This episode originally aired on 12/9/24

Why do some individuals take adversity and turn it into advocacy?

Jenesha Barnett's struggle with multiple sclerosis propelled her to become a powerful voice for healthcare reform and MS awareness. Faced with high medical costs and insurance battles, she channels her experience into legislative advocacy and community support. Through her efforts, Barnett demonstrates the profound impact one person can make.

Learn more about Dr. Eddie Patton HERE.

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Key Takeaways

1. The Ms. Foundation’s support, including providing a laptop, facilitated Jenesha Barnett's ability to work from home and conduct crucial research, enhancing her capacity to manage her MS treatment and life circumstances.

2. Thorough education and research are fundamental for managing multiple sclerosis effectively. Finding a knowledgeable doctor who listens and collaborates on treatment plans is crucial to well-informed and personalized care.

3. Advocacy efforts, including voting and direct communication with legislators, are pivotal in influencing healthcare policies and costs. Barnett emphasizes the importance of voting in all elections to drive systemic changes in healthcare.

4. Positive and proactive support groups, especially online communities, provide essential emotional and psychological support. These communities offer shared experiences and hope, helping individuals cope with the challenges of living with MS.

5. The complexities of insurance policies, including high costs and bureaucratic hurdles like prior authorizations, pose significant challenges to accessing necessary medications. Effective advocacy and proactive communication with insurers are necessary to navigating these obstacles.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Multiple sclerosis: chronic, inflammatory central nervous disease.

03:43 Over 20 treatments available for MS now.

08:04 Trust in experts; your faith guides you.

11:37 Needed work for insurance, avoided financial strain.

15:16 Insurance hurdles and advocacy crucial for medication.

16:26 Medicaid, Medicare, elections matter for healthcare policies.

21:15 Supporting and encouraging in the battle against disease.

24:30 Supportive group offering hope and shared experiences.

27:45 Education and support vital for treatment journey.

28:41 Honesty and faith sustain me through pain.

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This episode originally aired on 2/24/25.

What makes distinguishing between types of dementia crucial for Alzheimer's research and treatment?

With an alarming rise in Alzheimer's cases, early detection through biomarkers and new treatments like amyloid-removing drugs offer hope. Dr. Paul Schultz emphasizes early intervention to tackle cognitive decline effectively. Lifestyle changes further complement these treatments, offering a comprehensive approach to managing the disease.

Learn more about Dr. Eddie Patton HERE.

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Key Takeaways

1. Timely diagnosis is crucial for differentiating between Alzheimer's and other cognitive disorders, as well as for beginning treatment that can slow progression. Early signs of cognitive decline, such as short-term memory issues despite intact long-term memory, should prompt medical evaluation.

2. Identifying reversible causes of dementia-like symptoms, such as vitamin B12 deficiency or normal pressure hydrocephalus, is essential. Misdiagnosis can lead to lost opportunities for effective treatment. Comprehensive evaluations are necessary for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

3. New tools like amyloid PET scans and blood biomarkers have revolutionized the diagnosis of Alzheimer's, allowing for the detection of amyloid plaques during life rather than at autopsy, which supports timely and targeted treatment interventions.

4. Recent advancements in anti-amyloid therapies, such as Lecanemab and Donanemab, have transformed the treatment landscape, providing hope for slowing or stopping the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Ongoing research aims to target multiple aspects of the disease, including tau and brain inflammation, to further improve outcomes.

5. Lifestyle changes, including exercise and management of cardiovascular risk factors, play a significant role in reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer's and slowing its progression in those who are diagnosed. These strategies are an integral part of comprehensive care for cognitive disorders.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia

03:44 Cognitive Decline with Aging

07:00 Recognizing Early Signs of Cognitive Decline

10:41 Early Detection of Reversible Symptoms

14:33 First FDA-Approved Amyloid PET Scan

16:39 Detecting Plaques: PET Scans & Biomarkers

19:13 Amyloid Plaque Detection and Diagnosis

23:56 Evolving Dementia Clinic Landscape

28:22 Personalized Treatment Adjustments in Medicine

30:16 Understanding Alzheimer's Treatment Side Effects

32:27 Enhanced Safety in Drug Administration

37:02 Underrepresented Men Avoiding Clinics

39:42 Optimism in Early Alzheimer's Trials

42:39 Volunteering Advances Alzheimer's Research

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A childhood asthma diagnosis set the course for a lifelong commitment to medicine.

Dr. Eddie Patton’s journey from Birmingham to medical leadership began with early health challenges and encouragement from his family. Years in private practice tested his resilience until burnout forced a reexamination of what medicine should look like. The discovery of augmented intelligence brought a turning point, restoring balance and purpose. Now, he champions technology that allows doctors to reclaim time for patients and family, shaping a more human future for healthcare. This episode is a feed drop featuring Dr. Patton as a guest on Let Doctors Be Doctors, hosted by Texas Medical Association President Dr. Jay Shah, where he shares his personal story and vision for medicine.

Read TMA's disclaimer here.

Subscribe to Let Doctors be Doctors here.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Patton HERE.

