
AMA Update
600 episodes — Page 2 of 12
Ep 572Precision education and the future of medical education
How is medical education changing? What is precision education? What does the AMA give grants for? What is an example of precision education in medicine? Our guests are Sanjay Desai, MD MACP, chief academic officer, and Kim Lomis, MD, vice president of medical education innovations, with the American Medical Association. AMA CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🎥 Watch #AMAUpdate for healthcare news for physicians, residents and medical students: https://ama-assn.co/AMAUpdate 🏫 AMA's ChangeMedEd®️ Initiative: https://ama-assn.co/ChangeMedEd 👥 AMA Change MedEd Conference: https://ama-assn.co/ChangeMedEd_Conference 📖 Learn more about the AMA’s precision education program: https://ama-assn.co/PrecisionEducation_Program 💸 Apply for the AMA precision education grant program: https://ama-assn.co/PrecisionEducation_Grant

Ep 571Menopause and cardiovascular disease and using HRT to treat menopause symptoms
Who should have hormone replacement therapy? What age does menopause start? Can menopause affect your heart? Why does menopause increase risk of heart disease? Our guest, Melissa Joy Tracy, MD, professor of medicine and systems medical director of cardiac rehabilitation, at Rush University Medical Center, discusses the latest science on how to prevent heart disease after menopause. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🎥 Watch #AMAUpdate for healthcare news for physicians, residents and medical students: https://ama-assn.co/AMAUpdate 🚺 Read AHA Rethinking Menopausal Hormone Therapy: For Whom, What, When, and How Long?, here: https://ama-assn.co/AHA_MHT 🚦 American Heart Association Recommendations for Menopausal Hormone Therapy Risk: https://ama-assn.co/AHA_MHTchart 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew

Ep 570What outbreaks are happening right now? Measles, avian influenza, long COVID kids and vaccine news
Why was the flu shot meeting cancelled? Can you die from measles? Why have measles come back in the US? Why are eggs so expensive? How does bird flu spread to humans? AMA's Vice President of Science, Medicine and Public Health, Andrea Garcia, JD, MPH, discusses the ongoing measles outbreak in Texas, USDA's bird flu response, new research on long COVID in kids, as well as the FDA canceling a flu vaccines meeting. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🎥 Watch #AMAUpdate for healthcare news for physicians, residents and medical students: https://ama-assn.co/AMAUpdate 🌡️ For the latest CDC measles outbreaks, symptoms of measles mumps rubeola and more, visit: https://ama-assn.co/CDC_Measles 🪽 For bird flu news visit AMA H5N1 Resource Center to get clinical information, the latest CDC updates and more AMA resources: https://ama-assn.co/BirdFlu 🗺️ CDC current avian flu map: https://ama-assn.co/avianflu_map
Ep 569Better preparing med students for residency by creating foundational UME competencies
Does med school prepare you for residency? What is competency-based medical education? What is an example of competency-based education? Our guests are Laura Edgar, EdD, senior vice president of competencies, milestones, and faculty development at the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education; Lisa Howley, PhD, MEd, senior director of transforming medical education at the Association of American Medical Colleges; and Mark Speicher, senior vice president of research, learning, and innovation at the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🎥 Watch #AMAUpdate for healthcare news for physicians, residents and medical students: https://ama-assn.co/AMAUpdate 📚 See how the AMA is working to catalyze change in medical education: https://ama-assn.co/ChangeMedEd 🧠 Learn more about the foundational undergraduate medical education competencies: https://ama-assn.co/AACOM_UME 💡 Download the foundational UME competencies PDF: https://ama-assn.co/AACOM_UME_PDF
Ep 568Extreme risk protection orders and what physicians need to know about ERPO laws
What is an extreme risk order? How many states have ERPO laws? What are the criteria for an ERPO? Do ERPO laws work? American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger is joined by two guests from Johns Hopkins University. Spencer Cantrell, JD, is an assistant scientist of health policy and management at the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions. She is also the co-lead of the National ERPO Resource Center. Katherine Hoops, MD, MPH, is an associate professor of pediatric critical care medicine. She also represents critical care medicine on the AMA Firearm Injury Prevention Task Force. 🎥 Watch #AMAUpdate for healthcare news for physicians, residents and medical students: https://ama-assn.co/AMAUpdate 📚 Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions: https://publichealth.jhu.edu/center-for-gun-violence-solutions 🖥️ National Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) Resource Center: https://erpo.org/

