Franciscan Health Doc Pod

Worried your leg heaviness, swelling, or visible veins mean something more? Adam Hicks, MD, Board-certified vascular surgeon with Franciscan Health, and Cassie Himes, NP, Board-certified Nurse Practitioner, explain when to seek evaluation for venous disease. They describe common symptoms (aching, swelling, end-of-day heaviness), risk factors like pregnancy and prolonged standing, how office ultrasound identifies reflux, and when lifestyle measures or procedural treatment may be recommended.

When should I be referred for heart care during cancer treatment? Roland Njei, MD, board-certified cardiologist who specializes in Cardio-Oncology and practices at Franciscan Health, explains when a referral helps. Learn which baseline risk factors (blood pressure, diabetes, prior heart disease) and treatments prompt evaluation, what tests a cardio-oncologist will order (echo, high-sensitivity troponin, EKG), and how oncologists, cardiologists, and primary care work together to decide if specialist follow-up is needed.

When should I take probiotics—during antibiotics, for IBS, or every day? Dr. Jasmine J Vayalil, DO, Board-certified family medicine physician at Franciscan Health, explains common timing and reasons to use probiotics. Hear why clinicians often recommend them during or after antibiotics to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea and C. difficile, when they can ease IBS symptoms (bloating, gas, pain), and when to discuss long-term use with your provider.  To learn more about Dr. Vayalil, go to Jasmine J Vayalil, DO | Franciscan Health 

Is my teen doing too much weight training? Kyle Meyer, DO, CAQSM, Board-certified Sports Medicine Physician with Franciscan Health, explains how to tell when training has crossed the line. You'll learn age-based guidance, why coachability and proper technique matter, the role of rest and recovery, and common warning signs such as fatigue or repeated pain. Dr. Meyer also reviews benefits like improved strength and injury prevention and why balanced programming matters for long-term bone health.

"When should I see someone about my knee pain?" Knee pain evaluation is the topic. Nikhil Pandhi, DO, Board Certified Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine physician practicing at Franciscan Health, explains how clinicians decide when to evaluate knee pain. You'll learn which symptoms (trouble walking, pain climbing stairs, swelling, focal pain with kneeling) warrant an exam, what an evaluation looks like (history, physical exam, X-rays), and the next steps—conservative care versus referral for surgical options.

This episode explains how low-dose radiation therapy works for osteoarthritis and why it matters for people looking for non-surgical treatment options. Dr. Sandeep Bhave, board-certified radiation oncologist at Franciscan Health, joins Scott Webb to describe mechanisms, candidacy, and real-world outcomes.Dr. Bhave explains how low-dose radiation therapy reduces inflammation and provides joint pain relief for conditions such as osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, and hip bursitis. You'll hear about treatment planning with CT simulation, expected timelines for symptom improvement, and how this option fits among conservative treatments like physical therapy and steroid injections. Learn about potential side effects, long-term risks, and insurance coverage including Medicare.Learn more at franciscanhealth.org and search radiation therapy for osteoarthritis.

This episode explains how extracorporeal shockwave therapy works, who is a good candidate, and why it matters for people with persistent tendon pain. Dr. Blake Averill, board certified sports medicine specialist and medical director of Franciscan Health's sports medicine program, walks through the science and patient experience. Learn about shockwave therapy, plantar fasciitis, tendinosis, non-invasive treatment, physical therapy, and Achilles tendinopathy in clear, practical terms. For more information or to schedule an appointment  Learn more about Dr. Averill and Shockwave Therapy 

Dr. Dipen Maun shares the basics of colorectal cancer, what happens while you're sedated during a colonoscopy, and colorectal cancer treatment options.

Dr. Kevin Bree breaks down everything you need to know to be prepared for a colonoscopy – why it's needed beginning at age 45, how the prep has changed over the years and what it looks like today, what happens during the procedure, and about the colon cancer it could help prevent.

What should women look out for to know if they have AFib.

Menopause can change how your body handles blood sugar, energy, weight an overall health – and for women living with diabetes or other chronic conditions, it can feel especially overwhelming. In this episode we break down what's really happening in the body during menopause, how hormonal shifts affect diabetes management and what women can do to feel better and stay in control. From symptoms you shouldn't ignore to practical tips for everyday life, this conversation is design to education, empower, and remind you that you are not alone. Living well is possible – at every stage.

The truth about hormone replacement therapy, birth control, and cardiovascular risk.

Learn how hormonal changes shape cardiovascular health through the decades.

Dr. Schatmeyer will share the most common spinal conditions people experience, and how surgeons determine whether or not a patient is surgical or non-surgical case.

Why women's heart attacks often go unrecognized and how subtle symptoms can signal serious issues.

How race, gender, and socioeconomic status influence women's cardiovascular outcomes.

Dr. Cook will explain what pregnancy complications can reveal about long-term heart and vascular risk.

A closer look at women's outcomes in cardiac and thoracic surgery — and what's improving.

Board-certified orthopedics and sports medicine provider, Dr. NIKHIL PANDHI, will discuss causes of hip pain and complications if it is left untreated.

A wrap-up focused on prevention, empowerment, and small habits that make a big difference. 

Why women's metabolism and inflammation patterns impact heart and vascular disease risk.

Dr. Faisal Khan talks about how treatment of Asthma and COPD has evolved and new options to help patients with ongoing management of their condition.

Explore how your heart, metabolism, and lifestyle are deeply connected—and what you can do to take control of your health. From blood pressure and cholesterol to insulin resistance and weight management. Dr. Bashall and Dr. Lockard are passionate about the topic and provide a lively discussion on the issues.

Today we are joined by general surgeon, Dr. Kirpal Singh with Franciscan Health. Dr. Singh gives us an overview of reflux and how it may present in adults. He further discusses treatment options, including how robotic surgery is used in the treatment of reflux.

Dr. Mary Maish discusses how a spontaneous pneumothorax or collapsed lung occurs, as well as risk factors and the latest treatment options.

Dr. Mary Maish shares the signs and symptoms of esophageal cancer and the latest on surgery and treatment options available.

Today we are joined by physical therapist Patrick Yoder with Franciscan Health. Patrick is here today to talk about the importance our hips have for our everyday life as well as options for treating hip pain, including physical therapy.

Dr. Faisal Khan explains what screening is available for lung cancer, who qualifies for a screening, and how often lung screening appointments should be made.

Dr. Constanze Rayhrer, breast surgeon with Franciscan Health, discusses accessory breast tissue, how and why it affects some patients and not others.

Dr. Wanko discusses the differences between GLP-1 medications for weight loss and bariatric surgery. Including how they work together and why weight loss specialists may recommend one or both of these options.

Board-certified Nurse Practitioner, Jennifer Fabrowicz, will discuss the power of protein in our diets and the benefit for our overall health.

Megan Henderson, NP, with Franciscan Health, will explain how diabetes affects your blood pressure and kidneys. She will also share the early signs or symptoms that someone with diabetes might be experiencing kidney issues, even subtle ones.

Board-certified physician, Tapan Desai, will discuss health benefits of better sleep. 

Dr. Mira Slizovsky will discuss the most common reasons parents consider giving supplements to their children and advice on when they might be needed.

Dr. Derek Bast, is a board-certified family medicine physician with a passion for helping people who battle substance use disorders.

Dr. Joshua Kays, is a board-certified surgeon with additional training in Complex General Surgical Oncology. He specializes in the surgical treatment of liver, pancreas and bile duct disease.

Board-certified Interventional Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine Physician, Dr. Mohammad Arfeen, will discuss Gastroparesis and the G-POEM treatment option. Gastroparesis is a condition in which the muscles in the stomach don't move food as they should for it to be digested. The stomach's movement, called motility, slows or doesn't work at all, leading to poor emptying of the stomach and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and stomach pain. 

Dr. Shivani Parikshak, is a board-certified pediatrician and mother. She combines her medical training and practical experience to offer parents insights on preparing your children for the return to a school time schedule.

Fecal incontinence is more common than people realize, but patients are often embarrassed to discuss with their doctor. Dr. Reidy discusses causes, diagnosis and treatment options.

Today we are joined by sports medicine specialist, Dr. Blake Averill with Franciscan Health. Dr. Averill highlights the most common signs and symptoms of concussion, as well as a few surprising symptoms. He walks us through how a suspected concussion is evaluated and confirmed. Dr. Averill wraps up the episode by giving an overview of what concussion recovery may look like.

Board-certified in Family Medicine, Dr. James Carlson, will discuss details about the Ketogenic (Keto) Diet.

Dr. Johnson will explain Spondylitis which is an umbrella term for a group of chronic arthritis - type diseases affecting the joints of the spine and sacroiliac region. All types of spondylitis involve inflammation of the joints, tendons, and ligaments.

Board-certified interventional cardiologist, Tansel Turgut MD, will discuss the top 10 myths about cardiovascular disease.

Matthew Rachwalski, DO, board certified in Sports Medicine at Franciscan Health, will discuss what frozen shoulder entails and how patients can recover from this painful setback.

Eric Steinberg, MD, board certified in Gastroenterology at Franciscan Health, will discuss what is Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome: What's the Difference? IBD and IBS are not the same, although they do share some symptoms. Dr. Steinberg will share more about these conditions, how they affect your body and available treatments.

Dr. Johnson will explain Spondylitis which is an umbrella term for a group of chronic arthritis - type diseases affecting the joints of the spine and sacroiliac region. All types of spondylitis involve inflammation of the joints, tendons, and ligaments.

Nurse practitioner Holly Myles has a background and passion in fitness. She gives an inside look at the most recent fitness trends and how they impact overall health.

Board-certified rheumatologist, Dr. Marcia Johnson, will explain the connection between lupus and heart disease, and the specific types of lupus that put patients at a higher risk for heart problems.

Managing stress is more than about being emotionally balanced. Stress, our reaction to that “fight or flight” instinct, can also affect our physical health. Meera Moran from Franciscan Health will talk to us today how she and other health experts understand how unmanaged stress in our lives can impact our heart health. Meera has a doctor of nursing practice degree and specializes in cardiac care.

Dr. Joshua Kays, is a board-certified surgeon with additional training in Complex General Surgical Oncology. He specializes in the surgical treatment of liver, pancreas and bile duct disease.

Syncope (SINK-a-pee) is a clinical word for fainting or passing out. Many people may faint or feel faint once or twice in their lives, and there are several minor triggers for it. But in some cases, it's a sign of a heart issue, such as an abnormal heart rhythm or heart valve issue.Electrophysiologist Dr. Manoj Duggal (MAHN-oage DOO-gle) will discuss what happens when a person experiences syncope, what may be causing it, and why it's important to identify the cause.