The DOC Podcast

DeLuke Orthodontic Coaching, LLC
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The DOC Podcast brings you unique educational content taught by Dr. Mike DeLuke, a Board Certified Orthodontist with over 20 years of clinical and academic experience. Dr. DeLuke built his orthodontic practice from scratch in the early 2000s and grew it into a multimillion-dollar enterprise in less than 10 years. He was able to retire from his private practice at the age of 46 years old, and now devotes his energy to teaching his colleagues how to succeed both personally and professionally. He also provides locum tenens coverage for colleagues in South Florida. Dr. DeLuke has served as a faculty member at numerous hospitals and orthodontic residency programs around the country, including as the cleft craniofacial orthodontist at Albany Medical Center in New York, and as a clinical professor at The University of Connecticut in the Department of Orthodontics. He is presently an adjunct professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at Healthcare Network and a Visiting Professor in the Department of Orthodontics at Montefiore Einstein Hospital in the Bronx. The DOC Podcast will bring you in-depth discussions and interviews with industry leaders and experts on a variety of topics, including clinical excellence, practice management, finance and wealth creation, health and wellness, taxes and accounting, fitness, and much more!

  1. Creating Margin in Your Schedule & Your Bank Account (w/Dr. David Phelps) [Ep.151]

    1 DAY AGO

    Creating Margin in Your Schedule & Your Bank Account (w/Dr. David Phelps) [Ep.151]

    Episode Summary In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. David Phelps, dentist turned financial freedom educator, real estate investor, and founder of Freedom Founders. Both of us retired from our clinical practices in our mid-40s and share remarkably parallel journeys. We dive deep into why earning more won't set you free, how to build genuine margin in your money and your time, the danger of tying your identity to your profession, and why having hard conversations with your spouse about money is the most important financial move you can make. Dr. Phelps also shares the deeply personal story of his daughter's battle with leukemia and a liver transplant, and how a family health crisis became the catalyst for his financial freedom journey. Key Topics Covered Why income alone will never create freedom, and what willThe power of living below your means and compounding savings over timeWhat your schedule says about how "free" you really areHow to have honest money conversations with your spouseThe negotiables and non-negotiables every couple needs to define togetherLetting go of your identity as "the doctor" when stepping away from practiceRecognizing and recovering from burnoutWhy starting small is the only way to start at allBuilding passive income outside the practice as a path to optionalityTimestamps 0:23 — Episode introduction: Dr. Mike introduces Dr. David Phelps and his mission to help professionals achieve financial freedom4:08 — Dr. Phelps' background: growing up an entrepreneur and why dentistry appealed to him7:41 — First real estate investment in dental school: partnering with his dad to buy a property and discovering the power of assets12:00 — The question that changes everything: how both doctors ended up retiring from clinical practice in their mid-40s12:16 — Dr. Phelps shares his daughter's diagnosis with high-risk leukemia and the years of treatment that followed17:06 — Update: his daughter is now 34 and thriving — and the pride of escorting her at her high school homecoming after her recovery23:32 — Dr. Mike's parallel story: how COVID forced him to stop, sleep, and gain perspective on his own life and career36:22 — Identity crisis: what happens when your profession IS your identity — and why that's dangerous37:16 — Dr. Mike reflects on never feeling fully comfortable being "Dr. Mike" in the community40:33 — How to begin building an identity beyond the chair — before you leave it45:06 — The two types of margin every professional needs: money and time46:12 — "Income is not wealth": why trading time for dollars will never get you free47:41 — Why most high-income earners don't budget — and the cost of that habit1:04:44 — Burnout is real: what's driving it in healthcare today and why young doctors are saying they only want to work five years1:24:12 — Dr. Phelps' closing advice: start small, be consistent, and let compounding do the work1:28:32 — Where to find Dr. Phelps: Freedom Founders Podcast, YouTube, and freedomfounders.com LINKS:  Freedom Founders Podcast: https://www.freedomfounders.com/podcast/?_ga=2.77650064.549393833.1775698798-1177225500.1774543265Website:  https://www.freedomfounders.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drdphelps Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/The DOC Podcast w/Dr. Brett Gilbert on mental health & burnout: https://youtu.be/LakpR7XiS9U