Ep 567Long COVID news, measles in Texas, RSV vaccine for moms, food recalls and rural health care access
What's the new long COVID study? How bad is this year's flu? How many measles vaccines do you need? What food has been recalled? When to get RSV vaccine pregnancy? AMA's Vice President of Science, Medicine and Public Health, Andrea Garcia, JD, MPH, discusses the ongoing flu season, 2025 measles outbreak news, a new study on long COVID in women, uptake of maternal RSV vaccines, as well as food recalls and financial challenges faced by rural healthcare facilities. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🎥 Watch #AMAUpdate for healthcare news for physicians, residents and medical students: https://ama-assn.co/AMAUpdate 🗺️ CDC FluView Weekly US Map & Influenza Summary Update: https://ama-assn.co/flu_map 🌡️ For the latest CDC measles outbreaks, symptoms of measles mumps rubeola and more, visit: https://ama-assn.co/CDC_Measles 😷 CDC Respiratory Illnesses Data Channel: https://ama-assn.co/CDC_RespiratoryIllnesses 🦠 CDC RSV resources: https://ama-assn.co/CDC_RSV 🚮 FDA recall lists: https://ama-assn.co/FDA_recalls 🍽️ For the latest food safety news, recalls and more, visit: https://ama-assn.co/FoodSafety 🛒 USDA food recall lists: https://ama-assn.co/USDA_recalls 🚨 If the CDC issues new health warning, get the latest CDC health alert 2025 via the Health Alert Network (HAN CDC website): https://ama-assn.co/CDC_HAN
Ep 566Physician burnout solutions: A leadership program for doctors that makes them feel valued at work
What is a leadership program? Why is leadership training important for physicians? Why are leadership skills important in health care? Our guest, Nigel Girgrah, MD, PhD, chief wellness officer at Ochsner Health, discusses the critical connection between physician burnout and feeling valued at work, as well as the importance of career development and leadership programs in enhancing job satisfaction for doctors. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🎥 Watch #AMAUpdate for healthcare news for physicians, residents and medical students: https://ama-assn.co/AMAUpdate 🫶 Read the AMA STEPSforward playbook The Value of Feeling Valued - How Organizations Can Support Individual Physicians: https://ama-assn.co/STEPSForward_FeelingValued 🧠 Check out AMA's STEPS Forward® Program: https://ama-assn.co/STEPSForward_Program 🏥 Learn more about the AMA Health System Program here: https://ama-assn.co/HealthSystems
Ep 565Physicians and pharmacists work together to improve the prior authorization process
Who is responsible for getting pre authorization? How can pharmacists help doctors? What can the technician do to help expedite prior authorization? Our guests from Geisinger Health System are Kristen Kruszewski, director of pharmacy strategy, Seth Gazes, associate vice president of pharmacy strategy and planning, and Jerry Greskovic, vice president of ambulatory pharmacy services. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🎥 Watch #AMAUpdate for healthcare news for physicians, residents and medical students: https://ama-assn.co/AMAUpdate 💪 Learn how the AMA is AMA fighting prior authorization: https://ama-assn.co/PriorAuth 🏥 Learn more about the AMA Health System Program here: https://ama-assn.co/HealthSystems 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew

Ep 564Worst flu season: Influenza virus spread, new bird flu cases in the US, plus measles outbreak update
How bad is the flu right now? Can people get the bird flu? How do you get bird flu? What states have bird flu? Are measles going around? How contagious are measles? AMA's Vice President of Science, Medicine and Public Health, Andrea Garcia, JD, MPH, discusses the current bird flu outbreak 2025—including cases of avian flu among veterinarians. Also covering how dangerous seasonal flu is this year, and the rising measles cases in the U.S. fueled by the Texas measles outbreak. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🎥 Watch #AMAUpdate for healthcare news for physicians, residents and medical students: https://ama-assn.co/AMAUpdate 🪽 For bird flu news visit AMA H5N1 Resource Center to get clinical information, the latest CDC updates and more AMA resources: https://ama-assn.co/BirdFlu 🗺️ CDC current avian flu map: https://ama-assn.co/avianflu_map 💻 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC H5N1 Bird Flu Current Situation Summary (CDC H5N1 technical report): https://ama-assn.co/CDC_H5N1
Ep 563Why do research in medical school? Research topics for med students and requirements for residents
What is the role of research in medical education? How important is research for residency? What are good research topics for medical students? Our guest, Frederick Chen, MD, MPH, chief health and science officer at the American Medical Association, discusses the growing importance of research in medical education and residency. He explains how research helps medical students stand out in a competitive admissions process and provides valuable skills like scientific methods and teamwork. Dr. Chen also shares insights from his own experience in residency, and talks about the AMA Research Challenge for students and residents with a $10,000 grand prize. AMA CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 🗓️ RSVP and watch the AMA Research Challenge Finals on Feb. 20: https://www.ama-assn.org/member-benefits/events/ama-research-challenge 🔬 Submit an abstract for the 2025 Research Challenge: https://www.ama-assn.org/member-benefits/events/ama-research-challenge
Ep 562What is whole person care? Understanding spiritual well being and spirituality in healthcare
Is religion good for your health? What is spiritual health care? How is spirituality related to health? Why is spirituality important in health care? Is there a relationship between spirituality and health? Our guest, Christina Puchalski, MD, professor of medicine and executive director of the George Washington Institute for Spirituality & Health, discusses the integration of spirituality into healthcare and shares her journey in developing medical school curriculum on spiritual care for patient health and well-being. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts.

