Primary Medicine Podcast

Plastics are everywhere—and so is the confusion surrounding them. In this episode, we sit down with Chris DeArmitt, independent scientist, materials expert, and founder of the Plastics Research Council. Known for his rigorous, evidence-first approach, Chris has spent years analyzing peer-reviewed research to better understand the real impact of plastics and microplastics on human health and the environment. Together, we unpack some of the most common misconceptions driving public concern today. Are microplastics truly harming our health, or is the science still evolving? Why has plastics become such a misunderstood topic—and what can healthcare professionals learn from this when communicating risk to patients? We also explore the realities of recycling, the challenges and opportunities of building a circular economy, and how well-intentioned policies can sometimes miss the mark. Throughout the conversation, Chris offers a grounded, science-based perspective that cuts through sensationalism and focuses on what actually improves environmental and health outcomes. This episode is a must-listen for clinicians, healthcare leaders, and anyone looking to make more informed, practical decisions about sustainability. Listen to the full podcast episode here. Connect with Chris: website | LinkedIn | email Link to Shattering the Plastics Illusion Cheers, Dr. Dimitre The post Episode 120: Microplastics, Myths, and Medicine. What the Evidence Really Says with Chris DeArmitt. appeared first on Primary Medicine Podcast.

Dear listeners, Today’s episode is a deeply moving conversation about grief, resilience, and the quiet strength it takes to keep going after unimaginable loss. We’re joined by Marcia Earhart — certified life, grief, and trauma coach, educator, mental health first responder, and founder of The Sterling Rose Sanctuary. But beyond her professional work, Marcia brings something even more powerful to this conversation: lived experience. After the loss of both of her sons, alongside chronic illness and significant family trauma, Marcia found herself navigating what she calls the “garden of grief.” In this episode, she shares what it truly looks like to live inside grief — not just emotionally, but physically and spiritually — and how her faith became an anchor in the midst of profound suffering. We explore the meaning behind her book, Gripping Grace in the Garden of Grief, and the idea of “gripping grace” — holding on to something steady when everything else feels like it’s falling apart. Marcia also opens up about the process of writing through pain, and how that journey helped transform her grief into purpose. Through her work with The Sterling Rose Sanctuary, Marcia now supports others facing loss, creating a space for honesty, compassion, and healing. She shares what people often misunderstand about grief, how healing really unfolds, and what it looks like to move from simply surviving to beginning to live again. This is a conversation for anyone who has experienced loss — or who wants to better understand how to show up for someone who has. If you or someone you love is carrying grief, this episode is a reminder: you are not alone. Listen to the full podcast episode here. Link to The Sterling Rose Sanctuary Link to Gripping Grace in the Garden of Grief Sincerely, Dr. Dimitre The post Episode 119: Marcia Earhart on Grief, Faith, and Healing appeared first on Primary Medicine Podcast.

Dear listeners, In this episode of the Primary Medicine Podcast, we take a closer look at the growing role of AI chatbots in healthcare—and the risks that come with them. Dr. Christie Bergerson, biomedical engineer and AI expert at ECRI, joins us to unpack how tools like ChatGPT are being used by both patients and clinicians. From drafting clinical notes to answering medical questions, these technologies are already shaping care in meaningful ways—but not always safely. We explore why AI chatbots can be particularly risky in healthcare, including their tendency to sound confident even when they’re wrong, and how that differs from traditional clinical decision support tools. Dr. Bergerson also discusses the rise of patients turning to AI for medical advice, the potential impact on patient safety, and where clinicians should draw the line when using these tools in practice. The conversation also dives into regulation, highlighting the important differences between general-purpose AI tools and regulated medical devices, and why that distinction matters. Dr. Bergerson shares real-world examples of misuse, the role of bias in AI systems, and what healthcare organizations need to consider when building governance frameworks. Finally, we discuss practical guidance for clinicians who want to explore AI responsibly, and what the future of AI chatbot integration in healthcare might look like over the next five years. This episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to understand not just what AI can do in healthcare—but what it should do. AI chatbots are rapidly making their way into healthcare—from patients seeking medical advice to clinicians drafting notes and summarizing research. But with that opportunity comes real risk. In our latest episode of the Primary Medicine Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Christie Bergerson (with ECRI), a biomedical engineer and AI safety expert, to unpack what’s actually happening on the ground with tools like ChatGPT—and where things can go wrong. We explore:• Why AI chatbots can sound convincing even when they’re wrong• The growing trend of patients turning to AI before seeing a doctor• Where AI can safely support clinicians—and where it crosses the line• The difference between regulated medical AI and general-purpose tools• What healthcare organizations need to have in place before adopting AI This is a practical, grounded conversation for clinicians, healthcare leaders, and anyone trying to navigate AI responsibly in medicine. Listen now and join the conversation on what safe AI adoption should look like. Cheers, Dr. Dimitre The post Episode 118: When AI Gets It Wrong – The Risks of Healthcare Chatbots with Dr. Christie Bergerson appeared first on Primary Medicine Podcast.

