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 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.

Redefining Governance: How Boards Shape Sustainable Success

Get insights on digital transformation and the future of clinician-centered AI with Ed Lee, MD, MPH, chief medical officer at Nabla.

Why Health Systems Are Turning to Cancerguard for Early Cancer Detection

This episode of VHHA’s Patients Come First podcast features Dr. Chester Sharps, an orthopedic surgeon with Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. He’s with us to tell us about himself and his path to medicine, educate us about an innovative procedure known as vertebral body tethering, and more. 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. Chester Sharps

This episode of VHHA’s Patients Come First podcast features Kristin Anderson, PhD, an assistant professor of microbiology, immunology, and cell biology at the University of Virginia, for a conversation about her research, her personal journey with cancer, and how those experiences have shaped her life and her work. 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 - Kristin Anderson

This episode of VHHA’s Patients Come First podcast features Dr. Kim Penberthy , a clinical psychologist and professor at the UVA School of Medicine. Dr. Penberthy is a researcher, professor, and innovator who joins us for a conversation about her work, the condition known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, and tips for those impacted by it. 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. Kim Penberthy

This episode of VHHA’s Patients Come First podcast features Tucker Smith, a future physician and student at the VCU School of Medicine who moonlights as a high-flying acrobat with Cirque du Soleil, an international company of modern circus performers who delight and dazzle. Our conversation covers Tucker’s unique path to medicine as well as aerial acrobatics and much more. 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 - Katisha Vertrees

Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association

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