    1hr 30min
  2. The Irreversible Consequences of Pediatric Airway Disease (w/Dr. David Gozal) [Ep.150]

    2 APR

    The Irreversible Consequences of Pediatric Airway Disease (w/Dr. David Gozal) [Ep.150]

    Episode Summary In this episode, I sit down with Dr. David Gozal for a wide-ranging conversation on pediatric sleep-disordered breathing. We discuss why SDB should be understood as a chronic, lifelong inflammatory disease, not a simple condition with a simple fix.  Dr. Gozal introduces his "Second Best Hypothesis" to explain how brain damage from childhood sleep apnea can be hidden by neural redundancy, only to surface years later. The conversation challenges common assumptions: that snoring in children is benign, that AHI alone can guide treatment decisions, and that adenotonsillectomy reliably cures the disease. We also explore the role of mouth breathing, viral triggers like RSV, and why a multidisciplinary, endotype-driven approach to each patient is essential. Key Takeaways Snoring is never normal - it always signals increased upper airway resistanceSDB is a chronic, lifelong, low-grade inflammatory disease that may begin before birthReversibility of damage is not guaranteed - it depends on severity and durationThe "Second Best Hypothesis": the brain compensates for lost neurons, but at a hidden performance costAHI is just one data point - morbidity must be measured holistically before making treatment decisionsOnly about one-third of children normalize after adenotonsillectomyChildhood SDB may go silent but not away - it can re-emerge in adulthoodMultidisciplinary collaboration and individualized endotyping are criticalTimestamps 0:00 – Intro & Guest Bio3:04 – Dr. Gozal's Background & Career Path9:51 – Philosophy of Giving & Serving Underserved Communities13:36 – SDB Is Not a Single Disease14:28 – "Snoring Is Not Normal"14:53 – SDB as a Chronic, Lifelong Inflammatory Disease17:09 – The Myth of Universal Reversibility19:35 – Oxidative Stress, Stem Cells & Accelerated Aging23:36 – The "Second Best Hypothesis" & the Backpack Analogy25:00 – Gray Matter Loss in Children with Normal Cognition27:47 – SDB Is a Syndrome, Not Just a Lab Value30:29 – "We Do Not Measure Morbidity"32:51 – Only a Third Normalize After Adenotonsillectomy35:39 – Phenotyping with AI & Machine Learning38:39 – RSV, Viruses & the Inflammatory Cascade40:30 – Does Childhood SDB Really Disappear?43:18 – Chronic Mouth Breathing: Harmless or Harmful?48:52 – The Multidisciplinary Mandate & Radar Plot Endotyping49:29 – Closing ThoughtsLINKS: Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/Enroll in one-on-one coaching w/Dr. Mike: https://theorthocoach.com/doc-coaching/ Enjoyed This Episode? If you found this conversation valuable, please share it with a colleague, friend, or anyone who works with children's airway health — the more people who hear this message, the better outcomes we can create for our patients. And if you feel we've earned it, we'd truly appreciate a five-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify — it helps more listeners discover the show and keeps these important conversations going. Thank you for being part of the DOC community!

