July 15, 2025 • 12 mins
In an era defined by rapid innovation, the intersection of human-centered medicine and technology is more crucial than ever. Join our host, Dr. Ruth Adewuya, as she reflects on the transformative discussions from season five, where we explored the profound implications of AI, perinatal mental health, climate change, and precision therapeutics. This season has highlighted the path toward more personalized and equitable healthcare, showcasing groundbreaking science and the need for a compassionate approach in medicine. Tune in for an insightful recap that highlights the pivotal moments and ideas that are shaping the future of healthcare.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:01):
(gentle music)
- Welcome to "Stanford Medcast,"
the podcast from Stanford CME
that brings you the latest insights
from the world's leadingphysicians and scientists.
I am your host, Dr. Ruth Adewuya.
Today's episode is a little different.
(00:22):
This is our season five recap,
a season of 21 powerful episodes
filled with cutting-edge science,
transformative breakthroughs,
and the deeply human stories
that remind us why we do what we do.
It's been a privilegeto have conversations
with some of the brightestminds in medicine,
people who are redefiningwhat's possible in healthcare.
(00:44):
From AI to perinatal mental health,
from climate change toprecision therapeutics,
we've covered a lot this season,
so whether you're tuningin for the first time
or you've been with us all along,
join me as we revisit the key themes
that resonated throughoutthese conversations,
the rapid rise of technologyand care delivery,
(01:05):
the urgent need for morepersonalized and equitable care,
and the unwavering commitment to patients
at the center of it all.
Let's dive in.
This season reminded us thatmedicine never stands still.
Across specialties, ourguests echoed a common vision:
care that is more precise,
(01:26):
more connected, and more accessible.
One of the most strikingthrough lines was how innovation
and technology are reshaping medicine,
not just incrementally, but profoundly.
Dr. Maya Adam, who directshealth media innovation
at Stanford, talked about the power
and the peril of digital platforms.
She compared them to ahammer, a tool that can build
(01:49):
or harm depending on how we wield it.
She shared how her teamuses animated storytelling
on platforms like YouTube
to make complex healthtopics more relatable
and accessible to global audiences.
That's the potential of technology
when it's used with intention.
(02:10):
Dr. Walter Greenleaf,pioneer in digital health,
builds on this idea with his work
in virtual and extended reality.
These tools are now used inclinical settings for PTSD,
anxiety, even chronic pain,offering immersive environments
that influence brain functionand promote adherence.
(02:32):
In an oncology, Dr. Natalie Louie shared
how AI is transforminglung cancer screening,
detecting nodules andassessing risk more precisely
than ever, but it doesn't stop there.
As she explained, AI canalso help prioritize patients
at highest risk, guiding follow-up
and improving care pathways.
(02:52):
Dr. Sanjeev Narayan is usingcomputational models and AI
to predict arrhythmiaoutcomes and guide treatment.
He emphasized how wearabledevices, like smart watches,
are becoming powerfultools for early detection
of irregular rhythms,encouraging patients to seek care
before symptoms escalate.
Dr. Daldra Blank broughtus back to imaging,
(03:14):
sharing her breakthroughwork in pediatric oncology
using iron oxide nanoparticles.
These allow for high-resolution scans
without radiation exposure,opening new possibilities
in both diagnostics and treatment.
But it wasn't just about innovation,
it was also about personalization.
(03:34):
Drs. Fauzia Riaz and Jean Baughtalked about the evolution
of breast cancer care,
how molecular profilingcan now inform decisions
about chemotherapy.
In some cases, patientscan avoid it entirely.
In pediatric epilepsy, Dr. Juliet Knowles
spoke about maladaptive myelination
and how we're entering a genomic era,
(03:56):
one where epigeneticshifts might soon guide
personalized care beforeseizures even begin.
These aren't marginal improvements.
This is a paradigm shift.
From AI to gene editing,we're seeing medicine evolve
into something deeply personalized,
targeted, and preventative.
It's science at its most human.
(04:19):
But amid all of this progress,
our guests also didn'tshy away from hard truths.
Many reminded us that innovation
without equity leaves people behind.
