The Smartest Doctor in the Room

Today’s conversation steps a little outside the usual hardcore medical lane, but it may be just as important. Dr. Dean Mitchell explores medical intuition and the big question many listeners are already asking: is it believable, or is it BS?His guest is Catherine Carrigan, a professional health intuitive and holistic healer, and she explains what a medical intuitive actually is and how she approaches healing across what she calls five levels: physical, energetic, emotional, mental, and spiritual. They talk about how her work can complement traditional medicine, why environment and nutrition matter, and why healing can get blocked when someone is not truly willing to get well.You’ll also hear about her personal journey through illness, her background in a medical family, and what led her from conventional paths into natural healing, intuition, and a long running spiritual practice that shapes how she helps clients.Contact Dr. Mitchell:Email: care@mitchellmedicalgroup.comWebsiteInstagramYouTubeFacebookLinkedInOrder your copy of Dr. Mitchell’s latest book, Conquering Candida, here.

Are cancer detecting blood tests finally ready for real world use? Dr. Dean Mitchell sits down with Dr. Eric Klein, a distinguished scientist at GRAIL and former Cleveland Clinic chair, to walk through the promise and the limits of the Galleri multi cancer early detection blood test. They break down how the test looks for cancer related DNA using methylation patterns, why it can often predict where a cancer started, and what happens next if a cancer signal is detected. You’ll also hear how Galleri fits alongside standard screenings like mammograms, colonoscopy, PSA, and Cologuard, plus a clear explanation of sensitivity versus positive predictive value and why false positives matter. They also explore who may benefit most from testing, why age is the biggest risk factor, what the real false positive rate looks like, and how long a negative result may offer peace of mind.Contact Dr. Mitchell:Email: care@mitchellmedicalgroup.comWebsiteInstagramYouTubeFacebookLinkedInOrder your copy of Dr. Mitchell’s latest book, Conquering Candida, here.

Join Dr. Dean Mitchell on The Smartest Doctor In The Room as he sits down with chronic Lyme expert Dr. Richard Horowitz to explore why Lyme disease can be so difficult to diagnose and treat. Dr. Horowitz shares the history of Lyme disease, explains why standard antibiotic treatments often fall short, and breaks down the science behind biofilms, persistent infections, and chronic inflammation.The conversation addresses the controversy around Lyme testing, why blood work alone can miss the diagnosis, and how Lyme is ultimately a clinical diagnosis. Dr. Horowitz also introduces his MSIDS model, a comprehensive framework that examines multiple drivers of chronic illness including coinfections, immune dysfunction, gut health, and environmental factors.This episode offers clarity, insight, and hope for anyone struggling with chronic Lyme disease, post treatment Lyme disease, or complex chronic conditions that do not respond to conventional care.Contact Dr. Mitchell:Email: care@mitchellmedicalgroup.comWebsiteInstagramYouTubeFacebookLinkedInOrder your copy of Dr. Mitchell’s latest book, Conquering Candida, here.

Dizziness is one of the most common symptoms patients experience, yet it is also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode of The Smartest Doctor In The Room, Dr. Dean Mitchell is joined by neurologist and dizziness specialist Dr. Amir Kheradmand to explain what dizziness really means, why it is so difficult to diagnose, and when it may signal a more serious condition.The conversation breaks down the key differences between dizziness, vertigo, and lightheadedness, why medications like meclizine are often outdated, and how careful history taking and eye movement exams can help determine whether symptoms are coming from the inner ear or the brain. Dr. Kheradmand also discusses vestibular migraine, stroke risk, chronic dizziness, medication side effects, and why CT scans frequently fail to identify the true cause.This episode offers clear guidance for patients seeking answers and valuable insight for clinicians looking to improve how dizziness is evaluated and treated.

Join Dr. Dean Mitchell on The Smartest Doctor In The Room as he reflects on more than 25 years in medical practice and explores how medicine has evolved and what should never be lost along the way. From handwritten charts and prescription pads to electronic records, telehealth, and AI driven information, Dr. Mitchell shares firsthand insights into how technology has transformed the doctor patient relationship for better and for worse.In this thoughtful conversation, he discusses the importance of eye contact, physical exams, careful history taking, and genuine human connection in an era of screens, shortcuts, and online medical advice. Dr. Mitchell also addresses the risks of self-diagnosis, social media health trends, and direct to consumer medical services while encouraging patients to stay informed without trying to be their own doctor.This episode is a timely reminder that while medicine continues to advance, trust, connection, and listening remain at the heart of truly effective care.

In this episode of The Smartest Doctor In The Room, host Dr. Dean Mitchell sits down with world-renowned allergist and immunologist Dr. Thomas Platts-Mills to explore the shocking true story behind a healthy airline pilot who died after what seemed like a simple steak dinner. The cause was not choking or food poisoning. It was a delayed, deadly allergic reaction from a condition many people and even many doctors still overlook.Dr. Mitchell and Dr. Platts-Mills walk listeners through the mystery of alpha gal syndrome, also known as red meat allergy syndrome, a unique allergy triggered by tick bites that can cause severe reactions hours after eating beef, pork, lamb, venison, and other red meats. They discuss how this condition was discovered in the 2000s, its link to the lone star tick, why abdominal pain is often the main and most confusing symptom, and why standard autopsies may completely miss fatal anaphylaxis.You will hear how epidemiologic clues, patterns across the southern United States, and unexpected reactions to the cancer drug cetuximab helped Dr. Platts-Mills and his team uncover that alpha gal, a sugar molecule found in mammalian meat and certain medications, can become a target for IgE antibodies. The conversation also explains how to interpret alpha gal blood test levels, why total IgE matters, when tryptase can help confirm severe reactions, and how alcohol, NSAIDs, and exercise can make symptoms worse.Dr. Mitchell and Dr. Platts-Mills also touch on related allergy puzzles, including pork cat syndrome, dust mite cross reactivity with shellfish, and how children and adults may present differently. If you or your patients have unexplained nighttime abdominal pain, hives, or severe reactions hours after a steak dinner or other red meat, this episode will help you think like a medical detective and consider alpha gal syndrome as a possible answer.

In this episode of The Smartest Doctor In The Room, Dr. Dean Mitchell sits down with neurologist and author Dr. Ray Dorsey to explore why Parkinson’s disease has become the world’s fastest growing brain disorder. Dr. Dorsey explains what Parkinson’s looks like, the early signs many people miss, and why it is not simply a disease of aging or genetics.They dive into the mounting evidence that environmental exposures are driving the rise in cases. Dr. Dorsey breaks down the roles of air pollution, pesticides, dry cleaning chemicals, contaminated drinking water, and repeated head trauma in increasing risk. He also discusses how Parkinson’s may begin in the nose or the gut years before symptoms appear, and why loss of smell, constipation, or acting out dreams can be important early clues.Drawing from his books Ending Parkinson’s Disease and The Parkinson’s Plan, Dr. Dorsey offers practical, science backed steps to lower your risk, clean up your environment, and protect your long term brain health.Book website:https://pdplan.org/Purchase page: https://www.amazon.com/Parkinsons-Plan-Path-Prevention-Treatment/dp/1541705386/

Explore how EMDR therapy can help heal deep psychological trauma with psychiatric nurse practitioner and EMDR expert Susan Sullivan. In this episode of The Smartest Doctor In The Room, host Dr Dean Mitchell talks with Susan about her unique path from trauma intensive care nursing to advanced work in psychiatry and psychotherapy.Susan explains what EMDR really is, how adaptive information processing works in the brain, and why EMDR can be so powerful for people who feel stuck after years of traditional talk therapy. She shares how EMDR intensives differ from weekly sessions, and why careful preparation, parts work, and attachment focused support are essential for complex PTSD and childhood trauma.You will also hear how somatic practices, vagus nerve regulation, and nervous system education help patients understand what their bodies are trying to say and finally move toward healing. If you have ever wondered whether EMDR is right for you or how to find a properly trained EMDR therapist, this conversation offers clear, compassionate guidance.Order your copy of Conquering Candida here

Celebrate our 200th episode as Dr. Dana Cohen turns the tables and interviews host Dr. Dean Mitchell about his new book on Candida and what it really takes to heal. They trace the evolution from Dr. William Crook’s classic work to today’s microbiome science, explain why Candida overgrowth is still misunderstood, and lay out a clear clinical approach that actually helps patients feel better fast.Listen for practical guidance on recognizing symptoms beyond vaginal yeast infections, the link between Candida and issues like chronic sinusitis, brain fog, and fatigue, and why diversity in the microbiome matters. Dr. Mitchell walks through his step-by-step protocol, including the role of diet, when antifungals like nystatin and fluconazole are appropriate, why certain herbs require caution, and how mast cell activation may overlap with Candida symptoms. You will also learn why testing is tricky, how his 15 question checklist guides diagnosis, and how to expand your diet after the first four to six weeks without backsliding.If you or someone you love is dealing with persistent, unexplained symptoms and wondering about Candida, this conversation offers science, strategy, and real-world experience from two leaders in functional medicine.Order your copy of Conquering Candida here

When you or someone you love lands in the ER, every choice matters. Dr. Dean Mitchell sits down with Dr. Tony Dajer, a recently retired emergency physician with four decades on the front lines, to share clear, practical steps that help you get the care you need when minutes count.They cover how to prepare before you go, what to say at triage, and why bringing your medications and a concise medical history can speed decision making. You will hear when calling an ambulance is the smartest move, how to choose between urgent care and the ER, and why having a calm advocate at your side can change outcomes. Dr. Dajer explains the system challenges behind long waits, the pros and cons of teaching hospitals and community hospitals, and how leadership, scribes, and new AI tools can give doctors more time at the bedside. Real cases underscore crucial lessons, including pediatric and young adult pitfalls, missed appendicitis, stroke warning signs, and why not getting worse is not the same as getting better.Listen for takeaways you can use today. Know what to bring. Know what to ask. Know when to push for imaging and when to return if symptoms are not fully resolved. This conversation turns ER chaos into a plan.

