Andrew Smiler, PhD, is an author and licensed therapist with expertise in adolescent boys, men, and masculinity. We talk about the state of masculinity in Western culture and how boys turn into men. Read more about Andrew at https://andrewsmiler.com/

https://andrewsmiler.com/

H.I. Ep. 82 - Andrew Smiler, PhD - Teenage Boys and Masculinity

Bo is the executive director of the Bethesda Center for the Homeless in Winston-Salem, NC. We talk about the center's services and the challenges and opportunities we face in serving a growing homeless population. More about the Bethesda Center here: https://www.bethesdacenter.org/

Earn 1 contact hour of CE credit for listening to this podcast. Details here: https://northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/courses-and-events/72832

H.I. Ep. 87 - William “Bo” McDonald - Homelessness in Forsyth County

Gretchen is a pediatric physician with Twin City Pediatrics in Clemmons, NC. She talks about the rise in depression, anxiety, and ADHD in pediatrics and the need for more mental health providers for that population. More about Gretchen here: https://www.shotshurtless.com/providers/gretchen-hoyle

H.I. Ep. 94 - Gretchen Hoyle, MD - Pediatric Mental Health

Soon, 20% of the US population will be over the age of 65, and amounting to 40-50% of clinical and hospital encounters. Hal Atkinson is a professor and clinician in gerontology and geriatric medicine and Wake Forest University School of Medicine and joins us to talk about the two main hypothesis for the cause for Alzheimer's disease and the latest in treatments for slowing cognitive decline. We learn about the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's, factors related to cognitive decline, and the GUIDE program for supporting patients, families, and caregivers including caregiver respite funding. More about Hal here: https://school.wakehealth.edu/faculty/a/hal-huntley-atkinson

You can earn 1 Contact Hour CE Credit by listening to this podcast. Details: https://northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/courses-and-events/73570

H.I. Ep. 95 - Hal Atkinson, MD - Alzheimer's, Dementia, Cognitive Impairment

Marvin and his team of licensed Medicare guides aim to liberate individuals from the confusion surrounding Medicare, empowering them with knowledge and guidance for a worry-free retirement
through optimal Medicare plans. Find out more at https://medicareschool.com/

H.I. Ep. 97 - Marvin Musick - Medicare Education

Ruth Benca, MD is the Professor and Chair, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. She is a researcher on sleep and sleep-related conditions. We talk about the common problems associated with sleep deprivation and strategies for better sleep. Learn more about Dr. Benca here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-benca-86b12026/

Get CE Credit: This episode is part of the free Podcast CE Learning Series. Earn CE credit for listening! Register here: http://nwahec.org/74079

H.I. Ep. 99 - Ruth Benca, MD - Sleep

David Zaas, MD, MBA is a lung transplant pulmonologist, clinician, researcher, and professor in Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Immunologic Diseases. He is also the President of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. Dr. Zaas shares many insights into talent recruitment, working as a physician scientist in an academic medical center, his exposure to science and medicine as a young volunteer, challenges in the business of delivering quality care, advances in lung transplantation and medical education, AI and the pace of discovery and innovation, and much more. 

Learn more about Dr. Zaas here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidzaasmd/

H.I. Ep. 105 - David Zaas, MD, MBA - Leadership Insights from a Physician Scientist

Dr. Diamantidis, a research clinician in nephrology and the interim director of the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity (MACHE) at Wake Forest University School of Medicine - delves into the significant disparities in nephrology and discusses the inequities in diagnosis and treatment, particularly among Black and Hispanic populations, and explores the causes of these disparities. She also highlights importance of community partnerships in mitigating health disparities, the higher costs associated with delayed care, and innovative treatments like mRNA-based therapies and transplants. Additionally, she addresses the barriers to kidney transplants and informs us about the kidney donation process, scientific advancements- in the quest for cures for kidney disease, and the current state of dialysis treatments for kidney disease.

