Every January, we tell ourselves this is the year — new goals, new habits, new routines. And yet, for many people, that motivation quickly turns into frustration and the feeling of having failed.

In this solo episode of The Medical Collective, Dr. Keisha Davis explores why so many people feel stuck in a cycle of starting over when it comes to their health. Drawing on her experience as both a physician and a certified personal trainer, she explains why this pattern isn't about laziness or lack of willpower — but about how health goals are often framed.

Dr. Davis breaks down the all-or-nothing mindset, the pressure of time-bound goals, and why unrealistic or overly restrictive plans tend to fail. She shares reflections from patients and clients who feel defeated when life intervenes, and offers a more realistic, sustainable approach to health that allows for flexibility without guilt.

This episode reframes health as a long-term process built on consistency rather than perfection, emphasizing how small, repeatable changes compound over time and play a critical role in chronic disease prevention and longevity.

Key Topics Discussed
- Why many people feel stuck in cycles of starting over
- The all-or-nothing mindset and time-bound health goals
- Why most resolutions fail and what the data actually shows
- How unrealistic and restrictive plans undermine consistency
- Personal reflections from patients and fitness clients
- Why small changes compound over time
- Consistency as the foundation of chronic disease prevention
- Rethinking resolutions using a more flexible framework
- Why sustainable habits matter for longevity and overall health

Resources & References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

https://www.cdc.gov

American Heart Association – Lifestyle & Prevention:

https://www.heart.org

National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Physical Activity & Health:

https://www.nih.gov

Connect With Us
Dr. Keisha Davis, MD
https://drkeishadavis.komi.io

The Medical Collective
https://www.medical-collective.net

Recommended Episode
My Enduring Faith in Science

When most people hear HPV, they think cervical cancer. But HPV is the most well-
established virus we know that directly causes cancer, and its impact goes far beyond the
cervix.

In this solo episode of The Medical Collective, Dr. Keisha Davis—triple board-certified
pathologist and physician—breaks down what HPV actually is, how it causes cancer, and
why prevention efforts matter now more than ever. Drawing from real-world pathology
experience, this episode explains how HPV affects both women and men, the role of
dysplasia and early detection, and the cancers that are often overlooked in public
conversations.

Dr. Davis also addresses stigma around HPV-related cancers, including anal and head and
neck cancers, discusses the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine, and explains the difference
between HPV testing and comprehensive medical care—especially for high-risk individuals.

Key Topics Discussed

- What HPV is and why it is the leading virus known to directly cause cancer
- The percentage of cancers linked to HPV, including cervical, anal, penile, vaginal, and head
and neck cancers
- Low-risk vs high-risk HPV and what dysplasia means
- How pathologists detect HPV and precancerous changes
- The role of squamous mucosa in HPV-related cancers
- Anal cancer, stigma, and who may benefit from anal Pap screening
- HPV in men and why prevention matters for everyone
- Head and neck cancers and rising HPV-related trends
- HPV vaccine effectiveness, dosing, and current public health concerns
- At-home HPV testing vs seeing a physician
- Why prevention and early detection save lives

Key Facts Mentioned

- Approximately 99% of cervical cancers are HPV-related
- Approximately 90% of anal cancers are HPV-related
- Approximately 70% of oropharyngeal (head and neck) cancers are HPV-related

- Approximately 60% of penile cancers are HPV-related
- Approximately 70% of vaginal cancers are HPV-related
- The HPV vaccine is approximately 90% effective at preventing HPV-related cancers when
given before exposure

Resources and References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – HPV and Cancer:
https://www.cdc.gov/hpv

National Cancer Institute – HPV and Cancer:

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-fact-sheet

American Cancer Society – HPV-Related Cancers:

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/infectious-agents/hpv.html

Connect With Us

Dr. Keisha Davis, MD
https://drkeishadavis.komi.io

The Medical Collective
https://www.medical-collective.com

Recommended Episode
We Should Not Be Cancer Shaming

The Autopsy Initiative, created under Colin Kaepernick's Know Your Rights Camp, provides free, independent autopsies for families seeking truth and transparency after sudden, unexpected, or unclear deaths. In this episode of The Medical Collective, Dr. Keisha Davis is joined by attorney Nicole Martin, Legal Program Director for the Autopsy Initiative, to discuss why these services are needed, the gaps in the medicolegal death investigation system, and how independent autopsies can help families navigate grief, accountability, and justice.

Dr. Davis is joined in conversation by **Dr. Sharon Smith**, an obstetrician-gynecologist, as they explore the public health, legal, and ethical implications of death investigations, including deaths occurring in custody and the importance of independent forensic review.

Key Topics Discussed
- The mission and purpose of the Autopsy Initiative
- Why independent autopsies are necessary for families seeking answers
- Systemic gaps in medicolegal death investigations
- Observed discrepancies discussed at a high level without naming cases
- Upcoming goals and national expansion efforts
- Relevant data points highlighting the scope of the Initiative's work
- Partnerships and the role of forensic pathologists
- Transparency concerns surrounding deaths in ICE custody
- True/False myth-busting around autopsies and family legal rights

Resources & References
Know Your Rights Camp — Autopsy Initiative: https://www.knowyourrightscamp.org/autopsyinitiative
Know Your Rights Camp (Main Site): https://www.knowyourrightscamp.com
National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME): https://www.thename.org
CDC – Public Health Data on Death in Custody: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs

Connect With Us
Dr. Keisha Davis, MD
https://drkeishadavis.komi.io

Dr. Sharon Smith, MD
https://sharonsmithmd.com/

The Medical Collective
https://www.medical-collective.net

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Why Autopsies Matter — Understanding the Final Diagnosis