Local Allergies, National Telehealth, and Global Health Advocacy w/ Dr. Payel Gupta (Ep. #33)

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Dr. Payel Gupta, a powerhouse in the medical field, brings a wealth of expertise as a Triple Board Certified physician in Allergy & Immunology, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics. With a passion for each specialty, she shares insights into their individual impacts and personal significance. Alongside fellow allergy sufferer Kortney, she co-hosts "The Itch" Podcast, a platform dedicated to providing invaluable resources and information on allergies and immunologic conditions.

EPISODE 33

Breaking Barriers: Dr. Payel Gupta's Allergy Expertise and Experience in the Telehealth Revolution

Dr. Payel Gupta shares a deeply personal connection to her field of Allergy and Immunology. Suffering from various allergic conditions herself and with a family history of asthma and allergies, Dr. Gupta understands firsthand the genetic predisposition to these conditions. She explains that while having a family history increases the likelihood of developing allergies, the specific allergies one may have can vary. Being "atopic," which refers to having any allergic conditions such as asthma, eczema, or allergies of the eyes and nose, underscores the genetic and variable nature of these health issues.

Early Treatment and Prevention of Asthma

Dr. Gupta highlights the benefits of early allergy treatment, particularly in preventing asthma. She notes that treating a child who is monosensitive (having only one allergy) with immunotherapy can prevent the development of asthma. She explains that a child's response to albuterol, a medication used through a nebulizer, can be indicative of asthma. For children with asthma, she suggests using an inhaled steroid as a preventative treatment during cold and flu seasons to manage worsening symptoms triggered by viral infections.

The Role of Medical History in Allergy Diagnosis

Understanding a patient's medical history is crucial in diagnosing and treating allergies, especially in young children who might be too young for certain tests. Dr. Gupta, triple-board certified in Allergy and Immunology, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics, emphasizes the importance of this background in tailoring treatment plans. Her specialized training allows her to treat patients of all ages and manage various allergic conditions, making her passionate about treating asthma patients due to the impact it has on different parts of the body.

Telehealth: Expanding Access to Care

Dr. Gupta’s involvement with telemedicine, particularly through asynchronous consults, has revolutionized patient care in Allergy and Immunology. Asynchronous telemedicine allows providers to evaluate patient information and send recommendations at a later time, while synchronous telemedicine involves real-time video consultations. This approach, particularly beneficial during the pandemic, enabled Dr. Gupta and her team to see thousands of patients, facilitating better access to care for those with busy schedules or living in remote areas.

Telemedicine offers significant benefits, especially for patients with local allergies and those in rural areas. Dr. Gupta shares her experience with platforms like Life MD, which offer direct-to-consumer models providing ease of access and convenience. However, she acknowledges the risks and limitations, such as the need for in-person evaluations for certain conditions. Despite these challenges, advancements in technology have made remote diagnosis and treatment more feasible, improving patient quality of life by reducing the need for travel.

Advocacy and Education in Allergy Awareness

Dr. Gupta and patient blogger Kortney co-founded The "Itch" podcast, focusing on allergies and allergic conditions. Their collaboration began as a passion project and has grown into an educational platform supported by the Allergy and Asthma Network. The podcast and associated website provide extensive resources on allergies, with content ranging from blog posts to detailed episodes on topics like early introduction of allergens in babies.

Dr. Gupta’s passion for global health stems from her upbringing and observations of healthcare disparities worldwide. Influenced by her father's dedication to helping others, she has volunteered in countries with limited healthcare resources, such as Liberia and Nepal. She draws inspiration from the late Dr. Paul Farmer, co-founder of Partners in Health, whose work focused on partnering with local healthcare systems to strengthen them. Dr. Gupta emphasizes the importance of doctors in all specialties getting involved in global health initiatives to improve healthcare access and systems worldwide.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Dr. Gupta aims to make a larger impact on global health in the second half of her life. She remains dedicated to her work in Allergy and Immunology, telehealth innovations, and global health advocacy, striving to create meaningful change in the world. Dr. Payel Gupta’s journey illustrates the intersection of personal experience, professional expertise, and a commitment to improving health outcomes through innovation, education, and advocacy.

ABOUT Dr. Payel Gupta

Dr. Payel Gupta completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and majored in biopsychology and religion. She earned her medical degree from the College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University and then pursued a residency in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. She then moved to New York City and did a fellowship in allergy and immunology at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center.

Dr. Gupta is currently an Assistant Clinical Professor at SUNY Downstate Medical Center and a voluntary clinical instructor at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York. She is triple board-certified and holds certifications from the American Board of Allergy and Immunology, the American Board of Internal Medicine, and the American Board of Pediatrics. She is practicing in New York City treating both adult and pediatric patients with asthma, environmental allergies, allergic skin conditions, immune disorders and food allergies. She is the Medical Director of Allergy, Asthma, Immunology & ENT for LifeMD.com and owner of the Ease Allergy Clinic.

She is a member of a number of professional organizations including the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and the American College of Allergy and Immunology, where she serves at the Chair of the Integrative Medicine Committee. She is past-president for the New York Allergy and Asthma Society for 2020-2021. Dr. Gupta has a strong interest in global health and was on sabbatical from 2011 to 2013 where she volunteered her clinical skills in Liberia, Nepal and India. She has also volunteered in Haiti, Tanzania, Peru, and Honduras.

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