#503 - Dr. Danna Chung, Chief Medical Officer at Ezra

Join us on the latest episode, hosted by Jared S. Taylor!

Our Guest: Dr. Danna Chung, Chief Medical Officer at Ezra.

What you’ll get out of this episode:

Dr. Danna Chung's Diverse Medical Journey: From health policy and community clinics to innovative startups and AI-driven diagnostics.
Personal Catalyst for Joining Ezra: A family cancer diagnosis led Dr. Chung to seek better early detection tools, ultimately connecting her to Ezra.
The Power of Early Detection: Emphasizes how early cancer diagnosis, especially via total-body MRI, can dramatically improve survival rates.
Ezra’s Tech-Driven Approach: AI-assisted scoring, personalized follow-up, and longitudinal health tracking make their screening more effective and responsible.
Strategic Growth with Function Health: Recent acquisition boosts combined offerings of lab testing and imaging, expanding access and affordability.

Dr. Danna Chung’s Mission-Driven Path

Dr. Danna Chung brings a wealth of experience to her role as Chief Medical Officer at Ezra. Her career has traversed traditional and holistic medicine, public health, and innovative digital health startups. With a foundation in internal medicine, allergy and immunology, and integrative care, Dr. Chung has worked in varied settings—from community health clinics to the World Trade Center Health Program—showcasing a commitment to underserved populations and preventive medicine.

From Personal Crisis to Professional Purpose

Her journey to Ezra was deeply personal. A recent cancer diagnosis within her family, caught early but without symptoms, ignited her interest in proactive health measures. Determined to protect her own health for the sake of her young children, Dr. Chung discovered Ezra while researching total-body MRI scans—a patient-first decision that soon evolved into a professional calling.

Ezra’s Innovative Model: Detection Before Diagnosis

Ezra is pioneering a shift in how we approach cancer screening. Total-body MRI scans, often dismissed by traditional medicine due to concerns over cost and incidental findings, are being reimagined. Dr. Chung underscores that over half of cancers are diagnosed late due to the limitations of current screenings (breast, colon, cervical, etc.). Ezra’s annual MRI scans offer a proactive approach, supported by AI that helps filter results, reduce unnecessary anxiety, and track health changes over time.

Overcoming Skepticism with Data and Accessibility

Despite hesitancy from professional societies, Dr. Chung champions a responsible rollout of these technologies. She notes that mammograms took decades to become standard, and Ezra’s goal is to avoid such delays. With recent innovations, the total-body scan is now completed in just 22 minutes and priced under $500—making preventive care more accessible. Their AI technology helps minimize false positives and supports a longitudinal care model.

Scaling Up with Function Health

Ezra's acquisition by Function Health marks a pivotal moment. Integrating Ezra’s imaging with Function’s biannual lab tests offers a 360-degree view of personal health. This synergy empowers individuals to track their health proactively and share actionable data with their primary care providers. The collaboration promises enhanced predictive insights through AI, better access, and a push toward eventual insurance reimbursement.

Looking Forward: Global and Technological Expansion

Ezra is already expanding internationally, recently launching in the UK. Future plans include leveraging AI to further reduce scan times and costs, and pursuing third-party reimbursement. Dr. Chung is excited by the broader movement toward patient-initiated, data-driven care. With wearable tech, virtual care, and now advanced imaging, the paradigm of proactive health monitoring is rapidly becoming a reality.