Infant Feeding, Early Habits & Childhood Obesity: What Parents Need to Know
Release Date: 11/25/2025
AI, HER2-Low, and the Future of Precision Oncology
MD Newsline
In this episode of MD Newsline, Dr Frederick Howard, breast oncologist at the University of Chicago and leader of a research group focused on AI-driven biomarker development, explores the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in breast cancer care. Dr. Howard provides a comprehensive overview of how AI is being integrated into oncology—from radiographic imaging and digital pathology to clinical decision support and language models. He discusses both the promise and the practical challenges of deploying AI tools in real-world workflows, including validation standards, regulatory...
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Late-Stage Breast Cancer Diagnosis Among Black Women in the Mid-South
MD Newsline
In this episode of MD Newsline, Dr. Janeane N. Anderson, Assistant Professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and breast cancer researcher, shares insights from the ACCESS Study—an innovative qualitative research initiative focused on understanding why Black women in the Mid-South region are disproportionately diagnosed with advanced-stage breast cancer. Dr. Anderson discusses structural barriers, community-based recruitment strategies, and the importance of centering lived experiences in oncology research. She also highlights the critical need for equitable research...
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Understanding Cancer Disparities, Mistrust, and Access to Care
MD Newsline
In this episode of MD Newsline, Dr. Jordonna Brown, a medical oncologist at Kings County Hospital in New York City, shares her frontline experience caring for patients in a safety-net hospital setting. Speaking from the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS), Dr. Brown discusses cancer disparities, late-stage presentation, mistrust in the healthcare system, and the evolving landscape of breast cancer treatment. She offers a candid look at the social determinants of health shaping patient outcomes—from delayed screening and misconceptions about chemotherapy to barriers in long-term...
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Inflammation and Resistance in MDS & AML: Targeting the JAK-STAT Axis
MD Newsline
In this episode of MD Newsline, Dr. Theodoros Karantanos, Assistant Professor of Medical Oncology at the Johns Hopkins University Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, discusses the emerging role of inflammatory signaling in high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Dr. Karantanos shares insights from his laboratory research exploring how inflammatory pathways—particularly interferon gamma and JAK-STAT signaling—contribute to treatment resistance, including resistance to venetoclax. He also highlights the impact of TP53 mutations, bone marrow microenvironment...
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Host Factors in Immunotherapy: How Sex, Aging, and Lifestyle Shape Cancer Outcomes
MD Newsline
In this episode of MD Newsline, Dr. Marco Ruella, Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and Scientific Director of the Lymphoma Program, joins us from the American Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting to discuss a paradigm-shifting topic: host factors in cancer immunotherapy. Dr. Ruella explores how biological sex, aging, chronic inflammation, obesity, exercise, and the microbiome influence responses to therapies such as checkpoint inhibitors and CAR T-cell therapy. The conversation highlights emerging data, translational research, and the growing need to...
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What’s Next for CAR-T Cells? In Vivo Design, Toxicity, and Persistence
MD Newsline
In this episode of MD Newsline, Dr. Dejah Blake, a fifth-year PhD candidate at Emory University, joins us from the American Society of Hematology (ASH) conference to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of CAR T-cell therapy. Dejah shares insights into engineering next-generation CAR T cells, improving accessibility through in vivo manufacturing, and addressing diversity gaps in clinical research. From armored CARs to gene editing and humanized mouse models, this conversation explores how innovation and equity must move forward together in advancing cancer immunotherapy. Episode...
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The Psychology of Prevention: Behavioral Strategies for Better Health Outcomes
MD Newsline
In this episode of MD Newsline, behavioral scientist Dr. Josh Klapow, registered dietitian Kim Shapira, and health advocate Sishman Rimpson explore the powerful connection between psychology, nutrition, and long-term health outcomes. Together, they unpack how behavioral patterns, mindset, and sustainable lifestyle changes influence chronic disease prevention and patient adherence. The discussion highlights the real-world challenges patients face when attempting to modify diet, physical activity, and stress management—and how healthcare professionals can better support lasting change...
