Welcome to The Connected Physician, where healthcare leaders and innovators share their expertise to enhance patient care and improve healthcare outcomes. In this episode, host Katharina Juenger welcomes Rebecca Gassert, a seasoned nurse practitioner with over 25 years of experience specializing in pediatric mental and behavioral health. Rebecca’s private practice in Phoenix, Arizona, focuses on helping children and young adults manage ADHD, anxiety, and panic disorders.

In this episode, Katharina and Rebecca discuss:

• Understanding ADHD: Rebecca explains how children with ADHD process the world differently, often struggling with focus and organization while being easily distracted. She highlights the importance of recognizing these behaviors as neurological, not behavioral.
• Symptoms and Misconceptions: Explore how ADHD symptoms like forgetfulness, inattentiveness, and hyperactivity can be mistaken for misbehavior and learn strategies to differentiate the two.
• Early Signs and Key Development Stages: Rebecca outlines the developmental milestones where ADHD symptoms become evident and emphasizes the “golden age” of 11–14 for effective behavioral and executive functioning training.
• Parenting Strategies: Discover actionable tips for creating structured, organized environments that reduce anxiety and cognitive overload for children with ADHD, including maintaining consistency in routines and fostering flexibility.
• The Role of Nutrition: Rebecca shares the impact of whole, unprocessed foods and limiting refined sugars in supporting mental clarity and reducing ADHD-related challenges.
• Medication and Personalization: Gain insights into the careful use of stimulants and non-stimulant medications, tailored to a child’s unique needs, to support learning and coping mechanisms without compromising their personality.
• Behavioral Training Techniques: Learn about Rebecca’s personalized approach to executive functioning training, designed to help children build skills like organization, focus, and emotional regulation for long-term success.

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Welcome to The Connected Physician, where healthcare professionals and innovators converge to explore groundbreaking insights in patient care, wellness, and medical advancements. In this episode, the host welcomes Desmond Ebanks, an experienced internal medicine physician from Connecticut, to discuss the transformative field of longevity medicine and its potential to revolutionize patient health.

In this episode, Dr. Ebanks and the host dive into:

• The Essence of Longevity Medicine: Discover how Dr. Ebanks approaches health by addressing the body's physiology rather than solely treating symptoms, allowing patients to enhance their health span by proactively mitigating potential health risks.
• Understanding Aging Hallmarks: Dr. Ebanks breaks down the concept of aging hallmarks, like telomere length, and how markers of biological aging can guide personalized treatments to prevent age-related diseases.
• Breakthrough Treatments in Longevity: Learn about GLP-1 medications, initially for diabetes, now showing promise in improving cognitive, cardiac, and kidney health, and the critical role of advanced lab testing in tailoring health strategies.
• Tackling Insulin Resistance Early: Dr. Ebanks shares his focus on early indicators of type 2 diabetes, emphasizing how insulin level monitoring provides patients with a valuable window to manage their metabolic health proactively.
• AI’s Role in Expanding Longevity Medicine: The conversation explores the potential of AI to enhance accessibility and precision in longevity care by enabling comprehensive diagnostics and personalized treatment plans at scale.
• Essential Health Habits for Longevity: From the importance of restorative sleep to diet and exercise, Dr. Ebanks highlights key lifestyle habits that lay the foundation for long-term health.

• Desmond Ebanks, MD

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Welcome to The Connected Physician, where healthcare leaders and innovators explore the future of patient care and medical technology. In this episode, host Katharina Juenger welcomes Dr. Matthew Peterson, a Utah-based anesthesiologist and Chief Medical Officer at Elite Anesthesia, to discuss the evolving landscape of anesthesia services, the promise of artificial intelligence, and the benefits of in-office procedures for patients and providers.

