In this episode of UAMS Health Talk, we dive deep with Isis Pettway, a senior clinical therapist, into the impactful differences between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset. Discover how adopting a growth mindset can unlock your potential, foster resilience, and encourage personal development. Join us as we explore practical strategies to cultivate motivation and embrace challenges. Don't miss out—tune in for insights that'll inspire your journey!

Endometriosis is a common, chronic disease affecting roughly 10% (190 million) of reproductive-age women worldwide, where tissue similar to the uterus lining grows outside the uterus, causing inflammation, severe pain, and infertility. It is not curable but treatable, often causing debilitating menstrual cramps, pain during intercourse, and chronic fatigue. 

Learn more about Luann Racher, MD 

Join Dr. Tyler Reeves and Dr. Lexie Vaughn as they dive into the essentials of bariatric surgery. Learn about the criteria for qualifying, the latest advancements in treatment options, and the significance of this intervention in managing obesity as a chronic disease. Discover why understanding these options matters to your health journey. 

Learn more about Lexie Vaughn, MD 

Learn more about Tyler Rives, M.D 

Join us as we discuss practical strategies for maintaining your health during holiday seasons. Alyssa Frisby, a registered and licensed dietitian, shares insights on balancing indulgent treats and nutritious meals to enjoy the festivities without guilt. Learn about smart eating habits, the role of protein, and how to keep your health priorities in check. Subscribe now for more expert tips!

Learn more about Alyssa Frisby, MS, RD, LD 

Getting the annual flu shot is important because it is the most effective way to prevent flu illness and its potentially serious complications, and it helps protect vulnerable people in your community.

It is recommended that everyone 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine every season.

As of early January 2026, flu activity in Arkansas is considered "very high" and surging rapidly. 

Learn more about Robert Hopkins, M.D. 

The Arkansas Poison and Drug Information Center is located on the UAMS campus in Little Rock. Their staff of medical doctors, pharmacists, and registered nurses are certified specialists in poison information and is available 24 hours a day.

The poison hotline will provide the latest up-to-date clinical information regarding any poison exposure or drug interaction question rather than going online and getting information that may or may not be accurate or relevant. In some cases, the information that you get online may actually be harmful to you or your loved one.

They can provide treatment recommendations concerning ingestions, skin, ear, and eye exposures, bites and stings, and bad reactions to foods or drugs.

Dive into the midwifery model with Samantha Crouch, Certified Nurse Midwife at UAMS Northwest, as she unpacks the role midwives play in pregnancy and women's health. Discover how midwives provide holistic, low-intervention care and support across various settings, from hospitals to home birth. Join us to learn why more mothers are choosing midwives for a more personalized birthing experience. 

Learn more about Samantha Crouch, DNP, CNM, IBCLC  

In this episode, Dr. Dana Bodiner, a specialist in dental care, shares essential information about the oral side effects of cancer treatments and how to mitigate them. Understanding dental hygiene becomes critical when undergoing procedures like chemotherapy and radiation. Tune in for preventative strategies and helpful tips to maintain your oral health. Remember to consult your dentist ahead of treatment for the best care options. 

Learn more about Dana R. Bodenner, D.D.S. 

This episode delves into the evolving techniques and options available for breast reconstruction after cancer surgery. Join plastic surgeon Dr. David A. Sterling as he shares insights on the different types of procedures and what candidates should expect post-operation. This is vital information for patients seeking to regain their sense of wholeness. 

Learn more about David A. Sterling, M.D.

Join Dr. Ryan Dare as he dives into the critical role of antibiotic stewardship in healthcare. Learn how proper management of antibiotic prescriptions can help combat resistance, ensure effective treatments, and protect future generations from infections. Discover why this topic is vital for both healthcare providers and patients.

Learn more about Ryan Dare, M.D.

Discover the advantages of state-of-the-art 3D mammography at UAMS. Dr. Bryant Smith highlights how this innovative technology captures clearer images, increasing the accuracy of screenings, especially for women with dense breast tissue. Get informed before your next appointment! 

Learn more about Gwendolyn Bryant-Smith, M.D. 

Join us as we delve into the true meaning of self-care with expert Isis Pettway. Discover how self-care transcends indulgence and serves as a vital practice for our mental well-being, according to the World Health Organization. Learn the essentials of cultivating your health and improving your daily life.

A new statewide program is aiming to improve maternal and infant health in Arkansas, one of the states with the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the country.
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences has launched a three-tiered initiative through its new program, Arkansas Center for Women & Infants’ Health. It offers vital resources to new mothers and babies during the critical postpartum period. 

Learn more about Nirvana Manning, MD 

Many individuals neglect their pelvic floor, unaware of how pivotal it is to overall wellness. In this episode, we’ll explore common misconceptions and provide actionable tips to enhance your pelvic health.

If you're feeling apprehensive about your first mammogram, this episode is tailored for you! Dr. Jennings addresses common fears and provides insight on what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure, ensuring you feel informed and comfortable.

Join Dr. Ashley Norris from UAMS as she dives into the spectrum of heat-related illnesses, ranging from heat rash to the severe heat stroke. Learn about the warning signs, risk factors, and essential prevention tips to keep you and your loved ones safe during the hot summer months.

Discover the step-by-step process behind advance care planning in this informative episode. From filling out advanced directive forms to discussing your wishes with loved ones, Carla and Jonathan guide you through the daunting but crucial decisions that can ease the burden on your family when it matters most.

What impact does our wellness have on our mental health?
Isis Pettway, Senior Clinical Therapist at UAMS, answers that question and introduces eight dimensions of wellness.
Isis specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and more. Her clients are able to manage their daily lives with healthy outcomes.

Dr. Justin McLawhorn discusses Melanoma and the importance of sunscreen usage, especially during the summer months.

Alyssa Frisby, registered and licensed dietitian at UAMS, gives some tips about eating healthy even when you're always on the move.

If you've ever wondered how your family history may influence your health outcomes, this episode is for you. Join Amanda Wilde and Alexandrea Wadley as they explore the significance of hereditary cancer genes and the criteria for genetic testing. Learn about the benefits of early detection and personalized screening that could save lives.

Dr. Marcelo Bigarella with UAMS discusses the basics of prostate cancer. This includes symptoms, risk factors, and the latest advancements in prostate cancer treatment.

Mohs surgery is a highly precise surgical technique used to treat certain skin cancers. It preserves as much healthy tissue as possible, has minimal scarring, and allows for immediate confirmation of cancer removal.

Dermatologist Dr. Justin McLawhorn with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences talks about how this surgery is different from other skin cancer removals.

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines, also known as gastroenteritis. It's often called the "stomach flu" or "stomach bug", but it's not related to the flu. Dr. Robert Hopkins discusses how to prevent the spread, treat the symptoms, and treatment options.

Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when carbon monoxide builds up in the blood. When too much carbon monoxide is in the air, the body replaces the oxygen in the red blood cells with carbon monoxide. This can lead to serious tissue damage, or even death.

Carbon monoxide is gas that has no odor, taste or color. Burning fuels, including gas, wood, propane or charcoal, make carbon monoxide. Appliances and engines that aren't well vented can cause the gas to build up to dangerous levels. A tightly enclosed space makes the buildup worse.

Dr. Ari Filip, the Medical Director at the Arkansas Poison and Drug Information Center at UAMS is here today to talk about the causes and prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Join us as we explore the pivotal role of clinical trials in advancing cancer care. Matt Kovac, director of the cancer clinical trials office, shares insights on how these trials not only offer hope but also pave the way for tomorrow’s standard treatments. Understand the process, participant safety, and the innovations on the horizon that could make a difference in cancer management.

The Odyssey Clinic is a comprehensive coordinated specialty care outpatient clinic for individuals experiencing their first episode of psychosis. Our program works with people 16 years old or older who have had any of these problems for less than two years:

-Seeing or hearing things that others don’t
-A feeling of being touched when no one is around
-A feeling of being watched, followed, or being more suspicious of others
-Believing people know personal information (like your thoughts) they shouldn’t be able to know
-Speaking in a way that others can’t understand
-Persistent or unusual thoughts or beliefs
-Trouble thinking clearly or concentrating
-Changes in mood such as strong and inappropriate emotions or little to no emotions at all
-Declines in self-care or hygiene
-Increased social withdrawal from family and friends
-Sudden declines in school or work performance

The Odyssey Clinic offers several specialized care services including:

-Specific individual counseling focused on building resiliency and recovery
-Support in finding a job, going to school, and building success in those endeavors
-Educating patients and families about these problems and how to help their loved ones and themselves
-Connections to other doctors or drug abuse treatment if needed
-Careful use of medicines to help alleviate symptoms

The Odyssey Clinic accepts self-referrals and referrals from mental health and other medical professionals. The Odyssey Clinic accepts people with insurance. If you do not have insurance, we may be able to help you get it. Financial counseling is available as well

Appointments for the Odyssey Clinic are available Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. This service is located on the first floor of the Psychiatry Research Institute.

Dr. Fullen is here to talk about Traumatic Brain injuries and the THRIVE Brain Injury Program.

In the United States, more than 38 million people have diabetes, which is about 1 in 10 people. November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and here today we have Dr. Joseph Henske from UAMS to talk about managing Type 1 Diabetes with exercise.

Join us as we bust some of the most common nutrition myths associated with cancer care in this enlightening episode. Megan Welker, a registered dietitian with extensive knowledge in the field, explains why sugar doesn't "feed" cancer and clarifies the role of supplements. Gain insight into how evidence-based dietary choices can support your health during cancer treatment.

Stroke is the fifth cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.

When thinking of the symptoms of a stroke, a few things may come to mind, like slurred speech, facial droop and arm weakness. There’s another lesser-known indicator that could be a clue that something’s wrong, though, and that small change could make all the difference.

