Ep. 44 How patient education drives lasting behavior change

What really drives better health outcomes? While access to quality health care is essential, research shows that up to 80% of health outcomes are influenced by factors outside the exam room—including lifestyle, environment, and daily habits.

In this episode of PermanenteDocs Chat, host Alex McDonald, MD, sits down with Ray Nanda, MD, family medicine physician with the Southern California Permanente Medical Group and regional physician lead at the Center for Healthy Living, to discuss how physicians can help patients make lasting behavior changes that improve their health.

In this conversation, you'll learn:
- Why trust is the foundation of lasting behavior change
- How motivational interviewing helps patients take ownership of their health
- Practical strategies physicians can use to encourage healthier habits
- The partnership between patients and physicians in achieving better outcomes
- The promise—and current limitations—of AI in supporting behavior change

Dr. Nanda explains why sustainable change isn't about telling patients what to do—it's about understanding their motivations, meeting them where they are, and working together to create realistic, lasting habits.
Whether you're a physician, health care leader, or simply interested in improving health through evidence-based care, this episode offers practical insights into one of medicine's greatest challenges: helping people change behaviors that lead to healthier lives.

Watch now and join the conversation.

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