Leading Retina at Harvard, ft. Rishi P. Singh, MD; CMS GLOBE Model, EYLEA HD’s Expanded Label

Hosts:John Kitchens, MDScott KrzywonosGuest:Rishi P. Singh, MDChair, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical SchoolChair, Department of Ophthalmology, Mass General BrighamShow Summary:In this episode, John and Scott break down two major developments affecting retina practices nationwide before welcoming one of the field’s most influential leaders. The discussion opens with the newly announced CMS GLOBE Model, a Medicare Part B demonstration project designed to lower drug prices through most-favored-nation pricing, and what it could mean for buy-and-bill retina practices. They then turn to the FDA’s expanded label for EYLEA HD, which now includes retinal vein occlusion and allows monthly dosing for certain patients.In the second half, the hosts are joined by Rishi P. Singh, MD, newly appointed Chair of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School. Rishi reflects on stepping into leadership at one of the most storied institutions in medicine, his path from retina specialist to hospital CEO and back to academia, and how academic centers must adapt amid policy shifts, private equity pressure, and rapid technological change.Topics Covered:The CMS GLOBE Model and most-favored-nation drug pricingPotential administrative and financial impact on practices in affected regionsThe FDA’s expanded EYLEA HD label for RVO and monthly dosingHow label flexibility may change first-line treatment decisionsInsurance lag and real-world adoption challenges after label changesLeadership transition at Mass Eye and Ear and Mass General BrighamBalancing clinical care, research, and training in academic medicineThe role of academic centers in advocacy, innovation, and policy influencePhysician recruitment, culture, and servant leadershipPrivate equity’s role in modern ophthalmologyIndustry collaboration, integrity, and long-term impact on patient careThe future of ophthalmology drug access under Part B and Part D reformKey Quotes:“The biggest issue for any of us is if buy-and-bill medicine disappears from our practices.” — Rishi P. Singh, MD“We’ve been too focused on reactionary medicine and not enough on prevention.” — Rishi P. Singh, MD“Anything that substantially disrupts drug pricing is going to have downstream consequences for practices.” — John Kitchens, MDCredits:Production & Marketing: Laura BrownBusiness Operations: Liz HoganListen and Subscribe:🎧 RetinUp.com | Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube