MedEvidence! Truth Behind the Data

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Michael Koren joins Kevin Geddings to offer the solace of taking control of your medical future in these uncertain times. The doctor reminds listeners that when news is stressful and chaotic, doing things that impact you and your life can help reduce anxiety. He suggests that taking advantage of free screening exams at clinical research sites may help people make sense of the...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Erich Schramm joins Kevin Geddings to discuss a new study which aims to lower the incidence of childhood obesity. Somewhere around 1 in 3 children are overweight or obese, and this condition greatly increases the risks of serious health consequences later in life, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholestrol, and metabolic disorders. Dr. Schramm talks about what is...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. A. Mark Fendrick joins Dr. Michael Koren to discuss his life and legacy promoting value-based insurance design (VBID). VBID is the idea is that procedures which are neccecary should cost patients less than thsoe that are optional, and is seen in the US with many insurance plans offering 100% coverage of preventative services. Dr. Fendrick recounts his career and how he managed...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Michael Koren joins Kevin Geddings to explain what "Phase 1" means in the context of clinical research. The doctor talks about how phase 1 is the first time a new investigational treatment is used in a person, but that there is an enormous amount of work that happens before a medication gets to that point. He also discusses the other phases of research, concerns abou...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Noelle Pomeroy, PhD, joins Dr. Erich Schramm to discuss mental health, particularly from the perspective of relationships. The two discuss the value of therapy and the importance of talking with an expert in areas that are new to us, and then get into sexual health and relationships. They talk through the changes that happen as people age, the challenges that pornography can c...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Michael Koren joins Kevin Geddings to discuss atrial fibrillation. This heart condition is caused by rapid, irregular heartbeats originating in the upper chambers and is a critical risk factor for strokes. Dr. Koren talks about the current standard-of-care medicines for atrial fibrillation, blood thinners, and  their shortcomings. He finishes with an explanation of how clinica...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Paul Miller joins Dr. Michael Koren to discuss ongoing research in the field of psychology. Dr. Miller expounds on the complex interplay between genetic predisposition, trauma, and the way the brain misprocesses memory, and the potential negative psychological outcomes. Dr. Miller then discusses treatments and the changing treatment landscape, including techniques that mimic r...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Michael Koren joins Kevin Geddings to give some advice on easy-to-accomplish resolutions for the new year. The doctor gives three resolutions: Get an advanced cholesterol Lp(a) check Get a fatty liver test Do an Alzheimer's screening These are easy resolutions that can help guide health decisions for the year and beyond. Be a part of advancing science by participating in...

Send us Fan Mail Javonte Maynor joins Dr. Erich Schramm to talk about Mr. Maynor's journey from Division I basketball to starting and running a clinical research site. The entrepreneur talks about his passion for clinical research, representation, and how historically low representation of minorities is a design choice which can be remedied. The duo discusses methods of increasing diversity,...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Heather Luing joins Dr. Michael Koren to talk about depression. They discuss what it can feel like, why December is associated with a spike in depression cases, and what's going on inside the body and brain that makes this disorder so challenging. The duo of doctors also explore new and emerging medications in the depression field, including several that target completely...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Michael Koren joins Kevin Geddings to answer the question: What does it mean to be medically ready for the holidays. The doctor discusses how the holidays are fun, but changes in schedules can throw off precise medical routines. The doctor explains that people need to plan around limited pharmacy hours, dietary challenges, and risks of excessive alcohol consumption. As long as...

Send us Fan Mail There's not a lot that we both need to do and get paid to do. Dr. Michael Koren joins Kevin Geddings to discuss one of the most beneficial parts of clinical research: getting paid to do what you should be doing anyway. As an example, the doctor talks about Lp(a), a really, really, really, really bad cholesterol that increases the chances of having a heart attack and stroke. D...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Zeke Emanuel joins Dr. Michael Koren to discuss his new book Eat Your Ice Cream: Six Simple Rules for a Long and Healthy Life . Dr. Emanuel explains how frustrated he is at trendy, influencer-style health advice and how it accentuates intense, short-term "miracle fixes," which are almost always for sale and rarely have medical benefits. He explains his philosophy, an...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Michael Koren joins Kevin Geddings to review some possibly outdated information on modern statin bottles. Kevin reveals that he dutifully takes his statin at night and avoids grapefruit, but cardiologist Michael Koren, MD, gives updated advice. The doctor states that rosuvastatin, a newer statin, is long-acting, and that taking it at night may not be as necessary as in earlier...

Send us Fan Mail Retired Rear Admiral Gene Kendall joins cardiologist Dr. Michael Koren to discuss his exciting career, starting as one of the first Black students at Duke University. The former admiral discusses the excitement, disappointment, and life lessons going from a "big fish in a small pond" to an elite school and how the military was a way for him to regain self-respect. The du...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Sara Collins joins Dr. Michael Koren to talk about her journey as a research cardiologist. They discuss Dr. Collins's path through preparatory school, college, med school, and the post-school experience as a cardiologist. They also discuss her role starting a clinical research site in Washington, D.C., and her efforts to leverage the research apparatus to provide equitabl...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Michael Koren joins Kevin Geddings to share an anecdote; an acquaintance seemed to put trust in Mel Gibson on a podcast over the American healthcare system. The doctor analyzes why there has been an erosion of trust in this system, why institutions like the medical community and clinical research should be trusted, and how participating in clinical trials can increase your tru...

Send us Fan Mail Dermatologist and clinical researcher Dr. Michael Bernhardt joins Dr. Erich Schramm to unpack the rapidly evolving science of atopic dermatitis . The two doctors discuss the symptoms, science, and treatments for atopic dermatitis, including how much clinical research has changed the landscape and improved outcomes. The two get into how the immune system drives the disease, and how...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Michael Koren joins Kevin Geddings to give thanks this week. The doctor gives gratitude to Kevin, his team, clinical research staff, MedEvidence staff, and most of all, patients. Dr. Koren expresses his heartfelt thanks to everyone who pushes science and research forward! Be a part of advancing science by participating in clinical research . Have a question for Dr. Koren? Emai...

Send us Fan Mail Cardiologist Dr. Michael Koren is joined by a 35-year-old patient "Tucker" to walk through his cardiovascular numbers and explain what it all means. The doctor explores a lipid profile and an advanced lipid profile from top to bottom, explaining everything from how LDL is calculated to what hs-CRP measures. Along the way, they discuss how diet, exercise, supplements, and...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Michael Koren joins Kevin Geddings to discuss some of the pitfalls of traditional healthcare in America and how clinical research can bridge those gaps. The doctor and clinical researcher talks about a family member recieving care in a world-class medical facility, and that even in this setting there is confusion about who is coordinating the patient's care. He contrasts...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Evan Loh joins Dr. Michael Koren to discuss Dr. Loh's journey through the medical profession. Dr. Loh moved from doing lab work in medical school to patient care in the academic sphere and into the pharmaceutical world of research. Dr. Loh and Dr. Koren discuss the core differences between bedside physican work and research, including in time spent with patients, physicia...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Koren joins Kevin Geddings to report live from the American Heart Association meeting in New Orleans with fresh results on LDL lowering, prevention, and the future of gene editing for cholesterol. They discuss the excitement of big meetings like the AHA and how results can even surprise the investigators that were working on a study. Note: Dr. Koren refers to CRISPR Therapeuti...

Send us Fan Mail Pediatrician and environmental scientist Dr. Deborah Hendrickson joins Dr. Michael Koren to discuss how the environment affects our health. Dr. Hendrickson uses the example of poor air quality from sources such as wildfires and pollution to explain how this impacts children's breathing, from lung development to allergies and asthma. She also notes that the climate is changing...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Michael Koren joins Kevin Geddings to discuss the current state of COVID vaccines and research. The cardiologist weighs the real risks and benefits of COVID vaccines, focusing on who may need protection the most and who might be able to skip this year's booster. Dr. Koren also talks about the new prescription mandate for COVID vaccines, and how joining a clinical trial ma...