The Gustavo Franco Podcast

Dr. Sharon Lewin is the President of the International AIDS Society and the Director of the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity in Melbourne, Australia. As a physician and researcher, Sharon has studied HIV for over 25 years. In this episode, I learn about the science, history, and treatment of HIV. Sharon provides insights into the future of HIV treatment and what finding a cure might look like. We also discuss innovation, the role of AI and bioengineering, and their potential impact on a global scale. Timestamps: (00:00) Episode Introduction (01:19) What is HIV/AIDS? (03:55) Progression of HIV (06:22) Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) (08:10) Medical Response in the 80s/90s (11:38) Conspiracies (12:28) Cont. Medical Response (13:22) Stigma and Societal Responses (17:56) Curing/Treating HIV (25:09) New and Exciting Research (29:49) HIV Treatment in 10 Years (32:13) Public Health Initiatives for HIV (34:29) Bioengineering, Computer Science, and AI (38:49) Global Impact and Response (41:25) Outro Contact us here. Linktree: linktr.ee/gustavofrancopod

Stay informed with the latest in Healthcare News! In this episode, we explore the key developments of April 2024, touching on a range of topics but focusing on a new vaccine for skin cancer, the bird flu, MultiPlan (a secret health insurance middle man), and the Arizona abortion ban. To enhance your listening experience, we've added chapter markers and timestamps in the description below, making it easy for you to jump to the segments that catch your eye. Visit the show notes here. Let us know your thoughts! Timestamps: (00:00) Episode Introduction (01:25) Vaccine for Skin Cancer (03:48) Bird Flu (07:07) MultiPlan (09:38) Arizona Abortion Ban (12:45) IVF, Abortion, and Maternal Health (14:48) Surgery and Medical Procedures (18:06) Mental Health (19:48) Viruses and Bacteria (22:20) Medicare/Medicaid (23:23) Well-Being (27:36) Drugs and Alcohol (29:22) Climate and Environment (31:08) Global Health (34:04) Business (34:24) Pharmaceuticals and Drug Stores (35:58) Weight Loss Drugs (37:42) Medical Devices, Biotech, and AI (40:38) Health Insurance (41:53) Politics (43:30) Conclusion (44:06) Outro Contact us here. Linktree: linktr.ee/gustavofrancopod

Explore the mental health crisis in America. Understand the impact of social determinants like income, race, career, and gender on mental health, and learn how different communities are affected. We delve into treatment accessibility, costs, and evolving public perceptions. Discover commonly prescribed medications and address the ongoing drug overdose crisis. Additionally, we discuss the future of mental health care, the role of AI, and how the US compares to other countries. Timestamps: (00:00:00) The Mental Health Crisis (00:03:52) Youth Mental Health (00:08:28) Older Adults Mental Health (00:15:13) Drug Abuse (00:19:36) Why the Crisis? (00:25:19) Outpatient Care and Therapy (00:28:57) Inpatient Care (00:31:30) Medications and Polypharmacy (00:40:39) Public Perceptions of Mental Health (00:42:49) Natural Treatments and Holistic Care (00:48:28) Access and Cost Roadblocks (00:55:25) Income vs. Mental Health (00:57:01) Career vs. Mental Health (00:59:40) Race vs. Mental Health (01:05:11) Women vs. Mental Health (01:07:42) Men vs. Mental Health (01:12:03) LGBTQ+ vs. Mental Health (01:14:08) Positive Changes so Far (01:18:12) AI in Mental Health Care (01:20:53) US vs. Other Countries (01:23:54) Future of Mental Health Care (01:26:39) Conclusion (01:27:52) Outro Contact us here. Linktree: linktr.ee/gustavofrancopod

