Health care executive Traci Sweet discusses her article, "The role of contingency management in addiction treatment." She makes a compelling case for the increased use of contingency management—an evidence-based approach utilizing positive reinforcement—to improve outcomes for individuals with substance use disorder (SUD). Traci explains how this method, which rewards positive behaviors like treatment engagement, can effectively leverage the brain's reward system and is particularly beneficial given the high relapse rates associated with traditional treatments. The conversation explores practical applications of contingency management, including app-based digital incentive programs, and highlights its success in her own practice. Traci also outlines a broader vision for the future of SUD care, emphasizing the need to embrace innovation, technology such as AI and digital therapeutics, emerging pharmacological treatments like GLP-1 agonists and psychedelic-assisted therapy, and holistic interventions to create more personalized and effective recovery pathways. The key takeaway is: To address the ongoing addiction crisis, the health care system must move beyond one-size-fits-all models and actively integrate innovative, evidence-based strategies like contingency management alongside cutting-edge technologies and a wider range of therapeutic options.

Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot.

Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click.

Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise—and it's built on a foundation of trust.

It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow.

VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast

RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Registered dietitian Ava Safir and physician advocate Kim Downey discuss their article, "Why patients need a registered dietitian on their health care team." They highlight the often-overlooked yet crucial role registered dietitians play in improving patient health outcomes and supporting physicians. Drawing from personal experiences and professional insights, Ava and Kim explain how dietitians offer specialized, in-depth nutritional counseling that goes beyond the scope of typical medical appointments, addressing everything from chronic conditions to overall well-being. The conversation emphasizes the comprehensive approach of dietitians, who dedicate significant time to understanding patients' lifestyles, food psychology, and specific needs, thereby fostering sustainable dietary changes and myth-busting misinformation. They argue that integrating registered dietitians more actively into health care teams can lead to reduced medication reliance, better management of conditions like pre-diabetes and GI issues, and enhanced patient empowerment. The key takeaway is: Patients and health care providers alike should recognize registered dietitians as essential team members whose expertise in medical nutrition therapy can be a game-changer for achieving long-term health and quality of life.

Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot.

Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click.

Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise—and it's built on a foundation of trust.

It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow.

VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast

RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Certified coach Kathleen Muldoon discusses her article, "The cost of presence: a lesson in listening." She recounts a poignant experience observing a health care student disengaged during a powerful presentation by a mother sharing her life as a caregiver to children with disabilities. Kathleen, who is also a medical school faculty member and mother to a child with complex health needs, reflects on the immense value of such shared stories for interprofessional students and the "cost of presence" willingly paid by these community educators. The conversation delves into the critical need for future health care professionals to cultivate presence, active listening, and empathy, even amidst academic pressures. Kathleen emphasizes that while technical skills are vital, truly seeing and hearing patients is foundational to compassionate and effective care. The key takeaway is: Medical education must actively foster an environment where students learn to honor patient narratives and engage with genuine human connection, as these qualities are as indispensable as clinical knowledge for the future of health care.

Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot.

Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click.

Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise—and it's built on a foundation of trust.

It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow.

VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast

RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended