In this solo episode, Dr. Keisha Davis, M.D., takes a deep dive into one of the most alarming trends in modern healthcare: the rise of cancer in younger populations. Why are we seeing more cases in people under 50? From lifestyle factors to environmental exposures to genetic predispositions, Dr. Davis explores the possible drivers of this trend and what it means for prevention, diagnosis, and public health.

She also shares the importance of early detection, ongoing research, and the vital role of annual medical visits in catching cancers at earlier stages.

Key Topics Covered:

• Current statistics on early-onset cancers
• Lifestyle and environmental factors (diet, processed foods, pollutants)
• Genetic risks and hereditary syndromes
• Screening guidelines and debates for younger populations
• The importance of regular annual exams for catching cancers early
• Why this trend matters for the future of healthcare

 

Resources & References:

• American Cancer Society (ACS): https://www.cancer.org 
• National Cancer Institute (NCI): https://www.cancer.gov 
• CDC Cancer Trends: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/research/articles/cancer-trends.htm 
• KFF Health News – Cancer in Young Adults: https://kffhealthnews.org 
• Mayo Clinic – Cancer Prevention: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/cancer-prevention 

 

Connect with Us:

• Dr. Keisha Davis, M.D. (Host): https://drkeishadavis.komi.io 
• The Medical Collective: https://themedicalcollective.komi.io 

 

Recommended Episode:

🎧 We Should Not Be Cancer-Shaming — explore the stigma and misinformation around cancer that impacts patients and their care.

 

In this episode of The Medical Collective, Dr. Keisha Davis, M.D., sits down with ER physician Dr. Dan, M.D., to talk about the busiest and most surprising reasons people end up in the emergency room during the summer months. From heat-related illnesses and sports injuries to unexpected allergic reactions and travel mishaps, this conversation is full of real-life cases, surprising statistics, and prevention tips you can actually use.

We also explore CDC injury and ER visit data, compare local vs. national summer ER trends, and share the less-talked-about issues—like workplace accidents, unusual cases, and pathology follow-ups from the ER. Whether you’re a parent, traveler, or just trying to enjoy the season safely, this episode will help you stay out of the ER.

 

Key Topics Covered:

• Top nationwide causes of summer ER visits (CDC data)
• Heat stroke, dehydration, and heat exhaustion: warning signs to know
• Sports & recreational injuries — from backyard fun to organized leagues
• Swimming & water-related accidents
• Foodborne illnesses and summer cookouts
• Travel injuries & vacation mishaps
• Workplace injuries in the summer months
• Surprising “strangest” cases that make it to the ER
• How pathology supports ER diagnosis & follow-up

 

 

Resources & Data:

• CDC WISQARS – Injury Data & Statistics: https://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars
• CDC Heat Safety: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html
• US Consumer Product Safety Commission – Summer Safety Tips: https://www.cpsc.gov

 

 

Connect with Us:

🎙 Dr. Keisha Davis, M.D. – https://drkeishadavis.komi.io

🎙 The Medical Collective Podcast – https://themedicalcollective.komi.io

👨‍⚕️ Dr. Dan, M.D. (Emergency Medicine) – https://www.instagram.com/docdanmd

 

Recommended Episode:

🎧 Masks Do Work: We’ve Been Using Them for Years

In this episode of The Medical Collective Podcast, host Dr. Keisha Davis, M.D. takes you inside the evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI) and cancer diagnostics. With advancements in spatial biology, 3D tumor mapping, and digital pathology, AI is transforming how cancers are diagnosed, staged, and treated.

 

We explore:

• How spatial biology enables personalized treatment strategies
• The rise of whole-slide digital imaging and FDA-approved systems like Philips IntelliSite and Roche’s Digital Pathology Suite
• The role of telepathology and why adoption rates vary between academic and private practices
• How AI is augmenting pathologists, not replacing them, with tools like HALO-AP
• Global adoption and ethical concerns about AI in diagnostics

Dr. Davis also shares real-world insights from her experience as a pathologist and reflects on what this all means for the future of diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes.

 

Key Insights & Takeaways

• Spatial Biology & 3D Mapping: How molecular-level mapping of tumors enables precision treatment
• Digital Pathology Goes Mainstream: FDA-approved whole-slide imaging systems are paving the way for faster, more accurate diagnoses
• Telepathology & Workflow Changes: Remote slide analysis and how this is shifting lab practices
• AI vs. Human Pathologists: Why AI is a tool to enhance, not replace, medical judgment
• Global Perspectives: How international labs are embracing AI compared to the U.S., and what that means ethically and economically

 

Helpful Resources

• Philips IntelliSite Pathology Solution https://www.usa.philips.com/healthcare/resources/landing/intellisite
• Roche Digital Pathology Solutions https://diagnostics.roche.com/global/en/products/systems/digital-pathology.html
• HALO-AP by Indica Labs https://indicalab.com/halo-ap/
• College of American Pathologists (CAP) Digital Pathology Resources https://www.cap.org/digital-pathology
• Spatial Biology Overview (Nature) https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-03707-3

 

Connect With Us

Host: Dr. Keisha Davis, M.D.

https://drkeishadavis.komi.io

The Medical Collective Podcast

https://themedicalcollective.komi.io

 

Related Episode Recommendation

🎧 Recommended Listen: 

In this episode, we dive into the rise of vaccine hesitancy, focusing on how it impacts children, families, and the future of public health.

Dr. Keisha Davis and Dr. Atoosa Kourosh break down the current climate surrounding vaccines, from new policy changes to social media misinformation, and what parents and providers can do to rebuild trust.

We discuss the recent firing and restructuring of the federal vaccine advisory panel, the push to remove thimerosal from flu vaccines, and the American Academy of Pediatrics’ stance on maintaining their current immunization schedule despite political shifts.

Key Points We Cover:

• Why vaccine hesitancy is spreading in the U.S.
• The role of politics and misinformation in eroding trust
• The RFK Jr. advisory panel changes & new thimerosal guidelines
• The pushback from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
• Updates on the new COVID-19 strain (FLiRT KP.2 / KP.3)
• Measles cases on the rise: Why outbreaks are happening again
• Tools and tips for parents to navigate vaccine information safely

Resources for Parents & Listeners:

• AAP Vaccine Resource Center for Parents https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/default.aspx
• CDC Immunization Schedules https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/index.html
• AAP Statement on Federal Vaccine Policy Changes https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/aap/2025/aap-responds-to-federal-vaccine-schedule-review/
• Tracking Measles Outbreaks https://www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreaks.html
• Understanding Thimerosal and Flu Vaccines (FDA Resource) https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/safety-availability-biologics/thimerosal-and-vaccines

Connect With Us:

Follow The Medical Collective Podcast for more conversations that matter:

🔗 https://themedicalcollective.komi.io

 

Meet the Host & Co-Host:

Dr. Keisha Davis, M.D.

Host, The Medical Collective Podcast

🔗 https://drkeishadavis.komi.io

🔗 https://themedicalcollective.komi.io

 

Dr. Atoosa Kourosh, M.D.

Co-Host, The Medical Collective Podcast

Board-Certified Allergy, Immunology & Pediatrics Specialist

🔗 Instagram: @holisticallergyimmunology

🔗 Website: https://www.doctoratoosa.com/

 

 

In this deeply personal solo episode, Dr. Keisha Davis, M.D., pulls back the curtain on what it really means to be a Black woman physician in today’s healthcare system. From battling implicit bias and microaggressions to finding strength in community and culture, this episode brings you into the day-to-day experiences, pressures, and power of being both healer and human.

 

You’ll hear stories from her real-life experiences—what it’s like walking into exam rooms where patients don’t expect you to be the doctor, the emotional labor of being “the only one,” and the resilience it takes to thrive while carrying the weight of representation.

 

 

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

• The emotional and professional challenges faced by Black women in medicine
• The daily mental and physical demands of a physician’s life
• Strategies for balancing life, advocacy, and wellness
• Why representation and visibility in healthcare matters for patients and providers alike

 

✊🏾 Highlights:

• Impostor syndrome vs. systemic bias
• The burden and beauty of being a role model
• How mentorship, spirituality, and joy help sustain Black women in medicine

 

🔗 Links Mentioned

• Dr. Keisha Davis: https://drkeishadavis.komi.io
• The Medical Collective: https://themedicalcollective.komi.io

 

📣 Call to Action

If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. And let us know your thoughts—DM us or drop a comment. Representation matters, and your voice does too.

As we head into peak picnic and potluck season, The Medical Collective is breaking down what’s really lurking in your summer salad—and it’s not just lettuce and dressing. In this solo episode, pathologist Dr. Keisha Davis, M.D., takes you on a behind-the-scenes look at foodborne illness, toxins, and how the lab helps crack the case when things go wrong.

From potato salad left in the sun to pre-bagged greens hiding E. coli, this episode offers a pathologist’s perspective on what your gut doesn’t want to digest this summer. You’ll walk away with tips, tools, and maybe a new level of respect for the microbiology lab at your local hospital.

 

🧪 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What pathologists actually do when foodborne illness is suspected
• How samples from stool to stomach tissue end up in the lab
• Why common culprits like Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli show up more in the summer
• What toxins or bugs might be in your favorite dishes (yes, even the healthy ones)
• Simple food safety rules to avoid the ER or worse
• A few wild lab cases that started with a “bad salad” and ended with an unexpected diagnosis

 

📌 Featured Summer Food Safety Risks:

• Listeria thrives in ready-to-eat foods, like deli meat and soft cheeses—even when refrigerated
• Salmonella is commonly found in undercooked eggs, chicken, and even cantaloupe
• E. coli outbreaks are often traced back to leafy greens like romaine and bagged salads
• Norovirus spreads easily at cookouts and beach parties via contaminated hands or surfaces

 

🧼 How to Stay Safe This Summer:

• Avoid the “Danger Zone”: Don’t let food sit between 40°F and 140°F for more than 2 hours
• Wash produce thoroughly, even pre-washed bags
• Keep raw meat separate from fruits and veggies
• Hydrate safely—contaminated ice and water are often overlooked sources of illness
• Be wary of mayonnaise-based salads that sit out too long in the heat

 

🧠 From the Lab:

Dr. Davis explains how public health departments work with hospital labs and national systems to track outbreaks and how the data ends up protecting you.

 

🔗 Helpful Resources:

• CDC Food Safety Tips & Outbreak Alerts: https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/index.html
• FDA Foodborne Illness Education & Recalls: https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/foodborne-illnesses
• Johns Hopkins Food Safety Center: https://publichealth.jhu.edu/center-for-a-livable-future/projects/food-safety
• Mayo Clinic Guide to Food Poisoning: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-poisoning/symptoms-causes

 

🎧 About the Host:

Dr. Keisha Davis, M.D. is a triple board-certified pathologist, fitness educator, and founder of The Medical Collective Podcast.

📎 https://drkeishadavis.komi.io

🎙️ https://themedicalcollective.komi.io

🧠 In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, this episode dives into the growing youth mental health crisis. Dr. Keisha Davis is joined by Dr. Atoosa Kourosh and guest co-host Dr. Amelia Villagomez to explore youth suicidality, spiritual protective factors, processed food impact, and what signs signal when a child or teen may need help.

From personal stories to national data, the trio explores why it's not "just a phase"—and how to take meaningful steps toward prevention, resilience, and healing.

🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The role of ultra-processed foods and sleep deprivation in rising youth mental health concerns

• The surprising spiritual protection factor in preventing adolescent depression

• The latest CDC and NIH youth suicide statistics and risk factors

• When to seek a therapist vs. a psychiatrist

• Strategies for recognizing early signs of mental distress in kids and teens

• Why spiritual alignment between parent and child matters more than previously thought

📊 Featured Stats & Insights:

• Youth suicidality rose sharply from 2007 to 2021. Suicide attempts in high schoolers increased from 6.9% to 10.1%, with Black youth at 1.57x higher risk than white peers.

• Ultra-processed foods make up 67% of daily calories for American youth (NHANES 2021).

• Adolescents with strong spirituality are up to 75% less likely to experience depression and 80% less likely to develop substance abuse.

• Studies show suicide risk increases within 0–3 days of air pollution spikes (PM exposure).

🧭 Therapist vs. Psychiatrist: What’s the Difference? Role Training & Focus Best For Therapist Talk-based support, non-MD Ongoing emotional support, trauma recovery Psychiatrist MD, can prescribe medications Severe mental health disorders, evaluation, medication   📥 Helpful Resources:

• AACAP Clinical Update on Behavioral Health: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2022.06.001

• CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS): https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/index.htm

• NIH Study on Pollution & Suicide: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33736135/

• Spirituality & Mental Health Study Summary: “A child was 5x less likely to experience depression when sharing spirituality with their mother.”

• NHANES Dietary Report: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes/index.htm

🗣️ Call to Action:

Have a question about your child’s mental health? Want to share your story? DM us or email at [email protected]. We’re listening. 💬

🎧 Follow The Hosts:

• Dr. Keisha Davis, M.D. (Host) https://drkeishadavis.komi.io https://themedicalcollective.komi.io

• Dr. Atoosa Kourosh, M.D. (Co-Host) Instagram: @holisticallergyimmunology Website: https://www.doctoratoosa.com

• Dr. Amelia Villagomez, M.D. (Guest Co-Host – Child & Adolescent Psychiatry)                      https://findmindful.com/ 

In this solo episode, host Dr. Keisha Davis, a triple board-certified pathologist, breaks down how cancers are diagnosed — and why things aren’t always as straightforward as they seem.

With headlines swirling around President Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis, Dr. Davis brings clarity to what Gleason scores actually mean, the difference between cancer grading and staging, and how a patient’s outcome depends not just on biology but also on access, screening guidelines, and physician discretion.

She takes listeners inside the world of pathology — explaining how cancers are caught (or missed) through tissue biopsies, tumor markers, imaging, and more. From prostate cancer to soft tissue tumors to blood cancers, this episode is a crash course in understanding the nuance behind every lab report.

Plus: Updates on FDA policy shifts, COVID vaccine guidance, and the status of bird flu testing.

Host Dr. Keisha Davis, M.D. Triple board-certified pathologist & fitness professional https://drkeishadavis.komi.io

News Updates Covered in This Episode:

• Biden’s prostate cancer: Gleason score confusion and metastatic risk in older men

• FDA will not recommend updated COVID vaccine formulation for fall 2025

• Delays in bird flu reporting and testing protocols raise concerns

• Latest product recalls including eye care and food contamination

Resources Mentioned:

• Cancer screening guidelines: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/screening

• FDA recalls database: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts

• CDC cancer basics: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/about/

Subscribe to The Medical Collective Podcast https://themedicalcollective.komi.io

 

In this thoughtful episode of The Medical Collective, we explore how medicine is more than science — it’s an art. Dr. Keisha Davis is joined by Dr. Atoosa Kourosh, Dr. Leslie-Ann Williams, and Dr. Sharon Smith for a powerful roundtable on how clinical care often requires creativity, intuition, and human connection.

 

They share real-life examples of “off-script” medicine: when guidelines aren’t enough and physicians must adapt based on patient needs, resource limitations, or cultural factors. In the second half of the show, the doctors reflect on how the arts — from music to dance to visual storytelling — play a vital role in both healing patients and protecting physician mental health.

