The Present Illness
Alyssa Burgart & Arghavan SallesSociety’s running a fever, and two sharp-witted physicians are on the case. Surgeon-scientist Arghavan Salles dives into social media’s wildest trends, while anesthesiologist-bioethicist Alyssa Burgart follows news and legal cases for their ethical twists. Together, they examine the cultural, political, and public health symptoms of our time with scalpel-sharp analysis, unflinching questions, and ... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 16 | Founded | 4 months ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | MedicineHealth & FitnessSociety & Culture | |||
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Latest Episodes
Unethical research in Guinea-Bissau; Robots won’t fix maternity care deserts; Louisiana tries to extradite California doctor.
Americas public health system teeters on the edge of an ICU admission thanks to the abysmal leadership of RFK Jr and his Cl... more
This week: famed author's son dies after anesthesia, the "war on protein", and Arghavan's views on protests in Iran.
Join Arghavan and Alyssa as they into the 'war on protein' narrative propagated by RFK Jr, the tragic story of Chimamanda Ngozi Adic... more
Activation Warning: This episode discusses SA, CSAM, state violence.
In the first feverish episode of The Present Illness in 2026, the Doctors discuss the tumultuous events of winter break, including significant changes in vaccination policies, a b... more
In their final episode of 2025, Drs. Salles & Burgart perform a brief examination of the Vanity Fair exclusive featuring Trump's new White House staff. Our physician hosts dissect the viral photoshoot that's causing more raised eyebrows than a Botox ... more
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Reviews
- The Doctor is in
The Doctor is in! The hosts help digest difficult issues and bring to light some of the lesser known health and political issues in modern day America.
Apple Podcasts5Wuzer Bruzer
United Statesa month ago - Just what the doctor(s) ordered!
The hosts grace us with insightful commentary, delightful banter and incisive wit. The Present Illness shines a light on what’s ailing us with just the right mix of seriousness, compassion and levity. A real treat to listen to!
Apple Podcasts5funkdrmephdUnited States3 months ago - A sharp perspective
The Present Illness brings together two physicians with diverse perspectives to talk about healthcare in our society in a way that is equally intelligent while also feeling like you are gossipping with your healthcare best friend. It is both informative and refreshing. Highly recommend listening!
Apple Podcasts5MorganLevyUnited States4 months ago
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #36 |  New Zealand/Health & Fitness/Medicine |
Apple Podcasts | #147 | New Zealand/Health & Fitness |
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| Listeners per Episode | Gender Skew | Location | |||
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Present Illness
What is The Present Illness about and what kind of topics does it cover?
Two physicians explore the intersections of society, culture, and public health, providing insightful analysis and commentary on contemporary issues. Balancing their medical expertise with humor, the hosts tackle a range of subjects from healthcare policies to societal trends, using their experiences in medicine to inform discussions on ethical quandaries and public health challenges. Notably, the podcast features sharp critiques of prevalent misinformation and contemporary societal narratives, making it a relevant listen for those interested in the current state of health and social issues. Expect a blend of serious analysis and engaging banter that resonates with both medical professionals and lay listeners alike.
Where can I find podcast stats for The Present Illness?
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How many listeners does The Present Illness get?
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What are the audience demographics for The Present Illness?
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How many subscribers and views does The Present Illness have?
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Which podcasts are similar to The Present Illness?
These podcasts share a similar audience with The Present Illness:
1. Ologies with Alie Ward
2. Good Hang with Amy Poehler
3. Heavyweight
4. Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick | Law, justice, and the courts
5. The Daily Beast Podcast
How many episodes of The Present Illness are there?
The Present Illness launched 4 months ago and published 16 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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