How comforted would you feel if, when sick or injured, if robots were sent to cure you? At first, you might be excited by this high-tech experience, but soon realize something is missing – the human connection. As technology continues to weave itself into doctors’ offices, the traditional doctor-patient relationship is undergoing a profound transformation. Joining Smart Medicine to unpack this evolution is Dr. Danielle Ofri. A widely published author, an expert in doctor-patient communication, and a practicing primary care physician at Bellevue Hospital. In this episode, Dr. Ofri sits down with Dr. Sigman to explore the past, present, and future of the doctor-patient relationship. Together, they share compelling stories from their practice, examine common communication challenges, and reveal why empathy is not the enemy of efficiency, but rather its ally. From the role of telehealth to whether AI-generated notes can match Dr. Ofri’s, this conversation shines a light on where technology can take the reins so doctors can focus on what truly matters. Dr. Ofri also shares advice for future physicians on how to learn from great communicators and preserve their own empathy throughout their careers. More than just a heartfelt conversation, this episode presents a vision of medicine where technology and humanity work in harmony, offering practical takeaways for your next patient or appointment.

How are our doctors doing? A simple question, but one necessary to ask. Burnout among physicians is more than a trending topic; it's a real issue with consequences inside hospitals, clinics, and private practices. But if we know it’s happening, what are we doing about it? In this episode, Dr. Dike Drummond, better known as The Happy MD, joins Dr. Scott Sigman to unpack the state of physician burnout and what it’s going to take to fix it. A former family physician who walked away from clinical practice after reaching his breaking point, Drummond now coaches doctors and works with healthcare leaders to create real strategies that help acknowledge and address physician burnout. Together, they explore how physicians can build simple daily strategies to protect their energy, why burnout is a systemic issue rather than a personal one, and how leadership can either fuel the problem or be the starting point for change. From boundary rituals and schedule hacks to digital scribes and stronger support teams, the conversation covers the tools that matter and the mindset shifts that make a difference. Physician burnout doesn’t get solved overnight, but this episode offers a real path forward. Because healing the healers is possible. And it starts by paying attention.

We all have a brain, but how many of us really understand how it works? In this episode of Smart Medicine, Dr. Scott Sigman sits down with Dr. Faye Begeti, neurologist at Oxford University Hospitals and author of The Phone Fix, to unpack what’s happening beneath the surface of our daily decisions. From why we’re wired to focus on the negative, to how our phones are shaping our brains in real time, Dr. Begeti shares the science that has our neurotransmitters firing. She explains the brain’s autopilot system, the role of the amygdala in shaping emotions, and how our digital habits can be rewired for better outcomes. Together, Dr. Begeti and Dr. Sigman also explore the surprising impact of the nocebo effect and what clinicians should know about managing their attention in a notification-heavy world. Whether you're a healthcare provider juggling tech and patient care, or someone just trying to make peace with their screen time, this is the brain health download here to help! 

When it comes to understanding the latest breakthroughs in medicine, many turn to the results of clinical trials. But have you ever stopped to ask whether your mental picture of those trials still holds up? With rapid advances in technology reshaping how research is conducted, a new model has emerged, one that’s redefining accessibility and participation. Enter decentralized clinical trials. Joining host Dr. Scott Sigman on this episode of Smart Medicine is Craig Lipset, a passionate innovator in the clinical research space. As the Co-founder of the Decentralized Trials & Research Alliance, former Head of Clinical Innovation at Pfizer, and long-time advocate for patient-centered research, Craig breaks down the what, why, and how behind the evolution of clinical trials. Together, they explore how the model is shifting and what that means for both patients and community doctors. From your digital twin and data ownership, to compensation for participation, Craig highlights the opportunities that come with doing research smarter. To wrap things up, Dr. Sigman hands Craig the reins, asking him to design his ideal system for medical research in the future.

Just because something’s always been done a certain way doesn’t mean it should stay that way—especially when it comes to the cost of care. What if price transparency wasn’t just a buzzword, but the foundation of a radically different system for care? That’s the philosophy driving Dr. Keith Smith, managing partner and co-founder of the Surgery Center of Oklahoma (SCO). In this bold episode of Smart Medicine, Dr. Scott Sigman sits down with Dr. Smith to explore the transparent pricing model that challenged the status quo and sparked a new way forward for ambulatory surgery centers. They dive into the origins of this model, how Dr. Smith built a practice rooted in openness and accountability, and what it means for both patients and providers. From structuring the surgery center to run on a business model resembling a law firm, to leveraging technology that supports honest pricing, Dr. Smith shares how true transparency isn’t just possible, it’s profitable.

Putting a price on care has never been easy. Value-based care is increasingly shaping how healthcare providers get paid, as traditional models like fee-for-service are declining. Today, 90% of healthcare providers are in a value-based care payment arrangement, but as this model gains momentum, the need for innovation to drive its potential to empower patients and improve outcomes has become acute. In this episode, host Dr. Scott Sigman sits down with Dr. Kevin Bozic to define value-based care and uncover how it’s evolving. As Chair of Surgery and Perioperative Care at Dell Medical School and the Past President of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Dr. Bozic shares why traditional systems are falling short and what it means to define and deliver value in care. Together, they dive into the new condition-based payment model Dr. Bozic’s team has developed, how it redirects clinical conversations toward patient goals, and why it’s already leading to reduced surgeries and better patient outcomes. They also unpack how these models can drive financial sustainability, improve patient relationships, reduce turnover, and boost margins. Dr. Bozic closes with a powerful message for healthcare professionals to be the change they want to see, as holding on to outdated models is no longer an option.

Tomorrow’s medicine is being built today. Are you ready to be part of what’s next? Welcome to Smart Medicine, a podcast dedicated to understanding the intersection of care and innovation. Hosted by Dr. Scott Sigman, your favorite opioid-sparing orthopedic surgeon and former host of The Ortho Show, embarks on a new adventure that explores how the future of medicine is being rewritten in real time. From cutting-edge research to the future of patient care, Dr. Sigman sits down with the brightest minds in medicine to unpack the breakthroughs, challenges, and unique strategies shaping the future of healthcare. Whether you're a clinician, manager, healthcare leader, innovator, entrepreneur, or patient advocate, Smart Medicine is your guide to navigating a rapidly evolving industry and transforming today’s challenges into tomorrow's smarter solutions. This is the future of healthcare. This is Smart Medicine, powered by Veradigm.