Subscribe to Your Health, Your Wealth on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

Key Takeaways

1. Dr. Jay Shah interviews Dr. Eddie Patton, who shares how his childhood struggles with asthma and the inspiration from his pediatrician were pivotal in his decision to pursue medicine. Early personal health challenges can profoundly influence career ambitions in healthcare.

2. Dr. Patton describes his evolving interest in neurology, particularly inspired by caring for his grandmother with Alzheimer's. The theme underscores the impact personal family experiences have on specialty choices in medicine and highlights the complexity and draw of neurology.

3. The conversation delves into the realities of physician burnout, the challenge of achieving work-life balance, and the difficulty physicians face in saying no. Dr. Patton emphasizes that self-care and boundaries are essential for sustaining a long and effective career in medicine.

4. There is a discussion about how AI is transforming medical practice, particularly through reducing administrative burdens and streamlining workflow. Dr. Patton shares how AI-powered scribing tools have given him back valuable time, demonstrating how technology can directly enhance physician wellness and patient care efficiency.

5. Dr. Patton stresses the importance of family time, staying involved in professional organizations, and finding personal outlets beyond medicine as key to preventing burnout. The main message is that reclaiming personal and family time is not only crucial for physicians' health but also benefits their professional effectiveness.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 From Asthma to Aspiring Physician

05:35 Navigating Healthcare Career Decisions

09:59 AI's Impact on Healthcare Tasks

13:25 Preventing Burnout Through Balance

14:53 Compassion, Innovation, and Leadership

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Dr. Eddie Patton explores the escalating crisis of physician burnout and its ripple effects across medicine and patient care.

With half of all physicians reporting symptoms, Dr. Patton explains why burnout is more than fatigue and what causes its steady rise in recent years. He details how excessive administrative burdens and payer demands chip away at the patient-doctor relationship, driving doctors from the profession, and ultimately compromising the quality, safety, and accessibility of care. Dr. Patton calls for system-wide reforms to reduce clerical overload, integrate team-based healthcare, deploy innovative technology, and advocate for fair reimbursement.

Both physicians and patients have roles to play in addressing the crisis, protecting medical professionals, and ensuring the future of healthcare attracts new talent.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Patton HERE.

Subscribe to Your Health, Your Wealth on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

Key Takeaways

1. Physician burnout is a systemic crisis threatening healthcare, not just an individual problem.
2. Administrative overload and payer demands are major causes of burnout, pushing talented doctors out and diminishing patient care.
3. Reforms must prioritize reducing clerical burdens, using technological solutions like AI scribing, and team-based care to support physician wellbeing.
4. Personal practices such as mindfulness, boundaries, and supportive peer groups can help doctors mitigate burnout, but systemic change is needed for lasting improvement.
5. Patients and healthcare leaders must demand accountability and advocate for reforms that protect those caring for us and ensure a sustainable, high-quality system.

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How do you choose between a medical food and a supplement for your health and your wallet?

Dr. Patton and Dr. Eric Kassel dive into the booming supplement industry, revealing important differences and addressing common myths. While supplements offer general wellness support, medical foods are designed for targeted, physician-supervised nutritional management of specific diseases.

Their discussion reminds listeners to seek professional guidance, set clear health goals, and consider quality over price.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Patton HERE.

Subscribe to Your Health, Your Wealth on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

Key Takeaways

1. The global supplement industry is rapidly expanding, valued at over $210 billion. Consumers are overwhelmed by choices, and it's critical to understand what you are buying to avoid wasting money or risking health by choosing low-quality products.

2. Medical foods are distinct from over-the-counter supplements. Medical foods require physician supervision, are formulated for managing specific diseases based on targeted nutritional needs, and often have higher regulatory and quality standards, whereas supplements are designed for general wellness and self-directed use.

3. Medical foods undergo more rigorous regulatory scrutiny, manufacturing standards, and evidence-based formulation than most supplements. Price differences often reflect quality, potency, and bioavailability, so consumers should be wary of cheaper options, as they may come with risks like lower efficacy or contamination.

4. Paying for medical foods and supplements can be complicated. While certain accounts like HSA and FSA often cover these products, most traditional insurance plans do not. It's important for patients to clarify payment options and understand cost barriers before starting new treatments.

5. Whether using supplements or medical foods, patients should have clear health goals, regularly review their supplement regimen with their clinician, and monitor their health markers. Indiscriminate supplement use can be unsafe—regular check-ins and lab tests can prevent complications like toxicity or organ stress.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 "Medical Foods vs. Supplements"

04:38 "Choosing and Using Supplements Wisely"

07:30 Medical Foods vs Health Claims

10:22 Supplement Quality and Regulatory Differences

12:58 Improving Medication Ingredients Quality

17:29 "Medical Food Safety Concerns"

23:03 Health Tracking & Medical Food Insights

24:49 "Smart Supplement Choices Matter"

27:09 "Medical Foods and Supplements Benefits"

30:24 Industry Insights with Dr. Kassel

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In this episode of Your Health, Your Wealth, Dr. Patton examines how thoughts and habits shape the brain’s wiring and, ultimately, overall well-being. Through relatable examples, he highlights how stress and distraction interfere with memory and decision-making, while emphasizing the importance of cultivating habits that foster positivity and optimism.

Dr. Patton also provides practical strategies to strengthen mindset, enhance resilience, and promote long-term health.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Patton HERE.

Subscribe to Your Health, Your Wealth on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

Key Takeaways

• Thoughts and habits directly influence well-being and health outcomes.

• Stress and distraction interfere with clear thinking and memory.

• Optimism and positivity support recovery, resilience, and overall health.

• Mindfulness practices can reset the mind and reduce negative thought patterns.

• Surrounding yourself with positive influences strengthens mental resilience.

Timestamped Overview

• 00:00 The Power of Thoughts and Habits

• 09:16 The Impact of Stress and Distraction

• 19:44 Rewiring the Brain for Positivity

• 24:12 Optimism’s Role in Health and Recovery

• 33:06 Practical Strategies for a Positive Mindset

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Bicycle helmets save lives, and Dr. David Sandberg has the experience to prove it.

As a pediatric neurosurgeon with more than 20 years in major trauma centers, he’s never seen a child suffer a fatal or devastating head injury while wearing one.

In this episode, Dr. Patton sits down with Dr. Sandberg to explore the life-saving importance of helmets, the dangers of head trauma, and what happens when helmets aren’t used—or aren’t worn correctly. They discuss how the Hard Hats for Little Heads program is making helmets accessible through free distributions and community partnerships.

From skull fractures and brain injuries to cultural attitudes that influence helmet use, this conversation tackles the hard truths and offers practical solutions. With education, proper fit, and community outreach, more families can help kids stay safe on wheels.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Patton HERE.

Subscribe to Your Health, Your Wealth on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

Key Takeaways

1. Wearing helmets significantly reduces the risk and severity of head injuries among children riding bicycles, scooters, skates, and similar vehicles. Dr. Sandberg emphasized that he has never seen a devastating head injury in a child who was wearing a helmet.

2. Even in educated communities, helmet use remains extremely low, such as at Stanford University where only about 1 in 50 students wore helmets. Awareness and behavioral change need to improve so the proven benefits of helmet use can save more lives.

3. Community initiatives like “Hard Hats for Little Heads” are essential because they distribute free helmets, educate families on proper helmet fit, and focus on underserved communities where cost can be a barrier. These programs actively bridge gaps in access and safety.

4. Falls from bikes or being struck while unprotected can lead to skull fractures, brain hemorrhages, long-term disabilities, or death. Many of these traumatic outcomes are entirely preventable with something as simple as a well-fitted, strapped helmet.

5. There is a persistent cultural belief among children and adolescents that helmets are “uncool” or unnecessary, and parents face challenges convincing kids to wear them. Counteracting these attitudes through education and normalization is crucial for prevention.

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What is it like to practice medicine on the Texas-Mexico border? Dr. Linda Villarreal started as a pharmacist, became a physician when her community needed more care, and then became the first Hispanic female president of the Texas Medical Association. On this episode, hear

• how Dr. Villarreal’s childhood shaped her path to medicine,

• why advocacy for healthcare access matters along the border,

• and her advice for the next generation of doctors.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Patton HERE.

Subscribe to Your Health, Your Wealth on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

Key Takeaways

1. Practicing medicine at the border presents unique challenges, including language barriers, cultural sensitivities, and limited healthcare access. Dr. Villarreal emphasizes how these factors necessitate more tailored healthcare solutions and the urgent need for bilingual, culturally competent physicians in the region.

2. There has historically been a shortage of physicians—especially female and bilingual doctors—along the border. Dr. Villarreal’s journey from pharmacist to becoming the only female internist in her region highlights the pressing need for diversity in medicine to better serve the population’s needs.

3. Advocacy is crucial for systemic change. Dr. Villarreal’s involvement in policy—most notably, helping drive tort reform and increased access to medical specialists—demonstrates how proactive advocacy can address long-standing issues like malpractice rates, recruitment of specialists, and disparities in healthcare delivery

4. Establishing medical schools and residency programs in the Valley is transformative. Training physicians locally increases the likelihood they will stay and practice in the area, thereby directly improving health access. The progression from limited training opportunities to more robust educational institutions in the region is already showing benefits.

5. Deep-rooted cultural values such as pride and reluctance to seek care due to financial barriers or lack of trust in the medical system contribute to poorer health outcomes. Dr. Villarreal describes how patients often delay care until emergencies arise, reinforcing the need for community-based advocacy and culturally sensitive healthcare leaders.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 From Edinburgh to Hospital Pharmacist

04:08 Journey to Medical Career

06:23 Medical Journey: Mexico to Ohio

11:36 Advocacy for South Texas Healthcare

15:34 AMA Delegate: Not a Vacation

16:31 Ongoing Challenges in Policy Reform

20:17 Healthcare Access Delays in Houston

23:04 Encouragement for Aspiring Physicians

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