MED NATION

Hosted by CE Foot and Ankle

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Join Dr. Lanier and Dr. Farnen for a meaningful discussion on current medicine and healthcare industry issues.

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48 recent

June 1, 2026Episode 4818 min

48. How Wearable Neurostimulation Is Changing the Future of Diabetic Foot Care

Over 500 million people worldwide live with diabetes — and half of them develop diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a condition that steals sensation, invites wounds, and too often ends in amputation. In this episode of MED Nation, Dr. Yerusalem Lanier sits down with Greta Preatoni, CEO and Co-Founder of MYNERVA Medical, an ETH Zurich spin-off developing LEIA — a wearable, AI-powered neurostimulation sock designed to restore sensation and relieve chronic pain in DPN patients without medication or surgery.Greta shares the science behind LEIA, what the clinical data is showing, and what she observed firsthand during her recent visit to the United States — including surprising differences between European and American patients. If you treat diabetic patients, love you, or are one — this episode is for you.🦶 Cutting Edge Foot and Ankle: https://cefootandankle.com 📱 Instagram: @cefootandankle🔬 Learn more about MYNERVA & LEIA: https://www.mynerva.com

April 28, 2026Episode 4837 min

Why Knowing Better Isnt Enough: Breaking the Cycle of Chronic Illness & Addiction w Brooke LaBarbera

About our Guest: Brooke LaBarbera is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in addiction, trauma, and chronic illness. Based in Nashville, she utilizes EMDR and trauma-informed practices to help clients break their internal circuits of pain.Why do we keep doing things that hurt us, even when we know the consequences? In this powerful episode of MedNation, host Dr. David Farnan sits down with Nashville-based clinical therapist Brooke LaBarbera, LCSW, to bridge the gap between physical medicine and mental health.From her time on MTV’s The Real World to celebrating 10 years of recovery, Brooke shares her deeply personal journey and professional expertise on why patients with chronic illnesses—like diabetes and non-healing wounds—often get stuck in self-sabotaging loops.Notable Moments:[00:00] Intro: Why patients ignore medical advice.[04:15] Brooke’s story: From The Real World to 10 years of sobriety.[09:30] The patient dilemma: Is it self-sabotage or trauma?[14:20] Advice for burnt-out doctors: The power of being honest.[22:10] EMDR explained[29:45] What is Trauma-Informed Care? Simple tips for every medical practice."Real recovery isn't just about the right medicine; it’s about having the courage to believe you deserve a better life."In this episode, we dive into:The Shame Spiral: How low self-esteem and "soul sickness" prevent patients from believing they deserve to get healthy.The "Insight Gap": Why logical knowledge doesn’t always lead to behavioral change.Trauma & Inflammation: The connection between CPTSD, unresolved emotional pain, and physical flare-ups (including Brooke’s battle with Lyme disease and Dr. Farnan’s Type 1 Diabetes journey).EMDR & Healing: How reprocessing trauma can literally reduce inflammation and allow the body to heal.Trauma-Informed Care: Advice for healthcare providers on being blunt, breaking through the "elephant in the room," and creating a safe space for patients to breathe.Connect with MedNation: ✨ Subscribe for more deep dives into the intersection of healthcare and the real world. 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @CuttingEdgeFootAndAnkle#MedNation #ChronicIllness #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthMatters #TraumaInformed #DiabetesManagement #EMDR #PhysicalTherapy #MedTwitter #PatientCare

February 18, 202624 min

Why Toenail Fungus Is So Stubborn & What Toe FX Does About It with Dr. Irit Van-Ham

In this episode of MedNation, Dr. Farnen and Dr. Irit Van-Ham break down why toenail fungus is so persistent and difficult to eliminate.Dr. Van-Ham explains the biology behind fungal nail infections—why they thrive under the nail plate, resist many over-the-counter treatments, and often return even after months of therapy. She also dives into how ToeFX works, outlining why this advanced light-based technology is proving to be an effective, non-invasive solution for treating stubborn toenail fungus.Tune in to learn what makes toenail fungus so resilient—and what actually works to treat it.

January 9, 2024Episode 3015 min

30. Don't Forget To Do An Annual Visit!

Join Dr. Farnen and Hanyi in a compelling episode as they delve into the critical topic of the annual health visit, emphasizing its significance for young individuals. In a world where youth often equates to invincibility, this conversation unveils the surprising revelations that can emerge from routine blood work. Whether you feel healthy or energetic, this episode will challenge preconceptions and underscore the importance of proactive health management. Tune in for valuable insights that could reshape your perspective on well-being.Cutting Edge Foot and Ankle: Website: https://cefootandankle.com/ Instagram: @cefootandankle

March 28, 2025Episode 4234 min

42. Biohacking the Future: Longevity, Recovery, and the Power of the Mind with Dr. Mike Van Thielen

In this episode of MedNation, Dr. David Farnen sits down with Dr. Mike Van Thielen—licensed physical therapist, acupuncturist, PhD in holistic nutrition, and biohacking expert. From molecular hydrogen to PEMF therapy, they explore cutting-edge strategies to optimize health, reverse biological age, and enhance foot and ankle recovery. Dr. Mike breaks down his three-phase approach to self-optimization and emphasizes the crucial role of mindset in healing. Whether you're a clinician, athlete, or curious patient, this episode delivers actionable insights on upgrading your body, mind, and life.Cutting Edge Foot and Ankle: Website: https://cefootandankle.com/ Instagram: @cefootandankle

