Ditch The Labcoat Podcast: A Passion For Evidence-Based Medicine

  With RFK Jr. and his MAHA movement at the helm of health care policy in the United States, we desperately need accurate health information that's not tainted by confirmation bias and medieval thinking.

 There is a surfeit of podcasts that copy Science Vs, which examines various topics, pitting scientific evidence against popular trends, opinions, or claims. One of the best is Ditch The Labcoat with creator/host Dr. Mark Bonta.

 Here's what Dr. Bonta says to listeners: "Welcome to Ditch the Labcoat. Your go-to medical education podcast, where we go beyond traditional healthcare narratives. Our platform offers insightful discussions on healthcare, research, and medical breakthroughs, making it one of the best educational podcasts for both industry professionals and curious minds."

You'll be delighted to know that Dr. Bonta keeps that promise. The show delves into everything from debunking influencer myths to exploring raw milk and addressing misconceptions about food allergies. 

The show began in February 2024 and has kept a consistent schedule. The episodes run close to an hour, and when necessary, Dr. Bonta will produce multipart episodes instead of one mammoth three-hour show.

In the early days of the show, Dr. Bonta seemed to emphasize legal insulation over information, with his show notes starting with this disclaimer: "The Ditch Labcoat podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not serve as a substitute for professional medical services such as medicine or nursing. It does not establish a doctor/patient relationship, and the use of information from the podcast or linked materials is at the user's own risk. The content does not aim to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and users should promptly seek guidance from healthcare professionals for any medical conditions."

The show notes, sparse and at the end of that legal mumbo jumbo, were probably read as often as a tech company's legal agreement. Thankfully, the good doctor has felt more comfortable and now prioritizes show notes to attract listeners.

The podcast informs us that, "Dr. Mark Bonta is a trusted expert in medical education, dedicated to helping people make informed healthcare decisions. As the host of one of the best educational podcasts, he makes complex medical topics easy to understand."

Despite the self-aggrandizement, Dr. Bonta is an excellent podcast host. Unlike Andrew Huberman, who is apparently an expert in all medical specialties, Dr. Bonta lets his medical guests do the heavy lifting on specialized medical information. His interviews are paced nicely with no information overload. 

Further, Dr. Bonta takes the time and intellectual energy to consider various sides of a medical issue.  

One of my favorite episodes was a released on June 25th. In that show, Dr. Bonta interviewed Martin Bromiley: airline captain, human factors champion, and founder of the Clinical Human Factors Group. But before he became a global advocate for patient safety, Martin faced unimaginable tragedy when his wife, Elaine, died following what was supposed to be a routine surgical procedure in 2005.

 Dr. Bonta says: "In this conversation, we explore not just the events that launched his mission, but the broader issues of humility, communication, and system design. We talk about “can’t intubate, can’t ventilate” scenarios, reflect on the evolution of patient safety culture, and crack open the stubborn problem of medical hierarchy. Martin’s story isn’t just one of systemic frustration; it’s also one of hope and tangible change."

Here, Dr. Bonta is at his most empathetic and adept at interviewing a man who lost his wife to a medical mistake. Guiding him skillfully through the interview, Dr. Bonta carefully unveils Mr. Bromiley's well-considered ideas on prioritizing patient safety, much like the checklists used for airline pilots.

 In the May 21st episode, Dr. Bonta goes influencer mythbusting with Dr. Samir Gupta, a leading Canadian health communicator, clinician, and respirologist known for translating the complex world of medical research into practical advice you can trust. Together, they sift fact from fiction on everything from the cardiovascular perks of sauna bathing (is it really the “new running”?), to the surprising metabolic effects of cold immersion, and what science truly says about intermittent fasting and its potential risks.

What I enjoyed about this episode is that Dr. Gupta didn't dismiss all of these health fads and trends. He assessed them with an open mind and a focus on evidence that they work or are useless or even harmful. 

Understanding healthcare headlines can be overwhelming—so Ditch The Labcoat breaks them down with real stories, challenges, and triumphs from leading experts. Whether you’re passionate about cancer research podcasts, best research podcasts, or simply want to hear from insiders in an accessible way, Ditch The Labcoat fosters a deeper connection between medical professionals and listeners.

Here are just a few of the lies promulgated by U.S. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

• Lyme disease is highly likely a militarily engineered bioweapon.
•  Environmental toxins, including those in drinking water, are linked to gender identity in children.
•  The 73-page “Make America healthy again” report, which was commissioned by the Trump administration, includes references to seven studies that appear to be entirely invented, and others that the researchers say have been mischaracterized.

  With a passion for evidence-based practices and inclusive wellness, Dr. Bonta demystifies healthcare through relatable stories and expert insights.