In this episode of MD Newsline, Dr. Dillon Bannis, an OB-GYN practitioner based in the South Side of Chicago, shares his insights on the evolving challenges and innovations in obstetric and gynecological care. Dr. Bannis explores how listening, collaboration, and technology are reshaping the patient experience—from prenatal care and delivery practices to addressing health disparities and integrating AI into medicine.

With a strong emphasis on patient-centered communication, interdisciplinary collaboration, and technological integration, Dr. Bannis highlights how practitioners can balance innovation with compassion in women's healthcare.

Bridging the Gap Between Innovation and Implementation Dr. Bannis discusses the lag between medical innovation and real-world practice, citing examples such as updated cervical cancer screening guidelines. He stresses that while medicine continues to advance rapidly, implementation often lags behind, emphasizing the need for better education, awareness, and adaptability among clinicians.

The Power of Listening in Patient Care According to Dr. Bannis, listening is one of the most underrated skills in medicine. By prioritizing patient voices, physicians can build stronger relationships and facilitate shared decision-making, leading to more trusting and effective care outcomes.

Advances in Obstetric Technology Dr. Bannis highlights promising innovations aimed at reducing maternal morbidity and mortality, particularly through hemorrhage prediction and prevention technologies. These tools, he explains, are transforming labor and delivery outcomes across practices.

Cultural Competence and Birth Planning Drawing from his experience working alongside certified nurse midwives, Dr. Bannis advocates for respecting patients' birth preferences, whether it's squatting, all-fours positions, or doula-assisted births. He believes honoring cultural diversity in birthing methods contributes to better physical and emotional outcomes.

Collaborative Care for High-Risk Pregnancies In complex cases involving oncology or high-risk pregnancies, Dr. Bannis underscores the importance of seamless communication between community and academic hospitals. He explains that efficient information sharing and inter-institutional collaboration can prevent medical errors and ensure no patient "falls through the cracks."

Socioeconomic Factors and Health Disparities Dr. Bannis addresses how socioeconomic status affects access to prenatal care, nutrition, and birth outcomes. He calls for systemic efforts to tackle the social determinants of health and to make preventive screening more accessible to underserved populations.

Empowering Patients Through Technology He emphasizes the importance of giving patients ownership of their medical records and using digital tools for education and engagement. By involving families and support systems, technology can enhance adherence, understanding, and long-term health outcomes.

AI and the Future of Medical Communication Dr. Bannis envisions AI as a bridge between medical jargon and patient comprehension—translating complex medical notes into accessible summaries and breaking down language and cultural barriers. He also discusses how AI can streamline research and accelerate innovation in women's health.

From Doulas to Robotics: The Expanding Role of Innovation Dr. Bannis explores the complementary roles of doulas, midwives, and robotic-assisted surgeries in modern OB-GYN care. He highlights that the field is moving from invasive solutions like hysterectomy toward minimally invasive and patient-preserving approaches, including uterine fibroid embolization.

Dr. Dillon Bannis emphasizes that true progress in women's health lies at the intersection of empathy and innovation. By actively listening to patients, embracing technological advancement, and addressing health disparities, practitioners can create a more equitable, efficient, and compassionate healthcare system for all.

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In this episode of MD Newsline, Dr. Wanda Averhart, a general pediatrician and obesity medicine specialist, explores the complex causes and lifelong impacts of childhood obesity, emphasizing how early feeding practices, maternal health, and social disparities shape children's long-term outcomes.

Dr. Averhart provides a comprehensive look at how environmental, cultural, and biological factors contribute to rising obesity rates among children—especially in underrepresented communities. She discusses the importance of infant feeding patterns, maternal diabetes and stress, and access to nutrition in determining early weight trajectories. Her insights reveal that addressing obesity begins before birth, and that family education and community-based interventions are key to prevention.

Understanding Childhood and Infant Obesity Dr. Averhart explains that while "infant obesity" isn't technically defined, early feeding habits play a crucial role in a child's risk for obesity. Factors such as maternal health during pregnancy, feeding type, and cultural feeding practices all influence growth and metabolic outcomes.

