Rishi Manchanda has worked as a doctor in South Central Los Angeles for a decade, where he’s come to realize: His job isn’t just about treating a patient’s symptoms, but about getting to the root cause of what is making them ill—the “upstream" factors like a poor diet, a stressful job, a lack of fresh air. It’s a powerful call for doctors to pay attention to a patient's life outside the exam room.

Rishi Manchanda: What makes us get sick? Look upstream

What makes us get sick? Look upstream

Exploring health beyond the doctor's office reveals that where we live, work, and play drastically impacts our well-being.

Addressing upstream factors like housing and diet can prevent 60% of deaths, challenging healthcare to expand its focus.

Addressing root causes of illness, not just symptoms, can transform healthcare—starting with inquiries about patients' living conditions.