The Pursuit of Health Podcast

The Pursuit of Health is a weekly podcast dedicated to a thorough exploration of the American Healthcare System at a critical time in our nation’s history. The podcast’s creator and host, Dr. Eric Fethke, is a pediatric cardiologist and educator trained at Columbia University, with over 25 years of experience practicing medicine. Students, professionals, and everyday people alike are invited to learn from guest experts who are pursuing groundbreaking work to improve America's health. Join us on our journey towards a better healthcare!

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The Pursuit of Health Podcast

Ep88: Prevention Before the ICU: Building Resilience, Surviving Crisis and Reimagining Healthcare w/Tom Swales

October 05, 2025 • Dr. Eric Fethke

True health is only possible through prevention.

Our guest this week is renowned physiotherapist, educator, and founder of the AMT System - Tom Swales.

Tom has over 20 years of experience in orthopedic care, injury rehabilitation, and human performance - working with a huge range of people, from world-class athletes to the elderly.

Yet in 2023, Tom suffered with a near-fatal Streptococcus A infection - with doctors crediting his optimal physical health as the key driver for survival.

Having built back his strength, his experience as both patient and provider now presents him as a powerful educator on the power of prevention, human resilience and effective rehabilitation.

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We spoke about how we can reimagine healthcare to keep people healthy before they reach the ICU, simple ‘body scan’ routines to flag up underlying physical issues, and why prevention should be number one for patients, clinicians, providers and insurers alike.

Follow me on Instagram and Facebook @ericfethkemd and checkout my website at www.EricFethkeMD.com.

My brand new book, The Privilege of Caring, is out now on Amazon! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CP6H6QN4