The Role of Feeding Practices and Culture From breastfeeding and formula feeding to early solid food introduction, Dr. Averhart emphasizes how cultural norms and parental beliefs shape feeding behavior. Introducing solid foods too early—especially high-sugar or fried foods—can increase obesity risk later in life.

Environmental and Socioeconomic Factors She discusses how food deserts, limited access to fresh produce, and economic barriers make it difficult for many families to follow nutritional guidelines. Dr. Averhart highlights programs like WIC and SNAP that can provide critical nutritional support.

Maternal Health and Stress Dr. Averhart outlines how maternal obesity, diabetes, and stress can biologically influence a child's future weight and metabolism through hormonal pathways like cortisol. She also connects maternal mental health to early childhood nutrition and caregiving quality.

The Rise of Pediatric Comorbidities She notes an alarming increase in fatty liver disease, hypertension, and prediabetes among children—conditions once rare in pediatrics. These comorbidities disproportionately affect Black and Hispanic children and those from low-income households.

Emerging Treatments and Future Research Dr. Averhart discusses the growing field of pediatric obesity treatment, including the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists (like semaglutide) in adolescents. However, she stresses that compassion, education, and prevention remain the most effective strategies.

Key Takeaway Dr. Averhart calls on healthcare providers to approach obesity with empathy and understanding, recognizing it as a chronic, relapsing condition. She encourages clinicians to combine medical management, cultural awareness, and community engagement to support children and families most at risk.

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In this episode of MD Newsline, Dr. Shaina A. Rozell, a hematologist-oncologist at Affiliate Oncology in Chicago, Illinois, explores the rapidly advancing field of multiple myeloma treatment. She discusses how quadruplet therapies, MRD monitoring, and novel immunotherapies like bispecific antibodies and CAR-T are transforming outcomes for patients. Dr. Rozell also examines disparities in access to care, the growing role of community practices in clinical trials, and the balance between extending survival and preserving quality of life.

1. The Rise of Quadruplet Therapy Dr. Rozell explains how treatment has evolved from triplet to quadruplet regimens, incorporating agents such as daratumumab and isatuximab. These combinations have led to higher sustained MRD negativity and longer progression-free survival, offering some patients an alternative to stem cell transplantation.

2. Redefining the Role of Stem Cell Transplant While autologous transplants remain a mainstay, Dr. Rozell notes that emerging immunotherapies may one day reduce their necessity. She compares the shift in multiple myeloma to the eventual phasing out of stem cell transplants in breast cancer.

3. CAR-T and Bispecific Antibodies Access and feasibility play major roles in therapy selection. Dr. Rozell contrasts CAR-T—limited to tertiary centers—with bispecifics, which can now be administered in some community practices. Collaboration between local clinics and academic centers remains crucial for expanding access.

4. Supportive Care and Toxicity Management Advances in bone protection, infection prevention, and supportive care bundles are improving patient quality of life. However, Dr. Rozell underscores the ongoing challenge of managing long-term toxicities like neuropathy and heart failure.

5. Genetic and Cytogenetic Factors Cytogenetic abnormalities such as 17p deletions continue to shape prognosis and treatment choice. Dr. Rozell highlights the need for consistent genetic testing and patient education to ensure optimal therapeutic decisions.

6. Clinical Trial Diversity and Representation Dr. Rozell advocates for greater minority participation in clinical research, emphasizing the importance of trust, communication, and representation among both patients and providers to ensure equitable advancement of care.

7. The Future of Myeloma Research Looking ahead, Dr. Rozell anticipates MRD will become a central endpoint in clinical trials. She envisions a future with more home-based treatments, enhanced telemedicine integration, and continued innovation in supportive care and survivorship strategies.

Dr. Shaina Rozell underscores the transformation of multiple myeloma treatment through quadruplet therapies and MRD-driven care. By combining innovation, equity, and collaboration between community and academic centers, the field is moving closer to more accessible, effective, and personalized care for all patients.

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In this episode of MD Newsline, Dr. Tonia L. Farmer, a board-certified otolaryngologist and head & neck surgeon, discusses the gaps in ENT care, the growing impact of HPV-related cancers, and the importance of education and early detection in improving outcomes—particularly for underserved communities. Drawing from years of practice, Dr. Farmer explores how social, behavioral, and environmental factors shape ENT health and shares insights on emerging research and technologies revolutionizing the field.

