Advance with MUSC Health: Recent Episodes
MUSC Health
Advance with MUSC Health’s mission is to help you find ways to preserve and optimize your health and get the care you need to live well. MUSC Health experts offer advice and insights on health-related topics. For more information, check out www.advance.muschealth.org.
There's a science behind how to stay hydrated during physical activity, and it isn't always as simple as drinking water when you feel thirsty. In this episode, Alaine Mills, MS, RD, LD, shares insights on how athletes keep their bodies hydrated, and how you can maintain a healthy optimal hydration. She is an MUSC Health registered dietitian and certified specialist in sports dietetics at the MUSC Health and Wellness Institute.
Eye problems, while often benign, can sometimes be the first sign of a serious health condition. Peter Tang, MD, PhD, is an ophthalmologist at the MUSC Health Storm Eye Institute, where he specializes in retina surgery and ocular oncology, or cancer in and around the eye. In this episode, Dr. Tang discusses Storm Eye’s collaborative and holistic approach to eye care, the latest innovations in treating ocular oncology, and the connection between eye health and overall health.
Breast cancer survival rates are higher than they’ve ever been. For patients requiring surgery, high-quality breast reconstruction that is both aesthetic and safe can be crucial to long-term well-being. Advances in technology and surgical techniques at MUSC are leading to more natural options for reconstruction, allowing women to look and feel more like themselves following surgery. Joining the show is Dr. Andrea Abbott, a surgical oncologist at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. She specializes in advanced surgical techniques for breast cancer patients that improve cosmetic outcomes without compromising care.
We are marking Colon Cancer Awareness Month with a valuable discussion about the importance of early detection of colorectal cancer as well as the latest treatments that can offer hope and improved outcomes for patients. In this episode, two colorectal surgeons from MUSC Health Midlands division, Dr. Kasim Mirza and Dr. Jarrott Moore, discuss MUSC’s multidisciplinary approach and full spectrum of treatment options for patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the Midlands Division.
Colorectal cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in the world. While older Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, it has been on the rise in people under the age of 50 in recent decades. In this episode, Dr. Maggie Westfal discusses details on new screening recommendations aimed to catch the disease in younger people. Dr. Maggie Westfal is a MUSC Health colon and rectal surgeon and a member of the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center.
Spine issues, which often result in neck, mid-back, or low-back pain, can make every day a challenge. In fact, spine-related pain is one of the most common reasons people contact a doctor. In this episode, MUSC Health neurosurgeon Adam Back, MD, shares new approaches and personalized treatment plans available to MUSC patients with spinal issues. Dr. Back talks about surgical and non-surgical ways to alleviate back and neck problems, which can also improve your overall quality of life.
More women are surviving breast cancer than ever before yet, the statistic remains that breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. In this episode, Dr. Abi Siva, a MUSC Health breast oncologist, explains the latest offerings in treatment and early detection from MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, that are helping more women live longer, healthier lives after a breast cancer diagnosis.
Pancreatic cancer is among the deadliest of cancers. But in the last few decades, far more people are surviving this disease. In this episode, William Hawkins, MD, a surgical oncologist at MUSC Health, explains why pancreatic cancer is so difficult to treat while also providing hope for those who may be undergoing treatment. Hawkins also highlights the role of cancer research in saving lives, including cutting-edge therapies being developed at MUSC Health. As the new Deputy Director of MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, Hawkins aims to bring more research developments to patients through translational science and clinical trials.
An innovator and expert in both robotic surgery and general surgical education, Kevin Roggin, MD, was recently appointed Chief of Surgical Oncology at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. He brings more than 20 years of experience in surgical oncology to his new role. Roggin shares his vision for the division, his views on patient-centered care in surgical oncology, and how robotics may enhance many complex surgical oncology procedures.
Dysphagia is a swallowing condition that causes challenges when eating or drinking and can lead to serious complications such as choking or pneumonia infections caused by aspiration. In this episode, Erin Ward, a speech language pathologist from the MUSC Health Florence Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, talks about this condition and treatments offered at MUSC Health.
MUSC Hollings Cancer Center is establishing a new precision oncology program and a precision oncology tumor board that will improve cancer care across South Carolina. Thai Ho, MD, PhD is leading this effort and in this episode shares insight into precision oncology offerings at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, the precision oncology tumor board, as well as his expertise in treating and studying kidney cancer.
Residents of the Lancaster and Chester counties don’t need to travel far from home to receive state-of-the-art surgical care. Aravind Viswanathan, MD, a urologist and director for robotic surgery at MUSC Health Lancaster Division, discusses the range of urologic oncology and other surgical options offered, including the da Vinci robotic surgical system, a technology that offers shorter hospital stays and faster recovery for patients.
For more than 40 years, the MUSC Health Weight Management Center has been offering leading edge programs to help people lose weight and improve their quality of life. Tonya Turner, MPH, RDN, LDN, is the associate director for clinical services and a registered dietitian and nutrition specialist at the Weight Management Center. In this episode, she describes the range of programs and tools offered at the center to help people successfully lose weight.
Heart disease is the number one cause of death in men and women. Ye, recent data shows the majority of American women don't realize that heart disease is the biggest threat to their health. In this episode, Aarsi Maran, MD, a MUSC Health interventional cardiologist, dispels some myths about women and heart disease and shares ways women can take charge of their heart health.
In this episode of Advance with MUSC Health, Jennifer Patchett, MD, an OB/GYN at MUSC Women's Health - Florence Women’s Pavilion, discusses how she uses the robotic da Vinci surgical system to provide minimally invasive gynecological surgeries to patients. Patchett calls the device a game changer for women undergoing hysterectomies and other gynecological surgeries.
MUSC Health Florence Medical Center has received many awards and accolades for its commitment to breastfeeding support. Lela Gregg, a Lactation Specialist and Baby Friendly and Safe Sleep Coordinator explains the benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and infants and how she helps support mothers at MUSC Health through the ups and downs of nursing a new baby.
A health screening tool called DARI motion analysis system, is being offered to patients at the MUSC Health and Wellness Institute. It uses the power of video cameras and motion data to objectively measure how efficiently you move. From there you may be prescribed targeted strengthening exercises that can help you meet your health and fitness goals. In this episode, Michael Sole, a human performance manager at MUSC Health explains how DARI can help anyone looking to improve their fitness and mobility.
The CDC estimates 1 in 8 couples have trouble getting pregnant or staying pregnant. But advances in medicine and technology have helped millions of people with infertility bring children into the world. John Schnorr, MD, has overseen the care of thousands of patients with infertility. On this episode, he discusses common causes and the latest treatments offered at MUSC Health and Coastal Fertility Specialists.
MUSC Health is known for innovation and telehealth with a strong history of using telehealth to improve access to quality healthcare for medically underserved areas in South Carolina. Now, new and existing rheumatology and endocrinology patients have access to MUSC Virtual Care. Emily Warr, MSN, RN is the administrator of the MUSC Center for Telehealth and talks about this innovative new offering for patients that reduces wait times and gets people the care they need sooner.
Those suffering with foregut diseases can often find a long-term cure through surgery. James Mark Harris, MD, is a general surgeon in the MUSC Health Floyd Medical Group and has extensive experience in foregut surgery. In this episode, he talks about the often complex foregut procedures he offers and how they can change the lives of his patients with diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, chronic heartburn, and severe acid reflux.
There have been monumental advancements in treatments for diseases and disorders of the pancreas in recent decades. In this episode of Advance with MUSC Health, Katherine Morgan, MD, professor of surgery and chief of the Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Laparoscopic Surgery at MUSC Health, talks about the function of the pancreas, causes of pancreatic disorders, and the different treatment options available at MUSC Health.
In this episode of Advance with MUSC Health, Greg May, MD, an Interventional Cardiologist with MUSC Health at the Florence Medical Pavilion, talks about symptoms that warrant a trip to the cardiologist, what to expect at a cardiology appointment and tips to keep your heart healthy.
Being diagnosed with a kidney disease is a challenge more and more Americans face. In South Carolina, one in eight people have kidney disease. But there are things you can do to prevent kidney disease and manage it. In this episode of Advance with MUSC Health, Kevin O’Kelly, MD, a urologist at MUSC Health Marion Medical Center, talks about the importance of kidney health, who is at risk for kidney disease, and how to prevent kidney failure.
There's a type of medication often prescribed to people with Parkinson's disease that can cause impulse control issues in some patients. In this episode, Mark Stacy, MD, discusses this topic and how people impacted can be helped early and easily at the first signs of problems. Stacy is a MUSC Health neurologist with more than 30 years of experience in caring for patients with Parkinson's disease. He was one of the first doctors to report problems of impulse control disorders in some Parkinson's disease patients taking dopamine agonist medications.
Your nose, tongue, face, and throat. You may not think of cancer lurking in these places, yet many head and neck cancers originate here. Luckily, there are signs and symptoms related to the disease that you can look for. In this episode, Jason Newman, MD, director of the Division of Head and Neck Oncology in the Department of Otolaryngology, talks about the warning signs of head and neck cancer and the latest treatments offered to patients at MUSC Health.
Osteoporosis is often called a silent disease because it often has no symptoms. You cannot feel your own bones weakening, and many people are not diagnosed until they have broken a weakened bone. Stacy Rothwell, a certified physician assistant at MUSC Health, joins the show to discuss the importance of talking to your doctor about your risk of osteoporosis, the process of getting screened and possible treatments for those who do have the disease.
Surgery on any part of the endocrine system has the best results when performed by a highly experienced endocrine surgeon, according to recent studies.In this episode of Advance with MUSC Health, Denise Carneiro-Pla, MD, explains the endocrine surgical diseases she and her colleagues offer, specifically parathyroid surgery, a major focus of her work.
Family Medicine physicians provide more care for America's underserved and rural populations than any other medical specialty. In this episode of Advance with MUSC Health, Toney Graham, III, MD, talks about how he can now provide more essential support for both the health and well-being of people in rural South Carolina because MUSC Health is expanding into even more rural areas of the state. Graham is an internal medicine specialist with a focus on family medicine at MUSC Health Primary Care Ron McNair Boulevard, which is part of the new MUSC Health Black River Medical Center.
MUSC Health offers the latest in thoracic surgery, including surgical care of people with lung and esophageal cancers, end-stage lung disease, as well as lung transplant surgeries. This episode features Barry Gibney, DO, who performed South Carolina's first lung transplant for a COVID-19 patient. Gibney is a thoracic surgeon as well as an associate professor in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at MUSC. He discusses the various leading-edge treatments he and his team provide, including minimally invasive, robotic surgery.
When a loved one becomes too sick to make their own health care decisions, conversations between families and medical teams become extremely important. Having a patient’s wishes about their future medical care known and documented can help all involved make the right care choices. Nina Paletta, MD, a primary care physician specializing in internal medicine, shares tips to help everyone start thinking out their own advance care planning.
New research shows that gut health is a vital component to keeping our body’s ecosystem healthy. In this episode of Advance with MUSC Health, Alaine Mills, RD, a dietitian at the MUSC Health and Wellness Institute and director of the institute’s Gut Health Program, talks about the importance of gut health and how a plant-based diet contributes to creating a healthy and diverse gut microbiome.
The new MUSC Health Black River Medical Center, opening in early 2023, is bringing high quality, innovative health care to one of the more rural areas of South Carolina. Jay Hinesley, CEO of MUSC Health Florence Division, and Alan Abernathy, CEO of Williamsburg Regional Hospital, share details about the new MUSC Health Black River Medical Center in Cades, serving Williamsburg and Lower Florence counties.
A surgical procedure for carpal tunnel syndrome is now being offered at MUSC Health as a same-day treatment with little downtime and recovery. M. Lance Tavana, MD, a hand, plastic, and reconstructive surgeon at MUSC Health, talks about this surgical procedure called endoscopic carpal tunnel release and the immediate relief it brings to so many patients.
Osteopathic manipulative therapy, or OMT, is a treatment offered at MUSC Health that includes applying gentle pressure to manipulate muscles, soft tissues and joints, in order to assist the body in its own self-healing processes. Theresa Kilgore, DO, is a doctor of osteopathic medicine as well as a general internist. In this episode, she talks about the philosophy behind OMT, its benefits, and what to expect during treatment.
