Regenerative Medicine: A Look At Transparency In Healthcare

What aren’t patients being told about stem cell therapies? Are clinics offering orthobiologic treatments giving the full picture—or just part of it? And how can physicians responsibly navigate the murky global market of regenerative medicine: a look at transparency in healthcare? In this episode of Conversations in Regenerative Medicine, I sit down with Dr. Rikin Patel, a thought leader in regenerative orthopedics and interventional orthobiologics. We dive into the evolving landscape of regenerative medicine, from autologous therapy and orthobiologics injections to allogeneic cell therapies and culture expanded stem cells being used in patient-funded clinical trials abroad. With patient transparency under scrutiny, this conversation brings clarity to what’s happening outside U.S. borders and what ethical considerations physicians must confront at home. You’ll hear first-hand insight into the development and regulation of regenerative medicine in orthopedics—especially in relation to regenerative orthopedics and sports medicine. We cover hot-button topics like platelet rich plasma therapy (PRP), transparency in healthcare practices, the future of orthobiologic treatments, and how orthobiologics course knowledge can empower clinicians to offer better care. This episode unpacks the role of state laws, FDA oversight, and patient-funded research, all while spotlighting real-world scenarios doctors face in explaining orthobiologics to skeptical or overwhelmed patients. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s ethical—or even safe—for patients to travel abroad for stem cell treatments, or how to responsibly counsel your own patients on regenerative options, this discussion is for you. Dr. Patel shares his experience leading over 85 patients through a clinical trial in The Bahamas using up to 200 million allogeneic MSCs, while openly discussing the limitations, safety data, and consent protocols required. We also unpack how physicians can use systems and education—not “sales tactics”—to ethically introduce these options in cash-based models. By the end of this episode, you’ll understand the importance of marrying regenerative medicine innovation with patient transparency—and why autologous therapy and orthobiologics still play a critical role as the field expands.