The DBT Podcast

Dr. Duval Pandya - Understanding Stroke: Prevention, Detection, and Breakthrough Treatments

Welcome to The DBT Podcast, where host Dr. Neel Shah explores the rapidly advancing world of diagnostic and therapeutic medicine with leading specialists. In this episode, Dr. Shah is joined by Dr. Duval Pandya, a stroke expert from Northwestern, for an insightful and practical conversation about stroke prevention, early recognition, treatment innovations, and recovery strategies. Dr. Pandya shares evidence-based guidance for reducing risk, understanding symptoms, and navigating the critical steps that save lives and support long-term health. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE (1:05) What are the signs and symptoms of a stroke? (2:09) What can be done to prevent/reduce the chances of a stroke? (5:10) What can be done to reduce stress? And let’s talk a little basketball! (9:40) What role does obesity play in strokes and what can be done to manage this? (10:58) What are some of the things to watch for when using GLP1 drugs? (12:55) How often should blood pressure be checked? (13:57) How does someone know if they are having a stroke? (16:05) Are there different types of strokes and what actually happens during a stroke? (18:00) How much progress has been made in treating strokes in the last 15 years? (20:15) What should you do immediately if you’re having a stroke? Do you drive yourself to the hospital or call 911? (21:20) What happens in a mobile stroke unit? (25:00) The doctors talk about taking aspirin – does it help? (25:55) What is done for stroke recovery and future prevention? (27:35) What are statins and when should they be taken? (28:20) Final comments from Doctor Pandya… The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for questions about your health. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. Neither the host, the guests, nor Flint Rock LLC assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

Dr. Kyle Parker: How Pathologists Detect Cancer: Advances in Blood and Tissue Analysis

Episode Highlights: Welcome to The DBT Podcast, where host Dr. Neel Shah explores the evolving landscape of diagnostic medicine through conversations with leading experts. In this episode, Dr. Shah welcomes Dr. Kyle Parker, a practicing pathologist whose daily work sits at the intersection of laboratory science, technology, and patient care. Dr. Parker shares how pathology drives cancer diagnosis, how tools like flow cytometry and ctDNA analysis are transforming detection, and why these innovations matter for patients and providers alike. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • How pathologists collaborate with clinicians to diagnose cancers • How flow cytometry works and why it has become such a powerful diagnostic tool • How quickly labs can now generate results compared to past methods • The difference between a pin-prick sample and a full blood culture • How circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can reveal cancer-specific mutations • Whether blood tests may eventually replace tissue biopsies • How a pathologist determines whether a tissue sample is cancerous   (1:30) The doctors talk about flow cytometry and how they work together to determine a diagnosis. (5:35) Learn about the progress made in cytometry (6:20) How long did it used to take to get enough data and how long does it take now? (6:51) How was this testing method discovered and how does it work? (11:04) What information can be determined from a pin prick versus a blood culture? (12:47) All of our cells have DNA in them. How is is this DNA used to cancer detected in the blood? (14:39) Will it be possible to one day identify cancers through blood samples or will be still need tissue samples? (16:20) There are more than 200 different types of tissue in the human body…Dr. Parker describes how he determines if a sample is cancerous. The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for questions about your health. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. Neither the host, the guests, nor Flint Rock LLC assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

Inside Radiology: MRIs, CTs, AI, and Early Detection With Dr. Sheil Shah

On this episode of The DBT Podcast, host Dr. Neel Shah sits down with, Dr. Sheil Shah, a radiologist practicing in Washington, D.C., to explore how modern imaging has transformed medicine. Dr. Sheil Shah brings deep clinical experience with MRI, CT, ultrasound, and image-guided procedures, and his work sits at the intersection of technology, early detection, and patient-centered care. Together, they trace the extraordinary evolution of radiology—from a time before CT scans and MRIs existed to today's high-resolution imaging, minimally invasive biopsies, and the rapidly growing role of artificial intelligence. Their conversation is filled with practical insights for patients, fascinating historical context, and an entertaining family debate about height and basketball skills. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE • How CT scans and MRIs revolutionized medicine in just 50 years • The story of how magnets came to be used to look inside the human body • Risks, benefits, and misconceptions about MRI—including incidental findings • Why modern imaging “cuts” provide clearer, more precise diagnoses • Whether imaging costs are likely to decrease in the near future • How AI is transforming radiology—from pre-scanning images to drafting reports • The role of imaging in cancer detection and where full-body MRI fits in • CT vs. MRI: What they are, when each is used, and how radiation exposure actually compares to everyday life • Why contrast dye is used in certain scans and how biopsies have become safer and less invasive • The three screenings every patient should know about • A fun and personal moment as the two Dr. Shahs compare basketball skills and talk Detroit sports   Episode Highlights: (1:30) 50 years ago Ct scans and MRIs didn’t exist. How have they made such a big difference is medicine today? (4:08) How was it discovered that magnets could be used to look inside the human body? Dr. Shah explains. (5:45) Are there any downsides to having an MRI? How and when should you have one? What about incidental findings? (10:25) Sr. Shah explains the cuts that can now be done for even better diagnoses.  (11:58) Will the cost of these test decrease soon? (14:15) How will AI effect the future or radiology? What radiology platform 18:25)do many radiologists use today to help ”pre-scan” images and alert a doctor? (18:25) What about diagnosing cancer? (19:27) The Dr. Shahs talk about their height and who’s better on a basketball court? It’s all in the family! Then they talk Detroit Lions basketball! (22:57) What are CT scans and how are they different from an MRI? And…Dr. Shah talks radiation and explains everyday exposures. (31:52) Listen to the three important screenings, and why dye/contrast is used for certain screenings and how biopsies have evolved in the last few years. The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for questions about your health. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. Neither the host, the guests, nor Flint Rock LLC assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

