{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The DOC Podcast","title":"Challenging the Establishment in the Name of Airway Health (w/Dr. Liz Walker) [Ep.129]","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":5230,"description":"Episode Summary:\nIn this episode of The DOC Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Liz Walker, a leading orthodontist and passionate advocate for airway health. Dr. Walker shares her unique journey from a background in public relations to becoming a pioneer in integrating airway-focused care into orthodontics. Together, they explore the challenges, breakthroughs, and future of collaborative, whole-body approaches to dental and medical care.\n \nListeners will gain insight into the importance of early airway evaluation, the impact of CBCT imaging, and the obstacles faced by dental professionals in adopting proactive, evidence-based airway care. Dr. Walker also introduces her new initiative, AirwayZ, designed to empower both providers and patients with education and resources for better airway health.\n \nKey Topics Discussed:\nDr. Walker’s personal and professional journey into airway-focused orthodontics\nThe influence of her father and the power of mentorship in embracing new technology (CBCT)\nThe paradigm shift from traditional orthodontics to a holistic, airway-centered approach\nThe role of CBCT imaging in diagnosis and treatment planning\nWhat “evidence-based” really means in dental and medical practice\nSystemic resistance in academia and professional organizations (AAO, AAPD) to airway-focused care\nThe importance of interdisciplinary collaboration: building networks with ENTs, pediatricians, sleep physicians, and more\nHow to educate medical colleagues and the public about pediatric airway health\nOvercoming obstacles: time constraints, burnout, and the business realities of airway-focused practice\nThe launch of Airway Z: a platform for education, networking, and patient-provider connection in airway health\nStrategies for effective communication with medical colleagues and advocating for patients\nThe need for a paradigm shift in orthodontic and dental education and practice\n Notable Quotes:\n“Breathing is the most important thing we do. It is the most important bodily function....","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/Wf6VIMhB_ulpfJzsJlix0BOF0i4W9yk8xxJ6-5X1Y6E/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzQxOTI3LzE2OTg2/MzExNDktYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}