00:00:00 Dr. Payel Gupta shares her personal connection to Allergy and Immunology as she herself suffers from various allergic conditions and has a family history of asthma and allergies. She explains that there is a genetic predisposition to allergic conditions, making it more likely for children to develop allergies if their parents have them. However, not everyone with a family history of allergies will develop the same allergies. Dr. Gupta discusses the concept of being "atopic," which refers to having any of the allergic conditions such as asthma, eczema, or allergies of the eyes and nose. She emphasizes that having a family history of allergies increases the likelihood of developing any of these conditions, but the specific allergies one may have can vary.

00:05:00 In this section of the podcast episode, Dr. Gupta discusses the potential benefits of early allergy treatment and prevention of asthma. She explains that if a child is monosensitive, meaning they have only one allergy, treating that allergy with immunotherapy can prevent the development of asthma. Dr. Guptas interlocutor shares her concern about her son's weak lungs and frequent use of a nebulizer during cold and flu seasons. Dr. Gupta explains that a child's response to albuterol, a medication used through a nebulizer, is a defining characteristic of asthma. She also suggests using a preventative treatment, an inhaled steroid, during cold and flu seasons for children with asthma who experience worsening symptoms with viral infections.

00:10:00 Dr. Gupta discusses the importance of understanding a patient's medical history in diagnosing and treating allergies, particularly in children who may be too young for certain tests. She explains that inflammation in the airways can be managed with various medications and that the decision to prescribe these medications depends on the child's history and ability to follow instructions. Dr. Gupta is a triple-board certified doctor in Allergy and Immunology, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics, and she shares that she chose this specialized training to be able to treat patients of all ages and sub-specialize in various areas. She expresses her passion for Allergy and Immunology, particularly in treating asthma patients, as it allows her to treat various conditions affecting different parts of the body.

00:15:00 In this section of the YouTube video titled "Local Allergies, National Telehealth, and Global Health Advocacy with Dr. Payel Gupta (Ep. 33)," Dr. Gupta expresses her passion for helping asthma patients and announces the Physician's Financial Summit in Chicago in 2024. She clarifies that the summit is not about free dinners or financial advice but an opportunity to learn the financial playbook that allowed her to retire at 33. Dr. Gupta then shifts the conversation to discuss eosinophil esophagitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the esophagus caused by an overabundance of eosinophils. She explains the importance of understanding medical terminology and the naming conventions of conditions and medications. Lastly, she shares her experience of co-founding Cleared, a telehealth platform dedicated to allergic diseases, which was acquired by LIF md.com in 2022. The pandemic provided the perfect timing for the growth of telehealth, and Dr. Gupta's personal circumstances during that time also influenced her decision to fully commit to the venture.

00:20:00 Dr. Gupta dives into her experience with telemedicine, specifically asynchronous consults, during the building of her company, Clear. Asynchronous telemedicine allows providers to evaluate patient information at a later time and send recommendations, while synchronous telemedicine involves real-time video consultations. Dr. Gupta and her team focused on asynchronous consults, which required significant effort but ultimately allowed them to see thousands of patients. The acquisition of Clear by Life MD, a primary care and obesity medicine company, led to a shift in focus, but telemedicine remains an active and essential tool for Life MD, providing consultations to patients who struggle to prioritize their health due to busy schedules.

00:25:00 Dr. Payel Gupta discusses the benefits of telemedicine, particularly for patients with local allergies and those living in rural areas. She shares her experience as a provider who can offer consultations remotely, allowing her to better serve patients and accommodate their schedules. Telemedicine platforms like Life MD, a direct-to-consumer model, offer ease of access and convenience for patients, enabling them to receive care at any time. However, Dr. Gupta acknowledges the risks involved for doctors in making recommendations based on patient-submitted information and the limitations of telemedicine for certain conditions that require in-person evaluation or procedures. She also highlights the advancements in technology that enable remote diagnosis and treatment, especially in rural areas where access to care is limited.

00:30:00 In this section of the podcast episode titled "Local Allergies, National Telehealth, and Global Health Advocacy with Dr. Payel Gupta (Ep. 33)," Dr. Gupta discusses the benefits of telemedicine, specifically in rural areas where specialists may not be easily accessible. She mentions a company called Arista MD, which facilitates peer-to-peer consults between rural healthcare providers and specialists. Through this platform, rural healthcare providers can consult with specialists, make diagnoses, and recommend treatments without the need for patients to travel long distances. Dr. Gupta also discusses the potential limitations of this system, such as advanced conditions that may require in-person consultations. She emphasizes the importance of telemedicine in improving patient quality of life by reducing travel time and the impact on work and school. Despite the advancements in telemedicine, there is still resistance from some providers and education is ongoing. Dr. Gupta also mentions her involvement with the Allergy & Asthma Network and their advocacy work.

