In this episode of the Optispan Podcast, host Matt welcomes Dr. Kevin White, a concierge physician with a focus on healthspan and longevity. The discussion begins with a breakdown of what concierge medicine entails, how it differs from traditional primary care, and why more physicians and patients are turning to this model. Dr. White shares how his background in emergency medicine influenced his transition into longevity-focused care and highlights the benefits of deeper, more personalized doctor-patient relationships. The episode also addresses common misconceptions, including the belief that concierge medicine is only accessible to the ultra-wealthy, and how patients can often use health savings accounts to offset costs.

Dr. White walks listeners through his clinic’s approach to onboarding patients, which includes comprehensive health questionnaires, in-depth initial consultations, and a robust panel of diagnostic tests. These include blood work that goes beyond typical primary care labs, incorporating markers such as ApoB, fasting insulin, C-peptide, expanded lipid panels, and full hormone profiles. Additional tools like DEXA scans, VO2 max testing, CGMs, and epigenetic testing are used to establish personalized baselines and monitor healthspan. Matt and Dr. White also discuss the limitations and motivational utility of biological age tests, noting their psychological impact and potential for both positive behavior change and misinterpretation.

The episode delves into advanced diagnostic options, such as clearly-enhanced coronary CT angiograms and the Galleri multi-cancer detection test. Dr. White shares how these tests are used selectively based on risk stratification and patient goals. They also touch on the differences between whole-body MRIs and targeted scans, and the value of understanding individual risk profiles to guide testing decisions. Both Matt and Dr. White emphasize the importance of addressing cardiovascular disease—the leading cause of death—and why proactive imaging can be a crucial tool in longevity medicine.

Matt and Dr. White also explore the integration of AI and digital tools into concierge medicine. From using transcription and large language models to summarize patient visits, to AI-assisted literature reviews and diagnostics, Dr. White describes how technology is reducing administrative burden and enhancing clinical decision-making. They agree that AI will likely have its earliest and most transformative applications in concierge and longevity-focused care due to its data-intensive and personalized nature.

Finally, the episode closes with a discussion about the current landscape of longevity medicine and the need for a stronger network of scientifically rigorous clinicians. Dr. White reflects on his experience attending both scientific and alternative medicine conferences, and he and Matt express a shared desire to help unify the space under a more credible and evidence-based banner. They emphasize the need for transparency, critical thinking, and curiosity as foundational principles in the growing field of healthspan-focused concierge medicine.