Ep 561Nevada dairy cattle bird flu news, American Heart Month, cardiovascular disease facts and flu tests
What kills the most Americans? What type of flu is going around? How much is a flu test? How many people died from COVID? What causes heart disease in women? AMA's Vice President of Science, Medicine and Public Health, Andrea Garcia, JD, MPH, discusses cardiovascular disease statistics, heart disease in women, the latest bird flu developments, and flu test at home. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 🗺️ CDC current avian flu map: https://ama-assn.co/avianflu_map 💻 For bird flu news visit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC H5N1 Bird Flu Current Situation Summary (CDC H5N1 technical report): https://ama-assn.co/CDC_H5N1 🧪 Check #FDA COVID test expiration date extensions here: https://ama-assn.co/COVID_testing 📍 Googling "COVID testing near me"? Find where to get COVID test: https://ama-assn.co/COVID_tests 💉 Wondering "when to get flu shot" or looking for "flu shot near me"? Visit: https://ama-assn.co/GetMyFluShot 😷 CDC Respiratory Illnesses Data Channel: https://ama-assn.co/CDC_RespiratoryIllnesses 🚨 If the CDC issues new health warning, get the latest CDC health alert 2024 via the Health Alert Network (HAN CDC website): https://ama-assn.co/CDC_HAN 🥼 Go to https://ama-assn.co/FightingForDocs to learn more about our AMA advocacy priorities, including: ▹ Reforming Medicare payment ▹ Fighting scope creep ▹ Fixing prior authorization ▹ Reducing physician burnout ▹ Making technology work for physicians
Ep 560Firearm injury prevention strategies in medicine and how physicians can play a role in gun safety
Do gun violence prevention programs work? Why is my doctor asking if I own guns? Why are doctors asking about guns? How can doctors help with gun safety? Our guest Chethan Sathya, MD, director of the Center for Gun Violence Prevention at Northwell Health, joins to discuss the critical issue of gun safety and how hospitals can use a strategic framework that includes community engagement, research, policy development, clinical integration, and medical education. Dr. Sathya emphasizes the importance of screening patients for gun violence risk and how the AMA is advocating for firearm violence prevention to create impactful change. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 🥼 Go to https://ama-assn.co/FightingForDocs to learn more about our AMA advocacy priorities, including: ▹ Reforming Medicare payment ▹ Fighting scope creep ▹ Fixing prior authorization ▹ Reducing physician burnout ▹ Making technology work for physicians