Open Wide: The Truth About Teeth with Dr. Keyur Shah DDS

In this lively episode of The DBT Podcast, host Dr. Neel Shah welcomes Dr. Keyur Shah, DDS, for an engaging and informative conversation about oral health, dental myths, and how orthodontics contributes to overall wellness. Dr. Shah is an unusually talented and gentle orthodontist based in Matteson, Illinois, where he provides comprehensive orthodontic care for patients of all ages. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Dr. Shah graduated valedictorian from the University of Toronto’s dental school before completing his residency at Loyola University Medical Center. He went on to earn a master’s degree in orthodontics from the University of Manitoba, where he completed his orthodontic specialty training. Dr. Shah stays on the leading edge of his field, maintaining active membership in numerous professional organizations, including the American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, Illinois Dental Society, Chicago Dental Society, Illinois Society of Orthodontists, and the Midwestern Society of Orthodontists. When he’s not transforming smiles, he enjoys spending time with his wife, a native Chicagoan, and cheering on his favorite teams—especially the Chicago Bears. Together, Dr. Neel and Dr. Keyur dive into topics like fluoride, flossing, braces, oral cancer screenings, and the myths that keep people from embracing good dental care—all with data, humor, and a healthy dose of friendly Bears/Lions football banter. Episode Highlights (1:08) Neel teases Keyur about the latest Chicago Bears game. (2:25) Why so many people fear the dentist—and when we realize how vital dental care is to our health. (4:35) The importance of regular cleanings for long-term oral health. (6:00) Dr. Shah explains fluoridation—its benefits and misconceptions. (8:00) How heredity and lifestyle contribute to gum disease. (9:50) The value of daily hygiene and why oral cancer screenings can save lives. (12:50) Flossing and Waterpicks (13:20) When parents should schedule a child’s first dental appointment. (16:15) The role of braces in oral health—and why everyone is their own dentist. (22:00) Braces at 90? You’ll want to hear this story. (24:10) From ancient tools to modern tech: the evolution of orthodontics. (26:10) Common myths about dentistry—and what the science says. (31:05) A Bears season prediction that might need some flossing of its own. (33:08) Wrapping up with a promise to always “keep it real” with data and science. The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for questions about your health. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. Neither the host, the guests, nor Flint Rock LLC assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast.

Understanding Immunity and Allergies with Dr. Sanjay Patel

Episode Highlights: - The importance of understanding both innate and adaptive immunity How allergies were first recognized and how far treatment has come Breakthrough medications that are transforming care for allergic patients   - What causes immune deficiencies and how they can be treated   - The myths and misinformation surrounding immune “boosting   - Which vitamins and supplements actually have science behind them   - Everyday changes you can make at home to reduce allergens   - How stress, sleep, and social connection all impact immunity   - The need for trusted medical guidance and evidence-based information (:40) A friendly start as Drs. Shah and Patel talk about football—especially the Chicago Bears. (3:50) A look into the history of allergy and immunology as a field of study. (5:40) Explaining immunoglobulins, innate immunity, and adaptive immunity—how our bodies recognize and fight threats. (8:50) How allergies are discovered, what they really are, and how modern medicine treats them. (13:00) A discussion of new medicines available today to help those with allergies or immune deficiencies. (14:15) How and why people become immuno-deficient, and what that means for their health. (19:34) The most common pieces of misinformation Dr. Patel encounters about immunity. (25:57) Vitamins and supplements—especially vitamin C—and whether they truly boost immunity. (28:53) Practical advice on what you can do around your home to help with allergies. (33:02) Everyday habits that might actually harm your immune system. (34:43) The effects of stress and socialization on immunity and overall health. (37:52) Closing thoughts from Dr. Patel. The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for questions about your health. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. Neither the host, the guests, nor Flint Rock LLC assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast.