Dr. Beata Lerman, a pioneering cancer researcher and survivor of cutaneous T cell lymphoma, relied on a drug she helped develop to beat her illness. Motivated to prevent a recurrence, she cut out sugar and environmental toxins, which led her to create a ketogenic chocolate designed to boost health. Her story traces a path from patenting breakthrough cancer therapies to launching a unique entrepreneurial venture, highlighting personal resilience and scientific innovation.

For more information, visit sinlesstreatschocolate.com.

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Key Takeaways

1. Dr. Beata Lerman shared her unique story as both a cancer researcher and patient. Remarkably, she helped invent an immunotherapy treatment that was later used as part of her own successful cancer care. This highlights the intersection of scientific innovation and personal experience, illustrating how deep expertise and personal stakes can drive impactful medical breakthroughs.

2. After her diagnosis and treatment, Dr. Beata Lerman radically transformed her lifestyle by eliminating sugar and other environmental toxins. She emphasized the scientific basis for sugar fueling cancer growth and advocated for a medical ketogenic lifestyle as a way to support both treatment and long-term health. Her story underscores that lifestyle changes can play a critical supportive role in disease prevention and recovery.

3. Both Dr. Beata Lerman and Dr. Angela Sturm discussed the addictive qualities of sugar, likening its withdrawal to that of hard drugs. They emphasized that sugar is embedded in our neurobiology and social habits. Understanding sugar’s impact as a genuine addiction is essential for creating effective strategies for healthful change.

4. Motivated by her passion for sweets and her health journey, Dr. Beata Lerman founded a company making metabolically healthy, keto-friendly chocolate. She was driven by the lack of tasty, healthy alternatives available, leading her to study traditional chocolate-making practices and source clean, sustainable ingredients. This theme demonstrates how personal challenges can inspire entrepreneurship that addresses real gaps in the market.

5. For people looking to improve their health, Dr. Beata Lerman recommended small, incremental changes, such as cutting out soda first, then gradually replacing processed foods with healthier alternatives. Building new habits slowly and associating positive emotions with healthy actions makes long-term change more achievable. The key is to take a stepwise, community-oriented approach to transform lifestyle habits for the better.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Gene Therapy and CRISPR Breakthroughs

05:43 Inventor Diagnosed, Own Invention Used

09:28 Cancer Diagnosis and Symptom Management

15:14 Withdrawal Process and Support Strategy

18:36 Failed Sugar-Free Treat Attempts

21:28 Journey to Chocolate Origins

25:35 Healthy Sourcing for Optimal Benefits

27:25 Health-Boosting Chocolate Creation Story

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

*This episode originally aired during Season One of Beauty Unveiled on March 12, 2024.

Dr. Angela Sturm welcomes Dr. Terri-Ann Samuels to the show.

Find out about Dr. Samuels' journey to becoming a surgeon and how she has transformed the lives of many through her personalized approach. Discover the discussion on the differences in healthcare systems and the evolving landscape of women's pelvic health.

Listen to gain insights into the challenges and triumphs of balancing a successful career, motherhood, and the importance of understanding the business side of medicine. Listen as Dr. Sturm and Dr. Samuels share their experiences, invite you to join the conversation, and empower yourself with the knowledge that could influence your well-being in more ways than one.

Don't forget to hit the subscribe button and share the wisdom with your loved ones. Let's embark on this journey together.

Key Takeaways

1.) Urogynecology is a comprehensive field that addresses the health and functionality of the pelvic floor, including the urethra, vagina, and anus.

2.) Menopausal symptoms can vary greatly among individuals, and it is important to recognize and address each person's unique experience.

3.) Balancing work and family is a constant juggling act, and it is important to create your own formula that aligns with your values and priorities.

4.) Understanding the business side of medicine is crucial for physicians to protect themselves, their colleagues, and their patients.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Introduction and Background
01:22 Journey to Urogynecology
03:06 Personal Background and Cultural Influence
04:01 Comparison of Healthcare Systems
05:21 Definition and Scope of Urogynecology
06:46 Cosmetic Considerations in Urogynecology
07:44 Passion for Menopausal Symptoms
09:37 Changing Perspectives on Menopause
10:33 Symptoms and Individual Experience
11:32 Challenges and Acceptance of Menopause
13:26 Defining Symptom Severity
15:14 Individual Experience and Genetic Factors
18:12 Balancing Work and Family
19:39 The Myth of Balance
20:05 Creating Your Own Formula
22:03 Encouraging Children in Medicine
23:30 Understanding the Business of Medicine
24:28 Recognizing and Owning Your Value
25:25 Taking Care of Yourself

Learn more about Dr. Samuels HERE.

