PermanenteDocs Chat

Healthy aging involves more than preventing illness. It also means understanding what matters most to patients and helping them maintain dignity, independence, and choice throughout their care.In this PermanenteDocs Chat Short, Tyler Darnell, MD, an emergency medicine physician and medical director of Dignified Journeys at Northwest Permanente, talks about: • Why conversations about healthy aging should begin early• How physicians can discuss care goals with patients and families• The importance of revisiting advance directives as circumstances change• How physicians across all specialties can help deliver age-friendly care• Why practicing these conversations can make them more meaningful and effectiveDr. Darnell also discusses how the Dignified Journeys program helps patients, families, and physicians navigate advance care planning, end-of-life decisions, and patients’ treatment wishes.Learn about life care planning: https://kp.org/lifecareplanningExplore how value-based care supports coordinated and preventive care: https://permanente.org/medical-excellence/unlocking-the-potential-of-value-based-care/#HealthyAging #AgeFriendlyCare #AdvanceCarePlanning #PermanenteMedicine #PhysiciansThanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

What really drives better health outcomes? While access to quality health care is essential, research shows that up to 80% of health outcomes are influenced by factors outside the exam room—including lifestyle, environment, and daily habits.In this episode of PermanenteDocs Chat, host Alex McDonald, MD, sits down with Ray Nanda, MD, family medicine physician with the Southern California Permanente Medical Group and regional physician lead at the Center for Healthy Living, to discuss how physicians can help patients make lasting behavior changes that improve their health.In this conversation, you'll learn:- Why trust is the foundation of lasting behavior change- How motivational interviewing helps patients take ownership of their health- Practical strategies physicians can use to encourage healthier habits- The partnership between patients and physicians in achieving better outcomes- The promise—and current limitations—of AI in supporting behavior changeDr. Nanda explains why sustainable change isn't about telling patients what to do—it's about understanding their motivations, meeting them where they are, and working together to create realistic, lasting habits.Whether you're a physician, health care leader, or simply interested in improving health through evidence-based care, this episode offers practical insights into one of medicine's greatest challenges: helping people change behaviors that lead to healthier lives.Watch now and join the conversation.#PermanenteDocsChat #BehaviorChange #LifestyleMedicine #PrimaryCare #PreventiveCare #PatientEngagement #PhysicianLeadership #HealthcareInnovation #AIinHealthcare #ValueBasedCareThanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

In this Permanente Docs Chat, host Alex McDonald, MD (family and sports medicine, Southern California Permanente Medical Group) sits down with Sean Hashmi, MD (board-certified nephrologist and obesity medicine specialist) to discuss lifestyle medicine, weight loss, and GLP-1 receptor agonist medications.GLP-1s are everywhere in the public conversation — yet many clinicians and patients have questions about how these medications fit into a comprehensive, sustainable approach to metabolic health. Dr. Hashmi shares practical guidance for frontline clinicians, including:- How GLP-1s work (satiety, “food noise,” and cravings)- Setting realistic expectations for weight loss and side effects- Why lifestyle foundations matter before, during, and after medication- The importance of strength training, sleep, and support systems- “SELF Principles” framework: Sleep, Exercise, Love, Food- Strategies to support patients long-term and reduce weight regain concernsWatch, subscribe, and share to help more clinicians access high-yield conversations like this.This content is for informational and educational purposes and is not medical advice.#LifestyleMedicine #ObesityMedicine #GLP1 #MetabolicHealth #PermanenteMedicine #DocsChatThanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

In this PermanenteDocs Chat, host Alex McDonald, MD, speaks with Hemali Sudhalkar, MD, hospitalist, inpatient palliative care physician, and National Medical Director of Strategy for Kaiser Permanente Care at Home, about how Advanced Care at Home delivers hospital-level care in patients’ homes.Dr. Sudhalkar explains why this shift is essential as the U.S. population ages and capacity strains grow, and how Kaiser Permanente’s integrated model enables safe, coordinated care beyond the hospital. She shares early results from Northern California, where nearly 4,000 patients have received care since 2020, with average length of stay reduced from 5.5 to 3.5 days, hospital readmissions 3 percent lower, and likelihood-to-recommend scores 10 points higher than inpatient care.The conversation covers clinician training, virtual nursing, and home visits — plus the policy steps needed to expand and sustain this model nationwide.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