Women who have never been diagnosed with breast cancer, yet know they are at a very high risk of the disease through genetic screening or testing, and have options to help reduce her risk of the disease down the road. MUSC medical student Savannah Campbell tested positive for a mutation of the breast cancer gene BRCA1 and underwent a prophylactic double mastectomy to reduce her chance of breast cancer in the future. In this episode, Campbell shares her journey and explains why patients should consider genetic screening for cancer and enrolling in the genetic screening programhttps://web.musc.edu/inourdnasc ( In Our DNA SC), offered by MUSC Health.
Senior Retreat is an in-patient program offered by MUSC Health that is helping older adults and their families navigate dementia or psychiatric crises. In this episode, Dr. Kevin Nasky, Medical Director of Senior Retreat, explains how his team addresses serious mental health concerns or dementia-related crises in older adults and offers guidance to caregivers struggling to care for their loved ones.
There are many new treatments for head and neck cancers, yet survival outcomes are poor, especially among Black Americans. In this episode, Dr. Evan Graboyes, a head and neck oncologic surgeon and director of survivorship and cancer outcomes research at the MUSC Health’s Hollings Cancer Center, shares how a team of specialists are trying to catch this cancer earlier and offer more cutting edge treatments for patients.
There are many benefits and often better outcomes for smokers who stop smoking in the weeks leading up to and after a surgical procedure. MUSC Health’s Tobacco Cessation Program supports smokers preparing to undergo hernia surgery. Dr. Hatem Abdallah, a general surgeon and Medical Director for Robotic Surgery MUSC Florence, and Demetress Adams-Luddd, a MUSC Tobacco Treatment Specialist discuss efforts to help patients become smoke-free before surgery.
Many chronic diseases can be prevented and even reversed by making healthy changes to your diet, exercise routine, sleep habits, and stress levels. In this episode, Dr. Erika Blank, an MUSC Health physician, talks about how evidence-based, lifestyle medicine, is changing the lives of MUSC Health patients.
There are millions of Americans living with some form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), typically Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. While there’s no cure, treatment for IBD often includes dietary adjustments and medication. However, some patients do require surgery. Dr. Thomas Curran, a colorectal surgeon at MUSC Health, discusses IBD surgery and possible treatment plans for this chronic condition.
In this episode, Dr. Rami Zebian, a pulmonary and critical care specialist and Chief Medical Officer of MUSC Health Florence and Marion Medical Centers talks about lung cancer screening and the shape-sensing robotic-assisted bronchoscope tool that is helping them detect and stage lung cancer sooner.
Heart disease is South Carolina’s second leading cause of death. MUSC Health is known for taking care of patients with high risk or complex heart conditions using the latest innovations and technologies. In this episode, Dr. Arman Kilic, a cardiac surgeon and Director of the Heart Failure and Heart Transplant Program, talks about how MUSC Health is helping more people across the state survive life threatening heart conditions such as heart failure and more.
A lingering cough, fatigue and fever that does not improve with antibiotics can all be symptoms of a rare lung disease caused by a common bacteria called mycobacteria. Dr. Patrick Flume, a pulmonologist and director of the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center at MUSC Health, is an expert on this condition called nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease, or NTM disease. In this episode, he explains why some people are at risk of developing it and the specialized care offered to these patients at MUSC Health.
MUSC Health is a leader in treating chest wall injuries, including rib fracture care. People come to the MUSC Chest Wall Injury and Reconstruction Center from all over the Southeast and beyond for innovative treatments after traumatic accidents, falls and other cases involving rib and chest wall injuries. Dr. Evert Eriksson is a general surgeon who specializes in injuries to the chest wall. He explains what sets MUSC apart in this area and the hope he offers to so many patients.
Robots are assisting MUSC Health surgeons to offer more personalized and precise procedures that can lead to a quicker recovery. Erik Hansen, MD, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in adult reconstructive surgery, talks about how robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery is being used at MUSC Health and the benefits of this technology.
Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide. For some who live with this clinical disorder, traditional drug or talk therapy treatments may not be effective in relieving their symptoms. Today's guest, Dr. Baron Short, Medical Director of MUSC Health's Brain Stimulation Service, looks to provide alternative treatments for patients suffering from depression, including brain stimulation techniques that are providing life-changing relief for some patients.
