In this episode, we’re joined by gastroenterologist Dr. Brad Pasternak who talks about how his personal experience with ulcerative colitis inspired him to become a pediatric gastroenterologist. Dr. Pasternak realized he needed to advocate for policies that increase access to care after seeing his patients face denied treatments by insurance. He shares the tremendous effect that harmful policies have on the medical community, in delaying treatment for patients and getting in the way of shared decision-making. Finally, he leaves us with hope, discussing the advancements in treatment for inflammatory bowel disease.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:23: Dr. Pasternak shares his personal journey into gastroenterology influenced by his own diagnosis with ulcerative colitis and his love for working with children

04:08: Dr. Pasternak discusses his recent shift towards advocacy, driven by the challenges posed by insurance policies and his desire to fight for better patient care

06:05: Dr. Pasternak recounts his advocacy efforts, including a significant meeting that led to a change in a health plan’s approval process for biologic treatments

10:27: Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, and Dr. Pasternak delve into the complexities of health policy advocacy, the slow process of legislative change, and the interactions with policymakers

12:14: Dr. Pasternak explains the burdensome process of prior authorizations and appeals in medical practice, highlighting its impact on medical professionals and patients

16:41: Dr. Pasternak outlines the advancements in patient outcomes over the years due to newer, more effective therapies that aim to heal rather than just treat symptoms

18:46: Dr. Pasternak encourages medical providers and patients to persist in advocacy and fight against inefficient and unjust medical policies

21:10: Dr. Pasternak mentions his local advocacy work, which often yields quicker results than federal efforts, emphasizing the importance of physician involvement in legislative processes

23:12: What our hosts learned from this episode

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

In this episode, we’re joined by gastroenterologist Dr. Brad Pasternak who talks about how his personal experience with ulcerative colitis inspired him to become a pediatric gastroenterologist. Dr. Pasternak realized he needed to advocate for policies that increase access to care after seeing his patients face denied treatments by insurance. He shares the tremendous effect that harmful policies have on the medical community, in delaying treatment for patients and getting in the way of shared decision-making. Finally, he leaves us with hope, discussing the advancements in treatment for inflammatory bowel disease.
Among the highlights in this episode:
01:23: Dr. Pasternak shares his personal journey into gastroenterology influenced by his own diagnosis with ulcerative colitis and his love for working with children
04:08: Dr. Pasternak discusses his recent shift towards advocacy, driven by the challenges posed by insurance policies and his desire to fight for better patient care
06:05: Dr. Pasternak recounts his advocacy efforts, including a significant meeting that led to a change in a health plan’s approval process for biologic treatments
10:27: Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, and Dr. Pasternak delve into the complexities of health policy advocacy, the slow process of legislative change, and the interactions with policymakers
12:14: Dr. Pasternak explains the burdensome process of prior authorizations and appeals in medical practice, highlighting its impact on medical professionals and patients
16:41: Dr. Pasternak outlines the advancements in patient outcomes over the years due to newer, more effective therapies that aim to heal rather than just treat symptoms
18:46: Dr. Pasternak encourages medical providers and patients to persist in advocacy and fight against inefficient and unjust medical policies
21:10: Dr. Pasternak mentions his local advocacy work, which often yields quicker results than federal efforts, emphasizing the importance of physician involvement in legislative processes
23:12: What our hosts learned from this episode
Contact Our Hosts
Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: <a href="mailto:snewmark@ghlf.org">snewmark@ghlf.org</a>
Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: <a href="mailto:zrothblatt@ghlf.org">zrothblatt@ghlf.org</a>
A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.
We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to <a href="mailto:podcasts@ghlf.org">podcasts@ghlf.org</a>
Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

A podcast that breaks down major health news of the week to help you make sense of it all. Our goal is to help you understand what’s happening in the healthcare world to help you make informed decisions to live your best life.

A podcast that breaks down major health news of the week to help you make sense of it all. Our goal is to help you understand what&rsquo;s happening in the healthcare world to help you make informed decisions to live your best life.

The Health Advocates

A podcast that breaks down major health news of the week to help you make sense of it all. Our goal is to help you understand what’s happening in the healthcare world to help you make informed decisions to live your best life. The podcast is part of the Global Healthy Living Foundation Podcast Network and hosted by Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, and Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF.

A podcast that breaks down major health news of the week to help you make sense of it all. Our goal is to help you understand what’s happening in the healthcare world to help you make informed decisions to live your best life. The podcast is part of the Global Healthy Living Foundation Podcast Network and hosted by Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, and Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF.

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