More about Dr. Diamantidis here: https://school.wakehealth.edu/faculty/d/clarissa-jonas-diamantidis
More about MACHE here: https://school.wakehealth.edu/research/institutes-and-centers/clinical-and-translational-science-institute/maya-angelou-center-for-health-equity

Get CE Credit: This episode is part of the free Podcast CE Learning Series. Earn CE credit for listening! Register here: http://nwahec.org/74839

H.I. Ep. 108 - Clarissa Jonas Diamantidis, MD, MHS - Health Disparities in Kidney Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Dr. Shapiro joins us to discuss the increase in cardiovascular disease mortality, the primary causes and risk factors associated with CVD, common treatment approaches, and advances in screenings for risk and new treatments. Read more about Dr. Shapiro at https://school.wakehealth.edu/faculty/s/michael-d-shapiro

H.I. Ep. 112 - Michael D. Shapiro, DO - Preventive Cardiology

Dr. Wells is a professor of neurology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and Director of the Comprehensive Headache Program at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. She shares what she has learned in over 20 years of patient care and research on non-pharmacological approaches to treating migraine, and her current work on the mind/body connection to combat Migraine disease. More about Dr. Wells here: https://school.wakehealth.edu/faculty/w/rebecca-erwin-wells

Participate in her latest clinical trial "Be WELL with Migraine" here: https://www1.wakehealth.edu/beinvolved/eng/studies/IRB00079570

Get CE Credit: This episode is part of the free Podcast CE Learning Series. Earn CE credit for listening! Register here: http://nwahec.org/75184

H.I. Ep. 116 - Rebecca Wells, MD, MPH - Migraine Headache and the Mind-Body Connection

Mark is the CEO and co-founder of Nomi Health, a company with a mission to fix healthcare by building better system from the ground up. Mark shares his experience as an entrepreneur and as a healthcare consumer, and provides insights into what is wrong with current payment systems,  how they impact care delivery, and how his company is creating a transparent system between providers and payers. Read more about Nomi Health at https://www.nomihealth.com/

H.I. Ep. 117 - Mark Newman - Building a Better Healthcare System

Thomas is a business communication consultant, coach, entrepreneur, and author of the book TASK: Performance Based Communication. He shares insights and tactics to communication effectively, to understand, and to generate positive outcomes when working with patients, clients, customers, and colleagues. This is his third appearance on the podcast. Learn more about TASK at https://www.amazon.com/TASK-Performance-Communication-Thomas-Reid/dp/1792161018

H.I. Ep. 121 - Thomas Reid:  Performance Based Communication

Dr. Evans is the CEO and co-founder of Wellness and Equity Alliance, a national alliance of public health clinicians and supporting operations committed to transforming health care delivery to vulnerable communities. He is an experienced and passionate infectious disease and public health expert who has been on the front lines of major disease outbreaks (including two Ebola outbreaks) around the globe. He is also the author of "Pandemics, Poverty, & Politics - Decoding the Social and Political Drivers of Pandemics from Plague to Covid-19." Read more about Dr. Evans here: https://www.tylerevansmd.com/

H.I. Ep. 122 - Tyler B. Evans, MD, MS, MPH - The Intersections of Public Health and Health Care

Tamar Blue is Y Combinator Alum, founder and CEO of MentalHappy. Her passion for formulating mental health solutions began in high school when she started a peer support organization and now heads up a company providing online support groups for practices to extend office hours and outreach to clients and patients. More about the Mental Happy platform here: https://www.mentalhappy.com/ And more about Tamar here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamarlucienblue/

H.I. Ep. 123 - Tamar Blue - Support Groups for Mental Health

Alice Horton, Executive Director and Karen Russell, Director of the HOPE Center at Burke County Christian Ministries in Morganton, NC. They give a first hand account of the needs and issues facing those experiencing homelessness and the boots on the ground successes, failures, challenges, and opportunities of providing basic needs care for those in need. Restoring resiliency is their goal. Learn more about BUCM at https://www.bucm.net/

H.I. Ep. 124 - Realities of ground level support for the unsheltered in Burke County, NC

Gerri Ashe is a Diabetes and Health Education Specialist with Access East HealthAssist Program at ECU Health in Greenville, NC.

