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.

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Episode 55 of The Health Exchange Podcast dives into the science, stigma, and real-world impact of migraines with neurologist Dr. Philip O’Carroll and pain management specialist Dr. Richard Paicius. Dr. Rutland leads a wide-ranging conversation on why migraines are not “just headaches,” but complex neurological and inflammatory events shaped by genetics, hormones, brain signaling, and lived experience. The episode explores how migraines are misdiagnosed, why women are disproportionately affected, and how central nervous system sensitization, trauma, and emotional stress can drive chronic pain. From breakthrough CGRP medications and Botox to nerve blocks and emerging psychedelic therapies, the doctors explain how modern, precision-based treatments are transforming care—while emphasizing that empathy, accurate diagnosis, and coordinated, whole-person treatment remain just as critical as the science.

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Episode 54 of The Health Exchange Podcast features interventional cardiologist Priya Rao Kothapalli in a wide‑ranging conversation about what really determines heart health — from emergency procedures that save lives in minutes to the invisible forces that shape disease over decades. Dr. Rutland and Dr. Rao explore how heart attacks happen, how blocked arteries and faulty valves are treated in the cath lab, and why technologies like transcatheter valve replacement and intravascular imaging have transformed modern cardiology. They also dive into the concept of “vulnerable plaque,” showing why heart attacks often come from hidden inflammation rather than obvious blockages, and how new blood markers and cardiac imaging can identify risk long before symptoms appear. Beyond procedures and lab values, the episode emphasizes prevention, stress, genetics, and personalized care — reframing heart disease not just as a plumbing problem, but as a lifelong, whole‑body process shaped by biology, environment, and how people live.

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Episode 53 of The Health Exchange Podcast features urologist and men’s health specialist Dr. Rena Malik in a candid, evidence-based conversation about what really drives men’s intimate wellness. Dr. Rutland and Dr. Malik explore how male function is shaped by hormones, blood flow, nerves, and psychology, why issues like performance difficulties and early climax can be early warning signs of deeper health concerns, and how treatments range from simple lifestyle adjustments to medications, devices, and injections. The episode also dives into prostate health, including BPH, prostatitis, PSA screening, and when to be concerned about prostate cancer, while connecting these topics to overall quality of life, relationships, and aging. Beyond the biology, Dr. Malik speaks openly about communication, desire in long-term partnerships, and why men are often taught to suffer in silence — reframing male wellness not as performance, but as a vital part of feeling connected, confident, and alive.

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Episode 52 of The Health Exchange Podcast takes a deep dive into foot health and why the feet are far more connected to overall wellness than most people realize, featuring board-certified podiatrist Dr. Ebonie Vincent-Sleet. Dr. Rutland and Dr. Vincent-Sleet explore how biomechanics, genetics, footwear, and daily habits influence everything from chronic pain and athletic performance to long-term conditions like diabetes. The conversation breaks down common but misunderstood issues such as bunions, flat feet, ankle instability, diabetic ulcers, and fungal infections, while emphasizing prevention, early intervention, and conservative care before surgery. Along the way, Dr. Vincent-Sleet shares patient stories that highlight podiatry’s unique blend of technical precision and deeply personal impact, touching on athlete recovery, pediatric foot development, sneaker culture, and even holistic concepts like grounding. The episode ultimately reframes foot care as foundational medicine—critical not just for mobility, but for quality of life across every stage of health.

Sponsored by Sanofi; Sanofi and Regeneron through an unrestricted educational grant.

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Episode 51 of The Health Exchange Podcast features board-certified dermatologist Dr. Tia Paul, who joins Dr. Rutland for a wide-ranging conversation on skin health, acne, lasers, and the realities of modern dermatology. The episode explores how different laser technologies actually work, why choosing the wrong treatment can cause serious harm—especially for patients with darker skin—and how individuals can better advocate for themselves when seeking cosmetic or medical procedures. Dr. Paul breaks down acne as a chronic medical condition influenced by hormones, stress, lifestyle, and skin type, discussing treatment options from over-the-counter products to Accutane and biologics. The discussion also tackles skincare misinformation fueled by social media, the rise of influencer and celebrity brands, and the limitations of product regulation. This episode offers a grounded, patient-centered look at what healthy skin really means and how thoughtful care can change lives.

Sponsored by Sanofi; Sanofi and Regeneron through an unrestricted educational grant.

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Episode 50 of The Health Exchange Podcast features allergist and immunologist Dr. Malika Gupta, MD, who brings clarity to the confusing and often frustrating world of allergies. She and Dr. Rutland discuss why symptoms can flare at unexpected times, how to tell the difference between seasonal and year-round triggers, and what actually happens inside the immune system during an allergic response. Dr. Gupta explains the strengths and limitations of skin testing and blood work, emphasizing how accurate diagnosis depends just as much on patient history as on lab results. She also breaks down when treatments like antihistamines, nasal steroids, and immunotherapy are truly helpful — and when they’re not. Practical and highly accessible, this episode gives listeners a clearer path to understanding their symptoms and finding lasting, personalized relief.

Sponsored by Sanofi; Sanofi and Regeneron through an unrestricted educational grant.

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Episode 49 of The Health Exchange Podcast breaks down the childhood vaccine schedule with pediatrician Dr. Lori Livingston, who explains what each shot protects against, why the timing matters, and how vaccines prevent not just illness but hospitalizations and long-term complications. Dr. Livingston walks listeners through the early series (hepatitis B, DTaP, polio, Hib, pneumococcal, rotavirus), the important one-year and preteen boosters (MMR, varicella, Tdap, meningococcal, HPV), and respiratory protections parents should watch for each season — including influenza, COVID-19, and the new RSV tools (maternal vaccination and infant monoclonal antibodies). The conversation balances science with real-world examples — from rotavirus wards cleared after vaccine rollout to the resurgence risks of measles and polio — while addressing common parental concerns, myths (especially around HPV and vaccine safety), and practical tips for making shots easier for kids.

Sponsored by Sanofi; Sanofi and Regeneron through an unrestricted educational grant.

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