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Beyond Statins: Modern Cholesterol Care, Risk Assessment, and the Future of Lipid Therapy
MD Newsline
In this episode of MD Newsline, Dr. Amber Johnson, Assistant Professor of Medicine and General Cardiologist at the University of Chicago, provides an in-depth look at modern cholesterol management and cardiovascular risk reduction. She discusses evolving lipid guidelines, aggressive LDL-C targets, statin intolerance, and the growing role of non-statin therapies. Dr. Johnson also explores emerging research on lipoprotein(a), hypertriglyceridemia, and future directions in lipid-lowering treatment. Episode Highlights Evolving Cholesterol Management and ASCVD Risk Dr. Johnson explains how...
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Man Enough to Feel: Breaking the Stigma Around Men’s Mental Health
MD Newsline
In this episode of MD Newsline, a distinguished panel of physicians, mental health leaders, former professional athletes, and performance coaches come together for a powerful discussion on men’s mental health, vulnerability, and emotional wellbeing. The conversation explores how traditional definitions of masculinity impact mental health, performance, relationships, and help-seeking behaviors—and why redefining strength is critical for future generations. Panelists include Dr. Mike Banna, Dominique Easley, Jason Sousa, Dr. Nate Evans Jr., and Dr. Pete Thomas, each bringing unique...
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Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease: Biomarkers and Early Detection
MD Newsline
In this episode of MD Newsline, Dr. Rudolph J. Castellani, a neuropathologist and Director of the Division of Neuropathology at Northwestern University, offers a deep dive into the biology, diagnosis, and ongoing controversies surrounding Alzheimer’s disease. He explores how Alzheimer’s is defined clinically and pathologically, the evolving role of biomarkers in early detection, and why modifying biomarkers has not yet translated into meaningful clinical improvement for patients. Dr. Castellani also discusses the promise and limitations of artificial intelligence, personalized medicine,...
info_outlineIn 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 discusses the importance of infant feeding patterns, maternal diabetes and stress, and access to nutrition in determining early weight trajectories. Her insights reveal that addressing obesity begins before birth, and that family education and community-based interventions are key to prevention.
Episode Highlights:Understanding Childhood and Infant Obesity Dr. Averhart explains that while "infant obesity" isn't technically defined, early feeding habits play a crucial role in a child's risk for obesity. Factors such as maternal health during pregnancy, feeding type, and cultural feeding practices all influence growth and metabolic outcomes.
The Role of Feeding Practices and Culture From breastfeeding and formula feeding to early solid food introduction, Dr. Averhart emphasizes how cultural norms and parental beliefs shape feeding behavior. Introducing solid foods too early—especially high-sugar or fried foods—can increase obesity risk later in life.
Environmental and Socioeconomic Factors She discusses how food deserts, limited access to fresh produce, and economic barriers make it difficult for many families to follow nutritional guidelines. Dr. Averhart highlights programs like WIC and SNAP that can provide critical nutritional support.
Maternal Health and Stress Dr. Averhart outlines how maternal obesity, diabetes, and stress can biologically influence a child's future weight and metabolism through hormonal pathways like cortisol. She also connects maternal mental health to early childhood nutrition and caregiving quality.
The Rise of Pediatric Comorbidities She notes an alarming increase in fatty liver disease, hypertension, and prediabetes among children—conditions once rare in pediatrics. These comorbidities disproportionately affect Black and Hispanic children and those from low-income households.
Emerging Treatments and Future Research Dr. Averhart discusses the growing field of pediatric obesity treatment, including the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists (like semaglutide) in adolescents. However, she stresses that compassion, education, and prevention remain the most effective strategies.
Key Takeaway Dr. Averhart calls on healthcare providers to approach obesity with empathy and understanding, recognizing it as a chronic, relapsing condition. She encourages clinicians to combine medical management, cultural awareness, and community engagement to support children and families most at risk.
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