FHC #158: RFK Jr., obesity, the healthcare cost crisis and AI

In this month’s Diving Deep episode, part of the Fixing Healthcare podcast series, Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr tackle three critical topics shaping the future of medicine: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services, the escalating healthcare cost crisis and the potential of primary care to mitigate it, and the challenge of distinguishing hype from reality in the world of generative AI.

The episode begins as Dr. Pearl acknowledges the controversy surrounding Kennedy’s anti-establishment views, particularly on vaccines, but also highlights an upside: his focus on food reform. Pearl says that Kennedy’s willingness to challenge the food industry could create meaningful change, and he points to successful soda taxes and lead removal as examples of how bold action can improve public health.Next topic on today’s show: Pearl outlines his Enhanced Primary Care model to combat obesity and chronic disease:

1. Align incentives. Pay doctors for better patient outcomes, not just office visits.
2. Empower patients. Use generative AI and real-time monitoring tools to help patients manage their health between visits.

Finally, Dr. Pearl closes with a reality check on AI. While AI can’t override biology, it holds immense promise in empowering patients, improving outcomes, and reducing clinician burnout.

Click play to hear these insights and more, and explore how healthcare leaders can improve care for patients at all stages of life.

HELPFUL LINKS

• How RFK Jr. Could Reverse Our Nation’s Illogical Approach To Obesity (Forbes)
• Healthcare’s Cost Crisis: How Primary Care Can Deliver The Savings We Need (Forbes)
• 3 Simple Questions To Separate AI Reality From Hype In Medicine (Forbes)
• Monthly Musings on American Healthcare (Robert Pearl’s newsletter)

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Dr. Robert Pearl is the author of “ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine.” All profits from the book go to Doctors Without Borders.

Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on Twitter and LinkedIn.

The post FHC #158: RFK Jr., obesity, the healthcare cost crisis and AI appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.