Empowered by Hoag Podcast: Recent Episodes
Hoag Health
Empowered by Hoag – a podcast where we share our insights, optimism and enthusiasm for medicine and all its possibilities. In each episode we dive deep into the healthcare topics our listeners care about the most.
Dr. Lauren Bennett, neuropsychologist and director of neuropsychology at Hoag’s Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute, discusses the common signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias, the importance of early detection, how to care for a loved one experiencing dementia, and the comprehensive team at Hoag that is dedicated to caring for patients with memory and cognitive disorders.
In this episode, Dr. Christine Panganiban, allergist and immunologist at Hoag Medical Group, explains how to identify allergies versus colds and the various tools available to minimize the effect of allergens to ensure a healthy quality of life. She discusses allergy testing options and the various treatments tailored for each type of allergy.
Dr. Nura Sobhanian, OB/GYN and gynecologic surgeon at the Women’s Health Institute at Hoag, explains the early signs of pregnancy, the reliability of pregnancy tests and how PMS symptoms differ from that of pregnancy.
In this episode, Dr. Matthew Reed, chief of service for inpatient pain and outpatient addiction, and medical director of the SolMar Residential Program in Hoag’s Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute, describes the symptoms of pain medication addiction and the various methods and practices Hoag has incorporated to wean patients off addictive medication, including innovative technology.
In this episode, Dr. James Suchy, sports medicine physician at Hoag Medical Group and concussion consultant with the Los Angeles Chargers, discusses his role as a sports physician and the common types of cases he treats. Dr. Suchy also dives into the signs, symptoms and prevention of concussion.
Listen in as Dr. Lee Carter, cardiologist and director of non-invasive cardiac testing at Hoag, shares the literal and figurative steps we should take to have a healthy heart. He explains the importance of a healthy diet and an active lifestyle to maintain a healthy heart.
Dr. Allyson Brooks, the Ginny Ueberroth Executive Medical Director Endowed Chair of Hoag Women’s Health Institute, gives an overview of newborn care at Hoag. She discusses the different NICU levels for newborns, Hoag’s tailored care for high-risk pregnancies, as well as the ongoing projects to expand Hoag’s focus on women’s health.
Listen as Dr. Lisa Karamardian, OB/GYN and the Jeffrey M. Carlton Endowed Chair in Women’s Health in honor of Dr. Anne M. Kent, identifies the questions that expecting mothers should consider when selecting an OB/GYN and hospital for delivery.
Dr. Jeremy Smith, orthopedic spine surgeon at the Hoag Orthopedic Institute, dives into the prevention, causes and treatment of spine damage. Dr. Smith highlights Hoag Orthopedic Institute’s non-invasive approach to treating the most common spine injuries.
Dr. Charles De Mesa, chief of Interventional Pain, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at the Hoag Spine Center, and director of the Chronic Pain & Neuropathy Program at the Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute, discusses what back pain is and what deems it as chronic. Dr. De Mesa shares several red flags to look out for to help determine when you should seek medical attention. Additionally, he shares preventative methods for chronic back pain and the array of treatment options available to those experiencing back pain at Hoag.
In this episode, Dr. Gustavo (Gus) Alva, cognitive neuropsychiatrist at the Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute, shares insight into a new monoclonal antibody treatment for patients in the early stages of memory decline to help fight against the progression of Alzheimer's Disease. Dr. Alva discusses when patients should seek care for their memory loss and shares the work Hoag is doing to advance treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's Disease for patients in Orange County and beyond.
In this episode, Dr. Burak Ozgur, neurosurgeon and director of the Hoag Spine Center, provides guidance as to when patients should seek medical attention after experiencing back and neck pain. Dr. Ozgur shares practical tips on how you can prevent back and neck pain, such as walking in between long periods of sitting, creating a work environment that promotes good posture and stretching before and after physical activity. Dr. Ozgur also explains the multi-disciplinary team of specialists at Hoag who create a care plan that is tailored to each patient’s needs.
In this episode, Dr. Anne Ray, family medicine physician at Hoag Medical Group, illustrates the differences between pediatrics, internal medicine, and family care physicians and how to choose the best primary care physician to meet your needs. Dr. Ray also provides helpful tips for how to prepare and schedule your next primary care appointment at Hoag.
