Recorded Lectures

Stanford doctors and researchers presenting the latest health information.

Recent Talks

Visit our YouTube channel for our complete video collection. Highlights include: lymphedema, macular degeneration, pelvic health, bipolar disorder, and more.


Understanding VO2 Max: Why Exercise Matters for Heart Health and Longevity

Jason V. Tso, MD, explains VO2 max, a simple measure of how well your body uses oxygen during activity, and why it is one of the strongest indicators of cardiovascular fitness and overall health. He shares how regular physical activity strengthens the heart, improves energy and endurance, lowers the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, and supports healthy aging.

 

Speaker

Jason V. Tso, MD, is a board-certified cardiologist and medical director of the Sports Cardiology Program at Stanford Health Care. He serves as team cardiologist for Stanford Athletics and the San Francisco 49ers, with expertise in athlete heart screening, performance evaluation, and management of cardiovascular conditions in athletes.

Understanding Memory Loss

Memory loss becomes more common with age and can be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease. Victor W. Henderson, MD, MS, discusses memory impairment, its relation to aging, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, and modern approaches to diagnosis and treatment.

 

Speaker

Victor Henderson, MD, MS, is professor in the Departments of Epidemiology & Population Health and Neurology & Neurological Sciences at Stanford University. He directs the NIH Farrukh–Jamal Stanford Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and co-directs the Stanford master’s degree program in epidemiology and clinical research. 

Understanding Long-Term and Post-Acute Care Options Under Medicare

Maha Justi gives overview of what Medicare does and doesn’t cover when it comes to skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and home health services. She explains how Medicare can work alongside Medicaid or long-term care insurance to help manage costs and plan for future care needs. Whether you’re a caregiver, new beneficiary, or healthcare professional, this session will help you navigate coverage options with confidence and avoid costly surprises.

 

Speaker

Maha Justi, HICAP Counselor. HICAP provides free and objective information and counseling about Medicare.

Bladder Leaks in Women: Causes & New Treatments Explained

Bertha Chen, MD, talks about the types, prevalence, and impact of female urinary incontinence. She shares treatment options ranging from lifestyle modifications and medications to surgical interventions and emerging therapies.

 

Speaker

Bertha Chen, MD, is a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Stanford University School of Medicine with specialization in urogynecology and reconstructive pelvic surgery.

The Longevity Advantage: How Strength Determines Healthspan

The latest science is transforming how we think about aging. Research now shows that muscle acts as a dynamic organ—fueling metabolism, protecting brain health, strengthening immunity, and driving recovery. Sarita Khemani, MD, shares the latest research and insights on how muscle strength predicts healthspan, the evidence-based strategies that can help you build resilience, and where future discoveries in muscle and longevity research are leading us.

 

Speaker

Sarita Khemani, MD, is a clinical associate professor of medicine at Stanford University specializing in perioperative medicine. She serves as Director of the Stanford Resilience and Longevity Initiative (STRIVE) in Hospital Medicine, which aims to enhance physical and cognitive resilience and promote long-term healthspan.

Unlocking Your Medicare Preventive Health Benefits

Maha Justi, HICAP Counselor, leads an informative session on how Medicare supports your health and independence through free preventive services. She explains the value of early detection, the difference between routine physicals and Annual Wellness Visits (AWVs), and how to make the most of screenings, immunizations, and mental health coverage. Learn how to use your benefits for healthy aging, fall prevention, and emotional well-being — plus practical tips and tools to stay on track year-round. Perfect for Medicare beneficiaries, caregivers, and wellness professionals. Let’s make prevention a priority!

 

Speaker

Maha Justi, HICAP Counselor. HICAP provides free and objective information and counseling about Medicare.

Heart Failure: Current Concepts in Diagnosis and Management

A heart failure diagnosis doesn’t mean stopping the activities you love. Eldrin Lewis, MD, MPH, outlines modern approaches to care from initial diagnostic workup to the Four Pillars of therapy—the foundational medications for heart failure. Dr. Lewis shares essential strategies for integrating quality of life into your care plan and empowering you to work with your doctor to prioritize your well-being and independence.

