This episode of VHHA’s Patients Come First podcast features Katisha Vertrees, a young woman from Norfolk, VA woman whose story of being diagnosed with lupus and renal failure, through finding a kidney donor, and transplant at Sentara Health, has captured media and public attention. She joins us to talk about her life, journey through illness and recovery, and a new project of hers to support people in need of kidney transplants. Send questions, comments, feedback, or guest suggestions to pcfpodcast@vhha.com or contact on X (Twitter) (twitter.com/VirginiaHHA) or Instagram (www.instagram.com/virginiahha/) using the #PatientsComeFirst hashtag.

Release date:
5 April 2025


VHHA Patients Come First Podcast - Katisha Vertrees

This episode of VHHA’s Patients Come First podcast features Kyle Dodd, a VCU Health heart transplant patient and U.S. Army Veteran who recently represented Team USA at the 2025 World Transplant Games in Germany. He joins us for a conversation about his military service, heart transplant procedure, participation in the World Transplant games, and more. Send questions, comments, feedback, or guest suggestions to pcfpodcast@vhha.com or contact on X (Twitter) (twitter.com/VirginiaHHA) or Instagram (www.instagram.com/virginiahha/) using the #PatientsComeFirst hashtag.

VHHA Patients Come First Podcast - Kyle Dodd

This episode of VHHA’s Patients Come First podcast features a return guest, Dr. Deepak Talreja, who is a cardiologist with Sentara Health and a real-life Good Samaritan. He’s here to talk about his life and career, plus a recent situation where he selflessly intervened to help a stranger in serious trouble. Send questions, comments, feedback, or guest suggestions to pcfpodcast@vhha.com or contact on X (Twitter) (twitter.com/VirginiaHHA) or Instagram (www.instagram.com/virginiahha/) using the #PatientsComeFirst hashtag.

VHHA Patients Come First Podcast - Dr. Deepak Talreja

Jodi Eisenberg, associate vice president of Vizient Member Networks, joins HealthLeaders editor Jay Asser to discuss how today’s chief quality executives are moving from compliance stewards to strategic leaders shaping the future of healthcare.

The Evolving Role and Impact of the Chief Quality Executive

Chase McGrath, vice president of product at Aspirion, joins HealthLeaders editor Jay Asser to guide revenue cycle leaders through the strategic adoption of AI for denials management, offering both the why and the how behind successful implementation.

Utilizing AI to Transform Denials Management

David Harding, senior vice president, pipeline product management at Exact Sciences, joins HealthLeaders for a discussion on how to help health system leaders understand the foundation of Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) and how it can impact cancer diagnosis, drive innovation and improve patient outcomes.

Information presented is not clinical, diagnostic, or treatment advice for any particular patient. Providers should use their clinical judgement and experience when deciding how to diagnose or treat patients. Exact Sciences does not recommend or endorse any particular course of treatment or medical choice.

Unlocking the Potential of Multi-Cancer Early Detection

This episode of VHHA’s Patients Come First podcast features Kevin Johnson, a retired teacher and cancer survivor who is active in expanding Man Up To Cancer support groups in Virginia. He joins us for a conversation about his post-retirement medical challenges, collaboration with the Sentara Health Brock Cancer Center, and the work to grow Man Up To Cancer chapters to support men facing cancer diagnoses. Send questions, comments, feedback, or guest suggestions to pcfpodcast@vhha.com or contact on X (Twitter) (https://x.com/VirginiaHHA) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/virginiaHHA/) using the #PatientsComeFirst hashtag.

VHHA Patients Come First Podcast - Kevin Johnson

This episode of VHHA’s Patients Come First podcast features Dr. Eric Edwards, Chief Executive Officer of Phlow Corp., a pioneering public benefit pharmaceutical company. Dr Edwards is a keynote speaker at the upcoming Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Leaders Summit scheduled for Nov. 5-7, 2025 in Hot Springs, VA. The conversation with Dr. Edwards covers his work as a clinician and entrepreneur, efforts to boost production of essential medicines in the U.S., and previews his remarks at the upcoming Summit. Send questions, comments, feedback, or guest suggestions to pcfpodcast@vhha.com or contact on X (Twitter) (x.com/VirginiaHHA) or Instagram (www.instagram.com/virginiaHHA/) using the #PatientsComeFirst hashtag.

VHHA Patients Come First Podcast - Dr. Eric Edwards

This episode of VHHA’s Patients Come First podcast features Dr. Martin O'Grady, Medical Director of the Trauma Center at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, for a conversation about the hospital recently earning a Provisional Level III Trauma Center Designation from the state, the work that went into that, and what that means for patient care. Send questions, comments, feedback, or guest suggestions to pcfpodcast@vhha.com or contact on X (Twitter) (x.com/VirginiaHHA) or Instagram (www.instagram.com/virginiaHHA/) using the #PatientsComeFirst hashtag.

VHHA Patients Come First Podcast - Dr. Martin O'Grady

This episode of VHHA’s Patients Come First podcast features Dr. William Cooper, a nationally recognized cardiothoracic surgeon, a decorated U.S. Army veteran, and a healthcare entrepreneur. He joins us for a conversation about his new role as medical director of cardiovascular surgery at HCA Virginia’s Reston Hospital Center. Send questions, comments, feedback, or guest suggestions to pcfpodcast@vhha.com or contact on X (Twitter) (x.com/VirginiaHHA) or Instagram (www.instagram.com/virginiaHHA/) using the #PatientsComeFirst hashtag.

VHHA Patients Come First Podcast - Dr. William Cooper

Jason Spring, vice president of Vizient Member Networks, joins HealthLeaders editor Jay Asser to discuss how the role of healthcare boards is shifting amid rapid industry change, and how effective governance can shape safer, stronger organizations.

VHHA Patients Come First Podcast - Katisha Vertrees

Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association

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