The Modern Medicine Podcast

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The Modern Medicine Podcast with Dr. Dennis Teehan aims to provide a clear, insightful perspective on contemporary healthcare issues. Dr. Teehan, a seasoned physician, brings his deep expertise and connections to the podcast, inviting specialists like cardiologists, neurologists, and endocrinologists to discuss the latest medical advancements, treatments, and hot topics. With a focus on debunking widespread medical misinformation, Dr. Teehan emphasizes the importance of being an informed healthcare consumer. Whether it’s clarifying research findings or shedding light on controversial medical practices, the show empowers listeners to make better health decisions for themselves and their loved ones. Expect engaging conversations about trending topics like the rise of Ozempic, heart disease, dementia, and more, all while dispelling myths that have misled the public. Dr. Teehan’s candid approach makes complex medical topics digestible, bridging the gap between healthcare professionals and everyday people. His thoughtful discussions are designed to inspire listeners to take control of their healthcare journey with knowledge and confidence.

  1. 3d ago

    Ellen Lubensky, founder of the Mental Health Choice Project

    Dennis opens the September Modern Medicine Podcast with guest Ellen Lubensky, founder of the Mental Health Choice Project, a nonprofit seeking 501(c)(3) status that advocates for informed consent and patient choice around psychiatric medications, better clinician/therapist awareness of medication withdrawal (including benzodiazepines), and improved 988 crisis-line training to avoid “catastrophizing” callers who can be kept safe. Lubensky urges therapy as a first resort when possible, second/third opinions, and bringing a trusted person to rushed appointments; she shares her own benzodiazepine-withdrawal experience and says many patients lie to taper safely. In “In the News,” Dennis and producer Dave discuss markets allowing bets on drug-trial outcomes and fraud risk, a crackdown on compounded GLP-1s amid insurance coverage loss, promising Merck/Moderna personalized mRNA melanoma vaccines, a study suggesting at least 25% of sampled NFL players had CTE, research warning NAD+/B3 anti-aging derivatives may aid cancer cells, a Massachusetts ballot question on legal cannabis, and the Lindsay Clancy trial and challenges of an insanity defense.   Topics 02:02 Meet Ellen Lubensky 03:12 Mental Health Choice Mission 04:58 988 Crisis Line Reform 06:30 Informed Consent Explained 08:10 Benzos Risks and Withdrawal 09:59 Therapy Before Medication 12:47 Chemical Imbalance Myth 17:15 Overprescribing and Market Expansion 21:21 AI Second Opinions Debate 29:17 In the News Segment Begins 29:38 Betting on Clinical Trials 32:51 Compounded GLP-1 Crackdown 36:50 mRNA Cancer Vaccine Breakthrough 40:22 NFL CTE Study and Safety 46:17 Anti-Aging Supplements Warning 47:47 Supplement Safety Reality Check 48:40 Massachusetts Weed Ballot Debate 50:29 Health Risks and Messaging 52:52 Medical Marijuana Skepticism 53:53 Lindsay Clancy Trial Discussion 56:10 Insanity Defense and Empathy 59:14 Doc Off the Clock Banter 01:00:31 Family Group Chat Drama 01:04:05 Tim Curry Favorites 01:07:54 Remembering Dolly Parton 01:09:47 Boston Sports Minute Begins 01:10:07 Patriots Season Predictions 01:13:36 Red Sox Playoff Outlook 01:16:40 Final Thanks and Sign Off

  2. Jul 17

    Prostate Cancer Screening, PSA Controversy, and Summer Health Headlines

    Dennis interviews urologist Dr. Michael Curran, founder of Greater Boston Urology, about prostate cancer screening. Curran explains prostate cancer is common and often symptomless, making PSA trends and rectal exams important, and critiques the 2012 USPSTF “D” rating for PSA screening. He outlines higher-risk groups (first-degree family history and African American men) who should start screening at 40, and suggests most men begin around 50, with follow-up intervals based on results. The discussion covers limitations of PSA, biopsy risks, newer tools such as supplemental blood/urine markers, prostate MRI, high-definition ultrasound, and transperineal biopsy, plus treatment options including active surveillance, focal therapies, robotic surgery, and newer radiation approaches. They also discuss no-scalpel vasectomy and safe monitoring for testosterone therapy. Later segments cover competitive eating risks, mixed evidence for creatine in depression, Utah’s AI prescription refills, rectal bleeding as a colorectal cancer red flag, rising alpha-gal syndrome, summer “would you rather,” and Boston sports updates on the Celtics, Red Sox, and Patriots.   Topics 01:56 Meet Dr Curran 04:04 Why Prostate Cancer Matters 07:39 PSA Screening Controversy 14:59 Who Should Screen When 19:00 Reading PSA Trends 23:04 Modern Biopsy Options 26:52 Treatment Paths Today 29:58 Vasectomy Quick Guide 31:39 Safe Testosterone Therapy 34:48 First PSA Expectations 36:46 Post Interview Wrap 38:03 PSA Screening Debate 39:12 Competitive Eating Risks 41:24 Hot Pepper Pain Tolerance 42:52 Creatine and Depression 47:17 AI Prescription Refills 51:39 Rectal Bleeding Warning 54:33 Tick Bites and Meat Allergy 57:46 Disney Ride Scare 01:02:26 Summer Would You Rather 01:03:07 Drone Shows vs Fireworks 01:04:01 Firework Mishap Story 01:05:29 Dog Bite or Human 01:06:09 Central AC or Pool 01:07:03 Dog Poo vs Gum 01:08:47 Poison Ivy vs Sunburn 01:10:08 Celtics Jaylen Brown Trade 01:15:40 Red Sox Second Half Outlook 01:19:26 Patriots QB Rankings Talk 01:22:09 Family Anthem News 01:23:28 Wrap Up and Farewell

  3. Jun 16

    Fixing Primary Care with Dr. Wayne Altman

    Dr. Wayne Altman joins Dennis to discuss the Massachusetts primary care crisis—poor access, retiring clinicians, burnout, rising costs, and spillover into ED and specialty care—and Altman’s JAMA-proposed solution: a “primary care common fund” treating primary care like a utility to deliver universal, no-cost primary care, bypass ERISA limits for self-funded plans, reduce administrative waste, and reallocate existing healthcare dollars with projected budget-neutral savings in 2–4 years; he urges listeners to contact state legislators. The episode also covers an FDA-approved post-exposure COVID preventive pill (XCOORA), concerns about “functional unblinding” in psychedelic trials, rising diagnosed mental health disorders, RFK Jr.’s push for more nutrition education in medical training, updated resistance training guidance, and evidence that stopping GLP-1 drugs may erase cardiovascular benefits, plus Boston sports talk and brief discussion of Star Wars and the World Cup in Foxborough.   Topics 01:44 Meet Dr Altman 03:02 Primary Care Crisis 06:44 ED Overflow Stories 10:34 Primary Care Value 12:07 Utility Model Proposal 17:35 Funding Without Taxes 20:49 Not Single Payer 25:38 Clinician Support 27:21 Advice For Med Student 29:33 Boston Sports Minute 30:38 Knicks Spurs Breakdown 34:19 Red Sox Frustrations 38:19 Patriots AJ Brown 39:59 Legislation Call To Action 40:55 In The News Tease 41:11 New COVID Prevention Pill 43:18 Psychedelic Trials Unblinded 47:21 Mental Health Surge Explained 50:04 Nutrition in Medical School 54:39 Strength Training Myths 57:35 GLP-1 Benefits Fade Off Drug 59:37 Star Wars Mando Debate 01:03:32 World Cup Comes to Boston 01:06:51 Wrap Up and Farewell

  4. May 20

    Holistic Mental Wellness,with Celeste Viciere

    The guest is licensed mental health counselor Celeste Viciere, founder/medical director of the Shifting the Way You Think Wellness Center in Stoughton, Massachusetts, discussing holistic mental wellness that integrates therapy with body-based modalities (yin yoga, sound healing, workshops) to address nervo us system dysregulation, stress-related physical symptoms, mindfulness, and self-compassion; the center is also developing an insurance-covered partial hospitalization program with prescribing support and plans virtual classes via Mindbody and ClassPass, with details at stwyt.com. In news, they cover a cruise-linked hantavirus outbreak with quarantines and three deaths, emphasizing low pandemic risk; RFK Jr.’s plan to curb antidepressant prescribing and mixed evidence versus patient-reported benefit; FDA approval of a new motion sickness drug; criminal charges after an IV infusion spa potassium dosing death; debate over a doctor delaying an incurable cancer diagnosis so a patient could enjoy a cruise; a Florida surgeon indicted after removing the wrong organ; and widespread clinician use of AI tools like OpenEvidence. They briefly discuss underwhelming UFO file releases and Boston sports struggles for the Celtics, Bruins, and Red Sox.   More on Celeste: https://stwyt.com/   Topics 00:56 Meet Celeste Viciere 02:10 Holistic Mind Body Care 03:02 Somatic Classes Explained 05:14 Stress Hits the Body 10:09 When Patients Push Back 12:22 Trauma Mindfulness Basics 15:45 Small Steps and Services 18:16 Mental Health Myths 21:35 How to Get Started 23:01 After the Interview Debrief 24:34 In the News Hantavirus 27:48 RFK and Antidepressants 32:12 New Motion Sickness Drug 33:17 Motion Sickness Stories 34:22 Infusion Spa Tragedy 36:27 Medical Director Liability 39:27 Cancer News Delayed 42:50 Wrong Organ Surgery 46:31 Doctors Using AI 50:37 UFO Files Reaction 54:23 Boston Sports Minute