Across nearly every episode,
we saw that health equityisn't a side issue.
It's the issue.
Dr. Zakia Raman revealedhow dermatology training
(04:39):
often overlooks richly pigmented skin.
The result?
Delayed diagnoses, highermortality rate for melanoma,
and gaps in care.
She's advocating for morediverse clinical images,
better training, and equitable application
of new technologies like lasers.
In cardiology, Dr. KevinAlexander highlighted
(05:01):
how transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis
disproportionatelyaffects African Americans.
Genetics play a role, butso do structural barriers,
and he's leading efforts
for earlier community-based screening
and trust building inunderserved populations.
In pediatric oncology, Dr. Melody Smith
and Dr. Crystal Mackall spoke candidly
(05:24):
about the lack of incentivesfor developing drugs
for rare pediatric cancers.
As Dr. Mackall asked,how do we build models
that center need and not just profit?
Dr. Catherine Bianco underscoredhow racial disparities
in maternal health result inlife or death consequences.
Bias, access gaps, andunderrepresentation in research
(05:46):
all contribute to persistent inequities.
And in lung cancer care,we heard that only 16%
of eligible Californians are screened
due in part to narrow criteria,lack of trial diversity,
and systemic barriers liketransportation and insurance.
So what do we do? Our guestspointed to many paths forward.
(06:06):
Telehealth, diversifyingthe healthcare workforce,
policy reform and paid family leave.
As they reminded us, innovationshould never widen the gap.
It should close it.
(gentle music)
Dr. Lisa Patel framed climate change
as a health equity issue,
(06:27):
highlighting how wildfiresmoke, extreme heat,
and poor environmental conditionsincreased risks of asthma,
dehydration, and even preterm birth.
She called for a socialdeterminants of health approach
that includes upstream solutions,
from air quality to housing,to protect children's health.
(06:47):
These stories make it clear
that achieving health equityisn't one intervention.
It's an ongoing effort,clinical, cultural, and systemic.
(gentle music)
Let's take a closer look
at some of the most excitingbreakthroughs this season.
Dr. Melody Smith isadvancing CAR-T cell therapy
(07:09):
to target more cancers,including solid tumors.
Her lab is also exploring
how the gut microbiome affects outcomes,
revealing that evenpre-treatment antibiotics
can increase neurotoxicity.
Dr. Crystal Mackall showed us how GD2 CARs
are showing promise inpediatric brain tumors,
a field that's long lackedeffective treatments.
(07:30):
The nanoparticles that Dr.Daldra Blank spoke about
are not just diagnostic,they're theranostic,
targeting tumors and delivering medication
with extraordinary precision.
And Dr. Louie emphasizedhow low-dose CT scans
are transforming lung cancer screening
and how AI and blood-based tests
could expand access even further.
(07:52):
Drs. Narayan and Wongexplained how wearables
and pulse field ablation areimproving arrhythmia treatment.
Meanwhile, Dr. Alexander'swork on non-invasive testing
and gene editing couldoffer curative solutions
for cardiac amyloidosis.
Dr. Walter Greenleaf sharedhow VR is helping patients
with PTSD and addiction recovery
(08:12):
using future self avatars
to encourage behaviorchange and adherence.
Both Dr. Riaz and Dr. Baughemphasized the importance
of tailoring treatment plans
to each patient's stageof life, preferences,
and logistical needs,
highlighting the broaderchallenges young patients may face
when navigating newly diagnosed cancer.
And in dermatology, Dr.Raman reframed the field
(08:35):
as one of vitality, not vanity,
emphasizing lifelong skin health
and the importance of sun protection
and retinoids across the lifespan.
But it's not just about thetechnology or treatment,
it's about people.
Dr. Celeste Poe remindedus that the NICU families
face not only fragile health outcomes,
(08:56):
but also trauma and emotional overload,
and called for structural supports
like mental health services
and more inclusive family accommodations.
She also called out theinvisibility fathers
and partners often feel, and the need
for inclusive trauma-informedperinatal systems.
Clair Kuriakose, Stanford'sChief Advanced Practice Officer,
(09:17):
shared how AAPs are improving access
and leading care teams,
while also navigating burnoutand workforce shortages.
Her leadership is helping shape
a sustainable, digitallyliterate workforce.
Deidre Genesee, who'sthe Stanford's Director
of Clinical Nutrition, called attention
to changes in dietician credentialing
that could worsen accessjust as demand is rising.
(09:40):
Her team is advocating forrecognition and support
of this critical role in patient care.
Elizabeth Oyekan, Chief Pharmacy Officer
for Stanford Healthcare,shared a leadership framework
grounded in purpose,accountability, and humanity.
Her message is that youdon't need a title to lead,
but you do need courage, clarity,
and the willingness to raise your hand.
(10:02):
(gentle music)
So what's next?
Our guests offered glimpses
of an integrated, data-driven,team-based future.
Dr. Sanjeev Narayan spokeabout viewing disease
not as isolated conditions,
but as complex syndromes across systems,
(10:23):
powered by continuous data
and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Dr. Lisa Patel left ushopeful for a new generation
of clinicians, one fluentin health, climate,
equity, and systems change.
Others urged us to stay curious,
try the technology, read the literature,
and follow our passions,
(10:43):
because curiosity iswhere real change begins.
And at the center of it all, the patient,
their voice, their values, their vision.
Whether it's parentsreclaiming agency in the NICU,
young adults navigatingfertility decisions,
or individuals livingwith chronic illness,
our conversations this season reinforce
(11:06):
that medicine is a partnership,
one where innovation must serve humanity.
Our experts reminded us
that clinicians are not just caregivers,
we are advocates forclimate-conscious policies,
for underrepresented voices,for re-imagining systems
that too often fall short.
(11:27):
So as we move forward,let's do so with intention,
with integrity, andwith a shared commitment
to bold innovation, deep compassion,
and equitable care for all.
Thank you for joiningme for the season recap
of "Stanford Medcast."
This season has been a testamentto the power of curiosity,
collaboration, and shared knowledge.
(11:48):
To our incredible guests, thank you.
And to our listeners, thank you
for being a part of this journey.
Subscribe to "Stanford Medcast"
wherever you listen to podcasts.
We'll see you next seasonwith more stories, science,
and the voices shapingthe future of medicine.
(gentle music)
(gentle music)
- Welcome to "Stanford Medcast,"
the podcast from Stanford CME
that brings you the latest insights
from the world's leadingphysicians and scientists.
I am your host, Dr. Ruth Adewuya.
Today's episode is a little different.
(00:22):
This is our season five recap,
a season of 21 powerful episodes
filled with cutting-edge science,
transformative breakthroughs,
and the deeply human stories
that remind us why we do what we do.
It's been a privilegeto have conversations
with some of the brightestminds in medicine,
people who are redefiningwhat's possible in healthcare.
(00:44):
From AI to perinatal mental health,
from climate change toprecision therapeutics,
we've covered a lot this season,
so whether you're tuningin for the first time
or you've been with us all along,
join me as we revisit the key themes
that resonated throughoutthese conversations,
the rapid rise of technologyand care delivery,
(01:05):
the urgent need for morepersonalized and equitable care,
and the unwavering commitment to patients
at the center of it all.
Let's dive in.
This season reminded us thatmedicine never stands still.
Across specialties, ourguests echoed a common vision:
care that is more precise,
(01:26):
more connected, and more accessible.
One of the most strikingthrough lines was how innovation
and technology are reshaping medicine,
not just incrementally, but profoundly.
Dr. Maya Adam, who directshealth media innovation
at Stanford, talked about the power
and the peril of digital platforms.
She compared them to ahammer, a tool that can build
(01:49):
or harm depending on how we wield it.
She shared how her teamuses animated storytelling
on platforms like YouTube
to make complex healthtopics more relatable
and accessible to global audiences.
That's the potential of technology
when it's used with intention.
(02:10):
Dr. Walter Greenleaf,pioneer in digital health,
builds on this idea with his work
in virtual and extended reality.
These tools are now used inclinical settings for PTSD,
anxiety, even chronic pain,offering immersive environments
that influence brain functionand promote adherence.
(02:32):
In an oncology, Dr. Natalie Louie shared
how AI is transforminglung cancer screening,
detecting nodules andassessing risk more precisely
than ever, but it doesn't stop there.
As she explained, AI canalso help prioritize patients
at highest risk, guiding follow-up
and improving care pathways.
(02:52):
Dr. Sanjeev Narayan is usingcomputational models and AI
to predict arrhythmiaoutcomes and guide treatment.
He emphasized how wearabledevices, like smart watches,
are becoming powerfultools for early detection
of irregular rhythms,encouraging patients to seek care
before symptoms escalate.
Dr. Daldra Blank broughtus back to imaging,
(03:14):
sharing her breakthroughwork in pediatric oncology
using iron oxide nanoparticles.
These allow for high-resolution scans
without radiation exposure,opening new possibilities
in both diagnostics and treatment.
But it wasn't just about innovation,
it was also about personalization.
(03:34):
Drs. Fauzia Riaz and Jean Baughtalked about the evolution
of breast cancer care,
how molecular profilingcan now inform decisions
about chemotherapy.
In some cases, patientscan avoid it entirely.
In pediatric epilepsy, Dr. Juliet Knowles
spoke about maladaptive myelination
and how we're entering a genomic era,
(03:56):
one where epigeneticshifts might soon guide
personalized care beforeseizures even begin.
These aren't marginal improvements.
This is a paradigm shift.
From AI to gene editing,we're seeing medicine evolve
into something deeply personalized,
targeted, and preventative.
It's science at its most human.
(04:19):
But amid all of this progress,
our guests also didn'tshy away from hard truths.
Many reminded us that innovation
without equity leaves people behind.
Across nearly every episode,
we saw that health equityisn't a side issue.
It's the issue.
Dr. Zakia Raman revealedhow dermatology training
(04:39):
often overlooks richly pigmented skin.
The result?
Delayed diagnoses, highermortality rate for melanoma,
and gaps in care.
She's advocating for morediverse clinical images,
better training, and equitable application
of new technologies like lasers.
In cardiology, Dr. KevinAlexander highlighted
(05:01):
how transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis
disproportionatelyaffects African Americans.
Genetics play a role, butso do structural barriers,
and he's leading efforts
for earlier community-based screening
and trust building inunderserved populations.
In pediatric oncology, Dr. Melody Smith
and Dr. Crystal Mackall spoke candidly
(05:24):
about the lack of incentivesfor developing drugs
for rare pediatric cancers.
As Dr. Mackall asked,how do we build models
that center need and not just profit?
Dr. Catherine Bianco underscoredhow racial disparities
in maternal health result inlife or death consequences.
Bias, access gaps, andunderrepresentation in research
(05:46):
all contribute to persistent inequities.
And in lung cancer care,we heard that only 16%
of eligible Californians are screened
due in part to narrow criteria,lack of trial diversity,
and systemic barriers liketransportation and insurance.
So what do we do? Our guestspointed to many paths forward.
(06:06):
Telehealth, diversifyingthe healthcare workforce,
policy reform and paid family leave.
As they reminded us, innovationshould never widen the gap.
It should close it.
(gentle music)
Dr. Lisa Patel framed climate change
as a health equity issue,
(06:27):
highlighting how wildfiresmoke, extreme heat,
and poor environmental conditionsincreased risks of asthma,
dehydration, and even preterm birth.
She called for a socialdeterminants of health approach
that includes upstream solutions,
from air quality to housing,to protect children's health.
(06:47):
These stories make it clear
that achieving health equityisn't one intervention.
It's an ongoing effort,clinical, cultural, and systemic.
(gentle music)
Let's take a closer look
at some of the most excitingbreakthroughs this season.
Dr. Melody Smith isadvancing CAR-T cell therapy
(07:09):
to target more cancers,including solid tumors.
Her lab is also exploring
how the gut microbiome affects outcomes,
revealing that evenpre-treatment antibiotics
can increase neurotoxicity.
Dr. Crystal Mackall showed us how GD2 CARs
are showing promise inpediatric brain tumors,
a field that's long lackedeffective treatments.
(07:30):
The nanoparticles that Dr.Daldra Blank spoke about
are not just diagnostic,they're theranostic,
targeting tumors and delivering medication
with extraordinary precision.
And Dr. Louie emphasizedhow low-dose CT scans
are transforming lung cancer screening
and how AI and blood-based tests
could expand access even further.
(07:52):
Drs. Narayan and Wongexplained how wearables
and pulse field ablation areimproving arrhythmia treatment.
Meanwhile, Dr. Alexander'swork on non-invasive testing
and gene editing couldoffer curative solutions
for cardiac amyloidosis.
Dr. Walter Greenleaf sharedhow VR is helping patients
with PTSD and addiction recovery
(08:12):
using future self avatars
to encourage behaviorchange and adherence.
Both Dr. Riaz and Dr. Baughemphasized the importance
of tailoring treatment plans
to each patient's stageof life, preferences,
and logistical needs,
highlighting the broaderchallenges young patients may face
when navigating newly diagnosed cancer.
And in dermatology, Dr.Raman reframed the field
(08:35):
as one of vitality, not vanity,
emphasizing lifelong skin health
and the importance of sun protection
and retinoids across the lifespan.
But it's not just about thetechnology or treatment,
it's about people.
Dr. Celeste Poe remindedus that the NICU families
face not only fragile health outcomes,
(08:56):
but also trauma and emotional overload,
and called for structural supports
like mental health services
and more inclusive family accommodations.
She also called out theinvisibility fathers
and partners often feel, and the need
for inclusive trauma-informedperinatal systems.
Clair Kuriakose, Stanford'sChief Advanced Practice Officer,
(09:17):
shared how AAPs are improving access
and leading care teams,
while also navigating burnoutand workforce shortages.
Her leadership is helping shape
a sustainable, digitallyliterate workforce.
Deidre Genesee, who'sthe Stanford's Director
of Clinical Nutrition, called attention
to changes in dietician credentialing
that could worsen accessjust as demand is rising.
(09:40):
Her team is advocating forrecognition and support
of this critical role in patient care.
Elizabeth Oyekan, Chief Pharmacy Officer
for Stanford Healthcare,shared a leadership framework
grounded in purpose,accountability, and humanity.
Her message is that youdon't need a title to lead,
but you do need courage, clarity,
and the willingness to raise your hand.
(10:02):
(gentle music)
So what's next?
Our guests offered glimpses
of an integrated, data-driven,team-based future.
Dr. Sanjeev Narayan spokeabout viewing disease
not as isolated conditions,
but as complex syndromes across systems,
(10:23):
powered by continuous data
and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Dr. Lisa Patel left ushopeful for a new generation
of clinicians, one fluentin health, climate,
equity, and systems change.
Others urged us to stay curious,
try the technology, read the literature,
and follow our passions,
(10:43):
because curiosity iswhere real change begins.
And at the center of it all, the patient,
their voice, their values, their vision.
Whether it's parentsreclaiming agency in the NICU,
young adults navigatingfertility decisions,
or individuals livingwith chronic illness,
our conversations this season reinforce
(11:06):
that medicine is a partnership,
one where innovation must serve humanity.
Our experts reminded us
that clinicians are not just caregivers,
we are advocates forclimate-conscious policies,
for underrepresented voices,for re-imagining systems
that too often fall short.
(11:27):
So as we move forward,let's do so with intention,
with integrity, andwith a shared commitment
to bold innovation, deep compassion,
and equitable care for all.
Thank you for joiningme for the season recap
of "Stanford Medcast."
This season has been a testamentto the power of curiosity,
collaboration, and shared knowledge.
(11:48):
To our incredible guests, thank you.
And to our listeners, thank you
for being a part of this journey.
Subscribe to "Stanford Medcast"
wherever you listen to podcasts.
We'll see you next seasonwith more stories, science,
and the voices shapingthe future of medicine.
(gentle music)
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