Ep 559Tuberculosis in Kansas, ebola virus update, and rising egg prices due to bird flu outbreak 2025
What is going on with eggs in the U.S.? Is there a new strain of bird flu? How do you treat TB? How is TB transmitted? What is the most recent Ebola outbreak? Today's episode covers tuberculosis cases in the U.S., the outbreak of TB in Kansas City, and the emergence of a new bird flu strain H5N9. AMA's Vice President of Science, Medicine and Public Health, Andrea Garcia, JD, MPH, also breaks down the ongoing Ebola situation in Uganda. She highlights the implications of these health threats, outlines the importance of infectious disease monitoring, virus tracking, and timely public health response strategies. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 🗺️ CDC current avian flu map: https://ama-assn.co/avianflu_map 💻 For bird flu news visit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC H5N1 Bird Flu Current Situation Summary (CDC H5N1 technical report): https://ama-assn.co/CDC_H5N1 🚨 If the CDC issues new health warning, get the latest CDC health alert 2024 via the Health Alert Network (HAN CDC website): https://ama-assn.co/CDC_HAN ✈️ Check the latest CDC travel advisory: https://ama-assn.co/CDC_TravelAdvisory
Ep 558Medical mythbuster Joel Bervell, MD, on how to teach kids about medicine and address misinformation
Is social media useful in medicine? What is health misinformation? How is social media impacting health care? How to address medical misinformation online? Science communicator and medical mythbuster, Joel Bervell, MD, discusses what motivated him to become a doctor and shares details for his new STEM show on Youtube "The Doctor Is In," which is designed to inspire young children to pursue careers in healthcare. Dr. Bervell also shares insights on how social media is changing medicine, and encourages other physicians to follow their passions in creating impactful content. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 🎬 Watch “The Doctor Is In” here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDoctorIsInShow 💊 Get more medical mythbusting on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joelbervell/
Ep 557AMA Joy in Medicine criteria for 2025 and the importance of recognizing physician well-being efforts
What is Joy in Medicine? Why are there mental health questions on physician licensure? What is the goal of the AMA Joy in Medicine Recognition Program? Kevin Hopkins, MD, physician director of health system engagement at the American Medical Association, explains the ins and outs of the AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program. Dr. Hopkins shares examples from past AMA Joy in Medicine honorees, tips for health system leaders, and recent changes for the 2025 application cycle, including updates on medical credentialing language and teamwork assessment. AMA CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 💌 Looking for the AMA Joy in Medicine application? Submit an Intent to Apply form for the 2025 Joy in Medicine Program: https://ama-assn.co/JoyInMedicine_Application 🏆 Check out AMA's Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Program: https://ama-assn.co/JoyInMedicine_Program
Ep 556New bird flu outbreak in California, HMPV and COVID: Why is everyone sick in 2025?
Should I be worried about bird flu? How dangerous is the new COVID variant? How does bird flu spread to humans? Is bird flu going to become a pandemic? What is HMPV? AMA's Vice President of Science, Medicine and Public Health, Andrea Garcia, JD, MPH, discusses the "mystery virus" human metapneumovirus, that HMPV is not new, and shares trends in seasonal influenza and COVID-19 cases. Also covering the latest bird flu news of H5N9 on a California duck farm, as well as a raw pet food recall and the dangers of H5N1 for dogs and cats. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 😷 CDC Respiratory Illnesses Data Channel: https://ama-assn.co/CDC_RespiratoryIllnesses 🤧 Will there be a respiratory virus surge? CDC respiratory virus season information: https://ama-assn.co/CDC_RespiratoryOutlooks 🦠 Looking for info on human metapneumovirus or HMPV symptoms? Get CDC HMPV resources here: https://ama-assn.co/CDC_HMPV
Ep 555Burnout gender gap: Burnout in men vs. women and how to reduce physician burnout
Which physician has the highest burnout? How does gender affect burnout? Why is mental health important for healthcare workers? Our guest, Mary Pan, MD, family medicine physician and chief wellness officer at the Washington Permanente Medical Group, discusses the ongoing issue of burnout among women physicians, the persistent gender gap in burnout rates, and outlines innovative health care support systems like physician mentorship and peer support to improve the well-being of doctors. Dr. Pan shares insights from the AMA's Mini-Z Survey, which shows that while burnout rates are decreasing, women still experience higher levels of burnout compared to men—especially when it comes to work done outside of regular hours. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 📉 Find more physician burnout statistics in the AMA’s survey: https://ama-assn.co/Burnout_rates2024 📊 Read more about the gender differences in burnout: https://ama-assn.co/Burnout_gendergap 🏆 Check out AMA's Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Program: https://ama-assn.co/JoyInMedicine 🗺️ AMA Joy in Medicine Roadmap: https://ama-assn.co/JoyInMedicine_Roadmap
Ep 554How to improve value-based care: Population health management strategies and benefits of CPT codes
What is value-based care? How does value-based care work? How to optimize value-based care? What is population health management? What is cost control in healthcare? Our guest is Lori Prestesater, senior vice president of Health Solutions at the American Medical Association, discusses the evolution of value-based care delivery and the the three pillars of value-based care: population health and quality management, cost management, and alternative payment models. She shares CPT code news and examples of CPT code changes in healthcare payment models, like the rise of digitally enabled care during the COVID pandemic for telehealth and telemedicine services. AMA CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 🔢 For medical billing resources like CPT lookup, medical code list and more, visit: https://ama-assn.co/CPT 🗓️ CPT codes 2024: https://ama-assn.co/CPTcodes ✍️ CPT editorial panel: https://ama-assn.co/CPT_panel ❓ Have questions about CPT codes in medical billing? Get CPT code FAQ here: https://ama-assn.co/CPT_FAQ

Ep 553Ozempic study on weight loss drugs side effects, FDA red dye 3 ban, flu cases and norovirus vaccine
What does Ozempic do? What are the side effects of Ozempic? Is bird flu still around? Is there a vaccine for norovirus? Is red dye 3 banned in US? AMA's Vice President of Science, Medicine and Public Health, Andrea Garcia, JD, MPH, discusses high rates of COVID, RSV, and seasonal flu, as well as the recent CDC alert regarding hospital testing and treatments for bird flu. Also covering the FDA ban on red dye no. 3, plus new research on how GLP-1 drugs could lower the risk of 42 health conditions like Alzheimer's, dementia, substance abuse disorders and more. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 🗺️ CDC current avian flu map: https://ama-assn.co/avianflu_map 💻 For bird flu news visit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC H5N1 Bird Flu Current Situation Summary (CDC H5N1 technical report): https://ama-assn.co/CDC_H5N1
Ep 552Why lifestyle medicine is growing so fast and the benefits of a lifestyle medicine certification
How to be healthy in the new year: What is lifestyle medicine? Does lifestyle medicine work? What are the benefits of lifestyle medicine? How to become a lifestyle medicine doctor? Our guest and chair of the American Medical Association Board of Trustees Michael Suk, MD, JD, MPH, MBA, answers the question: What is lifestyle medicine and how it can benefit you? AMA CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 🥼 Go to https://ama-assn.co/FightingForDocs to learn more about our AMA advocacy priorities, including: ▹ Reforming Medicare payment ▹ Fighting scope creep ▹ Fixing prior authorization ▹ Reducing physician burnout ▹ Making technology work for physicians

Ep 551California wildfire smoke and how to improve air quality during wildfires, plus norovirus treatments
How bad is flu in 2025? What mask is best for wildfires? Is norovirus still surging? How do you get rid of a stomach virus? AMA's Vice President of Science, Medicine and Public Health, Andrea Garcia, JD, MPH, discusses the health impacts of wildfires and the harmful effects of wildfire smoke. Also covering the latest viral infections, like the surge in norovirus cases, and respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and flu. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 🦠 Looking for a COVID map? Get the latest CDC COVID Tracker map, charts, and data: https://ama-assn.co/CDC_COVID 🧪 Check #FDA COVID test expiration date extensions here: https://ama-assn.co/COVID_testing 📍 Googling "COVID testing near me"? Find where to get COVID test: https://ama-assn.co/COVID_tests
Ep 5502025 AMA advocacy priorities: Medicare payment, prior authorization, physician burnout and more
What does the American Medical Association do? Are private practices closing? When do Joy In Medicine applications open? What's the new CMS rule on prior authorization? AMA President Bruce A. Scott, MD, joins to discuss the pressing issues facing physicians like Medicare payment reform, scope creep, prior authorization hassles, and the ongoing crisis of physician burnout. He highlights American Medical Association successes over the past year and how the AMA will fight for physicians and help patients in 2025. AMA CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 🥼 Go to https://ama-assn.co/FightingForDocs to learn more about our AMA advocacy priorities, including: ▹ Reforming Medicare payment ▹ Fighting scope creep ▹ Fixing prior authorization ▹ Reducing physician burnout ▹ Making technology work for physicians
Ep 549AMA advocacy efforts for 2025: Fixing Medicare now, prior authorization reform and more
What does the AMA advocate for? What does the AMA do? Is Medicare reducing payments to doctors? Are there telehealth exemptions in 2025? Todd Askew, senior vice president of advocacy at the American Medical Association, joins from the AMA State Advocacy Summit to outline the AMA’s top priorities for 2025. This includes reversing Medicare payment cuts, extending telehealth policies, fixing prior authorization issues to reduce administrative burdens for doctors, as well as continuing grassroots and physician engagement with elected officials to support key healthcare policies. AMA CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 📨 Stay up to date on all the latest advocacy news by subscribing to AMA Advocacy Update: https://ama-assn.co/Advocacy_newsletter

Ep 548Bird flu 2025, first H5N1 death, norovirus outbreak, and links between drinking alcohol and cancer
Should I be worried about bird flu? How do humans get bird flu? What's the stomach virus going around? What happens if you drink alcohol daily? AMA's Vice President of Science, Medicine and Public Health, Andrea Garcia, JD, MPH, discusses alcohol’s link to cancer, the latest bird flu news, flu season trends, and the rise of norovirus. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 🗺️ CDC current avian flu map: https://ama-assn.co/avianflu_map
Ep 547AI scribes for clinicians: How ambient listening in medicine works and future AI use cases
What is an ambient scribe? How does scribe AI work? Are AI scribes worth it? What are the medical issues with AI? Brian Hoberman, MD, executive vice president of information technology and chief information officer at The Permanente Federation and chief information officer at The Permanente Medical Group in Northern California. Dr. Hoberman discusses the implementation and impact of ambient scribe technology and shares insights on how technology enhances clinician-patient interaction by reducing administrative burdens and improving documentation accuracy. Also covering the challenges of adapting technology to medical specialties, the future potential of AI in health care, and the importance of responsible AI usage. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 🥼 Go to https://ama-assn.co/FightingForDocs to learn more about our AMA advocacy priorities, including: ▹ Reforming Medicare payment ▹ Fighting scope creep ▹ Fixing prior authorization ▹ Reducing physician burnout ▹ Making technology work for physicians
Ep 546How the AMA fought for docs in 2024 to fix prior authorization, reduce physician burnout and more
In the final AMA Update episode of 2024, American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger looks back on another year of stories about the work that physicians are doing across the country and how the AMA is fighting to support them. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 🥼 Go to https://ama-assn.co/FightingForDocs to learn more about our AMA advocacy priorities, including: ▹ Reforming Medicare payment ▹ Fighting scope creep ▹ Fixing prior authorization ▹ Reducing physician burnout ▹ Making technology work for physicians

Ep 545Living with chronic pain, lifespan vs healthspan, and updated dietary guideline recommendations
Is obesity decreasing in the US? Do women live longer than men? What are the US Dietary Guidelines 2025? Does America have a healthy diet? AMA's Vice President of Science, Medicine and Public Health, Andrea Garcia, JD, MPH, discusses recent findings on obesity trends in the US, upcoming 2025 US Dietary Guidelines changes, the importance of a healthy diet and the need for health equity in dietary recommendations. Also covering Americans' healthspan lifespan gap and the implications of living longer with diseases. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 🗺️ CDC current avian flu map: https://ama-assn.co/avianflu_map 💻 For bird flu news visit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC H5N1 Bird Flu Current Situation Summary (CDC H5N1 technical report): https://ama-assn.co/CDC_H5N1
Ep 544A new model of value-based care and direct-to-employer health care pros and cons
What is direct-to-employer contracting in health care? What are value-based care examples? What are innovative care models? Jerry Finkel, MD, senior vice president and chief primary health officer at Henry Ford Health, discusses an innovative value-based care program between General Motors and Henry Ford Health that allows GM employees and their families to receive customized health care directly from Henry Ford Health, bypassing traditional insurance models. Dr. Finkel highlights the benefits of this direct arrangement, including enhanced quality of care, cost savings, and a concierge service for easier navigation of the health care system. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 🏥 Learn more about the AMA Health System Program here: https://ama-assn.co/HealthSystems 🥼 Go to https://ama-assn.co/FightingForDocs to learn more about our AMA advocacy priorities, including: ▹ Reforming Medicare payment ▹ Fighting scope creep ▹ Fixing prior authorization ▹ Reducing physician burnout ▹ Making technology work for physicians
Ep 543Health care technology trends 2025: AI benefits, wearable use cases and telehealth expansion
What is the future of AI in healthcare? What is the future of RPM? Is telehealth increasing or decreasing? How can AI reduce physician burnout? Our guest is Margaret Lozovatsky, MD, vice president of Digital Health Innovations at the American Medical Association. AMA CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 🥼 Go to https://ama-assn.co/FightingForDocs to learn more about our AMA advocacy priorities, including: ▹ Reforming Medicare payment ▹ Fighting scope creep ▹ Fixing prior authorization ▹ Reducing physician burnout ▹ Making technology work for physicians

Ep 542USDA milk testing, raw milk recall, plus new flu treatment study and the current COVID variant
Is whooping cough going around? What is the best flu medicine? What is the latest strain of COVID? Is raw milk safe? Why drink raw milk? AMA's Vice President of Science, Medicine and Public Health, Andrea Garcia, JD, MPH, discusses rising whooping cough cases, vaccines for whooping cough, and effectiveness of antiviral medicine for flu. Also covering milk safety around pasteurized milk vs raw milk and concerns over bird flu in raw milk. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 🗺️ CDC current avian flu map: https://ama-assn.co/avianflu_map
Ep 541“It’s such an eye-opening experience.” Bobby Mukkamala, MD, reflects on his brain tumor diagnosis
After sharing the news last month that he’s been diagnosed with a brain tumor, AMA President-elect Bobby Mukkamala, MD, joins us to share an update on how he’s doing, his treatment and lessons learned from navigating medicine as a patient. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 📄 Read the initial announcement about Dr. Mukkamala’s diagnosis: https://www.ama-assn.org/about/leadership/ama-president-elect-bobby-mukkamala-md-has-brain-tumor
Ep 540Best practices for providing virtual primary care with Matthew Sakumoto, MD
What is virtual primary care? Should you reply thank you to your doctor? What is a virtual care physician? How do doctors use EHR secure messaging? Our guest is Matthew Sakumoto, MD, virtual-first primary care physician and chief medical information officer, at Sutter West Bay Region. Dr. Sakumoto shares his best practices for EHR inbox messaging and how physicians can create a personal connection, set expectations and more when caring for patients via text. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew

Ep 539Bird flu in California, walking pneumonia in kids and more viruses going around at the moment 2024
What are the statistics on vaccines? Are people getting vaccinated? What are common vaccines for children? Can kids get bird flu? Is it COVID season? AMA's Vice President of Science, Medicine and Public Health, Andrea Garcia, JD, MPH, discusses the latest trends in respiratory illnesses, what causes vaccine hesitancy and low seasonal vaccination rates for RSV, influenza and COVID-19. Also covering H5N1 in children, how bird flu spreads to humans and avian influenza symptoms in humans. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 🗺️ CDC current avian flu map: https://ama-assn.co/avianflu_map 💻 For bird flu news visit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC H5N1 Bird Flu Current Situation Summary (CDC H5N1 technical report): https://ama-assn.co/CDC_H5N1
Ep 537Role of physicians in technology development and learning from past mistakes with the EHR
Associate Chief Medical Informatics Officer Josh Lesko, MD, joins us to discuss the need for physicians to have a voice in the development of the technology they use. Dr. Lesko talks about the benefit of having a degree in computer science as a physician, how practices can involve clinicians in technology development and lessons learned from the rollout of the EHR. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 💻 Check out all the resources from AMA STEPS Forward™: https://edhub.ama-assn.org/steps-forward ▶️ Watch the AMA STEPS Forward Innovation Academy webinar Navigating AI in Health Care: https://youtu.be/9uVVY3kOkXg 📋 Read the AMA's Future of Health report The Emerging Landscape of AI in Health Care: https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/digital/ama-future-health-emerging-landscape-augmented-intelligence-health-care

Ep 538A healthier holiday: Avoiding colds, the health benefits of gratitude and 5 more minutes of exercise
What is a respiratory infection? Can you test too early for COVID? How much exercise do adults need per day? Can exercise lower your blood pressure? AMA's Vice President of Science, Medicine and Public Health, Andrea Garcia, JD, MPH, covers current trends of COVID, RSV, and flu and preventing illness this holiday season. She also discusses the obesity epidemic in the US and why adding five minutes of exercise to your daily routine can help lower blood pressure, plus the mental and physical benefits of practicing gratitude. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 🦠 Looking for a COVID map? Get the latest CDC COVID Tracker map, charts and data: https://ama-assn.co/CDC_COVID 💉 Searching for "COVID vaccine near me"? Find vaccines in your area at: https://ama-assn.co/COVID_vaccine 📚 CDC COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and COVID Vaccination Clinical & Professional Resources: https://ama-assn.co/COVID_vaccines
Ep 536After a near-death experience, one physician leader works to reduce the in-basket burden
Our guest is Reggie Lyell, MD, medical director of informatics at Baptist Health. Dr. Lyell discusses the near-death experience that caused him to retire and the opportunity that inspired him to return to work. He talks about his new role as a leader focused on improving clinical workflows and his current project to improve the in-basket experience. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 💻 Check out all the toolkits and playbooks from AMA STEPS Forward™: https://edhub.ama-assn.org/steps-forward

Ep 535Clade 1 Mpox, Canada bird flu news, and E. coli outbreak recall on carrots 2024
Can you die from E coli? Does E coli die when cooked? What are the symptoms of bird flu? Which carrots are being recalled? Does McDonalds still have E coli? AMA's Vice President of Science, Medicine and Public Health, Andrea Garcia, JD, MPH, discusses recent E. coli outbreaks linked to organic carrots, baby carrots and fast food. Also covering Mpox cases in the US, rising bird flu cases, as well as getting COVID and flu vaccines ahead of the holiday season as respiratory illnesses increase. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 🖥️ Live CDC webinar on the latest flu, COVID-19 & RSV vaccine recommendations "Leading the Way to a Healthier Winter" (Thursday, Nov. 21)- submit questions and register here: https://ama-assn.co/CDCwebinar_HealthierWinter2024
Ep 534Street Medicine Detroit: How medical students help treat underserved populations and the unhoused
What is street medicine? Is street medicine effective? What are the barriers to care for homeless people? What extracurriculars for medical students stand out on residency applications? Richard Bryce, DO, medical director of Street Medicine Detroit and program director at Henry Ford Health System discusses the importance of meeting patients where they are, addressing unique challenges faced by unhoused individuals, and the impact of street medicine on both patients and health care providers. Dr. Bryce also highlights the growth of street medicine initiatives in Michigan and the importance of community involvement in healthcare. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew
Ep 533Practicing medicine in your hometown and the challenges facing rural health care with Marshfield Clinic interim CEO
What does health care leadership do? Is health care leadership a good career? What are the rural health priorities? What are the challenges in rural health care accessibility? Our guest is the interim CEO of Marshfield Clinic Health System, Brian Hoerneman, MD. Dr. Hoerneman talks about his path to leadership, the unique perspective he has as a leader who grew up in Marshfield, the challenges facing Marshfield Clinic and rural health care, and the health system’s merger with Sanford Health. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 🏥 Learn more about the AMA Health System Program here: https://ama-assn.co/HealthSystems
Ep 532Rising cancer rates: Why cancer is increasing in younger people and tips to reduce your risk
When should you get screened for cancer? Are cancer rates increasing or decreasing? Why is cancer increasing in young adults? Barbara McAneny, MD, CEO of New Mexico Oncology Hematology Consultants, and a past president of the AMA, joins us to discuss the rising rates of cancer in younger generations. Dr. McAneny also discusses our current approach to cancer screenings and shares ways that people can reduce their cancer risk. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 🔖 JAMA login: https://ama-assn.co/JAMA_Login 🌐 JAMAnetwork Open: https://ama-assn.co/JAMANetworkOpen
Ep 531Hurricane recovery in Florida, the IV fluid shortage and health care emergency preparedness
What is disaster preparedness in health care? How can hospitals plan for mass casualties? What are mass casualty incidents (MCIs)? John Armstrong, MD, vice speaker of the AMA House of Delegates and vice chair of surgery at the University of South Florida, discusses why emergency preparedness is important in health care, the recovery from Hurricanes Milton and Helene, and the IV fluid shortage. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew
Ep 530New ACIP recommendations: COVID vaccine frequency for seniors and RSV vaccine safety concerns
What are the new COVID vaccine guidelines? Is the RSV vaccine safe? When should you get the pneumococcal vaccine? Is there a vaccine for meningococcal disease? Our guest is Sandra Fryhofer, MD, AMA’s liaison to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and a member of ACIP’s COVID-19 Vaccine Workgroup. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew
Ep 529American Medical Association Political Action Committee: How does the AMA affect health care policy?
AMPAC: What is a Political Action Committee? What political party does the American Medical Association support? Does the AMA lobby? How is AMPAC funded? Rob Jordan, vice president of political affairs at the American Medical Association, answers the most common questions about the AMA’s bipartisan political action committee, AMPAC contribution criteria and political education, as well as AMPAC's role in political and medical advocacy. AMA CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 🏛️ Learn how the AMA’s bipartisan political action committee works and who it supports: https://ama-assn.co/AMPAC 🗳️ AMPAC Candidate Workshop: https://ama-assn.co/AMPAC_CandidateWorkshop 🎓 AMPAC Campaign School: https://ama-assn.co/AMPAC_CampaignSchool
Ep 528New bipartisan bill would stabilize Medicare physician pay for 2025: Now it has to pass
As a direct result of AMA advocacy, a new bi-partisan bill was introduced in the U.S. House this week that would give physicians a positive Medicare payment update for next year. The American Medical Association's director of congressional affairs, Jason Marino, joins to provide an overview of the "Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act," and why physicians must act now to help the bill pass. AMA CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🚨 Urgent: Tell your Representative to cosponsor the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act (H.R. 10073): https://ama-assn.co/FixMedicareNow_HR10073 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew ⚖️ AMA efforts on Medicare payment reform: https://ama-assn.co/Medicare 🗣 Get involved! Tell Congress to fix Medicare now: https://ama-assn.co/FixMedicareNow

