Beyond the Endpoint

In this Beyond the Headlines episode, we examine the FDA's push for real-time clinical trial data, an executive order making psychedelic research a federal priority, advances in CAR T-cell therapy for autoimmune conditions, and viral claims about antihistamines as a treatment for premenstrual dysphoric disorder. 🔗 Access resources related to this episode: https://dcri.org/blog/s2-ep-16-beyond-hea...

COPD is the third leading cause of death worldwide. Yet the disease remains underdiagnosed and underfunded. Host Emily O'Brien and pulmonologist Chris Mosher discuss stigma, funding disparities, barriers to care, and promising research that's bringing new hope to patients. 🔗 Access resources related to this episode: https://dcri.org/blog/s2-ep-15-copd-gap-diagnosis-treatment-and-access

Why is it so hard to change our behavior, even when we know what we should be doing? Host Emily O'Brien sits down with urologist and DCRI faculty member Dr. Chuck Scales to discuss the science of behavior change and surprising findings from the PUSH trial, the largest kidney stone prevention trial to date. 🔗 Access resources related to this episode: https://dcri.org/blog/s2-ep-14-hard-habits-what...

During a cardiac event, every minute without CPR reduces survival chances by 10%. In this episode, DCRI's Tyler Cope discusses a coordinated effort to train nearly 20,000 people across North Carolina in a single day and what it takes to get more bystanders to take action in an emergency. 🔗 Access resources related to this episode: https://dcri.org/blog/s2-ep-13-closing-gap-cardiac-arrest-survival...

Nearly 40% of Americans have experienced back pain in the past three months, yet treatment hasn't kept pace with the science. Host Emily O'Brien talks with DCRI researcher Steven George about biopsychosocial models of care, pragmatic trials, and building a better system for chronic pain management. 🔗 Access resources related to this episode: https://dcri.org/blog/s2-ep-12-research-relief-raising-...

Double-board-certified pediatrician and allergist/immunologist Zach Rubin joins Manesh Patel for an evidence-based discussion on allergy science. The conversation dives into the differences between allergies and sensitivities, recent shifts in food allergy prevention, environmental and metal allergies, and FDA-approved treatments, including Xolair and needle-free EpiPens. 🔗 Access resources relat...

Guests Michael Pencina and Suresh Balu join the Beyond the Endpoint hosts to explore the impact of AI in healthcare. They discuss the role of AI-powered tools in research, clinical care, and operations, while examining evidence standards, transparency challenges, and the potential evolution of the physician-patient relationship. 🔗 Access resources related to this episode: https://dcri.org/blog/s2...

Kick off 2026 with hosts Manesh Patel and Emily O'Brien as they evaluate last year's most discussed health stories and wellness trends, cannabis reclassification, and a shingles vaccine-dementia study. 🔗 Access resources related to this episode: https://dcri.org/blog/s2-ep-9-beyond-headlines

Hosts Manesh Patel and Emily O'Brien share their amusing and inspiring personal and professional trajectories, exploring how mentors shaped their paths in clinical research, why asking unconventional questions matters, and how success rarely follows a straight line. 🎙️ Listen now for the full conversation: https://dcri.org/blog/s2-ep-8-behind-voices-get-know-emily-manesh

Hosts Emily O’Brien and Manesh Patel sit down with Dr. Ajay Kohli and Dr. Julius Wilder for a dual-perspective conversation on colorectal cancer, where they discuss personal experiences, the importance of early detection, screening disparities, and how equitable access to care saves lives. 🔗Access resources related to this episode: https://dcri.org/blog/s2-ep-7-provider-patient-dual-perspective-c...

Recorded at the 2025 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, hosts Manesh Patel and Emily O'Brien discuss late-breaking cardiovascular research, including gene-editing therapy for cholesterol, AFib management strategies, and, for coffee lovers, the DECAF trial's findings on caffeine and heart rhythm. 🔗 Access resources related to this episode: https://dcri.org/blog/s2-ep-6-beyond-headline...

Endocrinologist Jennifer Green discusses how GLP-1 drugs, like Ozempic, evolved from diabetes tools to potential treatments for addiction and heart disease, in this final installment of the obesity series. The discussion also touches on critical questions about long-term use, access, and emerging innovations. 🔗 Access resources related to this episode: https://dcri.org/blog/s2-ep-5-connecting-dot...

In this second episode of our obesity series, preventive cardiologist Neha Pagidipati sheds light on the discovery, impact, and uses of GLP-1s, like Ozempic and Mounjaro. Learn about the impact these medications are having on diabetes, heart disease, and weight management. 🔗 Access resources related to this episode: https://dcri.org/blog/s2-ep-4-obesity-glp-1s-and-evidence-what-data-tells-us

In the first of a three-part series on obesity and GLP-1 medications, our guest Jennifer Norris shares the evolving landscape of obesity treatment. The conversation addresses common misconceptions and examines how GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic, have transformed care alongside surgery and lifestyle interventions.

The "Beyond the Headlines" series returns with summer healthcare and research news. Hosts Manesh Patel and Emily O'Brien discuss misconceptions about research funding, a Danish study on vaccine safety, the potential impacts of poor sleep, and how AI tools are transforming medical practice and training. Tags: #medicalnews #healthnews #research #clinicalresearch

Ushering in the second season of Beyond the Endpoint, Lauren Franz, MBChB, MPH, interim director of the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, joins Manesh Patel and Emily O'Brien for an in-depth conversation about autism research, care, and community. Franz explains what autism is as a neurodevelopmental spectrum condition and how our understanding of it has evolved significantly over the...

What do championship sports teams and successful research institutions have in common? In the season finale of Beyond the Endpoint, Dr. Adrian Hernandez joins hosts Manesh Patel and Emily O’Brien to break down what clinical research institutions can learn from their counterparts on the court. From basketball dynasties to resilient mindsets, Dr. Hernandez offers a powerful playbook on building stro...

In this new episode of the Beyond the Endpoint series, “Beyond the Headlines,” hosts Emily O’Brien and Manesh Patel break down what’s you should know about these trending medical topics. From hype to headlines—get clinical insight that goes deeper. Access resources related to this episode https://dcri.org/blog/ep-9-beyond-headlines 187880

Why do people volunteer for clinical trials — and what should they know before doing so? In this episode of Beyond The Endpoint, we explore common questions, reasons, and myths about clinical trial participation. Hosts Manesh Patel and Emily O’Brien talk with guest Krista Camuglia, a Research Practice Manager with the Duke Heart Center Clinical Research Unit, who brings unique insights thanks to h...

In this episode, cancer survivor Katie Ortman-Doble opens up about her journey through clinical research and why she chose to participate. Hosts Emily O’Brien and Manesh Patel, joined by Jenny Cook, talk about the life-saving potential of clinical trials and the real impact they have on patients and science. Hear Katie’s inspiring story and the reasons behind her decision to join a trial. 🔗 Acces...

In this episode of Beyond the Endpoint, former FDA commissioner Dr. Robert Califf joins hosts Manesh Patel and Emily O’Brien to discuss critical challenges shaping the future of patient care. From misinformation to regulatory science to the financialization of healthcare, Dr. Califf has unique insight into the evolving healthcare landscape and the role of data in improving patient outcomes. 🔗 Acc...

Ozempic curbing alcohol cravings, ADHD linked to shorter life expectancy, and an NBA rising star diagnosed with DVT—what does the science actually say? In this first episode of Beyond the Headlines, a new Beyond the Endpoint series, hosts Emily O’Brien and Manesh Patel break down the research behind these trending stories. Access resources related to this episode https://dcri.org/blog/ep-5-beyond-...

Smartwatches, fitness trackers, and health data—how are wearables reshaping clinical research? In this episode, Dr. Marat Fudim joins us for an insightful discussion on how wearable technology is shaping the way we monitor health and conduct research. Topics include: • Are wearables improving patient care or just tracking steps? • How do researchers use wearable data in clinical trials? •What are...

In this episode of Beyond the Endpoint, Emily O’Brien and Manesh Patel sit down with Leslie Curtis, former senior FDA policy advisor, to explore the FDA’s role in balancing science, public health, and regulation, along with how political transitions influence clinical research, healthcare funding, and the approval process for new treatments. 🔗 Access resources related to this episode https://dcri...

Reducing hypertension risk isn’t just about cutting salt. This week on Beyond The Endpoint, Emily O’Brien, Manesh Patel, and Jenny Cook talk with Dr. Dhruv Kazi about the complex public health battle against hypertension. From interventions to strategies for patient and physician adherence, this episode covers scalable solutions to change the future of hypertension. 🔗 Access resources related to...