 

Speaker

Eldrin Lewis, MD, MPH, is Chief of the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and a professor at Stanford University School of Medicine. He is an internationally recognized expert in advanced heart failure, heart transplant, and improving quality of life for heart failure patients.

Understanding Erectile Dysfunction: Causes and Solutions

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects millions of men, yet it remains a difficult topic for many to discuss. Tony Chen, MD, gives a clear look at the physical roots of ED, including the impact of chronic disease and the side effects of common prescription medications and medical treatments. He shares actionable treatment options including lifestyle changes and medical interventions.

 

Speaker

Tony Chen, MD, is a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Urology at Stanford University School of Medicine. He diagnoses and treats male infertility, erectile dysfunction, Peyronie’s Disease, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), hypogonadism, and other disorders of the male genitourinary tract.

Modern Advances in Heart Attack Prevention

Heart attacks were once untreatable. Then, heart attacks became survivable. Today, heart attacks are preventable. Rupan Bose, MD, MB, discusses cutting-edge strategies to identify those at-risk for having a heart attack and strategies to implement and prevent heart attacks happening.

 

Speaker

Rupan Bose, MD, MB, is a cardiologist and clinical assistant professor in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at Stanford. He specializes in preventive cardiology, with a particular focus on identifying those high-risk individuals and populations who may be at a higher risk for heart attacks. He serves in the Stanford Preventive Cardiology clinic, the Stanford South Asian Translational Heart Initiative (SSATHI), and the Stanford Hospital inpatient cardiology services.

Medicare Open Enrollment 2026

Learn the key dates, upcoming plan changes, and how to compare Medicare coverage options. Whether you’re new to Medicare or reviewing your current plan, Maha Justi, HICAP Counselor of San Mateo County, will guide you through the information you need to make confident, informed decisions.

 

Speaker

Maha Justi, HICAP Counselor. HICAP provides free and objective information and counseling about Medicare.

Hearing Loss and Recovery

Konstantina Stankovic, MD, PhD, FACS, talks about how hearing functions in health, what goes wrong in disease, and how to repair what has gone wrong. She discusses preventive and therapeutic options for various types of hearing loss, highlights emerging technologies such as gene therapy and stem cell treatments, and introduces the scope of research from the Stanford Initiative to Cure Hearing Loss.

 

Speaker

Konstantina “Tina” Stankovic, MD, PhD, FACS, is the Bertarelli Foundation Professor and Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at Stanford School of Medicine, and professor, by courtesy, of Neurosurgery.

Better Sleep, Less Pain

Sleep and pain are closely connected – poor sleep can make pain worse, and pain can also make it harder to get quality sleep. Heather Poupore-King, PhD, and Samsuk Kim, PhD, explore the connection between sleep and pain, common habits and factors that disrupt sleep, and practical, evidence-based strategies for improving sleep and managing pain. They discuss tools and strategies, as well as the role of stress, emotions, and lifestyle factors in the sleep-pain connection.

 

Speakers

Heather Poupore-King, PhD, is a clinical associate professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Pain Medicine at Stanford School of Medicine and Director of the Pain Psychology Fellowship.

Samsuk Kim, PhD, is dual research and clinical T32 fellow at Stanford School of Medicine. Her research focuses on developing and testing innovative digital interventions for chronic pain.

Why Psychology Matters for Pain Relief

Traditional medical approaches to pain are important, but only address part of the problem. Beth Darnall, PhD, reviews evidence-based psychological and skills-based approaches that reduce suffering and increase function. She talks about treatments and shares resources to manage pain.

 

Speaker

Beth Darnall, PhD, is a professor of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine at Stanford School of Medicine and Director of the Stanford Pain Relief Innovations Lab. 

Women's Pain Management Across Their Lifespan

Kristen MacKenzie, MD, explores the history of how women's pain has been understood by the medical community and societal influences on pain perception. She describes the physical and emotional challenges women face during various life stages, including menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Dr. MacKenzie emphasizes the importance of early intervention and a comprehensive approach to pain management.

 

Speaker

Kristen MacKenzie, MD, is a clinical assistant professor and co-director of the Pelvic Pain Program in the Stanford Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine.

 

Unmasking Facial Pain: Exploring the Causes and Treatments

Meredith Barad, MD, discusses causes and treatments for the most common types of orofacial pain. She discusses burning mouth syndrome, temporomandibular dysfunction, neuralgia, and facial headaches.

 

Speaker

Meredith Barad, MD, is a board-certified neurologist, headache and pain physician whose primary focus is helping patients with head and facial pain. She has collaborated in creating a cross-disciplinary headache center and is the co-director of the Stanford Orofacial Pain Program.

 

Understanding Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Vivianne Tawfik, MD, PhD, discusses complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a mysterious form of chronic pain that arises after trauma or surgery on a limb. She gives an overview of this rare, but likely under-diagnosed, condition and highlights findings from her lab that point to immune system dysregulation as one possible driver.

 

Speaker

Vivianne Tawfik, MD, PhD, is associate professor and Vice-Chair of Research - Basic Science in the Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine at Stanford School of Medicine. 

Back on Track: Managing Low Back Pain

Joseph Liao, MD, discusses causes of chronic low back pain and explores new and effective minimally invasive treatments.

 

Speaker

Joseph Liao, MD, is a board-certified anesthesiologist, pain management specialist, and clinical instructor at the Stanford School of Medicine.

Navigating Life with Chronic Pain

Sean Mackey, MD, PhD, talks about chronic pain and its impact on daily life, highlighting the physical, emotional, and psychological challenges individuals face. He shares the multidisciplinary approach to pain management at Stanford, including medications, procedures, physical and occupational therapy, complementary and alternative medicine, and psychological and behavioral therapies.

 

Speaker

Sean Mackey, MD, PhD, is Redlich Professor of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Chief of the Division of Pain Medicine, and Director of the Stanford Systems Neuroscience and Pain Lab at Stanford University.

Don’t Miss a Beat: What Everyone Needs to Know about Heart Rhythm Problems

Paul Wang, MD, talks about how abnormal heart rhythms are detected, diagnosed, and treated. He shares current treatments and discusses potential future treatments.

 

Speaker

Paul Wang, MD, is the Director of the Cardiac Arrhythmia Service and Cardiac Electrophysiology and professor of medicine and bioengineering (by courtesy) at Stanford School of Medicine. Dr. Wang is an internationally recognized expert in heart rhythm problems. He co-invented new technologies that have been used in over one million patients.   

Running Injuries: Update on Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Michael Fredericson, MD, a sports medicine specialist, describes prevention and treatment strategies for the most common running injuries. He highlights the "Big Six" injuries including hamstring tendinopathy, patellofemoral pain, iliotibial band syndrome, tibial stress injuries, achilles tendinopathy, and plantar fasciitis.

 

Speaker

Michael Fredericson, MD, FACSM, is Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) at Stanford University and is Director of PM&R Sports Medicine in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Co-Director of the Stanford Longevity Center, and Founder of Lifestyle Medicine. He is the Head Team Physician for the Stanford Track & Field and Swimming Teams and a Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance member.

Medicare and Employer Health Insurance: Navigating Coverage While You Work

Are you working past age 65 and still covered by an employer health plan? Maha Justi, HICAP Counselor San Mateo County, discusses how Medicare interacts with your current coverage and guides you through the process of transitioning from an employer plan to Medicare. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls, including issues such as HSA excess contributions and COBRA coordination of benefits. 

 

Speaker

Maha Justi, HICAP Counselor of San Mateo County. HICAP provides free and objective information and counseling about Medicare.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap): What You Need to Know

Are you ready to take control of your healthcare costs? Medicare Supplement Insurance, or Medigap, offers essential coverage to help reduce out-of-pocket expenses in original Medicare. With highly regulated plans and limited enrollment windows, making the right decision at the right time is crucial.

 

Speaker

Maha Justi, HICAP Counselor of San Mateo County. HICAP provides free and objective information and counseling about Medicare.

Control High Blood Pressure for a Healthier Tomorrow

Jehan Bahrainwala, MD, FASN, provides an overview including risks, lifestyle changes, and treatment goals for maintaining healthy blood pressure. She talks about methods to measure blood pressure in the clinic and at home and shares information about emerging treatments.

