Tag Archives: prevention

Dr. M’s Women and Children First Podcast #91 – Vic Gatto, MBA – Elevate Health 2050

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I’m thrilled to bring you a conversation with a visionary leader whose work is reshaping healthcare innovation—Vic Gatto.

Vic is the driving force behind Elevate Health 2050, a bold initiative exploring the transformative potential of Web3, AI, and biotech to redefine healthcare’s future, with a special focus on accessibility and impact—areas that touch the lives of women and children every day. Before this, Vic carved his path as the founder and Managing General Partner of Jumpstart Capital, where he’s invested in over 200 early-stage healthcare startups, proving that innovation thrives beyond Silicon Valley’s shadow, right here in Middle America.

Vic’s journey began with a Bachelor of Arts from Amherst College, giving him a broad foundation, followed by a Master of Business Administration from Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management, equipping him with the strategic insight to navigate the complex world of venture capital.

His entrepreneurial roots trace back to the 1990s, when he co-founded a software company in Boston, growing it from a small team to over 250 employees before selling it—a testament to his ability to build from the ground up.

But Vic’s story isn’t just about credentials or exits; it’s about a man who sees healthcare as a mission, not just a market. With Elevate Health 2050, he’s pushing boundaries to ensure that the next generation—our women and children—benefits from cutting-edge solutions tailored to their needs. Today, we’ll explore how his vision bridges technology and human health, and what it means for families everywhere.

So, grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s welcome Vic Gatto to the show.

Enjoy,

Dr. M

Dr. M’s SPA Newsletter Volume 15 Issue 7

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Let’s dive into articles that have been critical to understanding type 2 diabetes and Insulin Resistance: the Ominous Octet and now the Egregious Eleven from the BMC Medicine paper and the 2009 Diabetes paper by Dr. Ralph DeFronzo. Peter Attia recently interviewed Dr. Defronzo and I am on listen #3 because it is so good and yet incredibly complicated. This piece is a compilation of that interview and reviewing Dr. DeFronzo’s papers.

“…all too often, the risk factors for these disorders are not addressed promptly in clinical practice, leading to irreversible pathologic progression… Traditional approaches to treatment involving sequential therapy, in which agents are added only after one has failed, contribute to clinical inertia and often prevent goal attainment, leading to adverse outcomes…. in turn contributing to increased morbidity and mortality. In contrast, early diagnosis and prompt, intensive intervention, often with initial combination therapy, leads to faster goal attainment and improved outcomes for at-risk patients.” (Handelsman et al. 2023)(Schwartz et. al. 2024)

…literature review.

Enjoy,

Dr. M

Dr. M’s SPA Newsletter Volume 15 Issue 6

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This is such an important topic to cover, even for a pediatrician. Dementia!

This problem is slated to exponentially worsen in the coming decades. And it starts at birth!

​In the intricate landscape of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), emerging research underscores a pivotal yet under explored facet for the why?, the brain’s energy immunometabolism. A recent study by Patel et al., titled “Global Energy Metabolism Deficit in Alzheimer Disease Brain,” delves into this domain, revealing significant metabolic disruptions that may illuminate novel upstream causes and possible therapies.

​ For the better part of the last few decades, all AD research centered on the amyloid and tau plaques as the causative problem. However, billions of dollars and many drugs later, this hypothesis has crashed and burned. Failed therapies coupled to the skyrocketing volume of AD patients in the US over the next few decades will burden the US healthcare system and families alike. Folks, we need better answers and therapies rapidly. Thus, I have been following this information on and off over the years looking for answers. Last month, Dr. David Perlmutter gave an excellent lecture on microglial cells in the brain and their impact on AD and neurocognition in general. One paper that he cited was the Patel paper. Let’s look at it.

Dr. M

Dr. M’s SPA Newsletter Volume 15 Issue 5

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Picture this, a tiny, 30 nm, relentless RNA virus named norovirus slips into your life, uninvited, and turns your gut into a battlefield. It’s not the flu. Forget that “stomach flu” misnomer. It’s a Caliciviridae family member, a nonenveloped, single-stranded RNA ninja that thrives in making chaos. As a pediatrician, I’ve seen it wreak havoc in kids and parents alike, and it’s a master of surprise.

It just played Risk in my GI tract last week. Not Fun!

Let’s unpack how it infects, spreads, and toys with us humans, straight from the AAP’s Red Book (2024) and other research. Norovirus causes an estimated 1 in 15 US residents to become ill each year as well as 71,000 hospitalizations and 800 deaths annually, predominantly among young children and the elderly.

