EMJ Podcast: Insights For Healthcare Professionals

In this first deep dive, Rachel Buckley joins host Catherine Glass to explore how Alzheimer's disease risk can be detected before symptoms appear. From blood-based biomarkers like p-tau217, to AI-driven models of cognitive resilience, the episode examines how risk, progression, and protection can be better understood and predicted over time. Timestamps: 00:00:57:11 – Phosphorylated tau and amyloid-PET 00:08:15:05 – Biomarkers, risk, and progression 00:11:18:04 – Brain resistance and cognitive resilience 00:15:23:23 – AI biases

In this rapid-fire episode, Rachel Buckley answers key questions on Alzheimer's disease, covering sex differences in risk, early predictors of progression, brain resilience, and the most actionable prevention strategies. A concise overview of the evolving science behind personalised Alzheimer's care.

In the final episode, host Saranya and Helen Brough examine the key gaps in allergy care across prevention, diagnosis, and long-term management, and how these challenges impact families in practice. It explores barriers to early peanut introduction, highlights inequalities in allergy care and the populations most affected, and looks at how digital tools, education, and outreach could help improve access to evidence-based care.  Timestamps:  00:43 – Gaps in allergy care  04:07 –  Early peanut introduction  06:39 - Disparities in diagnosis  08:12 – Improve access to care 

In Part 2, we explore the role of the skin barrier in food allergy development, from how environmental allergen exposure can drive sensitisation to whether early skincare can help prevent disease. Drawing on studies such as SEAL and recent European eczema guidelines, it also tackles common misconceptions and parental concerns, including topical steroid withdrawal and how best to provide reassurance.  Timestamps:  00:54:02 – Skin allergen exposure  03:50 – Optimising the skin barrier   06:46 – Proactive treatment of atopic eczema  08:17 – Applying treatments  11:41 – Topical steroid withdrawal 

Helen Brough joins the Saranya to reflect on her work in paediatric food allergy, from personal experiences that shaped her career to landmark studies like LEAP, EAT, and ProNuts that transformed prevention and management. This episode explores early allergen introduction, evolving approaches to treatment, and what's driving the rise in food allergies in children.  Timestamps:   00:53 –  Raising children with atopy  02:18 – Antibiotic exposure at birth  03:08 – Prevention of peanut allergies   05:22 – Introducing other allergens 08:09 – Multi-nut/sesame allergy  10:41 – Immunotherapy for severe allergies  13:36 – Prevalence of food allergies 

 In this short rapid-fire episode, Helen Brough answers key questions on food allergy, covering common triggers, peanut allergy myths, early allergen introduction, and whether allergies can be outgrown. It also touches on immune development, common mistakes, biomarkers, and future breakthroughs.

Description: Meghan Azad discusses the challenges of translating microbiome science into public health strategies. From policy gaps to social inequalities, this episode explores how evidence can be turned into meaningful support for families.  Timestamps:  02:20 – Critical windows 04:50 – Health inequalities 07:30 – Policy interventions 10:10 – Future directions 

This episode examines how infant nutrition influences microbiome development and links to asthma risk. Azad discusses key discoveries from cohort studies and the role of early-life exposures in shaping disease trajectories.  Timestamps:  02:40 – Microbiome development 05:10 – Asthma risk link 07:50 – Feeding transitions 10:20 – Clinical counselling

Azad explores the biological complexity of human milk and its role in shaping infant immunity. From immune-active components to variation in milk composition, this episode examines how early nutrition programs long-term health outcomes.  Timestamps:  02:30 – Milk composition explained 05:20 – Immune components role 08:10 – Variation in milk 10:40 – Growth and outcomes

In this rapid-fire episode, Azad addresses common myths around breastfeeding, microbiome development, and infant feeding practices. A concise overview of the key factors shaping early immune health.