Addressing Racial and Socioeconomic Disparities Dr. Farmer highlights the persistent disparities in ENT care, especially among Black patients, who often present with more advanced head and neck cancers. She attributes these gaps not only to mistrust in healthcare systems but also to delayed care-seeking behaviors and limited access to specialists. By increasing community education and early screening, she emphasizes the potential to close these gaps.

Lifestyle Trends and HPV-Related Throat Cancers Dr. Farmer discusses the rise of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers, noting how sexual behavior trends—including unprotected oral sex and multiple partners—have contributed to a surge in HPV-16–linked head and neck cancers. She stresses that while most HPV infections clear naturally, persistent infections can remain dormant for decades, leading to cancer later in life. Her message is clear: education and vaccination are key preventive tools.

Recognizing Early Symptoms and Common Misdiagnoses Many patients miss early warning signs of throat cancer—such as persistent sore throat, voice changes, unilateral ear pain, or lumps in the neck. Dr. Farmer explains that these symptoms are frequently mistaken for minor infections or TMJ disorders. She urges primary care providers to be aware of these red flags to ensure timely ENT referrals and faster diagnosis.

Emerging Research and Technological Advances Dr. Farmer shares her excitement about ongoing research in oral HPV testing and tinnitus management—including potential implant technologies that could reduce chronic ringing in the ears. She also discusses how robotic-assisted surgery is transforming head and neck procedures and how AI may soon reshape diagnostics and patient engagement.

Environmental and Social Impacts on ENT Health Environmental issues, such as air pollution from wildfires, chemical spills, and urban exposure, are increasingly linked to respiratory and sinus disorders. Dr. Farmer notes how such factors exacerbate conditions like sinusitis and chronic throat irritation, especially in vulnerable communities.

The Power of Education and Social Media Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Farmer uses social media as an educational platform to spread accurate ENT health information. She believes digital outreach plays a crucial role in combating misinformation, empowering patients, and improving public understanding of ENT health.

Dr. Tonia L. Farmer emphasizes that early education, lifestyle awareness, and preventive care are vital in reducing ENT health disparities. Through research, technology, and public engagement, clinicians can help patients recognize symptoms earlier, make informed health choices, and improve outcomes across diverse populations.

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In this episode of MD Newsline, Dr. Christopher Kaisa, Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition at the University of Chicago Medicine, provides an in-depth discussion on Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH) and the evolving strategies for its management. He explains the latest non-invasive diagnostic tools, pharmacologic advancements, and the importance of multidisciplinary care in improving outcomes for patients with metabolic liver disease.

He discusses existing gaps in primary care screening, emphasizing the importance of education and access to specialized metabolic liver clinics. Early identification of at-risk patients using tools like FibroScan and non-invasive fibrosis scores can dramatically change patient trajectories.

Dr. Kaisa details how fibrosis staging correlates with both cardiovascular and liver-related mortality. He explains the use of non-invasive tests (NITs)—including FibroScan and fibrosis scores—to monitor disease progression and therapy response over time.

The episode highlights new treatments, such as resmetirom and GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., semaglutide), which have shown fibrotic and inflammatory benefits in clinical trials. Dr. Kaisa explains how these agents are monitored, when to adjust dosages, and how to manage common gastrointestinal side effects.

Dr. Kaisa emphasizes the value of a multidisciplinary team, including hepatologists, endocrinologists, dietitians, and pharmacists, to manage the complex comorbidities associated with MASH. This integrated approach enables personalized and effective care for each patient.

He also discusses the PNPLA3 genetic variant, a known risk factor among certain ethnic groups, particularly those of Hispanic descent. Recognizing genetic predispositions helps clinicians counsel patients on modifiable risk factors such as diet, exercise, and metabolic control.

Dr. Kaisa explains how clinical trials serve as vital access points for emerging therapies, especially for patients who may not tolerate or qualify for current treatments. He stresses the need to broaden patient participation in research to ensure equitable advancement in the field.

