The Human Side of Healthcare

We are concluding our series of career stories of some of the successful young healthcare executives in the Metroplex, who are also Board members of the Dallas Ft. Worth Hospital council. Sharn Barbarin, CEO at Medical City Arlington joins us with how a residency program during her MBA program pivoted her career to the fast-track. There's a new guided imaging technique developed here in North Texas that could revolutionize prostate cancer treatment nationwide. Dr. Daniel Costa, Associate Professor of Radiology at UTSW and a member of the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center joins us to talk about this new “TULSA” procedure that he helped co-develop.

Our liver is something we often don't think much about - until there's a problem. When faced with liver disease, whether from alcohol, obesity, hepatitis or even genetic, transplantation might be necessary. Dr. Narayanan Menon, Medical Director of Medical City Liver and Digestive Disease Specialists & Medical Director of Liver Transplantation at Medical City Dallas Transplant Institute joins us for a comprehensive discussion about liver disease, including prevention. There is a fairly new technology that became invaluable during the pandemic that is a tremendous life-saving technology. It is called ECMO and replaces both the heart and lung functions until the body can heal. Dr. Ramesh Subedi, Pulmonologist at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth tells us all about it.

A truely avoidable tragedy happens too many times every year across North Texas: Children die in their sleep. The biggest cause of this is often because they are sleeping in adult beds. Marisa Abbe, PhD from Children's Health joins us to talk about preventing this from ever happening with just a few safety precautions. Then, we focus on an aspect of heart disease that many don't understand. The term “Heart Failure” is broadly used to refer to the heart muscle not functioning at the level the body needs to provide proper oxygen that we need. Our guest is Dr. Jawwad Yusuf, Heart Failure & Transplant Cardiologist at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas and a member of Texas Health Heart and Vascular Specialists, a Texas Health Physicians Group practice. His explanations of identification and treatment of heart failure are like a seminar in prevention and care of our heart.

A big conversation these days is about over-the-counter hearing aids. But before we tackle that topic, we dive even deeper into hearing loss and the need for hearing assistance in the first place. Our guest is Dr. William Even, Au.D., Director of Clinical Audiology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. There is a CT test you can get in about 15 minutes that can tell you valuable information about your heart. This is generally easier than a catheterization, but there are some issues to consider. Radiation, being one of them. Dr. Vinit Lal, Medical Director for Interventional Cardiology at Medical City North Hills joins us with a full explanation.

We have what may be a revolutionary medical technology, that is not new, but is often underutilized. This is for men who choose surgical options for prostate cancer treatment. Bladder leakage may follow. With this technique, used and taught at UT Southwestern Medical Center, men can have quick relief from this nagging issue. Dr. Steven Hudak, Associate Professor of Urology at UT Southwestern Medical Center makes us aware of this hopeful procedure. Next, we continue our “series” of interviews with DFW area healthcare executives who are also board members of the Dallas Ft. Worth Hospital Council. Today we visit with Becky Tucker, Senior Vice President of Channel Integration at Texas Health Resources. She rose from Administrative Assistant at one of our hospitals to a prominent role at the corporate office. Find out how she did it and see if a career in healthcare might be interesting to you.

Dr. Amelia Tower, Breast Surgical Oncologist and Medical Director of the Breast Program at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth about a new imaging technology that allows surgeons to remove all of the affected tissue during breast surgery. This procedure is recognized as revolutionary in breast cancer treatment and Dr. Tower was the first surgeon in America to perform this operation using this new device. Then we head up to Decatur to the Wise Health System to talk to Dr. Bradley Leonard, Medical Director of Cardiology there about heart disease. Dr. Leonard is a wealth of information and this interview covers many aspects of heart disease from both prevention and treatment.

Texas statewide has a real issue with maternal mortality, up to even a year after giving birth. Cardiovascular disease is often a contributor, and that can lead to preeclampsia, or dangerously high blood pressure during pregnancy or after delivery. Theresa Patton, MD, OB-GYN at Methodist Dallas Medical Center joins us to discuss what women can do to prevent or treat this serious condition. Next, there is a way you can give the gift of life to a friend, relative, or even a total stranger. It is through Living Donor Kidney Transplantation. Dr. Johanna Bayer, MD, Abdominal Transplant Surgeon at Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center in Fort Worth explains. Working in healthcare can be one of the most rewarding careers available. Helping others, whether from the clinical side as a physician, nurse or therapist, or from the administrative side as a manger, CEO, or simply working in housekeeping, hospitals are a “city within a city.” Natalie Wilkins, Chief of Staff to the President and CEO at Cook Children's Health Care System talks to us about her job and the landscape of working in healthcare.

If you have ever experienced sudden-onset of back or neck pain, you know how debilitating it can be. Pain diagnosis, treatment and management of this nature can be complicated. That's why Baylor Scott & White Health started a pilot program in North Texas to help patients navigate the system of pain management. Dr. John Marcucci is the Chief Medical Officer at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Plano and stops by to talk to us about the program. Flu cases are up across North Texas, so we take a few minutes in the middle of today's show to talk re-visit some thoughts from Dr. Shawn Riley, Regional Medical Director at CareNow Urgent Care. Then, a medical correlation that may surprise you. Dr. James Ralston, Dermatologist at Medical City McKinney and the Dermatology Center of McKinney discusses psoriasis. As part of this discussion, we even explore connections between our skin and mental health. Find out what Dr. Ralston has to say about that in this engaging interview.

Through the breakthrough technology of robotics, physicians at Medical City Ft. Worth can now biopsy, analyze and even remove polyps in our lungs before they become lung cancer. Dr. Ranjit Nair, Internal Medicine at Medical City Ft. Worth, joins us to explain how this will become a new standard of early detection and save many lives. Know anyone looking for a job? The healthcare field offers tremendous opportunities for serving others while growing a viable career. And the good news is - you don't have to necessarily become a clinician to have a very successful career. Vanessa Walls, President, Northern Market at Children's Health joins us to talk about her career path before and at Children's Health.

Giving blood is one of the tenants of “The Human Side of Healthcare,” as there is perhaps no better way to serve others in our community than to give blood. Today, we're talking to Jason Piecek, Air Medical Base Supervisor/Flight Paramedic at PHI Air Medical, about what happens to blood after we donate, and other tips on making the decision to donate easy. GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease impacts over 20 percent of Americans. It can not only be very uncomfortable, but can even lead to cancer of the esophagus. Dr. Christopher Cottrell, General Surgeon at Medical City Frisco, joins us to talk about GERD, its causes and treatment options. Dr. Cottrell also has a podcast - Dr. Chris the Surgery Guy - where he discusses this in detail with other physicians.

Patrick Rohan is Chief Executive Officer at Medical City Frisco, where they opened a $91 million dollar expansion tower in December, 2022. He joins us in our on-going series of interviewing healthcare executives on their decision to enter this dynamic field as a career. Pat shares his story and the many benefits of serving others in healthcare. Then Krister White, Director of Spiritual Care at Parkland Health joins us to discuss Advance Directives and the Medical Power of Attorney - 2 documents anyone over age 18 should have on file with their medical home and with their family or responsible party. You will learn in this interview what can happen to your care if you are incapacitated and don't have them. Plus, they're online, free, and you don't need an attorney to complete them.

Maternal mortality is a big issue that needs legislative attention in 2023. Dr. Aiyanna B. Anderson, Chair of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth joins us to discuss taking the best care of new moms in the new year. Parents, there's a rather harsh reality that vaping is something your school-age child will encounter at some point. The statistics are that far more teens and pre-teens are vaping than admitting they are vaping. And many adults vape as a “safer way to smoke.” How safe is vaping? What do we know about it? And can it cause lung cancer, similar to the cigarettes it it supposed to “replace?” We explore this with Dr. Andrew Miller, Pulmonologist at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth. Finally, we re-visit another segment we ran earlier this year with Dr. Tonya Fuqua, a partner at Fuqua Advanced Dental in Southlake and also serves the dental needs of low-income children in our community through Cook Children's non-profit dental program, “Save a Smile.” Dr. Fuqua is a wealth of information and tells us the biggest childhood disease is tooth decay. This is great information for kids and adults!

Cook Children's Medical Center is incorporating something you probably wouldn't think of related to healthcare that is having a profound impact on the kids (patients), their families, and the staff. It is truly a triple-win. It's the therapeutic use of Dogs! Currently there are six dogs in the “Facility Dogs Program,” and Laura Sonefeld, Facility Dog Program Coordinator at Cook Children's, stops by to tell us the story. Next on this holiday special, did you know there is a correlation between bacteria that can grow in our urine…and confusion or delirium? Dr. KC Bens, Urologist at Methodist Dallas Medical Center, has the full rundown, including which age group is most affected.

We have a wonderful father-daughter team joining us in our first and last segments to discuss seasonal allergies. Dr. Gary Gross and his daughter, Dr. Laura Gross, both practicing Allergy & Immunology at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas discuss what is unique about this time of year and why North Texas allergies can be just as relentless as any other season. The week of this show's airing, the college football community was shocked at the sudden death from a massive heart attack of popular Mississippi State coach, Mike Leach. Why do holiday-season heart issues seem so common? Dr. Tulika Jain, Cardiologist at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas joins us to discuss this timely topic. And our condolences to the family and many fans of Mike Leach.

In North Texas alone, an estimated 800,000 people are not certain where their next meal will come from. That's enough to fill eight large football stadiums. This is called Food Insecurity, and it is obviously a big Human Side of Healthcare, because how we eat affects our entire well-being. Matt Dufrene, Vice President of Blue Zones Project/North Texas Healthy Communities, joins us to discuss the impact of this and what is being done to help offset it. Periodically, we like to talk to people inside healthcare of how and why they chose this profession. Hospitals are such a significant economic contributor to their communities, wherever they are located. Michael Sanborn, President at Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center in Fort Worth joins us to talk about why he became a pharmacist before a hospital President.

If you have ever had a herniated or compressed disc, you know how painful it can be. Perhaps one of the most painful things we can experience. Dr. Alexander Satin, Orthopedic Spine Surgeon at Medical City Frisco joins us to talk about some of the treatment options and considerations for anyone who may be experiencing this, or know of someone who is. There is a new study of approximately 7,800 people that indicates walking at a pace of 40 steps per minute may help significantly offset symptoms of dementia. The secret is the blood flow to the brain. Dr. Alla Al-Habib, Neurologist at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano stops by to tell us about this exciting new understanding of the benefit of regular exercise.

Did you know there is a direct correlation to cholesterol and gall stones? Painful gall stones and even gall bladder removal can be prevented, mostly from diet. Listen as Dr. Scott Bloemendal, General Surgeon at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth, discusses how to take better care of this important, and often overlooked, organ in our body. November is Epilepsy Awareness Month and we are joined by Dr. Scott Perry, Head of Neurosciences at Cook Children's to discuss this disease that affects 1 in 26 Americans, on average.

It's flu season and this year we may have an upper hand because of what happened this summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Dr. Shawn Riley is Regional Medical Director at CareNow Urgent Care in North Texas and he stops by to talk about all aspects of the 2022-23 flu season. Did you know that if you look away in your car for just five seconds at highway speeds, you cover 100 yards - the distance of a football field? Cathy Glenn, Injury Prevention Trauma Outreach Coordinator at Texas Health Dallas offers excellent tips and reminders to hopefully help save lives this holiday season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's show, we do a deep-drive into pneumonia. Not only is it seasonal and on the increase now, but many respiratory infections can deteriorate into it if left untreated. Pneumonia often affects the elderly and infants, and you'll find out why as we talk to Dr. Michael Tolle, Family Medicine physician at Texas Health Dallas and Texas Health Family Care, a member of Texas Health Physicians Group. Crohn's Disease is something many American's live with as a chronic illness. Sometimes it is genetic, but it can be debilitating and serious. Dr. Tasneem Ahmed, Gastroenterology at Texas Health Digestive Specialists in Plano joins us to explain the diagnosis and treatment of Crohn's Disease. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fall is cold and flu season, but one illness that our kids are prone to - and they can bring home to the whole family - is strep throat. This is not generally a serious illness, but if we understand it, hopefully we can better prevent it. Dr. Curtis H. Johnson, Medical Director of Emergency Services at Medical City North Hills joins us for a conversation about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of strep throat. Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in America, and cholesterol building up in our arteries is a leading factor. Dr. Brandie Williams, Texas Health Heart and Vascular Specialists in Stephenville gives us an excellent education on some things we may not have realized about cholesterol and preventing heart disease. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Dallas Ft. Worth Hospital Council honors the two healthcare heroes who were senselessly lost to a criminal shooting last weekend at Methodist Hospital in Dallas. Our hearts and prayers go to the families and staff, who are grieving these two loved ones and co-workers. JPS Health Network is launching a new Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship and Dr. Alan L. Podawiltz, Chair of Psychiatry at JPS stops by to tell us more about it and why it is so necessary in North Texas. Next we examine the HPV vaccine with Dr. Jason Terk, MD, Pediatrician at Cook Children's Keller Parkway. Dr. Terk offers his opinions on why this is such an important vaccine to consider. As with any medical procedure, always consult your ow pediatrician or primary care physician. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The holiday season is upon us. Fall is in the air in North Texas. The Texas State Fair is winding down. Halloween is around the corner. Mary Harrell, RN, Trauma Injury Prevention Coordinator at Medical City Dallas and Medical City Children's Hospital joins us with a conversation about how to keep our kids safe during trick-or-treating, and much more through the holidays. Then, you'd be surprised where one of the most frequent sports injuries occurs. Our hips! Dr. John Christoforetti, Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialist at Texas Health Hospital Frisco and with Texas Health Physicians Group joins us to talk about the latest treatment options. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month so we are delighted to have Janet St. James b ack with us again. Janet spent about 25 years coming into our living rooms every day as a journalist at WFAA Channel 8 News. Now, she is Asst. Vice President, PR and Media Communications at Medical City Healthcare and stops by to tell us how she is doing with her journey with breast cancer. Then, we travel over to Children's Health to visit with Dr. Kimberly Goodspeed, Pediatric neurologist at Children's Health & Assistant Professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center. The topic is Autism, and whether your child may have symptoms or not, you will learn some new things that might surprise you about this disease that reflects some of the most up-to-date information and research. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month in America and to honor all of our ladies who have fought or are currently fighting breast cancer, we are featuring two women this month who have encouraging stories to tell. This week, Christina Mintner, Senior Vice President of Population Health & HOMES at Parkland Health joins us to tell her story that began in 2015. She is cancer-free today and loves to encourage women who are following in this journey behind her. Then we are delighted to have Dr. Dante Burgos back (he was part of our 9/11 special show). Dr. Burgos is Medical Director at Medical City McKinney Behavioral Health Services and has some excellent tips for North Texas families who are dealing with the overhanging stress of sending their kids back to school this fall. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September is Sepsis awareness month and to recognize this we are talking to Ryan Reid, RN Clinical Program Coordinator, Parkland Health and Jessica Aguilar, RN Clinical Sepsis RN at JPS Health Network to discuss the aspects of how sepsis can sneak up without warning and be deadly. Next we talk about not only our heart, but the health of our entire vascular system with Dr. Michael Siah, Vascular Surgeon/Limb Salvage Specialist at Texas Health Dallas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Texas Rangers Baseball Announcer Eric Nadel on Retina Tear He Experienced; "Heart to Beat" - Dr. Brian Lima's Story to Cardiovascular Surgeon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special commemorative episode of the Human Side of Healthcare, we dedicate the program in memory of those who died both on 9-11 twenty-one years ago, and to the over one million Americans who died from the Covid 19 pandemic. Joining us to talk about dealing with stress, anxiety and healthy coping mechanisms are two local psychiatrists who are both leaders in their fields. In the first half of the show, Dr. Dante Burgos, Medical Director at Medical City McKinney Behavioral Health Services talks primarily about how we adults can addresses these new stressors in our lives. For the second half, we turn our focus on our precious children with Dr. Fuad Khan, Chief of Integrated Behavioral Health at Parkland Health. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cook Children's Medical Center is incorporating something you probably wouldn't think of related to healthcare that is having a profound impact on the kids (patients), their families, and the staff. It is truly a triple-win. Dogs!Currently there are six dogs in their program, and we're going to learn about it from Laura Sonefeld, Facility Dog Program Coordinator at Cook Children's.Next we are talking with Liz Petty, MPH, Public Health Educator, North Texas Poison Center at Parkland Health about a topic that comes up often this time of year - poisoning in the home. Liz is a wealth of information if something happens related to harmful chemicals. The North Texas Poison Center's number is 1-800-222-1222 and they are happy to help if you or a family member has been exposed to a toxin that is potentially causing a reaction. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we explore a relatively new brain surgery procedure called “LITT.” Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy is allowing neurosurgeons to go where no-one has gone before. We round out neurosurgery month talking to Dr. Anita Bhansali, Neurosurgeon/Spine Surgeon at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth (and with Texas Health Neurosurgery and Spine Specialists, a Texas Health Physicians Group practice). She is a wealth of information, not only on LITT, but on why this continues to be one of the most cutting edge technological specialties of medicine. She even has some good advice for young people who might be wondering if they have what it takes to pursue a career in healthcare. Then we talk to two people about the Parkland BioTel Social Work Program. This is a cooperative effort that now adds social work to a program that has been operating in DFW since 1975. This program is designed to assist frequent users of EMS who may not be in need of emergency medical care but could be helped by referral to various community social services resources. Paramedics who encounter these patients can contact BioTel to enlist support from BioTel's social worker.We are delighted to welcome to the program, Katie Afflerbach, LCSW, Biotel Social Work Manager, Parkland Health and Deputy Fire Chief Brian Staples from the Mesquite Fire Department. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spina Bifida is a spinal development disease that can be identified before birth, with a new surgical pre-delivery technique to try to correct it. And, Spina Bifida Occulta is a milder form that affects spinal alignment. Dr. Shyam Kishan, Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon at Medical City Children's Hospital stops by to tell us all about Spina Bifida. There's a program that was developed after the Boston Marathon bombing that trains citizens on how to administer emergency trauma assistance to literally help stop someone from bleeding to death in the event of an emergency. This can range from automobile accidents to some of the all-too-familiar tragedies we see nearly every day somewhere in our country. Crystal Perry, Trauma Program Director at Medical City Denton tells us about the program and how you can participate. Finally, Katherine Yoder, VP of Governmental Relations, Legislative Affairs at Parkland Health talks with Steve about the upcoming legislative agenda, and particularly how it might affect healthcare in North Texas. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

August is neurosurgery month and we have two guests to help us understand more of this vast frontier in medicine. Strokes on any metric are consistently one of the top causes of death in America and in Texas. Stroke awareness is a key to prevention and fast action if someone you love is having a stroke. Dr. Matthew Fiesta, Interventional Neuroradiologist at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth stops by to tell us some of the latest research and treatments to help resolve and prevent strokes. In the second half of the show, Dr. Olaide Ajayi is a Neurosurgeon at Texas Health Fort Worth who has a vast wealth of information on TBIs, or Traumatic Brain Injuries. These can happen in sports with our kids, the result of a bicycle or motorcycle accident, or the most common - the automobile accident. Learn about treating and preventing traumatic brain injury as we recognize the importance of neurosurgery month. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a special “Back-to-School” edition of the Human Side of Healthcare. Many families across North Texas have been anxious about the upcoming school year, for obvious reasons. We sit down with Lisa Elliott, Ph.D., Psychologist at Cook Children's to discuss many aspects about what our kids are facing at school now, and how we as parents and grandparents can stand with them in support. This is a positive empowerment of how we can all work together to insure our kids have a positive experience at school this year. We conclude with the health portion of preparing for the new year with Dr. Alice Phillips, Pediatrician at Cook Children's discussing immunization requirements and pediatric health tips for optimum health this school year. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

There is a program that many of our North Texas hospitals participate in to help bridge the gap between a patient with a specific pharmaceutical need to be able to obtain that from the drug companies on what is called a “Compassionate Care” basis. We talk to Dr. Micha Koentz, PharmD, Investigational Pharmacy Supervisor at Cook Children's Medical Center about their Compassionate Care program specifically for kids with cancer. Scoliosis is a disease of the spine that affects both children and adults. Kids are born with it and some adults are affected mostly in their later years. Dr. Jeffrey Phelps, Medical Director of Spine Services at Medical City North Hills joins us for an educational walk through both adult and adolescent scoliosis. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Texas statewide has a real problem with maternal mortality, up to even a year after giving birth. Cardiovascular disease is often a contributor, and that can lead to preeclampsia, or dangerously high blood pressure during pregnancy or after delivery. Theresa Patton, MD, OB-GYN at Methodist Dallas Medical Center joins us to discuss what women can do to prevent or treat this serious condition. We're happy to have Lizzy Brown, Family Therapist at Cook Children's Health Care System back with us for a few questions about ways we can help our teenagers, including building better relationships. Kids are going through so much these days, and Lizzy's tips can help parents and kids alike. There is an exciting new gene study for Alzheimers that is promising to lead to new treatments and medications for those dealing with this life-altering disease. Diana Kerwin, M.D., Chief, Geriatric Medicine at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas stops by to tell us the good news. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's been so hot in Texas that even an evening motorcycle ride couldn't cool you off. However, since we are out and about on bikes, skateboards, etc., what about head injuries if something happens? We are joined by Dr. Christopher Shank, Neurosurgeon and Neurotrauma Program Medical Director at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth to discuss helmet safety and the latest in neurotrama treatments. Speaking of summer, the heat has pretty much zapped any chances of rain for a while but eventually Texas thunderstorms will return. When they do, we want to be sure we don't forget lightning safety tips. Did you know a tree is about the worst place to hide if you are caught out in a thunderstorm? Find out why with Chris Noah, Director of Disaster Management at Parkland Health and Hospital System. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

One of the unwelcome surprises many people have in their 50s, 60s and beyond is a retinal tear. As Dr. Nikisha Kothari, Board-Certified Ophthalmologist and Retina Specialist at Texas Health Resources explains, it is akin to wallpaper being ripped off the wall. That can happen inside our eye. Dr. Kothari gives us a great education about how to care for our eyes, both preventively and should we have this happen to us. Dr. Glenn Hardesty, Emergency Medicine Physician at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano, returns to the Human Side of Healthcare with lots of tips to avoid common accidents he sees in the ER, especially during summer. Then, to close out the show, a special appearance from our friend Dr. Robert Haley, UT Southwestern Medical Center, and his very impactful story of the guinea pigs and masking as the Covid numbers begin to rise in North Texas following the Independence Day holiday. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We have a special Independence Holiday episode this week, celebrating America's 246th birthday! Dr. Bhagya Boggaram, Medical Director Stroke Program at Medical City North Hills joins us to talk about stroke awareness. Then Dr. Donna Casey, Internist at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas offers family advice for caring for our elderly loved ones, especially when that difficult time comes to make changes in their care and even giving up some independence. H, Chief Executive Officer of AMN Healthcare stops by to talk about staffing issues and challenges in healthcare today. She has had a brilliant 32 year career at AMN, and will be retiring soon, so we are honored to have her thoughts that are affecting hospitals across the country. Finally, Dr. Tonya Fuqua, DDS, joins us to talk about both adult and children's dental issues, with a special spotlight on Cook Children's “Save a Smile” program, helping to serve the dental needs of low0income children in our community. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The CDC estimates there are 40-Million Americans diagnosed with diabetes, but another 100-Million that may have pre-diabetes. These are staggering numbers, especially considering the cost of treating it. Betsy Richter-Gifford, RN, Diabetes Care and Education Specialist at Texas Health Resources joins us to talk about this, and encourage patients and their families dealing with it. In the second half of our show, we salute Texas Health Resources, recently awarded the coveted Foster G. McGaw Prize, recognizing hospitals that have distinguished themselves through efforts to improve the health and well-being of everyone in their communities. David Tesmer, Chief Community and Public Policy Officer for Texas Health Resources joins us to discuss some of the programs and metrics that led to this recognition. Then we wrap up with one of the most valued non-medical contributions in our hospitals, especially these last 2 1/2 years. Reverend Elizabeth Watson-Martin, MDiv, Vice President, Faith & Spirituality Integration at Texas Health Resources stops by to talk about the chaplaincy programs and how so many North Texas families have benefitted from these unsung heroes who may welcome a newborn into one family, and an hour later help another family say farewell to a loved one. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We are focusing on our kids for the first half of the show in light of recent events in Texas. Dr. Stevie Puckett-Perez joins us from Children's Health and UT Southwestern Medical Center to process many of the emotions our kids and teens are feeling as the 2022 summer break begins across North Texas. There is an easily-preventable cancer that many people get, but with a simple, early diagnostic procedure, can be completely removed at the time of the procedure itself. Yet, 30-percent of North Texans don't get this very important test. We are talking, of course, about colon cancer and colonoscopies. Dr. Amit Desai, Gastroenterologist at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas stops by to give us valuable information on how this disease has become more wide-spread among the younger population, increasing the importance of beginning testing sooner. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's the Memorial Day holiday weekend and we're on top of it with one of the big topics as summer officially begins: Protecting your skin. If you know someone who has faced Melanoma, or some other kind of skin cancer, you will be quick to make sure fresh sunscreen is part of your summer regimen. We are delighted to have Dr. Shadi Damanpour, Board-Certified Dermatologist at North Dallas Dermatology Associates to help insure you are safe for fun in the sun this summer. Another thing to keep an eye out for are the two poisonous spiders in North Texas. Dr. Otto Marquez, Emergency Medicine Physician at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas tells us how they treat bites from Black Widow and Brown Recluse spiders in the ER. Finally, a touching topic from Children's Health. Some North Texas families experience visible disabilities with their young children, causing them to wonder if they might have a neurological issue. Genetics now plays a key role in diagnosing these childhood issues, and is giving clinicians a big advantage in treating it. Dr. Saima Naeem Kayani, Pediatric Neurologist at Children's Health and Assistant Professor at UTSW joins us with some invaluable information for parents facing this challenge. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Gout is a disease that has sudden onset, and while not life-threatening, it certainly is painful enough to be life-altering. Dr. Imran Iqbal, Rheumatologist at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, joins us with a comprehensive explanation of how Gout appears, how painful his patients say it is, and how it is treated. Next, if you or someone you love is thinking of a knee or hip replacement surgery because pain has become too severe for daily activities, you'll want to hear about this new minimally-invasive muscle-saving procedure pioneered by Florian Dibra, Orthopedic Surgeon at Medical City Frisco. He literally had a patient mowing the lawn the day after surgery. Find out how in the second half of this week's show. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr. John Carlo stops by to talk about one big thing we learned from the Covid-19 pandemic that can help keep you well all year. He also updates us on the stark reminder that we are still very much living with Covid, and people are still having to go to the hospital, although thankfully, in much fewer numbers than in the past. There's a new healthcare podcast that is being produced here in the Metroplex. “Raising Joy” is a Cook Children's outreach to help kids, teens and parents cope with the vast spectrum of mental health challenges from the last two years. Co-Hosts Wini King, Chief of Communications, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity at Cook Children's and Kristen Pyrc, M.D., Co-Medical Director of Psychiatry tell us about the new show. Did you know there is a correlation to bacteria that can grow in our urine…and confusion or delirium? Dr. KC Bens, Urologist at Methodist Dallas Medical Center, has the full rundown, including which age group is most affected. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Spring will soon be summer in North Texas and most of us want nothing more than to get outside, exercise, move our bodies, play sports again and enjoy the company of others. That always means there will be some sprains, tears, and even fractures on the sports fields. Dr. Paul Whatley, Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Specialist at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Denton, joins us with excellent tips and ideas how we can keep our kids (and ourselves) safe as we celebrate new life this spring. And as our kids are playing, so are the adults. Motorcycles, bicycles, even scooters and lots of walking in high-traffic areas can lead to accidents. Courtney Edwards, Doctor of Nursing Practice and Director of Trauma Community Outreach and BioTel EMS at the Rees-Jones Trauma Center at Parkland Health System, joins us to discuss safety in all these areas. Awareness is the key to safety and Dr. Edwards always has great tips to help us sharpen our prevention skills. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

All of our North Texas hospitals serve the communities surrounding them. They are also incredible economic drivers of employment and many service-related businesses that support them. Healthcare is a valuable community-based service that often affects lifestyle, not just health. Angela Morris, Senior Director, Community Relations at Parkland Health & Hospital System joins us to describe the vast reach Parkland has across North Texas, especially in Dallas County. We turn our sites for the second half of the show to another major community-related issue and that is Domestic Violence, often called “DV.”We are joined by Cindy Burnette, the SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners) Program Director at Texas Health Resources and Sheyla Camacho, Public Health Educator, Victim Intervention Program (VIP)/Rape Crisis Center at Parkland Health & Hospital System to advise what your options are if you or someone you know & love is involved in DV. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Parents, there's a rather harsh reality that vaping is something your school-age child will encounter at some point. The statistics are that far more teens and pre-teens are vaping than admitting they are vaping. And many adults vape as a “safer way to smoke.” How safe is vaping? What do we know about it? And can it cause lung cancer, similar to the cigarettes it it supposed to “replace?” We explore all aspects of this question with Dr. Andrew Miller, Pulmonologist at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth. Continuing the theme for the second half of the show, Dr. Tony Su, Pulmonologist and Medical Director of The Lung Cancer Program at Texas Heath Arlington Memorial Hospital explains the latest lung cancer diagnosis and treatments for those who end up developing this dreaded form of cancer. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Kids and teens have been through so much the past two years, as their social lives came to a halt, they were told to keep away from their friends, and important school events were canceled, including graduation. Helping our kids is the topic of the first half of this week's show, especially when parents earn their kid's trust by being good listeners. Lizzy Brown, Family Therapist at Cook Children's Health Care System has valuable insights that can help any parent strengthen the relationship with their kids. Heart surgery using a robot? It's happening in the DFW Metroplex, and John Mark Pool, M.D., Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas joins us to talk about the minimally invasive miracles this new technology is providing, not only to the patients, but also to the surgeon and the support staff in the operating room during the procedure. This conversation takes heart treatment to a whole new level. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Some of the stories we love the most at the Human Side of Healthcare are related to new medical technologies that help doctors deliver better outcomes to their patients. In the fist half of our show, we talk to Dr. Amelia Tower, Breast Surgical Oncologist and Medical Director of the Breast Program at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth about a new imaging technology that allows surgeons to remove all of the affected tissue the first time. And, Dr. Tower was the first surgeon in America to perform this operation using this new device. She explains what it is, how it works, and the many benefits to women dealing with breast cancer. The Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation has a national reputation for excellence in helping patients needing all sorts of post-surgery or post-accident or illness rehabilitation. Fabian E. Polo, PhD, MBA, is President of this incredible program here in the Metroplex, and he joins us to discuss some of the ways they are helping people resume a normal life. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's springtime in North Texas and that means severe storms and allergies. Dr. Curtis Johnson, Medical Director of Emergency Services at Medical City North Hills joins us to talk about the differences between a seasonal allergy flare-up and Covid-19. Then, a topic that has become all-too-familiar these past two years for many North Texas: Grief after losing a loved one or close friend. Flor Leal, PhD, Palliative Care Psychologist at Parkland Health & Hospital System has some excellent suggestions on how we can process grief in a healthy manner and in a way that honors our loved one and helps us return to healthy functionality. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Healthcare has always been a stable, economically neutral career where people are able to often make a good living through service to others. Rose Johnson is Administrative Director of Academic Partnerships and Nurse Leader Development at Medical City Healthcare. She joins us to talk about a program Medical City offers their employees, the “Texas Two-Step.” It's a path to an RN degree and clinical nursing practice - absolutely free of charge! Then we are honored and delighted to talk to Dr. Nicolas Madsen, Co-Director of The Heart Center and Chief of Cardiology at Children's Health. When our kids are born with heart defects, it is one of the most wrenching experiences parents can endure. Fortunately, the program here at Children's is one of the most prestigious in the country, and Dr. Madsen helps steer the ship. Join is to hear about why this program has been a go-to for thousands of families facing this challenge so early in their kid's lives. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This is one of the Spring Break weeks for North Texas schools and we continue the conversation we started last week with Cindy Burnett talking about Spring Break safety, particularly for our daughters. This week, we talk with Dr. Helen King, Assistant Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine at UT Southwestern & HIV and Sexual Health Provider at Parkland Health & Hospital System. Dr. King discusses the breadth and depth of sexually transmitted diseases, which are on the rise nationwide, and here in Texas. The statistics will surprise you. Then, we learn about treatment options for prostate cancer from Matthew Cavey, MD, Radiation Oncology Physician at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth. And one thing you may not have known that Dr. Cavey explains is that most men, if they live long enough, will have cancer cells in their prostate region. Perhaps not serious enough to treat, but as he says, it is a disease of aging for men. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Spring Break is around the corner and as parents, we all want our young people, especially our daughters, to have a good time. That is especially true after what all we have been through the past two years. However, this can also be a time of excessive alcohol, peer pressure, and sometimes, date rape or other unwanted sexual advances. Cindy Burnette, RN, and SANE Program Director at Texas Health Resources joins us to talk about safety tips of how kids can have a good time and stay safe as well. Then, with new statistics freshly out from the CDC, Steve and Marjorie Quint-Bouzid, RN, - Senior Vice President, Women & Infant's Specialty Health at Parkland Health & Hospital System discuss the community health topic of maternal mortality. That is defined as women who die up to a year after giving birth and the death can be attributed to the pregnancy and delivery. Sadly, Texas has one of the highest maternal mortality statistics in the country, so this is something we need to keep shining the spotlight on until our numbers come down. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.