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Plastic surgery with Dr. Sturm goes beyond the surface.

Change can feel intimidating, but her approach is all about helping people shed insecurity and gain freedom, whether that means fixing a feature that’s always bothered them or celebrating a new phase of life. She believes confidence should come from doing something positive for oneself, not chasing anyone else’s approval.

Her favorite result? Patients reclaiming energy and joy for the things that matter most.

Key Takeaways

1. Change is central not only to facial plastic surgery but also to many life decisions. Dr. Sturm emphasizes that embracing change—rather than avoiding it—is empowering, whether it’s altering your appearance or making shifts in your personal or professional life. Taking an active role in change leads to better outcomes and personal growth.

2. Unlike other forms of surgery, facial plastic surgery is highly visible and can’t be hidden. This raises the stakes and emotional investment for patients. Understanding the significance and psychological impact of changing one’s facial features is essential for both surgeons and patients when making these important decisions.

3. Continuous improvement—both in surgical practice and in business operations—is key to delivering better results. Dr. Sturm discusses her commitment to analyzing every procedure and process, seeking ways to innovate and refine for better patient care and business effectiveness.

4. Taking action to change something about yourself—whether it’s a feature you’re self-conscious about or simply wanting to look and feel better—shouldn’t be seen as vain or superficial. Dr. Sturm frames self-care and self-improvement as legitimate, meaningful acts that positively impact mental and emotional well-being.

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Plastic surgery is for self-confidence, not for pleasing anyone else. The first days post-surgery can feel rough, so Dr. Sturm recommends having positive people for support. Honest conversations up front and a cheer squad in recovery make the biggest difference.

Key Takeaways

1. After undergoing plastic surgery, patients often feel more emotionally sensitive and vulnerable during recovery. It’s common to feel uncertain or self-conscious due to temporary side-effects like bruising and swelling. Recognizing this vulnerability ahead of time helps both the patient and doctor prepare for the emotional aspects of the healing process.

2. Having supportive people around you—especially immediately after surgery—is crucial. Positive, encouraging friends and family help smooth the recovery process. Conversely, negative or judgmental individuals can hinder emotional and physical healing, making a tough time even harder.

3. Patients should feel comfortable having honest and open discussions with their surgeon about all aspects of their procedure and recovery, including emotional challenges and support systems. A strong, communicative relationship with your doctor leads to better experiences and outcomes.

4. Plastic surgery is a deeply personal decision made for oneself, not for validation or approval from others. Patients do not need permission to make changes to their body—it’s about their own wellbeing and desires.

5. A surgeon’s compassion and the overall culture of the clinic—as reflected in the attitudes and behaviors of the staff—greatly influence the patient experience. Being treated with kindness, respect, and gentle care can make a significant difference in the healing journey, as highlighted by Laurie’s positive testimony.

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No, she doesn’t do Tinkerbell noses.

Dr. Sturm wants every nose to look natural and suit the face for a lifetime, not just follow a trend. Those tiny, upturned noses may seem cute at first, but they usually don’t age well or look real over time. Her goal is a nose that quietly flatters, not one that stands out or changes oddly years later.

Key Takeaways

1. Dr. Sturm emphasizes the importance of creating noses that look natural and harmonious with the patient's overall facial features. A well-done rhinoplasty should be subtle and not draw attention, ideally leaving people unable to tell that surgery was performed.

2. She highlights that overly sculpted or "Tinkerbell" noses may look good initially but often do not age well. Over time, issues like exaggerated scooping or an overly upturned tip can become more pronounced, compromising both appearance and structure.

3. Dr. Sturm advocates for noses that are proportionate to each person's unique facial characteristics. Rather than pursuing trendy or dramatic changes, she customizes the nose to fit and complement the individual’s features and personal style.

4. She warns that creating unnaturally small or aggressively altered noses can weaken the structural integrity of the nose, leading to long-term complications. Preserving the internal support of the nose ensures durability and better long-term outcomes.

5. Dr. Sturm contrasts rhinoplasty with other procedures like breast augmentation or liposuction, noting that while those results are meant to be noticed, an ideal nose job should "disappear" into the face, letting the person’s eyes and lips stand out instead.

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One ear changed her life.

At one point Dr. Sturm considered becoming an OBGYN. But it was seeing Dr. Anthony Brissett creating an ear using a rib that set her on the course to becoming a plastic surgeon.

Dr. Brissett eventually became her mentor and friend.