Key Takeaway

Dr. Kaisa underscores the critical importance of early detection, comprehensive metabolic management, and multidisciplinary collaboration in treating MASH. With the recent FDA approval of semaglutide for MASH, and ongoing advancements in personalized medicine, clinicians have powerful new tools to change the trajectory of this increasingly prevalent disease.

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In this episode of MD Newsline, Dr. Rachael Sood, a diabetes nurse practitioner and certified diabetes care and education specialist from New Orleans, Louisiana, shares her insights from the 85th American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions. As the founder of The Diabetes Collective, Dr. Sood discusses the evolution of diabetology—a specialized field focused solely on the identification, treatment, and management of diabetes across all patient populations.

Dr. Sood explores how personalized diagnostics, innovative technology, and education-driven care models are reshaping outcomes for patients with type 1, type 2, and prediabetes. She highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis, the role of genetic predisposition, and why clinicians must move beyond relying solely on hemoglobin A1C levels to ensure proper disease identification and management.

Transforming the Diagnosis and Management of Diabetes Dr. Sood explains the principles of diabetology and how it differs from traditional endocrinology. She emphasizes comprehensive assessment, including antibody screening, glucose monitoring, and the integration of genomic insights to accurately distinguish between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Technology as a Game-Changer in Diabetes Care Dr. Sood shares how continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps have revolutionized real-time patient engagement. These smart biosensors empower patients to understand how lifestyle, stress, and nutrition directly affect glucose levels, fostering self-awareness and adherence to treatment plans.

Overcoming Clinical Inertia and Patient Barriers She highlights the need to address clinical inertia, encouraging clinicians to adapt treatment plans as patients' needs evolve. Dr. Sood underscores the importance of patient education, empathy, and collaboration with family and community networks to improve adherence and reduce care fatigue.

Breakthroughs in Treatment and Research Reporting from the ADA conference, Dr. Sood discusses the promising results of Vertex Pharmaceuticals' islet cell therapy, which shows evidence of restoring natural insulin production in type 1 diabetes. She also explains the role of TZLD (teplizumab) in delaying the onset of type 1 diabetes, potentially changing the disease trajectory for high-risk patients.

Next-Generation Therapies and GLP-1 Innovation Dr. Sood breaks down the expanding role of GLP-1 receptor agonists—from glucose regulation to benefits in cardiovascular health, weight management, and chronic kidney disease. She reveals data on the new CagreSema combination therapy, which combines semaglutide with an amylin analog, showing over 20% weight reduction and improved metabolic outcomes.

Insurance and Access Challenges Dr. Sood addresses the ongoing struggle of insurance coverage, prior authorizations, and high costs for new medications, offering practical advice for clinicians and patients to navigate access through manufacturer programs and cash-based options.

Key Takeaway Dr. Sood emphasizes that diabetes care is entering a transformative era—one defined by early detection, patient empowerment, and precision medicine. With new therapies, technologies, and care models emerging rapidly, collaboration among clinicians, patients, and innovators will be essential to achieving long-term success in diabetes prevention and management.

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In this episode of MD Newsline, Dr. Martin Kaiser, Consultant Hematologist at the Royal Marsden Hospital and Professor of Hematology at the Institute of Cancer Research, London, discusses groundbreaking advances in the diagnosis and management of high-risk multiple myeloma. Drawing insights from the OptiMUM trial and related studies, Dr. Kaiser explores how genetic profiling, long-term treatment intensity, and personalized approaches are transforming patient outcomes. He also examines the challenges of treatment accessibility, the promise of T-cell–based therapies, and the evolving role of AI and MRI technology in hematology.

Understanding High-Risk Myeloma Dr. Kaiser explains that multiple myeloma varies greatly between patients, with high-risk myeloma representing the most aggressive form. Recent progress in genetic diagnostics now enables clinicians to identify these patients more accurately using chromosomal translocations, deletions, and point mutations such as TP53.

New Guidelines and Diagnostic Tools He highlights a newly published international guideline that promotes the use of advanced genetic and molecular tools to define high-risk myeloma. This progress allows for more precise risk stratification and individualized care planning.

The OptiMUM Trial: Redefining Treatment Duration Dr. Kaiser shares results from the OptiMUM trial, which demonstrated that maintaining treatment intensity beyond the initial six months leads to dramatically improved outcomes—nearly tripling progression-free survival and significantly extending overall survival. He emphasizes that balancing side effects with efficacy is key, and patient feedback plays a central role in long-term management.

Inclusivity in Clinical Research The OptiMUM study included 39 hospitals across the UK, including community and rural centers, ensuring that data represented diverse and underserved populations. This broad inclusion provides strong evidence for the real-world effectiveness of intensive therapy.

Emerging Therapies and the Future of Care Dr. Kaiser discusses T-cell–based treatments, including CAR-T cells and bispecific antibodies, which are showing remarkable efficacy in relapsed or refractory myeloma. He anticipates their movement into earlier lines of therapy, potentially reshaping high-risk myeloma management in the coming years.

Balancing Quality of Life and Long-Term Treatment Sustained therapy requires careful patient–physician collaboration. Dr. Kaiser stresses the importance of listening to patients, managing side effects proactively, and individualizing care to maintain adherence without compromising quality of life.

Monitoring and Diagnostics Innovations He describes advances in whole-body MRI and minimal residual disease (MRD) testing, which provide earlier and more sensitive detection of relapse. Combined with regular blood monitoring, these innovations support proactive, precision-guided care.

Looking Ahead: AI and Genomic Insights Dr. Kaiser envisions AI-driven imaging and data analysis as the next frontier in myeloma diagnostics. By combining genetic, epigenetic, and imaging data, AI tools could soon enhance diagnostic speed, accuracy, and personalization in clinical practice.

Key Takeaway

Dr. Martin Kaiser emphasizes that high-risk myeloma care is entering a new era—defined by genomic precision, long-term treatment optimization, and advanced diagnostics. By sustaining therapy intensity and improving diagnostic access, clinicians can achieve longer remissions and better survival outcomes. Collaboration among healthcare systems, researchers, and patients remains vital to ensure equitable access to these life-extending innovations.

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Dr. Litzow shares deep insights into how immunotherapy has transformed survival outcomes, how clinicians can balance efficacy and neuropsychiatric side effects, and why cross-disciplinary collaboration is key to advancing oncology care.

Real-World Evidence and Clinical Practice Dr. Litzow explains the growing importance of real-world data in validating and refining clinical trial outcomes. While clinical trials have strict eligibility criteria, real-world settings introduce more patient diversity, offering valuable insights into treatment efficacy and tolerability across broader populations.

The ECOG-ACRIN E1910 Trial and Immunotherapy Advances Dr. Litzow details the E1910 trial, which compared standard chemotherapy with and without blinatumomab, an immunotherapy agent targeting CD19 and CD3. The study demonstrated a significant survival benefit—85% versus 68%— for patients receiving blinatumomab, establishing it as a new standard of care for MRD-negative ALL patients.

Integrating MRD and Genomic Profiling in Decision-Making He highlights how MRD testing and molecular risk profiling are shaping treatment pathways, enabling clinicians to better identify patients who can potentially avoid bone marrow transplantation through effective immunotherapy.

Adapting Pediatric Regimens for Adult Patients Dr. Litzow discusses the use of pediatric-inspired chemotherapy regimens in younger adults and the challenges in adapting these treatments for older or high-risk patients. He emphasizes careful monitoring for toxicities such as hepatic and neuropsychiatric effects.

Balancing Treatment Intensity and Quality of Life With immunotherapy showing strong efficacy, Dr. Litzow anticipates future strategies that reduce chemotherapy exposure, lower toxicity, and improve patient quality of life—especially for older adults or those with comorbidities.

Future Directions: AI, Cross-Specialty Collaboration, and Inflammation Research Dr. Litzow shares his optimism about artificial intelligence enhancing trial data analysis and calls for cross-disciplinary collaboration between cancer biologists and clinicians. He also emphasizes the emerging role of inflammation in cancer development, urging broader, non-linear approaches to understanding disease mechanisms.

Dr. Litzow underscores a new era in ALL treatment—where immunotherapy, real-world evidence, and molecular diagnostics intersect to personalize care, extend survival, and minimize toxicity. As clinical science evolves, the focus is shifting from intensifying chemotherapy to optimizing immune-based precision therapies that improve both outcomes and quality of life.

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