Norovirus doesn’t knock, more so it sneaks in, needing under 100 viral particles to ignite trouble. You’re sipping contaminated water, munching an oyster from a shady bay, or your toddler’s unwashed hands after a playdate deliver the payload. It’s mostly fecal-oral, stool to mouth via food, water, or surfaces. But don’t sleep on aerosolized vomit. One hurl in a crowded daycare, and airborne particles linger, landing on toys, doorknobs, you name it for days. Did I say lingering! Smart viral spread!

Gorilla warfare is on!

Dr. M

Dr. M’s SPA Newsletter Volume 15 Issue 3

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Literature Review

1) Microplastics in the Brain – From Science Advances: “Human health is being threatened by environmental microplastic (MP) pollution. MPs were detected in the bloodstream and multiple tissues of humans, disrupting the regular physiological processes of organs. Nanoscale plastics can breach the blood-brain barrier, leading to neurotoxic effects. How MPs cause brain functional irregularities remains unclear. This work uses high-depth imaging techniques to investigate the MPs within the brain in vivo. We show that circulating MPs are phagocytosed and lead these cells to obstruction in the capillaries of the brain cortex. These blockages as thrombus formation cause reduced blood flow and neurological abnormalities in mice. Our data reveal a mechanism by which MPs disrupt tissue function indirectly through regulation of cell obstruction and interference with local blood circulation, rather than direct tissue penetration. This revelation offers a lens through which to comprehend the toxicological implications of MPs that invade the bloodstream.” (Huang et. al. 2025)

This weeks podcast is a direct look at the world of toxicology and the human consequences of exposure over time. Microplastics are the new and next trouble maker on the planet. This study raises the concern that micro and nano plastics can and do enter the brain and will disrupt and thus alter brain physiological processes. More time to answer the true risk reality. Not good. and more….Plus a letter about MAHA from Dr. Jeffrey Bland, a serious take on preventative medicine as opposed to disease pharmaceutical centric medicine.

Dr. M

Dr. M’s SPA Newsletter Volume 15 Issue 1

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Some Key Literature Review Studies from Year 14

This is a bit of a long newsletter. That is intentional. This will be a repository for some of the best research for us to look back on from time to time this coming year to solidify the learning moving forward.

1) Time restricted eating patterns are known to help physiology and metabolism by initiating a pause in the action of mTOR and muscle synthesis as well as inducing autophagy. Autophagy is critical to the clearance of broken or damaged cells following injury or disease…..Plus a to do list and recipe of the week.

Dr. M

Dr. M’s Women and Children First Podcast #87 – Tasha Stoiber, PhD

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Welcome back to Women and Children First, where we dive into the science, policies, and practices that shape the health of our families and communities. Today, we are honored to have Dr. Tasha Stoiber, a leading scientist at the Environmental Working Group (EWG), whose work is at the forefront of protecting public health from environmental contaminants. Dr. Stoiber is a distinguished environmental scientist dedicated to understanding the impact of chemical exposures on public health.

Dr. Stoiber earned her Ph.D. in Environmental Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She furthered her expertise through postdoctoral research in the ecotoxicology of nanoparticles in human tissues at the University of California, Davis. She brings a wealth of expertise to the conversation on how exposures to harmful substances, such as PFAS, heavy metals, and endocrine disruptors, can affect human health, especially in vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.

Currently, as a Senior Scientist at EWG, she focuses on researching contaminant chemicals in consumer products. At EWG, she plays a critical role in translating complex scientific research into actionable knowledge for consumers and policymakers. Her efforts help drive regulatory change and empower individuals to make safer choices for themselves and their families. Whether it’s uncovering hidden contaminants in food, advocating for cleaner drinking water, or guiding parents on reducing toxic exposures, Dr. Stoiber’s work is reshaping how we think about environmental health.

Dr. Stoiber has contributed significantly to scientific literature, with publications addressing critical issues such as the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water and freshwater fish. Her research has shed light on the widespread contamination of these “forever chemicals” and their potential health risks.

Today, we’ll explore the pressing issues surrounding chemical exposures, how they influence childhood development and long-term well-being, and, most importantly, what we can do to protect ourselves. Join me as we tap into Dr. Stoiber’s deep knowledge and practical insights on creating a healthier world for the next generation.

Dr. M

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