Ep 527McDonald's E. coli outbreak, new COVID and flu tests, plus bird flu 2024 and the latest H5N1 news
Is it safe to eat McDonald's? Are expired COVID tests accurate? Where can I get a COVID test over the counter? Is there human to human bird flu transmission? AMA's Vice President of Science, Medicine and Public Health, Andrea Garcia, JD, MPH, discusses the E. coli outbreak at McDonald's and food safety issues, bird flu symptoms in humans, at-home COVID-19 test kits and when you should test for COVID. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 🍔 What Physicians Need to Know About Foodborne Illness: https://ama-assn.co/CME_FoodborneIllness 🗺️ CDC current avian flu map: https://ama-assn.co/avianflu_map
Ep 526Why overdose deaths declined, barriers to SUD treatment and ending the overdose epidemic
Bobby Mukkamala, MD, chair of the AMA Substance Use and Pain Care Task Force, discusses the CDC’s provisional data that showed a decline in drug overdose deaths. Dr. Mukkamala breaks down the numbers and how physicians and the AMA can help to end the overdose epidemic. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 💪 Get involved in the fight to end the overdose epidemic: https://end-overdose-epidemic.org/ 🥼 Go to https://ama-assn.co/FightingForDocs to learn more about our AMA advocacy priorities, including: ▹ Reforming Medicare payment ▹ Fighting scope creep ▹ Fixing prior authorization ▹ Reducing physician burnout ▹ Making technology work for physicians
Ep 525Challenges with Matching for international medical graduates and how IMGs help residency programs
The CEO of Intealth, Eric Holmboe, MD, joins us to discuss the Match rate for IMGs and how to improve it, how international medical graduates can help residency programs fill critical care gaps and deliver culturally competent care, and more. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 🔍 Search FREIDA™, the AMA Residency & Fellowship Database®, here: https://freida.ama-assn.org/ 🥼 Go to https://ama-assn.co/FightingForDocs to learn more about our AMA advocacy priorities, including: ▹ Reforming Medicare payment ▹ Fighting scope creep ▹ Fixing prior authorization ▹ Reducing physician burnout ▹ Making technology work for physicians

Ep 524IV shortage update: Baxter facility damage after hurricane in North Carolina 2024
Where did Hurricane Helene hit? Why is there a shortage of intravenous fluids? What can I use instead of IV saline? Where are IV bags made? AMA's Vice President of Science, Medicine and Public Health, Andrea Garcia, JD, MPH, discusses the impact of Hurricane Helene, how elective surgery can be delayed after the North Carolina hurricane damage, and addressing drug shortages in the US. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 📚 AMA resources on addressing and managing drug shortages: https://ama-assn.co/DrugShortages 📋 FDA drug shortage list: https://ama-assn.co/FDA_DrugShortages ❓ FDA drug shortages FAQ: https://ama-assn.co/DrugShortages_FAQ ⚠️ CDC HAN Disruptions in Availability of Peritoneal Dialysis and Intravenous Solutions from Baxter International Facility in North Carolina (CDC HAN 00518): https://ama-assn.co/CDC_HAN-00518 🚨 If the CDC issues new health warning, get the latest CDC health alert 2024 via the Health Alert Network (HAN CDC website): https://ama-assn.co/CDC_HAN 👥 Learn more about American Medical Association councils: https://ama-assn.co/Councils 🥼 Go to https://ama-assn.co/FightingForDocs to learn more about our AMA advocacy priorities, including: ▹ Reforming Medicare payment ▹ Fighting scope creep ▹ Fixing prior authorization ▹ Reducing physician burnout ▹ Making technology work for physicians
Ep 523Sutter Health on effective health care recruitment, physician retention & adding new residency spots
Does California have a doctor shortage? Are residency spots increasing? Why are recruitment strategies important in healthcare? Can AI improve healthcare? The president and CEO of Sutter Health, Warner Thomas, discusses the importance of effective physician recruitment and doctor retention strategies, the future of AI in healthcare, and the need to add more medical residency spots for the next generation of medical students. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 🏥 Learn more about the AMA Health System Program here: https://ama-assn.co/HealthSystems