Fast-paced and provocative, SECOND OPINION focuses on health literacy in an engaging, entertaining and accessible way. The long-running series engages a panel of medical professionals and lay people in honest, in-depth discussions about complex health issues and life-changing medical decisions. Host Dr. Peter Salgo, who maintains a full-time practice at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City, presents intriguing, real-life medical cases to professionals representing a variety of specialties. As the experts grapple with the diagnosis and treatment options, viewers gain an understanding of doctors’ decision-making process. This season, topics include: psoriasis, chronic pain management, medical radiation, pituitary gland tumor, living with Alzheimer’s, pneumonia, autism and more. 10/30 minute programs airs Thursdays 1 a.m. beginning 10/10.
- #1401 – Only two months since their son Patrick died of a heroin overdose, Mary and Joe Mullin courageously share their story with viewers. They tell their very personal experience of Patrick’s decline into opioid use, and then heroin addiction and treatment. They talk about Patrick’s ups and downs, and his relapses. The panel of experts discusses the drug epidemic in the U.S., and offer solid, timely information about prevention and treatment.
- #1402 – As an incredibly fit triathlete, Lou Iovoli was shocked to hear that he had a late-stage cancer that could possibly kill him. As Lou and his own doctor share the story of the drastic measures they took to treat him, they give hope to those diagnosed with this disease that is often disfiguring, devastating, and deadly.
- #1403 – At nine years old, Liam McCammon was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Together with his mom Linda Moroney, they share his story of how he lives with the disease and how new technology helps him lead a life as any other 11-year old. Experts discuss how groundbreaking research is making the lives of children with Type I Diabetes, and their parents, better than ever before. 10/24
- #1404 – Despite his initial prognosis of six to eight months to live, Ronald Eckert, MD, is thriving after undergoing a new immunotherapy treatment for stage 4 melanoma. Four years after the treatment, he feels he is cured and shares his story. Medical experts discuss the groundbreaking immunotherapy research and treatments being discovered each day in the area of cancers-treatments that will change the way we look at cancer. 10/31
- #1405 – Since the age 12, Gabi Thomas has been fighting the physical and mental ramifications of having Crohn’s Disease. She explains her challenges over the last 15 years, which culminated in several hospital stays and being on the brink of death. While experts discuss current treatments for Crohn’s, Gabi shares her journey of healing; explaining why she has never felt better. 11/7
- #1406 – Showing signs of depression and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder from a young age, Kyra Mills finally found the help she needed when she was an adult. An often misunderstood disorder, Kyra and the medical experts openly discuss diagnosis and treatment options, while helping to destigmatize the disorder. 11/14
- #1407 – While caring for her mother, Donna Smith learned for the first time about Hospital Delirium. The family worked closely with her medical team to get her out of bed, sharing old stories and eventually getting her placed in a rehab center. Hospital Delirium is a grossly misunderstood issue in ICUs in our country, but Donna and the medical experts delve into the topic in a way that will help countless people who are unaware of the issue. Although the story has a sad ending, the information shared will help others face these challenges. 11/21
- #1408 – While other media outlets sensationalize and politicize issues surrounding transgender youth, Second Opinion looks at the issue from a truly medical perspective. Along with medical experts who specialize in working with families, Jennifer and Josselynn Surridge tell their story of what it is like to come to terms with being a transgender person and being a mother of a transgender child-a story that will help every American understand the issue in a way that is rarely explored in the popular press. 11/28
- #1409 – Unsure of the cause of his racing heart and extreme fatigue, Joel Dittman was finally diagnosed with the very common disorder, Atrial Fibrillation. As he shares his story, medical experts discuss the treatments that are available to help people with this condition lead full and active lives. 12/5
- #1410 – A lifelong battle for health is at the center of this captivating story on Eating Disorders. Jennifer Slack bravely shares details on her life, how she recognized her condition, and how she continuously works to battle her disease. Experts discuss new treatments for eating disorders, reflecting on how management of Eating Disorders has changed since Jennifer was diagnosed 30 years ago. 12/12