 

We also cover the latest headlines:

 

• Massive recall of contaminated eye care products
• Listeria alert in prepackaged chicken
• A small prostate nodule found in President Biden
• FDA’s decision to ban certain fluoride prescription products
• FDA’s approval of at-home cervical screening kits

 

 

 

 

Meet Your Hosts & Panelists:

 

• Dr. Keisha Davis, M.D. – Board-certified Pathologist, Fitness Trainer, Public Speaker Website: https://drkeishadavis.komi.io Email: [email protected]
• Dr. Sharon Smith, M.D. – Board-certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Aesthetic Specialist Website: https://sharonsmithmd.com Email: [email protected]
• Dr. Atoosa Kourosh, M.D., MPH – Board-certified Pediatrician, Allergist, Integrative Medicine Expert Website: https://www.doctoratoosa.com
• Dr. Leslie-Ann Williams, M.D. – Board-certified Internist & Pediatrician, Visual Artist Website: https://www.artbydrleslieann.com/

 

Resources Mentioned:

• https://www.artbydrleslieann.com/Eye Drop Recall (Health.com): https://www.health.com/eye-care-product-recall-11733182
• Listeria Chicken Alert (Wicked Local): https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/lifestyle/food/2025/05/14/ready-to-eat-chicken-public-health-alert-listeria/83622290007
• Biden Prostate Nodule (ABC News): https://abcnews.go.com/US/small-nodule-found-joe-bidens-prostate-recent-physical/story?id=121743026
• FDA Fluoride Ban (NPR): https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/05/13/g-s1-66476/fda-fluoride-prescription-ingestible-treatments
• At-Home Cervical Cancer Screening Approval (Apple News): https://apple.news/AgDOCfyDIQeu__0R0eZowMw

 

In this powerful episode of The Medical Collective, Dr. Keisha Davis and Dr. Sharon Smith host a timely discussion for Black Maternal Health Week, joined by two incredible guest physicians: Dr. Cynthia Wesley and Dr. Nikki Rowan. Together, they explore the ongoing maternal health crisis affecting Black women in America, personal stories from the frontline, and how to rebuild trust while advocating for better outcomes.

We cover:

• Shocking statistics about Black maternal health disparities.

• The trust gap between patients and the healthcare system — and how to bridge it.

• Personal experiences as Black women physicians and patients.

• Fun and unexpected facts about maternal health.

• Concrete changes needed in healthcare education, practice, and policy.

• How listeners can advocate, support, and navigate their own healthcare journeys.

Plus, we reflect on heartbreaking recent news, including the celebrity death from amniotic fluid embolism, the rising measles cases tied to airports, and the ongoing challenges inside the CDC after major staff changes.

Meet Your Hosts:

• Dr. Keisha Davis, M.D. – Board-certified Pathologist, Fitness Trainer, Public Speaker Website: https://drkeishadavis.komi.io/ Email: [email protected]

• Dr. Sharon Smith, M.D. – Board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Aesthetic Specialist Website: https://sharonsmithmd.com Email: [email protected]

Special Guests:

• Dr. Cynthia Wesley (Dr. Cyn) – Board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcynobgyn?igsh=MTZrMmFqOGpyandqMg== Website: https://www.beautybelowmd.com/

• Dr. Nikki Rowan, M.D. – Board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikki_rowan?igsh=MXNrY3B6Mmo4ZnNlaA==

Resources:

• Black Mamas Matter Alliance: https://blackmamasmatter.org

• CDC Black Maternal Health Data: https://www.cdc.gov/hearher/blackmaternalhealth/index.html

• March of Dimes Maternal Care Report Card: https://www.marchofdimes.org/perinatal-data-center

• Amniotic Fluid Embolism Foundation: https://www.afesupport.org

• CDC Measles Updates: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreaks.html

• Latest on CDC Layoffs and Rebuilding: https://www.statnews.com/2024/04/10/cdc-layoffs-budget-vaccine-pandemic