Episode 57: What's Up Doc? - W/ Dr. Fonge & Dr. Jones

During our last episode, we explored the determinants of racialized health disparities in the black community using a sociological lens. Building on that conversation, today’s episode addresses the potential causes of and solutions to the black-white health gap from a medical perspective. Specifically, we interview Dr. Shaletha Jones—a family medicine physician and hospitalist in Arkansas—and Dr. John Fonge, a hospitalist in Illinois who specializes in internal medicine and pediatrics. In addition to discussing their experiences as young black physicians (23:10), the doctors discuss myths and misconception about the medical profession (29:11), major pet peeves related to patient behavior (35:10), and their thoughts on holistic approaches to medicine (42:30). We then discuss common health issues and strategies for improving the health of youth (52:20) and adults (57:24) in the black community. After having a conversation about healthy weight loss strategies (1:06:20), we close by having a conversation about how patients can better advocate for themselves (1:12:20), ways to reduce racial bias in healthcare (1:16:20), and advice for listeners interested in medicine (1:21:22).
Other Topics Include:
00:30 - Catch up with Ty and Daphne
02:55 - BhD “Oh Lawd” News
18:30 - Introduction of the topic
21:30 - Learn more about Drs. Jones and Fonge
31:55 - The Relationship Between Pharma and Physicians
45:33 - Can Marijuana be Beneficial?
48:00 - Are Vaccinations Necessary or Linked to Autism?
1:26:52 - Ty and Daphne Reflect on the Interview
Resources:
New York Confronts Its Worst Measles Outbreak in Decades - https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/17/nyregion/measles-outbreak-jews-nyc.html
Washington is under a state of emergency as measles cases rise - https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/26/health/washington-state-measles-state-of-emergency/index.html
Five Important Reasons to Vaccinate Your Child -
https://www.vaccines.gov/getting/for_parents/five_reasons/index.html