In this episode of The Medical Collective, host Dr. Keisha Davis, M.D. is joined by Dena Goldberg, M.S., C.G.C. — also known as “Dena DNA” — a genetic counselor and content creator who has made genetics accessible to thousands through her work.

We explore the growing field of genetic counseling and testing, breaking down what it means, who it’s for, and how it can guide prevention and treatment. From cancer awareness to family health planning, this conversation sheds light on how genetics impacts everyday medical decisions.

Key Topics Covered

What genetic counseling is and how genetic counselors support patients and families
When to consider genetic testing — risk factors, family history, and proactive screening
Myths about genetic testing: cost, privacy, and accuracy
Genetics in cancer awareness — prostate cancer and gynecologic cancers
Insurance and accessibility: what patients need to know
How genetics is changing prevention and treatment pathways

Resources & Links

Guest: Dena Goldberg, M.S., C.G.C.
Genetic Counselor and Content Creator
Website: http://malibugenetics.com
Dena’s Recommended Resources
Find a Genetic Counselor: http://findageneticcounselor.com
Additional Resources
National Society of Genetic Counselors: https://www.nsgc.org
CDC Genomics & Precision Health: https://www.cdc.gov/genomics/
American Cancer Society – Genetic Testing: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/genetics/genetic-testing-for-cancer-risk.html
National Cancer Institute – Hereditary Cancer Testing: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/genetics/genetic-testing-fact-sheet

Connect With Us

Dr. Keisha Davis, M.D. (Host)

https://drkeishadavis.komi.io

Podcast: https://themedicalcollective.komi.io

Recommended Episode

Every Child Deserves Access to Vaccines — Our episode on vaccine hesitancy and protecting children through science-based care.

In this powerful episode, host Dr. Keisha Davis, M.D. sits down with Dr. Dan, M.D. to pull back the curtain on the real, unfiltered stories from the emergency room. From bizarre and unforgettable cases to everyday challenges, this conversation goes beyond the stereotypes to show what it’s truly like to work on the frontlines of medicine.

We discuss the strange, the unexpected, and the very human side of the ER that most people never get to see. Whether it’s a work-related accident, an unusual object found in a scan, or the critical moments where split-second decisions save lives, this episode is equal parts educational and eye-opening.

Key Topics Covered:

• The strangest and most unforgettable cases in the ER
• What pathology reveals behind the scenes of ER cases (Dr. Davis’ perspective)
• Work-related injuries and what they teach us about prevention
• How the ER team manages the unexpected
• Lessons for patients: how to stay safe, avoid preventable ER visits, and advocate for yourself

Resources & Data:

• CDC Injury Data & Statistics: https://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/index.html
• National Safety Council (workplace injuries): https://www.nsc.org
• American College of Emergency Physicians: https://www.acep.org

Connect with Us:

• Host: Dr. Keisha Davis, M.D. → https://drkeishadavis.komi.io
• The Medical Collective → https://themedicalcollective.komi.io
• Co-Host: Dr. Dan, M.D. → https://www.instagram.com/docdanmd?igsh=aDZqaGliZWQ5ajl3

Recommended Episode:

🎧 Ketamine Can Be a Powerful Tool — a discussion with Dr. Atoosa Kourosh and a child psychiatrist on mental health, stigma, and when to consider mental health support for children.

In this solo episode Dr. Keisha Davis, M.D., takes a deep dive into one of the most alarming trends in modern healthcare: the rise of cancer in younger populations. Why are we seeing more cases in people under 50? From lifestyle factors to environmental exposures to genetic predispositions, Dr. Davis explores the possible drivers of this trend and what it means for prevention, diagnosis, and public health.

She also shares the importance of early detection, ongoing research, and the vital role of annual medical visits in catching cancers at earlier stages.

Key Topics Covered:

• Current statistics on early-onset cancers
• Lifestyle and environmental factors (diet, processed foods, pollutants)
• Genetic risks and hereditary syndromes
• Screening guidelines and debates for younger populations
• The importance of regular annual exams for catching cancers early
• Why this trend matters for the future of healthcare

Resources & References:

• American Cancer Society (ACS): https://www.cancer.org
• National Cancer Institute (NCI): https://www.cancer.gov
• CDC Cancer Trends: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/research/articles/cancer-trends.htm
• KFF Health News – Cancer in Young Adults: https://kffhealthnews.org
• Mayo Clinic – Cancer Prevention: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/cancer-prevention

Connect with Us:

• Dr. Keisha Davis, M.D. (Host): https://drkeishadavis.komi.io
• The Medical Collective: https://themedicalcollective.komi.io

Recommended Episode:

🎧 We Should Not Be Cancer-Shaming — explore the stigma and misinformation around cancer that impacts patients and their care.

In this episode of The Medical Collective, Dr. Keisha Davis, M.D., sits down with ER physician Dr. Dan, M.D., to talk about the busiest and most surprising reasons people end up in the emergency room during the summer months. From heat-related illnesses and sports injuries to unexpected allergic reactions and travel mishaps, this conversation is full of real-life cases, surprising statistics, and prevention tips you can actually use.

We also explore CDC injury and ER visit data, compare local vs. national summer ER trends, and share the less-talked-about issues—like workplace accidents, unusual cases, and pathology follow-ups from the ER. Whether you’re a parent, traveler, or just trying to enjoy the season safely, this episode will help you stay out of the ER.

Key Topics Covered:

• Top nationwide causes of summer ER visits (CDC data)
• Heat stroke, dehydration, and heat exhaustion: warning signs to know
• Sports & recreational injuries — from backyard fun to organized leagues
• Swimming & water-related accidents
• Foodborne illnesses and summer cookouts
• Travel injuries & vacation mishaps
• Workplace injuries in the summer months
• Surprising “strangest” cases that make it to the ER
• How pathology supports ER diagnosis & follow-up

Resources & Data:

• CDC WISQARS – Injury Data & Statistics: https://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars
• CDC Heat Safety: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html
• US Consumer Product Safety Commission – Summer Safety Tips: https://www.cpsc.gov

Connect with Us:

🎙 Dr. Keisha Davis, M.D. – https://drkeishadavis.komi.io

🎙 The Medical Collective Podcast – https://themedicalcollective.komi.io

👨‍⚕️ Dr. Dan, M.D. (Emergency Medicine) – https://www.instagram.com/docdanmd

Recommended Episode:

🎧 Masks Do Work: We’ve Been Using Them for Years

In this episode of The Medical Collective Podcast, host Dr. Keisha Davis, M.D. takes you inside the evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI) and cancer diagnostics. With advancements in spatial biology, 3D tumor mapping, and digital pathology, AI is transforming how cancers are diagnosed, staged, and treated.

We explore:

• How spatial biology enables personalized treatment strategies
• The rise of whole-slide digital imaging and FDA-approved systems like Philips IntelliSite and Roche’s Digital Pathology Suite
• The role of telepathology and why adoption rates vary between academic and private practices
• How AI is augmenting pathologists, not replacing them, with tools like HALO-AP
• Global adoption and ethical concerns about AI in diagnostics

Dr. Davis also shares real-world insights from her experience as a pathologist and reflects on what this all means for the future of diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes.

Key Insights & Takeaways

• Spatial Biology & 3D Mapping: How molecular-level mapping of tumors enables precision treatment
• Digital Pathology Goes Mainstream: FDA-approved whole-slide imaging systems are paving the way for faster, more accurate diagnoses
• Telepathology & Workflow Changes: Remote slide analysis and how this is shifting lab practices
• AI vs. Human Pathologists: Why AI is a tool to enhance, not replace, medical judgment
• Global Perspectives: How international labs are embracing AI compared to the U.S., and what that means ethically and economically

Helpful Resources

• Philips IntelliSite Pathology Solution
  https://www.usa.philips.com/healthcare/resources/landing/intellisite
• Roche Digital Pathology Solutions
  https://diagnostics.roche.com/global/en/products/systems/digital-pathology.html
• HALO-AP by Indica Labs
  https://indicalab.com/halo-ap/
• College of American Pathologists (CAP) Digital Pathology Resources
  https://www.cap.org/digital-pathology
• Spatial Biology Overview (Nature)
  https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-03707-3

Connect With Us

Host: Dr. Keisha Davis, M.D.

https://drkeishadavis.komi.io

The Medical Collective Podcast

https://themedicalcollective.komi.io

Related Episode Recommendation

🎧 Recommended Listen:

In this episode, we dive into the rise of vaccine hesitancy, focusing on how it impacts children, families, and the future of public health.

Dr. Keisha Davis and Dr. Atoosa Kourosh break down the current climate surrounding vaccines, from new policy changes to social media misinformation, and what parents and providers can do to rebuild trust.

We discuss the recent firing and restructuring of the federal vaccine advisory panel, the push to remove thimerosal from flu vaccines, and the American Academy of Pediatrics’ stance on maintaining their current immunization schedule despite political shifts.

Key Points We Cover:

• Why vaccine hesitancy is spreading in the U.S.
• The role of politics and misinformation in eroding trust
• The RFK Jr. advisory panel changes & new thimerosal guidelines
• The pushback from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
• Updates on the new COVID-19 strain (FLiRT KP.2 / KP.3)
• Measles cases on the rise: Why outbreaks are happening again
• Tools and tips for parents to navigate vaccine information safely

Resources for Parents & Listeners:

• AAP Vaccine Resource Center for Parents
  https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/default.aspx
• CDC Immunization Schedules
  https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/index.html
• AAP Statement on Federal Vaccine Policy Changes
  https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/aap/2025/aap-responds-to-federal-vaccine-schedule-review/
• Tracking Measles Outbreaks
  https://www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreaks.html
• Understanding Thimerosal and Flu Vaccines (FDA Resource)
  https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/safety-availability-biologics/thimerosal-and-vaccines

Connect With Us:

Follow The Medical Collective Podcast for more conversations that matter:

🔗 https://themedicalcollective.komi.io

Meet the Host & Co-Host:

Dr. Keisha Davis, M.D.

Host, The Medical Collective Podcast

🔗 https://drkeishadavis.komi.io

🔗 https://themedicalcollective.komi.io

Dr. Atoosa Kourosh, M.D.

Co-Host, The Medical Collective Podcast

Board-Certified Allergy, Immunology & Pediatrics Specialist

🔗 Instagram: @holisticallergyimmunology

🔗 Website: https://www.doctoratoosa.com/

In this deeply personal solo episode, Dr. Keisha Davis, M.D., pulls back the curtain on what it really means to be a Black woman physician in today’s healthcare system. From battling implicit bias and microaggressions to finding strength in community and culture, this episode brings you into the day-to-day experiences, pressures, and power of being both healer and human.

You’ll hear stories from her real-life experiences—what it’s like walking into exam rooms where patients don’t expect you to be the doctor, the emotional labor of being “the only one,” and the resilience it takes to thrive while carrying the weight of representation.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

• The emotional and professional challenges faced by Black women in medicine
• The daily mental and physical demands of a physician’s life
• Strategies for balancing life, advocacy, and wellness
• Why representation and visibility in healthcare matters for patients and providers alike

✊🏾 Highlights:

• Impostor syndrome vs. systemic bias
• The burden and beauty of being a role model
• How mentorship, spirituality, and joy help sustain Black women in medicine

🔗 Links Mentioned

• Dr. Keisha Davis: https://drkeishadavis.komi.io
• The Medical Collective: https://themedicalcollective.komi.io

📣 Call to Action

If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. And let us know your thoughts—DM us or drop a comment. Representation matters, and your voice does too.

As we head into peak picnic and potluck season, The Medical Collective is breaking down what’s really lurking in your summer salad—and it’s not just lettuce and dressing. In this solo episode, pathologist Dr. Keisha Davis, M.D., takes you on a behind-the-scenes look at foodborne illness, toxins, and how the lab helps crack the case when things go wrong.

From potato salad left in the sun to pre-bagged greens hiding E. coli, this episode offers a pathologist’s perspective on what your gut doesn’t want to digest this summer. You’ll walk away with tips, tools, and maybe a new level of respect for the microbiology lab at your local hospital.

🧪 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What pathologists actually do when foodborne illness is suspected
• How samples from stool to stomach tissue end up in the lab
• Why common culprits like Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli show up more in the summer
• What toxins or bugs might be in your favorite dishes (yes, even the healthy ones)
• Simple food safety rules to avoid the ER or worse
• A few wild lab cases that started with a “bad salad” and ended with an unexpected diagnosis

📌 Featured Summer Food Safety Risks:

• Listeria thrives in ready-to-eat foods, like deli meat and soft cheeses—even when refrigerated
• Salmonella is commonly found in undercooked eggs, chicken, and even cantaloupe
• E. coli outbreaks are often traced back to leafy greens like romaine and bagged salads
• Norovirus spreads easily at cookouts and beach parties via contaminated hands or surfaces

🧼 How to Stay Safe This Summer:

• Avoid the “Danger Zone”: Don’t let food sit between 40°F and 140°F for more than 2 hours
• Wash produce thoroughly, even pre-washed bags
• Keep raw meat separate from fruits and veggies
• Hydrate safely—contaminated ice and water are often overlooked sources of illness
• Be wary of mayonnaise-based salads that sit out too long in the heat

🧠 From the Lab:

Dr. Davis explains how public health departments work with hospital labs and national systems to track outbreaks and how the data ends up protecting you.

🔗 Helpful Resources:

• CDC Food Safety Tips & Outbreak Alerts:
  https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/index.html
• FDA Foodborne Illness Education & Recalls:
  https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/foodborne-illnesses
• Johns Hopkins Food Safety Center:
  https://publichealth.jhu.edu/center-for-a-livable-future/projects/food-safety
• Mayo Clinic Guide to Food Poisoning:
  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-poisoning/symptoms-causes

🎧 About the Host:

Dr. Keisha Davis, M.D. is a triple board-certified pathologist, fitness educator, and founder of The Medical Collective Podcast.

📎 https://drkeishadavis.komi.io

🎙️ https://themedicalcollective.komi.io