In this episode Dr. Thad McDonald, (retired OBGYN and Chair of the WakeMed Board of Directors) explains what the strategic combination with Atrium Health means for patients and the community. He discusses how the partnership will speed development of local cancer services, preserve safety net care, and improve access to specialty services. Learn more and stay informed at https://www.wakemed.org/wakemed-atrium-combination.

This episode features Sarah Crowley, Nursing Director of WakeMed Mental Health and Well-Being (including WakeMed’s Mental Health and Well-Being Hospital at Wakebrook), discussing how the WakeMed and Atrium Health strategic combination could expand access and elevate patient-centered care. Sarah explains plans to increase inpatient capacity, strengthen community mental health services, and support nursing workforce development.

In this episode, Donald Gintzig, President & CEO of WakeMed Health & Hospitals, outlines specifics about the strategic combination with Atrium Health and why it matters for access, equity, and long-term community health in Wake County. Hear about the benefits of expanded services, new facilities, investments in southeast Raleigh and more that aim to improve care for all. Visit WakeMed.org/wakemed-atrium-combination to learn more.

In this episode, Dr. Ryan Li, an orthopedic sports medicine surgeon at Wake Orthopedics, dives deep into shoulder instability. He explains how this common yet often misunderstood condition can impact individuals, especially athletes, and shares insights on diagnosis and treatment options. Tune in for expert advice on recognizing symptoms and when to seek help. 

Learn more about Ryan Li, MD 

Ever wondered if outpatient joint replacement is suitable for you? Join Caitlin Whyte as she discusses options with Dr. Lincoln Pratson, who shares insights about candidacy, care pathways, and the benefits of outpatient procedures. This episode is essential for anyone considering hip or knee surgery and curious about their recovery journey. Click the link for more insight. 

Learn more about Lincoln Pratson, MD 

Join us as orthopaedic sports medicine surgeon, Dr. Ryan Li of Wake Orthopaedics, discusses the telling signs of shoulder arthritis and how to differentiate it from other shoulder problems. Learn about the impact of lifestyle, age and physical activity on shoulder health. From pain management strategies to when to seek help, this episode is packed with essential advice for anyone impacted by shoulder pain. Don’t miss out – listen now! 

Learn more about Ryan Li, MD 

In this episode, Dr. Chad Greer, a non-operative sports medicine physician with Wake Orthopaedics, explores how regenerative medicine is revolutionizing the treatment of orthopedic injuries. Learn about the efficacy of techniques like platelet-rich plasma and stem cell therapies, and discover how they help patients heal faster without the need for surgery. Click here to listen and gain insights into future advancements in orthopedic care! 

Learn more about Chad Greer, MD  

CT scans performed for conditions or injuries like trauma or heart disease often show incidental findings that could be related to lung cancer. These incidental findings, also called lung nodules, can be the result of old infections or scar tissue, or they can be cancerous. Join us as Dr. Brian Cohen explains the difference between a nodule and lung cancer, how they are followed and by whom, and when treatment interventions are needed.

Learn more about Brian Cohen, MD

According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 10% to 20% of lung cancers diagnosed in the United State, or 20,000 to 40,000 lung cancers each year, happen in people who never smoked or smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime. Join us as Dr. Brian Cohen discusses how this is possible and what nonsmokers should know when it comes to knowing the symptoms and risks for lung cancer.

Learn more about Brian Cohen, MD

From targeted therapy to immunotherapy, lung cancer care is entering a new era of possibilities. Dr. Praveen Namireddy of WakeMed Cancer Care joins us to share how innovative treatments, early detection and a team-based approach to care are changing lives. Hear why there’s more reason than ever to be hopeful about the future of lung cancer treatment. 

Learn more about Praveen Namireddy, MD  

Feeling overwhelmed by the cessation process? Are you confused about the differences between smoking and vaping? This episode breaks down the distinctions, discussing the harmful chemicals and health risks associated with both. Hear from Stacy Thiedeman, PA-C, as she provides offer valuable insights and practical tips for quitting smoking and vaping. From medication options like nicotine replacement therapy to behavioral strategies, discover the best ways to support your journey toward freedom from nicotine addiction.

Breast cancer care has come a long way – and the progress is inspiring. WakeMed breast oncologist Dr. Pallavi Kopparthy shares how treatments are now more precise, recovery is gentler and early detection continues to save lives. Learn more about breakthroughs making treatment more effective and helping women thrive after breast cancer. 

Learn more about Pallavi Kopparthy, MD

Navigating life after limb loss can be overwhelming, but having the right resources and teams in place can make all the difference. Hear from Olivia Bloom, Physical Therapist at WakeMed, to learn more.

Head and neck cancers have many names based on where the cancer starts. Dr. Overton discusses risk factors, signs and symptoms and treatments.

What if you could diagnose and treat cancer at the same time? That’s the promise of theranostics – a groundbreaking approach that personalizes care down to a molecular level. Steve Wozniak, BS, CNMT, PET, associate director of molecular imaging & theranostics at 210 PET Imaging and 210 Theranostics breaks down how it works, what it means for cancer patients and what’s on the horizon in this evolving field.

Explore how Magnet recognition benefits not just patients but also the dedicated staff within hospitals. This episode highlights initiatives that enrich the work environment, fostering professional growth and satisfaction while ultimately improving patient care.

In this episode, Dr. Christine Baker breaks down which vaccines are essential at each stage of adulthood. Dr. Baker explains why it’s important to stay up to date with your vaccines and how they can protect you from serious illnesses.

Stress incontinence, or urinary leakage, is the inability to control your urge to urinate – particularly when there’s an external pressure placed on the bladder or abdomen. Dr. Sidhu, a Urologist at WakeMed, discusses the signs of incontinence and treatment options.

What happens after a stroke? In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Dallapiazza outlines what stroke survivors can anticipate during their recovery journey and the various therapies available to aid in regaining independence and function.

In this informative episode, Dr. Chandni Karlaria sheds light on strokes —what they are, identifying risk factors, and the signs to watch for. Get the crucial insights you need to recognize a stroke and what to do.

Dr. Michael Soboeiro defines pre-diabetes and how it can progress to diabetes. Tune in to learn more about risk factors, lifestyle changes if you're at risk and the importance of working with a primary care physician.

Dr. Michael Soboeiro discusses various lifestyle changes that can help reduce the risk of developing dementia, including engaging in activities like crocheting and reading, playing music, solving puzzles, and maintaining social interactions. He also highlights the importance of diet, sleep quality, and stress management in brain health. Tune in for practical tips, recommended resources, and the latest research findings on dementia prevention. Join us on this journey to keep our minds sharp and healthy!

Dive deep into the world of atrial fibrillation (AFib) with healthcare professionals from WakeMed. Learn about the symptoms, risks, and how AFib is diagnosed and managed, empowering you with the knowledge to navigate your heart health.

Millions of men and women struggle with symptoms related to bladder health conditions or disease. Hear from Dr. Katy Reines, a Urologist on the importance of bladder health.

Hear from Jennifer Rutledge, a family nurse practitioner with WakeMed Primary Care on the importance of having conversations with your primary care provider about mental health. Learn how a primary care provider can help support you and your well-being.

Early detection of lymphedema, the abnormal build-up of fluid that causes swelling, is key to treatment and prevention. In this episode, Ashley Railsback, a certified lymphedema therapist, shares the importance of managing lymphedema symptoms during and after breast cancer treatment.

Lorrie Maynard, RN discusses personal care service offered through WakeMed Home Health to adults in Wake County, 7 days a week. Personal care services are those everyday tasks that get hard to do as we age, such as bathing, dressing, grocery shopping, laundry, meal prep and getting to doctors appointments.

Kegel exercises have become a common recommendation for strengthening pelvic floor muscles in women. But pelvic floor muscle health is as important for men as it is for women. Hear from WakeMed pelvic health physical therapist Kaili Warnock, PT, DPT share how Kegels can help improve bowel and bladder control and improve sexual performance for men.

Join Dr. Cameron Barber, Sleep Medicine Physician at WakeMed Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine, to discuss Restless Leg Syndrome.

Join Dr. Cameron Barber to discuss the Ins and Outs of Sleep Studies.

If you find that your brain starts revving up as soon as your head hits the pillow, or you're prone to tossing and turning at night, you're not alone. An estimated 1 in 3 people don't get the sleep they need on a regular basis. Listen as WakeMed sleep medicine expert Gina Mauldin, PA-C discusses why we have trouble sleeping, tools and techniques to make your bedtime routine smoother, and easy lifestyle changes that can lead to better rest.

Join Dr. Ryan Johnson to discuss the basics of blood donation.

Cardiac rehabilitation can help prevent another heart attack or cardiac event and will help to develop and maintain heart-healthy habits. Listen as WakeMed cardiac rehab nurse Kimberly Dail shares what every patient should know about cardiac rehabilitation.

While genes are not the only factor when it comes to your chances of developing breast cancer, detecting a genetic risk may be beneficial for some people in terms of prevention, early detection and timely treatment. In addition to the often talked about BRCA gene mutations, there are a significant number of other inherited gene mutations that increase the risk of developing breast cancer. WakeMed Cancer Care genetic counselor Megan Mortenson explains how working with a genetic counselor can help you put the results into perspective so you can make yourself – and your health – a priority. 

Total shoulder replacement surgery can be life-changing for people who have experienced years of debilitating shoulder pain or have limited range of motion. Listen as Dr. Jonathan Chappell of Wake Orthopaedics, a WakeMed Physicians Practice, explains the procedure, its risks and benefits, and the results you can expect.

Genetics play an important role in cancer treatments today. Working with genetic counselors helps to determine if a patient’s cancer has a genetic component, which will influence treatment decisions. WakeMed Cancer Care genetic counselor Megan Mortenson explains how genetic counseling works, why it’s important and how genetic counseling may help you or your loved one.

The cancer journey often involves a number of unknowns for patients and their families. That’s where oncology nurse navigators come in! Listen as Katie Brummer, an oncology nurse navigator at WakeMed Cancer Care, explains how they help patients and caregivers manage the information involved with diagnosis, treatment, survivorship and anything else in between.

Cancer can affect every aspect of your health, including your appetite and diet. Rebecca Simpson, a registered dietitian at WakeMed Cancer Care, explains why your diet is so important during cancer treatment, and provides tips on foods to add and avoid.

Ms. Parminter (Registered Dietitian) talks about emotional eating. Ms. Parminter discusses what is emotional eating, the difference between emotional hunger and physical hunger, and how emotional eating can be improved.

Dr. Laura Thomas discusses mammograms.

Dr. Kevin Davidson discusses the the stages and treatment of lung cancer, and the importance of screening tests in modern medicine.

Dr. Jon Chappell discusses the high prelevance of shoulder injuries in the aging population, as well as the preventative treatment options available.

Dr. Matthew Lyons discusses kidney stones and what symptoms to look for.

Mark Wood, MD, discusses the importance of injury prevention in children's organized sports, what to look for in your child, and the most common types of injuries youth athletes experience.