During this conversation, Dr. Sturm sits down with Dr. Brissett to talk about his journey from nursing to specializing in facial plastic surgery.

You’ll learn about the profound impact of his wound healing fellowship on his clinical practice. And the conversation delves into the significance of academic medicine, the influence of social media on body image, and the psychological aspects of plastic surgery.

Key Takeaways

1.) The path to a medical career may not always be direct, and opportunities can arise unexpectedly.

2.) Plastic surgery can have a profound impact on a person's self-image and confidence.

3.) Social media can distort perceptions of beauty and create unrealistic expectations.

4.) Balancing appearance and lifestyle choices is important for overall well-being.

5.) Engaging in medical missions can provide opportunities to make a difference in underserved communities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Medical Background
01:14 Choosing Medicine and Nursing
03:13 Moving to Houston
04:21 Interest in Wound Healing Fellowship
05:22 Impact of Wound Healing Fellowship on Clinical Practice
06:19 Career Path in Academic Medicine
07:07 Reflections on Career Choices
08:08 Personal Relationships and Support
09:22 Inspiration for Facial Plastic Surgery
10:07 Impact of Plastic Surgery on Self-Image
11:32 Social Media and Body Image
12:52 Psychological Impacts of Plastic Surgery
14:20 Comparison and Realism on Social Media
16:08 Pursuit of Appearance and Lifestyle
19:59 Psychological Challenges in Revision Rhinoplasty
20:37 Understanding the Plastic Surgery Process
21:44 Being a Part of Patients' Journeys
22:25 International Medical Missions
23:47 Involvement in Medical Missions
24:53 Advice for Those Interested in Similar Work
25:52 Closing Remarks and Appreciation

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For some people, one surgery feels like enough. Others find that a combination of options gets them closer to their goals.

Today, Dr. Sturm talks about how people:

• Combine surgical and non-surgical treatments for facial aging
• Manage ongoing skin care and use less invasive procedures over time
• Decide what works best for them, year after year

Key Takeaways

1. Achieving the best anti-aging results often involves a combination of both surgical (like facelifts) and non-surgical treatments (such as lasers, skincare routines, and injectables), rather than relying on just one approach for lifelong results.

2. While surgical options like facelifts can provide dramatic, long-lasting improvements and make you look significantly younger, they do not stop the aging process or address all aspects of aging, such as skin texture or quality.

3. Non-surgical procedures like laser treatments and personalized skincare routines are essential for maintaining youthful skin texture and quality, complementing the effects of surgery by addressing issues like fine lines, brown spots, and overall skin health.

4. Certain facial lines (between the brows, forehead, around the eyes) can only be treated effectively with neurotoxin injections like Botox, even after surgical procedures. There are currently no permanent surgical solutions for these expression lines.

5. The choice and frequency of treatments should be individualized. Some people prefer a “one and done” approach, while others opt for regular maintenance, combining smaller treatments like fillers and touch-ups over time to keep their results fresh. The key is ongoing self-care to maintain confidence and a youthful appearance.

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Dr. Sturm explains that while prevention can be helpful, it's possible to start too early with interventions like Botox or fillers. She emphasizes the importance of simple skincare and sun protection in youth.

Ultimately, taking care of your skin early may delay the need for more invasive treatments.

Key Takeaways

1. Starting a simple skincare routine early—especially during the teen and pre-teen years—can be very beneficial. However, this should be limited to basic products like sunscreen, moisturizer, and a good face wash. There’s no need for more advanced products like retinols or growth factors at this stage; protecting and maintaining the skin’s natural health is the priority.

2. Preventative interventions like Botox should be considered only when faint lines begin to appear and remain even when the face is at rest. There’s no universal age for this—it depends on individual skin and lifestyle factors. Preventative fillers, on the other hand, are not advised; Dr. Sturm sees fillers as better suited to treating specific issues rather than preventing them.

3. Light, non-invasive treatments such as lasers can be helpful in the 30s, particularly for issues like pigmentation or melasma. The key is to choose treatments with low risk and downtime, as aggressive procedures aren’t necessary (or advisable) when there isn’t significant skin aging or damage yet.

4. Surgical procedures, such as facelifts or fat transfers, are not considered preventative and should be timed based on visible need (e.g., visible laxity or jowling). Dr. Sturm recommends these interventions in the 40s or 50s when the benefits clearly outweigh the risks and costs. Performing them too early often results in less noticeable improvement.

5. The foundation of long-term skin health is supporting your body with good nutrition, hydration, sun protection, and a non-harsh, consistent skincare routine. These practices lay the groundwork for healthier aging, postponing the need for more aggressive treatments.

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