Stay informed with the latest in Healthcare News! In this episode, we explore the key developments of March 2024, touching on a range of topics but focusing on the Pig Kidney Transplant, World Happiness Report, Abortion Pill Case, and a Flawed Intermittent Fasting Study. To enhance your listening experience, we've added chapter markers and timestamps in the description below, making it easy for you to jump to the segments that catch your eye. Let us know your thoughts! Timestamps: (00:00) Episode Introduction (01:20) Pig Kidney Transplant (04:07) World Happiness Report (06:41) Intermittent Fasting Study (09:32) Abortion Pill Case (13:18) IVF, Abortion, and Maternal Health (15:10) Flawed Research (15:28) Weight Loss Drugs (16:35) Pharmaceuticals and Drug Stores (17:08) Mental Health (18:17) Viruses and Bacteria (19:20) Medicare/Medicaid (20:10) Well-Being (23:27) Health Insurance (Cyberattacks) (24:14) Global Healthcare (25:13) Medical Devices, Biotech, and AI (27:13) Drugs and Alcohol (30:16) Politics (31:32) Conclusion (32:16) Outro Contact us here. Linktree: linktr.ee/gustavofrancopod

Gui Azevedo is the co-founder of Alice, a revolutionary payvider healthcare system in Brazil. As both a payer and provider, Alice focuses on primary care and digital medicine with the goal of improving health outcomes while providing cost-efficient care. Gui shares the history of the company, provides a comprehensive overview of health insurance in Brazil, and explains exactly how Alice works. As always, we have an interesting discussion on how this model can be used to improve population health. Timestamps: (00:00:00) Episode Introduction (00:01:35) Introducing Alice (00:04:25) Health Insurance System in Brazil (00:11:22) Before Alice and Vision (00:14:45) Digital Model and Billing (00:19:20) History of Alice (00:27:25) Primary Care and Digital App (00:33:10) Getting First Members and Individual Plan (00:41:07) Funding (00:43:25) Building Trust (00:47:06) Balancing Cost and Quality Care (00:56:23) Referrals vs Direct Secondary Care (00:59:14) Preventative Care and Promoting Population Health (01:09:16) COVID (01:12:46) Growth and Employer Based Insurance (01:15:45) Reluctancy Against Innovation (01:19:37) Future of Alice (01:25:12) Outro Contact us here. Linktree: linktr.ee/gustavofrancopod

Stay informed with the latest in Healthcare News! In this episode, we explore the key developments of February 2024, touching on a range of topics but focusing on the Alabama court ruling about in-vitro fertilization, abortion, and flawed research. To enhance your listening experience, we've added chapter markers and timestamps in the description below, making it easy for you to jump to the segments that catch your eye. Let us know your thoughts! Timestamps: (00:00) Episode Introduction (01:27) IVF and Embryos (Alabama Court Ruling) (11:03) Abortion, Pregnancy, and Maternal/Child Health (16:11) Flawed Research (19:06) Weight Loss Market (22:17) Pharmaceuticals (25:37) Mental Health (27:51) Measles (30:01) COVID and RSV (31:26) Medicare/Medicaid (33:05) Regulations (34:53) AI (37:11) Well-Being (39:31) Health Insurance (41:35) Global Health (44:43) Conclusion (45:18) Outro Contact us here. Linktree: linktr.ee/gustavofrancopod

Stay up-to-date with all Healthcare News! In this episode, we delve into the significant headlines of January 2024, covering everything from mergers and acquisitions to the evolving landscape of abortion rights. For your convenience, we've included chapter markers and timestamps in the description below. This allows you to effortlessly navigate to sections of particular interest. Let us know your thoughts! Timestamps: (00:00) Episode Introduction (02:11) Market Perfomance Overview (04:08) Mergers and Acquisitions (06:19) Initial Public Offerings (07:27) GLP-1 Drug Market (10:04) Other Market Activity (Pfizer, Moderna, Walgreens, and NFP Hospitals) (15:55) Pharmaceuticals (Drug Pricing, PBMs, LillyDirect, Obesity Drugs, AI, J&J, Carbadox, Cytisine, Syphylis, and Paxlovid) (27:59) Medtech and Biotech (Royal Philips, Akouos Hearing Gene Therapy, Samsung, Apple, Neuralink) (36:13) Public Health News (Cyberattack, Health Data, Doctor Strike in England, Abortion, NHL, Nicotine Alternatives, Colon Cancer, RSV, Pediatric Care by Race, Dialysis, and Long Covid) (48:57) Other News (Blue Zones, Michael Bloomberg, Bill Gates, Online Mental Health Services, Microplastics, South Africa, and Colombia) (56:14) Conclusion (57:21) Outro Contact us here. Linktree: linktr.ee/gustavofrancopod

Explore the dynamic world of cosmetic surgery and medical tourism. Understand their profound impact on personal identity, societal norms, and global healthcare economies. We examine trends in cosmetic and plastic surgery, analyzing how the pandemic has influenced these trends. Learn about the ethical considerations and cultural shifts surrounding cosmetic procedures, and discover how medical tourism is reshaping healthcare perceptions and practices worldwide. Delve into the motivations driving individuals to seek beauty enhancements abroad and the balance between affordability, quality, and safety. Tune in to learn about the hotspots of medical tourism and their impact on the United States. Researched and produced by Asiya Said. Timestamps: (00:00) Episode Introduction (03:42) Trends in Cosmetic Surgery (06:50) Effects of COVID-19 on Cosmetic Surgery (09:04) Effects of COVID-19 on Medical Tourism (10:59) Cost of Cosmetic Surgery in the US (13:45) Ethical Issues of Cosmetic Surgery (14:20) Role of Gender in Cosmetic Surgery (16:12) Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and Cosmetic Surgery (19:17) Reid Ewing’s Experience with BDD and Cosmetic Surgery (22:03) BDD, Medical Tourism, and Suzy Katz (24:13) Implications for Teenagers (26:42) Controversial Surgeries (BBLs and Leg Lengthening) (28:52) Medical Tourism Destinations: South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, and Brazil (32:37) Trends in Medical Tourism (34:58) Cost of Cosmetic Surgery Abroad (37:47) Risks of Medical Tourism (39:53) Kidnapping and Fungal Infections (43:06) Regulations in Medical Tourism (“Ghost Doctors”) (46:12) Impact of Medical Tourism on the US (48:09) Conclusion (49:35) Outro Contact us here. Linktree: linktr.ee/gustavofrancopod

Dr. Swaid Swaid is a world-renowned neurosurgeon whose journey from Eilaboun, Galilee, to the pinnacle of neurosurgery in the United States embodies dedication, compassion, and groundbreaking medical practice. Our discussion focuses on Dr. Swaid's journey to build the Swaid Vestavia Medical Center, and how it can serve as a model to reshape private medicine -- but there is much more to the story. We explore Dr. Swaid's remarkable life story, his faith, and his cultural heritage. He shares insights about his administrative roles in hospitals, the rise and fall of HealthSouth, and the critical absence of preventative care in our healthcare system. Dr. Swaid tells me about cutting-edge surgical technologies like the Gamma Knife and CyberKnife, their impact on treating conditions such as Trigeminal Neuralgia. He also provides his perspective on private equity in medicine and offers guidance for future healthcare professionals. Timestamps: (00:00:00) Episode Introduction (00:02:13) Early Life in Israel (00:06:05) Role of Faith in Medicine (00:08:14) Swaid Family/Clan Name (00:09:32) How Olive Oil is Made (00:11:05) Defining Success (00:12:28) Administration in Hospitals and Quality Care (00:17:10) Rise and Fall of HealthSouth (00:24:12) Mergers and Acquisitions in Medicine (00:27:35) Improving Healthcare in the US (00:33:34) Failure of Preventative Care in the US (00:36:57) Ideas for Improving Preventative Care (00:47:19) Profitability and Improving Quality Care (00:49:49) Role of Motivation (00:52:03) Certificate of Need Review Board (Balancing Capacity and Utilization with Costs) (00:56:16) Gamma Knife and CyberKnife (01:03:09) Trigeminal Neuralgia (01:05:20) Model and Strategy of the Swaid Vestavia Medical Center (01:16:14) Balancing Management and Patient Care (01:18:37) Importance of Ownership (01:22:44) Building the Swaid Vestavia Medical Center (01:24:44) Private Medicine vs Hospital Employment (01:29:13) Starting a Private Practice (01:33:19) Private Equity Firms (01:36:06) Doctors Reimagining Themselves as the Pillars of Healthcare (01:43:19) Hope with Private Equity Firms (01:45:48) Outro Contact us here. Linktree: linktr.ee/gustavofrancopod

Welcome to your favorite healthcare podcast! We explore the multifaceted healthcare system in the United States, compare it to other countries, and discuss new solutions to healthcare issues. Contact us here. Linktree: linktr.ee/gustavofrancopod

Join us on "The Gustavo Franco Podcast" for a riveting exploration of Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs, which are reshaping more than just diabetes and obesity treatment. This episode ventures beyond healthcare, revealing the profound impact of these drugs on society, economy, and even fashion and fast food industries. Engage with us as we unravel the ethical debates and lifestyle transformations stemming from this pharmaceutical phenomenon. Don't miss the chance to discover the extensive influence of Ozempic and GLP-1 drugs in an episode packed with intriguing and insightful discussions. Researched and produced by Brian Li. Timestamps: (00:00:00) - Channel Intro (00:02:00) - Episode Introduction (00:04:41) - GLP-1 Drugs (00:07:16) - Biology (00:09:39) - Pharmaceutical Development (00:15:17) - Rise to Fame (00:18:19) - Growth of Industry (00:20:14) - Ozempic’s Dual Use (00:22:02) - Wegovy for Obesity (00:24:10) - Introducing Zepbound (00:25:23) - Off-Label Use (00:27:10) - Accessibility and Inequality (00:29:02) - Employer and Government Initiatives to Improve Access (00:31:08) - Impact on Industry: Fast Food, Fashion, Air Travel (00:40:28) - Obesity Spending (00:42:44) - Economic Implications in Healthcare (00:44:56) - Medical Technology and Dieting Industries (00:48:03) - Healthcare System: Good or Bad? (00:50:31) - Health Paradigm Shift (00:52:43) - Exacerbating Social Inequalities (00:54:05) - Ethical Considerations: Root Causes, Dependency, Side Effects, Long Term Risks, Children, Consent, Autonomy, Marketing (01:04:47) - Addiction Potential (01:06:55) - Conclusion (01:09:10) - Outro Contact us here. Linktree: linktr.ee/gustavofrancopod

Dr. Christopher King is the inaugural Dean of Georgetown University’s School of Health and an associate professor whose work focuses on healthcare, public health, and racial justice. With over 20 years of experience in the healthcare sector, Dr. King is a nationally recognized speaker on achieving equitable systems of care. In this episode, Dr. King helps me navigate the complex terrain of racial inequalities in healthcare. We dissect systemic racism's deep-seated roots, from institutional biases to the pressing crisis of maternal mortality among African American women. Dr. King takes me through history to understand how past injustices shape today’s healthcare landscape, especially in the context of COVID-19 and Washington, D.C. He brings forward groundbreaking strategies to dismantle these disparities, focusing on atonement, diversity in the medical workforce, and the crucial role of public awareness. We conclude with a forward-looking discussion on how philanthropy, technology, and AI might reshape the pursuit of racial equality in healthcare. Timestamps: (00:00:00) Channel Intro (00:02:00) Episode Intro (00:05:40) Defining Race in Healthcare (00:16:15) Defining Racism: Institutionalized, Personally-mediated, and Internalized (00:26:19) Evidence: Maternal Mortality and Cancer (00:32:50) Historical Context: Slavery, Jim Crow Era, Immigration, Eugenics, Sterilizations, Tuskegee Study, and Henrietta Lacks (00:50:57) COVID-19 and Reconceptualizing Race (00:54:50) Disparities in Washington D.C. (01:04:00) Proximity to Black (01:06:40) Medical Errors (01:08:36) Tackling Racial Inequalities: Atonement, Measuring Racism, Workplace Diversity, and Awareness (01:21:54) Philanthropy, Narcissism, and Social Media (01:28:11) Artificial Intelligence (01:31:04) Outro Contact us here. Linktree: linktr.ee/gustavofrancopod

