Community Connect: presented by TGH

Blood cancers can be difficult to recognize because symptoms such as fatigue, bruising, and swollen lymph nodes often overlap with everyday health concerns. In this episode, Dr. Ankit Kansagra walks listeners through the journey from early warning signs and diagnosis to today's most advanced treatment options. Learn what happens after an abnormal blood test, how doctors diagnose leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, and how breakthrough...

Think virtual healthcare is just a FaceTime with your doctor? Think again. In this episode, Jordan Clark, Director of Ambulatory Business Operations and Integration at Tampa General Hospital, explains what a virtual care visit really looks like and how the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the growth of this important healthcare option. You'll learn how virtual health can make it easier to access care-- especially for people with trans...

Your primary care physician (PCP) is more than someone you see for annual checkups. They're a key partner in your long-term health and an important guide after a hospital stay. In this episode, Dr. Mandy Dailey and Christine Hutchinson discuss how PCPs help patients navigate recovery, manage new medications, understand discharge plans, and connect with the right specialists when needed. Learn how a strong relationship with a PCP ca...

Snoring and daytime fatigue are often brushed off as part of getting older, but they may be signs of obstructive sleep apnea. In this episode, sleep specialist Suketu Shah, MD explains who is at risk, how sleep apnea affects heart health, and why treatment can make a meaningful difference. Learn how the condition is diagnosed, what treatment options are available, and what to do if CPAP isn't the right fit. It's a conversation that...

This episode focuses on the immediate and long-term challenges people face after a cancer diagnosis and why addressing all a patients’ needs—beyond treatment alone-- is essential to quality care. Allegra Kartha, a licensed clinical social worker at Tampa General Hospital, explains the role of a social worker in coordinating care and addressing mental health support, financial strain, transportation needs, as well as car...

How are your dietary choices impacting your overall health? Jenise Carr and Matt Murphy delve into this topic through the lens of food being medicine. They share practical tips on nutrition choices to help you foster a healthy relationship with food and explain how mindful eating fits into clinical care. Whether it’s learning to grow your own food or approaching food with curiosity, this thoughtful conversation will inspire y...

What happens when trauma impacts both the mind and the brain—and how do clinicians tell the difference? In this episode, we take a deeper look at the critical role of neuropsychological evaluation in separating PTSD-related cognitive changes from traumatic brain injury and other medical conditions.

Join us for a thoughtful and informative conversation exploring how these evaluations help guide personalized treatment pl...

This informative episode is your guide to help keep kids safe during the summer. Whether it’s in the water, out in the heat, or riding their bikes, Dr. Dennrik Abrahan covers the most common injuries he sees as a Pediatric Critical Care Attending and shares actionable advice on how to prevent them. You’ll learn the top ways to prevent drowning, how to identify heat stroke, plus he shares his main takeaway for parents an...

May is Melanoma Awareness Month, and in this informative episode, Dr. Nishit Patel shares practical steps you can take to protect your skin, explains why early detection is so important and breaks down the three most common types of skin cancer. Dr. Patel walks listeners through how to perform an effective self–skin exam using the ABCDs of melanoma and offers clear guidance on choosing and using sunscreen-- including recommen...

This episode dives deep into osteoporosis, often called a silent disease, highlighting the importance of early screening and awareness. Dr. Yevgeniya Kushchayeva, the Medical Director of the USF Adult Osteoporosis Program, discusses who should be screened and when. You’ll learn about the risk factors associated with osteoporosis and how timely screening can prevent devastating fractures. Tune in to understand the significance...

Join Dr. Kiran Dhanireddy, Vice President and Chief of the Transplant Institute at Tampa General Hospital, as he shares the promising advances shaping the future of organ transplantation. Learn how innovation and technology are transforming organ donation and discover how living donors can donate a kidney or part of a liver to give the gift of life. If you’re curious about organ donation and its power to save lives, listen in...

In this episode of Community Connect, Dr. Ryan Wagoner, Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Tampa General Hospital, shares invaluable insights into recognizing the signs of mental health issues and the importance of seeking help. Join us as we break down the nuances between psychiatric conditions and everyday emotional responses. Dr. Wagoner explains the key indicators that distinguish a mental health issue from typical stress...

In this episode we explain what hyperparathyroidism is and the common symptoms associated with it—including fatigue, aches, brain fog and more. Dr. Jose Lopez and Dr. Douglas Politz explain the importance of getting your calcium levels checked and the correlation between those results and a possible hyperthyroidism diagnosis. They go over treatment options and articulate why surgery is often times the most effective treatment...

Is the swelling you’re experiencing lymphedema or something else? In this informative episode, we talk with Dr. Nicholas J. Panetta about the many facets of lymphedema—a condition that affects millions. Discover what causes lymphedema—in secondary and primary cases, how to identify its symptoms, and the latest treatment options available. Don’t miss this comprehensive talk about the common condition of the l...

In this episode, Tamika Powe, Manager of Community Benefit and Health Education at Tampa General Hospital, takes you behind the scenes of how data shapes health services, connecting community voices with impactful healthcare initiatives. She explains the importance of community benefit work and how nonprofit hospitals like Tampa General contribute meaningfully to positive community health outcomes through various programs, free scr...

Join us as Dr. Benjamin Mackie, co-chief of the Heart and Vascular Institute, sheds light on the heart transplant process. From donor matching to the intricacies of post-operative care, learn what patients can expect when undergoing this life-saving procedure. Understand the challenges faced by patients on a transplant waiting list and the remarkable advancements in heart recovery.

For more information, visit Tampa General Hos...

Burn injuries can happen in the blink of an eye. In this episode, Dr. Ram Velamuri explains what you need to know about burn safety and awareness. From the differences between first, second and third degree burns and when to seek medical attention to how to prevent burns altogether, this discussion covers potentially life-saving information to help you respond appropriately to burn injuries. Dr. Velamuri delves into the dangers of ...