Podcast Summary
Podcast: Becker’s Healthcare Podcast
Episode: Dr. Keyur B. Thakar, MD, MPH, Medical Director of Hematology and Medical Oncology at Northwell’s Phelps Hospital
Date: October 31, 2025
Host: Scott Becker
Guest: Dr. Keyur B. Thakar (as transcribed, introduced and called "Dr. Kara Tucker," but contextually meant to be Dr. Thakar)
Main Theme
This episode centers on Dr. Thakar’s leadership in oncology at Northwell’s Phelps Hospital, his pioneering efforts in bringing advanced cancer therapies and lifestyle medicine to Westchester County, and his dual passions for plant-based nutrition and sustainability in healthcare. The conversation offers actionable insights for both healthcare professionals and the broader community.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Dr. Thakar’s Roles and Practice Focus
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Introduction to Practice & Community Roots
- Dr. Thakar is a board-certified hematologist and medical oncologist who has served at Phelps Hospital since 2017, post-merger with Northwell Health.
- He oversees clinical research in Westchester for the Northwell Health Cancer Institute.
- Phelps Hospital has evolved from a community initiative into a regional hub for advanced oncology, emphasizing patient-centered care.
"Phelps is kind of a community hospital...it was founded in 1955 as a community initiative and it continues to be so, very, very patient centered." (01:05)
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Clinical and Teaching Duties
- Treats a range of cancers: gastrointestinal, thoracic (lung), gynecological, breast, multiple myeloma, lymphoma.
- Passionate about lifestyle medicine:
"Treatment is half the service to the patient. If you really don't help them modify the risk factors, you're not really doing a good service." (01:55)
- Also teaches residents and mentors students aspiring to careers in medicine.
Innovations in Cancer Care and Hospital Initiatives
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Bringing Advanced Care Local
- Phelps became the first hospital in Westchester to offer Pluvecto—a cutting-edge radioligand therapy for prostate cancer, previously only available outside the region:
"We were the first one in Westchester to open it. So that was very exciting." (03:23)
- Phelps became the first hospital in Westchester to offer Pluvecto—a cutting-edge radioligand therapy for prostate cancer, previously only available outside the region:
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Expanding Lifestyle Medicine
- Dr. Thakar aims to integrate lifestyle medicine into all specialties, not just oncology.
- Lifestyle medicine focuses on six pillars:
- Healthy nutrition
- Exercise
- Adequate sleep
- Stress management
- Avoiding risky substances (alcohol, smoking, sugar)
- Positive social connections
"There is enough evidence to suggest that these parameters actually improve our quality of life and productivity." (04:25)
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Sustainability Initiatives
- Addressing healthcare’s environmental footprint, notably plastic waste:
"US healthcare sector produces around 1.7 million tons of plastic waste annually...so as a leader, we stop giving single use plastic bottles to our patients." (04:40)
- Addressing healthcare’s environmental footprint, notably plastic waste:
Personal Style and Sparking Positivity with Patients
- Making Life “Colorful” for Patients
- Uses colorful eyeglasses and socks to lift patient spirits:
"I always try to make life more colorful...if something really makes you be noticeable, colorful, why not?" (05:31)
- Uses colorful eyeglasses and socks to lift patient spirits:
Plant-Based Diet, Lifestyle Medicine, and Preventive Oncology
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Plant-Based Diet’s Role in Longevity and Prevention
- Robust evidence links healthy lifestyles, including plant-based diets, to longer, better lives.
- Plant-based foods offer unique phytonutrients and fiber, best for gut and overall health:
"One in five diets globally are presumed to be associated with poor diet...phytonutrients in plants have anti-inflammatory properties." (06:18)
"Plant-based diet plays a pivotal role in preventing obesity, chronic conditions...preventive for colon cancer." (06:54)
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Clarifying ‘Whole Food’ Plant-Based
- Refined products—even if plant-based—should be minimized; focus should be on whole grains, nuts, seeds.
"The diet which I really advocate is something called whole food, plant-based...avoiding refined flour and refined sugars." (08:01)
“When it comes to our own self...we always try to focus on eating things which are going to please our tongue, so it’s high time that we start focusing on our own health.” (09:05)
- Refined products—even if plant-based—should be minimized; focus should be on whole grains, nuts, seeds.
Personal Journey, Professional Advice, and Broader Impact
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Personal Transformation Through Plant-Based Diet
- Dr. Thakar’s own move to plant-based eating stemmed from a need to improve his health; he credits the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) for resources and training.
"When I saw the changes in my own health, I thought this is something which people need to understand because if you are healthy...you are more productive at work." (10:34)
- Dr. Thakar’s own move to plant-based eating stemmed from a need to improve his health; he credits the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) for resources and training.
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Advice for Young Physicians and Leaders
- Leadership is balancing treatment, prevention, and sustainability:
"Leadership today gives you responsibility...not just treating the disease but creating healthier and more sustainable communities and the planet." (11:15)
- The physician’s voice has unique power for positive change:
"As healthcare leaders, we are privileged to be heard...make our voice positive and have a lasting impact." (11:37)
- Memorable advice:
"You only live once, but if you live healthy, then once is enough." (10:54)
- Leadership is balancing treatment, prevention, and sustainability:
Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments
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On Patient-Centered Care:
"Phelps is kind of a community hospital...very patient-centered." (01:05)
-
On Lifestyle Medicine:
"Treatment is half the service to the patient. If you really don't help them modify the risk factors, you're not really doing a good service." (01:55)
-
On Pluvecto Innovation:
"We were the first one in Westchester to open it. So that was very exciting." (03:23)
-
On Environmental Sustainability:
"US healthcare sector produces around 1.7 million tons of plastic waste annually...in my office, if any patient needs water, we give it in a paper cup with a fountain." (04:40)
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On Nutrition:
"There are thousands of articles which have shown that living a healthy lifestyle makes you live longer and better." (06:16)
"Plant-based diet plays a pivotal role in preventing obesity, chronic conditions...it’s also preventive for colon cancer." (06:54) -
On Leading by Example:
"If you are healthy, not only are you happy, you are a better family person, you are more productive at work." (10:34)
"You only live once, but if you live healthy, then once is enough." (10:54)
Key Timestamps
- 00:28: Dr. Thakar introduces his background, clinical and teaching roles
- 02:45: Discusses top priorities: cutting-edge cancer care, lifestyle medicine, healthcare sustainability
- 03:23: Details Pluvecto prostate cancer therapy in Westchester
- 04:25: Outlines six pillars of lifestyle medicine
- 05:31: Lighthearted discussion of using colorful style to lift patient spirits
- 06:12: Explains science and benefits of plant-based nutrition
- 08:01: Distinction between processed plant-based products and whole food plant-based diet
- 09:54: Personal journey to plant-based diet and advice for future physician leaders
- 11:15: Vision for leadership in healthcare prevention and sustainability
Conclusion
This episode with Dr. Keyur B. Thakar spotlights his leadership in expanding access to breakthrough cancer therapies, championing lifestyle medicine, and advocating for sustainability. Driven by personal transformation and fueled by a dedication to evidence-based care, Dr. Thakar inspires healthcare professionals and patients alike to embrace prevention, wellness, and responsibility for both human health and the health of the planet.