In this episode of You Represent Science, Dr. Deb Newitz is joined by her sister-in-law Rachel for a candid conversation about the medical journeys of Rachel's family members over the past two decades, and what those experiences reveal about gaps in modern patient care.

Together they walk through a series of real cases: celiac disease that went undiagnosed for years despite classic symptoms, a young woman repeatedly placed on birth control rather than investigated for the underlying cause of her missing periods, a friend's daughter with a pituitary tumor, a mother-in-law whose memory loss was labeled Alzheimer's before an underlying uterine cancer was found, and the ongoing struggle to get Lyme disease taken seriously and tested for correctly. They also discuss navigating menopause and hormone therapy, and why routine physical exams, more thorough testing, and antibiotic stewardship deserve renewed attention.

Throughout the conversation, a clear theme emerges: the importance of asking why, pushing past a first diagnosis, and refusing to settle for a Band-Aid fix. They close with a broader reflection on patient advocacy, vaccine safety research, and the ongoing efforts to bring these stories to lawmakers and health agencies. It's a personal, wide-ranging episode about what it looks like to keep searching for real answers, even when the system makes that hard to do.

LETS GET SOCIAL:

Deb Newitz: 

In this episode of You Represent Science, Dr. Deb Newitz breaks down the health basics she believes are too often overlooked, from what we eat and how we exercise to alcohol, blood pressure, memory loss, and the importance of getting the right tests.

Dr. Deb shares lessons from years of treating patients, including why seemingly common symptoms can point to conditions like celiac disease, Lyme disease, or influenza, and why getting one negative test doesn’t always mean you’ve ruled something out. She also talks about antibiotic resistance, PCOS, genetic mutations, supplements, and some of the medications and treatments she believes deserve a closer look.

A major theme throughout the episode is patient advocacy. Dr. Deb explains why patients need to be willing to ask questions, understand their results, and push for answers when something doesn’t feel right. It’s a wide-ranging discussion about paying attention to your health, questioning assumptions, and taking a more active role in your own care.

LETS GET SOCIAL:

Deb Newitz: 

In this episode of You Represent Science, Dr. Deb Newitz is joined by epidemiologist Nicolas Hulscher of the McCullough Foundation for an in-depth discussion about current medical research, vaccine safety, and the evolving landscape of public health. Together, they examine published studies, discuss how scientific findings are interpreted, and explore why they believe continued investigation and open dialogue are essential to advancing medicine.

Their conversation covers a wide range of topics, including myocarditis, autopsy research, cancer biology, mRNA technology, laboratory testing, nutritional supplements, and emerging treatment approaches. They also discuss lifestyle factors such as sunlight exposure, vitamin D, nutrition, creatine, and other areas of ongoing research that they believe warrant further exploration.

Deb closes the episode by sharing her perspective on vaccine recommendations for specific populations, physician reimbursement models, and the importance of helping patients make informed healthcare decisions. Whether you're interested in medical research, public health policy, or the questions shaping today's healthcare conversations, this episode offers an in-depth look at the topics Deb believes deserve continued scientific discussion.

LETS GET SOCIAL:

Deb Newitz: 

In this episode of You Represent Science, Dr. Deb Newitz welcomes three very special guests, her children Ryan, Payton, and Dylan, for a lively conversation that puts years of family medical lessons to the test. Through a fast paced quiz filled with friendly competition and plenty of laughs, they revisit the health advice they grew up hearing and reveal just how much of it has stayed with them.

As the game unfolds, the discussion expands far beyond trivia. Together, they explore topics including nutrition, exercise, influenza, Lyme disease, celiac disease, supplements, social media, and the importance of recognizing that many illnesses don't always present with textbook symptoms. Dr. Deb also shares why she believes questioning assumptions, looking beyond standard guidelines, and paying close attention to patient experiences are essential parts of good medicine.

Blending humor, family stories, and thoughtful medical discussion, this episode offers a unique look at how scientific thinking can shape everyday decisions both inside and outside the doctor's office. It's an engaging reminder that some of our most valuable lessons don't just come from classrooms or clinics. Sometimes they begin around the family dinner table.

LETS GET SOCIAL:

Deb Newitz: 

In this episode of You Represent Science, Dr. Deb Newitz is joined by a very special guest, her niece, Lexi, for a conversation that explores one of the biggest forces shaping modern life: social media. As someone who grew up alongside Instagram, TikTok, and the creator economy, Lexi offers a firsthand perspective on how these platforms have influenced confidence, relationships, careers, and mental health.

Together, they unpack the double edged nature of social media. From building a successful startup and creating new career opportunities to the pressures of comparison, influencer culture, and online validation, they examine both the benefits and the unintended consequences of living in a digital world. They also dive into the growing trend of wellness advice online, the rise of self diagnosis, and why critical thinking matters now more than ever.

Blending medical insight with real life experience, Dr. Deb and Lexi have an honest discussion about dopamine, body image, misinformation, cancel culture, and the challenge of finding balance in a world that's always connected. It's a thoughtful conversation that reminds us science isn't just found in research labs. It's found in our everyday experiences and the questions we're willing to ask.

Welcome to You Represent Science, hosted by Dr. Deb Newitz. This week, Deb introduces the philosophy behind the show, explaining why she believes patients deserve a bigger voice in modern medicine and why the phrase "You Represent Science" is at the heart of everything to come.

After an unexpected guest cancellation sparks a conversation about open dialogue in healthcare, Dr. Deb explores a topic she has spent decades observing in clinical practice: the medical conditions that can be mistaken for anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric disorders. From vitamin B12 deficiency and thyroid disease to celiac disease, Lyme disease, menopause, medication side effects, and lifestyle factors, she shares the patterns she's seen and why she believes every patient deserves a thorough evaluation before symptoms are dismissed.

Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this episode is an invitation to ask better questions, advocate for yourself, and remember that good medicine starts with listening.