In this episode, pediatric intensivist Eloa Adams, MD (Director of Inpatient Pediatrics Quality & Operations, TPMG) joins host Alex McDonald, MD to explore how integrated, community-based pediatrics keeps kids close to home. We dig into the rise of pediatric “care deserts,” why TPMG maintains local inpatient capacity, how tele-critical care links community EDs to specialists, and a sepsis-prevention effort summed up by “more awareness = more birthdays.” We also touch on supporting anxious parents, lessons for the wider system in value-based care, and what’s next for pediatric care delivery.Guest: Eloa Adams, MDHost: Alex McDonald, MDThanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

In this episode of the PermanenteDocs Chat, host Alex McDonald, MD, discusses the latest innovations in care experience with Wadie Marcos, MD, access and experience lead with the Southern California Permanente Medical Group. Dr. Marcos shares his insights on the changing health care landscape, focusing on improving access and the care experience.They candidly discuss the unique challenges and opportunities health care organizations face in meeting patient expectations. Dr. Marcos highlights some groundbreaking practices at Kaiser Permanente, like enhancing booking systems and smoothing the onboarding process for new members to increase satisfaction. They also talk about the crucial role of soft skills in care experience, the importance of trust-building by physicians, and how a team-based approach enables high-quality care.Dr. Marcos also covers the role ethical, evidence-based medicine plays in practicing medicine today and how disease prevention is central to Kaiser Permanente’s mission.Don’t miss out on this compelling conversation — watch the chat on YouTube or listen to it on your podcast platform of choice. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss future Permanente Medicine programming.#careexperience #patientexperienceThanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

In this episode of PermanenteDocs Chat, Alex McDonald, MD, speaks with Tatjana Kolevska, MD, about Kaiser Permanente’s Virtual Cancer Expert Review program—an innovative approach that ensures patients across the country have access to expert oncology care, no matter where they live.They discuss how Kaiser Permanente’s integrated model supports prevention, early detection, and coordinated treatment, and how AI and virtual consults are changing the game in complex cancer care.Topics covered include:How virtual reviews improve cancer outcomesReducing unnecessary treatments through expert inputEquity and access in oncologyThe power of team-based, value-based careThanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

As devastating wildfires cut across Southern California, burning 16,000 structures and displacing more than 180,000 people last month, physicians and medical staff across Los Angeles faced unique challenges helping those in need while also ensuring their own safety.In the latest Permanente DocsChat episode, Christopher Subject, MD, assistant regional medical director, and Jeremy Maggin, MD, emergency medicine physician, joined host Alex McDonald, MD, to discuss disaster response and preparedness. All three are Southern California Permanente Medical Group physicians who were personally involved in wildfire response.Download and listen today to learn how Kaiser Permanente’s integrated structure and innovations supported rapid response, the challenges of delivering care during evacuations, and ways physicians can take a more active role in disaster planning and preparedness.#Californiafires #LosAngelesFires #Wildfires #LosAngelesWildfires #CaliforniaWildfires #DisasterPreparedness #WildfireResponse #EmergencyPreparedness #EmergencyPlanning #ClimateChangeThanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

Listen to a special chat on social media’s influence on the health and well-being of young people. Melissa Garretson, MD, member of the American Medical Association Board of Trustees, joined host Alex McDonald, MD, of the Southern California Permanente Medical Group, to explore the challenges adolescents face and how physicians can support their overall health. From screen time to sleep deprivation, Dr. Garretson shares strategies to help manage unhealthy social media use.Guest:Melissa Garretson, MD, Board of Trustees, American Medical AssociationThanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

Get prepared for respiratory virus season with an informative discussion on what every physician should know about this year’s flu, COVID, and RSV vaccines. In this episode of PermanenteDocs Chat, guest Connie Park, MD, clinical flu lead for The Permanente Medical Group and chief of Infectious Diseases, Greater Southern Alameda Area, joins host Dr. Alex McDonald of the Southern California Permanente Medical Group to discuss vaccine strains and practical strategies for addressing vaccine hesitancy and misinformation.Guest: Connie Park, MD, Clinical Flu Lead, The Permanente Medical Group; Chief, Infectious Diseases, Greater Southern Alameda AreaThanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