Dear listeners, In this episode of the Primary Medicine Podcast, we sit down with Tom Swales—physiotherapist, performance expert, and founder of the Advanced Movement Therapist Certification. Tom shares lessons from more than two decades working with elite athletes and everyday patients, and reflects on how a life-threatening infection in 2023 transformed his perspective on resilience, recovery, and patient care. We explore how his AMT approach integrates strength training with rehabilitation, why movement literacy matters for all patients—not just athletes—and where integrated performance medicine is headed. A thoughtful, practical conversation about bouncing back, redefining performance, and building more human-centered care. Let’s dive right in! Listen to the podcast here. Cheers, Dr. Dimitre The post Episode 117: Tom Swales on AMT, Performance, Wellness and Personal Growth appeared first on Primary Medicine Podcast.

Dear listeners, In this episode of the Primary Medicine Podcast, Dr. Dimitre speaks with Sharmeen Aqueel, founder and CEO of Lyvvora, a Lending-as-a-Service platform built specifically for healthcare clinics and pharmacies. With a background in enterprise tech, Sharmeen shares how she identified a hidden but urgent problem in primary care: outdated, opaque financing that holds back even thriving clinics. Together, they explore how Lyvvora is helping practices across Canada access fast, fair, and flexible capital—without the paperwork headache. From real-world success stories to insights on the post-COVID financial landscape, this conversation sheds light on how better financial tools can empower clinicians to focus on what really matters: patient care. Let’s dive right in! Listen to the podcast here. Cheers, Dr. Dimitre The post Episode 116: Unlocking Growth – Smarter Financing for Clinics with Lyvvora’s Sharmeen Aqueel appeared first on Primary Medicine Podcast.

Dear listeners, What if a molecule could help you live longer and feel better doing it? In this episode, I’m joined by scientist and entrepreneur Chris Burres, founder of MyVitalC, to explore ESS60—a powerful antioxidant that could reshape how we think about aging and vitality. We break down the science, bust a few myths, and share real steps you can take today to support a longer, healthier life. Let’s dive right in! Listen to the podcast here. Cheers, Dr. Dimitre The post Episode 115: Can We Hack Aging? The Science of ESS60 with Chris Burres appeared first on Primary Medicine Podcast.

Dear listeners, In this episode of the Primary Medicine Podcast, family physician Dr. Rory Sullivan joins us to explore the intersection of medicine and storytelling. We discuss how his clinical experience shaped his debut novel Waking on the Ground, the realities of publishing while practicing, and what’s next on his creative path. A must-listen for anyone curious about narrative medicine and the art of balancing creativity with clinical life. Website – https://roryosullivan.caBook – https://roryosullivan.ca/eamon-rourke/Narrative Medicine workshop – https://narrativebasedmedicine.ca/offering/from-page-to-publication/ Let’s dive right in! Listen to the podcast here. Cheers, Dr. Dimitre The post Episode 114: Waking on the Ground Dr. Rory Sullivan Journey into Narrative Medicine appeared first on Primary Medicine Podcast.

Dear listeners, In this episode of the Primary Medicine Podcast, Dr. Dimitre Ranev sits down with Dr. Yatin Chadha — known to many from the Beyond MD podcast. This time, he joins us to discuss his newest venture: two practical online radiology courses designed to help clinicians build confidence in CT head interpretation. We cover what inspired these courses, how he created them, and how primary care, emergency, internal medicine, and trainee clinicians can use them in daily practice. We also touch on what it takes to build an online course in medicine and our thoughts on the future of medical education. Let’s dive in! Listen to the Podcast Episode here Courses:1. CT Head Basics – Ruling Out Neurosurgical Emergencieshttps://beyondradiology.thinkific.com/courses/ct-head-interpretation-course 2. CT Head Basics – Artifact or Pathology?https://beyondradiology.thinkific.com/courses/master-ct-head-interpretation-course Website: https://www.beyondmd.ca/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yatin-chadha/ Cheers, Dr. Dimitre The post Episode 113: Radiology for Clinicians Dr Yatin Chadha’s New Teaching Journey appeared first on Primary Medicine Podcast.

Dear Listeners, In this episode of the Primary Medicine Podcast, we tackle a critical but often overlooked topic in healthcare—physician practice financial health. Host Dr. Kevin is joined by Matt Seefeld, CEO of MedEvolve and a nationally recognized expert in healthcare revenue cycle optimization. With over 20 years of consulting experience, Matt shares how technology, AI, and automation are revolutionizing billing, staffing, and operational efficiency in medical practices. Whether you’re a physician-owner, clinic manager, or simply curious about the business side of healthcare, this episode offers valuable insights into running a financially sustainable practice. Listen to the Podcast Episode here! Cheers, Dr. Dimitre The post Episode 112: Matt Seefeld on Physician Practice Financial Health appeared first on Primary Medicine Podcast.

Dear Listeners, In this episode of the Primary Medicine Podcast, we explore the rapidly growing and often misunderstood world of male enhancement procedures. Joined by Dr. Joel Pash — anaesthesiologist, Stanford faculty member, and co-founder of The Upsize Clinic — we dive into the latest techniques, the surge in patient demand, and the critical need for safe, evidence-based practices. Dr. Pash shares insights on what’s driving this trend, the risks of poorly performed procedures, and how clinicians can access proper training to better support their patients. Please visit Dr. Pash US and Canadian websites as well as his Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube Listen to the Podcast Episode here! Cheers, Dr. Dimitre The post Episode 111: Novel Male Enhancement & Safety with Dr. Joel Pash appeared first on Primary Medicine Podcast.