In this timely episode of The Smartest Doctor in the Room, Dr. Dean Mitchell interviews Dr. Catharina Giudice, an emergency room physician and fellow at the Center for Climate, Health, and Global Environment at Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health. As wildfires ravage cities like Los Angeles and floods sweep through the Southeastern U.S., these 2 doctors (and concerned citizens) bring awareness to the wide-reaching impacts of climate change.

Dr. Giudice shares her insights on the alarming connection between climate-related disasters and our well-being. From the respiratory dangers posed by fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), to the rising mental health crisis sparked by devastating loss and displacement, this episode uncovers the myriad ways climate change manifests within and without.
Dr. Mitchell and Dr. Giudice grapple with tough questions, including how we can respond to climate change denial, the vulnerability of children and pregnant women, and the importance of proactive measures for community resilience.

From health care providers to everyday citizens, everyone has a role to play in addressing the climate crisis. The time to act is now—join us in the fight for a healthier planet!

Interested in Americares' Climate Resilience for Frontline Clinics Toolkit? Visit this website: https://www.americares.org/what-we-do/community-health/climate-resilient-health-clinics/#toolkit

Don't forget to subscribe for more episodes that explore critical issues shaping our world today!

In light of the recent challenges faced by Los Angeles, we begin with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the efforts and resilience of its residents and a thanks to Dr. Pimentel for taking the time to join us despite it all.

In the first episode of the New Year, host Dr. Dean Mitchell welcomes back the esteemed Dr. Mark Pimentel, a leading gastroenterologist from UCLA, to explore the critical role of the gut microbiome in overall health. As we dive into this fascinating discussion, we’ll uncover why taking care of your gut is essential—not just for digestion but also for immune function and even aging.

We start by addressing popular misconceptions about "good" and "bad" bacteria. Dr. Pimentel explains the importance of diversity in the microbiome and its significant impact on our overall health.

Throughout the episode, we tackle pressing questions: Can the microbiome truly predict our health and longevity? How do lifestyle factors, including diet and stress, influence gut health? And what role do emerging therapies, such as probiotics and fecal transplants, play in maintaining a healthy microbiome?

Listeners seeking a deeper understanding of their gut health will leave this episode armed with valuable insights and practical takeaways. Join us for this engaging conversation that not only highlights groundbreaking research but also sheds light on how we can all take proactive steps toward better health.

Be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review to support our growing community!

In this enlightening episode of the Smarter Dr. in the Room podcast, host Dr. Dean Mitchell sits down with thoracic surgeon Dr. Matthew Inra from the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Northwell Hospital. Together, they unravel the often misunderstood symptom of shortness of breath—a common experience that can signal a variety of underlying issues beyond just lung problems.

Shortness of breath is a common symptom, but its causes can be unexpected. Join Dr. Dean Mitchell as he talks with Dr. Matthew Inra, a renowned thoracic surgeon, about uncovering hidden reasons behind breathing difficulties. From rare conditions like tracheobronchomalacia to advances in robotic surgery and lung cancer treatments, this episode dives into fascinating medical cases and cutting-edge technologies shaping thoracic surgery. 

Whether you’re curious about uncommon diagnoses or the future of surgical innovations, this discussion offers insights for both medical professionals and health enthusiasts. Don't miss the story that highlights why differential diagnosis is key to saving lives.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) hides in plain sight, leaving countless patients struggling with chronic pain and dislocations while searching for answers. In this captivating episode, Dr. Dean Mitchell interviews Dr. Bernadette Riley, a leading expert in EDS, to shine a light on this complex and often misunderstood condition. Learn about its mysterious link to mast cell activation, the challenges of hypermobility, and the innovative treatments transforming lives. Discover how Dr. Riley's pioneering approach at the NYIT EDS Hypermobility Center blends personalized care with hope for future breakthroughs, including biomarkers and specialized therapies. This is more than a podcast—it’s a lifeline for patients and an eye-opener for listeners eager to understand a condition that changes everything.

Why does your stomach hurt after meals? Could it be something serious, or is it just stress? In this enlightening episode of The Smartest Doctor in the Room, Dr. Dean Mitchell sits down with Dr. Doug Adler, a renowned gastroenterologist and expert in complex GI cases, to uncover the mysteries of chronic abdominal pain. They discuss common yet misdiagnosed conditions, cutting-edge diagnostic techniques, and why second opinions could save lives. Whether you're curious about pancreatic health, liver detox myths, or the latest advancements in GI treatments, this episode is packed with vital insights for anyone seeking answers about their digestive health.