  5. Apr 24

    Near-Death Experiences & the Limits of Materialism with Dr. Jeffrey Long

    Dennis welcomes Dr. Jeffrey Long, radiation oncologist, founder of the Near Death Experience Research Foundation, and author of “Evidence of the Afterlife,” to discuss near-death experiences (NDEs). Long describes how he began researching NDEs after reading a JAMA article during residency and says he has reviewed over 4,000 accounts, concluding NDEs are real and not explainable by physical brain function. He outlines common NDE elements (out-of-body perception, tunnel, light, “heavenly” realm, life review, encounters with deceased loved ones/pets, choice to return) and reports major aftereffects such as decreased fear of death, increased belief in an afterlife, compassion, and life changes. They discuss evidence against hypoxia, medication effects, and hallucination explanations, including NDEs under anesthesia and in blind individuals, plus cross-cultural and young-child similarity. The episode also covers news on GLP-1 drugs and substance use, a Lyme vaccine, AI safety concerns, easing licensure for foreign-trained doctors, nursing home antipsychotic use, plus cover-song favorites and brief Boston sports talk.   Topics 00:53 Meet Dr Jeffrey Long 02:07 How NDE Research Began 04:16 Science Versus Materialism 08:24 Core NDE Elements 11:05 Aftereffects and Life Changes 14:56 Hyperlucid Memories 16:16 Why Not Hallucinations 16:51 Anesthesia Blindness and Culture 22:43 Time and Nonlinear Reality 24:59 Takeaway We Are More 27:33 Hosts Reflect After Interview 30:11 In the News Segment Begins 30:38 GLP1s and Addiction 32:25 Lyme Vaccine Update 35:15 AI Medical Safety Concerns 37:04 AI Misses Heart Pause 38:04 Chatbots and Mental Health Risks 38:56 Licensing Foreign Doctors 41:16 Antipsychotics in Nursing Homes 44:14 Greatest Cover Songs Debate 50:46 Boston Sports Minute Drama 55:25 Red Sox Early Season Check 57:55 Celtics and Bruins Outlook 59:27 Final Thanks and Sign Off

  6. Mar 22

    Oncologist Dr. Erin DeRose

    Dennis dedicates the episode to his late father Dennis J. Teehan Sr., who died of cancer, featuring his oncologist Dr. Erin DeRose from Beth Israel Needham Cancer Center. DeRose shares her path into oncology, her experience in community practice, and the “best of both worlds” model: intimate, accessible suburban care with strong links to Boston specialists, tumor boards, clinical trials, and second opinions. They discuss rising lung cancer in never-smokers, screening debates and risks of incidental findings, risk factors like secondhand smoke, occupational exposures, family history, and radon, and advances from targeted therapies (including EGFR) and immunotherapy, plus emerging approaches like CAR-T, bispecifics, and antibody-drug conjugates alongside concerns about cost and access. They critique direct-to-consumer cancer blood tests, discuss prognosis conversations, then cover news on rising US life expectancy, GLP-1 benefits versus insurer losses, AI in diagnosis, and ultra-processed carbs, ending with March Madness, St. Patrick’s Day, and Boston sports.   Topics 01:00 Episode Dedication 02:06 Dr. Erin DeRose Background 05:59 Needham Cancer Center 07:04 Best of Both Worlds 12:52 Lung Cancer Screening 17:21 Non Smoking Risk Factors 19:40 Targeted Therapy Breakthroughs 23:34 Future of Cancer Care 26:23 Access and Cost Questions 28:03 Blood Tests for Screening 30:59 Talking Prognosis Compassionately 34:43 Closing Thanks and Advocacy 35:14 Post Interview Reflections 35:44 Cancer Care Shoutout 36:42 Life Expectancy Rebound 40:18 GLP One Benefits Debate 41:09 Insurance Coverage Crunch 42:09 Ozempic Safety Reality 43:50 AI In The Clinic 46:25 Good Carbs Vs Bad 49:34 March Madness Talk 52:00 St Patricks Day Bits 53:33 Boston Sports Minute 57:44 Wrap Up And Thanks