 

Speaker

Jehan Bahrainwala, MD, FASN, is double board-certified in internal medicine and nephrology, and a fellowship-trained nephrologist with the Stanford Medicine Kidney Clinic.

Coughing up Answers: What is Causing Your Chronic Cough?

Lauren E. Eggert, MD, discusses the common causes, basic workup, and management of chronic cough.

 

Speaker

Lauren E. Eggert, MD, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained pulmonologist and a clinical assistant professor in the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine at Stanford School of Medicine.

Understanding (and Fighting!) Heart Disease Like Cancer

Michael McConnell, MD, MSEE, discusses a new approach to understanding, preventing, and treating heart disease to empower you and your loved ones to live long and healthy lives. His book, Fight Heart Disease Like Cancer, was published by Hopkins Press in January 2024. [All author royalties go to charity.]

 

Speaker

Michael McConnell, MD, MSEE, is a clinical professor of medicine at Stanford School of Medicine and has spent more than 25 years researching heart disease and practicing preventive cardiology. In 2022, Dr. McConnell was appointed by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to the Board of Directors of the National Fitness Foundation. 

Knee Osteoarthritis: Non-Operative Approaches to Treatment

Knee osteoarthritis affects more than 30 million Americans and is one of the most common causes of disability. Michael Fredericson, MD, discusses non-operative options before consideration of knee replacement surgery. He shares information about supplements, diet modifications, knee braces, shoe inserts, and injections.

 

Speaker

Michael Fredericson, MD, FACSM, is Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) at Stanford University and is Director of PM&R Sports Medicine in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Co-Director of the Stanford Longevity Center, and Founder of Lifestyle Medicine. He is the Head Team Physician for the Stanford Track & Field and Swimming Teams and a Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance member.

Consejos para comprender y vivir bien con la diabetes

Lety Wilke, enfermera titulada, habla sobre la prueba de A1c y la importancia de realizar un seguimiento de los niveles de glucosa en sangre a lo largo del tiempo para detectar problemas desde el inicio. Entienda cómo los carbohidratos cambian los niveles de glucemia (azúcar en sangre) y cómo leer las etiquetas nutricionales. Conozca los beneficios de la actividad física y escuche consejos para moverse más durante el día. Por último, Lety comparte las mejores prácticas para el almacenamiento seguro de medicamentos cuando está fuera de casa.

 

Speaker

Leticia Wilke, RN, MSN, ACNS-BC, BC-ADM, CDCES, es enfermera clínica especialista y educadora de diabetes en Stanford Health Care.

Healthy Change: Make it Fun. Make it Easy. Make it You.

Leah Groppo, MS, RD, shares evidence-based recommendations to go from just thinking about a healthy change to actually doing it and motivating you to get started today!

 

Speaker

Leah Groppo, RD, MS, BC-ADM, CDCES, Clinical Dietitian in Stanford’s Endocrinology Clinic and Diabetes Care Program.

Living Well: 7 Strategies Every Woman Needs to Know

There are seven specific things that women can do to promote a healthy, long life and guess what, they aren’t that hard! Join Karen Adams, MD, and learn how sleep, mood, sex, exercise, managing menopause symptoms, dietary choices, and connections help you live your best life, now and into your 90s and beyond.

 

Speaker

Karen E. Adams MD, FACOG, DipABLM, MSCP, clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology; Director Stanford Program in Menopause and Healthy Aging

Osteoporosis: Prevention and Treatment

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones lose mass and become weak and brittle. It affects 10 million people and causes two million fractures in the U.S. per year. Joy Wu, MD, Chief, Division of Endocrinology, discusses the testing, diagnosing, and treatment of osteoporosis. She describes the condition’s risk factors, who should get a bone density test (DXA), and what steps you can take to decrease your risk. Dr. Wu covers common medications such as Fosamax (Alendronate), Boniva (Ibandronate) and other osteoporosis medications, including the pros and cons of each. Finally, Dr. Wu answers many questions from the audience.

 

Speaker

Joy Wu, MD, PhD, is a board-certified endocrinologist who specializes in treating osteoporosis and other bone and mineral diseases. She is the Chief of the Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology and Metabolism and Vice Chair of Basic Science in the Department of Medicine at Stanford.

 

 

 


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