Listen to this episode for an up-to-date overview on opioid crisis from guest Bobby Mukkamala, MD, chair of the American Medical Association's Substance Use and Pain Care Taskforce. Dr. Mukkamala talks to host Alex McDonald, MD, of the Southern California Permanente Medical Group, about the latest data, systemwide steps to create change, and clinical strategies that can help doctors balance pain management with addiction prevention.GuestBobby Mukkamala, MD, Chair, American Medical Association Substance Use and Pain Care TaskforceThanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

Learn how new medical products and services that physicians use meet quality, safety, and value standards in the latest PermanenteDocs Chat featuring Sande Irwin, MD, chair of the Kaiser Permanente National Product Council. Dr. Irwin talks to host Alex McDonald, MD, of the Southern California Permanente Medical Group, about how the Council evaluates medical products — everything from otoscopes and exam chairs to surgical tools and MRI scanners — through a uniquely integrated team made of more than 700 members who are physicians and also medical professionals from nursing, environmental services staff and more.Guest: Sande Irwin, MD, Chair, Kaiser Permanente National Product CouncilThanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

Listen to this important conversation about the unique challenges physicians and clinicians face when seeking mental health support and real-life ways to foster a culture of wellness.Willie Underwood III, MD, MSc, MPH, immediate past chair of the AMA board of trustees and advocate for physician wellness, joins Alex McDonald, MD, of the Southern California Permanente Medical Group, to discuss the traditional barriers to overcoming the stigma of mental health in the medical community, how things are changing for the better, and resources for medical professionals in need.Guest: Willie Underwood III, MD, MSc, MPH, American Medical Association.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

Emotional intelligence is a crucial skill for today’s health care professionals. It can help you communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, cope with stress, and foster empathy and compassion. In this PermanenteDocs Chat, hosted by Alex McDonald, MD, we explore the importance of emotional intelligence in health care.Pamela Honsberger, MD, and certified emotional intelligence trainer, shares her insights and tips on how to cultivate and enhance your emotional intelligence. Discover practical strategies to improve your communication, empathy, and stress management skills in a health care setting.Guest: Pamela Honsberger, MD, of the Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Director of Physician Development and Support in Orange County, and certified emotional intelligence trainer.Resources:Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry and Jean GreavesDare to Lead and The Gifts of Imperfection by Dr. Brené BrownAtlas of the Heart by Dr. Brené BrownThe Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook by Dr. Kristen Neff and Dr. Christopher GermerSet Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover TawwabThanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

Don't miss out on this inspirational conversation with Ved Gossain, MD, endocrinologist and former chair of the Senior Physicians Section Governing Council at the AMA. Dr. Gossain shares insights on mentoring the next generation of doctors, staying engaged in their careers, and the importance of equity, inclusion, and diversity in medicine. Moderated by Alex McDonald, MD, family medicine physician with Southern California Permanente Medical Group. Guest:Ved Gossain, MD, American Medical Association#Healthcare #Mentorship #MedicalEducation #EquityInMedicine #DiversityInMedicine #PhysicianLeadership #AMA #PermanenteMedicine #HealthcarepodcastThanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

Don't miss out on this inspirational conversation with Stella Dantas, MD,  longtime physician leader at Northwest Permanente and current president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. She sits down with Alex McDonald, MD, of Southern California Permanente Medical Group, to discuss the nuances of physician leadership, addressing the critical issue of physician burnout, and the importance of fostering a culture where physicians are nurtured and supported.  Listen now. #PhysicianLeadership #StellaDantas #WomensHealthCare #PhysicianBurnout #CultureInMedicine #Quality #Safety #DiversityThanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

Discover how AI and other technologies are revolutionizing health care delivery, the importance of collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches, and the ongoing need for education and training to adapt to these changes in our latest episode of PermanenteDocs Chat.Our guest, Graham Walker, MD, assistant physician in chief and clinical informatics lead at The Permanente Medical Group, joins host Alex McDonald, MD, from the Southern California Permanente Medical Group to explore the dynamic landscape of health care technology and its impact on patient care. Learn how artificial intelligence and other innovations are enhancing diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.GuestGraham Walker, MD, assistant physician in chief and clinical informatics lead with The Permanente Medical GroupThanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

Listen now for valuable insights on the intersection of medical ethics and evidence-based medicine. Guest Audiey Kao, MD, PhD, vice president of ethics at the  American Medical Association, discusses how ethical principles can help healthcare professionals navigate complex medical decisions, ensuring patient safety and well-being. He also explores the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in healthcare. About the guest: Audiey Kao, MD, PhD, vice president of ethics with the American Medical AssociationHost: Alex McDonald, MD, of the Southern California Permanente Medical GroupWatch on YouTube.Visit Permanente.org to learn more. #medicalethics #evidencebasedmedicine #healthcare #ethicaldecisions #patientcareThanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

Check out this episode of the PermanenteDocs Chat as host Alex McDonald, MD, and John Andrews, MD, vice president of GME Innovations with the American Medical Association, discuss the future of medical residency programs. You'll gain valuable insights on the medical training landscape, including the role mentorship and innovation play in developing tomorrow's physicians.  Watch or listen now to discover the latest trends and developments driving the future of residency programs.  About the guest: Dr. John Andrews is the vice president of GME Innovations with the American Medical Association. He brings a wealth of experience and insight to the state of medical education and residency programs. Subscribe to our channel for more discussions on health care innovation and education. #ResidencyPrograms #MedicalEducation #Medicaltraining #Innovation #HealthcareThanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

Join host Alex McDonald, MD, and guest Leonid Pravoverov, MD, FASN, in this PermanenteDocs Chat as they discuss the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to slow kidney disease. Learn about the value of early detection, lifestyle modifications, and new medications in the treatment and management of chronic kidney disease. Gain valuable insights this National Kidney Month and discover the latest in all things related to kidney care.  About the guest: Dr. Pravoverov is the physician leader of Kaiser Permanente National Kidney Care Services and assistant chair of Nephrology and medical director of ESKD Services at The Permanente Medical Group.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

In this video, Margaret Lozovatsky, MD, FAMI, VP of Digital Health Innovations at the American Medical Association, explores the partnership between physicians and artificial intelligence in healthcare, focusing on AI's role in clinical decision support. Watch now to learn about current AI trends and why physicians should be involved in shaping AI policies where they practice. Don't miss out on this insightful discussion on AI and healthcare! #AI #artificialintelligence #physicians #clinicaldecisionsupport #healthcare #WatchNowThanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

With the growing popularity of social media as a source of information, how critical is it to have the physician voice in platforms such as Twitter, Instagram and TikTok? This PermanenteDocs Chat with host Alex McDonald, MD, and guest Kevin Pho, MD, founder and editor of KevinMD.com, explores this question and more. Listen the replay above to hear them talk about the use of blogs and podcasts to share health information, and what the benefits or challenges are for physicians using social media.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

Host Alex McDonald, MD, and guest Megan Srinivas, MD, MPH, infectious disease specialist, clinical instructor, AMA ambassador, and Iowa state representative, discuss the importance of storytelling in the medical field. They highlight how sharing personal and patient stories can build trust, improve patient care, influence policy changes, and combat medical misinformation. Dr. Srinivas shares her personal experience using storytelling to advocate for patients and effect change. She also recommends many free resources for physicians interested in improving their storytelling skills. This episode is co-presented with the American Medical Association.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

A 5-month pilot program conducted with Permanente pediatricians at Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center showed clinicians can have positive, productive gun safety conversations with patients at the point of care. For this PermanenteDocs Chat, we continued the conversation about the physician’s role in firearm safety and research to curb gun violence with host Alex McDonald, MD, and guest Sabrina Perrino, MD.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

People can’t see it, but artificial intelligence (AI) is running behind the scenes in chatbots for customer service on websites or making recommendations on things to buy. But how much of AI innovation is in use for care delivery? In this PermanenteDocs Chat, host Alex McDonald, MD, talks with Sangeeta Marwaha, MD, of The Permanente Medical Group, to learn about the potential of AI to improve health care.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

Tune in to our latest podcast episode for a fun conversation on the importance of patient engagement with Charu Soni, MD, pediatrician and physician director of Leadership Development and Culture at Kaiser Permanente Carson Medical Offices and South Bay Medical Center.In this episode, Dr. Soni shares her insights on the benefits of patient engagement, which include better health outcomes and improved physician job satisfaction. She also shares tips for making connections and building trust with patients, such as personal detail recall and using technology to help facilitate ongoing patient-physician communication.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

In recognition of World AIDS Day, join us for a compelling discussion about Kaiser Permanente's integrated approach to HIV care. Hosted by Alex McDonald, MD, this episode features guest Colin Fields, MD, from the Washington Permanente Medical Group. Discover how the National HIV/AIDS Strategy aims to end the epidemic.Tune in for insights and solutions that will shape HIV awareness for a new generation.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