00:35:00 Dr. Payel Gupta discusses how her and patient blogger Kortney started The "Itch" podcast, which focuses on allergies and allergic conditions. They initially met in Washington D.C. while advocating for different health-related bills and bonded over their shared passion for raising awareness about allergies. In 2019, they decided to create a podcast as a passion project, with Dr. Gupta providing medical expertise and Courtney sharing her experiences as a patient. They began producing deep-dive episodes and interviews, eventually gaining the support of the Allergy and Asthma Network. Now, they work closely with the organization to create educational content and have expanded their reach through grants and sponsorships. Their website, which houses their podcast recordings, has also become an extensive educational resource for anyone interested in learning more about allergies.

00:40:00 In this section, Dr. Gupta discusses the various ways they provide education about health conditions through their platform. They have had interns help write blog posts and provide education in different formats, including podcasts, blogs, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Dr. Gupta emphasizes the importance of making health information accessible to people in various ways, as everyone learns differently. She also mentions a specific episode they did on early introduction of allergens in babies, which went against the previous belief that delaying the introduction of allergens could help prevent food allergies. New studies, such as the LEAP study, have shown that early introduction of allergens, starting around four to six months, can actually help prevent allergies.

00:45:00 Dr. Gupta explains the importance of early and sustained introduction of allergens to prevent food allergies. She emphasizes that it's not a one-time process but requires daily or every other day doses of the allergen. Dr. Gupta recommends introducing each nut individually and not relying on nut blends to avoid confusion if a reaction occurs. She also advises against introducing multiple new foods in one day and instead suggests trying one food at a time with some time in between. According to Dr. Gupta, symptoms of a nut allergy usually appear within the first 30 minutes and can range from hives and vomiting to more severe reactions. She reassures parents that most reactions do not result in ICU admission and encourages them to remain calm and treat early if they suspect an allergic reaction.

00:50:00 Dr. Gupta discusses her experience as an allergist and the process of food introductions for children with allergies. She reassures parents that they do not need to have an EpiPen ready when introducing new foods to their infants, as severe reactions are not common during the initial introduction. Dr. Gupta also shares her passion for global health, which stems from her upbringing and observing the lack of healthcare access in various countries, including Haiti, Liberia, Nepal, India, and Peru. She emphasizes the importance of doctors in all specialties getting involved in global health initiatives. Dr. Gupta's passion for global health was fueled by her father's dedication to helping others and her own experiences in countries with limited healthcare resources. She has volunteered in Liberia, Nepal, and other countries to provide medical care and improve healthcare systems.

00:55:00 The speaker shares her personal experience of meeting and being inspired by the late Dr. Paul Farmer, the co-founder of Partners in Health. The organization aims to partner with local healthcare systems to uplift and strengthen them. Dr. Farmer's work began in Haiti and expanded to Africa, the Navajo Nation, and South America. The speaker describes him as a passionate and brilliant man who wrote numerous books on global health. She also shares how meeting Dr. Farmer made her aware of her privileges and the importance of empathy and perseverance in making a difference in global health. The speaker expresses her hope to use her knowledge and skills to create a more meaningful impact in the second half of her life. She concludes by expressing her condolences for the loss of Dr. Farmer, who had an immeasurable impact on many lives.

01:00:00 In this section of the interview, Dr. Payel Gupta discusses the complexities of improving healthcare systems around the world. She identifies a combination of factors as crucial for a robust healthcare system, including resources, education, technology, and access to specialists. Dr. Gupta acknowledges that it's a broad economic question and suggests that government involvement and public compassion are potential solutions. She emphasizes the importance of awareness, understanding, and action to address healthcare disparities globally. For her future plans, Dr. Gupta remains focused on her work and does not provide specific details about her goals beyond 2024.

01:05:00 Dr. Gupta expresses her desire to make a meaningful impact on the world on a larger scale in the second half of her life. She is grateful for the opportunity to discuss her work and answer questions from the host, Nate Crannell. Dr. Gupta appreciates the thoughtful questions and looks forward to their paths crossing again in the future.