Episode 119: Global Blindness: Why 80% Is Preventable and What's Standing in the Way

In this episode of Stanford Medcast, Dr. Geoffrey Tabin discusses the global burden of avoidable blindness and the systems-level barriers that continue to limit access to high-quality eye care worldwide. Drawing on decades of experience building scalable eye care programs in Nepal and Sub-Saharan Africa, Dr. Tabin explores how cost, workforce design, infrastructure, mentorship, and innovation shape the delivery of ophthalmologic care in low-resource settings. The conversation also examines lessons applicable to high-resource healthcare systems, including opportunities to rethink efficiency, sustainability, and equitable access to care. This activity is designed for clinicians and healthcare professionals interested in global health, healthcare delivery, systems innovation, and ophthalmology. Read Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/4m3dcruszi9hcvbc/medcast_episode119.pdf  CME Information: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/medcastepisode119 Claim CE: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/Form.aspx?FormID=3955

AI companions are reshaping adolescence at a rapid pace, changing how teens connect, cope, and access support. In this conversation with Nina Vasan, MD MBA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University, we explore the promise and the pitfalls of AI in youth mental health: what’s helping, what’s worrisome, and when reliance may become concerning. Dr. Vasan shares practical clinical guidance on what clinicians should watch for as AI becomes an everyday presence in society, helping families navigate the opportunities and challenges of an increasingly AI-enabled world. Read Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/seybvpaiws2kfiuy/medcast_episode118.pdf  CME Information: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/medcastepisode118 Claim CE: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/Form.aspx?FormID=3900

Many physicians feel confined by traditional career path, but medicine is evolving, and so are the possibilities. Join Dr. Naomi Lawrence-Reid, pediatrician and founder of Doctoring Differently, as she shares how she reimagined her career to create greater flexibility, autonomy, and fulfillment. Through her journey across diverse roles, from telemedicine to advisory work, Dr. Lawrence-Reid offers a fresh perspective on practicing medicine in a way that aligns with your values, reduces burnout, and opens new avenues for impact and income. Read Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/jfb7b4incn2u4p2k/medcast_episode117.pdf CME Information: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/medcastepisode117 Claim CE: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/Form.aspx?FormID=3858

Autism is a spectrum with unique stories for every child. In this episode, Dr. Grace Gengoux, PhD, Clinical Professor, Director of the Autism Intervention Clinic, and Well-being Director at Stanford University, guides us through the latest science behind autism, from diagnosis to everyday care. Learn how clinicians explain autism in clear, evidence-based terms, how families can access essential services, and practical strategies to support both children and caregivers. We also explore genetics, DSM-5 updates, and how to navigate care pathways with confidence and compassion. Read Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/95yi3fcayn9zbk5v/medcast_episode116.docx CME Information: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/medcastepisode116 Claim CE: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/Form.aspx?FormID=3810  

Nursing is at a pivotal moment and bold leadership is shaping what comes next. Join Dale E. Beatty, DNP, RN, Chief Nurse Executive and Senior Vice President at Stanford Health Care, for a candid conversation on the future of nursing practice and education. Drawing from his experience leading system-wide transformation, Dr. Beatty reflects on workforce challenges, the evolving role of nurse leaders, and what it truly takes to build cultures where care, innovation, and people thrive. This discussion offers a forward-looking perspective on how nursing can move beyond resilience toward redesign—reimagining education, leadership, and mentorship to meet the demands of modern healthcare. Read Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/hne2dtewsdptzyas/medcast_episode115.pdf CME Information: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/medcastepisode115 Claim CE: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/Form.aspx?FormID=3756

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how clinicians think and care for patients. In our conversation with Jonathan Chen, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine and Biomedical Data Science at Stanford University, he shares how AI has enhanced his own clinical work and the practical steps that foster trust and adoption among clinicians. The discussion goes beyond technology to explore the emotional dimensions of care, address bias, and outline the safeguards needed to use AI responsibly. We also review AI’s impact on medical education and the evolving hospital landscape for responsible, future-ready AI-enabled care. Join us for a thoughtful exploration of the promise, challenges, and path forward to integrate AI into clinical decision making. Read Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/azksrmc6hatbfdfq/medcast_episode114.pdf CME Information: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/medcastepisode114 Claim CE: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/Form.aspx?FormID=3726

In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the intersection of technology and medicine is paving the way for groundbreaking advancements. Join us for a conversation with Dr. Jessica Mega, a Cardiologist at Stanford and a pioneer in precision health. Dr. Mega shares her insights on the transformative potential of precision medicine and artificial intelligence in diagnostics, as well as the challenges that lie ahead. Discover how interdisciplinary collaboration among engineers, data scientists, and clinicians is driving innovation, and learn about the vital role of precision medicine in preventive care and population health. With a focus on preparing the next generation of clinicians, Dr. Mega offers guiding principles for fostering innovation in health technology. Read Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/syejzt9pgskrrn54/medcast_episode113.pdf CME Information: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/medcastepisode113 Claim CE: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/Form.aspx?FormID=3685  

In an era where technology has the potential to transform healthcare, many digital health tools remain underutilized. Join us for a conversation with Dr. Kalie Dove-Maguire, an emergency medicine physician at UCSF and a pioneering health-tech innovator. Together, we will explore the challenges of integrating AI into clinical workflows, particularly in high-stakes environments like emergency medicine. Discover how emerging technologies, from genomics to wearables, are set to revolutionize clinical decision support and learn practical strategies for fostering a culture of innovation while ensuring patient privacy and data security. Dr. Dove-Maguire will share invaluable lessons on building digital health tools that clinicians can trust and effectively use, paving the way for a more efficient and equitable healthcare future. Read Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/k6uxja8xwqpqsrk2/medcast_episode112.pdf CME Information: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/medcastepisode112 Claim CE: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/Form.aspx?FormID=3651

Menopause is a significant phase in a woman's life, yet it is often surrounded by misconceptions and misinformation. Join our conversation with Dr. Karen Adams, Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Stanford University, as she unpacks the complexities of menopause and hormone therapy. Discover the impact of the Women’s Health Initiative and how it shaped the conversation around hormone use, leading to a dramatic decline in its adoption. Dr. Adams will also address common myths, explore effective non-hormonal treatment options, and share insights on managing symptoms through lifestyle changes. This discussion will provide you with practical tools and a deeper understanding of menopause, helping to demystify this important life transition. Read Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/tv5a6jejhjre5pru/medcast_episode111.pdf CME Information: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/medcastepisode111 Claim CE: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/Form.aspx?FormID=3582  

Pediatric obesity and metabolic syndrome are rising at alarming rates, yet misconceptions and outdated approaches often leave children without timely, effective treatment. In this episode, Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford reframes obesity as a chronic brain-mediated disease, discusses the latest evidence on early intervention, GLP-1 therapies, and bariatric surgery in youth, and addresses weight bias, disparities in access, and systemic policy levers. Listeners will gain practical insights into translating trial data into real-world care, monitoring safety in adolescents, and defining treatment success beyond BMI. Read Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/895hzebsfhwxvd9q/medcast_episode110.pdf CME Information: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/medcastepisode110 Claim CE: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/Form.aspx?FormID=3516