MUSC Health patients who call the Lancaster and Chester county areas of South Carolina home don’t have to go far from where they live and work to receive higher levels of care. There are excellent MUSC Health primary care physicians and specialists across these two counties and about 400 nurses between the Lancaster and Chester hospitals. Camille Filoromo is the chief nursing officer at MUSC Health’s Lancaster and Chester hospitals. In this episode of Advance with MUSC Health, she talks about this special community of talented nurses and how patients benefit from receiving nursing close to home.
Improving health care access and rural and underserved populations across South Carolina is a priority of MUSC Health. A new program called Healthy Me – Healthy SC launched in 2019 to address these issues and has already succeeded in bringing health care services to more South Carolinians. Healthy Me – Healthy SC is now planning to extend its reach even further. On this episode of Advance with MUSC Health, Kapri Kreps Rhodes and David Sudduth, director and executive director of Healthy Me – Healthy SC, join the show to discuss these new developments and share a bit more about this innovative program.
The MUSC Health Sports Medicine Team provides leading edge care for athletes and weekend warriors of all ages and abilities. The program is also the official sports medicine provider for several professional and high school sports teams. In this episode hear more details about MUSC health sports medicine from Dr. Harris Sloan and Mike Barr.
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Although risk of the disease is similar in both men and women, the myth that colon cancer is primarily a male disease seems to persist. As a result, studies have found that women are less likely to undergo preventative screenings for colon cancer. In this episode of Advance with MUSC Health, Colleen Donahue, MD, discusses prevention, diagnosis and treatment options for colorectal health in women.
Surgery is the only method that can effectively treat a groin hernia, and there are more than one million hernia repairs performed in the U.S. every year. But not all hernia surgeries are the same, and there are different considerations when it comes to treating men and women with this condition. https://education.musc.edu/MUSCApps/facultydirectory/Evans-Heather (Heather Evans, MD), is a professor of general and acute care surgery at MUSC Health and discusses her work and research in the area of minimally invasive general surgery, including laparoscopic hernia repair and how it pertains to women's health.
An important part of MUSC Health’s mission to improve the lives of all South Carolinians. More people in South Carolina now have access to MUSC Health than ever before thanks to recent expansions and partnerships that touch every county in the state. In this episode, Patrick Cawley, MD, CEO of MUSC Health and Vice President for Health Affairs of the Medical University of South Carolina, shares exciting updates and goals for 2022 and beyond.
A new partnership between MUSC Health Lancaster Division and Lancaster County and Chester County school districts offers efficient, open-access healthcare for young athletes and their sport-related injuries. In this episode of Advance with MUSC Health, https://providers.muschealth.org/sc/lancaster/matthew-john-geswell-md (Matthew Geswell, MD), an orthopedic surgeon practicing at MUSC Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Lancaster, shares details on the benefits of these partnerships. Geswell offers his expertise on the most common sports injuries in youth sports today, prevention of such injuries, as well as treatment and recovery strategies.
South Carolina has some of the highest rates of lower extremity limb loss in the country, and many of these cases can be traced back to under-diagnosed or under-treated peripheral vascular or arterial disease, known as PAD. https://muschealth.org/MUSCApps/ProviderDirectory/Genovese-Elizabeth ( Elizabeth Genovese), MD, a vascular surgeon at MUSC Health, aims to change that statistic through innovative new technology that can reduce the risk of amputation for patients with PAD.
Burn injuries can happen quickly, to anyone, almost anywhere. For those with severe burns, getting to a burn center for care is essential. Patients don’t need to travel far to get specialized care for severe or even more routine burns, https://muschealth.org/medical-services/burn-treatment (The South Carolina Burn Center at MUSC Health) offers the most cutting edge treatments for its patients. https://muschealth.org/MUSCApps/ProviderDirectory/Kahn-Steven (Dr. Steven Kahn), Chief of Burn Surgery, shares details about the center and many cutting edge treatments such as regenerative technology that improve the lives and appearances of those with severe burns and scars.
Some cancers can be difficult to treat through traditional chemotherapy. Metastatic appendix, colon and gynecologic cancers that have spread to the lining of the abdominal cavity can fall into this category. In this episode of Advance with MUSC Health, https://education.musc.edu/MUSCApps/facultydirectory/Sutton-Jeffrey (Jeffery Sutton, MD), talks about a surgical treatment that involves using heated chemotherapy inside the abdominal cavity to kill cancer cells. The procedure is called hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy or HIPEC and offers many patients incredible results.