    51 min
  3. Surviving vs. Thriving: How Tongue Ties Impact Sleep, Speech & Breathing (w/Dr. Suraj Vatish)[Ep.149]

    26 MAR

    Surviving vs. Thriving: How Tongue Ties Impact Sleep, Speech & Breathing (w/Dr. Suraj Vatish)[Ep.149]

    Episode Summary Dr. Vatish shares his unexpected journey from implant dentistry to becoming a leading practitioner in tongue tie releases and airway-based dentistry. The conversation covers diagnosis across age groups, the role of CO2 laser in treatment, the critical importance of myofunctional therapy, and the ongoing debate around evidence-based medicine in this emerging field. Key Topics & Concepts Tongue tie diagnosis across age groups — From infant nursing and latching difficulties to speech issues in toddlers, bruxism and sleep apnea in adults, and why posterior ties are often the most symptomatic despite being called "mild"The three pillars of physiological health — Sleep, breathing, and eating as a diagnostic framework; the critical difference between surviving and thrivingCO2 laser and modern release techniques — How laser technology, suturing for primary tension healing, and pre-/post-operative myofunctional therapy transformed outcomes compared to traditional scissors or diode approachesMyofunctional therapy is essential, not optional — Why releasing a tongue tie without concurrent therapy can make things worse; the personal trainer analogy for setting realistic patient expectations on duration and intensityInterdisciplinary team care — Orthodontists, myofunctional therapists, speech therapists, osteopaths, lactation consultants, and ENTs working together; why no single monotherapy solves airway problemsEvidence-based medicine beyond RCTs — The parachute analogy; Sackett's triangular epistemology of research, clinical experience, and patient values; why absence of evidence is not evidence of absenceLINKS Happy Kids Dental Chelsea: https://happykidsdental.co.uk/ American Smile: https://www.americansmile.co.uk/ Instagram: @DrSVatishDDSJoin The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a colleague, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Every share helps fellow clinicians discover conversations that can change the way they practice — and ultimately, change patients' lives.

    1hr 11min
  4. Broken Adults Start as Sick Kids: Airway, TMD & the Whole Patient (w/Dr. Hal Stewart) [Ep.148]

    19 MAR

    Broken Adults Start as Sick Kids: Airway, TMD & the Whole Patient (w/Dr. Hal Stewart) [Ep.148]

    Episode Summary:In this episode of The DOC Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Hal Stewart, a Texas-based dentist who transformed his practice from a traditional, restorative-based practice to one with a holistic approach, focusing on airway and TMD health. We discuss what holistic dentistry really means, how airway dysfunction connects to malocclusion, TMD, posture, and systemic health, and why the dental profession needs a paradigm shift towards a more proactive model of healthcare. Topics Covered: Dr. Stewart's Journey from Restorative Dentistry to Airway-Focused Practice — How a meticulous, low-volume approach to comprehensive dentistry evolved after discovering the connection between underdeveloped jaws, malocclusion, TMD, and airway dysfunction — driven in part by the personal loss of his father to Parkinson's linked to severe sleep apnea.The Multidisciplinary Team Approach & Diagnostic Framework — Why airway patients typically need 3-7 healthcare professionals, and Dr. Stewart's 5-zone diagnostic model (nasal passages, nasopharynx, oropharynx, oral cavity, and TMJ) for evaluating patients from a whole-body perspective while staying in his lane.The "Straight Teeth Bias" & Why the Profession Needs a Paradigm Shift — How orthodontic and dental training focuses narrowly on tooth-based outcomes, the gap between the ADA's 2017 airway screening recommendation and the AAO's more conservative stance, and the double standard around evidence-based practice.TMD, Airway & Posture: How It's All Connected — Dr. Stewart's clinical finding that over 90% of TMD patients have a comorbid airway component, how addressing airway has transformed his treatment outcomes, and the overlooked relationship between occlusion, cervical posture, and breathing.Advice for Practitioners & A Call for Professional Unity — Practical guidance for dentists wanting to incorporate airway into their practice, why every practitioner who discovers airway never goes back, and the importance of replacing intraprofessional criticism with respectful, interdisciplinary collaboration.Key Quotes: "There are multiple ways to treat things, but there's only one correct diagnosis." "Anybody that goes down this path, they see the truth is so evident to them that they cannot go back." "We're not here to put other professionals down. We're just here to speak the truth." Resources: OT Article on Evidence Based Orthodontics: https://www.orthotown.com/magazine/article/9835/defining-evidence-based-orthodontics?fbclid=IwY2xjawP14fxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFrVWE3M3EwYWJTRWpEdENTc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhwMNgFJyCJB6JMvVDSomu6drLwAym2SI7CDx-eXbuwrUwBxzP6NpyP7HpT8_aem_NmfJlB15aUQgioH6xWUu3ALink to Dr. Mike on Health & Harmony, Beyond the Teeth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ce9TrzrgkKg&list=PLPOppJciyu_pws_EOiyejTsxkOwSxtZzjThestewartcenterforoptimalhealth.comJoin The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/Check out the DOC CE Courses:https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/

    1hr 25min
  5. Beyond RCTs: Real-World Evidence and the Future of Sleep Research (w/Dr. Ellen Stothard) [Ep.147]

    12 MAR

    Beyond RCTs: Real-World Evidence and the Future of Sleep Research (w/Dr. Ellen Stothard) [Ep.147]

    Episode Summary In this in-depth conversation, I welcome Dr. Ellen Stothard, PhD, a sleep researcher with expertise in integrative physiology, neuroscience, and data analytics. Ellen shares her unconventional journey from psychology student to sleep science researcher to clinical data specialist, offering a unique perspective on what "evidence-based" really means and how clinicians can become everyday researchers.   Key Topics Covered Ellen's Journey From psychology and French double major to a PhD in sleep and circadian rhythmsThe famous "Camping Study" and how natural light synchronizes our bodiesWhy academia wasn't the right fit and finding purpose in clinical dataBuilding Rebus Health: an integrative sleep medicine clinicUnderstanding Evidence-Based Practice What "evidence-based" actually means (and what it doesn't)The difference between correlation and causationWhy negative findings are crucial but rarely publishedReal-world evidence vs. randomized controlled trialsResearch Methodology Demystified Small, controlled studies (N=30) vs. large observational studies (N=50,000)Understanding statistical significance and what research can (and can't) tell youThe importance of understanding study assumptions and limitationsWhy averages hide responders and non-respondersClinical Practice as Research How busy practitioners can gather research-quality dataThe power of before-and-after documentationWhy consistency matters more than perfectionOvercoming IRB fears: private IRBs and retrospective chart reviewsEarly Intervention vs. Watchful Waiting The ethics of withholding treatment when harm is suspectedUsing "natural experiments" from patients who delayed treatmentWhy inaction carries responsibility tooBreaking Down Silos Why dentists, sleep physicians, and researchers need to collaborateThe psychology of professional resistance to changeCreating bridges between academia and private practiceSpeaking each other's "language" across disciplinesMemorable Quotes -"The absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence." -"You can only call it evidence-based if you know what the science says AND what it doesn't say." -"If you're not looking, you won't necessarily find it." -"We can't just say 'okay, you feel better, bye.' We need to understand: you came in, you tested this way, we did something, it made you better. What happened?" -"Your clinical data IS evidence. You have the ability to generate the evidence yourselves." Practical Takeaways for Clinicians Start gathering before-and-after data consistentlyUse validated questionnaires when possible (or create standardized questions)Document outcomes at regular intervalsConsider hiring data analysts or partnering with graduate students Explore private IRBs for faster, easier research approval Retrospective chart reviews can be powerful research tools Looking at your outcomes makes you a better clinician LINKS: Rebis Health:Research email: research@rebishealth.org Website: https://www.rebishealth.org/ Social Links: FB | IG | LinkedIn | YouTubeJoin The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/

    1hr 36min
  6. Orthodontists Can Be So Much More Than Tooth Straighteners (w/Drs. Ferrari & Larios) [Ep.103]

    5 MAR

    Orthodontists Can Be So Much More Than Tooth Straighteners (w/Drs. Ferrari & Larios) [Ep.103]

