Prevention Over Prescription: Rewriting the Rules of Modern Medicine

Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng and Dr. Philip Ovadia Discuss Why It’s Time to Address Root Causes—Starting with Purpose, Protein, and the Power of Small Changes

In a recent episode of the Ovadia Heart Health Telemedicine Livestream, Dr. Philip Ovadia welcomed friend and fellow frontline physician Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng for a bold, solutions-focused discussion about what modern medicine is missing—and what we can do about it. At the center of the conversation was Dr. Kyeremanteng’s new book,

Prevention Over Prescription, a guide to reclaiming health through five accessible pillars: purpose, nutrition, movement, stress recovery, and connection.

As Dr. Ovadia noted in the opening minutes, “We don’t want more sick people to take care of. We’re overwhelmed taking care of sick people.” The livestream set a powerful tone: this wasn’t a lament about what’s broken—it was a blueprint for what works.

From ICU Desperation to Preventative Inspiration

Dr. Kyeremanteng’s story begins where most of us hope never to end up—the ICU. As a critical care physician in Ottawa, he watched countless patients suffer and die alone during the COVID-19 pandemic, many with one thing in common: metabolic dysfunction.

“The syndrome that clearly was a main driver of poor outcomes within that pandemic? Metabolic syndrome,” he said. “Unlike anything we learned about in medical school, you find out this stuff is reversible.”

Inspired by colleagues like Dr. Ovadia, whose book Stay Off My Operating Table paved the way, Dr. Kyeremanteng leaned hard into prevention. “You and I have been on the same mission,” he told Ovadia. “There are very few people with credentials who can speak to the importance of preventative health—and you’ve been one of them.”

5 Pillars That Actually Work

The book Prevention Over Prescription doesn’t overwhelm readers with theory. Instead, it focuses on what moves the needle. Dr. Kyeremanteng laid out the five pillars—purpose, nutrition, exercise, recovery, and connection—and emphasized that radical change doesn’t require radical effort.

“You only need to focus on one or two things to really make a difference in someone’s life.”

Dr. Ovadia echoed the message, pointing out how these interventions affect every system: not just heart disease and diabetes, but mental health, reproductive health, and immune resilience. As he reminded viewers, improving metabolic health isn’t just about reversing chronic disease—it’s about building the resilience to handle whatever life throws at you.

The Protein Lever That Changes Everything

When the conversation turned to practical first steps, Dr. Kyeremanteng zeroed in on what he believes is the most overlooked and transformative lever in modern health: protein.

“Most people don’t realize that if you even just do this one thing, something’s going to improve,” he said. “Focus on protein—magic happens.”

He unpacked why it matters so much: Protein promotes satiety, helping people naturally reduce their intake of ultra-processed foods. It supports lean muscle growth, which increases metabolic rate and energy expenditure. It improves blood sugar regulation, especially in those with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. And thanks to the thermic effect, simply digesting protein burns more calories than fat or carbohydrates.

“Even if you’re just trying to make better food choices,” Dr. K explained, “you’ll find your energy is better. You're less likely to point toward ultra-processed foods or foods that aren't meeting your macro needs.”

He cited a target range of 0.7 to 1 gram of protein per pound of ideal body weight—putting most people far below where they need to be. “For me, as a 200-pound gentleman, that’s 140 to 200 grams of protein a day. And that’s not easy to get to—but when you do, it changes things.”

It’s a message that struck a chord with Dr. Ovadia’s audience, many of whom already follow higher-protein, lower-carb approaches. “If you’re prediabetic or diabetic,” Dr. K emphasized, “your blood sugar regulation is going to be better as a result of focusing on protein.”

He admitted that some followers are “sick of hearing it” on social media—but that’s exactly why he keeps saying it: “It takes seven or eight times before something registers. So I’m going to keep saying it, Phil. I’m going to keep saying it because this is magical.”

For those ready to dial in this crucial part of their nutrition, Ovadia Heart Health offers a Protein Course—a practical, step-by-step guide to understanding how much protein you need, where to get it, and why it works.

Doctors Who Listen—and Those Who Don’t

One livestream audience member asked how to deal with doctors who don’t support a low-carb approach. Dr. Kyeremanteng’s advice was firm but empowering: “Always trust your gut. Listen to your body. And if your clinician isn’t open-minded, it’s a red flag.”

He emphasized that absolutes are dangerous in medicine—and humility is essential. “If anything, I’ve learned in the last few years that we don’t know what we don’t know. We can’t be so absolute with everything that we’re saying.”

Dr. Ovadia agreed, adding that switching physicians is sometimes the best move if you want collaborative, patient-centered care. Their shared philosophy: good doctors ask questions, not just give orders.

Prevention Isn’t Just Less Expensive—It’s Better Medicine

Both doctors underscored the economic insanity of reactive care. “One COVID admission in an ICU in my country costs about $53,000,” Dr. K noted. “If we invested even a little of that into prevention, think about the magic that could happen.”

Dr. Ovadia called the book “a quick but powerful read,” praising its accessibility and relevance to anyone interested in improving their metabolic health without waiting for permission from the system.

As the livestream closed, Dr. K made one final point with his signature honesty and optimism: “We’re not short on business in the ICU. But I’d be thrilled if I never saw you there.”

Ready to Move from Theory to Action?

To learn more about Dr. Kyeremanteng visit drkwadwo.ca

.What if improving your protein intake was just the beginning?

Book a free call with our Metabolic Health Coordinator to explore what prevention could look like for you.