In this episode of The Smartest Doctor in the Room, Dr. Dean Mitchell sits down with headache specialist Dr. Robert Kaniecki from the University of Pittsburgh Medical School to break down everything you need to know about chronic headaches and migraines. Together they explore the different types of headaches, how to properly evaluate and diagnose them, and the latest treatments - from classic medications to cutting-edge options like CGRP inhibitors and Botox therapy. They also discuss common triggers such as stress, sleep, diet, and screen time, and when imaging tests like MRIs are actually necessary. Whether you experience tension headaches or debilitating migraines, this conversation offers clear, practical guidance for understanding symptoms, avoiding medication overuse, and finding real relief.

Can food allergies be treated safely without lifelong maintenance doses? In this episode of The Smartest Doctor in the Room, Dr. Dean Mitchell sits down with Dr. Moshe Ben Shoshan, Associate Professor at McGill University Health Centre, to explore the latest breakthroughs in food allergy treatment. Together they discuss low dose oral immunotherapy, the science behind desensitization, and how early exposure to allergenic foods like peanuts may actually reduce allergy risk. They also unpack real world challenges with treatment adherence, why milk allergies can be more dangerous than peanuts, and what new research is revealing about prevention, immunotherapy, and environmental factors.

In this wide ranging conversation, Dr. Dean Mitchell sits down with Professor Edward Quadros of SUNY Downstate to explore the critical roles of folate vitamin B9 and vitamin B12 in brain development and lifelong health. We unpack why some children show low cerebrospinal fluid folate despite a normal diet, how autoantibodies to the folate receptor can block folate from reaching the brain, and what the folate receptor antibody test FRAT reveals. Professor Quadros explains the research behind folinic acid leucovorin as a folate enhancer, what clinical studies show in children on the spectrum, and why earlier treatment tends to yield better outcomes. We also look at prenatal folate fortification, the potential value of screening parents, the milk and autoimmunity connection in susceptible kids, and clear up myths around the common MTHFR polymorphism. Finally, we connect B12 status, homocysteine, and the different B12 forms used in practice. If you care about evidence based insights on autism research, neurodevelopment, and smart supplementation, this episode is a must listen.

In this powerful episode, we explore one of the most important—and least understood—medical challenges of our time: how brain injury and aging impact mental health, behavior, and society. Our host is joined by renowned neuropathologist Dr. John Crary, a leading expert on brain diseases at Mount Sinai, to unpack the science and lived reality behind concussions, CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), dementia, and more.Dr. Crary shares his early fascination with neuroanatomy, how pathology reveals the hidden stories inside every brain, and why repetitive mild head trauma—not just big hits—may be the true danger in contact sports and military service. He explains how CTE is diagnosed, why tau tangles are the “smoking gun,” and how the exact location of damage reveals the cause. The conversation digs into why certain brain regions drive memory loss, depression, and even aggression—and why some athletes and veterans develop devastating symptoms at a young age.We also discuss:Sports like football, boxing, and soccer—how risky are they really?The biomechanical “Nestlé Crunch bar” model of brain injuryWhy CTE can only be definitively diagnosed after death (for now)Emerging tools: PET scans, blood tests, MRI biomarkersHow studying athletes may help unlock treatments for Alzheimer’sNew hope in RNA-based therapies and amyloid/tau-targeting drugsWhether recovery is possible after multiple concussions—and when it’s too lateThis episode blends science, medicine, personal stories, and societal urgency. Whether you’re an athlete, parent, physician, or just curious about the brain, this is a must-listen conversation that could change how you think about brain health forever.

What should you do when water damage strikes—whether it’s a burst pipe, a flooded basement, or a slow leak you didn’t notice until it was too late? In this episode, Dr. Mitchell sits down with trusted mold inspector Joseph Reiss to unpack the essentials of mold prevention, testing, and remediation. They cover what to do in the first 24 hours after water damage, why carpets are mold magnets, how to safely contain and remove contaminated materials, and which testing methods actually help identify hidden mold.Joseph also shares insights on flood-proof home design, how to avoid costly mistakes, and what to look for in professionals who truly understand water and mold management. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or health-conscious listener, this conversation offers practical steps to protect your home—and your health—from toxic mold.

