Episode Summary:
In 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.
Listeners 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.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Dr. Walker’s personal and professional journey into airway-focused orthodontics
- The influence of her father and the power of mentorship in embracing new technology (CBCT)
- The paradigm shift from traditional orthodontics to a holistic, airway-centered approach
- The role of CBCT imaging in diagnosis and treatment planning
- What “evidence-based” really means in dental and medical practice
- Systemic resistance in academia and professional organizations (AAO, AAPD) to airway-focused care
- The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration: building networks with ENTs, pediatricians, sleep physicians, and more
- How to educate medical colleagues and the public about pediatric airway health
- Overcoming obstacles: time constraints, burnout, and the business realities of airway-focused practice
- The launch of Airway Z: a platform for education, networking, and patient-provider connection in airway health
- Strategies for effective communication with medical colleagues and advocating for patients
- The need for a paradigm shift in orthodontic and dental education and practice
Notable Quotes:
- “Breathing is the most important thing we do. It is the most important bodily function. Breathing through the nose is the only way that our body feels safe doing it. Period.” – Dr. Liz Walker
- “The etiology is multifactorial. The solution needs to be multifaceted—and multidisciplinary.” – Dr. Mike Deluke
- “You have to breathe it to believe it.” – Dr. Liz Walker
Resources & Links:
Calls to Action:
- Know a great guest for the show, or want to be featured? Email Dr. Mike at mike@theorthocoach.com.
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About the Show:
The DOC Podcast is dedicated to helping dental and medical professionals lead happier, healthier, and more prosperous lives—personally and professionally. Each episode features in-depth conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and practitioners who are shaping the future of healthcare.
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What is The DOC Podcast?
The DOC Podcast brings you unique educational content taught by Dr. Mike DeLuke, a Board Certified Orthodontist with over 20 years of clinical and academic experience. Dr. DeLuke built his orthodontic practice from scratch in the early 2000s and grew it into a multimillion-dollar enterprise in less than 10 years. He was able to retire from private practice at the age of 46 years old, and now devotes his energy to teaching his colleagues how to succeed both personally and professionally.
Dr. DeLuke has served as a faculty member at numerous hospitals and orthodontic residency programs around the country, including as the cleft craniofacial orthodontist at Albany Medical Center in New York, and as a clinical professor at The University of Connecticut in the Department of Orthodontics. He is presently an adjunct professor at Nova Southeastern University in the Department of Orthodontics.
The DOC Podcast will bring you in-depth discussions and interviews with industry leaders and experts on a variety of topics including clinical excellence, practice management, finance and wealth creation, health and wellness, taxes and accounting, fitness, and much more!