Stanford Medcast: Expert Voices in Medicine and Healthcare

AI companions are reshaping adolescence at a rapid pace, changing how teens connect, cope, and access support. In this conversation with Nina Vasan, MD MBA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University, we explore the promise and the pitfalls of AI in youth mental health: what’s helping, what’s worrisome, and when reliance may become concerning. Dr. Vasan shares practical cli...

Many physicians feel confined by traditional career path, but medicine is evolving, and so are the possibilities. Join Dr. Naomi Lawrence-Reid, pediatrician and founder of Doctoring Differently, as she shares how she reimagined her career to create greater flexibility, autonomy, and fulfillment. Through her journey across diverse roles, from telemedicine to advisory work, Dr. Lawrence-Reid offers a fresh perspective on practicing m...

Autism is a spectrum with unique stories for every child. In this episode, Dr. Grace Gengoux, PhD, Clinical Professor, Director of the Autism Intervention Clinic, and Well-being Director at Stanford University, guides us through the latest science behind autism, from diagnosis to everyday care. Learn how clinicians explain autism in clear, evidence-based terms, how families can access essential services, and practical strategies to...

Nursing is at a pivotal moment and bold leadership is shaping what comes next. Join Dale E. Beatty, DNP, RN, Chief Nurse Executive and Senior Vice President at Stanford Health Care, for a candid conversation on the future of nursing practice and education. Drawing from his experience leading system-wide transformation, Dr. Beatty reflects on workforce challenges, the evolving role of nurse leaders, and what it truly takes to build ...

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how clinicians think and care for patients. In our conversation with Jonathan Chen, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine and Biomedical Data Science at Stanford University, he shares how AI has enhanced his own clinical work and the practical steps that foster trust and adoption among clinicians. The discussion goes beyond technology to explore the emotional dimensions of care, address bias,...

In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the intersection of technology and medicine is paving the way for groundbreaking advancements. Join us for a conversation with Dr. Jessica Mega, a Cardiologist at Stanford and a pioneer in precision health. Dr. Mega shares her insights on the transformative potential of precision medicine and artificial intelligence in diagnostics, as well as the challenges that lie ahead. Discover how in...

In an era where technology has the potential to transform healthcare, many digital health tools remain underutilized. Join us for a conversation with Dr. Kalie Dove-Maguire, an emergency medicine physician at UCSF and a pioneering health-tech innovator. Together, we will explore the challenges of integrating AI into clinical workflows, particularly in high-stakes environments like emergency medicine. Discover how emerging technolog...

Menopause is a significant phase in a woman's life, yet it is often surrounded by misconceptions and misinformation. Join our conversation with Dr. Karen Adams, Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Stanford University, as she unpacks the complexities of menopause and hormone therapy. Discover the impact of the Women’s Health Initiative and how it shaped the conversation around hormone use, leading to a dramatic ...

Pediatric obesity and metabolic syndrome are rising at alarming rates, yet misconceptions and outdated approaches often leave children without timely, effective treatment. In this episode, Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford reframes obesity as a chronic brain-mediated disease, discusses the latest evidence on early intervention, GLP-1 therapies, and bariatric surgery in youth, and addresses weight bias, disparities in access, and systemic po...

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, s...

Gene editing is revolutionizing medicine, and Dr. Matthew Porteus, Professor of Pediatrics at Stanford University School of Medicine, is at the forefront of this transformation. Join us for a conversation with Dr. Porteus as he shares his insights on CRISPR technology and its potential to personalize therapies for rare genetic conditions, including sickle cell disease. Discover how this groundbreaking tool not only identifies the r...

The microbiome is emerging as a key player in the effectiveness of CAR-T therapy, and today, Dr. Melody Smith, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Stanford University, sheds light on this fascinating intersection. Join us as we explore how advancements in CAR T-cell therapy are reshaping patient demographics and treatment approaches. Dr. Smith will discuss the implications of genetic engineering techniques like CRISPR, the importanc...

Skin longevity is more than just a trend; it’s a vital aspect of overall health. Join Dr. Zakia Rahman, Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Stanford University, as she shares her insights on the evolving field of dermatology. Discover the transformative role of lasers in dermatologic patient care and the importance of education in promoting equity and safety. We'll discuss the latest advancements in treating common dermatolo...

Perinatal mental health is often overlooked, yet it plays a crucial role in the well-being of families during a vulnerable time. Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Celeste Poe, Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University, as we delve into the hidden challenges faced by parents during the perinatal period. Explore the emotional complexities of NICU journeys...

Virtual environments are transforming the landscape of clinical care, and Dr. Walter Greenleaf, Research & Innovations Director at the Stanford Medical Mixed Reality Center, is at the forefront of this revolution. In our engaging conversation, Dr. Greenleaf reveals how immersive technologies can enhance cognitive and emotional well-being, ultimately promoting healthier behaviors in patients. We delve into the powerful roles of ...

Nutrition is fundamental to healthcare, yet it is often overlooked and surrounded by misinformation. Join us for an engaging conversation with Deedra Geniesse, MS, RDN, Director of Clinical Nutrition at Stanford Health Care, as we explore the evolving landscape of nutrition. Discover how physical examinations enhance our understanding of nutritional status. We’ll discuss the essential roles dietitians play in critical care an...

Pediatric epilepsy is a complex condition that affects countless children, but advancements in treatment are paving the way for brighter futures. Join us as Dr. Juliet Knowles, Assistant Professor of Neurology at Stanford University, sheds light on the multifaceted nature of epilepsy in children. In this enlightening discussion, we’ll explore the critical differences between seizures and epilepsy, the profound impact of early...

In a world where healthcare disparities persist, innovative solutions are essential. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Elizabeth Oyekan, PharmD, Chief Pharmacy Officer at Stanford Healthcare and Stanford Healthcare Tri-Valley. Dr. Oyekan shares her vision for enhancing population health in underserved communities through a groundbreaking care model. Discover how she leads with a focus on education, community engagement...

In a world where effective health communication is more crucial than ever, storytelling emerges as a powerful tool. Join us for a conversation with Dr. Maya Adam, Director of Health Media Innovation and Clinical Associate Professor at Stanford School of Medicine. Dr. Adam reveals how weaving narratives into health education can transform complex messages into accessible messages. Discover how innovative storytelling is not only res...