Appalachian Care Chronicles

Sally Adams is claustrophobic. Yet, every day, she helps patients navigate the small, enclosed space of an MRI machine. As an MRI technologist, her own fears have made her especially empathetic to those she works with. She reassures anxious patients, guiding them through scans with a calm, steady presence. Over the years, Sally has seen the evolution of MRI technology, but what hasn’t changed is her dedication to making sure each p...

Dr. Tom Takubo is not only a pulmonary critical care physician but also a state senator, fighting to improve healthcare across West Virginia. Inspired by his father’s struggle with black lung disease, Dr. Takubo’s commitment to his patients extends far beyond the hospital. Whether he’s caring for critically ill patients or advocating for better healthcare policies, his work is driven by a deep connection to the people of his state....

Julie Osborne Young works at the intersection of life and death. As Director of Social Services at HospiceCare in Charleston, W.Va., she offers more than just practical support. Julie helps patients navigate deep emotional and spiritual challenges during their final stages of life. Her daily work is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. By honoring each patient as a whole person, Julie provides compassionate care that ...

Appalachian Care Chronicles is back for Season Three! This season, we explore careers in hospice care and behavioral health, pulmonary medicine and medical expertise in the state legislature, innovations in medical technology, and peer recovery support.

Join host, Aryana Misaghi, to learn about the lives of those who fight for better health every day—through long shifts, tough challenges, and victories big and small. Ever wondered ...

In this episode, Greta shares firsthand experiences from her decade-long journey, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of providing comprehensive dental services to underserved areas like rural West Virginia. Discover how oral health is a window into overall health and the ways in...

Get a view into the world of rural healthcare with Drs. Mary Gainer and Peter Wentzel, a married couple of family physicians serving patients in northern West Virginia. Operating within federally qualified health centers, Mary and Peter discuss ...

Now, with a keen eye for detail and a dedication to public health, he works tirelessly to uncover the mysteries within patient samples. Zach’s journey from New York City to Charleston reflects his commitment to serving his home s...

In this episode, we explore the work of Angel Cunningham who gu...

In this episode we hear from the one and only Jan Rader, the first woman to lead a professional fire department in West Virginia and a TIME100 Most Influential Person in 2018. Over the length of her career, Jan’s dedication to combat...

With a population-to-provider ratio nearly 50% lower than the national average, West Virginia’s need for new social work and mental health practitioners is immense. During this episode, we visit the classroom of Shikeal Harris, Marshall University Profes...

In episode two, we delve into the life and career of family nurse practitioner Anitra Ellis....

In this episode, we’re traveling through the sky with Heidi Stump, critical care flight paramedic with Health Net in Beckley, West Virginia. Critical care air transport is a valuable componen...

Curious about the people who are working behind the scenes and on the front lines to care for our communities every day? 

Appalachian Care Chronicles is a new podcast bringing you stories from every corner of West Virginia’s health sector. Join host, Aryana Misaghi, to journey alongside a variety of problem-solvers, change makers, and daily helpers. Explore what they do day-to-day, the steps that got them there, and the “why’s” tha...