The latest episode of Health Futures: Taking Stock in You marks an exciting milestone, our first fully podcasted show as we transition from radio to an all-podcast format. Host Bob Roth kicked off this new chapter with Dr. Janna Assar, who leads Banner Health’s Concierge Medicine and Executive Health programs. Together, they explored how concierge medicine’s personalized, prevention-first model is redefining care and helping people focus on healthspan as much as lifespan.
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From Street Medicine to Personalized Primary Care
A native of Calgary, Alberta, Assar completed her residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix and began her career under Sister Adele O’Sullivan, founder of Circle the City. As the nonprofit’s first medical director, she helped launch its outpatient and mobile clinics for people experiencing homelessness.
After five years, she joined Banner Health in early 2020, just weeks before the pandemic, and soon found herself coordinating COVID-19 testing and vaccination efforts at the Arizona State Fairgrounds. When Banner began developing its concierge and executive health programs, Assar was chosen to lead them.
“I want to be that grandmother dancing on the dance floor, not supervising from a chair,” she said, describing her focus on extending the healthy years of life rather than simply adding more years.
Building a Prevention-First Model
Banner’s concierge program offers members year-round access to their physician, including extended two-hour visits, same-week appointments, and direct phone contact. The annual membership fee covers this personalized access, while traditional medical services such as labs, imaging, and procedures are billed through insurance.
“It’s like having a doctor in your pocket,” Assar said.
Members benefit from the reach of Banner’s entire health system, hospitals, imaging centers, pharmacies, and specialists, coordinated through a dedicated nurse navigator. The program’s executive-health arm offers one-day comprehensive physicals for business leaders, blending advanced diagnostics with actionable lifestyle guidance. “When you have the entire Banner network behind you,” Assar said, “you can truly make prevention possible.”
Inside the Two-Hour Visit
Assar described the initial appointment as a deep dive into a patient’s health history, goals, and habits. That depth often uncovers risks before they become serious. She recalled one patient who cut out two liters of soda a day after joining the practice, a small change that led to major health improvements. Follow-up imaging revealed a critical carotid blockage that was treated before it became life-threatening.
“Prevention is everything,” she said.
Technology and the Future of Medicine
Assar’s team uses sophisticated testing to catch disease early, cardiac CT scans that differentiate stable from rupture-prone plaque, carotid ultrasounds that flag stroke risk, and new Alzheimer’s blood tests being pioneered by Banner researchers. She’s also embraced artificial intelligence to transcribe visits automatically, allowing her to focus fully on her patients. “Patients want eye contact,” she said. “AI helps me listen better.”
Coaching, Connection, and Accountability
Every concierge member is paired with a licensed health coach through Banner’s partnership with Castle Connolly. Coaches focus on sleep, exercise, nutrition, and stress management while keeping patients accountable between visits. A nurse navigator helps guide each patient through their care journey.
Assar also underscored the link between social connection and longevity. Drawing from Blue Zone research, she encourages patients to build meaningful relationships as part of their health plan. “People who stay social live longer and healthier lives,” she said.
The Truth About Alcohol
When Roth asked about “Sober October,” Assar didn’t hesitate. “Alcohol causes cancer, period,” she said, citing decades of research showing that even one drink per day increases risk for oral, liver, colorectal, and breast cancers. She praised the rise of nonalcoholic options and younger generations’ focus on wellness. “Wasted is out, and wellness is in.”
Looking Ahead: Healthspan as the New Lifespan
For Assar, concierge medicine isn’t about luxury, it’s about transformation. By combining the resources of a major health system with personalized, prevention-driven care, she believes primary care is entering a new era.
“The medicine of the future is going to look very different five years from now,” she said. “We’re finally focusing on healthspan, not just lifespan.”
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🎧 Catch the full episode of Health Futures: Taking Stock in You at CypressHomeCare.com/media/radio-show
📝 This content is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult professionals regarding your individual needs.