Deonna Wissler plays a key part at UAMS maintaining its Comprehensive Stroke certification through the Joint Commission. As a stroke APRN, Wissler is often involved in emergency situations and is well-known for making each code a learning experience for the entire team.

UAMS has been trialing a series of talks we have branded “Cancer Conversations”. The topics have included a variety of patient focused discussions. Today's discussion will inform patients about speaking with their Oncology Pharmacist about chemotherapy treatment.

Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. One of the options to treat this cancer is robotic colorectal surgery in which surgeons remove parts of the colon and rectum that may be cancerous. Dr. Thomas Kang discusses this method, its benefits, and more.

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is the first medical facility in the United States to provide an innovative therapeutic treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD).

The SAINT® neuromodulation system, developed by Magnus Medical, Inc., has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat adults with depression who have not achieved improvement in their condition from the use of antidepressant medications. SAINT works by leveraging structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to inform a proprietary algorithm that pinpoints the optimal anatomical target for precise neurostimulation in individuals with major depression.

The treatment is performed on an accelerated, five-day timeline, reducing the patient’s treatment time from weeks to days. In previous clinical trials, treatment with SAINT for MDD resulted in a significant reduction in depressive symptoms at four weeks post-treatment following the five-day treatment protocol. Currently, SAINT can only be provided to patients who are being treated as inpatients.

Join Dr. Jeanne Wei to discuss the causes, symptoms, and aftermath of cardiac arrest.

Join Alyssa Frisby, M.S., RD, LD, to discuss how to recognize a fad diet.

Uterine cancer is the sixth most common cancer in women worldwide and the most common gynecologic cancer in high-income countries. Dr. Heather Williams from UAMS is here today to talk about some risk factors and what to look out for.

Join Dr. Sonia T. Orcutt, Surgical Oncologist , to discuss Melanoma Awareness Month.

May is National Meditation Month and UAMS has their very own Mindfulness Program. Dr. Pele Yu is the Associate Director of the UAMS Mindfulness Program and Certified Koru Mindfulness Teacher. According to Dr. Pele, mindfulness, living in the present, and dealing with life’s struggles can be hard for so many— but meditation can help

Join Dr. Lou Ann Eads to discuss Ketamine treatment for mental health conditions.

Join Ashley McMillan, D.D.S, General Practice Dentist at UAMS Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Oral Health Clinic, to discuss the UAMS Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Oral Health Clinic.

The TeleSANE Program utilizes telemedicine to connect facility site clinicians to consultants specifically trained in caring for patients who have experienced a sexual assault.

The program provides equipment, education, and guidance to providers across the state of Arkansas to support a standardized care of practice. The consultants can be brought into the room with the site nurse and the patient for as much or as little as needed via a provided telecart.

The program connects the community resources and helps build bridges to create a multi-disciplinary approach to sexual assault care. Patients can expect an evidence-based, trauma-informed medical forensic exam, connections to resources, and after-care follow-up guidance.

Join Dr. Thomas Glenn Pait to discuss the impact of caffeine on your health.

Cervical cancer was once a leading cause of cancer death for women in the United States. Today, screening and prevention have greatly reduced the impact of this form of cancer. Still, approximately 13,960 women in the United States are projected to receive a diagnosis of cervical cancer in 2023 and approximately 4,310 will die from the disease, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Join Dr. Misty Virmani to discuss the importance of breastfeeding and information on UAMS’ first milk bank in Arkansas.

Proton therapy is the most advanced form of radiation to treat cancer in the world today. Proton’s pin-point accuracy makes it an effective treatment for a wide range of solid tumors that are hard to reach with standard X-ray radiation.

Today we are going to discuss a treatment option for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate. This is a very common problem, affecting 50% of men over the age of 50.

There was a time when you had to have a prescription for hearings but now, thanks to FDA approval, you can buy them over-the-counter. Dr. Thomas Pait discusses the effects of hearing loss and whether over-the-counter may be the right choice for you.

UAMS is the only hospital in Arkansas to offer this innovative treatment for uterine fibroid.

Breast health is incredibly important to us at UAMS and the MammoVan is out regularly traveling the state offering quick and efficient screening mammogram services on the go! Heather Kindy discusses the UAMS Mobile MammoVan and what it has to offer to the UAMS community and beyond.

You may be wondering why your doctor is looking to screen for lung cancer when you don't have any symptoms but waiting for symptoms to appear could mean waiting until the cancer has already spread. Dr. Matthew Steliga and Patricia Franklin discuss the importance of lung cancer screenings and early cancer detection.

May is Brain Tumor Awareness month. But every day is about brain tumor awareness for Analiz Rodriguez, M.D., Ph.D. She is the Director of Neurosurgical Oncology at UAMS where they have established a brain tumor bank for research.

Dr. Konstantinos Arnaoutakis shares who should be screened for lung cancer, symptoms of lung cancer, and who is at risk.

Mammograms are an important part of reducing breast cancer risk. Dr. Gwendolyn Bryant-Smith, UAMS Chief of Breast Imaging in the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, discusses mammograms and current recommendations.