Ask Me Anything with Dr. Jared Pelo | AMA
In this inaugural "Ask Me Anything" blog, Dr. Jared Pelo, co-founder of Thrive, shares valuable insights on longevity medicine, preventive healthcare, and the future of medicine. Here are the key takeaways:
What is Medicine 3.0?
Medicine 3.0 represents a shift from reactive to proactive, personalized, and precision-oriented healthcare. It focuses on:
- Thinking about health instead of illness
- Helping people stay as healthy as possible for as long as possible
- Addressing risk factors early
- Incorporating lifestyle factors like fitness, nutrition, and sleep
The Importance of Early Intervention
Dr. Pelo emphasizes the significance of early screening and intervention:
- Screening for genetic risks (e.g., lipoprotein(a), APOE4 for Alzheimer's)
- Establishing baseline hormone levels when young and healthy
- Addressing health issues before they become more challenging to manage
Decade-by-Decade Health Focus
Dr. Pelo outlines health priorities for different age groups:
- 20s: Focus on safety, screening, and building healthy habits
- 30s: Address body changes, maintain muscle mass, and screen for family history risks
- 40s: Prioritize cancer screening and vascular health
- 50s and beyond: Continue all previous efforts, with a strong focus on muscle mass and metabolic health
The Role of AI in Healthcare
Thrive leverages AI for:
- Clinical decision support
- Faster response times to members
- Efficient report generation
The result? Members receive personalized, in-depth care and understanding of their health situation.
Supplements: A Balanced Approach
Dr. Pelo advises a cautious approach to supplements:
- Focus on supplements that can be tracked and measured (e.g., Omega fatty acids, Vitamin D, CoQ10)
- Understand that supplements should be one of the least important aspects of health optimization
- Be aware of potential placebo effects and marketing incentives
- Conduct personal experiments to determine effectiveness
What Sets Thrive Apart
Thrive offers a comprehensive package including:
- One-on-one time with highly trained doctors
- Extensive testing and wearable data analysis
- Personalized action plans
- Coaching for habit change
- Guidance on medications, supplements, exercise, and nutrition
Advice for Those Entering Healthcare Technology
Dr. Pelo offers two perspectives:
- Practical: Find areas where healthcare systems are losing money and create solutions.
- Idealistic: Work towards improving healthcare outcomes and working conditions for all healthcare professionals.