Join us for an enlightening episode of "The Smartest Doctor in the Room" as we delve into the perplexing world of chronic sinusitis with our special guest, Dr. Aria Jafari, an assistant professor of Otolaryngology at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Chronic sinusitis is one of the most common chronic medical conditions, yet remains shrouded in mystery, often baffling even specialists.


In this episode, Dr. Jafari and host Dr. Dean Mitchell explore the nuanced differences between acute and chronic sinusitis, revealing how these conditions affect individuals' quality of life on multiple levels. More intriguingly, they discuss groundbreaking research suggesting that chronic sinusitis may have profound effects on cognitive function, leading to issues such as "brain fog" and decreased processing speed.
 

From the intricacies of nasal anatomy to the far-reaching implications of inflammation on the brain, this episode emphasizes the importance of understanding the full spectrum of chronic sinusitis symptoms. We'll also cover practical management strategies, highlight the role of antibiotics, and discuss how to approach treatment plans that consider both sinus and cognitive health.


Whether you're a healthcare professional or someone affected by sinus issues, this episode will provide valuable insights into a condition often overlooked in its complexity. Tune in to learn how to navigate chronic sinusitis effectively and gain a deeper understanding of its impacts—beyond just the physical symptoms.

Dive into the intense world of NYC's emergency response with veteran paramedic Anthony Almogero, author of Riding the Lightning. From life-or-death calls and grueling realities of COVID-19 to the overlooked struggles and resilience of EMS workers, Anthony shares raw stories that highlight both the courage and challenges faced by paramedics. Discover what truly happens behind the sirens and the sacrifices that keep our communities safe. An essential listen for anyone who wants an insider look into the frontline of emergency care and the unsung heroes who provide it.

In this episode of The Smartest Doctor in the Room, host Dr. Dean Mitchell explores the world of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) with the renowned Dr. Saoud Sadiq, director of the Tisch Multiple Sclerosis Research Center in Manhattan. MS is a diagnosis that can strike fear, particularly in young women in their 20s and 30s. Together, Dr. Mitchell and Dr. Sadiq delve into the evolution of MS treatments, from the limited options of the past to the groundbreaking therapies available today.

Dr. Sadiq shares his inspiring journey from Kenya to becoming a leader in MS research and unpacks the complexities of MS, including its pathology, symptoms, and the interplay between immune cells. They discuss whether MS is hereditary, what triggers its onset, the role of the microbiome, and how state-of-the-art diagnostic tools have revolutionized patient care.

This episode provides a wealth of knowledge and hope for anyone affected by MS or interested in understanding it better.

Key Takeaways:

• Common symptoms and early signs of MS.
• The difference between relapsing-remitting and primary progressive MS.
• Current and emerging MS treatments, including breakthroughs in stem cell therapy.
• The role of the immune system and lifestyle factors in managing MS.
• How patient-doctor relationships can impact long-term care.

Don’t miss this enlightening discussion that bridges medical complexity with the human experience. Whether you’re seeking answers, inspiration, or the latest insights, this episode delivers it all. Tune in now!

In this special episode of The Smartest Doctor in the Room, we welcome back Dr. Dana Cohen, a leading functional medicine expert and our very first guest from five years ago. Dr. Cohen discusses her new book, Fuel Up, co-authored with Colin Sapphire, founder of Nutribullet. Together, they explore the transformative power of smoothies in reducing ultra-processed foods and boosting nutrition in a simple, enjoyable way. From practical smoothie recipes to insights on hydration and essential nutrients, this conversation dives into sustainable approaches for health without restrictive diets. Tune in to learn how Fuel Up can help make nutritious living accessible, delicious, and enjoyable!

In this episode of The Smartest Doctor in the Room, Dr. Dean Mitchell is joined by Dr. Theoharis Theoharides, a leading expert on Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). They uncover the hidden power of mast cells—cells once thought to only trigger allergies but now linked to long COVID, chronic fatigue, neurological symptoms, and more. From surprising triggers like stress and foods to the latest treatment options, they dive deep into the fascinating science and practical solutions for those dealing with complex, chronic symptoms. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking answers to elusive health challenges.