Dr. Samuel Herman, internal medicine physician at Hoag Medical Group, discusses when it’s appropriate to go to the emergency department versus when you should visit urgent care and what types of tools and services are offered at Hoag urgent care locations. Dr. Herman explains how Hoag’s integrated medical records allow for easy communication between the different physicians you see at Hoag.
In this episode, Dr. Jeffrey Bassett, the Benjamin & Carmela Du Endowed Chair in Urologic Oncology at Hoag Family Cancer Institute, discusses prostate cancer screening recommendations to help men determine their risk of cancer. Dr. Bassett explains the different types of prostate cancer, what active surveillance is and the various treatment options that are available to prostate cancer patients at Hoag.
Kathy Azeez-Narain, Hoag’s Chief Digital Officer, is at the forefront of developing new digital products to enhance the patient experience at Hoag. Azeez-Narain and her team are dedicated to discovering new ways to solve gaps in the marketplace by integrating technology with traditional health care.
In this episode, Dr. Michael Demeure, the Otis Healy Family Endowed Chair in Applied Genomics and program director of precision medicine at the Hoag Family Cancer Institute, explains how DNA sequencing allows physicians to provide individualized cancer care that is tailored to each patient's genetics. Dr. Demeure also discusses the ground-breaking clinical trials and innovative technology that is available at Hoag.
As part of Scoliosis Awareness Month, Dr. Pawel Jankowski, director of Spinal Deformity Surgery at Hoag’s Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute, explains his patient-centric approach to assessing patients for scoliosis and how he creates a tailored treatment plan for each patient that considers their unique goals, medical history and genetics. Dr. Jankowski also walks through scoliosis symptoms, the different types of scoliosis, the importance of early treatment and what the patient journey looks like at Hoag.
In light of Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, Dr. Aaron Ritter, the Larkin Family Endowed Chair in Integrative Brain Health and director of the Memory & Cognitive Disorders Program in Hoag’s Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute, shares how loneliness is linked to a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia and how patients of all ages can reduce their risk factors through tangible lifestyle changes. He also dives into Hoag’s approach to care and their focus on the areas of prevention, detection, treatment, management, support, and research.
In this episode, Dr. Gary A. Ulaner, the James & Pamela Muzzy Endowed Chair in Molecular Imaging and Therapy and director of Molecular Imaging and Therapy for the Hoag Family Cancer Institute, discusses the work he is doing at Hoag to combat certain cancers through specialized molecular imaging and therapy tools. Dr. Ulaner shares some of the advanced treatments available to cancer patients and how patients can enter cancer clinical trials at Hoag.
Listen as Dr. Steven Q. Wang., Hoag’s program director of Dermatologic Oncology, recommends Southern California residents to adopt a year-round, comprehensive approach to sun protection through sun avoidance, seeking shade, wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen. Dr. Wang also discusses what innovative technology is available at Hoag to detect skin cancer at the earliest stage so patients can avoid unnecessary biopsies.
In this episode, David Lagrew, Jr., M.D., chief of service, maternal fetal medicine program, Hoag Women’s Health Institute, shares important insights about high-risk pregnancies and maternal fetal medicine. Dr. Lagrew outlines the risk factors for a high-risk pregnancy, why someone might be referred to a specialist and what types of technology Hoag offers moms and babies.
Anusha Wijeyakumar MA, CPC, E-RYT, dip mentoring and wellness consultant for Hoag shares how being present through mindfulness and meditation can transform your overall health. She gives tangible tips on how to incorporate a 5-minute mindfulness or meditation practice into your everyday routine to express self-love and self-care.
Listen as Dr. David Ahn, Program Director of the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center at Hoag outlines the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes and the role that obesity and dieting play in diabetes management. He also discusses innovative diabetes management tools, the effect of diabetes on the whole family and more.
In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth Raskin, surgical director for the Margolis Family Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program at Hoag’s Digestive Health Institute, explains the connection between the brain and gut, the importance of eating a plant-based diet, and how not to villainize food.
Dr. January Lopez, Director of Breast Imaging at Hoag Breast Center, describes how decades of research has shown starting annual breast screenings at age 40 will reduce your risk of dying from breast cancer. She also explains the role AI will play in the future of breast cancer detection on mammograms.
Learn about the biggest misconceptions of women’s heart disease with Dr. Dipti Itchhaporia, the Director of Disease Management for the Heart & Vascular Institute at Hoag.