Finding out your genetic risk of different cancers can be an important part of life-saving early detection and preventative cancer care. But, which genetic screenings should patients look into and how far has this technology come in detecting which people are at higher risk of certain cancers? https://muschealth.org/MUSCApps/ProviderDirectory/Hughes-Kevin- (Kevin Hughes, MD), has been at the forefront of genetic cancer screening since the mid-1990s and shares insights. He is the Director of Cancer Genetics in the MUSC Department of Surgery and the McKoy Rose, Jr., M.D. Endowed Chair in Surgical Oncology.
Robotic surgery at MUSC Health is making life changing procedures, such as the most complex bariatric surgeries, accessible to more people than ever before. In this episode of Advance with MUSC Health, https://muschealth.org/MUSCApps/ProviderDirectory/Pullat-Rana (Rana Pullatt, MD), explains how these transformational surgeries are changing the lives of patients with BMIs from 35 to the upper 90s. Pullatt is a Professor of Surgery and serves as the Clinical Director of Bariatric and Robotic Surgery.
Black men are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer compared to men of any other race. In this episode of Advance with MUSC Health, https://muschealth.org/MUSCApps/ProviderDirectory/Shungu-Nicholas (Nicholas Shungu, MD), a family medicine physician at MUSC Health, talks about some of the reasons for this disparity and what can be done to better educate patients and their families about the importance of prostate cancer screenings.
Almost any time you seek out healthcare services, you will receive some form of care by nurses. This profession is often called the glue that holds a patient’s health care journey together. In this episode, Costa King Cockfield, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, Chief Nursing Officer at MUSC Health's Florence Medical Center talks about the art and science of nursing and the critical role they play in healthcare.
Advances in genetic medicine make it easier than ever to screen your DNA and find out your risk of many common diseases and conditions. MUSC Health is offering such testing in a new first-of-its-kind population genomics initiative in South Carolina called https://web.musc.edu/about/leadership/institutional-offices/communications/pamr/news-releases/2021/musc-and-helix-launch-in-our-dna-sc (In Our DNA SC). It will be available at no-cost to the first 100,000 South Carolinians that sign up. In this episode of Advance with MUSC Health Dr. https://muschealth.org/MUSCApps/ProviderDirectory/Judge-Daniel (Daniel Judge )explains the program. He is a cardiologist, professor of medicine and a translational scientist here at MUSC Health who specializes in inherited cardiovascular disorders. Thank you for being here.
Neck pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide and it can affect your ability to work and participate in activities you love. New surgical treatments, such as artificial disc replacement, may offer lasting relief for patients. Dr. Brett Gunter, a Neurosurgery Specialist at MUSC Health, Columbia shares insights on such surgeries and what to look for in a spine surgeon.
Eating disorders in young people have spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to several U.S.-based studies. But there is hope and effective treatment for those with these serious conditions. Elizabeth Wallis, MD, explains warning signs of eating disorders, effective therapies and the different paths young patients and their families take to make a full recovery. She is the Director of the Division of Adolescent Medicine at MUSC Health and Medical Director of the Friedman Center for Eating Disorders at MUSC Health.
Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among women in South Carolina and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control reports it's the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the state. https://hollingscancercenter.musc.edu/ (The MUSC Hollings Cancer Center) is trying to make it easier for women to receive mammograms by driving a https://hollingscancercenter.musc.edu/outreach/mobile-health-unit (mobile health unit) to counties across the state, inviting women to step aboard the mobile health unit and receive a mammogram. Kevin Hughes, MD, Director of Cancer Genetics and the McCoy Rose Professor of Surgery at MUSC Health explains the importance of yearly screening for women over 40 and Tonya Perkins, MSN, a MUSC Health nurse practitioner explains how the mobile unit works.
Many LGBTQ+ people face challenges or barriers when trying to receive health care. MUSC Health is taking on many new initiatives to address these concerns and improve the lives and health of this population. https://web.musc.edu/about/leadership/institutional-offices/communications/pamr/news-releases/2021/musc-names-chase-glenn-director-of-lgbtq-health-services-and-enterprise-resources (Chase Glenn) was recently named the first director of LGBTQ+ Health Services and Enterprise Resources at Medical University South Carolina. He shares insights into navigating health care as a LBGTQ person and details how MUSC Health is doing to create a more inclusive community for patients, faculty, staff and students.
Taking extra precautions to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic has caused some to steer clear or put off routine healthcare visits for themselves and their children. In this episode of Advance with MUSC Health, https://muschealth.org/MUSCApps/ProviderDirectory/Steyer-Terrence (Terrence Steyer, MD), chair of the Department of Family Medicine at MUSC Health, explains why it is time to come back for regular visits, preventive health screenings and specialist visits. He also stresses the importance of getting the COVID-19 vaccines for those who have not yet had the shot. Topics covered in this show: The decline in routine health care visits across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic. The importance of annual wellness check-ins and physicals to screen for problems such as breast or colon cancer. How MUSC addressed the problem of underrepresented minorities and lower income people are going back for screenings at a lower rate than white people. COVID-19 hesitancy and how Dr. Steyer communicates with patients who are hesitant. How hospitalized COVID-19 patients can delay care for other patients with other health conditions. Why it is important for children to continue getting well child visits to stay ahead of any developmental issues that could arise. The importance of getting the influenza shot. Steyer shares his personal story of getting COVID-19 despite being vaccinated and explains that his case was mild because of being vaccinated. The mental health aspects of quarantine with COVID-19
Depression affects 16 million Americans and is a leading cause of disability worldwide. While treatments, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as Prozac, help many, it is estimated that at least 30 percent of people don’t respond to such medications. In this episode of Advance with MUSC Health, https://muschealth.org/MUSCApps/ProviderDirectory/Jones-Jennifer (Jennifer Jones, MD), details how https://muschealth.org/medical-services/psychiatry/centerspace-psychotherapy (Centerspace), a transformational center at MUSC Health, is offering ketamine, a common anesthetic, as a novel treatment to help people with difficult-to-treat mental health conditions, such as treatment resistant depression. Topics covered in this show: Centerspace opened in 2020, the center uses FDA-approved and other evidence-based treatments to guide individuals through an intentional and unique journey that uses non-traditional approaches to arrive at the best version of themselves. They offer ketamine, a cutting-edge treatment, has been shown to be an effective medication in difficult-to-treat conditions including: depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, addictions and chronic pain syndrome. Ketamine has been approved as an anesthesia agent since the 1970s. It has been used in battlefields and pediatric emergency rooms frequently because it's very safe and does not decrease the breathing drive, unlike a lot of the different opiate types of medications that are used for pain. At Centerspace there are two types of Ketamine treatments. One is given as an intramuscular injection and the other is the FDA-approved nasal spray SPRAVATO®, which is often covered by insurance. The Ketamine therapies are given in the clinic under supervision of the Centerspace medical team. The treatment takes about two hours and requires the patient to have a ride home after. Jones usually tells patients to anticipate an initial series of four to six treatments. Unlike most antidepressants, which Jones says usually take four to six weeks to be effective, the effects of ketamine are sometimes felt within a day. Jones says ketamine has been life-changing for many patients who never found relief from other prescription antidepressants. She details a success story of a woman who was plagued by feelings of guilt and chronic anxiety with no relief from antidepressants. After ketamine treatments she now feels content and happy and is able to enjoy being with her family. Jones says there is also evidence that ketamine is helping people overcome substance abuse problems.
More about Centerspace: Location: 270 Coleman Boulevard Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Phone: 843-876-1193 Fill out an https://muschealth.org/medical-services/psychiatry/centerspace-psychotherapy/contact-us (intake form)
How do you pick a doctor you not only like and trust, but who can also give you the highest quality of care possible? Dr. Danielle Scheurer is the chief quality officer and a professor of medicine at MUSC Health. She is also a board-certified internal medicine physician whose life's work revolves around improving the quality of care and patient safety in all health care settings. In this episode she offers insights into how to choose or change doctors.
Advance with MUSC Health launches September 2021. This podcast’s mission is to help you find ways to preserve and optimize your health and get the care you need to live well. MUSC Health experts offer advice and insights on health-related topics. For more information, check out www.advance.muschealth.org.