Podcast 320: Why Australians Live 7 Years Longer Than Americans with Dr. Adrian Cois 

This month on our Longevity Series, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance and Principal Science Dr. Kristen Holmes sits down with Dr. Adrian Cois to discuss the difference in healthcare between Australia and the United States—and how that difference impacts longevity.

In this episode, Dr. Kristen Holmes sits down with Australian-born Emergency Physician and Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Dr. Adrian Cois to explore his journey in medicine and the unique challenges faced by frontline healthcare workers—particularly around trauma, burnout, and wellbeing. Together, they examine the cultural differences between healthcare in the U.S. and Australia, highlighting where the U.S. system can improve and what it can learn from Australia's emphasis on prevention and proactive care. Dr. Cois shares actionable insights on how to reframe trauma in emergency settings, how to account for shift work, and the role that light exposure and time outdoors play in long-term health. He offers perspective on the impact of habit change and what Americans can do to improve their own health.

Episode Chapters

00:25 - Dr. Adrian Cois’ background and TEDx presentation

01:47 - The importance of re-framing trauma when working in emergency care

05:26 - Team mentality and acknowledging the challenges as a frontline healthcare worker

07:46 - Cultural differences between Australia and the United States

10:28 - The importance of implementing preventative medicine

18:27 - Where the U.S. can improve

21:17 - How to motivate individuals to take control of their health

25:29 - Comparative analysis of weather, sport, and club

30:04 - The importance of light behavior and spending time outside

33:58 - Acknowledging your specific needs and culture when it comes to health

35:12 - Shift work and sleep

42:54 - Culture and research around habit changes