In the final episode, Pranav Garimella explores glomerular and cystic kidney diseases, including IgA nephropathy and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Discover how personalised medicine, biomarkers, and earlier diagnosis are shaping the future of care in these complex conditions. Timestamps: 01:11 – Current treatment for IgA nephropathy 02:24 – SGLT2 inhibitors 03:38 – Cystic kidney disease diagnosis

In Part 2, Pranav Garimella discusses major advances in diabetic kidney disease management. Learn how sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and novel therapies are reshaping disease progression, and why early intervention is critical to improving long-term outcomes. Timestamps: 01:07 – Practice-changing developments 05:10 – GLP-1 agonists 07:00 – Early intervention 08:43 – Unmet needs

Pranav Garimella joins host Catherine Glass to explore why early detection of chronic kidney disease remains challenging. From high-risk populations to emerging plasma and urine biomarkers, this episode examines how earlier diagnosis and improved risk stratification can transform patient outcomes. Timestamps: 00:59 – Challenges of early detection 05:12 – Populations for intensive screening 09:08 – Plasma and urine biomarkers 13:45 – Biomarker-driven risk stratification

In this rapid-fire episode, Pranav Garimella answers key questions on chronic kidney disease, from early detection and screening challenges to future innovations in nephrology. A concise overview for clinicians and curious listeners alike.

In the final episode, Nanette K. Wenger discusses the ongoing challenges in awareness and access to cardiovascular care for women. From public health campaigns to mentorship and community initiatives, discover what's needed to close the gap.  Timestamps:  1:02 – Barriers in care  2:54 – Future directions  6:11 – Atlanta Women's Network 

In Part 2, Nanette K. Wenger examines how underrepresentation in research shaped cardiovascular epidemiology in women. Learn about the impact of key guideline developments, and where critical data gaps remain.  Timestamps:  1:09 – Historical underrepresentation  5:05 – Evidence gaps 

Nanette K. Wenger joins host Saranya Ravindran to reflect on her pioneering work in women's cardiovascular health. From challenging early misconceptions to advocating for inclusion in research, this episode explores how the field began to shift.  Timestamps:  0:58 – Nanette's inspiration  5:21 – Dismantling misconceptions  8:12 – Research obstacles  14:20 – Risk factors 

In this rapid-fire episode, Nanette K. Wenger answers key questions on women's heart health - from prevention and lifestyle to mentorship, research gaps, and the future of cardiology. A concise, expert-led overview of the field. 

In this episode of Onc Now, Christopher Wolfgang shares insights into the evolving landscape of pancreatic cancer research and treatment. From his early inspiration in oncology to pioneering surgical approaches and tackling tumour recurrence, Wolfgang discusses the challenges that persist in this complex disease space and the innovations shaping its future. Timestamps:   00:00 – Introduction  01:28 - Career inspiration   03:24 – Impact of early training   05:00 - Advances in treatment  09:20 - Tumour recurrence research  11:25 - Surgical innovation impact  17:00 - Barriers to progress  20:24 - Future priorities   26:40 - Three healthcare wishes 

Gupta examines disparities in food allergy and asthma outcomes, highlighting barriers to care and the role of policy, research, and innovation in improving health equity. Timestamps: 01:00 – Racial and socioeconomic barriers 03:37 – Collaborations to reduce disparities 05:05 – Emerging therapies 10:08 – Future care

From early allergen introduction to digital health tools, Gupta discusses modern prevention strategies and how clinicians balance prevention with long-term management in food allergy care. Timestamps: 00:51 – Key messages for families and clinicians 02:56 – Allergies and breast milk 04:17 – Ongoing allergies 06:50 – Allergy education 10:34 – Telemedicine and digital tools 11:45 – Mentoring  

In this rapid-fire episode, Ruchi S. Gupta answers key questions about food allergy misconceptions, prevention strategies, and asthma care. A concise overview for clinicians looking to stay updated in minutes.

Ruchi S. Gupta explores how food allergy and asthma care have evolved over the past 2 decades, from guideline development to school-based programmes and early prevention strategies shaping paediatric care. Timestamps: 00: 55 – Recent care evolution 04:12 – Primary care management 06:00 – Schools and community programmes 09:13 – Prevention strategies

In the final episode, Majid Fotuhi explores how purpose, social connection, and brain networks influence longevity and dementia risk. Learn how cultivating meaning in life can support cognitive health and long-term brain resilience.  Timestamps:  01:03 – Brain regions   02:19 – Dementia risk  02:42 – Role of clinicians  04:42 – Social connection  07:00 – Dr Fotuhi's book 

In Part 2, Majid Fotuhi explains how stress and inflammation accelerate brain ageing. Discover the role of sleep in clearing toxins, the benefits of neurofeedback, and which brain training strategies truly enhance cognition.  Timestamps:  01:14 – Stress and inflammation  04:40 – Importance of sleep  08:16 – Benefits of neurofeedback  10:19 – Brain training  12:20 – Concussion and ADHD 

In this episode of Hema Now, Robert Negrin, President of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), reflects on his distinguished career in stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy, and shares his vision for the future of the field. From shaping global haematology priorities to advancing innovative treatments such as CAR-T cell therapy, he explores both the remarkable progress and the ongoing challenges facing clinicians and researchers today. The conversation also highlights the importance of translational research, mentorship, and collaboration in driving meaningful improvements in patient care, while looking ahead to the technologies and breakthroughs that could redefine haematology in the years to come. Timestamps:   00:00 - Introduction  01:20 - Presidency priorities, mission advancement   05:45 - Evolving global haematology needs   08:17 - Career inspiration, key developments   16:13 - Cellular therapy opportunities, challenges   19:47 - Translational research importance   22:22 - Future of stem transplantation   26:08 - Mentorship principles, trainee guidance   29:45 - Emerging technologies impact   30:40 - Three wishes, haematology future

Majid Fotuhi joins host Saranya Ravindran to explore how nutrition influences brain ageing. From anti-inflammatory diets and omega-3s to insulin resistance and metabolic health, this episode unpacks how what we eat shapes cognition and long-term brain resilience.  Timestamps:  01:10 – Mediterranean Diet  02:58 – Reducing Alzheimer's risk  03:37 – Dietary changes  05:44 – Metabolic dysfunction  08:00 – Exercise and Sleep 

In this rapid-fire episode, Majid Fotuhi answers key questions on brain ageing - from memory-boosting habits and diet to stress, neurogenesis, and Alzheimer's risk. Perfect for a quick, science-backed overview of how to protect your brain. 

This content has been funded by AstraZeneca, and is intended for healthcare professionals. The content in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor to promote any specific product or therapy.  The guests have been compensated by AstraZeneca for their participation. The views expressed are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the AMJ or AstraZeneca. If you choose to act on information discussed here, you do so at your own discretion. Description: As homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) testing becomes increasingly embedded in ovarian cancer pathways, clinicians need clear, operational guidance. This episode brings together expert perspectives on selecting tests, understanding outputs, and integrating results into guideline-aligned care.  Learn: ·       HRD basics in plain language: what you're measuring and why ·       Test selection and reporting nuances that affect downstream decisions ·       Workflow design across oncology, pathology, and genetics ·       Applying results to maintenance strategies and patient conversations  Speakers: 1.     Rebecca Arend, Associate Director for Clinical Research, UAB O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center; Endowed Professor of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Alabama, USA. 2.   Thomas Krivak, Director, Division of Gynecologic Oncology; Chief Surgeon, West Penn Hospital, USA. 3.    Bhavana Pothuri, Gynecologic Oncologist, NYU Langone Health; Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, USA.

Järvinen-Seppo discusses how translational research is advancing understanding of early allergic disease, from maternal antibodies to global collaborations shaping the future of prevention and care. Timestamps: 00:57 – Research scope  03:49 – Maternal antibodies  07:34 – Integrating new evidence  09:17 – International coordination  10:37 – Emerging areas

This episode examines the spectrum of food allergy, from IgE-mediated disease to food protein induced enterocolitis syndrome and eosinophilic conditions, and explores how diet, skin barrier function, and the microbiome interact in early life. Timestamps: 00:53 – Spectrum of allergic diseases 05:00 – Nutrition and immune activation 07:22 – Atopic dermatitis 08:55 – IgE-mediated food allergy 10:28 – Future management pathways

In this episode of Onc Now, Claire Snyder explores the growing importance of patient-reported outcomes and quality of life in modern oncology care. She discusses the challenges and opportunities of integrating patient perspectives into routine practice, as well as the global effort to standardise these measures through initiatives such as the PROTEUS Consortium. The conversation also highlights the evolving needs of survivors of cancer, key priorities in survivorship care, and what the future holds for patient-centred oncology.  Timestamps:   00:00 – Introduction   01:41 – Modern oncology care  03:56 – Patient-reported outcomes (PRO) interest origin   05:10 - PRO implementation challenges   06:36 - PROTEUS Consortium mission   08:33 - Survivorship care priorities   09:45 - Childhood survivor insights   12:35 - Advice for newcomers   13:37 - Future quality of life developments   14:41 - Three wishes 

Kirsi Järvinen-Seppo explores how the infant immune system develops, highlighting the role of maternal environment, breast milk composition, and early-life exposures in shaping allergy risk. Timestamps: 00:57 – Infant immune system 02:06 – Maternal lifestyle factors 06:10 – Breast milk composition 10:13 – ESCAPE study 13:25 – Early sensitisation pathways 16:58 – Early risk stratification

In this rapid-fire episode, Kirsi Järvinen-Seppo tackles key questions on infant immune development, common misconceptions around food allergy, and the early-life factors that shape allergic disease. She also highlights emerging research on maternal influences, breast milk immunology, and prevention strategies that could transform clinical practice.

In the final deep dive, Cherry Lim looks ahead to the future of AMR surveillance. She discusses the role of microbiology labs, the value of imperfect datasets, and how integrating genomics, modelling, and cost-effectiveness could transform global health systems over the next two decades. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 01:03 – Investing in diagnostics 02:36 – Routine surveillance data 03:53 – Global versus local AMR data 05:08 – Future health systems

In this second deep dive episode, Cherry Lim discusses how complex modelling approaches can translate into practical clinical insights. From counterfactual frameworks to real-world prescribing decisions, she explores how data-driven tools can support clinicians in choosing more effective antibiotic treatments.  Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 01:03 – Understanding counterfactual frameworks 02:56 – Antibiotic choice and survival 05:08 – Clinical decision dashboards 06:24 – Assumptions in AMR modelling

In this episode of Hema Now, Marilyn Manco-Johnson explores the evolution and future of paediatric haemophilia care. From the early adoption of prophylactic treatment to today's rapidly advancing therapeutic landscape, she reflects on the milestones that have transformed outcomes for children. The conversation also dives into ongoing challenges, including joint health, variability in treatment response, and access to care, while highlighting emerging innovations such as gene therapy and non-factor therapies that could redefine long-term management.  Timestamps:   00:00 – Introduction   00:49 - Career inspiration   04:40 - Prophylaxis turning points   09:41 - Key care advances   12:12 - Current research questions   15:00 - Joint risk factors   19:10 - Emerging therapies impact   24:24 – Recognising joint pain   26:08 - Gaps in care   29:11 - Future priorities  

In this first deep dive, Lim explores how routine hospital data and bacterial genomics are transforming our understanding of AMR. She explains how combining datasets and transmission models can uncover hidden pathways of resistance and highlights the challenges of working across diverse healthcare settings.

Cherry Lim joins the EMJ Podcast for a rapid-fire discussion on data, modelling, and antimicrobial resistance. From surveillance gaps to the role of AI, she shares insights into how data is shaping the future of AMR research and policy.

Monga reflects on global urology practice, prevention challenges, and equity in care delivery. This episode explores how stone management adapts across healthcare systems and what needs to change to improve outcomes worldwide. Timestamps: 00:00 – Global experience 02:20 – Resource adaptation 05:00 – Public health challenges 07:40 – Equity in urology 10:30 – Future advice

From device development to real-world surgical impact, Manoj Monga discusses how innovation is transforming stone management. This episode covers emerging technologies, procedural advances, and the future of minimally invasive care. Timestamps: 00:00 – Innovation pipeline 02:40 – Device development 05:30 – Surgical advances 08:10 – Technology trends 10:50 – Improving outcomes