In this episode, Dr. Peterson and Katharina discuss:

• The Rise of Office-Based Anesthesia: Dr. Peterson shares insights into the growing field of office-based anesthesia, where dentists and surgeons can offer anesthesia services in their own offices, reducing delays and enhancing patient comfort.
• The Benefits of In-Office Procedures for Patients and Providers: How office-based care can help patients avoid hospital fees, streamline scheduling for providers, and create a more familiar, accessible care environment.
• AI in Anesthesia and Patient Assessment: Dr. Peterson explores how AI could automate preoperative assessments, flagging patients who may need additional evaluations and improving the efficiency and accuracy of the preparation process.
• Enhancing Anesthesia Management with AI: A look at how AI-driven tools could support anesthesiologists with dosage recommendations based on patient profiles, providing valuable assistance for practitioners at all experience levels.
• Addressing Workforce Challenges in Anesthesia: Dr. Peterson discusses the ongoing anesthesiologist shortage, the recruitment efforts needed to meet growing demand, and how efficient staffing solutions are essential to quality patient care.
• Combating Burnout and Fostering Resilience in Healthcare: Practical advice from Dr. Peterson on managing stress, prioritizing self-care, and finding personal outlets to maintain a fulfilling and balanced career in medicine.

• Matthew Peterson
• Elite Anesthesia

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Welcome to The Connected Physician, where healthcare professionals and thought leaders share groundbreaking insights on patient care, healthcare technology, and holistic approaches to wellness. In this episode, host Katharina Juenger is joined by Dr. Neal Shah, a Baltimore-based nephrologist and founder of The Healing Microbiome. Dr. Shah discusses his inspiring journey into microbiome research, the innovative discoveries he’s made in nephrology, and actionable insights into microbiome health.

In this episode, Dr. Shah and Katharina explore:

• The Rapid Growth of Microbiome Research: Dr. Shah highlights the explosion of microbiome research, including nearly 20,000 studies published last year, with many led by Harvard. He shares how his training and clinical experience fuel his passion for exploring the microbiome’s role in health.
• Dr. Shah’s Health Journey: Faced with chronic fatigue and digestive issues during his residency, Dr. Shah delves into how these personal health struggles ignited his curiosity about alternative health approaches and microbiome research.
• Probiotics and Gut Health: Dr. Shah recounts his introduction to probiotics, explaining how they drastically improved his symptoms and revealing how the gut microbiome influences everything from digestion to mental clarity.
• Microbiome Research in Nephrology: Driven by personal experience, Dr. Shah began exploring the link between the microbiome and chronic kidney disease, examining how imbalances may relate to diabetes, hypertension, and other common conditions in nephrology.
• The Groundbreaking Discovery of a Blood Microbiome: Dr. Shah challenges traditional views by discussing the existence of a blood microbiome, noting differences between the microbiomes in healthy individuals and those with chronic kidney disease.
• The Mystery of Microbiome Origins: Ongoing research examines the blood microbiome's source and the importance of achieving balance beyond supplements. Dr. Shah shares his hypothesis and ongoing work on how internal factors impact microbiome health.
• Diet and Lifestyle Factors: Dr. Shah advises on dietary choices like fiber-rich foods and unsweetened yogurt, while emphasizing the effects of stress and mindfulness on gut health, presenting a holistic view on maintaining a balanced microbiome.
• Challenges in Microbiome Research: Dr. Shah explains the technical challenges faced by microbiome researchers, highlighting advancements in DNA sequencing and the need for further standardization to accelerate discoveries.
• Future Directions in Microbiome Science: Dr. Shah forecasts upcoming breakthroughs, including studies into the microbiome of fungi and viruses, predicting that the field will continue to shape healthcare practices in the years to come.

• Neal Shah

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Welcome to The Connected Physician, where we explore groundbreaking approaches in healthcare, focusing on innovation, technology, and holistic patient care. In this episode, host Katharina Juenger sits down with Dr. Stephanie Lafreniere, a psychiatrist and owner of an integrative psychiatry clinic in Newport Beach, California. Dr. Lafreniere shares her journey in integrative mental health, an approach that treats the patient as a whole, addressing the root causes of mental health issues beyond symptoms alone.

In this episode, Dr. Lafreniere and Katharina discuss:

• What Is Integrative Mental Health? Dr. Lafreniere breaks down her clinic's unique approach, looking at factors like nutrition, sleep, lifestyle, and vitamin deficiencies to create comprehensive mental health care plans.
• Treating Beyond Medication: Discover how her clinic assists patients who seek alternatives after years of traditional treatments, combining medication adjustments, lifestyle changes, and innovative therapies.
• Inside Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): An FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment, TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate brain areas linked to depression. Dr. Lafreniere explains its benefits and why it’s becoming a game-changer for patients resistant to medication.
• Combining TMS with Lifestyle Changes: Learn how Dr. Lafreniere integrates TMS with lifestyle modifications like diet, exercise, and sleep improvements, helping patients maintain long-term mental health.
• Shifting Toward Preventive Mental Health: Dr. Lafreniere advocates for a proactive approach in mental health care, teaching patients to take charge of their wellness rather than waiting until issues escalate.
• Transformative Documentaries on Health: Hear about Forks Over Knives and The Blue Zones, two influential documentaries that inspired Dr. Lafreniere’s focus on diet, community, and movement in mental health.
• Breaking the Conventional Mold: Dr. Lafreniere’s mission to promote a holistic, preventative model offers an empowering alternative to the standard treatment approach in American medicine.

• Stefani LaFrenierre, MD

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Welcome to The Connected Physician, a platform for pioneering healthcare leaders to share their stories of innovation and dedication to enhancing patient care. In this episode, host Katharina Juenger speaks with Dr. Jack Forbush, a trailblazer in Direct Primary Care (DPC) and a founding member of the Direct Primary Care Alliance. Dr. Forbush, who practices in rural Maine, dives into how DPC has evolved as a model focused on delivering accessible, personalized care free from insurance constraints.

In this episode, Dr. Forbush and Katharina discuss:

• The Motivation Behind Direct Primary Care: Dr. Forbush shares how his frustration with insurance limitations led him to join a community of physicians seeking an alternative care model designed to prioritize patient needs.
• Building a Rural DPC Practice: Insights into how Dr. Forbush’s practice serves small business owners and families who often travel long distances, fostering a close-knit patient base.
• Telemedicine and DPC: Learn how Dr. Forbush integrated telemedicine early on, preparing his practice to meet remote care needs seamlessly—even amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The Evolution of Direct Primary Care: Dr. Forbush explains why he believes DPC will continue to grow, potentially adapting to specialties like rheumatology and dermatology, to meet evolving healthcare demands.
• The Art and Science of Medicine in DPC: A unique perspective on how DPC balances personal care with technological support, including the role of artificial intelligence in augmenting patient-centered care.
• Advice for Aspiring DPC Physicians: Practical recommendations, including The Official Guide to Starting Your Own Direct Primary Care Practice, as a valuable resource for physicians interested in DPC.

• Jack Forbush
• Direct Primary Care Alliance

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Welcome to The Connected Physician, where healthcare professionals and innovators come together to discuss transformative approaches in patient care, technology, and health system challenges. In this episode, host Katharina Juenger sits down with Dr. Robert Domondon, a seasoned physician with over 17 years of experience and 22 years in critical nursing at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. Together, they dive deep into the ongoing nursing shortage in the U.S. and explore how AI technology could play a role in easing healthcare burdens.

In this episode, Dr. Domondon and Katharina discuss:

• The U.S. Nursing Shortage Crisis: Dr. Domondon sheds light on the escalating nursing shortage and the high burnout rates that continue to drive nurses from the field.
• Barriers in Patient Care: Insights into the challenges nurses face, from administrative workloads to high patient volumes, and how these affect care quality.
• Potential of AI in Nursing: A look at how AI could reduce nurses’ administrative tasks and enable more patient-centered care, while addressing concerns from nursing unions about job security.
• Healthcare’s Journey with Tech Adoption: Dr. Domondon shares past examples of tech transitions in healthcare, underlining the importance of understanding the social dynamics behind successful tech adoption.
• Destination 2030 and Healthcare Innovation: An overview of Sutter Health’s ambitious initiative to lead in healthcare by 2030, including Dr. Domondon’s work on AI projects that aim to streamline workflows and standardize data.

• Robert Domondon

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Welcome to The Connected Physician, where we explore how healthcare professionals are transforming patient care through innovation and technology. In this episode, host Katharina Juenger interviews Dr. Jonathan Berkowitz, MD, MBA, an emergency physician and Medical Director of Emergency Telehealth at Northwell Health, New York’s largest health system. Dr. Berkowitz shares the groundbreaking ways Northwell Health is using telehealth to improve emergency care access and redefine patient experiences.

Dr. Berkowitz explains how he led the expansion of Northwell’s emergency telehealth service, known as “Nets,” which was initially launched to relieve the burden on emergency services during the pandemic. Created in just two weeks, Nets became the first telehealth service to support 911 calls, enabling non-critical patients to receive urgent care remotely and reducing strain on EMS teams.

In this episode, Dr. Berkowitz dives into:

• The Birth of Nets: How the pandemic-inspired program was launched at Northwell Health to meet urgent care needs and limit unnecessary ER visits.
• Telehealth Beyond EMS: The program's evolution from assisting EMS teams to serving patients with advanced illnesses and geriatric needs, creating a virtual lifeline for patients who would traditionally need in-person care.
• Integrated Telehealth Models: The importance of seamlessly blending telehealth and in-person care for enhanced continuity and better patient experiences.
• Patient Demand for Virtual Care: How telehealth is meeting the needs of patients of all ages, debunking myths about limited demand.
• The Role of Collaboration: How Northwell's telehealth success hinges on strong teamwork between emergency medicine and EMS, supported by a tech-agnostic approach focused on operations rather than specific platforms.

• Jonathan Berkowitz MD, MBA on LinkedIn
• Northwell Health

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Welcome to The Connected Physician, where we explore stories that bridge the gaps in healthcare through insights, innovation, and compassion. In this episode, host Katharina Juenger sits down with Dr. Tanner Moore, MD, a North Carolina-based family medicine physician and former U.S. Army brigade surgeon. Dr. Moore opens up about his journey from military medicine to founding a Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice, providing a model that emphasizes personalized, accessible healthcare without the complexities of insurance.

Dr. Moore’s experience in the military trained him to prioritize patient-centered care, an approach that became the cornerstone of his practice. Under his motto, “Physician versus the system,” he champions a movement where healthcare is reimagined to focus solely on patient needs rather than insurance requirements.

Key Takeaways:

• Rethinking Healthcare through Direct Primary Care: Dr. Moore’s journey reveals the flexibility of DPC, allowing physicians to focus on quality patient care while reducing administrative pressures. His transition from military to civilian medicine fueled his commitment to providing accessible care without insurance constraints.
• The Appeal of DPC for Physicians: Direct Primary Care offers more time for patients, better work-life balance, and financial viability. However, Dr. Moore shares the entrepreneurial challenges of managing marketing, hiring, and daily operations as a physician.
• Building a DPC Practice from the Ground Up: Starting a DPC practice requires patience and visibility. Dr. Moore explains how a community-based approach—like local outreach and personal engagement—helps to gain trust and attract patients to DPC services.
• Employer Partnerships for Expanded Reach: Dr. Moore finds success partnering with employers to offer healthcare directly to employee groups. This approach enhances accessibility while minimizing the marketing burden.
• Technology in DPC: While maintaining a patient-centered ethos, Dr. Moore advocates for technology’s role in enhancing patient care and operational efficiency, helping practices remain competitive without compromising personal connection.

• Dr. Tanner Moore, MD on LinkedIn

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Welcome to The Connected Physician, where we explore the future of medicine with experts at the forefront of health innovation. In this episode, host Katharina Juenger sits down with Dr. Ashley Maltz, an Austin-based integrative medicine physician, to discuss the significant growth of holistic health practices and how they’re reshaping the medical landscape.

Dr. Maltz shares her journey into integrative medicine, revealing how a personal experience with the mind-body connection sparked her passion for blending conventional and holistic care. With the U.S. functional medicine market now valued at $15 billion and growing annually, she explains why more Americans are turning to alternative therapies and lifestyle-based approaches to health.

Key takeaways include:

• The Shift Toward Holistic Health: Dr. Maltz discusses why integrative medicine, once a niche field, is gaining mainstream acceptance, with institutions like the Cleveland Clinic leading the way.
• Managing Chronic Illness: Integrative approaches are proving effective for chronic diseases where traditional treatments fall short. Dr. Maltz highlights how acupuncture, meditation, and functional nutrition play a role in healing.
• Five Pillars of Health: For lasting wellness, Dr. Maltz emphasizes small, practical changes in community, sleep, nutrition, physical activity, and stress management.
• The Biohacking Trend and Longevity Movement: Dr. Maltz shares insights on the growing trend of biohacking for longevity, while also addressing the needs of patients with chronic illnesses who seek holistic solutions.
• The Promise and Perils of GLP-1 Agonists: With caution, Dr. Maltz weighs the potential of GLP-1 drugs for obesity treatment, noting benefits for specific patient groups but also concerns around long-term effects.

• Ashley Maltz, M.D. on LinkedIn

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