"Second Opinion" with Christina Farr, Ash Zenooz MD & Luba Greenwood JD

• The healthcare check-in: HES, tariffs, AI and more

  In this episode of Second Opinion, hosts Christina Farr, Ash Zenooz, and Luba Greenwood discuss the latest trends in healthcare, including conferences, the economic impact on health tech and biotech sectors, the potential for AI to reduce administrative burdens, and the dynamics of the IPO market. — 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess   — SPONSORS: 🏋🏻‍♀️ Strengthen your cells from the inside-out with Fatty15, a pure C15 supplement proven to boost energy, improve sleep, and support metabolic, heart, and liver health – without the downsides of fish oil. Ready to restore your long-term health? Get 15% off your 90-day subscription Starter Kit at http://fatty15.com/secondopinion using code SECONDOPINION at checkout.  👩‍⚕️ Hot flashes, insomnia, brain fog? You don't have to accept these as just another part of aging. Midi Health is the virtual care clinic for women navigating midlife hormonal transition, offering FDA-approved medications, supplements and lifestyle coaching - all covered by insurance. Visit https://joinmidi.com to book your virtual visit today. — LINKS: Health Evolution Summit (HES): https://www.healthevolution.com/summit/  Adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Delivery Systems: Early Applications and Impacts (PHTI research): https://phti.org/ai-adoption-early-applications-impacts/ — FOLLOW: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubagreenwood/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashzenooz/ — HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE: The economy is currently experiencing significant turbulence, with biotech stocks particularly affected by recent market conditions. Tariffs are causing severe economic uncertainty, especially impacting pharmaceuticals since India and China make up more than half of the US generic drug supply. The pharmaceutical industry relies heavily on global sourcing, making it particularly vulnerable to tariff impacts that will likely increase costs for consumers. The hosts expressed frustration that healthcare organizations weren't better prepared for tariffs given that they were a central policy point for the Trump administration. A recent report on AI scribing technologies in healthcare revealed mixed results regarding cost savings, with many health systems seeing no actual cost reduction despite improvements in physician satisfaction. Luba argued that hospitals' resistance to reducing administrative bloat is a key reason why AI hasn't led to cost savings in US healthcare. Countries like Singapore and Korea have successfully implemented AI in hospitals to reduce administrative staff while maintaining focus on clinical care. CMS recently announced a significant five percent payment increase for Medicare Advantage plans for 2026, injecting approximately $25 billion into insurers. The hosts expressed concern about potential reduced federal spending on Medicaid under the current administration. Hinge Health, poised to be the first major digital health IPO in years, is now reportedly reconsidering due to economic uncertainty. The success or failure of Hinge Health's IPO could have significant implications for funding across the entire digital health sector. Peter Marks, the FDA's vaccine chief, recently left, sending shockwaves through the biotech industry. China is gaining dominance in biotech development largely due to lower regulatory hurdles that allow much faster clinical trial progression compared to the US. Ash emphasized the need for better FDA-CMS coordination, noting that it typically takes 17 years from innovation to patient access partly because CMS coding delays follow FDA approvals.

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• Dr. Jeff Wessler on longevity: heart attacks aren't random

  In this episode, Christina Farr sits down with Dr. Jeff Wessler, cardiologist and CEO of Heartbeat Health, about the challenges of behavior change in cardiology, the role of technology in health, the importance of preventative measures, and the emerging trend of longevity-focused health interventions. — 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess   — SPONSORS: 🏋🏻‍♀️ Strengthen your cells from the inside-out with Fatty15, a pure C15 supplement proven to boost energy, improve sleep, and support metabolic, heart, and liver health – without the downsides of fish oil. Ready to restore your long-term health? Get 15% off your 90-day subscription Starter Kit at https://fatty15.com/secondopinion using code SECONDOPINION at checkout.  👩‍⚕️ Hot flashes, insomnia, brain fog? You don't have to accept these as just another part of aging. Midi Health is the virtual care clinic for women navigating midlife hormonal transition, offering FDA-approved medications, supplements and lifestyle coaching - all covered by insurance. Visit https://joinmidi.com to book your virtual visit today. — LINKS: Heartbeat Health: https://www.heartbeathealth.com/  Why is longevity suddenly so hot?: https://secondopinion.media/p/why-is-longevity-suddenly-so-hot — FOLLOW: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-wessler/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/ — HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE: Heartbeat Health is a large medical group with cardiologists and other practitioners providing telehealth and remote diagnostics across the US. Jeff is skeptical about technology's role in behavior change for cardiovascular health, noting that despite more tech, outcomes in cardiovascular disease have worsened. Jeff explains that heart attacks are largely predictable, contrary to popular belief that they are random events. Modern diagnostic technology can identify risk factors and provide feedback loops that show whether interventions like diet and exercise are working. The longevity trend represents a shift from the traditional model where doctors simply tell patients to improve their lifestyle to one where patients can test interventions and see measurable results. Jeff identifies different types of prevention: primordial (preventing risk factors), primary (preventing heart attacks in those with risk factors), secondary (preventing subsequent heart attacks), and tertiary (reducing complications). Current longevity programs reach thousands when they need to reach millions to make a meaningful impact on cardiovascular outcomes.

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• Why 25% of Gen Z might need a different type of healthcare, with Liana Guzmán, CEO of FOLX

  This week on Second Opinion, Christina Farr interviews Liana Douillet Guzmán, CEO of FOLX, about the healthcare challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. They discuss systemic discrimination, the growing demand for inclusive care, and the importance of patient-centered, community-based healthcare solutions tailored to the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals. — 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess   🙏 Help shape our show by taking our quick listener survey at https://bit.ly/TurpentinePulse    — SPONSORS: 🏥 Thatch makes it easy to give your team great healthcare. Save ~$1620 per employee yearly while giving them customizable plans. Visit https://thatch.ai/HR for a demo and receive a $100 gift card. 🏋🏻‍♀️ Strengthen your cells from the inside-out with Fatty15, a pure C15 supplement proven to boost energy, improve sleep, and support metabolic, heart, and liver health – without the downsides of fish oil. Ready to restore your long-term health? Get 15% off your 90-day subscription Starter Kit at https://fatty15.com/secondopinion using code SECONDOPINION at checkout.  👩‍⚕️ Hot flashes, insomnia, brain fog? You don't have to accept these as just another part of aging. Midi Health is the virtual care clinic for women navigating midlife hormonal transition, offering FDA-approved medications, supplements and lifestyle coaching - all covered by insurance. Visit https://joinmidi.com to book your virtual visit today. — LINKS: FOLX Health: https://www.folxhealth.com/  — FOLLOW: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lianaguzman  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubagreenwood/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashzenooz/ — HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE: FOLX is a virtual clinic providing healthcare specifically for LGBTQIA+ individuals. The current healthcare system was not built for LGBTQIA+ individuals and is often openly discriminatory. 40% of LGBTQIA+ community avoids seeking medical care due to fear of discrimination. 10% of US adult population identifies as queer, while 25%+ of Gen Z identifies as queer. LGBTQIA+ community has higher rates of mental health challenges due to societal stress. Most clinicians graduate with only five hours of LGBTQIA+ training. FOLX started as a direct-to-consumer service for gender-affirming care and expanded to serve the broader LGBTQIA+ community. The company added insurance acceptance and employer partnerships to increase accessibility. The current political climate has created increased demand for FOLX's services. Patient-centered care should value the patient's expertise about their own experience. Liana believes "you can do good and do well at the same time." FOLX positions itself as a smart business decision rather than just a DEI initiative.

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  38:10
• The fertility conversation we're not having (but should) with Carrot's Dr. Asima Ahmad

  In this episode of Second Opinion, Christina Farr interviews Dr. Asima Ahmad MD, MPH, FACOG, Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Carrot, discussing her journey as a fertility specialist and entrepreneur. They explore the challenges and advancements in fertility treatment, the importance of early fertility education, and the impact of new technologies on making fertility care more accessible and affordable. — 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess   🙏 Help shape our show by taking our quick listener survey at https://bit.ly/TurpentinePulse    — SPONSORS: 🏋🏻‍♀️Strengthen your cells from the inside-out with Fatty15, a pure C15 supplement proven to boost energy, improve sleep, and support metabolic, heart, and liver health – without the downsides of fish oil. Ready to restore your long-term health? Get 15% off your 90-day subscription Starter Kit at fatty15.com/SECONDOPINION using code SECONDOPINION at checkout.  👩‍⚕️ Hot flashes, insomnia, brain fog? You don't have to accept these as just another part of aging. Midi Health is the virtual care clinic for women navigating midlife hormonal transition, offering FDA-approved medications, supplements and lifestyle coaching - all covered by insurance. Visit https://www.joinmidi.com/ to book your virtual visit today. — LINKS: Carrot: https://www.get-carrot.com/  Dr. Marcelel Cedars: https://www.ucsfhealth.org/providers/dr-marcelle-cedars  The End of Sex by Hank Greely: https://www.amazon.com/End-Sex-Future-Human-Reproduction/dp/0674728963  Pilot Study Evaluates Weekly Pill to Slow Ovarian Aging, Delay Menopause: https://www.nyp.org/advances-womenshealth/pilot-study-evaluates-weekly-pill-to-slow-ovarian-aging-delay-menopause @doctor_asima on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor_asima/   Leslie Schrock episode on Second Opinion: https://youtu.be/LmZAoLqMSmc?si=djwXFJ0KhgZV-_ia  — FOLLOW: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asima-ahmad-md/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubagreenwood/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashzenooz/ — HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE: Asima Ahmad is co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Carrot and practices as a fertility specialist at Reproductive Medicine Institute in Chicago. Only about 40-50 reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) specialists graduate per year in the US. OB-GYNs often handle initial fertility workups in rural areas and some countries before referring to specialists. Virtual care has significantly improved access to fertility treatment since the pandemic. "Revenge egg freezing" is a trend where employees use fertility benefits right before leaving companies. Asima considers egg freezing safe and supports access to fertility preservation options. Both Asima and host Chrissy experienced delayed PCOS diagnoses, highlighting the importance of early detection. PCOS diagnosis requires two of three criteria: irregular cycles, polycystic ovaries, or signs of elevated androgens. PCOS has implications beyond fertility including increased risks for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. Fertility education should be taught alongside contraception education in schools. Women experience ovarian aging and declining egg quality with age, which impacts family planning. In vitro maturation (IVM) allows eggs to be retrieved earlier with fewer medications, reducing physical and financial burden. Research is being conducted on delaying ovarian aging to extend the fertility window.

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  40:46
• Are there better alternatives to Ozempic with Sami Inkinen, CEO of Virta Health

  This week on Second Opinion, we're featuring Christina Farr, Ash Zenooz, and Luba Greenwood's conversation with Sami Inkinen, CEO of Virta Health. They discuss the company's mission to reverse type 2 diabetes and obesity through personalized nutrition and intensive telemedicine. — 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess   🙏 Help shape our show by taking our quick listener survey at https://bit.ly/TurpentinePulse    — SPONSOR:  👩‍⚕️ Hot flashes, insomnia, brain fog? You don't have to accept these as just another part of aging. Midi Health is the virtual care clinic for women navigating midlife hormonal transition, offering FDA-approved medications, supplements and lifestyle coaching - all covered by insurance. Visit https://www.joinmidi.com/ to book your virtual visit today. — LINKS:  Virta Health: https://www.virtahealth.com/  PHTI: https://phti.org/ Caroline Pearson on Second Opinion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbo3T654g6c — FOLLOW: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samiinkinen/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubagreenwood/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashzenooz/ — HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE: Sami Inkinen is an "accidental healthcare entrepreneur" who founded Virta Health after discovering he was pre-diabetic despite being a world championship triathlete. Sami's key insight was that "you cannot outrun a bad diet" – excessive processed carbohydrates lead to insulin resistance regardless of exercise level. Virta Health's mission is to reverse type 2 diabetes and obesity in 1 billion people through nutrition, lifestyle changes, and telemedicine support. Virta spent five years running clinical trials that demonstrated they could reverse type 2 diabetes and deliver sustained weight loss (13% at one and two years). They highly individualize treatment plans based on each person's circumstances, whether they're eating from a casino, a 7-Eleven, or McDonald's. Unlike traditional quarterly doctor visits, Virta provides 2-3 interactions daily, monitoring biomarkers and adjusting in near real-time. Their approach doesn't rely on willpower – patients eat to satiety, which is key to long-term success. Patients typically get free access to Virta, with employers or health plans paying because Virta saves them about $600/month per patient. The Peterson Health Technology Institute found Virta was the only digital diabetes program that actually worked. Sami believes the ideal obesity treatment combines nutrition (as first-line defense) with GLP-1 drugs when necessary, not an either/or approach. Virta employs full-time doctors and coaches who form long-term relationships with patients, empowered by software and AI. The company is focusing on scaling their current services, becoming profitable in 2025, and potentially becoming a public company.

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About "Second Opinion" with Christina Farr, Ash Zenooz MD & Luba Greenwood JD