In this informative episode of the Precision Medicine Made Simple Podcast, we delve into the world of lipids with Dr. Stanford. Learn what lipids are and why they're crucial for your health, especially regarding heart disease prevention. We explore the differences between HDL and LDL cholesterol, discuss genetic factors influencing lipid levels, and explain why even vegetarians need to pay attention to their lipid profiles.

Dr. Stanford breaks down advanced lipid panels, explaining key markers like apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein(a). We address when to start checking your lipids and why family history is a powerful tool in assessing your risk. The episode also touches on exciting developments in lipid management, including potential new treatments for high lipoprotein(a) levels.

Timestamps:

03:12 - Explanation of what lipids are and their importance

06:02 - Discussion of atherosclerosis and heart disease risk

07:35 - Explanation of "good" vs "bad" cholesterol (HDL vs LDL)

11:28 - Discussion of vegetarian diets and cholesterol levels

13:16 - Introduction of familial hypercholesterolemia and lipoprotein(a)

16:21 - Lifestyle factors and genetic predisposition to high cholesterol

19:36 - Discussion of new medications and treatments in development

25:53 - Guidelines for lipid testing and personalized medicine approach

34:22 - Detailed explanation of advanced lipid panel markers

46:56 - Explanation of new drug development processes for lipid management

Dr. William Stanford MD PHD FACP

Dr. William Stanford is co-founder of Biography Health. He began his career as a mechanical and aerospace engineer at Texas Instruments in 1982 while also pursuing his interest in aviation as a flight instructor and commercial pilot. In 1991, he pivoted into biomedical science and subsequently completed the combined M.D./Ph.D. physician-scientist training program at the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1998 and an internal medicine residency at UCLA in 2001. He is board-certified in internal medicine and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.

A pioneer in the field of hospital medicine, Dr. Stanford founded and led a 25-physician group of private practice hospitalists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles in 2002. After an extensive clinical career as the attending physician for over 100,000 patients, he was elected by his peers at Cedars-Sinai to be clinical chief of general internal medicine, serving in this capacity from 2017 to 2018. Inspired by recent advancements in biomedical science and medicine, Dr. Stanford completed professional certification through Stanford University’s Department of Genetics in 2018, further advancing his role as a true physician-scientist. Since 2018, he has provided genomic and precision medicine consultations through the Beverly Hills Institute for Precision Medicine, enhancing his role as a leading expert in the field.

Sponsored by: Biography Health

Biography Health, where healthcare meets personalization. With their DNAbled™ Blueprint, Biography Health empowers you with a health plan based on your unique DNA, aiming to prevent disease and extend your life. Take control of your health journey with a plan as unique as you. Visit BiographyHealth.com and start your personalized healthcare journey today.

From Genes to Actions: Taylor's DNAbled Blueprint Experience

Today marks the beginning of an ongoing series where I'm pulling back the curtain on my personal journey through the DNAbled Blueprint process. You'll get an exclusive, firsthand look at:

1. My own intake form: Revealing insights from my personal and family health history
2. One of my genetic reports: Dr. Stanford examines my polygenic risk score, discussing my genetic predisposition to certain health conditions
3. My personalized DNAbled Blueprint consultation: Experience the moment I receive my tailored health recommendations and action plan

This intimate look at my health journey aims to demystify the process and inspire you to take charge of your own wellbeing.

Dr. Stanford has equipped me with specific action items, so we'll be recording numerous episodes discussing my results and the strategies I'm implementing. Join me as we explore the ongoing impact of precision medicine in real-time.

Plus, our sponsor Biography Health is offering early access users a special introductory rate for the DNAbled Blueprint. This includes app access, reports, and a personalized recommended health strategy.

If you're interested in participating, feel free to email me directly at [email protected].

Timestamps:

00:04:36 - Intake Form Walkthrough

00:38:26 - Allelica Report, Polygenic Risk Scores

00:53:25 - DNAbled Blueprint Consultation

Dr. William Stanford MD PHD FACP

Dr. William Stanford is co-founder of Biography Health. He began his career as a mechanical and aerospace engineer at Texas Instruments in 1982 while also pursuing his interest in aviation as a flight instructor and commercial pilot. In 1991, he pivoted into biomedical science and subsequently completed the combined M.D./Ph.D. physician-scientist training program at the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1998 and an internal medicine residency at UCLA in 2001. He is board-certified in internal medicine and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.

A pioneer in the field of hospital medicine, Dr. Stanford founded and led a 25-physician group of private practice hospitalists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles in 2002. After an extensive clinical career as the attending physician for over 100,000 patients, he was elected by his peers at Cedars-Sinai to be clinical chief of general internal medicine, serving in this capacity from 2017 to 2018. Inspired by recent advancements in biomedical science and medicine, Dr. Stanford completed professional certification through Stanford University’s Department of Genetics in 2018, further advancing his role as a true physician-scientist. Since 2018, he has provided genomic and precision medicine consultations through the Beverly Hills Institute for Precision Medicine, enhancing his role as a leading expert in the field.

Sponsored by: Biography Health

Biography Health, where healthcare meets personalization. With their DNAbled™ Blueprint, Biography Health empowers you with a health plan based on your unique DNA, aiming to prevent disease and extend your life. Take control of your health journey with a plan as unique as you. Visit BiographyHealth.com and start your personalized healthcare journey today.

Cracked the Genetic Code! Methylation and the Future of Precision Medicine

This is the second half of the two part series to Dr. Stanford’s presentation called, “Optimizing Healthspan and Longevity by Implementing Personalized Precision Medicine.” For this episode, we dive into the science of methylation patterns and how we can use it to detect various cancers and their tissue origins enabling early intervention for better treatment outcomes and ultimately paving the way for tailored therapies. Similar to the last episode, there are supporting graphics and diagrams so we highly recommend watching this episode on our YouTube channel as this discussion does get pretty technical in various parts of the conversation. 

Timestamps:

[00:04:22] Detecting cancer through DNA methylation patterns.

[00:08:56] DNA sequencing reveals gene expression patterns.

[00:12:15] Cancer turns off genes, DNA sequencing detects.

[00:16:01] Detect tumor DNA in bloodstream. Identify cancer signal.

[00:19:20] Methylation patterns in DNA detect cancer.

[00:22:55] Screening for cancer over fifty. Insurance doesn't cover yet.

[00:26:09] Precision medicine case study on heart health.

[00:29:25] Imaging center found life-saving genetic risk.

[00:32:24] Personalized medicine increases health span, reduces costs.

Dr. William Stanford MD PHD FACP

Dr. William Stanford is co-founder of Biography Health. He began his career as a mechanical and aerospace engineer at Texas Instruments in 1982 while also pursuing his interest in aviation as a flight instructor and commercial pilot. In 1991, he pivoted into biomedical science and subsequently completed the combined M.D./Ph.D. physician-scientist training program at the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1998 and an internal medicine residency at UCLA in 2001. He is board-certified in internal medicine and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.

A pioneer in the field of hospital medicine, Dr. Stanford founded and led a 25-physician group of private practice hospitalists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles in 2002. After an extensive clinical career as the attending physician for over 100,000 patients, he was elected by his peers at Cedars-Sinai to be clinical chief of general internal medicine, serving in this capacity from 2017 to 2018. Inspired by recent advancements in biomedical science and medicine, Dr. Stanford completed professional certification through Stanford University’s Department of Genetics in 2018, further advancing his role as a true physician-scientist. Since 2018, he has provided genomic and precision medicine consultations through the Beverly Hills Institute for Precision Medicine, enhancing his role as a leading expert in the field.

Sponsored by: Biography Health

Biography Health, where healthcare meets personalization. With their DNAbled™ Blueprint, Biography Health empowers you with a health plan based on your unique DNA, aiming to prevent disease and extend your life. Take control of your health journey with a plan as unique as you. Visit BiographyHealth.com and start your personalized healthcare journey today.

These next two episodes are a two part series to Dr. Stanford’s presentation called “Optimizing Healthspan and Longevity by Implementing Personalized Precision Medicine. Think of this episode like Precision Medicine 101. Dr. Stanford dives into a number of different topics including the evolution of personalized precision medicine and how its changing healthcare, the significance of knowing your risks by looking at genetics, family history, monogenic risks and polygenic risk scores, and pharmacogenomics which is tailoring drug treatments based on individual genetic variations. While this episode is available on audio platforms, we highly recommend watching this episode on YouTube as Dr. Stanford references numerous visuals and graphs. 

Timestamps:

[00:06:05] Personalized precision medicine focuses on prevention and early detection. Patient-centered care needed for effectiveness. Regulatory bodies must adapt to rapid advancements.

[00:11:48] Genetic sequencing now faster, cheaper. Exciting advancements.

[00:18:06] Genetic variation leads to personalized medicine.

[00:22:53] Future of healthcare: personalized, predictive, proactive.

[00:28:20] Combining genetic and clinical factors.

[00:33:32] Assess risk using family history and polygenic risk scores.

[00:39:43] Risk stratification crucial for preventive care.

[00:45:03] Genetic testing can personalize drug treatment.

[00:49:39] Precision medicine improves drug reactions prediction.

Dr. William Stanford MD PHD FACP

Dr. William Stanford is co-founder of Biography Health. He began his career as a mechanical and aerospace engineer at Texas Instruments in 1982 while also pursuing his interest in aviation as a flight instructor and commercial pilot. In 1991, he pivoted into biomedical science and subsequently completed the combined M.D./Ph.D. physician-scientist training program at the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1998 and an internal medicine residency at UCLA in 2001. He is board-certified in internal medicine and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.

A pioneer in the field of hospital medicine, Dr. Stanford founded and led a 25-physician group of private practice hospitalists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles in 2002. After an extensive clinical career as the attending physician for over 100,000 patients, he was elected by his peers at Cedars-Sinai to be clinical chief of general internal medicine, serving in this capacity from 2017 to 2018. Inspired by recent advancements in biomedical science and medicine, Dr. Stanford completed professional certification through Stanford University’s Department of Genetics in 2018, further advancing his role as a true physician-scientist. Since 2018, he has provided genomic and precision medicine consultations through the Beverly Hills Institute for Precision Medicine, enhancing his role as a leading expert in the field.

Sponsored by: Biography Health

Biography Health, where healthcare meets personalization. With their DNAbled™ Blueprint, Biography Health empowers you with a health plan based on your unique DNA, aiming to prevent disease and extend your life. Take control of your health journey with a plan as unique as you. Visit BiographyHealth.com and start your personalized healthcare journey today.

For this episode, Dr. Stanford, Alyssa Stanford, and Taylor Cu discuss the topic of cancer. Dr. Stanford provides a comprehensive breakdown of cancer cells, stressing the need for genetic and molecular profiling to tailor treatments. They explore the factors that contribute to cancer development, including lifestyle choices and genetic mutations, and emphasize the importance of early detection through screenings and genetic analysis. They also dive into the exciting advancements in early cancer identification, as well as the role of the immune system in fighting cancer cells. 

Timestamps:

[00:15:36] Preventative measures key to reducing cancer.

[00:30:57] Early detection key for cancer survival.

[00:47:08] Precision medicine uses genetic risk factors to predict future cancer risk and inform treatment decisions. Inflammation and oxidative stress play a role in cancer development.

[01:02:36] Cancer complexity and precision medicine summary.

Dr. William Stanford MD PHD FACP 

Dr. William Stanford is co-founder of Biography Health. He began his career as a mechanical and aerospace engineer at Texas Instruments in 1982 while also pursuing his interest in aviation as a flight instructor and commercial pilot. In 1991, he pivoted into biomedical science and subsequently completed the combined M.D./Ph.D. physician-scientist training program at the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1998 and an internal medicine residency at UCLA in 2001. He is board-certified in internal medicine and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. 

A pioneer in the field of hospital medicine, Dr. Stanford founded and led a 25-physician group of private practice hospitalists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles in 2002. After an extensive clinical career as the attending physician for over 100,000 patients, he was elected by his peers at Cedars-Sinai to be clinical chief of general internal medicine, serving in this capacity from 2017 to 2018. Inspired by recent advancements in biomedical science and medicine, Dr. Stanford completed professional certification through Stanford University’s Department of Genetics in 2018, further advancing his role as a true physician-scientist. 

Sponsored by: Biography Health

Biography Health, where healthcare meets personalization. With their DNAbled™ Blueprint, Biography Health empowers you with a health plan based on your unique DNA, aiming to prevent disease and extend your life. Take control of your health journey with a plan as unique as you. Visit BiographyHealth.com and start your personalized healthcare journey today.

For this episode, Dr. Stanford, Alyssa Stanford, and Taylor Cu dive into the complexities of metabolic syndrome, how it can relate to several chronic diseases and discuss the impact of genetics, diet, and exercise on our overall health. We also touch on the importance of precision medicine and continuous glucose monitoring in managing conditions like diabetes and touch on some of the benefits of medications currently out there like Ozempic.

Timestamps:

[00:05:44] Metabolic syndrome increases chronic disease risk.

[00:10:26] Fatty liver disease is a modern problem.

[00:16:27] Processed foods worsen metabolic health, inflammation.

[00:22:40] Eating standing up may worsen insulin resistance.

[00:29:05] High insulin levels lead to diabetes.

[00:35:15] Dexcom for diabetics, Ozempic for symptoms.

[00:40:59] Medications show promise for various benefits.

[00:46:22] Metabolic syndrome is often overlooked.

[00:52:39] Improve health with precision medicine steps.

Dr. William Stanford MD PHD FACP

Dr. William Stanford is co-founder of Biography Health. He began his career as a mechanical and aerospace engineer at Texas Instruments in 1982 while also pursuing his interest in aviation as a flight instructor and commercial pilot. In 1991, he pivoted into biomedical science and subsequently completed the combined M.D./Ph.D. physician-scientist training program at the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1998 and an internal medicine residency at UCLA in 2001. He is board-certified in internal medicine and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.

A pioneer in the field of hospital medicine, Dr. Stanford founded and led a 25-physician group of private practice hospitalists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles in 2002. After an extensive clinical career as the attending physician for over 100,000 patients, he was elected by his peers at Cedars-Sinai to be clinical chief of general internal medicine, serving in this capacity from 2017 to 2018. Inspired by recent advancements in biomedical science and medicine, Dr. Stanford completed professional certification through Stanford University’s Department of Genetics in 2018, further advancing his role as a true physician-scientist.

Sponsored by: Biography Health

Biography Health, where healthcare meets personalization. With their DNAbled™ Blueprint, Biography Health empowers you with a health plan based on your unique DNA, aiming to prevent disease and extend your life. Take control of your health journey with a plan as unique as you. Visit BiographyHealth.com and start your personalized healthcare journey today.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Stanford and Taylor Cu to explore neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's. It's a particularly personal discussion as Dr. Stanford shares his own genetic risk for Alzheimer’s, linked to the APOE4 gene. Dr. Stanford explains what neurodegenerative diseases are and dives into the specifics of Alzheimer's, including how genetics play a role in its risk. We wrap up the episode by looking at lifestyle changes that could make a significant impact in prevention.

Timestamps:

[00:04:50] Degenerative diseases share commonality in brain shrinkage. Alzheimer's is most common, starts early.

[00:09:24] APOE Epsilon four leads to abnormal function in cholesterol transport, amyloid plaques and tau proteins play a role in Alzheimer's disease progression.

[00:14:03] Alzheimer's disease is complex and mysterious.

[00:18:00] Lifestyle impacts neurodegenerative disease risk.

[00:22:37] Difference between Alzheimer's and general dementia.

[00:27:07] Inflammation bad for heart and brain.

[00:32:23] Genetic testing can predict future health.

[00:37:44] Prevent dementia with lifestyle changes.

[00:43:01] Improve brain health with exercise, socialization.

Dr. William Stanford MD PHD FACP

Dr. William Stanford is co-founder of Biography Health. He began his career as a mechanical and aerospace engineer at Texas Instruments in 1982 while also pursuing his interest in aviation as a flight instructor and commercial pilot. In 1991, he pivoted into biomedical science and subsequently completed the combined M.D./Ph.D. physician-scientist training program at the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1998 and an internal medicine residency at UCLA in 2001. He is board-certified in internal medicine and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.

A pioneer in the field of hospital medicine, Dr. Stanford founded and led a 25-physician group of private practice hospitalists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles in 2002. After an extensive clinical career as the attending physician for over 100,000 patients, he was elected by his peers at Cedars-Sinai to be clinical chief of general internal medicine, serving in this capacity from 2017 to 2018. Inspired by recent advancements in biomedical science and medicine, Dr. Stanford completed professional certification through Stanford University’s Department of Genetics in 2018, further advancing his role as a true physician-scientist.

Sponsored by: Biography Health

Biography Health, where healthcare meets personalization. With their DNAbled™ Blueprint, Biography Health empowers you with a health plan based on your unique DNA, aiming to prevent disease and extend your life. Take control of your health journey with a plan as unique as you. Visit BiographyHealth.com and start your personalized healthcare journey today.

Dr. Stanford, Alyssa Stanford, and Taylor Cu explore the fascinating world of heart disease and personalized health care. They dive into the complexities of heart disease, discussing the crucial role of genetics, family history, lifestyle, and biochemistry in assessing heart disease risk. Tune in to discover the power of early detection, personalized health plans, and integrative approaches to effectively address heart disease and more.

Timestamps:

[00:05:14] Arterial hardening and narrowing cause issues.

[00:09:11] Early onset heart disease linked to genetics.

[00:13:28] Genetic sequencing can predict heart attack.

[00:18:01] Improve lipid profile with medication, lifestyle.

[00:22:44] Genetic testing predicts future disease risk.

[00:27:35] Genetics and lifestyle impact heart disease.

[00:32:02] Gene editing for liver disease treatment.

[00:36:52] Liver cells have receptors for particles.

[00:42:23] Coronary disease and vascular health summary.

Dr. William Stanford MD PHD FACP

Dr. William Stanford is co-founder of Biography Health. He began his career as a mechanical and aerospace engineer at Texas Instruments in 1982 while also pursuing his interest in aviation as a flight instructor and commercial pilot. In 1991, he pivoted into biomedical science and subsequently completed the combined M.D./Ph.D. physician-scientist training program at the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1998 and an internal medicine residency at UCLA in 2001. He is board-certified in internal medicine and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.

A pioneer in the field of hospital medicine, Dr. Stanford founded and led a 25-physician group of private practice hospitalists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles in 2002. After an extensive clinical career as the attending physician for over 100,000 patients, he was elected by his peers at Cedars-Sinai to be clinical chief of general internal medicine, serving in this capacity from 2017 to 2018. Inspired by recent advancements in biomedical science and medicine, Dr. Stanford completed professional certification through Stanford University’s Department of Genetics in 2018, further advancing his role as a true physician-scientist.

Sponsored by: Biography Health

Biography Health, where healthcare meets personalization. With their DNAbled™ Blueprint, Biography Health empowers you with a health plan based on your unique DNA, aiming to prevent disease and extend your life. Take control of your health journey with a plan as unique as you. Visit BiographyHealth.com and start your personalized healthcare journey today.