In today's health care system, medical care often begins after people are already in pain — but research shows that medical treatment accounts for only a small fraction of what actually determines health.

In Part One of this multi-part conversation, The Exam Room welcomes Dr. Mary O'Connor, orthopedic surgeon, former Mayo Clinic and Yale faculty member, and co-founder of innovative health organizations focused on movement, prevention, and equity.

Dr. O'Connor explains why she believes we don't have a "health care system," but rather a sick care system, and why wellness and prevention must move beyond exam rooms and into communities. Together, we explore how individual behavior, social determinants of health, and access to culturally responsive support shape outcomes, particularly for underserved populations.

This episode lays the foundation for understanding why behavior change is so difficult, why traditional care models often fall short, and how community-based approaches can unlock healthier futures, not just for individuals, but for entire families and neighborhoods.

🎙️ This is Part One of a continuing series on prevention, behavior change, and community-driven health.