Podcasts about UPMC

(00:00:00) Every second counts when it comes to a stroke, says Lauren Swartz, Nurse Navigator with the UPMC Neurological Institute. Ahead of World Stroke Day, Swartz joined The Spark to remind listeners that knowing the warning signs—and acting fast—can save lives. (00:20:24) as spooky season approaches, historian Chrissy Senecal says that monsters were very real to people living in medieval Europe — though not always in the ways we imagine. “In fact, there were,” she said. “Spooky season is my favorite season, and I am so happy to talk about the way that medieval people thought about monsters and how they were different from maybe what we think of as monsters today.”Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode recorded live at the 10th Annual Health IT + Digital Health + RCM Annual Meeting features Chris Horvat, Senior Director of Clinical Informatics at UPMC, discussing the leveraging of generative AI and machine learning in healthcare. He also offers advice for emerging leaders on navigating the evolving digital health landscape.

This episode features Dr. Richard Celko, Chief Dental Officer at UPMC Health Plan who discusses challenges with access to dental care in rural areas, strategies for addressing community needs, and insights on current events shaping the dental industry.

Legendary journalist and author Elizabeth Becker, who has spent her career bearing witness to the frontlines of history, joins us to talk about her new book, You Don't Belong Here: How Three Women Rewrote the Story of War ,a riveting account of three trailblazing female correspondents who shattered gender barriers to cover the Vietnam War. The book tells the stories of Frances FitzGerald, Kate Webb, and Catherine Leroy, but Elizabeth herself reported from Cambodia and Vietnam in the 1970s. Her courage and insight—captured in You Don't Belong Here—help redefine how we understand both war and the craft of journalism. We'll also explore Becker's earlier, haunting book, When the War Was Over: Cambodia and the Khmer Rouge Revolution. Drawing on her harrowing reporting in Cambodia, Becker offers an account of the Khmer Rouge's genocide. She became one of only two Western journalists to meet Pol Pot—an experience that forever shaped her understanding of power, propaganda, and human tragedy. That historic meeting has now inspired the new feature film Meeting with Pol Pot (2024), directed by acclaimed Cambodian filmmaker Rithy Panh. The dramatization follows three Western journalists navigating a tightly controlled “Potemkin village” as the regime teeters on the brink of collapse and mass murder is underway behind the scenes. The film, which premiered at Cannes in 2024, brings Becker's gripping firsthand account to life and raises questions about truth, memory, and the moral responsibility of journalists. As the character based on Becker—Lise Delbo, played by Irène Jacob—observes, “Genocide is also about silence. You don't see anything, you don't hear anything.” Elizabeth Becker is a pioneering journalist and author. She began her career as a war correspondent for The Washington Post in Cambodia and later served as The New York Times' Senior Foreign Editor. She has covered politics, economics, and international affairs for decades and is a sought-after commentator and lecturer. Her books—award-winning, deeply reported, and beautifully written—have reshaped how we understand Vietnam, Cambodia, and the role of women in war. Learn more: elizabethbecker.com/about | Reviews We're grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

This episode features Dr. Richard Celko, Chief Dental Officer at UPMC Health Plan who discusses challenges with access to dental care in rural areas, strategies for addressing community needs, and insights on current events shaping the dental industry.

This episode recorded live at the 10th Annual Health IT + Digital Health + RCM Annual Meeting features Deepan Kamaraj, Director, Analytics & Informatics, UPMC Enterprises. Kamaraj shares how UPMC is testing and deploying AI responsibly through data governance, closed-container evaluations, and cross-functional collaboration, while offering guidance for leaders balancing innovation, regulation, and operational efficiency.

The Veterans Breakfast Club invites you to join us on Thursday, October 16 at 7:00pm Eastern for a special online conversation with author Brenda Partridge-Brown about her new book, Echoes of a Little Brown Soldier Girl. The program will be held on VBC Zoom and livestreamed to our Facebook and YouTube pages. Brenda's book tells the story of her mother, Willie Belle Irvin-Partridge, who served in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion during World War II. Known as the “Six Triple Eight,” the 6888th was the only all-female, predominantly Black U.S. Army unit sent overseas. Their task was both monumental and essential: to clear a massive backlog of more than 17 million pieces of undelivered mail and restore the flow of letters that sustained morale for American troops in Europe. With the motto “No Mail, Low Morale,” the women of the 6888th completed in just three months what had been expected to take six, all while facing racism, sexism, and the daily challenges of wartime service. Through family memories, archival research, and military records, Brenda Partridge-Brown reconstructs her mother's remarkable story and places it in the broader context of a unit whose achievements remained largely overlooked for decades. She also describes the long struggle to secure public recognition for the 6888th, which culminated in the award of the Congressional Gold Medal in 2022. This program is an opportunity to hear about an extraordinary group of women who made history, and about one daughter's journey to bring her mother's service out of the shadows and into the light. Join us on October 16 as we honor the legacy of the 6888th and listen to the echoes of a “little brown soldier girl” whose courage and devotion deserve to be remembered. We're grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

Soul Pitt Media Health & Business Report Episode #106 | Interview with April Y. Cunningham, DOTJ Founder and Visionary Artist and Nena Ansari, Contributing AuthorJoin Craig as he discusses with April and Nena:1) April, can you talk to our listeners about your organization, Daughters On The Journey?2) Your recent book was number 1 in 3 categories on Amazon. Can you talk to our listeners about your book?3) Nena, what has your experience been like being part of DOTJ?Additionally, make sure you listen to our Community Calendar (brought to you by Pittsburgh Regional Transit, PRT) with Debbie Norrell at the end of each of our interviews so you can keep up with what's going on in our Pittsburgh region.Soul Pitt Media's Health & Business Report is sponsored by UPMC, Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT), Duquesne Light Co., Allegheny County Health Department, Pennsylvania's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Central Outreach Wellness Center.

Cameron Hill and Michael McCarthy join Eoin Sheehan to discuss today's news before the Republic of Ireland face off against Armenia in a do or die World Cup Qualifier in the Aviva Stadium The Newsround is brought to you by UPMC #getbackinaction

Join us for a  conversation with author Chas Henry, retired Marine Corps captain and award-winning journalist, as he shares the harrowing story behind Fuji Fire: Sifting Ashes of a Forgotten U.S. Marine Corps Tragedy. On October 19, 1979, a super typhoon struck Camp Fuji, a remote Marine Corps training site on the slopes of Mount Fuji in Japan. Floodwaters from the storm breached a fuel storage area, triggering a gasoline spill that engulfed the camp's Quonset huts—some of which were heated by open-flame kerosene burners. The resulting inferno killed 13 Marines and injured 73 others, most of them grievously burned. It remains the deadliest peacetime accident in Marine Corps history. Our program will feature not only Chas Henry but also two Marines who survived the fire: Mike Cummings, who suffered second- and third-degree burns over 75% of his body. He was medevacked to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio and endured years of grueling treatment and surgeries. David Luttenberger, who escaped the burning hut but visited friends in the burn ward soon after the tragedy. What he witnessed there left a mark deeper than the fire itself. This long-overlooked episode is one of the Corps' most searing stories of sacrifice, resilience, and institutional failure. With deep archival research and firsthand accounts, Fuji Fire uncovers how this “freak accident” happened—and why it was almost forgotten. #FujiFire #MarineCorps #VeteransStories #MilitaryHistory #CampFuji #BurnSurvivor #TyphoonTip #USMC #VBC #ChasHenry #VeteransBreakfastClub #ForgottenHistory We're grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

Join the Veterans Breakfast Club for an open and wide-ranging virtual conversation about the military experience, past and present. We believe every veteran has a story to tell and wisdom to share. This event is a chance to listen, learn, and connect with others who understand the unique bonds and challenges of military service. If you have something on your mind—whether a personal memory, a question, or a topic you think deserves attention—we encourage you to bring it to the conversation.  All are also invited to email Shaun Hall at shaun@veteransbreakfastclub.org with any specific topics or issues they'd like to discuss. The Veterans Breakfast Club's mission is to create communities of listening around veterans and their stories, and our Open Conversations are one of the most dynamic ways we do that. These sessions are often wide-ranging, emotional, funny, and thought-provoking, providing a welcoming space where everyone's voice is valued. This event is free and open to all. To join the conversation live on Zoom, please use this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6402618738. Or tune in on Facebook or YouTube at 7:00pm ET on October 6. Whether you have something to share or simply want to listen and learn, we welcome you to be part of the conversation! We're grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

Join the Veterans Breakfast Club for an unforgettable evening with Colonel John R. Bates, USMC (Ret.), whose extraordinary 39-year career in the United States Marine Corps (1966–2005) spans three wars, five decades, and a lifetime of service defined by courage, conviction, and grit. Col. Bates enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1966, dropping out of college to join the fight in Vietnam. There, as a young infantryman with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, he endured some of the most harrowing combat of the war—earning three Purple Hearts for wounds suffered in battle. The first came when he was struck in the chest by machine-gun fire—“like standing over home plate with Mark McGwire swinging for the fences,” he recalls. The second came from a hand grenade explosion that drove searing shrapnel into his leg. The third was the most brutal: he fell into a North Vietnamese punji pit and was impaled through the foot by a three-foot bamboo stake, coated with water buffalo manure to ensure infection. After spending 23 days in intensive care, Bates defied medical orders, walked out of the hospital in a pair of boots and a hospital gown, caught a ride to the airfield, and returned to his platoon—still spitting up blood. “They needed more trigger-pullers,” he said simply. But the Marine Corps discharged him less than two years into his enlistment due to the severity of his wounds. He refused to stay out. Over the next seven years, Bates earned a bachelor's and two master's degrees while working as a brakeman, heavy equipment operator, and substitute teacher. All the while, he trained daily to prove he still had what it took to wear the uniform. He submitted five applications for readmission to the Corps—finally earning acceptance in 1975, not by sympathy, but by sheer persistence. “Quite honestly, I think I wore them down,” he said. As an officer, Col. Bates served around the globe, including in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He held numerous command positions, culminating in a dramatic parachute landing into his own retirement ceremony in 2005 at Camp Pendleton. Along the way, he promoted his own son to the rank of Marine captain, honoring a legacy of service that began with his father, Leland Bates, who flew 51 combat missions in World War II. We're grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

Pirates baseball ended poorly and quietly, but Penguins hockey is just getting started! The Pens are bringing back a beloved player, goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, for a one-night-only, send-off party at Saturday's game. There's an idea to build a private helipad in the city, City Council agreed to spend $1.8 million on a plan for the proposed public safety training center in Lincoln-Lemington, and Kamala Harris is spilling the tea on why she didn't pick PA Gov. Josh Shapiro to be her running mate last year. Plus, Pittsburgh's iffy finances got dealt another blow over the jock tax this week, and parents of local trans kids have filed a complaint with the state against UPMC over their policy to end gender-affirming care for their children. Won't you be our Neighbor? Sign up ASAP to get a limited edition tote bag + a chance to win free tickets to Say Cheese! at Mazzotta Winery and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Notes and references from today's show: Pittsburgh City Council approves first step toward public-safety campus on VA hospital site [WESA] Pittsburgh to spend $1.8M on master plan for controversial public safety training center [TribLive] PODCAST: Why Pittsburgh's Divided Over Possible 'Cop City' [City Cast Pittsburgh] PODCAST: The Fight To Get a Gun Range Out of Highland Park [City Cast Pittsburgh] Trans patients file discrimination complaint against UPMC over termination of gender-affirming care [WESA] Trans Patients File Groundbreaking Legal Complaint Against UPMC For Capitulation To Trump [Erin In The Morning] Parents to UPMC: Tell us whether you're giving our trans kids' records to the feds [PublicSource] Anti-Trans National Legal Risk Assessment Map: August Edition [Erin In The Morning] Kamala Harris opens up about Joe Biden's weird Philly phone call, Josh Shapiro's VP interview, and more [Philadelphia Inquirer] 5 takeaways from Kamala Harris' new book about her sprint for the presidency [NPR] State Supreme Court calls foul on Pittsburgh's 'jock tax,' adding to city's financial headaches [WESA] PODCAST: Is Pittsburgh Going Broke? [City Cast Pittsburgh] Penguins release more tickets for Marc-Andre Fleury exhibition game [WPXI] Bucs Limp to the Finish in Another Lost Season [Pittsburgh Magazine] No place to land: Pittsburgh's lack of private helipads sparks new initiative [Pittsburgh Business Times] Learn more about the sponsors of this September 26th episode: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Heinz History Center Planned Parenthood of Western PA City Cast Neighbors - Now through Oct. 3 when you sign up you get this awesome tote that says Neighbors Make Pittsburgh Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

In this episode, Scott Becker discusses UPMC's rise as the fifth largest nonprofit health system in the U.S., with 40 hospitals, $29 billion in revenue, and 100,000 employees.

In this episode, Scott Becker covers five major healthcare stories, including UPMC's talks to acquire three Ohio hospitals, concerns over Trump's new H-1B visa fee, potential impacts of Medicaid work requirements, and more.

We welcome veterans of the now-gone Army Security Agency, which was first created on September 15, 1945, in the immediate aftermath of World War II. ASA veterans John Peart and others will share their stories of service with this shadowy intelligence agency that played a critical role in the Cold War. The Army Security Agency (ASA) operated under the authority of the National Security Agency (NSA) and was tasked with intercepting, analyzing, and exploiting enemy communications. Its mission included codebreaking, electronic intelligence gathering, direction finding, and secure communications. The ASA played a central role during the early Cold War period, collecting intelligence on the Soviet Union and its allies. ASA units were composed of highly trained personnel, often fluent in foreign languages, skilled in radio operations, cryptography, and electronic surveillance. The ASA's role expanded during the Korean War and reached a peak of operational activity during the Vietnam War. ASA personnel were deployed across Southeast Asia, conducting covert and direct support operations for U.S. and allied forces. They established field stations and remote intercept sites near conflict zones and along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Using direction-finding equipment and advanced signal processing tools, they intercepted enemy radio traffic, provided early warning of enemy movements, and monitored North Vietnamese and Viet Cong communications. Their intelligence was vital to strategic planning and tactical decision-making. One of the most significant and symbolic events involving the ASA during the Vietnam War was the death of Specialist 4 James T. Davis on December 22, 1961. Davis, part of the 3rd Radio Research Unit—the ASA cover name in Vietnam—was on a joint operation with South Vietnamese forces near Saigon when his convoy was ambushed. He and ten South Vietnamese soldiers were killed. Davis became the first American battlefield casualty of the Vietnam War recognized by the Department of Defense. His death marked a turning point, highlighting the increasing U.S. involvement in Vietnam and the dangerous nature of ASA missions in the field. The ASA compound at Tan Son Nhut Air Base was later named “Davis Station” in his honor. Throughout the Vietnam War, ASA personnel worked in close coordination with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Air Force Security Service, and Navy intelligence units. Their work remained classified for decades. Despite the high-risk nature of their missions, ASA soldiers were generally non-combatants operating in a military intelligence capacity, though many saw combat or were exposed to hostile fire due to their proximity to enemy forces. The ASA continued its global intelligence operations through the 1970s but was eventually dissolved in 1977. Its functions were absorbed into the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM), consolidating Army intelligence efforts under a single command structure. Though no longer active, the ASA's legacy endures in the modern electronic warfare and signals intelligence capabilities of the U.S. Army. We're grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

Join the Veterans Breakfast Club for a special Open Conversation as we come together to remember the events of September 11, 2001, reflect on their lasting impact, and honor the lives lost and forever changed. This is not a panel or a presentation—it's a space for listening and sharing, open to all. Whether you recall exactly where you were that morning or you've only known a post-9/11 world, we invite you to bring your memories, your thoughts, and your questions. Veterans, civilians, first responders, military families, and people of all generations are welcome. Together, we'll reflect on the moments that shaped a generation—what we saw, what we felt, and what followed in the days, weeks, and years after. This is a chance to mark the day in community, with compassion and honesty, in the spirit of remembrance and connection. We're grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

For National Recovery Month, we are joined by Matthew O. Hurford, MD, vice president, Behavioral Health, UPMC Insurance Services Division, and Michael Lynch, MD, an attending emergency physician and medical toxicologist at UPMC. Among the topics we hit on are the 4 crucial dimensions of recovery; understanding that addiction is a brain disease, not a moral failing; and the challenges and opportunities they encounter in providing behavioral health services to millions of Pennsylvanians.

Join the Veterans Breakfast Club for conversation with M.P. Woodward, Navy veteran and bestselling author of Tom Clancy: Line of Demarcation, the newest installment in the legendary Jack Ryan series. We'll talk spycraft, storytelling, and how real-world experience in military intelligence shapes his fiction writing. Before becoming a full-time writer, M.P. Woodward served as a Naval Intelligence Officer with the U.S. Pacific Command, where he scripted war-game scenarios focused on the Middle East and coordinated joint missions with Special Forces, the CIA, and the NSA. He deployed multiple times to the Persian Gulf and Far East and served on a senior admiral's flag staff, often acting as liaison to foreign military officers. These experiences gave him a deep well of operational and diplomatic knowledge—one he draws from to deliver techno-thrillers that feel one step ahead of the headlines. In Line of Demarcation, Woodward thrusts President Jack Ryan into the center of an escalating crisis as Russia's war in Ukraine edges toward global catastrophe. Meanwhile, Jack Ryan Jr. undertakes a covert mission in occupied territory that could determine the fate of nations. With geopolitical intrigue and explosive action, the novel delivers all the hallmarks of classic Clancy—filtered through Woodward's sharp, informed lens. Don't miss this chance to hear from one of today's most authentic voices in military fiction. We'll discuss his path from the Navy to the bestseller list, and how his service continues to inform his storytelling today. We're grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

In this episode, Mandy Fauble, PhD, LCSW, Vice President of Operations at UPMC Western Behavioral Health, discusses workforce transformation, community partnerships, and the role of technology in expanding access and improving behavioral health services.

In this episode, Brendan Harris, president of UPMC for You and state programs, shares how initiatives like the Pathways to Work program and Neighborhood Centers are addressing social determinants of health, supporting Medicaid members, and strengthening local communities.

In this episode, Brendan Harris, president of UPMC for You and state programs, shares how initiatives like the Pathways to Work program and Neighborhood Centers are addressing social determinants of health, supporting Medicaid members, and strengthening local communities.

Dr. Matthew Hurford and Dr. Michael Lynch join the Becker's Behavioral Health Podcast to discuss UPMC's investments in behavioral health, from neighborhood centers addressing social needs to expanded inpatient, outpatient, and telehealth services. They share lessons on building integrated networks of care, advancing recovery efforts, and reducing stigma during National Recovery Month.

Former Olympian Eamonn Coughlan joins Ger and Adrian to promote the annual Griffith Mile Avenue race that will take place on Sunday the 21st of September 2025.Eamonn also delves into his own running journey that saw him compete in three Olympic Games.To sign up for the Griffith Mile Avenue race go to griffithavenuemile.ie - The Griffith Avenue MileThe Griffith Avenue Mile is Ireland's premier one mile road race on Marino's Griffith Avenue.Off the Ball Breakfast with UPMC | #getbackinaction To become a member and access our exclusive content simply click: here:http://offtheball.com/join

It's Labor Day! Which means we're working and hopefully you aren't, because the labor news needs reporting, but everyone else needs to be at a protest, picket line, and/or barbecue. We start with headlines from Northwestern University, Arena League Football, the Offshore Wind industry, Yosemite National Park, UPMC, Activision Blizzard, and Valleyview Municipal Library in Alberta, Canada. For our main stories we discuss the continued campaign of escalations by the incredible organizers with No Azure for Apartheid, fighting Microsoft's collaboration with genocide. Next we've got a story that couldn't be more emblematic of the purpose of the nationwide campaign of ICE terror, with union organizers in upstate New York being specifically targeted for deportation. Uber and Lyft drivers in California took a major step towards official unionization this week, but the deal that made that possible comes with quite a few asterisks. Finally, the UAW notched another major win in an extremely tight election at the BOSK EV battery plant in Glendale, Kentucky. Join the discord: discord.gg/tDvmNzX  Follow the pod at instagram.com/workstoppage, @WorkStoppagePod on Twitter,  John @facebookvillain, and Lina @solidaritybee

Sligo Rovers manager John Russell reveals the development of the Sligo Rovers academy in the last few years and the progress they are making on and off the pitch.Ger and Nathan enquire about the future of Owen Elding.Off the Ball Breakfast with UPMC

In this inspiring episode, we speak with Jill O'Connor, Nurse Manager for L&D and Mother-Baby at AHN Saint Vincent Hospital, and Tracey Young, Perioperative Clinical Nurse Specialist at UPMC, about how they leveraged AORN's Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety: RSI Prevention award program to transform surgical safety in their organizations. Through the program's structured framework, they implemented targeted education, new technologies, strengthened interdisciplinary collaboration, and embedded best practices into daily workflows. Their journey showcases how their passion for safety combined with COE designation can be a catalyst for culture change, empowering teams to reduce risks of RSIs and elevate patient care. Learn More about how you can leverage AORN's Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety: RSI Prevention in your facility:  https://www.aorn.org/education/education-for-facilities/surgical-safety-center-of-excellence/retained-surgical-items-rsiThis evidence-based program is made possible by Stryker through the AORN Foundation.Support the showWelcome to the Periop Talk—your go-to vlog and podcast series where we examine the world of perioperative nursing.Episode after episode, we're bringing you professional tips, clinical wisdom, and personal stories that'll make you feel like you're chatting with your work BFFs. Curious about the latest surgical techniques? We got you. Wondering how to navigate the challenges of the periop journey? We're here for that too.Our vlog and podcast series isn't just about sharing information; it's about building a community. Meet the people behind the masks, hear their journeys, and join the rotation of periop professionals making a difference. From students and new nurses to seasoned pros, we've got content for every stage of your perioperative practice.Periop Talk is your peek behind the red line to the world of perioperative nursing. It's not just about the OR – it's about the heart and soul of healthcare. Let's scrub in and share the periop love!Watch us at: (1) Periop Talk vlog - YouTube

Join the Veterans Breakfast Club for an unforgettable conversation with Marine veteran and author Brennan Morton, whose acclaimed memoir Valhalla Boys: Marine Recon Sniper in Iraq is being hailed as one of the most powerful and literary war memoirs of the post-9/11 generation. Valhalla Boys isn't your typical “boots-on-the-ground” war story. It's a raw, reflective, and often poetic meditation on combat, brotherhood, and the darkness that war leaves behind. Drawing comparisons to Tim O'Brien, Kurt Vonnegut, and Joseph Heller, Morton invites readers not just into the battlefield, but into the mind of a Marine Recon sniper struggling to make sense of a war with no clear front lines—and no clear purpose. In this live conversation, Brennan will share his journey from book-loving kid to Marine, from warfighter to writer, and from battlefield survivor to memoirist. He'll discuss the emotional toll of his two deployments in Iraq, the bonds forged in training and tested in combat, and the haunting question that echoes through every page of his book: Was it worth it? We'll hear the stories behind the stories—what it meant to patrol the streets of Iraq during the height of the insurgency, the grief of losing half his platoon, the moment he nearly pulled the trigger on a four-year-old child, and how writing became a form of healing after returning home. This program is for anyone seeking to understand what military service can do to the soul—veterans, family members, readers of war literature, and citizens trying to grasp the human cost of conflict. Valhalla Boys is available now from Casemate Publishers, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. YouTube.com/@veteransbreakfastclub Facebook.com/veteransbreakfastclub #VeteransBreakfastClub #ValhallaBoys #BrennanMorton #IraqWarMemoir #MarineRecon #WarLiterature #PTSD #VeteranVoices #MilitaryStorytelling #CasematePublishers #TimOBrien #Vonnegut #JosephHeller #StorytellingHeals #VeteranWriters #VBCEvents We're grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

Dr. Michael Lynch, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and Medical Toxicology at the University of Pittsburgh and an attending physician at UPMC, calls in to wan listeners of a new street drug called Flyskyy.

In this episode, Dan LaVallee and Dr. Brandy Hershberger of UPMC share how the health system is creating innovative apprenticeship programs to support Medicaid members and employees in pursuing meaningful careers. They discuss workforce development, grant funding, and how these programs are shaping the future of healthcare talent pipelines.

The Veterans Breakfast Club is honored to welcome Ross Meador, author of the critically acclaimed memoir Carried Away: A Memoir of Rescue and Survival Among the Orphans of the Viet Nam War, for a 90-minute livestream conversation on Sunday, August 18 at 7:00pm ET. Ross Meador's story is not your typical Vietnam War narrative. In 1975, just before the fall of Saigon, 17-year-old Ross was living in Vietnam with his missionary parents. Amid the chaos and collapse of the South Vietnamese government, Ross became swept up in the desperate efforts to evacuate and protect hundreds of orphaned children left behind in the final days of the war. Carried Away recounts Meador's personal experience as a teenager witnessing—and helping with—what became known as Operation Babylift, the humanitarian effort to rescue thousands of Vietnamese orphans. But Meador's account digs deeper. His story is one of survival, identity, moral conflict, and healing, all told with the clarity of a witness who saw the war not from the battlefield, but from the margins—among the displaced, forgotten, and frightened. This event will explore: Ross's unique perspective as a young civilian during the fall of Saigon His firsthand role in the rescue and evacuation of orphans The emotional and moral complexities of wartime humanitarianism How he came to write his memoir decades later—and why it matters today. As noted in the Novels Alive review, Meador's memoir “treads unfamiliar territory in Vietnam War literature,” offering “a rare glimpse into a lesser-known front of compassion and courage.” #RossMeador #CarriedAway #VietnamWarMemoir #OperationBabylift #VeteransBreakfastClub #VBCLive #VietnamOrphans #FallOfSaigon #WarAndCompassion #VietnamHistory We're grateful to UPMC for Life for sponsoring this event!

In this episode, Dan LaVallee and Dr. Brandy Hershberger of UPMC share how the health system is creating innovative apprenticeship programs to support Medicaid members and employees in pursuing meaningful careers. They discuss workforce development, grant funding, and how these programs are shaping the future of healthcare talent pipelines.

Send us a text“AI in Pathology Isn't Coming — It's Already Here. Are You Ready?”From confusion to clarity — that's what this episode is all about. I sat down with Drs. Liron Pantanowitz, Hooman Rashidi, and Matthew Hanna to dissect one of the most important and comprehensive AI-in-pathology resources ever created: the 7-part Modern Pathology series from UPMC's Computational Pathology & AI Center of Excellence (CPAiCE). This isn't just another opinion piece — it's your complete guide to understanding, implementing, and navigating AI in pathology with real-world insights and a global lens.Together, we discuss:Why pathologists and computer scientists are often lost in translationHow AI bias, regulation, and ethics are being addressed — globallyWhat it really takes to operationalize AI in patient care todayIf you've ever asked, “Where do I even start with AI in pathology?” — this is your answer.

This is an encore episode as I believe we cannot stress the significance enough for this type of testing to confirm the effects of a myocardial bridge on the patient. The more that's known, the more likely it is that the proper course of treatment can be taken. If you missed it the first time, don't miss it this time. This is a must listen episode.Unlock the secrets of properly understanding and diagnosing myocardial bridges with insight from Dr. Jeffrey Fowler, a leading interventional cardiologist at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Our conversation promises to illuminate the often perplexing process of diagnosing these cardiac anomalies and their impact on heart function. Through the lens of minimally invasive procedures and advanced imaging techniques like coronary CT angiograms, Dr. Fowler demystifies why myocardial bridges are not always the main culprits behind chest pain and the definitive testing now being done to ascertain the significance of the myocardial bridge.We're going to explore the intricate world of invasive testing, as we detail the provocative testing process used to evaluate myocardial bridges, their severity and their contribution to angina, or chest pain. Dr. Fowler explains how starting with an empiric trial of medications can lead to more invasive procedures like heart catheterization if necessary. Learn about the steps of the provocative test and the role of acetylcholine in testing for endothelial dysfunction and vasospasm, with reassurances about the safety and reversibility of these tests. This episode is our first on the detail and best practice for diagnosis of the bridge through the provocative test we've heard so much about. It's meant for the education and knowledge for both patients and professionals, enhancing understanding of the nuanced approaches in relatively rare process of diagnosis.Celebrate the spirit of collaboration among cardiology experts as Dr. Fowler shares the necessity of communication and advice. He's consulted with many others along the way including Dr. Shaw at Yale and Dr. Tremmell at Stanford, highlighting real-world case studies like that of patient David Vollmer. Join me in this compelling narrative of breakthroughs and dedication in the realm of cardiac care, and discover how ongoing advancements promise a brighter future for patients everywhere.You can email Dr. Fowler directly at: fowlerja@upmc.eduTo reach Dr. Fowler call 412-647-6000 and ask for him specifically. Or you can visit the hospital website HEREYou can learn more about the Microvascular Network in the link HEREChapter Summaries:(00:00) Understanding Myocardial Bridge Diagnosis ProcessInterventional cardiologist explains use of coronary CT angiogram to detect and manage myocardial bridges in chest pain cases.(10:04) Invasive Testing for Heart ConditionsDiagnosing and treating myocardial bridges through coronary CTA and provocative testing, including an empiric trial of medications and invasive procedures.(22:05) Collaboration in Myocardial Bridge DiagnosisLeading cardiologists collaborate to refine best practices for treating myocardial bridges, using personalized approaches and expert insights.(27:47) Imaging and Diagnosis of Myocardial BridgeAcetylcholine, dobutamine, cold saline, and adenosine are used to assess endothelial and microvascular function in chest pain and exertional symptoms.(37:07) Complex Testing and Treatment OptionsEvaluating myocardial bridges using diagnostic tests to guide surgical interventions, while balancing personal wellness in a high-stakes medical career.(49:16) Cardiac Surgeon Discusses Myocardial BridgesDr. Bonnati's unroofing procedure for David at UPMC, with insights from Dr. Fowler and upcoming perspectives from Dr. Bonatti, enriched by David's journey.

Thirty-five years ago, in response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, the United States launched Operation Desert Shield, the largest American military deployment since Vietnam. On Monday, August 11 at 7:00pm ET, the Veterans Breakfast Club hosts a special 90-minute livestream conversation with veterans who served during this critical moment in modern military history. Operation Desert Shield began in August 1990, just days after Saddam Hussein's forces stormed into Kuwait. As the world watched with rising alarm, President George H. W. Bush ordered a massive mobilization to defend Saudi Arabiaand deter further Iraqi aggression. Over the next six months, more than 500,000 American troops—alongside coalition partners from 34 nations—were deployed to the Persian Gulf, building up a formidable military force in the desert. Joining us will be Scott C. Stump, a Marine veteran who is President, CEO, and founder of the National Desert Storm Memorial Association. Scott served in eastern Saudi Arabia and Bahrain during Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and conceived the memorial idea and has led the charge ever since. He marshaled private fundraising—including critical support from Kuwait—and steered the association through years of design approvals, legislative hurdles, and permit process. The National Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial is now rising near the Lincoln and Vietnam Veterans Memorials on Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C. It honors roughly 700,000 Americans who served in the Gulf War of 1990–91, grounded in a concept first envisioned in 2010 and formally authorized by Congress in 2014. Stump's determined leadership helped secure the March 6, 2025 construction permit and kick off building work, with a projected dedication in spring 2026—bringing to fruition a memorial born of both personal service and long‑term advocacy This program will also focus on the Desert Shield buildup itself—the staging, logistics, training, and uncertainty that defined Desert Shield: What was it like to deploy to Saudi Arabia in the sweltering heat of 1990? How did troops prepare for a possible war that was still months away? What do veterans remember about the sense of anticipation, camaraderie, and tension on the ground? How did Desert Shield set the stage for the lightning-fast Desert Storm offensive that followed in January 1991? Though Desert Shield is often overshadowed by the brief but intense ground campaign of Desert Storm, it was a vital operation in its own right. It marked a new era of rapid deployment, joint operations, and coalition warfare, and proved that the U.S. military could project overwhelming force across the globe in a matter of weeks. Join us to commemorate this important anniversary and honor the service of those who stood ready in the desert long before the shooting began. #DesertShield35 #OperationDesertShield #GulfWarVeterans #VeteransBreakfastClub #VBCLive #MilitaryDeployment #GulfWarAnniversary #DesertShieldStories #ModernMilitaryHistory We're grateful to UPMC for Life for sponsoring this event!

Dublin intercounty footballers Paddy Small and Brian Howard, along with Dublin intercounty hurler Sean Brennan, journey from Dublin to Pittsburgh to partake in drills with some Pittsburgh Steelers NFL players. Off The Ball's Cian Fahey tagged along to document some of the journey and interview the lads before and after the event.Stay tuned to UPMC and the Pittsburgh Steelers' social channels to see videos of the lads in action at training camp.The NFL on Off The Ball with UPMC #GetBackInAction

Dublin intercounty footballers Paddy Small and Brian Howard, along with Dublin intercounty hurler Sean Brennan, journey from Dublin to Pittsburgh to partake in drills with some Pittsburgh Steelers NFL players. Off The Ball's Cian Fahey tagged along to document some of the journey and interview the lads before and after the event.Stay tuned to UPMC and the Pittsburgh Steelers' social channels to see videos of the lads in action at training camp.The NFL on Off The Ball with UPMC #GetBackInAction

Stephen Doyle joins Eoin Sheahan and Mick McCarthy this Monday evening to wrap up all the days sporting news.The Newsround is brought to you by UPMC #getbackinaction SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join

Lung cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers in the United States, in part because it’s often detected too late. On The Spark, UPMC Thoracic Surgeon Dr. Troy Moritz joined the show to shed light on who should be screened, what symptoms not to ignore, and how technology is changing the way lung cancer is detected and treated. Who Should Be Screened? Dr. Moritz emphasized the importance of lung cancer screenings for a specific group:“We’re looking for people that are age 50 to up to 80 years of age and those people that have smoked what we consider to be 20 pack years,” he explained.That includes anyone who smoked a pack a day for 20 years — or an equivalent amount — and hasn’t quit within the last 15 years. These high-risk individuals are encouraged to undergo low-dose CT scans, which Dr. Moritz described as simple and noninvasive.“It’s pretty much just get in the CAT scan machine and buzz in, buzz out,” he said. “It’s not an MRI, so you don’t have to worry about that claustrophobic feeling.”Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of Mavericks in Healthcare, we sit down with Mark Sevco, an executive in transition, as he embarks on a new chapter as President and CEO of Allegheny Health Network (AHN), part of Highmark Health. With decades of leadership experience across major health systems like UPMC and Sutter Health, Mark shares his vision, strategy, and mindset as he returns to his hometown of Pittsburgh to lead a transformative journey in healthcare. This episode offers a rare glimpse into a pivotal career transition—we catch Mark just as he steps away from his role as COO at Sutter Health and begins his new chapter at AHN. He shares his 30-60-90 day plan, emphasizes the power of listening and learning, and outlines his commitment to fostering a culture of operational excellence and coordinated care. Then, 90 days later, we reconnect to hear how that plan unfolded. Mark reflects on the early wins, the cultural shifts underway, and how he's leveraging AI, data, and technology to drive value-based care and population health. He also shares insights on leadership, team building, and the bold vision behind Highmark's Living Health Model. Whether you're a healthcare leader, an innovator, or simply passionate about the future of care, this episode explores the intersection of culture, strategy, innovation, and purpose.

The Veterans Breakfast Club proudly celebrates the U.S. Coast Guard's 235th birthday with a special 90-minute livestream event on Monday, August 4 at 7:00pm ET. Join us as we talk with Coast Guard veterans about what makes their service so distinct—and so essential to the nation's security and safety. Founded on August 4, 1790, the Coast Guard is the oldest continuous seagoing service in the United States. Unlike other branches, the USCG has a dual mission: military operations during wartime and law enforcement, search and rescue, and maritime safety during peacetime. It is the only military branch that operates under the Department of Homeland Security (except during wartime, when it may transfer to the Department of the Navy). What sets the Coast Guard apart? Maritime law enforcement: The Coast Guard has the authority to board, search, seize, and arrest vessels suspected of violating federal law. Search and rescue operations: From hurricanes to sinking ships, the Coast Guard is the first call in times of maritime crisis. Icebreaking and navigation aid: Coasties operate in Arctic and Great Lakes regions to maintain critical shipping lanes and place navigational buoys. Drug and migrant interdiction: They play a front-line role in combating illegal trafficking on the high seas. In this special birthday celebration, we'll hear from Coast Guard veterans who served aboard cutters, on coastal patrol, in aviation, and at isolated duty stations. They'll share stories of adventure, service, and resilience—from intercepting narco-subs in the Caribbean to medevac missions in the Bering Sea. We'll explore what it means to be “Always Ready”—Semper Paratus—and why Coast Guard veterans are proud to serve in a branch that blends military rigor with humanitarian urgency. Help us mark this important anniversary by honoring the stories of those who serve in America's maritime guardian force. #USCoastGuard #CoastGuardBirthday #SemperParatus #VeteransBreakfastClub #VBCLive #MaritimeService #SearchAndRescue #MilitaryVeterans #CoastGuardStories We're grateful to UPMC for Life for sponsoring this event!

A new online map demonstrates the local economic impact of cuts in federal research funding. One of the map’s creators says more than $100M and 500 jobs have been eliminated from Pennsylvania's economy since the Trump administration canceled hundreds of research projects that were funded by the National Institutes of Health. State lawmakers are considering legislation that would require home sellers in Pennsylvania to disclose flood risk to potential buyers, with the goal of encouraging more people to get flood insurance. The UPMC health system is coming under federal scrutiny over services it provides to transgender men and women. Many Pennsylvania communities are losing access to pharmacies. Hundreds of pharmacies across the state have gone out of business, and their numbers are diminishing with the ongoing Rite Aid bankruptcy closures, according to data obtained by our partners at Spotlight PA. Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services is bringing thousands of employees back to Harrisburg in a reevaluation of post-pandemic workforce balances. And Observe the 93rd stops by WITF for a session with WITF Music's Joe Ulrich. And to see their performances, check out this link to our YouTube page. As you may have heard, federal funding for public media has been rescinded. Your monthly gift to WITF can help fill the gap as we navigate this new reality. Become a monthly sustaining member today at witf.org/givenow. And thank you. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eve Conway joins Ger Gilroy and Colm Boohig ahead of Athlone Town's 1st round Champions League tie against Cardiff this evening in the midlands. OTB Breakfast on UPMC w/ UPMC #GetBackInAction

Nathan Murphy and Eoin Sheahan are joined by Cameron Hill for tonight's episode of The Newsround...but all the attention is on the Go Loud stage at the All Together Now festival this weekend.The Newsround with UPMC in Ireland #GetBackInAction

Ger Gilroy, Colm Boohig and Dara Smith-Naughton are here to divulge through Wednesday morning's papers, including the possibility of a 4 point goal being introduced to Gaelic Football, all the latest Premier League transfer news and Lara Gillespie's historic third place finish in stage 4 of the Tour de France Femmes.OTB Breakfast on UPMC w/ UPMC #GetBackInAction

Join the Veterans Breakfast Club on the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps, Monday, July 28, at 7:00pm ET for a special livestream conversation about the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Father Emil Kapaun, U.S. Army chaplain, Medal of Honor recipient, and Servant of God now on the path to sainthood. Our guest will be Ray Kapaun, Father Emil's devoted nephew and family spokesperson, who has spent decades gathering stories, preserving memories, and promoting his uncle's legacy of faith, sacrifice, and service. With deep personal insight and moving anecdotes, Ray will share not just what made his uncle a great chaplain, but what made him a saintly man—and why his story still resonates powerfully today. Born in 1916 in the farming community of Pilsen, Kansas, Emil Kapaun grew up working on farm equipment and studying for the priesthood. He was ordained in 1940 and joined the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps during World War II, serving in the Burma-India Theater. But it was in Korea, during the early months of the Korean War, that Father Kapaun's heroic ministry made him a legend among soldiers and prisoners of war alike. Assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division, Kapaun was known for celebrating Mass from the hood of a jeep, riding his bike from unit to unit under fire, and fearlessly ministering to troops in foxholes. During the Battle of Unsan in November 1950, he repeatedly braved enemy fire to rescue the wounded. When given the opportunity to evacuate, he refused—choosing instead to stay behind with the injured and surrender alongside them. He was marched to Pyoktong Prison Camp in North Korea, where he spent the last seven months of his life tending to sick and starving fellow POWs. He stole food, built fires in secret, offered prayers, washed clothes, and lifted spirits—risking severe punishment each time. Fellow prisoners credit him with saving hundreds of lives through simple acts of compassion, courage, and faith. He died in captivity on May 23, 1951. For his heroism, Father Kapaun was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2013. His military decorations also include the Distinguished Service Cross, Bronze Star with “V” Device, and the Legion of Merit, among many others. In the Catholic Church, Father Kapaun is now known as Venerable Emil Kapaun, a title bestowed by Pope Francis in 2021. This designation—the second step in the four-step canonization process—acknowledges that Father Kapaun offered his life in an act of heroic charity. The Diocese of Wichita continues to investigate reported miracles attributed to his intercession, the next step toward beatification and eventual sainthood. Ray Kapaun, who will join us for this VBC Live program, was just a boy when he began hearing stories about his uncle. Over the years, he's met and stayed close with the soldiers who knew Father Emil in life, including the few remaining POWs who spent time in that North Korean prison camp. His efforts helped bring his uncle's remains home in 2021—70 years after his death—and laid to rest at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita. Ray sees Father Kapaun as more than a war hero or Catholic martyr. He sees him as a model of human compassion—someone who looked past creed, rank, or politics to serve people simply because they needed help. “He just always put everybody else ahead of his own needs,” Ray says. “He gives hope… He saw the soul in people.” This livestream will be a heartfelt exploration of that legacy. It's a story of service beyond self, faith under fire, and the power of simple kindness in the darkest of places. We're grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event!

Eoin Sheahan, Stephen Doyle and Michael McCarthy bring you a bumper Newsround this week to talk about Kerry's All-Ireland Final victory over Donegal in great detail.UPMC in Ireland #GetBackInAction

Ever wonder just how bad bad bacteria can be for your skin? We have been too. This week, we're joined by Dr. Sonal Choudhary as she walks us through the key relationship between the gut and the skin. Listen in as she discusses firmicutes and bacteroides, omega-3s and omega-6s, and IDS and IDCP. Each Thursday, join Dr. Raja and Dr. Hadar, board-certified dermatologists, as they share the latest evidence-based research in integrative dermatology. For access to CE/CME courses, become a member at LearnSkin.com.   Catch Dr. Choudhary live at #IDS2025 for more insights on the gut-skin connection and inflammatory dermatoses!   Sonal Choudhary, MD is an Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Dermatopathology at UPMC and a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist. She is the founder of an innovative integrative dermatology clinic that blends conventional care with root-cause approaches, including functional testing, nutrition, and botanical therapies. A passionate educator and mentor, Dr. Choudhary trains advanced practice providers and leads research on the gut-skin axis, inflammatory skin diseases, and alopecia. She holds leadership roles in national dermatology initiatives and is committed to whole-person, evidence-based care. Her work bridges science and compassion to restore skin health from the inside out.

We're video-less this week except for Cameron Hill back in the studio as Michael, Eoin and special guest Ruairi O'Hagan bring you the Newsround from Red FM studios in Cork City. The Newsround with UPMC #getbackinaction

UPMC is ending gender-affirming care for young people, and a lot of staffers and city officials aren't happy about it. We explain how providers and City Council members are pushing back against the health care giant. Plus, we're sharing tips for staying cool and not overtaxing our power grid as the weather heats up and highlight some Pittsburgh wins and losses from the past week — including local love in a new Netflix hit and (potentially?) good news for raising our state minimum wage. Do you know where trans youth can access safe medical care? Call or text the I WILL AID AND ABET TRANS HEALTH CARE HOTLINE at 412-212-8893. Want to learn more about UPMC staffers' calls to reinstate gender-affirming care? Find their open letter to UPMC here and their rally supply wishlist here. Think you've experienced discrimination? The Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations has been around since before the Civil Rights Act, and their investigations yield enforceable results. Submit an inquiry on the PghCHR portal, call their office at 412-255-2600, or email human.relations@pittsburghpa.gov Notes and references from today's show: Sign up for sewer overflow advisories [ALCOSAN] How to stay safe in extreme heat [National Weather Service] What is Code Red? [Allegheny County] Pittsburgh cooling centers [City of Pittsburgh] Check or report a power outage [Duquesne Light] Lifeguard staffing shortage prompts planned, unplanned closures of Derry Community Pool [TribLive] Therapists, doctors urge UPMC to ‘fight back,' reinstate gender-affirming care for trans youth [WESA] Proposed Pittsburgh bills aim to shield LGBTQ+ residents, reduce penalties for sex workers [TribLive] Pittsburgh City Council to consider new protections for the LGBTQ community [WESA] Shortage of new teachers is hurting Pa. kids' academic prospects, report says [SpotlightPA] Minimum wage would be $15 in big counties, $12 in smaller ones under novel bill passed by Pa. House [SpotlightPA] 14 arrested during ICE operation at Tepache Mexican Restaurant in Allegheny County [WTAE] Learn more about the sponsors of this June 27th episode: Heinz History Center Bike PGH VisAbility Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices