Smart Medicine

Ask any surgeon what's wrong with the hospital system, and you'll get an earful. Ask what to do about it, and the room gets quiet. Well, except in this episode.

Dr. Scott Sigman sits down with Dr. Khawar Siddique, board-certified neurosurgeon and founding partner of DOCS Health, to unpack how he built a uniquely designed physician-led practice. Frustrated by the patient and surgeon experience inside major hospital systems, Dr. Siddique set out to design something different: a vertically integrated ecosystem that owns every touchpoint, from the office and imaging to the surgery center, hospital, and real estate.

Together, they explore how to use technology to support the patient experience, why culture is non-negotiable, and what it really takes to build without private equity or institutional backing. Dr. Siddique also shares an open invitation to physicians ready to reimagine private practice, plus a candid lesson in leadership on the cost of compromising your principles.

If you're a physician with an entrepreneurial itch, this episode is your roadmap.

For ninety years, the name we gave one of the most common conditions in women's health pointed everyone in the wrong direction.

In this episode of Smart Medicine, Dr. Scott Sigman sits down with Dr. Melanie Cree, a pediatric endocrinologist, who helped lead the international effort to rename polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). Dr. Cree explains the condition at its core, why the old framing left most patients undiagnosed, and shares early data on GLP-1s that points to a new path forward. She also has a direct message for frontline clinicians that not only impacts the women affected by this condition but the healthcare system at large. 

If you want to understand where women's health is headed, start here.

Peptides are flooding social media, locker rooms, and doctors' offices, but is the research actually keeping pace? 

In this season three premiere of Smart Medicine, Dr. Scott Sigman sits down with Dr. James Voos, orthopedic surgeon and NFL team physician for the Cleveland Browns, for a myth-busting conversation on sports medicine's most hyped trend. Dr. Voos breaks down what peptides are and why the buzz around these injectables has run far ahead of the clinical evidence. He shares what his own research team uncovered when they went searching for data on peptide BPC-157's performance; what they discovered created more questions than answers. Dr. Voos closes with his verdict and a clear answer on where patients and athletes should really be directing their attention while the peptide research rolls in.

Healthcare has long talked about putting patients at the center. But what if the real future of medicine asks something more?

In this season finale of Smart Medicine, Dr. Scott Sigman sits down with Susannah Fox, anthropologist, and former Chief Technology Officer at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to explore what she calls the patient-led revolution. Drawing on years of research into how patients and caregivers use technology, data, and community to solve problems, Susannah offers a powerful framework for understanding how innovation is often driven from the ground up. 

From rare disease communities and peer-to-peer health networks to diabetes device innovation, this conversation reveals what becomes possible when patients are seen not just as recipients of care, but as partners in shaping its future. If smart medicine is about better outcomes, this episode makes the case that listening to patients may be one of the smartest moves of all.

Medicine has always been a team sport. But in an era of information overload, growing subspecialization, and rapidly evolving AI tools, one big question remains: how do doctors get the right knowledge, from the right experts, at the right time?

In this episode of Smart Medicine, Dr. Scott Sigman sits down with Dr. Rohan Ramakrishna, an award-winning neurosurgeon, surgical neuro-oncologist, and co-founder of Roon, to explore the future of physician collaboration. Together, they unpack the real dangers of medical misinformation, the limitations of one-size-fits-all AI, and why trusted, doctor-to-doctor knowledge-sharing may be one of the most important opportunities in modern care. Dr. Ramakrishna also shares how Roon evolved from a patient education platform into a space where physicians can exchange ideas, pressure-test their thinking, and learn across specialties. 

If the future of medicine is smarter, it may be because great clinicians are no longer thinking alone.

Disclaimer: The products, platforms, and services mentioned in this episode are for informational purposes only. Their inclusion does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or affiliation by Veradigm. Veradigm is not responsible for the accuracy, content, or availability of any third-party products or services discussed. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own evaluation before making any decisions based on the information presented. For more information about Veradigm solutions, visitveradigm.com

What if one of the most effective ways to improve the bottom line… is simply being more compassionate? In this episode of Smart Medicine, Dr. Scott Sigman sits down with Dr. Anthony Mazzarelli—Co-President and Co-CEO of Cooper University Health Care—who makes a bold case for what he calls Compassionomics: the idea that compassion isn’t just good medicine; it’s measurable, scalable, and tied to outcomes leaders care about.

And when it comes to the “how,” Dr. Mazzarelli argues it’s the right technology that can unlock more human care. From “big AI” to “little AI,” as he calls it, investing in the tools and the training that free up clinician time is the ingredient he’s seen transform care at scale, and it could do the same for your organization. So if innovation and compassionate patient care are topics you care about, Dr. Mazzarelli is a leader you’ll want to hear from.

Do you have your finger on the pulse of what’s happening in cardiac care? If not, this episode is the perfect place to catch up. Dr. Scott Sigman is joined by Dr. Mintu Turakhia, a cardiologist, technologist, and industry innovator at the forefront of digital health. Together, they explore how cardiac care has evolved from bulky Holter monitors to consumer wearables and how these innovations are scaling. 

As Chief Medical and Scientific Officer at iRhythm, Dr. Turakhia shares how smarter wearable technology and refined workflows are improving patient experience while giving physicians clearer, more actionable data. The conversation also digs into the realities of AI in medicine and the importance of meaningful physician review. If you want to understand what’s truly at the heart of modern cardiac technology, start the episode.

Menopause has long been treated as something to get through. But what if it’s actually something we need to get right? In this episode of Smart Medicine, Dr. Scott Sigman sits down with orthopedic surgeon, longevity expert, and women’s health advocate Dr. Vonda Wright to explore what’s actually happening during perimenopause and menopause. Together, Dr. Sigman and Dr. Wright explore why women’s midlife pain is so often dismissed, and how strength training, movement, and mindset are essential tools for aging with power. They also tackle the complicated history of hormone replacement therapy and the changes on the horizon. Whether you’re a clinician, a partner, or curious about the future of women’s health, this episode offers a smarter way forward.

How do we recover from life itself? Longevity science has captured the spotlight, with everyone searching for the next breakthrough to help us live longer and healthier.  In this episode of Smart Medicine, Dr. Scott Sigman sits down with Dr. Reza Jazayeri, a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, to explore how the biology of surgical recovery offers a powerful window into longevity. Surgery, as Dr. Jazayeri explains, is one of the most intense metabolic stress tests the human body will ever face. What happens during that stress reveals exactly what the body needs to stay resilient as we age. The conversation connects cutting-edge research, bone health, and metabolic resilience to the future of longevity medicine.  Whether you’re a clinician, an athlete, or simply someone who wants to age well, this episode offers a science-backed blueprint for recovery, resilience, and longevity.

Physicians have always relied on reputation — but today, that reputation begins online, in a world of ones and zeros. In this episode of Smart Medicine, Dr. Scott Sigman sits down with physician, speaker, and founder of KevinMD, Dr. Kevin Pho, one of the earliest and most influential champions of physician branding. Dr. Pho shares his approach to storytelling, how to build an authentic digital presence, and what to do if you’re a doctor who feels hesitant about putting your voice into the world.

Together, they explore how online branding isn’t just a business tool for your practice, but when done right, strengthens the doctor–patient relationship, cuts through misinformation, and rebuilds trust. So if you’re ready to pick up the pen and rewrite your narrative, hit play.

Ever wonder what those darn robots are up to in healthcare? Dr. Scott Sigman finds out! In this episode, he sits down with Dr. Catherine Mohr, President of the Intuitive Foundation and leading voice in the future of surgical robotics. Together, they discuss how robots are reshaping the operating room and what that means for the future of care. Dr. Mohr shares how robotics are driving global health equity, the evolution of early robotic systems, and which technologies are on the horizon. Synergy is the name of the game as Dr. Mohr explains why collaboration enhances precision and skill, highlighting the improved outcomes that emerge when technology and medicine work hand in hand. From training the next generation of surgeons to performing procedures across oceans, this is your behind-the-scalpel look at the future of surgery. And of course, Dr. Sigman asks the million-dollar question: Will humanoid robots ever take over the OR? You’ll have to tune in to find out.

From Hollywood headlines to hospital hallways, the world’s sudden fascination with GLP-1s makes it hard to separate fact from fiction. In this episode, Dr. Scott Sigman sits down with Dr. Robert Kushner, a pioneer in obesity medicine, professor at Northwestern University, and founding figure of the American Board of Obesity Medicine.

Together, they trace the unlikely origins of the GLP-1 revolution and explore how decades of research led to medications transforming weight management, metabolic health, and even heart and brain outcomes. They unpack the myths, the mechanisms, and the real impact behind these breakthrough therapies, and don’t shy away from the harder questions around access, affordability. Tune in to discover why the future of obesity care isn’t just about losing weight, it’s about gaining understanding.

What if your calling went beyond caring for patients to caring for the entire system that serves them? In this episode ofSmart Medicine, Dr. Scott Sigman sits down with Secretary David Shulkin, former U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), for an inside look at what it takes to lead change in one of the nation’s largest healthcare networks. From his early days as a practicing physician to his time shaping national policy, Secretary Shulkin shares how curiosity and courage guided him through both public service and private innovation. Together, they explore what Secretary Shulkin learned from his time leading the VA, and most importantly, what those lessons mean for the system at large. Get ready to go from the exam room to the White House, in this rare, unfiltered conversation about leadership, purpose, and the future of medicine.

In a world where healthcare moves fast, one doc is back to unpack the rapid innovations, clinical breakthroughs, and industry trends making medicine smarter.

Smart Medicine returns for Season Two — hosted by Dr. Scott Sigman and powered by Veradigm. This season, Dr. Sigman is joined by a new lineup of industry leaders, innovators, and clinicians who are redefining what smarter healthcare looks like for providers, payers, and most importantly, patients. If you’re ready to explore the ideas shaping the future of care, from the latest in medical technology to the leadership transforming the system,  this is the season to follow.

The conversations are sharper. The ideas are bigger. And yes, the medicine… smarter.

Can you picture the future? Ten, twenty, even thirty years from now? And more importantly, are you ready to embrace what you see? For the riveting final episode of Season 1, Dr. Scott Sigman sits down with a man whose name has become synonymous with the future of healthcare: Dr. Daniel Kraft. A Stanford and Harvard-trained physician-scientist, inventor, and health-tech pioneer, Dr. Kraft brings over 25 years of experience at the intersection of medicine, research, and innovation. In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Sigman and Dr. Kraft take you on a journey into what’s coming next, from wearables and personal health data to ambient technology, AI agents, and the shift from “quantified self” to quantified health. They dig into how artificial intelligence is already reshaping care, from tools we use today to what superintelligence might mean for medicine down the line. Think 3D-printed personalized polypills, digital twins, genomics-driven care, robotic surgery, and even quantum computing. Dr. Kraft also shares what trends he’s tracking and a few thoughtful warnings on how we use AI responsibly in medicine. Come touch tomorrow, today, in this can’t-miss season finale ofSmart Medicine.

Say you could be taught to create incredible medical devices, the kind that save lives. And you could learn exactly what it takes to get them across the finish line, funded and FDA approved. Would you say count me in? In this episode, Dr. Scott Sigman connects with the brilliant Dr. Josh Makower, serial entrepreneur, ExploraMed founder, and innovation professor at Stanford University, to talk about what it really takes to bring groundbreaking medical ideas to life. From his childhood obsession with The Six Million Dollar Man to building companies across cardiology, orthopedics, and women’s health, Josh has spent his career turning big ideas into real solutions for patients. He shares how his path through MIT, NYU, and Pfizer shaped his thinking, why he believes innovation isn’t magic but teachable, and what he looks for in the next generation of physician-entrepreneurs. They dig into the hard truths behind medical device commercialization, including hidden hurdles, the F-word every founder faces (financing), and why dilution is part of the deal. Josh also shares what’s coming next, from AI in the clinical space to robotic surgery, and why your healthcare journey might soon start with your phone. Whether you’re a practicing physician, an aspiring founder, or someone who just wants to understand how great ideas become real, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

In a field where the stakes are literally life and death, the need for strong leadership is critical. So, if you’re a healthcare leader staring at a horizon filled with change, from new technology to evolving models of patient care, and feeling uncertain about what it all means for your role, you’re in the right place. In this episode of Smart Medicine, Dr. Scott Sigman welcomes Renee DeSilva, CEO of The Health Management Academy, for a deep dive into what it takes to lead in modern healthcare. Together, they unpack what separates good leaders from great ones, why peer-to-peer learning often beats PowerPoint, and how recognizing your blind spots is a superpower. Renee also shares her personal leadership journey, including the tough lessons she had to learn the hard way. Plus, Dr. Sigman flips the script and asks Renee how she’d help someone like him grow a mission-driven health business and scale innovation across the system. Whether you’re in the C-suite, running a private practice, or leading from the middle of the pack, this episode offers shared wisdom for anyone navigating change and committed to making healthcare better for everyone.

Cancer is personal. Whether it’s someone you love or your own diagnosis, it touches almost all of us. But thanks to rapid innovation in oncology, the future is starting to look very different. In this episode of Smart Medicine, Dr. Scott Sigman sits down with Dr. Sanjay Juneja, widely known online as The OncDoc. With over 50 million views across social media, Dr. Juneja is a triple board-certified hematologist and medical oncologist, as well as an entrepreneur and AI enthusiast. Together, they explore how precision therapies, breakthrough diagnostics, and artificial intelligence are transforming cancer care. They break down what cancer really is at the cellular level and why it’s so hard to treat. Dr. Juneja explains AI at its core and shares how new therapies like CAR-T are flipping the script. From the science of prevention to smarter, faster drug development with AI, this conversation offers a hopeful look ahead where knowledge is power. The future of cancer care is closer than you think. And yes, it’s looking a lot like smart medicine.

How comforted would you feel if, when sick or injured, if robots were sent to cure you? At first, you might be excited by this high-tech experience, but soon realize something is missing – the human connection. As technology continues to weave itself into doctors’ offices, the traditional doctor-patient relationship is undergoing a profound transformation. Joining Smart Medicine to unpack this evolution is Dr. Danielle Ofri. A widely published author, an expert in doctor-patient communication, and a practicing primary care physician at Bellevue Hospital. In this episode, Dr. Ofri sits down with Dr. Sigman to explore the past, present, and future of the doctor-patient relationship. Together, they share compelling stories from their practice, examine common communication challenges, and reveal why empathy is not the enemy of efficiency, but rather its ally. From the role of telehealth to whether AI-generated notes can match Dr. Ofri’s, this conversation shines a light on where technology can take the reins so doctors can focus on what truly matters. Dr. Ofri also shares advice for future physicians on how to learn from great communicators and preserve their own empathy throughout their careers. More than just a heartfelt conversation, this episode presents a vision of medicine where technology and humanity work in harmony, offering practical takeaways for your next patient or appointment.

How are our doctors doing? A simple question, but one necessary to ask. Burnout among physicians is more than a trending topic; it's a real issue with consequences inside hospitals, clinics, and private practices. But if we know it’s happening, what are we doing about it? In this episode, Dr. Dike Drummond, better known as The Happy MD, joins Dr. Scott Sigman to unpack the state of physician burnout and what it’s going to take to fix it. A former family physician who walked away from clinical practice after reaching his breaking point, Drummond now coaches doctors and works with healthcare leaders to create real strategies that help acknowledge and address physician burnout. Together, they explore how physicians can build simple daily strategies to protect their energy, why burnout is a systemic issue rather than a personal one, and how leadership can either fuel the problem or be the starting point for change. From boundary rituals and schedule hacks to digital scribes and stronger support teams, the conversation covers the tools that matter and the mindset shifts that make a difference. Physician burnout doesn’t get solved overnight, but this episode offers a real path forward. Because healing the healers is possible. And it starts by paying attention.

We all have a brain, but how many of us really understand how it works? In this episode of Smart Medicine, Dr. Scott Sigman sits down with Dr. Faye Begeti, neurologist at Oxford University Hospitals and author of The Phone Fix, to unpack what’s happening beneath the surface of our daily decisions. From why we’re wired to focus on the negative, to how our phones are shaping our brains in real time, Dr. Begeti shares the science that has our neurotransmitters firing. She explains the brain’s autopilot system, the role of the amygdala in shaping emotions, and how our digital habits can be rewired for better outcomes. Together, Dr. Begeti and Dr. Sigman also explore the surprising impact of the nocebo effect and what clinicians should know about managing their attention in a notification-heavy world. Whether you're a healthcare provider juggling tech and patient care, or someone just trying to make peace with their screen time, this is the brain health download here to help! 

When it comes to understanding the latest breakthroughs in medicine, many turn to the results of clinical trials. But have you ever stopped to ask whether your mental picture of those trials still holds up? With rapid advances in technology reshaping how research is conducted, a new model has emerged, one that’s redefining accessibility and participation. Enter decentralized clinical trials. Joining host Dr. Scott Sigman on this episode of Smart Medicine is Craig Lipset, a passionate innovator in the clinical research space. As the Co-founder of the Decentralized Trials & Research Alliance, former Head of Clinical Innovation at Pfizer, and long-time advocate for patient-centered research, Craig breaks down the what, why, and how behind the evolution of clinical trials. Together, they explore how the model is shifting and what that means for both patients and community doctors. From your digital twin and data ownership, to compensation for participation, Craig highlights the opportunities that come with doing research smarter. To wrap things up, Dr. Sigman hands Craig the reins, asking him to design his ideal system for medical research in the future.

Just because something’s always been done a certain way doesn’t mean it should stay that way—especially when it comes to the cost of care. What if price transparency wasn’t just a buzzword, but the foundation of a radically different system for care? That’s the philosophy driving Dr. Keith Smith, managing partner and co-founder of the Surgery Center of Oklahoma (SCO). In this bold episode of Smart Medicine, Dr. Scott Sigman sits down with Dr. Smith to explore the transparent pricing model that challenged the status quo and sparked a new way forward for ambulatory surgery centers. They dive into the origins of this model, how Dr. Smith built a practice rooted in openness and accountability, and what it means for both patients and providers. From structuring the surgery center to run on a business model resembling a law firm, to leveraging technology that supports honest pricing, Dr. Smith shares how true transparency isn’t just possible, it’s profitable.

Putting a price on care has never been easy. Value-based care is increasingly shaping how healthcare providers get paid, as traditional models like fee-for-service are declining. Today, 90% of healthcare providers are in a value-based care payment arrangement, but as this model gains momentum, the need for innovation to drive its potential to empower patients and improve outcomes has become acute. In this episode, host Dr. Scott Sigman sits down with Dr. Kevin Bozic to define value-based care and uncover how it’s evolving. As Chair of Surgery and Perioperative Care at Dell Medical School and the Past President of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Dr. Bozic shares why traditional systems are falling short and what it means to define and deliver value in care. Together, they dive into the new condition-based payment model Dr. Bozic’s team has developed, how it redirects clinical conversations toward patient goals, and why it’s already leading to reduced surgeries and better patient outcomes. They also unpack how these models can drive financial sustainability, improve patient relationships, reduce turnover, and boost margins. Dr. Bozic closes with a powerful message for healthcare professionals to be the change they want to see, as holding on to outdated models is no longer an option.

Tomorrow’s medicine is being built today. Are you ready to be part of what’s next? Welcome to Smart Medicine, a podcast dedicated to understanding the intersection of care and innovation. Hosted by Dr. Scott Sigman, your favorite opioid-sparing orthopedic surgeon and former host of The Ortho Show, embarks on a new adventure that explores how the future of medicine is being rewritten in real time. From cutting-edge research to the future of patient care, Dr. Sigman sits down with the brightest minds in medicine to unpack the breakthroughs, challenges, and unique strategies shaping the future of healthcare. Whether you're a clinician, manager, healthcare leader, innovator, entrepreneur, or patient advocate, Smart Medicine is your guide to navigating a rapidly evolving industry and transforming today’s challenges into tomorrow's smarter solutions. This is the future of healthcare. This is Smart Medicine, powered by Veradigm.