    Episode Overview In this episode of The DOC Podcast, I’m joined by Doctors Claire Ferrari and Allie Larios of Ferrari Larios Orthodontics in Kensington, California. Together, they discuss transforming patient care through a proactive, whole-body approach to orthodontics.  Topics include the need to integrate overall health into orthodontic residency programs, early diagnostic and treatment for pre-adolescent patients, the benefits of CBCT imaging, the relationship between tooth extraction and airway issues, building a trusted medical network, and the impact of corporate entities in dentistry. We also delve into the future of orthodontics and their decision to pursue a traditional business model to better serve their patients.  Don't miss this insightful conversation on advancing orthodontic care. Enjoy the show! Timestamps 00:27 Meet the Guests: Dr. Claire Ferrari and Dr. Allie Larios 03:06 Dr. Ferrari’s Early Influences and Mentorship 04:14 Educational Path and Career Decisions 07:14 The Importance of CBCT Imaging 13:40 Dr. Larios' Experience and Insights 18:10 Holistic Approach in Orthodontics 19:44 Challenges and Rewards of Early Treatment 21:36 The Future of Orthodontics 30:33 Addressing Airway Issues in Orthodontics 34:30 Treating Young Patients: A New Perspective 42:36 Challenges in Pediatric Dental Diagnostics 43:52 Approaching Treatment for Young Children 44:40 Parental Involvement and Patient Management 46:34 The Importance of Early Intervention 48:41 Debating Traditional vs. Modern Orthodontic Practices 50:44 Evidence-Based Medicine in Dentistry 01:06:57 The Business of Orthodontics: Corporate vs. Private Practice 01:19:50 Final Thoughts and Contact Information LINKS: Dr. Mike’s Orthotown Article on Pediatric Sleep Disordered Breathing: https://www.nxtbook.com/farran/orthotown/orthotown-march-2025/index.php?startpage=36#/p/34 Dr. Claire Ferrari’s email:claire@ferrariortho.comDr. Allie Larios' email: drlarios@ferrariortho.com  Practice Website:www.FerrariOrtho.comJoin The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/

    1hr 22min
  7. A Father’s Quest to Save His Son…and Transform the Profession of Orthodontics (w/Dr. Joseph Yousefian) [Ep.145]

    26 FEB

    A Father’s Quest to Save His Son…and Transform the Profession of Orthodontics (w/Dr. Joseph Yousefian) [Ep.145]

    In this episode, I welcome Dr. Joseph Yousefian for an in-depth discussion on pediatric airway disorders and innovative orthodontic treatment approaches that can change lives.   🎯 Episode Highlights Dr. Yousefian's Personal Journey His son Ryan's severe sleep apnea diagnosis and dramatic academic declineRyan's transformation from a struggling student to a Washington University scholarship recipient after treatmentThe Pediatric Airway Crisis Why pediatric sleep-disordered breathing has become a pandemicEvolutionary changes in jaw development due to modern diet and lifestyleThe connection between crowding, malocclusion, and airway disordersRevolutionary Treatment Concepts Teledontics & Telegnathics: Non-restrictive, airway-focused orthodontic treatment approachesMandibular symphyseal expansion: 200+ successful cases over 23 yearsEarly intervention strategies (ages 2-4) for preventionClinical & Professional Insights Why traditional orthodontic approaches may be inadequate for airway patientsInterdisciplinary collaboration strategies with medical providersThe future of orthodontics: paradigm shift vs. pendulum swingInsurance considerations and making airway treatment financially viableThe Future of Orthodontics Why this is a paradigm shift, not a pendulum swingThe need for specialized training in airway-focused orthodonticsHow the profession needs to evolve to address the 1.3 billion people worldwide suffering from sleep apnea 💡 Key Takeaways Pediatric airway disease is treatable and preventable when caught earlyUntreated sleep-disordered breathing can cause ADHD-like symptoms, academic decline, behavioral issues, and long-term health complicationsOrthodontists are uniquely positioned to be leaders in airway treatmentEarly intervention (before age 7) can prevent a lifetime of complicationsTreatment requires an interdisciplinary approach combining medicine and dentistry LINKS: Comprehensive Treatment Seminars: https://www.ctseminars.org/ApnoMed: https://www.apnomed.com/Pediatric Treatment of Sleep Apnea with Teledontics and Telegnathics: https://www.routledge.com/Pediatric-Treatment-of-Sleep-Apnea-With-TeledonticsTelegnathics/Yousefian/p/book/9781032978994Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/)Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/Thank you for your support of The DOC Podcast!  Please remember to share the show with others and, if you feel we've earned it, we'd love to receive a 5-Star Review on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube.

    1hr 30min
  8. Treating People, Not Just Teeth: A Physiologic Approach to Dentistry (w/Drs. Hindin & Meyer)[Ep.144]

    19 FEB

    Treating People, Not Just Teeth: A Physiologic Approach to Dentistry (w/Drs. Hindin & Meyer)[Ep.144]

    Episode Description: Join me for an in-depth conversation with husband-and-wife dental team Drs. Jeffrey Hindin and Jill Meyer, who are pioneering a whole-health approach to dentistry that addresses the root causes of disease rather than just treating symptoms.   Key Topics Discussed: • Building an etiology-focused practice that treats underlying causes, not just symptoms • Early orthodontic intervention and airway-focused care in children • The significant overlap between TMD and sleep-disordered breathing  • Heart rate variability (HRV) and objective physiologic measurements in treatment • Oral appliances for athletic performance enhancement • Common signs of sleep disorders in children and adults • Navigating resistance from traditional orthodontic approaches • The future of sleep medicine, including emerging pharmacological treatments   Key Takeaways: Early intervention in children can prevent the need for invasive treatments and sleep appliances in adulthoodMouth breathing is a critical early indicator of sleep-disordered breathing and should not be dismissedThe airway affects the autonomic nervous system, impacting everything from athletic performance to mental healthDepression and anxiety are the #1 comorbidities associated with sleep-related breathing disordersOrthodontists are uniquely positioned to prevent adult TMD and sleep issues through early treatmentTreatment should focus on normalizing anatomy and addressing root causes, not just straightening teeth Resources Mentioned: Hindin Center: https://hindincenter.com/American Academy of Physiological Medicine and Dentistry: https://aapmd.org/AAPMD Collaboration Cures Meeting: May 15-16 in Pittsburgh Connect with Dr. Mike: Website: https://theorthocoach.com/Email: dr.mike@theorthocoach.comJoin The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/ **If you found value in this episode, please share it with colleagues and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support helps us continue to bring you conversations that challenge conventional thinking and improve patient care.**

    1hr 36min
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About

The DOC Podcast brings you unique educational content taught by Dr. Mike DeLuke, a Board Certified Orthodontist with over 20 years of clinical and academic experience. Dr. DeLuke built his orthodontic practice from scratch in the early 2000s and grew it into a multimillion-dollar enterprise in less than 10 years. He was able to retire from his private practice at the age of 46 years old, and now devotes his energy to teaching his colleagues how to succeed both personally and professionally. He also provides locum tenens coverage for colleagues in South Florida. Dr. DeLuke has served as a faculty member at numerous hospitals and orthodontic residency programs around the country, including as the cleft craniofacial orthodontist at Albany Medical Center in New York, and as a clinical professor at The University of Connecticut in the Department of Orthodontics. He is presently an adjunct professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at Healthcare Network and a Visiting Professor in the Department of Orthodontics at Montefiore Einstein Hospital in the Bronx. The DOC Podcast will bring you in-depth discussions and interviews with industry leaders and experts on a variety of topics, including clinical excellence, practice management, finance and wealth creation, health and wellness, taxes and accounting, fitness, and much more!

Information

  • Creator
    DeLuke Orthodontic Coaching, LLC
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    152
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 DeLuke Orthodontic Coaching, LLC
  • Show Website
    The DOC Podcast

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