Advertise on podcast: Stanford Medcast: Expert Voices in Medicine and Healthcare

What actually happens in the brain during menopause, and why do some people experience hot flashes, sleep disruption, anxiety, and other symptoms more severely than others? In this episode of Stanford Medcast, host Dr. Ruth Adewuya speaks with menopause researcher and OB-GYN leader Dr. Genevieve Neal-Perry about the neuroscience of menopause and how new discoveries are changing treatment. They explore what happens in the hypothalamus as estrogen levels change, the role of KNDy neurons and neurokinin signaling in hot flashes, and how this research led to targeted nonhormonal treatments for vasomotor symptoms. Dr. Neal-Perry also discusses fezolinetant and other neurokinin receptor antagonists, including how these therapies differ from hormone therapy and why they may expand treatment options for people who cannot or choose not to use hormones. The conversation also examines findings from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN), including differences in the timing, severity, and duration of menopause symptoms across populations. Dr. Neal-Perry explains why menopause may present through symptoms clinicians do not immediately recognize, including sleep problems, anxiety, heart palpitations, and joint pain, and why listening carefully to patients remains essential. From the brain biology behind hot flashes to emerging nonhormonal treatments, this episode explores what clinicians need to know about the evolving science of menopause and how it is reshaping menopause care. Read Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/mfgj27ddw3x6nec5/Transcript_medcast_episode122.pdf  CME Information: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/medcastepisode122 Claim CE: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/Form.aspx?FormID=4179

What happens when prisons become responsible for caring for people with dementia, cancer, disability, and other complex health needs? In this episode of Stanford Medcast, host Dr. Ruth Adewuya speaks with Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist Julieta Martinelli about the growing population of older adults in U.S. prisons and the healthcare challenges that come with aging behind bars. Drawing from her reporting, Martinelli shares the stories of Frank Ross, who was released from prison at age 93 after developing cancer and dementia, and Mechie, who navigated breast cancer diagnosis and treatment while incarcerated. Their experiences reveal the often-unseen realities of healthcare in prison, from incarcerated people serving as caregivers for one another to barriers to accessing timely care, the complexities of compassionate release, and the challenges of maintaining continuity of care after decades of incarceration. The conversation also explores what clinicians can learn from these experiences, including the importance of recognizing trauma, building trust, and understanding the health history a formerly incarcerated patient may carry into the clinical encounter. Read Transcript CME Information: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/medcastepisode121 Claim CE: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/Form.aspx?FormID=4115

Kids aren't little adults — and in pediatric sports medicine, that difference shapes everything. In this episode of Stanford Medcast, host Dr. Ruth Adewuya speaks with Dr. Kevin G. Shea, Chambers-Okamura Endowed Professor of Pediatric Orthopedics and Division Chief of Pediatric Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at Stanford Medicine Children's Health, about caring for athletes whose bones are still growing. Dr. Shea explains why open growth plates make young athletes vulnerable to different injury patterns than adults, why ACL tears, meniscus injuries, and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) are being seen more often and at younger ages, and how year-round, single-sport specialization may be driving overuse injuries. He also shares how multicenter research collaborations like ROCK, PRISM, and SCORE are building prediction tools that help families weigh surgery against nonoperative healing, why criteria-based return-to-sport assessment matters during the high-risk months after surgery, and what should prompt frontline clinicians to refer a young athlete to a specialist. Whether you're a pediatrician, family physician, emergency clinician, physical therapist, athletic trainer, or orthopedic specialist, this conversation offers a practical framework for protecting growing bodies and the long-term musculoskeletal and emotional health of young athletes. Read Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/afkpcckyu8xx4p8c/medcast_episode120.pdf CME Information: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/medcastepisode120 Claim CE: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/Form.aspx?FormID=4000

In this episode of Stanford Medcast, Dr. Geoffrey Tabin discusses the global burden of avoidable blindness and the systems-level barriers that continue to limit access to high-quality eye care worldwide. Drawing on decades of experience building scalable eye care programs in Nepal and Sub-Saharan Africa, Dr. Tabin explores how cost, workforce design, infrastructure, mentorship, and innovation shape the delivery of ophthalmologic care in low-resource settings. The conversation also examines lessons applicable to high-resource healthcare systems, including opportunities to rethink efficiency, sustainability, and equitable access to care. This activity is designed for clinicians and healthcare professionals interested in global health, healthcare delivery, systems innovation, and ophthalmology. Read Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/4m3dcruszi9hcvbc/medcast_episode119.pdf  CME Information: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/medcastepisode119 Claim CE: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/Form.aspx?FormID=3955

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 clinical guidance on what clinicians should watch for as AI becomes an everyday presence in society, helping families navigate the opportunities and challenges of an increasingly AI-enabled world. Read Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/seybvpaiws2kfiuy/medcast_episode118.pdf  CME Information: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/medcastepisode118 Claim CE: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/Form.aspx?FormID=3900

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 medicine in a way that aligns with your values, reduces burnout, and opens new avenues for impact and income. Read Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/jfb7b4incn2u4p2k/medcast_episode117.pdf CME Information: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/medcastepisode117 Claim CE: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/Form.aspx?FormID=3858

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 support both children and caregivers. We also explore genetics, DSM-5 updates, and how to navigate care pathways with confidence and compassion. Read Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/95yi3fcayn9zbk5v/medcast_episode116.docx CME Information: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/medcastepisode116 Claim CE: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/Form.aspx?FormID=3810

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 cultures where care, innovation, and people thrive. This discussion offers a forward-looking perspective on how nursing can move beyond resilience toward redesign—reimagining education, leadership, and mentorship to meet the demands of modern healthcare. Read Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/hne2dtewsdptzyas/medcast_episode115.pdf CME Information: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/medcastepisode115 Claim CE: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/Form.aspx?FormID=3756

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, and outline the safeguards needed to use AI responsibly. We also review AI’s impact on medical education and the evolving hospital landscape for responsible, future-ready AI-enabled care. Join us for a thoughtful exploration of the promise, challenges, and path forward to integrate AI into clinical decision making. Read Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/azksrmc6hatbfdfq/medcast_episode114.pdf CME Information: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/medcastepisode114 Claim CE: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/Form.aspx?FormID=3726

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 interdisciplinary collaboration among engineers, data scientists, and clinicians is driving innovation, and learn about the vital role of precision medicine in preventive care and population health. With a focus on preparing the next generation of clinicians, Dr. Mega offers guiding principles for fostering innovation in health technology. Read Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/syejzt9pgskrrn54/medcast_episode113.pdf CME Information: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/medcastepisode113 Claim CE: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/Form.aspx?FormID=3685

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 technologies, from genomics to wearables, are set to revolutionize clinical decision support and learn practical strategies for fostering a culture of innovation while ensuring patient privacy and data security. Dr. Dove-Maguire will share invaluable lessons on building digital health tools that clinicians can trust and effectively use, paving the way for a more efficient and equitable healthcare future. Read Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/k6uxja8xwqpqsrk2/medcast_episode112.pdf CME Information: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/medcastepisode112 Claim CE: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/Form.aspx?FormID=3651

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 decline in its adoption. Dr. Adams will also address common myths, explore effective non-hormonal treatment options, and share insights on managing symptoms through lifestyle changes. This discussion will provide you with practical tools and a deeper understanding of menopause, helping to demystify this important life transition. Read Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/tv5a6jejhjre5pru/medcast_episode111.pdf CME Information: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/medcastepisode111 Claim CE: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/Form.aspx?FormID=3582

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 policy levers. Listeners will gain practical insights into translating trial data into real-world care, monitoring safety in adolescents, and defining treatment success beyond BMI. Read Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/895hzebsfhwxvd9q/medcast_episode110.pdf CME Information: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/medcastepisode110 Claim CE: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/Form.aspx?FormID=3516

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. Read Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/6k3jbsprp7tdtb22/medcast_episode109.pdf CME Information: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/medcastepisode109 Claim CE: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/Form.aspx?FormID=3439

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 root causes of diseases but also paves the way for innovative treatments. As we discuss the challenges of translating gene editing into clinical practice, Dr. Porteus will highlight the ethical considerations and access issues that shape the future of healthcare. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the promise of CRISPR and its impact on the lives of patients. Read Transcript CME Information: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/medcastepisode108 Claim CE: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/Form.aspx?FormID=3420