In this podcast episode, host Alex McDonald, MD, and guest Christine Sinsky, MD, vice president, Professional Satisfaction from the American Medical Association, discuss the terminology related to physician well-being, including burnout and moral injury. They also highlight the impact of external constraints on health care professionals and the need to address these challenges. Tune in for insights into the health care environment's impact on physician well-being.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

Curious about how small changes in your lifestyle can lead to significant improvements in your health? Join host Alex McDonald, MD, and Regina Ragasa, MD, as they dive deep into the world of lifestyle medicine. In this conversation, they'll unveil the magic of the 90/10 rule and demonstrate how your daily choices can have a profound impact on your well-being.Don't miss this engaging conversation on a topic that's near and dear to our hearts.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

In our recent PermanenteDocs Chat, in collaboration with the American Medical Association, host Alex McDonald, MD, and guest Sandra Fryhofer, MD, dove deep into the timely topic of COVID, flu, and RSV vaccines. During this conversation, Dr. McDonald and Dr. Fryhofer explored the reasons behind vaccine hesitancy. They delved into the safety and efficacy of vaccines, sharing valuable insights to help physicians help patients make informed decisions. Plus, they revealed strategies physicians can apply to build trust with their patients – a critical aspect of health care in today's world.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

Tune in to this thought-provoking episode on heat waves and health as host Alex McDonald, MD, engages in a conversation with  Frederick Chen, MD, chief health and science officer at the American Medical Association (AMA). Together, they explore the  link between climate change and public health, shedding light on the impacts of extreme weather events, vector-borne illnesses, and the implications for patients of all ages.  Dr. Chen shares his expertise on the physician's role in preparing for climate-related challenges, educating patients and communities, and advocating for health-focused climate solutions. Discover the steps physicians can take to drive positive change and advocate for health-focused climate solutions.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

In this episode of the PermanenteDocs Chat, Asha Patton-Smith, MD, a psychiatrist from the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, explores the topic of social media’s effects on children. In a conversation with host Alex McDonald, MD, Dr. Patton-Smith highlights the potential consequences of excessive screen time, the importance of monitoring, and recognizing when children might be missing out on real-world experiences, such as outdoor play and face-to-face interactions.   Listen to get a deeper insight into this timely issue and its implications in today’s digital landscape. Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

As the residency year begins for many, this PermanenteDocs Chat takes a look at the supply of GME programs and other innovative ways to advance training.Host Alex McDonald, MD, chats with Sanjay Desai, MD, chief academic officer with the American Medical Association (AMA). Listen to their discussion about continuing education for physicians and gain insights on GME programs to ensure a steady pipeline of doctors to meet the country's health care needs. This podcast is produced in collaboration with the AMA.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

This podcast episode goes beyond the buzz of artificial intelligence and delves into efforts to evaluate AI's potential in health care through a new research grant program. Host Alex McDonald, MD, chats with Vincent Liu, MD, an internal medicine physician with The Permanente Medical Group and senior research scientist at the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research.  "Doctors who embrace AI will replace those who do not," says Dr. Liu, who also serves as principal investigator of the Augmented Intelligence in Medicine and Healthcare Initiative (AIM-HI).Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

During Pride Month, we talked with Emile Pinera, MD, internist with The Southeast Permanente Medical Group, about his experience as a gay physician. Dr. Pinera, physician lead for Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity for the medical group, shares insights with host Alex McDonald, MD, on the challenges faced by the LGBTQ community in accessing quality health care and how clinicians can foster inclusivity within the medical field.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

Technology is a double-edged sword in health care, providing innovation and advanced techniques that allow physicians to provide quality care to patients. But some technology can also burden clinicians and contribute to burnout. In this PermanenteDocs Chat, Amanjot Sethi, MD, director of Wellness Operations at The Permanente Medical Group, talks with host Alex McDonald, MD, about the challenges of health IT and growth of virtual care, and what programs are available to support clinician well-being.Program notes:See related Permanente Medicine PodcastThanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