In this episode of Onc Now, Patricia Ganz sits down with EMJ to explore the evolving field of cancer survivorship. From managing long-term treatment effects to improving transitions into post-treatment care, she highlights key gaps in research, the growing role of patient-reported outcomes, and the importance of integrating policy, advocacy, and clinical practice to better support survivors.  Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction   01:24 - Career survivorship inspiration  03:10 - Survivorship field evolution   04:10 - Late effects challenges   06:40 - Post-treatment care transition   07:58 - Patient-reported outcomes impact   10:14 - Advocacy policy research intersection   13:29 - Advice for new researchers   15:07 – Bench to beside challenges  17:40 – Equipping younger clinicians   19:16 - Future survivorship innovations   20:14 - Three survivorship wishes  

The following podcasts were funded by Edgewise Therapeutics. Disclaimers: The views and opinions expressed in these podcasts are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of Edgewise Therapeutics or EMJ. The speakers received honoraria for participating in this recording. Becker muscular dystrophy (Becker) affects more than just motor function. This episode features Elias Bracamonte, an individual living with Becker, and Gloria Bracamonte, his wife and a Becker patient advocate. Through sharing their story, they dive into the quality of life impacts of Becker on patients and their loved ones.

Manoj Monga explores the evolving understanding of kidney stone pathophysiology, from metabolic drivers to recurrence risk. This episode unpacks how clinicians balance acute intervention with long-term prevention strategies. Timestamps: 00:00 – Monga's background 02:30 – Pathophysiology explained 05:10 – Recurrence risk factors 08:20 – Dietary management 11:00 – Prevention versus surgery

In this rapid-fire episode, Manoj Monga tackles common myths about kidney stones, shares clinical preferences, and highlights key innovations shaping modern endourology. A concise, high-yield overview of the field.

What is the science behind early allergen introduction? In Part 2, Debbie Palmer explains the immunological basis of oral tolerance, addresses persistent myths, and outlines best practices for introducing allergens, especially in high-risk infants. Timestamps: 00:56 – Allergen introduction 02:03 – Non-breastfeeding approaches 02:54 – Biggest myth 03:49 – Tolerance versus sensitisation 04:48 – High-risk patients 05:25 – Weaning diet 06:49 – Prohibited foods

In this episode of Hema Now, Karina Yazdanbakhsh speaks about her journey into immunology, the challenges of alloimmunisation, and the evolving landscape of transfusion medicine. She also reflects on receiving the prestigious Henry M. Stratton Medal for Basic Research at ASH 2025 and what this recognition means for her work. The conversation explores key insights from ASH 2025, highlights pressing immunological issues in sickle cell disease, and looks ahead to emerging technologies shaping personalised transfusion strategies.  Timestamps:   00:00 – Introduction   00:59 - Stratton Medal meaning  02:19 - ASH 2025 highlights  13:11 - Sickle cell challenges  17:00 - Immune tolerance evolution  18:55 - Institute research priorities  27:20 - Novel therapeutics role  29:04 - Early career advice  29:43 - Emerging technologies impact  32:30 – Three magic wishes for healthcare  

In this episode, Satish Raj and Gert van Dijk explore the diagnosis, clinical burden, and management of orthostatic hypotension. The discussion examines how low blood pressure affects daily functioning, the importance of accurate diagnosis, and current treatment approaches.  Key Discussion Themes Definitions and subtypes of orthostatic hypotension Differential diagnosis and the role of tilt-table testing  Impact on quality of life and daily functioning  Current treatment landscape and clinical guidelines  Unmet needs and future research priorities 

In this episode, Aaron Phillips discusses haemodynamic instability following spinal cord injury, with particular focus on autonomic dysreflexia. The conversation reviews the neuronal mechanisms underpinning autonomic dysfunction, the clinical burden of hypertensive and hypotensive complications, and current management strategies. The episode also explores emerging therapeutic approaches, including the development and evaluation of implantable systems designed to restore haemodynamic stability.  Key Discussion Themes  Definition and clinical features of haemodynamic instability  Autonomic dysreflexia: mechanisms and patient impact  Chronic hypertensive and hypotensive complications