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What if the real promise of AI in medicine isn't to replace the human touch, but to give it back? In this episode of Smart Medicine, Dr. Scott Sigman sits down with Matthew Ko, co-founder and CEO of DeepScribe, to discuss how ambient AI is helping to shape the way physicians document and deliver care. Matt's journey didn't begin in a boardroom. It started in an oncology exam room, sitting beside his mother as her translator during her breast cancer treatment. When she asked him one day why she was being treated like she was already dead, it sparked a mission that has grown into nearly a decade of work. Together, they explore how Ambient AI has evolved from a documentation tool into a full clinical operating system that supports physicians before, during, and after every visit. They dig into real use cases in oncology and orthopedics, and unpack what it means to protect the word care in healthcare.

The role of the physician is changing, and the time to react is now. In this episode of Smart Medicine, Dr. Scott Sigman sits down with Dr. Michael Suk, orthopedic surgeon and one of medicine's most versatile leaders, to explore what it really takes to build a meaningful physician career today. Together, they walk through the past, present, and future of the role of the doctor. Starting with the past, Dr. Suk shares what he saw in healthcare long ago that shaped the unconventional path that led him to both an MBA and a JD. Moving to the present, Dr. Suk offers his perspective on the rise of physician side hustles, the fight over Medicare reimbursement, and why doctors need a seat at the table when integrating AI and healthcare. Finally, they turn to the future and MD Envoy, Dr. Suk's passion project and first-of-its-kind physician agency modeled after sports agents, along with what will help tomorrow's doctors thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Ask any surgeon what's wrong with the hospital system, and you'll get an earful. Ask what to do about it, and the room gets quiet. Well, except in this episode. Dr. Scott Sigman sits down with Dr. Khawar Siddique, board-certified neurosurgeon and founding partner of DOCS Health, to unpack how he built a uniquely designed physician-led practice. Frustrated by the patient and surgeon experience inside major hospital systems, Dr. Siddique set out to design something different: a vertically integrated ecosystem that owns every touchpoint, from the office and imaging to the surgery center, hospital, and real estate. Together, they explore how to use technology to support the patient experience, why culture is non-negotiable, and what it really takes to build without private equity or institutional backing. Dr. Siddique also shares an open invitation to physicians ready to reimagine private practice, plus a candid lesson in leadership on the cost of compromising your principles. If you're a physician with an entrepreneurial itch, this episode is your roadmap.

For ninety years, the name we gave one of the most common conditions in women's health pointed everyone in the wrong direction. In this episode of Smart Medicine, Dr. Scott Sigman sits down with Dr. Melanie Cree, a pediatric endocrinologist, who helped lead the international effort to rename polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). Dr. Cree explains the condition at its core, why the old framing left most patients undiagnosed, and shares early data on GLP-1s that points to a new path forward. She also has a direct message for frontline clinicians that not only impacts the women affected by this condition but the healthcare system at large.  If you want to understand where women's health is headed, start here.

Peptides are flooding social media, locker rooms, and doctors' offices, but is the research actually keeping pace?  In this season three premiere of Smart Medicine, Dr. Scott Sigman sits down with Dr. James Voos, orthopedic surgeon and NFL team physician for the Cleveland Browns, for a myth-busting conversation on sports medicine's most hyped trend. Dr. Voos breaks down what peptides are and why the buzz around these injectables has run far ahead of the clinical evidence. He shares what his own research team uncovered when they went searching for data on peptide BPC-157's performance; what they discovered created more questions than answers. Dr. Voos closes with his verdict and a clear answer on where patients and athletes should really be directing their attention while the peptide research rolls in.

Healthcare has long talked about putting patients at the center. But what if the real future of medicine asks something more? In this season finale of Smart Medicine, Dr. Scott Sigman sits down with Susannah Fox, anthropologist, and former Chief Technology Officer at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to explore what she calls the patient-led revolution. Drawing on years of research into how patients and caregivers use technology, data, and community to solve problems, Susannah offers a powerful framework for understanding how innovation is often driven from the ground up.  From rare disease communities and peer-to-peer health networks to diabetes device innovation, this conversation reveals what becomes possible when patients are seen not just as recipients of care, but as partners in shaping its future. If smart medicine is about better outcomes, this episode makes the case that listening to patients may be one of the smartest moves of all.

Medicine has always been a team sport. But in an era of information overload, growing subspecialization, and rapidly evolving AI tools, one big question remains: how do doctors get the right knowledge, from the right experts, at the right time? In this episode of Smart Medicine, Dr. Scott Sigman sits down with Dr. Rohan Ramakrishna, an award-winning neurosurgeon, surgical neuro-oncologist, and co-founder of Roon, to explore the future of physician collaboration. Together, they unpack the real dangers of medical misinformation, the limitations of one-size-fits-all AI, and why trusted, doctor-to-doctor knowledge-sharing may be one of the most important opportunities in modern care. Dr. Ramakrishna also shares how Roon evolved from a patient education platform into a space where physicians can exchange ideas, pressure-test their thinking, and learn across specialties.  If the future of medicine is smarter, it may be because great clinicians are no longer thinking alone. Disclaimer: The products, platforms, and services mentioned in this episode are for informational purposes only. Their inclusion does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or affiliation by Veradigm. Veradigm is not responsible for the accuracy, content, or availability of any third-party products or services discussed. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own evaluation before making any decisions based on the information presented. For more information about Veradigm solutions, visit veradigm.com

What if one of the most effective ways to improve the bottom line… is simply being more compassionate? In this episode of Smart Medicine, Dr. Scott Sigman sits down with Dr. Anthony Mazzarelli—Co-President and Co-CEO of Cooper University Health Care—who makes a bold case for what he calls Compassionomics: the idea that compassion isn’t just good medicine; it’s measurable, scalable, and tied to outcomes leaders care about. And when it comes to the “how,” Dr. Mazzarelli argues it’s the right technology that can unlock more human care. From “big AI” to “little AI,” as he calls it, investing in the tools and the training that free up clinician time is the ingredient he’s seen transform care at scale, and it could do the same for your organization. So if innovation and compassionate patient care are topics you care about, Dr. Mazzarelli is a leader you’ll want to hear from.

Do you have your finger on the pulse of what’s happening in cardiac care? If not, this episode is the perfect place to catch up. Dr. Scott Sigman is joined by Dr. Mintu Turakhia, a cardiologist, technologist, and industry innovator at the forefront of digital health. Together, they explore how cardiac care has evolved from bulky Holter monitors to consumer wearables and how these innovations are scaling.  As Chief Medical and Scientific Officer at iRhythm, Dr. Turakhia shares how smarter wearable technology and refined workflows are improving patient experience while giving physicians clearer, more actionable data. The conversation also digs into the realities of AI in medicine and the importance of meaningful physician review. If you want to understand what’s truly at the heart of modern cardiac technology, start the episode.

Menopause has long been treated as something to get through. But what if it’s actually something we need to get right? In this episode of Smart Medicine, Dr. Scott Sigman sits down with orthopedic surgeon, longevity expert, and women’s health advocate Dr. Vonda Wright to explore what’s actually happening during perimenopause and menopause. Together, Dr. Sigman and Dr. Wright explore why women’s midlife pain is so often dismissed, and how strength training, movement, and mindset are essential tools for aging with power. They also tackle the complicated history of hormone replacement therapy and the changes on the horizon. Whether you’re a clinician, a partner, or curious about the future of women’s health, this episode offers a smarter way forward.

How do we recover from life itself? Longevity science has captured the spotlight, with everyone searching for the next breakthrough to help us live longer and healthier.  In this episode of Smart Medicine, Dr. Scott Sigman sits down with Dr. Reza Jazayeri, a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, to explore how the biology of surgical recovery offers a powerful window into longevity. Surgery, as Dr. Jazayeri explains, is one of the most intense metabolic stress tests the human body will ever face. What happens during that stress reveals exactly what the body needs to stay resilient as we age. The conversation connects cutting-edge research, bone health, and metabolic resilience to the future of longevity medicine.  Whether you’re a clinician, an athlete, or simply someone who wants to age well, this episode offers a science-backed blueprint for recovery, resilience, and longevity.

Physicians have always relied on reputation — but today, that reputation begins online, in a world of ones and zeros. In this episode of Smart Medicine, Dr. Scott Sigman sits down with physician, speaker, and founder of KevinMD, Dr. Kevin Pho, one of the earliest and most influential champions of physician branding. Dr. Pho shares his approach to storytelling, how to build an authentic digital presence, and what to do if you’re a doctor who feels hesitant about putting your voice into the world. Together, they explore how online branding isn’t just a business tool for your practice, but when done right, strengthens the doctor–patient relationship, cuts through misinformation, and rebuilds trust. So if you’re ready to pick up the pen and rewrite your narrative, hit play.

Ever wonder what those darn robots are up to in healthcare? Dr. Scott Sigman finds out! In this episode, he sits down with Dr. Catherine Mohr, President of the Intuitive Foundation and leading voice in the future of surgical robotics. Together, they discuss how robots are reshaping the operating room and what that means for the future of care. Dr. Mohr shares how robotics are driving global health equity, the evolution of early robotic systems, and which technologies are on the horizon. Synergy is the name of the game as Dr. Mohr explains why collaboration enhances precision and skill, highlighting the improved outcomes that emerge when technology and medicine work hand in hand. From training the next generation of surgeons to performing procedures across oceans, this is your behind-the-scalpel look at the future of surgery. And of course, Dr. Sigman asks the million-dollar question: Will humanoid robots ever take over the OR? You’ll have to tune in to find out.

From Hollywood headlines to hospital hallways, the world’s sudden fascination with GLP-1s makes it hard to separate fact from fiction. In this episode, Dr. Scott Sigman sits down with Dr. Robert Kushner, a pioneer in obesity medicine, professor at Northwestern University, and founding figure of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. Together, they trace the unlikely origins of the GLP-1 revolution and explore how decades of research led to medications transforming weight management, metabolic health, and even heart and brain outcomes. They unpack the myths, the mechanisms, and the real impact behind these breakthrough therapies, and don’t shy away from the harder questions around access, affordability. Tune in to discover why the future of obesity care isn’t just about losing weight, it’s about gaining understanding.

What if your calling went beyond caring for patients to caring for the entire system that serves them? In this episode of Smart Medicine, Dr. Scott Sigman sits down with Secretary David Shulkin, former U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), for an inside look at what it takes to lead change in one of the nation’s largest healthcare networks. From his early days as a practicing physician to his time shaping national policy, Secretary Shulkin shares how curiosity and courage guided him through both public service and private innovation. Together, they explore what Secretary Shulkin learned from his time leading the VA, and most importantly, what those lessons mean for the system at large. Get ready to go from the exam room to the White House, in this rare, unfiltered conversation about leadership, purpose, and the future of medicine.