Hawaii had the lowest death rate among COVID-19 patients during the pandemic. In this episode, host Alex McDonald, MD, talks with Tarquin Collis, MD, chief of Infectious Disease with the Hawaii Permanente Medical Group about innovative strategies employed by the medical group that contributed to the low death rate for the state. Dr. Collis also helps physicians understand what to consider in ongoing treatment for long COVID, discussing potential benefits of vaccination and the medical group's targeted long COVID clinic in Honolulu. Tune in now to gain a deeper understanding of the strategies, preventive measures, and treatments that contribute to high-quality care for COVID patients in Hawaii. Program notes: View the Lancet study on COVID state effects.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

For Mental Health Month in May, we check in on the mental well-being of clinicians. In this episode of the PermanenteDocs Chat podcast, host Alex McDonald, MD, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Permanente psychiatrist Ashley Zucker, MD. Dr. Zucker brings her expertise and insights to the table, shedding light on effective strategies for clinicians to cope with ongoing pressures and to help maintain their mental well-being.Whether you are a physician, clinician, or a health care worker, this episode offers valuable guidance on maintaining mental wellness and finding balance in the face of industry challenges and change. Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

Clinicians can play a role to mitigate the effects of climate change, and also help address the growing health issues stemming from environmental factors. In this episode of the PermanenteDocs Chat, host Alex McDonald, MD, talks with Anne C. Toledo, MD, a family medicine physician at Northwest Permanente, who shares her insights on what health conditions physicians should be prepared to care for in patients living in a changing environment. Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

Host Alex McDonald, MD, welcomes Ericka Gibson, MD, obstetrician-gynecologist from The Southeast Permanente Medical Group in Georgia, who shares details of the medical group's innovative Cocoon Pregnancy Care Program. The program is designed to specifically address health disparities in maternal care by providing comprehensive, patient-centered care for pregnant patients, particularly vulnerable populations such as Black pregnant women. Listen to how Permanente physicians and care teams address risk factors, such as hypertension, improve maternal health outcomes, and positively impact the lives of mothers and their babies. Program notes: Referenced in discussion the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative (https://www.cmqcc.org/)Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

Join us for Episode 5 of PermanenteDocs Chat, featuring Kapil Dhingra, MD, emergency medicine physician with The Permanente Medical Group and physician-in-chief at Kaiser Permanente San Leandro Medical Center. In honor of National Doctors’ Day, Dr. Dhingra reflects on the challenges faced by health care workers in today's post-pandemic state, from financial and labor challenges to hostility from the public. Host Alex McDonald, MD, leads the conversation in this informative and engaging chat. Don't miss it!Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

In this episode, we explore the intersection of smart technology and health innovation. PermanenteDocs Chat host Dr. Alex McDonald talks with Dr. Tad Funahashi, orthopedic surgeon with the Southern California Permanente Medical Group and chief innovation and transformation officer for Kaiser Permanente in Southern California. They discuss how smart technology is changing the health care landscape and what innovation means in medicine. Learn also about what Dr. Funahashi was doing in Singapore recently, and, yes, he even offers up an opinion about Chat GPT.Program notes:Reference to Dr. Davidoff is Dr. Ramin Davidoff, executive medical director and chair of the board of Southern California Permanente Medical Group.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

In this PermanenteDocs Chat, host Alex McDonald, MD, talks with Matthew Solomon, MD, a cardiologist with The Permanente Medical Group, about Dr. Solomon’s cardiology-related research and what he often tells patients about maintaining a healthy heart.Dr. Solomon oversees a population management program for patients with thoracic aortic conditions across Kaiser Permanente in Northern California. He discusses how a multi-disciplinary team practicing Permanente Medicine provides comprehensive cardiac care for patients.Program notes:"DOR" refers to the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, Calif.Learn more about excellence in cardiac care at Kaiser Permanente at https://permanente.org/heart-quality-cardiac-specialty-care/ Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

Looking at how people can support the advancement of women physicians, chat host Dr. Alex McDonald talks with Dr. Ramona Snipes, emergency medicine physician and assistant executive medical director, Human Resources and People Strategy of the Southern California Permanente Medical Group. Dr. Snipes also highlights the benefits of a diverse workforce and discusses health equity issues and how physicians can create a more inclusive environment for all patients.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

In this premiere episode of the PermanenteDocs Chat recorded during the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, host Alex McDonald, MD, talks with guest Fonda Mitchell, MD, about her journey as a Black female doctor. Dr. Mitchell is physician director of Government Relations and Medical Associations at The Southeast Permanente Medical Group in Georgia, and serves as president of the Medical Association of Atlanta.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel.