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April 8, 2025 49 mins

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Carr McClain, a seasoned cardiovascular surgeon who has seen the human toll of failed drug policy in the ER as well as the OR. He helps us connect the dots between drug policy and the health of everyday people who pay the price.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • Dr. McClain’s early experiences as a medical school graduate, encountering the violence tied to the underground drug market as he worked in one of the busiest Emergency Rooms in the US.
  • How the criminalization of drugs has led to contamination, causing long-term damage to people's heart valves that he encounters in the Operating Room today.
  • The challenges we face with the botanical kratom, and how it presents an opportunity to get things right when it comes to public health.

About Dr. Carr McClain: Dr. McClain is a cardiovascular surgeon, father of six, and husband to Pam. When he's not in the operating room, you can find him cheering on his alma mater, Duke University, where he studied before completing medical school at the University of Virginia, a residency at VCU, and a fellowship at the University of Florida.

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