Gerri shares stories, approaches, and insights from her 17 years as a community health worker working in a free clinic, educating about diabetes and health, and working through the challenges of providing access to care. She clears up misconceptions, describes the obstacles for affordable housing and confusion with medication cost and availability, shares how to be realistic with the needs for those in need, and talks about the importance of self care as a caregiver.

Read about Gerri's story here: https://honorbridge.org/stories-of-hope/gerris-story/

More about HealthAssist: https://www.witn.com/2024/09/10/health-clinic-opens-community-center-greenville/

Joy Community Center and Soup Kitchen: https://joycommunitycenter.org/

H.I. Ep. 125 - Gerri Ashe - Serving the uninsured, homeless, and unsheltered

Dr. Hoyle returns to provide a post-launch update of implementing a collaborative care management model in primary care practice in a large health system. The collaborative model provides continuity of care for chronic conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Learn how the care model operates and insights on transforming care practices with a behavioral care manager, data registry, EHR workflows, and billing.

This podcast is part of the Podcast CE Learning Series. Earn 1 hour of CE credit after listening to this episode. Register for credit here: https://northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/t3/courses-and-events/76052

H.I. Ep. 126 - Gretchen Hoyle, MD - Addressing mental health with collaborative care model

A conversation about engaging clients in need - with Karen Russell and Alice Horton of Burke United Christian Ministry providing services to the homeless in Burke County, North Carolina. This is of special interest to Peer Support Specialists and Community Health Workers and others who support unsheltered populations.

H.I. Ep. 127 - Engaging Homeless Clients in Need

Dr. Ebru Karpuzoglu is an immunologist and molecular medicine expert, and the Chief Scientific Officer and CEO of Aveseena. Dr. Karpuzoglu discusses "inflammaging," a condition where inflammation and premature aging occur simultaneously, triggered by factors such as stress, diet, and harsh skincare practices. Dr. Karpuzoglu highlights the skin's role as the first line of immune defense, protected by its microbiome and immune system. 

Disclosure: Dr Ebru is an executive for a for profit skin care product and service line.

Learn more about Dr. Ebru and her company Aveseena here: https://www.aveseena.com/about-us/

H.I. Ep. 128 - Dr. Ebru Karpuzoglu: Skin, Skin Care, Aging, and Immunity

Dr. Morris has been treating cancer patients with radiopharmaceutical therapy for nearly ten years. He discusses this approach to personalized care for certain types of cancer, nuclear medicine, diagnostic radiology, and clinical informatics. Learn more about Dr. Morris and United Theranostics here: https://www.unitedtheranostics.com/

H.I. Ep. 129 - Michael Morris, MD, MS: Treating cancer patient with radiopharmaceutical therapy

H.I. Ep. 129 - Michael Morris, MD, MS: Treating cancer patients with radiopharmaceutical therapy

Dr. Kevin J. Tracey, President and CEO of the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research joins the podcasts to share his insights on the groundbreaking role of the vagus nerve in regulating inflammation and its implications for autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Dr. Tracey explains how inflammation, while essential for healing, becomes problematic when uncontrolled—leading to chronic conditions. He introduces the concept of the “inflammatory reflex,” a neural pathway through the vagus nerve that can be harnessed to modulate immune responses. The episode highlights the FDA-approved SetPoint Therapy System, a non-drug, implantable vagus nerve stimulator that offers targeted relief without immunosuppression. Dr. Tracey discusses its clinical success, safety profile, and future applications in conditions such as multiple sclerosis, PTSD, and stroke rehabilitation. The conversation emphasizes the promise of bioelectronic medicine in transforming treatment paradigms for chronic inflammatory diseases.

In the podcast interview, Dr. Kevin J. Tracey disclosed that he is a co-founder of SetPoint Medical, the company behind the FDA-approved vagus nerve stimulation device for rheumatoid arthritis 1. He also stated that he serves as a consultant to the company, assisting with its development and research initiatives 1. While he clarified that he is not privy to all future plans of the company, his dual role as both a researcher and company consultant is a relevant professional disclosure for listeners, especially those considering the therapy discussed.

Find out more here: 
Personal Twitter: https://x.com/KevinJTraceyMD
Personal Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinjtraceymd/
Feinstein Institutes: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-feinstein-institutes-for-medical-research
Company website: https://feinstein.northwell.edu/
Dr. Tracey’s research profile: https://feinstein.northwell.edu/institutes-researchers/our-researchers/kevin-j-tracey-md
Center for Bioelectronic Medicine website: https://www.northwell.edu/center-for-bioelectronic-medicine
The Great Nerve (Amazon): https://a.co/d/7UbRR6C

H.I. Ep. 130 - Dr. Kevin Tracey on Vagus Stimulation and Autoimmune Healing

Our guest is a dermatologists who sees patients and does research at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, one who is internationally recognized for his work in dermatology, particularly in psoriasis and on how well patients use recommended treatments. If you count publications, our guest may be the most productive researcher at Wake Forest.  With over 1,500 Medline-referenced publications, his research spans clinical trials, behavioral economics, and public health policy. Today, we’ll dive into the risks and benefits of sun exposure, the amazing landscape of modern psoriasis treatment, and what we’ve learned about how poorly patients take their medication and whose fault it is.  Welcome Dr. Steve Feldman, Professor of Dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

Learn more about Dr. Feldman's background and research at https://school.wakehealth.edu/faculty/f/steven-r-feldman

H.I. Ep. 131 - Steven R. Feldman, MD, PhD - sun, psoriasis, and medication adherence

Discover the transformative power of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Join Amber Nelms, founder and CEO of Triangle ABA, as she shares her personal journey from parent to board-certified behavior analyst and business leader. Amber reveals how her mission—to catalyze people become the heroes of their own stories—shapes every aspect of Triangle ABA, from individualized autism therapy to empowering families and staff. The conversation dives into the science and heart behind ABA, the challenges of diagnosis and treatment, and the importance of agency, resilience, and self-belief. Whether you’re a parent, clinician, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode offers practical wisdom, moving stories, and a fresh perspective on what it means to catalyze change in yourself and others. Tune in to learn how Triangle ABA is redefining care and leadership in the autism community—and how you can unlock your own potential.

Read more about Triangle ABA here: https://www.triangleaba.com/
Read more about Amber here: https://www.ambernelms.com/

H.I. Ep. 132 - Amber Nelms, BCBA:  Applied Behavior Analysis for Autism

Discover the transformative power of empowerment in this episode as host Andrew Brewer sits down with John Boswell, Chief Operating Officer of Zoe Empowers. Learn how Zoe Empowers is revolutionizing charitable work by guiding orphaned and vulnerable youth in the poorest regions of Africa and India from dependency to self-sufficiency through a unique, locally-driven three-year program. Boswell shares inspiring stories of resilience, explains why true change comes from within communities, and reveals how a modest investment can yield life-changing returns. Whether you’re passionate about global health, sustainable development, or simply want to hear how hope and opportunity can break the cycle of poverty, this conversation will leave you inspired and informed.

Learn more about John here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johngboswell/
Learn more about Zoe Empowers here: https://zoeempowers.org/

H.I. Ep. 133 - John Boswell, JD: Beggars to Bosses - Empowering Impoverished Youth

Dr. George Ibrahim, founder of Biltmore Restorative Medicine and Aesthetics challenges conventional wisdom about hormones, aging, and wellness. Drawing on decades of experience as a surgeon and urologist, Dr. Ibrahim explores the science and misconceptions behind hormone replacement therapy, the impact of aging on hormone levels, and the critical role of individualized care for both men and women. Gain valuable insights into evidence-based approaches for optimizing patient health, addressing menopause and andropause, and integrating restorative medicine into multidisciplinary practice. This conversation is a must-listen for clinicians seeking to deepen their understanding of hormonal health, debunk outdated myths, and empower patients to thrive at every stage of life.

Leanr more about Dr. Ibrahim here: https://www.biltmorerestorativemedicine.com/

H.I. Ep. 134 - Dr. George Ibrahim:  H.I. Ep. 134 - Dr. George Ibrahim: Hormones, Aging, and Evidence: Rethinking Wellness

Discover the urgent realities and innovative solutions at the intersection of healthcare, insurance, and technology in this compelling episode of Healthcare Insights at Northwest North Carolina. Host Andrew Brewer welcomes Neil K. Shah—CEO, author, and founder of Counterforce Health—to unpack the growing crisis of health insurance claim denials and their profound impact on patients, providers, and the entire healthcare system. Drawing from personal caregiving experiences and professional expertise, Neil K. Shah reveals how AI-powered tools are empowering clinicians, hospitals, and patients to successfully appeal denied claims, reduce administrative burnout, and restore the integrity of care. The conversation highlights the financial and moral challenges faced by healthcare teams, the threat to independent and rural practices, and the urgent need for advocacy and systemic reform. This episode offers actionable insights and hope for a more equitable future in healthcare. Tune in to learn how technology and grassroots collaboration are shifting the balance of power back to those who need it most.

Find out more about Neal and Counterforce Health at https://www.counterforcehealth.org/

H.I. Ep. 135 - Neal K Shah: Insured to Death - Countering Insurance Claim Denials using AI

Water quality expert Cydian Kauffman explores the critical connections between water safety and health. Drawing on real-world experience and technical knowledge, Cydian unpacks the complexities of municipal and well water systems, revealing hidden risks from contaminants like arsenic, chlorine byproducts, pharmaceuticals, and “forever chemicals.” The conversation highlights the limitations of current testing standards, the impact of water quality on health outcomes, and practical solutions. Gain actionable insights into how water issues affect everything from chronic disease to acute care, and why proactive engagement is essential for safeguarding patient and community health.

Read more about Pure Water Northwest here: https://purewaternorthwest.com/

H.I. Ep. 136 - Cydian Kauffman:  What's in your water?

Dr. Kate Lund, clinical psychologist, TEDx speaker, and author shares her personal journey of overcoming childhood medical challenges and explores how resilience is more than just bouncing back—it’s a lifestyle built on self-awareness, supportive networks, and intentional habits. Dr. Lund offers practical strategies for managing stress, fostering agency, and finding joy, while discussing the impact of social media, the importance of asking for help, and the seven pillars of resilience from her acclaimed parenting course. Packed with real-life stories and actionable insights, this episode will inspire listeners to embrace possibility and thrive through adversity.

Read more about Dr. Lund here: https://www.katelundspeaks.com/

H.I. Ep. 137 - Dr. Kate Lund:  Resilience

Dr. Teresa Lyons, a scientist, educator, and autism advocate, to discusses the evolving landscape of autism care. Drawing from personal experience and professional expertise, Dr. Lyons explores the intersection of science, intuition, and advocacy, emphasizing the importance of functional medicine and parental insight in navigating autism’s complexities. The conversation covers recent breakthroughs in autism research, the role of biomarkers like cerebral folate deficiency, and the impact of holistic approaches — including diet, mindset, and community support — on optimal outcomes for children. Listeners gain practical advice for partnering with healthcare providers, leveraging data-driven decision-making, and fostering resilience throughout the autism journey, all while celebrating the unique strengths and determination of every child.

Ream more about Dr. Lyons here: https://awetism.net/

H.I. Ep. 138 - Theresa Lyons, MS, MS, PhD: Helping Parents Navigate Autism

Dr. Richardson is the CEO and clinical director for Integrated Care of Greater Hickory. We talk about the integrated approach to recovery from depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction.

Healthcare Insights Episode 28

H.I. Ep. 28 - Dr. Corey Richardson, DHSc, MBA

Corey talks about the rapid response to COVID-19 and the successes and challenges of the recovery community in Greater Hickory, NC. The Judicial Forum with Senator Tillis may be viewed here: https://youtu.be/2ORonLLPurg

Healthcare Insights Episode 38 - Corey Richardson

H.I. Ep. 38 - Corey Richardson

Timely and relevant discussions about professional and public healthcare in our 17-county region of northwest North Carolina. Guests include faculty, clinicians, researchers, and community members involved in improving the health of our community.

Northwest AHEC Healthcare Insights

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