The Medical Collective

Keisha Davis

The Medical Collective brings together diverse doctors to explore the intersections of medicine, wellness, and life. Join us for deep dives into medical breakthroughs, the art of healing, and real-life stories. With expert insights, personal triumphs, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into healthcare, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone curious about the stories and science shaping our health. Subscribe now to join this transformative journey.

  1. Medical Updates

    FEB 9

    Medical Updates

    In this episode of The Medical Collective, Dr. Keisha Davis and her co-hosts discuss various pressing health issues, including updates on bird flu, measles outbreaks, and the importance of vaccinations. They emphasize the need for effective public health communication, especially in light of recent FDA recalls and the challenges posed by misinformation. The conversation also touches on prostate cancer awareness, the implications of fluoride bans for children's health, and the introduction of at-home cervical cancer screening tests. The episode highlights the critical role of healthcare professionals in navigating these complex topics and ensuring public safety. Key Topics Discussed -The importance of public health communication has increased due to information suppression. -Vaccination rates are crucial for controlling outbreaks like measles. -Hand hygiene is essential in preventing communicable diseases, especially on cruise ships. -Bird flu is spreading to livestock, raising concerns for public health. -Measles cases are rising due to low vaccination rates in certain areas. -Fluoride is a key element in preventing dental cavities, especially in underserved communities. -At-home health tests should not replace regular check-ups with healthcare providers. -Cancer diagnoses can be missed, highlighting the need for regular screenings. -FDA recalls are critical for public safety, and consumers should stay informed. -Public health initiatives must adapt to ensure access to care for all populations. Resources Cancer screening guidelines:  https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/screening FDA recalls database:  https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts CDC cancer basics:  https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/about/ Avian Influenza (H5N1) Found in Dairy Cattle – USDA Report https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2024/02/15/usda-detects-avian-influenza-dairy-cattle Gastrointestinal Outbreak on Royal Caribbean Cruise – CDC Investigation https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/surv/gilist.html Current Influenza Activity & CDC Updates https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm   Updates -Measles cases (58 at time of recording; now over 320) and vaccine exemption trends -CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) and data disruptions -2023–2024 flu season: over 26 million cases, 300,000+ hospitalizations, 13,000+ deaths – but declining -Bird flu strain (H5N1) spreading in dairy cows and vaccine development delays -Norovirus and COVID-19 circulation updates -Layoffs, halted research grants, hiring freezes at top universities, and scientific program cutbacks -Massive recall of contaminated eye care products -Listeria alert in prepackaged chicken -A small prostate nodule found in President Biden -FDA's decision to ban certain fluoride prescription products -FDA's approval of at-home cervical screening kits -Biden's prostate cancer: Gleason score confusion and metastatic risk in older men -FDA will not recommend updated COVID vaccine formulation for fall 2025 -Delays in bird flu reporting and testing protocols raise concerns -Latest product recalls including eye care and food contamination Connect With Us Dr. Keisha Davis, MD https://drkeishadavis.komi.io The Medical Collective https://www.medical-collective.net Recommended Episode My Enduring Faith in Science

    1h 4m
  2. Stop Starting Over: Rethinking Resolutions

    JAN 26

    Stop Starting Over: Rethinking Resolutions

    Every January, we tell ourselves this is the year — new goals, new habits, new routines. And yet, for many people, that motivation quickly turns into frustration and the feeling of having failed. In this solo episode of The Medical Collective, Dr. Keisha Davis explores why so many people feel stuck in a cycle of starting over when it comes to their health. Drawing on her experience as both a physician and a certified personal trainer, she explains why this pattern isn't about laziness or lack of willpower — but about how health goals are often framed. Dr. Davis breaks down the all-or-nothing mindset, the pressure of time-bound goals, and why unrealistic or overly restrictive plans tend to fail. She shares reflections from patients and clients who feel defeated when life intervenes, and offers a more realistic, sustainable approach to health that allows for flexibility without guilt. This episode reframes health as a long-term process built on consistency rather than perfection, emphasizing how small, repeatable changes compound over time and play a critical role in chronic disease prevention and longevity. Key Topics Discussed - Why many people feel stuck in cycles of starting over - The all-or-nothing mindset and time-bound health goals - Why most resolutions fail and what the data actually shows - How unrealistic and restrictive plans undermine consistency - Personal reflections from patients and fitness clients - Why small changes compound over time - Consistency as the foundation of chronic disease prevention - Rethinking resolutions using a more flexible framework - Why sustainable habits matter for longevity and overall health Resources & References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov American Heart Association – Lifestyle & Prevention: https://www.heart.org National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Physical Activity & Health: https://www.nih.gov Connect With Us Dr. Keisha Davis, MD https://drkeishadavis.komi.io The Medical Collective https://www.medical-collective.net Recommended Episode My Enduring Faith in Science

    30 min
  3. HPV: Beyond Cervical Cancer

    JAN 12

    HPV: Beyond Cervical Cancer

    When most people hear HPV, they think cervical cancer. But HPV is the most well- established virus we know that directly causes cancer, and its impact goes far beyond the cervix. In this solo episode of The Medical Collective, Dr. Keisha Davis—triple board-certified pathologist and physician—breaks down what HPV actually is, how it causes cancer, and why prevention efforts matter now more than ever. Drawing from real-world pathology experience, this episode explains how HPV affects both women and men, the role of dysplasia and early detection, and the cancers that are often overlooked in public conversations. Dr. Davis also addresses stigma around HPV-related cancers, including anal and head and neck cancers, discusses the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine, and explains the difference between HPV testing and comprehensive medical care—especially for high-risk individuals. Key Topics Discussed - What HPV is and why it is the leading virus known to directly cause cancer - The percentage of cancers linked to HPV, including cervical, anal, penile, vaginal, and head and neck cancers - Low-risk vs high-risk HPV and what dysplasia means - How pathologists detect HPV and precancerous changes - The role of squamous mucosa in HPV-related cancers - Anal cancer, stigma, and who may benefit from anal Pap screening - HPV in men and why prevention matters for everyone - Head and neck cancers and rising HPV-related trends - HPV vaccine effectiveness, dosing, and current public health concerns - At-home HPV testing vs seeing a physician - Why prevention and early detection save lives Key Facts Mentioned - Approximately 99% of cervical cancers are HPV-related - Approximately 90% of anal cancers are HPV-related - Approximately 70% of oropharyngeal (head and neck) cancers are HPV-related - Approximately 60% of penile cancers are HPV-related - Approximately 70% of vaginal cancers are HPV-related - The HPV vaccine is approximately 90% effective at preventing HPV-related cancers when given before exposure Resources and References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – HPV and Cancer: https://www.cdc.gov/hpv National Cancer Institute – HPV and Cancer: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-fact-sheet American Cancer Society – HPV-Related Cancers:  https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/infectious-agents/hpv.html Connect With Us Dr. Keisha Davis, MD https://drkeishadavis.komi.io The Medical Collective https://www.medical-collective.com Recommended Episode We Should Not Be Cancer Shaming

    24 min
  4. Justice Through Transparency: The Colin Kaepernick Autopsy Initiative

    12/29/2025

    Justice Through Transparency: The Colin Kaepernick Autopsy Initiative

    The Autopsy Initiative, created under Colin Kaepernick's Know Your Rights Camp, provides free, independent autopsies for families seeking truth and transparency after sudden, unexpected, or unclear deaths. In this episode of The Medical Collective, Dr. Keisha Davis is joined by attorney Nicole Martin, Legal Program Director for the Autopsy Initiative, to discuss why these services are needed, the gaps in the medicolegal death investigation system, and how independent autopsies can help families navigate grief, accountability, and justice. Dr. Davis is joined in conversation by **Dr. Sharon Smith**, an obstetrician-gynecologist, as they explore the public health, legal, and ethical implications of death investigations, including deaths occurring in custody and the importance of independent forensic review. Key Topics Discussed - The mission and purpose of the Autopsy Initiative - Why independent autopsies are necessary for families seeking answers - Systemic gaps in medicolegal death investigations - Observed discrepancies discussed at a high level without naming cases - Upcoming goals and national expansion efforts - Relevant data points highlighting the scope of the Initiative's work - Partnerships and the role of forensic pathologists - Transparency concerns surrounding deaths in ICE custody - True/False myth-busting around autopsies and family legal rights Resources & References Know Your Rights Camp — Autopsy Initiative: https://www.knowyourrightscamp.org/autopsyinitiative Know Your Rights Camp (Main Site): https://www.knowyourrightscamp.com National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME): https://www.thename.org CDC – Public Health Data on Death in Custody: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs Connect With Us Dr. Keisha Davis, MD https://drkeishadavis.komi.io Dr. Sharon Smith, MD https://sharonsmithmd.com/ The Medical Collective https://www.medical-collective.net Recommended Episode Why Autopsies Matter — Understanding the Final Diagnosis

    51 min
  5. Congresswoman Haley Stevens on RFK Jr. & The Future Of Public Health.

    12/15/2025

    Congresswoman Haley Stevens on RFK Jr. & The Future Of Public Health.

    In this timely and wide-ranging episode of The Medical Collective, Dr. Keisha Davis is joined by Congresswoman Haley Stevens, U.S. Representative from Michigan, to discuss the urgent state of public health in the United States, with a particular focus on the Articles of Impeachment related to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The conversation centers on growing threats to the vaccine infrastructure, rising measles cases, health misinformation, and the real-world consequences these issues have for children, families, and communities. Dr. Davis is joined by a panel of physicians bringing diverse clinical and public health perspectives: - Dr. Atoosa Kourosh, MD – Pediatrics, Allergy & Immunology, Public Health
- Dr. Sharon Smith, MD – Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Dr. Leslie-Ann Williams, MD – Internal Medicine–Pediatrics, Public Health & Mental Health Advocacy Together, the panel breaks down what impeachment means in this context, why it matters now, and what comes next for protecting science-based public health policy in the United States. Important Note on Timing This episode was recorded approximately two weeks prior to release. As of the time this episode was published, the Articles of Impeachment discussed in this conversation have officially been filed. Key Topics Discussed - The current public health landscape and threats to the vaccine schedule - Rising measles cases and implications for children's health - The rationale and objectives behind the Articles of Impeachment - What impeachment means in practice and what happens next - The role of Congress in protecting science-based public health policy - Broader healthcare and public health legislation led by Representative Stevens Resources & References Representative Haley Stevens, U.S. House of Representatives: http://stevens.house.gov/ U.S. House of Representatives – Legislative Process: https://www.house.gov/the-house-explained Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) – Public Health & Vaccine Policy: https://www.kff.org Connect With Us Dr. Keisha Davis, MD
https://drkeishadavis.komi.io Dr. Atoosa Kourosh, MD
https://www.doctoratoosa.com/
https://www.instagram.com/holisticallergyimmunology Dr. Sharon Smith, MD
https://sharonsmithmd.com/ Dr. Leslie-Ann Williams, MD
http://www.artbydrleslieann.com The Medical Collective
https://www.medical-collective.net Recommended Episode My Enduring Faith in Science

    39 min
  6. Mission Trip to Kenya: A Personal Journey.

    11/03/2025

    Mission Trip to Kenya: A Personal Journey.

    In this episode, Dr. Keisha Davis sits down with her co-host, Dr. Sharon Smith, M.D., to explore what it truly means to practice medicine with purpose. Fresh from her medical mission trip to Kenya with Hands for a Cause, Dr. Sharon shares powerful firsthand experiences—from providing care in resource-limited settings to witnessing the resilience of patients who sometimes only have access to clean water twice a day. Together, they discuss the bigger picture: why global health matters, how U.S. funding and programs like USAID impact care abroad, and how giving back can help physicians rediscover meaning in their own careers. Whether through volunteering, donating, or supporting colleagues, this conversation underscores the ripple effect of compassion in medicine. Key Topics Covered: Dr. Sharon's story from Kenya: patients, challenges, and eye-opening moments. The role of mission organizations like Hands for a Cause and Doctors Without Borders. Why global health is also public health at home. The impact of USAID and U.S. funding in global medicine. How mission work combats burnout and restores purpose for physicians. Tangible ways listeners can support mission work, even if they can't travel. Resources & Links: Hands for a Cause – https://handsforacause.org Doctors Without Borders (MSF) – https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org USAID Global Health – https://www.usaid.gov/global-health Connect With Us: Dr. Keisha Davis, M.D. (Host) – https://drkeishadavis.komi.io | https://themedicalcollective.komi.io Dr. Sharon Smith, M.D. (Co-Host) – https://drsharon.komi.io Recommended Episode: 🎧 Stay Ready So You Don't Have to Get Ready — on disaster preparedness and tackling misinformation around natural disasters.

    34 min
5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

The Medical Collective brings together diverse doctors to explore the intersections of medicine, wellness, and life. Join us for deep dives into medical breakthroughs, the art of healing, and real-life stories. With expert insights, personal triumphs, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into healthcare, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone curious about the stories and science shaping our health. Subscribe now to join this transformative journey.