September 5, 2023Episode 2715 min

27. A Journey into Facial Plastic Surgery with Dr. Ashley Guthrie

In this episode of MED NATION, Dr. Farnen and Dr. Lanier are joined by the talented Dr. Ashley Guthrie, a dynamic force in facial plastic surgery. Dr. Guthrie's journey is inspiring as she opened her practice right after completing her fellowship.The conversation delves deep into Dr. Guthrie's unique approach to cosmetic plastic surgery, emphasizing personalized care and patient education. She shares fascinating insights into the most common procedures and trends she's observed over the past few years, revealing a growing interest in minimally invasive treatments and a desire for more natural-looking results.Amid the discussion, Dr. Guthrie tackles the complex issue of beauty standards, highlighting the importance of helping patients define their sense of beauty while challenging societal norms. The trio explores the impact of social media on patient expectations, emphasizing the need for open and honest communication.As the episode concludes, Dr. Guthrie shares a heartwarming patient success story that showcases the profound impact of her work on her patients' self-confidence and well-being.Contacts Dr. Ashley Guthrie | https://www.drashleyguthrie.com/ | 615-880-9500Cutting Edge Foot and Ankle: Website: https://cefootandankle.com/ Instagram: @cefootandankle

March 4, 2024Episode 3214 min

31. Podiatry Care in Tennessee State Prison System

Join us for an insightful conversation as we delve into the world of healthcare within the prison system. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Lanier, a podiatrist, and Olivia, a physician assistant, who share their experiences and expertise in providing medical care to inmates within the Tennessee State Prison System.From addressing common foot and ankle issues to navigating unique challenges within a correctional facility, Dr. Lanier and Olivia provide valuable insights into the complexities of delivering healthcare behind bars. They discuss the importance of preventive care, collaboration with other healthcare professionals, and the ethical considerations involved in treating incarcerated individuals.Through engaging discussions and firsthand accounts, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the realities of healthcare within the prison system and the dedicated professionals working to ensure the well-being of inmates. Whether you're curious about the day-to-day operations of prison healthcare or interested in the broader implications for inmate rehabilitation, this episode offers a compelling exploration of a vital yet often overlooked aspect of the healthcare landscape. Tune in to learn more about the challenges, rewards, and critical role of healthcare providers in promoting inmate health and wellness.Cutting Edge Foot and Ankle: Website: https://cefootandankle.com/ Instagram: @cefootandankle

January 6, 2025Episode 4031 min

40. Foot Health and Golf Performance with Colin McCarthy

In this episode of Med Nation, host Dr. David Farnen, a board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon based in Nashville, Tennessee, explores the dynamic connection between foot health and golf performance. Joined by social media influencer, golf guru, and coach Colin McCarthy, the discussion dives into the physical demands of golf, the importance of proper footwork, and the surprising role fascia mirroring plays in athletic performance.Colin shares his journey from a passionate young golfer to an accomplished coach and offers insights into how understanding balance and movement can transform a player's game. Together, they discuss common foot and ankle issues in golfers, such as plantar fasciitis and overuse injuries, while emphasizing preventative care, including proper footwear and stretching routines.Listeners will gain actionable tips for improving their game, from the importance of tempo and lateral stability to the benefits of dance for building balance and awareness. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned pro, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring stories to keep your feet—and your game—in top shape. Tune in and discover why a strong foundation is key to a great swing.Cutting Edge Foot and Ankle: Website: https://cefootandankle.com/ Instagram: @cefootandankle

July 26, 2024Episode 3637 min

36. Debunking the Myths: Why Weight Loss Drugs Like Ozempic Aren’t the Ultimate Solution

In this episode of Mednation, Dr. Farnen is joined by Sami Inkinen, CEO and co-founder of Virta Health, to discuss the rising popularity and misconceptions surrounding weight loss drugs like Ozempic. Sami shares his unique journey from endurance athlete to healthcare pioneer, driven by a personal battle with pre-diabetes. Together, they delve into the effectiveness and limitations of GLP-1 drugs, emphasizing the necessity of sustainable lifestyle changes, particularly in nutrition, for managing obesity and type 2 diabetes.Key points include:The historical context and mechanism of GLP-1 drugs.The short-term benefits versus long-term challenges of relying solely on these medications.The critical role of personalized nutrition and lifestyle changes in reversing type 2 diabetes.Virta Health's innovative approach and real-world success in managing metabolic health through technology and individualized care.Listeners will gain valuable insights into why a holistic approach, rather than a quick-fix solution, is essential for lasting health improvements. Tune in to learn more about the transformative potential of nutrition and sustainable practices in managing chronic conditions.Cutting Edge Foot and Ankle: Website: https://cefootandankle.com/ Instagram: @cefootandankle

October 28, 2024Episode 3837 min

The Joy Prescription: How Joy Transforms Healthcare, Success, and Well-Being with Kevin Surace

In this episode of MED Nation, Dr. Yerusalem Lanier sits down with Kevin Surace, a serial entrepreneur, technologist, and advocate for the role of joy in achieving success. Kevin shares his personal philosophy: joy isn’t merely a fleeting feeling but a key to unlocking personal and professional success. He explains the "joy equals success" approach, emphasizing how joy reduces stress, improves health, and enhances productivity.Kevin provides practical tips for healthcare professionals to incorporate joy into their daily routines, even in high-stress environments. He highlights strategies like using AI to automate tasks, reducing internal and external complaints, and reframing challenging situations to find positive outcomes.Dr. Lanier and Kevin also discuss how joy impacts physical health by lowering cortisol levels, improving sleep, and boosting dopamine production. The conversation offers a transformative perspective for healthcare professionals and anyone looking to prioritize joy in their lives.Listeners are encouraged to implement Kevin’s “one-complaint-a-day” challenge and to explore the potential of joy in driving overall well-being. To learn more about Kevin’s work, visit kevinsurace.com.Cutting Edge Foot and Ankle: Website: https://cefootandankle.com/ Instagram: @cefootandankle