MD Newsline
In this episode of MD Newsline, Dr. Dillon Bannis, an OB-GYN practitioner based in the South Side of Chicago, shares his insights on the evolving challenges and innovations in obstetric and gynecological care. Dr. Bannis explores how listening, collaboration, and technology are reshaping the patient experience—from prenatal care and delivery practices to addressing health disparities and integrating AI into medicine.
With a strong emphasis on patient-centered communication, interdisciplinary col
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In this episode of MD Newsline, Dr. Wanda Averhart, a general pediatrician and obesity medicine specialist, explores the complex causes and lifelong impacts of childhood obesity, emphasizing how early feeding practices, maternal health, and social disparities shape children's long-term outcomes.
Dr. Averhart provides a comprehensive look at how environmental, cultural, and biological factors contribute to rising obesity rates among children—especially in underrepresented communities. She discuss
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In this episode of MD Newsline, Dr. Shaina A. Rozell, a hematologist-oncologist at Affiliate Oncology in Chicago, Illinois, explores the rapidly advancing field of multiple myeloma treatment. She discusses how quadruplet therapies, MRD monitoring, and novel immunotherapies like bispecific antibodies and CAR-T are transforming outcomes for patients. Dr. Rozell also examines disparities in access to care, the growing role of community practices in clinical trials, and the balance between extending survival
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In this episode of MD Newsline, Dr. Tonia L. Farmer, a board-certified otolaryngologist and head & neck surgeon, discusses the gaps in ENT care, the growing impact of HPV-related cancers, and the importance of education and early detection in improving outcomes—particularly for underserved communities. Drawing from years of practice, Dr. Farmer explores how social, behavioral, and environmental factors shape ENT health and shares insights on emerging research and technologies revolutionizing the field.
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In this episode of MD Newsline, Dr. Christopher Kaisa, Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition at the University of Chicago Medicine, provides an in-depth discussion on Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH) and the evolving strategies for its management. He explains the latest non-invasive diagnostic tools, pharmacologic advancements, and the importance of multidisciplinary care in improving outcomes for patients with metabolic liver
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In this episode of MD Newsline, Dr. Rachael Sood, a diabetes nurse practitioner and certified diabetes care and education specialist from New Orleans, Louisiana, shares her insights from the 85th American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions. As the founder of The Diabetes Collective, Dr. Sood discusses the evolution of diabetology—a specialized field focused solely on the identification, treatment, and management of diabetes across all patient populations.
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In this episode of MD Newsline, Dr. Martin Kaiser, Consultant Hematologist at the Royal Marsden Hospital and Professor of Hematology at the Institute of Cancer Research, London, discusses groundbreaking advances in the diagnosis and management of high-risk multiple myeloma. Drawing insights from the OptiMUM trial and related studies, Dr. Kaiser explores how genetic profiling, long-term treatment intensity, and personalized approaches are transforming patient outcomes. He also examines the challenges of t
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In this episode of MD Newsline, Dr. Mark R. Litzow, Professor of Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, discusses the groundbreaking findings from the ECOG-ACRIN E1910 trial and the evolving role of immunotherapy in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). He explores how real-world evidence complements clinical trials, the challenges of standardizing measurable residual disease (MRD) testing, and the future of personalized treatment strategies in hematologic malignancies.
Dr. Litzow shares deep
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In this episode of MD Newsline, Dr. Sassan Mirfakhraee, adult endocrinologist and associate professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, shares groundbreaking insights into the management of adrenal insufficiency. At the Endocrine 2025 conference, Dr. Mirfakhraee presented his research on utilizing insulin pumps to deliver hydrocortisone—an innovative off-label approach that is showing promising results for patients who remain symptomatic on oral therapy.
He explains how thi
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In this episode of MD Newsline, we welcome Dr. Emily Zboril, a PhD candidate at Virginia Commonwealth University, to discuss her groundbreaking research on ER-positive breast cancer with bone metastasis. Emily sheds light on the unique challenges of treating this condition, the role of the bone microenvironment, and how novel therapies like lazophoxifene may change the landscape of care.
She explains how endocrine therapies currently used to block estrogen signaling often worsen bone fragility, leading t
info_outlineIn this episode of MD Newsline, Dr. Janelle Duah, a specialist in internal medicine, obesity, and lifestyle medicine, discusses the evolving understanding of obesity as a chronic disease rather than a personal failing. She explains the neurobiological, physiological, psychological, and environmental factors that contribute to weight gain, highlighting why traditional methods of diet and exercise alone often fail. Dr. Duah also explores the latest FDA-approved weight loss medications, the impact of gut microbiome on obesity, and how personalized treatment plans can lead to better patient outcomes. Episode Highlights:
Understanding Obesity as a Chronic DiseaseObesity is no longer seen as simply a result of poor diet and lack of exercise. It is now recognized as a chronic, relapsing disease influenced by genetics, hormones, gut microbiome, and environmental factors. The brain's hypothalamus regulates body weight through a set point that is affected by external inputs such as food quality, stress levels, medications, and even media exposure. This obesogenic environment makes weight management more complex than ever.
The Gut Microbiome's Role in Weight RegulationDr. Duah explains how gut bacteria composition differs between individuals with obesity and those with normal weight, influencing metabolism, inflammation, and energy storage. Research has even explored fecal microbiota transplants as a potential intervention, though diet and lifestyle adjustments remain key in optimizing gut health. She highlights the importance of fiber intake, reducing inflammatory foods, and supporting beneficial gut bacteria for effective weight management.
Treatment Options: Medications and BeyondThe landscape of obesity treatment has expanded significantly, with FDA-approved medications proving to be effective alternatives to surgery. GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide), have revolutionized obesity management by helping patients lose 15–40% of their body weight while also benefiting metabolic health. Dr. Duah discusses the benefits and limitations of weight loss medications, including their impact on hormones, cognitive function, and inflammation-related conditions like PCOS and perimenopause.
The Future of Obesity TreatmentLooking ahead, Dr. Duah envisions a future where obesity is fully recognized as a medical condition, leading to greater insurance coverage for effective treatments. She hopes to see fewer weight-related comorbidities, reduced stigma, and better education for both patients and healthcare providers. She also emphasizes the importance of personalized medicine in tailoring treatments to each individual's genetics, lifestyle, and health goals. Key TakeawayObesity is a chronic disease influenced by genetics, hormones, gut health, and environmental factors—not just diet and exercise. New treatments, including GLP-1 medications, offer effective weight management solutions. Greater awareness, personalized care, and improved access to treatments can help reduce obesity-related health risks.
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Connect with Dr. Janelle Duah: Yale School of Medicine
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