Ep 56: Marriage, Medicine, and Autoimmune Disease with Dr. Melissa Mondala & Dr. Micah Yu

Episode 56 of The Health Exchange Podcast examines how autoimmune disease care is evolving when advanced medicine is paired with lifestyle-based intervention. Host Dr. Rutland speaks with Drs. Melissa Mondala and Micah Yu, a married physician team who combine rheumatology, lifestyle, and integrative medicine in their practice. They share their personal journeys—Micah’s own autoimmune diagnosis and Melissa’s early patient experiences—that shaped their approach to care. The conversation covers how autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus affect energy, mood, and overall health, and why assessment of diet, sleep, stress, and environment is critical alongside advanced medications. Through real patient stories, they illustrate how combining biologics with lifestyle changes—plant-forward diets, stress management, and movement—can improve symptoms, reduce medication needs, and empower patients to reclaim control over their health.Follow Our Host:instagram.com/drjrutlandProduced by Born Ready Films:instagram.com/bornreadyfilms