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Transforming Diabetes Care with Dr. Sandra Indacochea-Sobel

Arti Thangudu, MD

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🎙 Episode 3 | Endocrine Matters Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sandra Sobel, a board-certified endocrinologist, lifestyle medicine specialist, and obesity expert based in Pittsburgh. Dr. Sobel shares her journey from practicing in traditional clinical settings to founding her direct care practice, Summon Health, where she delivers comprehensive, patient-centered care.

We discuss the limitations of conventional endocrinology, the importance of lifestyle medicine, and how direct care can provide more personalized and effective treatments. Dr. Sobel also highlights the need for cultural and systemic change in the medical field, encouraging physicians to explore innovative models to better serve their patients.

If you are a patient struggling with diabetes management or a physician looking for ways to transform your practice, this is a must-listen!

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Key Topics & Timestamps

Skip to specific parts of the episode:

  • 06:30 Challenges in Traditional Practice: How administrative pressures hinder patient care.

  • 12:45 Lifestyle Medicine in Endocrinology: The importance of addressing nutrition, sleep, and exercise.

  • 20:15 Moving Beyond Diabetes Management: Why focusing on root causes can lead to diabetes remission.

  • 27:00 Direct Care Benefits: How personalized care improves patient outcomes.

  • 33:45 Barriers in Insurance-Based Systems: Why lifestyle medicine struggles in traditional models.

  • 40:10 Personal Health Transformation: Dr. Sobel’s own experience with lifestyle changes.

  • 47:15 Advice for Physicians: Encouraging exploration of nontraditional practice models.

  • 54:00 Closing Reflections: The critical need for systemic change in healthcare.

Episode Highlights

Key Takeaways:

  • The limitations of traditional endocrinology practices, including time constraints and administrative pressures.

  • The role of lifestyle medicine and nutrition in improving metabolic health, diabetes care, and overall patient outcomes.

  • The lack of formal nutrition training in medical education and its impact on endocrinology practice.

  • How direct care enables deeper patient relationships, personalized care, and the flexibility to address root causes rather than merely managing symptoms.

  • The challenges and rewards of transitioning to an alternative practice model, focusing on aligning patient care with professional values.

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