For millions of people, walking into a doctor's office can be incredibly difficult. If you've experienced physical abuse, sexual assault, or medical trauma, the exam room may feel like one of the most vulnerable and triggering places to be. The fear of being harmed, dismissed, misunderstood, or not believed can be powerful enough to keep you from seeking care. But avoiding appointments can lead to missed screenings, undiagnosed conditions, and health problems that worsen over time. We spoke with Bayo Curry-Winchell, MD, MS, nationally recognized health advocate and founder of Clinicians Who Care, about practical, empowering ways to advocate for yourself during medical visits. Learn why you're always allowed to ask questions before an exam, request that your provider explain each step, pause or stop an exam at any time, and seek a second opinion. Plus, discover how preparing a few notes before your appointment can help you become an active partner in your care.This episode includes discussion of medical trauma and sexual assault. Some listeners may find this content difficult or triggering. Please take care while listening, and consider reaching out for support if needed. Credits  Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers Guest: Bayo Curry-Winchell, MD, MS See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While we often hear about triggers in everyday conversation, what does it really mean to be "triggered"? Why do certain people or situations spark such intense emotional reactions? And what's actually happening in your brain and body in those moments? We sat down again with Lia Love Avellino, LCSW, modern love therapist and community organizer, to unpack what triggers are, why they happen, and how to reframe them with curiosity instead of judgment. She shares practical techniques to regulate your nervous system, shift from asking "What's wrong with me?" to "What's happening for me right now?," and strengthen your relationships through deeper self-awareness and genuine human connection. Learn how to respond with intention – even when every instinct tells you to react. Credits  Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers Guest: Lia Love Avellino, LCSW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indolent systemic mastocytosis (ISM) is a rare form of systemic mastocytosis (SM) caused by an abnormal buildup of mast cells throughout the body. What causes ISM, and how is it diagnosed? In this episode, we speak with Aaron Gerds, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine in Hematology and Medical Oncology at the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Institute, about the signs and symptoms of ISM, the diagnostic process, and how ISM differs from other forms of systemic mastocytosis. We also hear from Candice Pauley, an ISM patient and co-host of the Mast Cast Pod, who shares her journey to diagnosis, her experience living with the disease, and the challenges of navigating a rare condition. Credits  Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Producer/Editor: Matt Stillo Show Notes: Lauren Summers Guests: Aaron Gerds, MD; Candice Pauley See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Egg freezing is often talked about, but what does the process actually involve? What can fertility tests really tell you? And should you be thinking about it in your 20s or 30s? We spoke with Temeka Zore, MD, a double board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and OB-GYN, about what egg freezing is, who may benefit, what the two-week process looks like, the costs involved, and common myths that keep people from exploring their options. Whether you're simply curious or feeling pressure about your biological clock, this judgment-free conversation will help you better understand your fertility and make informed decisions on your own timeline. Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers Guest: Temeka Zore, MD See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many people, their 40s bring subtle but significant health shifts. The habits that once worked may no longer deliver the same results, and between careers, caregiving, and family responsibilities, personal wellness often takes a back seat. In this episode, we cut through the noise of social media health hacks and wellness trends to focus on what truly matters: nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management. We spoke with Susan Hardwick-Smith, MD, founder of the Complete Midlife Wellness Center in Houston, about building a strong foundation for long-term health, creating wellness goals with your future self in mind, and why prioritizing your own well-being is one of the most important investments you can make. Credits  Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers Guest: Susan Hardwick-Smith, MD See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Epidemiology is the study of how and why diseases affect different groups of people, and what the science increasingly shows is that preventing disease and preserving health are deeply connected. In this episode, we focus on endometrial cancer, a disease where many risk factors are within our control. We speak with Immaculata De Vivo, PhD, professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, about how lifestyle factors like movement, nutrition, stress management, and social connection can influence our biology and long-term health. We also explore the biological impact of chronic stress in cancers like endometrial cancer and discuss how listeners can feel more informed, empowered, and proactive during healthcare visits. Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers Guest: Immaculata De Vivo, PhD See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States and the fourth most common cancer affecting women. One of its most important warning signs – abnormal vaginal bleeding or spotting – is something many women experience and may dismiss. While survival rates exceed 95%, both overall incidence and mortality rates are rising. In this episode, we speak with Ursula A. Matulonis, MD, chief of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, about the symptoms of endometrial cancer, the role family history plays in risk, and the lifestyle habits that may help lower your chances of developing the disease. Credits  Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers Guest: Ursula A. Matulonis, MD See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vaping, the act of inhaling an aerosol created by an electronic cigarette or vape, has been on the rise among youth. According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, between 2020 and 2024, the share of current users who vaped every day increased from 15.4% to 28.8%. The vaping and nicotine products available to young people today are not the cigarettes we were warned about growing up. They can create a real compulsion in a young brain after just a handful of exposures. To break down the dangers of vaping, we spoke to Frank T. Leone, MD, MS, director of University of Pennsylvania’s Comprehensive Smoking Treatment Program, about the real health risks of vaping – how it’s not just water vapor – and the dangers of synthetic nicotine, how parents can meet their child with curiosity, not adversity, in talking to them about vaping, and real evidence-based tools available to help you or your child navigate this problem together. Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers Guest: Frank T. Leone, MD, MS See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When someone you love is in the hospital, the experience can feel overwhelming – filled with unfamiliar faces, complex medical terms, and fast-moving decisions. In this episode, we speak with Ashley Williams, BSN, RN, registered nurse at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, about how patient advocates and clinical coordinators help guide patients through their care journey. From understanding treatment plans and coordinating second opinions to knowing who to call with questions, these professionals can make a difficult time feel more manageable. We also hear from Lauren LaTourette, LCSW, APHSW-C, clinical social worker at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, who shares insight into working with your healthcare team during complex medical situations. If you or a loved one is facing a serious diagnosis, this episode offers guidance on building support and navigating care with confidence. Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers Guests: Ashley Williams, BSN, RN; Lauren LaTourette, LCSW, APHSW-C See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects millions of men – about half of those in their 50s, with prevalence increasing by decade. Yet sexual health is often left out of routine care, not for lack of importance, but because it can feel difficult to discuss. Speaking up matters: ED is frequently an early sign of underlying health conditions. In this episode, board-certified urologist Ashley Winter, MD, explains what’s happening in the body, how lifestyle factors influence ED, and the full range of treatment options. She also addresses the emotional and relational impact of ED – and how individuals and couples can navigate it together with openness and support. Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers Guest: Ashley Winter, MD See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.