Explore how social factors like education, income, race, and neighborhoods impact our health. We discuss groundbreaking studies on the hidden forces shaping our well-being. Whether it's the challenge of food deserts or the promise of technological innovations in healthcare, this episode is packed with insights and stories that will change the way you think about health. We also talk about addressing social determinants of health with solutions through community engagement, policy advocacy, and public-private partnerships. Timestamps: (00:00:00) Channel Intro (00:01:44) Introduction to Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) (00:10:03) What are SDOH (00:11:02) 5 Categories of SDOH (00:14:52) SDOH or Not (00:18:41) Global Perspective (00:21:32) Deep Dive Into 5 Categories (00:22:09) 1) Economic Stability (00:28:39) 2) Education (00:36:42) 3) Social and Community Context (00:42:30) 4) Health and Healthcare (00:45:28) 5) Neighborhood and the Built Environment (01:01:01) Addressing SDOH (01:02:01) 1) Community Engagement and Empowerment (01:06:12) 2) Technological Innovations (01:08:32) 3) Policy Changes and Advocacy (01:12:12) 4) Public-Private Partnerships (01:14:50) 5) Educational Initiatives (01:17:35) 6) Built Environment and Urban Planning (01:20:46) 7) Economic Interventions (01:23:52) 8) Cultural Competence in Healthcare (01:27:35) Conclusion (01:29:37) Outro Contact us here. Linktree: linktr.ee/gustavofrancopod

From shocking statistics revealing a 159-fold increase in national health expenditure over the past six decades to the startling disparities in health outcomes, we delve deep into the numbers, dissecting the enigmatic relationship between dollars spent and lives lived. As we journey through the past, present, and future of healthcare spending, we pose thought-provoking questions about the sustainability of our current path and the need for transformative change. We also compare the US healthcare system to the impressive Japanese healthcare model. It's an episode that challenges conventional wisdom, sparks curiosity, and leaves you pondering the profound impact of healthcare spending on our well-being. Timestamps: (00:00) Channel Intro (01:44) Episode Introduction (04:45) Defining Healthcare Expenditure (07:45) Why is it Important (10:34) Where the Money Goes (20:12) Where the Money Comes From (24:31) Spending History vs. Health Outcomes (32:48) US vs. Japan - Spending and Outcomes (41:40) Future of Healthcare Spending (44:30) Conclusion Summary (48:03) Outro Contact us here. Linktree: linktr.ee/gustavofrancopod

Understand the world of Health Literacy -- where health information becomes a superpower. In this episode, we unravel the layers of health literacy in the US. With 9 in 10 Americans struggling with health literacy, we explore how this impacts healthcare decisions. Discover how the Healthy People Initiative shapes the landscape of health literacy and how the National Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy guides the way forward. Join us to bridge the gap, foster clear communication, and empower a healthier future for all. And most importantly, learn how you can make a difference! Timestamps: (00:00) Channel Intro (01:45) Episode Introduction (04:31) Infancy of Health Literacy (08:08) The Healthy People Initiative (11:09) Literacy in Healthy People 2010 and 2020 (15:55) Healthy People 2030 (18:53) Today’s Definition (20:25) Personal Health Literacy (23:23) Organizational Health Literacy (27:35) Objectives in Healthy People 2030 (30:43) Measures in Healthy People 2030 (35:50) Outcomes of Poor Health Literacy (44:29) National Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy (51:51) How Can You Help? (57:09) Conclusion Summary (01:00:11) Outro Contact us here. Linktree: linktr.ee/gustavofrancopod

We delve into the world of Medicaid, exploring its origins, impact, and challenges. From its inception as a safety net for low-income individuals and families to its evolution under the Affordable Care Act, we uncover the milestones and misconceptions surrounding this vital program. Discover how Medicaid coordinates care, addresses social determinants of health, and adapts to changing population needs. We shed light on Medicaid Managed Care Programs, eligibility criteria, and the unique landscape across states. Through engaging discussions, we aim to dismantle stigmas and promote understanding of Medicaid's crucial role in providing accessible and quality healthcare for 1 in 5 Americans. Timestamps: (00:00) Channel Intro (01:45) Episode Introduction (03:37) Healthcare Landscape Before Medicaid (09:08) Problems Before Medicaid (12:20) Policies Before Medicaid (15:21) Creation of Medicaid (17:00) Drawbacks of Medicaid Coverage (21:24) Federal-State Partnership (24:08) Managed Care Programs (26:08) ACA and Medicaid Expansion (31:37) Who is Eligible? (35:33) How is it Funded? (38:10) CHIP (43:09) Changes to Medicaid (48:28) Quick Facts (50:05) Conclusion Summary (52:27) Outro Contact us here. Linktree: linktr.ee/gustavofrancopod