Adverse drug reactions and allergic responses to medications and vaccines are no longer rare side effects—they’re a growing medical challenge. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Mariana Castells, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Director of the Mastocytosis Center of Excellence, and Director of the Drug Hypersensitivity and Desensitization Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.We explore:Why newer medications and targeted therapies carry higher risks of severe reactionsThe difference between drug intolerance, adverse reactions, and true allergiesThe dangers of mislabeling penicillin allergy—and how it affects treatment choicesCutting-edge diagnostic tools like basophil and mast cell activation testingThe role of mast cells, novel receptors, and genetics in multiple drug allergiesStrategies for safer prescribing, testing, and desensitizationWhether you’re a clinician, researcher, or patient who’s experienced a “bad reaction” to medication, this conversation offers clarity on what we know today—and where the science of drug allergy is heading.

What’s it really like to be a medical student in 2025? Host Dr. Mitchell sits down with second-year students Nya Evans and Marco Halabi from Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine for a candid conversation about why they chose medicine, the challenges of medical school today, and how training has evolved since the 1980s. From simulation labs and self-directed learning to the psychological toll of training and the role of AI in the future of medicine, this episode offers a rare first-hand look at how tomorrow’s physicians are being shaped. Both insightful and personal, it’s a reminder that while technology changes, the heart of medicine is still human connection.

Brain fog—a term once absent from the medical lexicon—has become one of the most debilitating and puzzling symptoms of Long COVID. But what exactly is happening inside the body to cause this cognitive impairment? Is it just inflammation, or is there a more complex mechanism at play?In this episode, we sit down with leading immunologist Dr. Terry Harville, Medical Director of the Special Immunology Laboratory at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Dr. Harville takes us on a deep dive into the unique relationship between the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the human immune system, explaining why this zoonotic virus is so effective at causing long-term neurological issues. This isn't just about forgetfulness; it's a serious medical condition that could be a harbinger of something much worse.If you or someone you know is struggling with the cognitive effects of Long COVID, this episode is an essential listen, packed with scientific insights and actionable treatment strategies from an expert on the front lines.Visit apolloneuro.com and use code: smartmd at checkout to get your hands on the sleep wearable that Dr. Mitchell trusts.Need a certified mold inspector? Reach out to Joseph ReissPhone Number: 908-451-4592  Email: jprconsultants7929@gmail.com

What if your child’s sudden anxiety, OCD, or tics weren’t behavioral—but biological? In this eye-opening episode, we welcome back Dr. Jill Crista, a leading expert in naturopathic medicine and mold-related illness, to explore a lesser-known but critically important condition: PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections) and its broader counterpart, PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome).What if a simple strep throat infection could lead to sudden-onset OCD, anxiety, tics, or even psychosis in children? Dr. Crista breaks down the groundbreaking science behind how infections—and even environmental toxins like mold and glyphosate—can trigger autoimmune attacks on the brain, mimicking psychiatric disorders.Dr. Crista shares her "Core Four" treatment framework and critical cautions (like which "brain-boosting" herbs can actually flare symptoms). Whether you're a parent, clinician, or someone struggling with unexplained neuropsychiatric symptoms, this episode is a must-listen for understanding the body-mind connection in mental health.Visit apolloneuro.com and use code: smartmd at checkout to get your hands on the sleep wearable that Dr. Mitchell trusts.Need a certified mold inspector? Reach out to Joseph ReissPhone Number: 908-451-4592  Email: jprconsultants7929@gmail.com

Ever looked in the mirror and wondered, What if I tweaked this? You’re not alone. Plastic surgery—once reserved for the rich and famous—is now a reality for everyday people seeking confidence and self-improvement. But how do you know if it’s right for you? And what separates a natural-looking result from a "wind tunnel face"?On this episode, host Dean Mitchell sits down with Dr. Robert Freund, a top Manhattan plastic surgeon, inventor of the Teardrop Breast Lift, and author of Cosmetic Breast Surgery and A More Beautiful You. From their shared high school days to their time at Brown University, Dean and Dr. Freund reunite for a candid conversation about the psychology of plastic surgery, teen procedures, the future of anti-aging and much more!Whether you’re considering a procedure or just fascinated by the intersection of medicine and art, this episode is packed with insider insights, ethical dilemmas, and a few wild stories from Dr. Freund (like the time he spent 16 hours reattaching a model’s fingertip).Visit apolloneuro.com and use code: smartmd at checkout to get your hands on the wearable that Dr. Mitchell trusts.Need a certified mold inspector? Reach out to Joseph ReissPhone Number: 908-451-4592  Email: jprconsultants7929@gmail.comVisit Dr. Mitchell's website here: https://www.mitchellmedicalgroup.com