5 months ago
(WUSA)-- Dr. Mehmet Oz wants to help Americans live better, love more, and learn a lot about how to be their own health advocates.
The surgeon cultivated his down-to-earth but energetic TV persona as a regular guest on the Oprah Winfrey Show.
During our interview at his studios in New York City, I asked him: "Did working with Oprah give you insights into how to relate to people in a very real way in a TV world?"
Dr. Oz responded that her influence on his life and career is undeniable.
He says, "I went to Oprah University. I worked with her for 5 years, did 55 plus shows. Most of the things I am doing on this show, I learned from her either telling them to me... or watching how she interacted with the folks on her stage."
"I'll tell you one of the most imporant insights she shared was that primary, driving belief and need for the guest- is to be seen for who they really are."
But Dr. Oz says his show's stage won't be populated by celebrities. Guests are real people who need answers, or who have overcome obstacles or setbacks that can teach us all.
And speaking of teaching... the doctor doesn't shy away from the shock or gross-out factor to get his audience's attention!
Anita: "You see real organs, you see the damage that we do to them in our lives. It's like... look folks, wake up!"
Dr. Oz: It's big, it's loud, it's playful on purpose. Our biggest enemy is that people already know the answer. What you want to do is shake them a little bit and get them a little bit off balance. Not dizzy, but a little bit uncomfortable so you have a teachable moment."
Behind the scenes, a multi-layered team works to make sure the information provided is accurate and compelling. There are other physicians that advise Dr. Oz, as well as medical students, TV producers, and a massive studio crew that all have a hand in the final product.
You can see it all come together every weekday at 3pm on WUSA 9.
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