves into the new abortion laws sweeping the nation, shedding light on tragic cases where legal fears prevent doctors from acting swiftly, endangering women’s lives.
The hosts then dive into the murky world of PBMs, where just three companies control nearly 80% of drug sales in the United States. Pearl explains how PBMs manipulate prices to favor expensive drugs while profiting off hidden rebates, all at the expense of patients and insurers. As legal battles between PBMs and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) unfold, the episode highlights the growing outrage over pharmaceutical price gouging.
Here’s a snapshot of just some topics covered in this episode of Medicine: The Truth:
COVID-19 and flu season updates
The dangers posed to women’s health by restrictive abortion laws
A deep dive into the role of PBMs in the U.S. healthcare system
Why healthcare costs are projected to rise by 8% next year
The troubling future of drug pricing in America
Why more parents aren’t vaccinating their kids
A surge in at-home diagnostic testing
The Nobel Prize in chemistry goes to …
Why 98.6 isn’t the average body temperature
Superbugs are coming
Join Dr. Pearl and Jeremy Corr as they unravel these complex healthcare challenges and offer insight into the future of medical care in America.
* * *
Dr. Robert Pearl is the author of the new book “ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine“ about the impact of AI on the future of medicine. All profits from the book go to Doctors Without Borders.
Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on Twitter and LinkedIn.
The post MTT #88: Abortion restrictions, PBMs and the rising cost of care appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.
35 min
September 18, 2024MTT #87: COVID-19 resurgence, soaring healthcare costs and the push for patient empowerment
In today’s episode of Medicine: The Truth, hosts Jeremy Corr and Dr. Robert Pearl dive into timely and significant medical topics, focusing on the resurgence of COVID-19, rising healthcare costs and a growing shift toward patient empowerment through at-home testing solutions.
The episode kicks off with an update on the recent summertime surge of COVID-19, particularly in the Western and Southern parts of the country. Despite rising case numbers, researchers have noted that hospitalizations and deaths remain stable. The hosts discuss the release of new COVID-19 boosters, which are tailored to emerging variants. This comes at a time when skepticism about vaccinations persists, still fueled by misinformation and politics.
Shifting gears, the conversation moves to healthcare costs, particularly the burden on small businesses. Rising inflation and the increased use of costly GLP-1 (weight loss) medications are driving up medical costs, with premiums projected to rise sharply in the coming year.
Here’s a snapshot of the topics covered on this episode of Medicine: The Truth:
COVID-19 resurgence
Rising healthcare costs
Long COVID updates
Climate change and public health
Mpox (formerly monkeypox)
Medicare drug price negotiations
At-home testing revolution
Uterine transplants and advances in reproductive medicine
Throughout the episode, the hosts touch on the transformative potential of generative AI and other technological advances, arguing that patient empowerment and consumerism will continue to shape the future of healthcare.
Join the conversation as Dr. Pearl and Jeremy Corr tackle the latest medical news and discuss the implications of these trends for the future of healthcare.
* * *
Dr. Robert Pearl is the author of the new book “ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine“ about the impact of AI on the future of medicine. All profits from the book go to Doctors Without Borders.
Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on Twitter and LinkedIn.
The post MTT #87: COVID-19 resurgence, soaring healthcare costs and the push for patient empowerment appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.
35 min
August 13, 2024MTT #86: New hope for Alzheimer’s, colon cancer and mental health
In today’s episode of Medicine: The Truth (MTT), hosts Jeremy Corr and Dr. Robert Pearl explore the latest developments in Alzheimer’s disease, colon cancer detection, COVID-19’s resurgence and other significant news.
The episode begins with a discussion on the surge of new COVID-19 cases, particularly in the western and southern U.S., where wastewater surveillance data indicates high virus levels. The hosts emphasize the importance of continued vaccination, especially with new variants emerging.
The conversation then shifts to advancements in cancer detection, highlighting a new blood test for colon cancer that shows promise in identifying early-stage cancers but falls short in detecting precancerous growths. This test, though not yet a replacement for colonoscopy or the fecal Immunochemical test (FIT), could encourage more people to undergo further screening when necessary.
In Alzheimer’s research, a new blood test offers a less invasive alternative as a first step in diagnosing the disease. While it represents a significant advance, the test is not yet a gamechanger due to the lack of effective treatments for Alzheimer’s.
Other topics covered in this episode include:
COVID-19 updates and the impact of vaccination on long COVID
Advances in genetic research for rare diseases like progeria
The rise of new weight-loss medications and market competition
The continued influence of pharmaceutical payments to physicians
The potential of drones in cardiac arrest response
Climate change’s impact on children’s health and education
Increasing cancer rates among Gen X and millennials
The rise of sexually transmitted diseases in older adults
Mental health challenges and access to care
Insights into the potential impact of the upcoming presidential election on healthcare policy
Join us for this insightful episode as we delve into these critical healthcare issues and explore the future of medicine.
* * *
Dr. Robert Pearl is the author of the new book “ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine“ about the impact of AI on the future of medicine. All profits from the book go to Doctors Without Borders.
Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on Twitter and LinkedIn.

The post MTT #86: New hope for Alzheimer’s, colon cancer and mental health appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.
38 min
July 09, 2024MTT #85: Skyrocketing healthcare costs and new insights into long COVID
Medicine: The Truth covers the latest news and most pressing issues in medicine today.
In this episode, hosts Jeremy Corr and Dr. Robert Pearl discuss the latest updates in healthcare costs, COVID-19, the spread of bird flu, and several other critical medical issues.
Starting with skyrocketing healthcare costs, new figures show that U.S. spending on medical care has surged to $4.8 trillion, with projections indicating a rise to $7.7 trillion by 2032. This increase threatens to outpace both general inflation and wages, affecting employer-based coverage, Medicare and Medicaid.
Meanwhile, COVID-19 cases are rising again, particularly in the western and southern U.S., as people gather indoors during hot weather. However, the current variants are not more dangerous than previous ones, keeping hospitalizations and deaths low. Today’s show also takes a look at a new report about the challenges and uncertainties of long COVID, which affects millions of adults and children.
The spread of H5 bird flu to cattle has raised alarms, with recent human cases in Michigan and Colorado. The CDC’s monitoring and potential vaccine development efforts are crucial to prevent a broader outbreak. With the failures of COVID-19 serving as backdrop, are health experts responding appropriately to this threat?
Join us to explore these critical issues and more. Here’s a snapshot of all the topics covered on this episode of Medicine: The Truth.
Rising healthcare costs
Bird flu concerns
Supreme Court decision on abortion medication
Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy drug
Mortality rates post-pandemic
Psychedelic therapy for PTSD
New Alzheimer’s drug
Social media’s impact on mental health
STI rates and new CDC guidelines
Unexpected outcomes of abortion restrictions
Gender affirming treatment legislation
Weight loss medications
Economic impact of healthcare prices
Long COVID insights
* * *
Dr. Robert Pearl is the author of the new book “ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine“ about the impact of AI on the future of medicine. All profits go to Doctors Without Borders.
Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on Twitter and LinkedIn.
The post MTT #85: Skyrocketing healthcare costs and new insights into long COVID appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.
36 min
May 29, 2024MTT #84: The latest research on mammograms, hormone (HRT) medications
Today’s episode of Medicine: The Truth examines important updates in women’s health, focusing on mammograms and hormone replacement therapy (HRT), among other pressing news topics in medicine.
The U.S. Preventive Task Force has updated its mammogram guidelines, now recommending that screenings start at age 40 instead of 50 and occur every two years. This adjustment responds to data showing that breast cancer is occurring earlier, potentially due to changes in pregnancy timing and related hormonal impacts. By starting screenings a decade earlier, the Task Force projects a 19% reduction in breast cancer deaths in the U.S.
The hosts discussion then revisits the use of hormone replacement therapy. After concerns in the early 2000s about its link to increased cancer risks, new studies indicate HRT is safe for younger post-menopausal women under 60. These studies correct earlier misconceptions, showing no increase in heart risk or mortality and a lower risk of breast cancer with estrogen-only treatments. Dr. Pearl highlights the necessity of data-driven medical practices to prevent the overreactions of the past.
The episode advocates for informed healthcare decisions, particularly in how women are treated during menopause. Join us to explore these critical issues and more. Here’s a snapshot of all the topics covered on this episode of Medicine: The Truth.
Medical debt now affects more than 100 million Americans
Seniors have seen the biggest rise in mental health diagnoses
Why drug ODs are down for the time since the onset of Covid-19
New recommendations for mammogram screenings
New data on hormone medications for menopause
Hospitals now demanding patients pay in advance
The mystery of Beethoven’s deafness finally solved
320,000 children lost a parent to a drug overdose from 2011-2021
A new program to attract more people to mental health counseling
The newest research on Alzheimer’s Disease treatments
Why half of rural hospitals are losing money
Status of the pig-kidney transplant recipient?
AI vs. clinician’s diagnostic accuracy in the emergency room
Does H5N1 have what it takes to become a viral pandemic?
Longevity vs. “healthy life expectancy”
The death of Walmart Health and what it means for other retailers
* * *
Dr. Robert Pearl is the author of the new book “ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine“ about the impact of AI on the future of medicine. All profits from the book go to Doctors Without Borders.
Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on Twitter and LinkedIn.
The post MTT #84: The latest research on mammograms, hormone (HRT) medications appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.
35 min
May 01, 2024MTT #83: How will the FTC’s non-compete ban affect healthcare workers?
Medicine: The Truth covers the latest news and most pressing issues in medicine today. The headline story for this episode focuses on the FTC’s vote to ban non-compete agreements.
Co-host Dr. Robert Pearl explains how these clauses were originally designed to protect trade secrets, but have been used in healthcare to prevent doctors from taking new positions—and taking their patients with them.
Non-compete policies not only disrupt the doctor-patient relationship but also contribute to higher healthcare costs. As Pearl has written about in Forbes and other outlets, hospital consolidation has long been a strategic move to control market share, leading to increased medical bills and facility fees. Non-compete clauses have been central to maintaining this monopoly. It’s no surprise the ban is being fiercely opposed by the American Hospital Association and U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Alongside cohost Jeremy Corr, Pearl unpacks this issue and the following topics in this episode of Medicine: The Truth.
Care organizations led by primary care physicians are most effective, efficient
263,000 docs have become employees since 2012
The FTC ban on non-compete clauses
Research finds weight-loss drugs also treat sleep apnea
Patient receives a pig’s kidney in experimental transplant
S. doctors accepted $12.1 billion from drug companies over the past 10 years
Paxlovid ineffective for vaccinated individuals with Covid-19
Why financial breaks didn’t spur insulin usage among diabetics
The impact of Covid-19 on child development
HHS mandates attending doctors get permission for pelvic, prostate exams
ChatGPT becoming more reliable and accurate in diagnosing disease
Unnecessary inpatient care cost $6 billion last year
Republicans reported 25% more severe reactions to Covid-19 vaccine
* * *
Dr. Robert Pearl is the author of the new book “ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine“ about the impact of AI on the future of medicine. All profits from the book go to Doctors Without Borders.
Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on Twitter and LinkedIn.

The post MTT #83: How will the FTC’s non-compete ban affect healthcare workers? appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.
39 min

About Medicine: The Truth with Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr

From the publisher's feed

For three years, all eyes (and ears) were turned toward Covid-19. And for three years, Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr cut through the fearmongering and misinformation to bring listeners the truth…