  7. Jan 23

    Fitness Resolutions with Dedham Health Fitness Director Guy Caracciolo

    Dennis welcomes fitness director Guy Caracciolo from Dedham Health and Athletic Complex to discuss New Year's fitness resolutions. They delve into the importance of gradually starting an exercise regimen, especially for those new to fitness, and highlight the 60-60 program designed to help individuals integrate exercise into their lives safely. The episode also examines recent health news, including the correlation between CRP levels and heart disease, the ineffectiveness of cannabis-based medicines for pain relief, and the financial hardship associated with surgical procedures. Additionally, the show covers the impact of daylight savings on health and the importance of kidney disease awareness. To close, Dennis and producer Dave engage in a spirited discussion about the upcoming AFC Championship game, snowstorm etiquette, and the role of ownership in the success of Boston sports franchises.   Topics 00:40 Introducing Fitness Expert Guy Caracciolo 02:25 Gym Anecdotes and Safety Tips 04:14 Guy Karachi's Fitness Journey 06:15 Overview of Dedham Health and Athletic Complex 09:09 The 60/60 Medical Wellness Program 11:06 Exercise Benefits and Barriers 27:04 Doctors and Exercise Prescriptions 31:48 In the News Segment 32:04 CRP Levels and Heart Disease 33:37 Daylight Savings Time and Health 35:58 Cannabis and Chronic Pain 38:52 Financial Hardship After Surgery 40:12 Chronic Kidney Disease Awareness 42:29 Patriots and Altitude Sickness 46:20 Snowstorm Etiquette 51:21 Boston Sports Minute 01:00:45 Conclusion and Sign-Off

  8. 12/23/2025

    Tackling Addiction with Dr. Michael Hamrock

    The episode features a compelling discussion with Dr. Michael Hamrock, an expert in addiction medicine from Boston Medical Center, Brighton. Dr. Hamrock shares his insights on addiction, its impact on families, and effective treatment strategies. The conversation covers public health perspectives, the opioid crisis, the role of physicians in pain management, and mental health dual diagnoses. The episode also touches upon the challenge of helping loved ones with substance abuse issues and offers practical advice for families. Additionally, the hosts delve into current health news, such as the impact of commercialization of cannabis on teen mental health and new cancer detection tests. The episode concludes with a spirited debate on the worst Christmas songs, a reflection on the Patriots' recent game, and well-wishes for the holiday season.   Topics 12:02 The Impact of Addiction on Families 18:10 Challenges in Treating Substance Abuse 21:57 Cannabis and Mental Health 29:06 In the News: Cannabis and Psychosis 33:37 In the News: Early Cancer Detection 35:25 In the News: Pre-Diabetes and Cardiovascular Risk 38:53 In the News: Ozempic and Cardiovascular Benefits 40:12 The Impact of Losing Medication Coverage 40:37 The Cost and Challenges of Weight Loss Medications 42:28 Insurance Companies and the Healthcare Tug of War 43:10 Anxiety, Insomnia, and Immune Function 44:35 The Importance of Sleep and Exercise 47:34 Listener Mailbag: Measles Booster Shots 50:20 Non-Medical Topic: Worst Christmas Songs 54:39 Sports Talk: DK Metcalf Incident and Boston Sports 01:05:03 Wrapping Up: Holiday Wishes and Final Thoughts

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About

The Modern Medicine Podcast with Dr. Dennis Teehan aims to provide a clear, insightful perspective on contemporary healthcare issues. Dr. Teehan, a seasoned physician, brings his deep expertise and connections to the podcast, inviting specialists like cardiologists, neurologists, and endocrinologists to discuss the latest medical advancements, treatments, and hot topics. With a focus on debunking widespread medical misinformation, Dr. Teehan emphasizes the importance of being an informed healthcare consumer. Whether it’s clarifying research findings or shedding light on controversial medical practices, the show empowers listeners to make better health decisions for themselves and their loved ones. Expect engaging conversations about trending topics like the rise of Ozempic, heart disease, dementia, and more, all while dispelling myths that have misled the public. Dr. Teehan’s candid approach makes complex medical topics digestible, bridging the gap between healthcare professionals and everyday people. His thoughtful discussions are designed to inspire listeners to take control of their healthcare journey with knowledge and confidence.

Information

  • Creator
    pod617
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2015 . All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Modern Medicine Podcast