In Buffalo, we of course love our Buffalo Bills and we're big fans of winter sports, such as hockey and skiing, too. But behind these high-contact activities, there's an important story about player safety and the science of brain health. The NFL reported more than 90 concussions during the 2025 season. Countless more were sustained by athletes at all levels around the world, and that's a cause for concern due to potential long-term damage that can occur from a brain injury.

In this episode, Allison Brashear, MD, MBA is joined by two UB experts whose groundbreaking research is transforming how we diagnose and treat concussions. John J. Leddy, MD, a clinical professor and director of the UB Concussion Management Clinic, is a nationally-recognized leader in evidence-based concussion care. He co-authored the landmark Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test that reshaped global practices by demonstrating that controlled individualized aerobic exercise accelerates recovery. Nadir Haider, MD, PhD, is an assistant professor of orthopedics and director of research for the Interdepartmental
Concussion Research Center. With Dr. Leddy, he co-developed tools like the Buffalo Concussion Bike Test and the March in Place Test.

This episode explores the evolving landscape of medical education and the Jacobs School’s commitment to preparing future physicians through innovation, mentorship, and holistic support. Allison Brashear, MD, MBA hosts a dynamic conversation with Dr. Alan Lesse, associate dean for medical curriculum, and Dr. Jennifer Meka, associate dean for medical education and director of the Medical Education and Educational Research Institute (MEERI). Together, they discuss the school's new Well Beyond curriculum and how the Jacobs School is shaping the next generation of healers through curriculum reform, faculty development and learner-centered approaches.

Artificial intelligence is changing the game in medical research, from modeling molecules to predicting disease risk. This episode of the UB Medicine podcast explores how AI is shaping the future of health care right here in Western New York. Allison Brashear, MD, MBA, hosts a discussion with Thomas Grant, PhD, assistant professor of structural biology, and Vincent Tutino, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, about Empire AI, accelerating drug discovery, and more.