Better by the Numbers

How does genetic testing actually change cancer outcomes?In this episode, Dr. Tina Bhatnagar breaks down how advances in cytogenetics, molecular profiling, and MRD testing are transforming the way acute myeloid leukemia is diagnosed, risk-stratified, and treated. From real clinical decision-making to the future of personalized oncology, this conversation shows how lab data is turning one-size-fits-all care into targeted, measurable treatment strategies.

Dr. Shannon Blaylock shares how she is delivering pediatric cardiac care across a massive rural region by rethinking how labs and genetic testing are accessed and applied. From diagnosing missed chromosomal conditions to using tele-genetics and in-office workflows, she reveals how a wider clinical lens can uncover life-changing insights for both patients and their families, often years earlier than expected.

Dr. Mel Pohl discusses his path into medicine, the connection between chronic pain and addiction as nervous system conditions, the role of polyvagal theory and cell danger response, the future of lab testing in addiction and chronic pain care, and the mindset shift for clinicians. He also emphasizes the importance of integrating nervous system science with measurable biology and presenting results to patients with safety and agency.TakeawaysChronic pain and addiction are nervous system conditions.Polyvagal theory and cell danger response play a crucial role in understanding chronic pain and addiction.The future of lab testing in addiction and chronic pain care will focus on quantifying autonomic state through biomarkers and identifying biological stuckness in the cell danger response.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Dr. Mel Pohl07:22 Polyvagal Theory and Cell Danger Response13:01 Future of Testing in Addiction and Chronic Pain Care18:20 Identifying Biological Stuckness in Cell Danger Response25:41 Presenting Results to Patients with Safety and Agency

Dr. Nathan Carroll, an internationally recognized board-certified psychiatrist, discusses how lab testing is used in modern mental health care. He covers everything from foundational labs like A1C, thyroid, and metabolic panels to the growing role of biometric data and emerging technologies. Dr. Carroll shares how objective data can support better clinical decisions, why many practitioners overlook the basics, and how to take a practical, patient-centered approach to testing. The conversation also touches on real-world challenges like patient resistance, cost, and how empathy plays a role in improving adherence and outcomes.TakeawaysBasic lab testing like A1C, thyroid, and metabolic panels is often underutilized in psychiatryObjective data can improve clinical decision-making without overcomplicating careCombining biometrics with lab data is becoming more relevant in mental health carePatient adherence often depends on how testing is explained and introducedA balanced approach matters, avoiding both over-testing and under-testingChapters00:00 Introduction to Dr. Nathan Carroll05:47 Lab Testing and Technology Integration12:03 Challenges in Lab Testing17:42 Role of Testing in Psychiatry23:26 Empathy in Patient Care

The conversation delves into the world of precision medicine, focusing on the integration of genetics and epigenetics for personalized health optimization. Dr. Tracy Gapin shares insights on the science of epigenetics, the foundational role of lifestyle, comprehensive testing and tracking, personalized nutrition, and the selection and utilization of diagnostic tests. Case studies highlight the impact of precision medicine on patient outcomes. The conversation delves into the impact of gut health, early detection and intervention, the importance of testing modalities, biological age testing and skepticism, the future of testing in healthcare, integrating testing into practice, underutilized testing modalities, HRV tracking and consistency, and the value of testing in patient care. Key takeaways include the emphasis on data-driven decisions and the focus on client outcomes.TakeawaysPrecision medicine through genetics and epigeneticsIntegration of lifestyle and genetics for personalized health optimization Data drives decisionsFocus on client outcomesChapters00:00 Introduction to Precision Medicine05:02 Lifestyle as the Foundation10:59 Integrating Data for Personalized Nutrition16:52 Case Studies in Precision Medicine30:47 Value of Testing in Patient Care