Sarasota Memorial HealthCasts

What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), and how can it help patients heal? Tara Wendt, MD, medical director of Hyperbaric Medicine at Sarasota Memorial, explains how HBOT works, the medical conditions it can treat and what patients should know before beginning treatment. Learn the differences between hospital-based hyperbaric oxygen therapy and commercial wellness centers, the importance of medi...

Thyroid nodules are common, but when should you be concerned? And what happens if you're diagnosed with thyroid cancer? Angela Boldo, MD, endocrinologist with First Physicians Group, and Ralph Tufano, MD, medical director of Head & Neck Endocrine Surgery at Sarasota Memorial, discuss thyroid health, common symptoms of thyroid disorders and how thyroid nodules are evaluated and treated. You can...

What happens if your mammogram shows something abnormal? In this episode of Sarasota Memorial HealthCasts, Christina Sazepin, APRN, program lead for the Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute's Breast Surveillance Comprehensive Assessment & Diagnostic Clinic, and radiologist Sara Floyd, MD, discuss the importance of regular breast cancer screenings, understanding your personal risk factors and wha...

Choosing a health insurance plan involves more than comparing monthly premiums. Roxanne George, Senior Manager of Revenue Cycle Education at Sarasota Memorial, explains what to consider when reviewing health insurance and Medicare coverage — including the importance of checking provider networks, out-of-pocket costs and pre-authorization requirements. Also learn about the options availab...

What can genetic testing tell you during pregnancy—and what can’t it tell you? Cecilia Delisanti, MS, CGC, a genetic counselor with First Physicians Group Maternal-Fetal Medicine, explains prenatal genetic counseling, including carrier scre...

Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect bladder and bowel function, pelvic comfort, movement and quality of life, for both women and men. However, pelvic floor problems aren't something people have to simply accept as a normal part of aging or childbirth. Pelvic and women’s health therapy specialist Kristi Kliebert, DPT, PWCS, explains how the pelvic floor works, common signs and symptoms of pelvic fl...

What makes pediatric emergency care different from adult emergency care? Sarasota Memorial Health Care System’s pediatric emergency care coordinators from both the Sarasota and Venice campuses discuss how specialized teams prepare to care for children of all ages, from newborns to adolescents. Learn about pediatric readiness, dedicated child-friendly emergency spaces, 24/7 pediatric physician expe...

Epilepsy treatment is advancing with innovative options for patients whose seizures are not controlled by medication. Kenneth Vives, MD, a neurosurgeon with Sarasota Memorial Health Care System’s First Physicians Group, discusses the latest advancements in epilepsy care, including responsive neurostimulation (RNS) and the NeuroPace device. Learn how these technologies can help monitor brain activi...

Are GLP-1 medications right for you? Karen Hamad, MD, Associate Chief Medical Officer of SMH First Physicians Group's Primary Care, and Mikka Ipri, RDN, the RENEW program coordinator, discuss how today's prescription weight loss medications work, who may benefit and why long-term success depends on more than the medication alone. Learn how nutrition, exercise, lifestyle changes and ongoing support...

At Sarasota Memorial's Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute, a multi-disciplinary team approach is used to treat every patient and every cancer. Ryan Leahy, DO, Medical Director of Interventional Radiology at SMH-Sarasota, explains the current use of minimally invasive procedures to directly target cancer, and the future of this exciting field. You can also watch the video recording on our Vimeo cha...

Strong primary care relationships improve prevention, help manage chronic conditions and provide continuity of care through every stage of life—especially in today's rapidly changing healthcare landscape. Karen Hamad, MD, Associate Chief Medical Officer for SMH's First Physicians Group Primary Care, explains why having a primary care physician is one of the most important investments you can make...

SMH’s Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute is enrolling patients in a research study evaluating LINFU (Low-Intensity Non-Focused Ultrasound), an emerging screening technology designed to help doctors identify precancerous changes in people at high risk for pancreatic cancer, but who have no signs or symptoms of the disease. Kenneth Meredith, MD, chief of gastrointestinal oncology at SMH’s...

Low dose radiation therapy (LDRT) is a short, safe and effective outpatient treatment option which can enhance functionality and alleviate pain associated with many benign conditions. Kunal Saigal, MD, Medical Director of Radiation Oncology at Sarasota Memorial’s Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute discusses misconceptions surrounding radiation treatment, and why LDRT is a good alternative for pati...

Colorectal cancer is making headlines — and increasingly, it’s affecting younger adults. Stephen Kucera, MD, Medical Director of Gastroenterology and Endoscopic Oncology, explains why diagnoses are rising in people under 55, what may be driving the trend, and the warning signs no one should ignore. He also shares the lifesaving steps everyone can take to reduce their risk, including when to get sc...

No matter the sleep disorder a person may be experiencing, getting an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment is essential, as quality sleep plays a critical role in overall health. Rabih Loutfi, MD, Medical Director of Sarasota Memorial’s Sleep Disorder Center, explains how sleep impacts overall well-being and highlights the comprehensive diagnostic services available to identify and treat s...

Endometriosis can be incredibly painful, and while it doesn't have a cure, it can be managed with hormone therapy or surgery. Gynecologist Kyle Garner, MD, discusses misconceptions about endometriosis, and what patients can do to advocate for themselves. You can also watch the video recording on our Vimeo channel here . For more health tips & news you can use from experts you trust, sign up for Sa...

Concussions are actually a type of traumatic brain injuries, and should be treated as such. Casey Howell, RN, SMH's Trauma Injury Prevention Coordinator, explains the signs and symptoms of concussions, and why people often aren't treating them appropriately. You can also watch the video recording on our Vimeo channel here . For more health tips & news you can use from experts you trust, sign up fo...

Diagnosing hypertension, known as a "silent killer," is incredibly important. Interventional cardiologists Ricardo Yaryura, MD, Jeffrey Rossi, MD and Daniel Molloy, MD, explain the diagnosis, traditional treatments and a newer option for uncontrolled blood pressure. You can also watch the video recording on our Vimeo channel here . For more health tips & news you can use from experts you trust, si...

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) is one of the techniques used by cardiac surgeons to repair or replace valves, including the mitral valve. While the procedure has a shorter recovery time than the traditional sternotomy, it is still an open heart operation, and not the same as the minimally invasive techniques used by interventional cardiologists. SMH Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery Jonat...

Simulation has transformed the way healthcare providers learn, practice and deliver care. Jessica DePaulo, DNP, RN, the Advance Practice Program Coordinator for Simulation in the Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute discusses the critical role simulation plays in medical training at SMH, and how immersive learning environments are improving patient safety, building confidence, strengthenin...

When battling illness or injury, and looking to get help as soon as possible, it can be difficult for people to decide if they need an emergency room for care, or can go to the nearest urgent care center. Emergency medicine physician and medical director of the SMH ER at Lakewood Ranch, Tara Wendt, MD, is breaking down the difference between the options, and how you can make that decision. You can...

Cancer is among the leading causes of death among firefighters. By reducing firefighters’ exposure risks, encouraging regular cancer screenings and providing education, navigation and support, the Firefighters Cancer Collaborative aims to change that and save more lives. Richard Brown, MD, Medical Director for the Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute at SMH, and Town of Longboat Key Fire Chief Paul...

While the word "trauma" is often thrown around flippantly, it has big meaning when it comes to mental health. Stephanie Iacopelli, LMHC, Manager of Behavioral Health Services for the Cornell Behavioral Health Pavilion at Sarasota Memorial, explains what trauma really is and how it can be treated. You can also watch the video recording on our Vimeo channel here . For more health tips & news you can...

Senior mental health deserves real attention—and real conversations. In this continuation of the behavioral health mini-series, Jacqueline Carlson, MSN, APRN, Director of Nursing at the Cornell Behavioral Health Pavilion discusses the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of older adults, and what challenges are most commonly faced by this patient population. You can also watch the video...

External stressors can have a major impact on mental health. David Stone, LMHC, Clinical Supervisor of the SMH Behavioral Health Intervention Team, discusses what trends are being seen at the Cornell Behavioral Health Pavilion, and how current events can impact patients and families. You can also watch the video recording on our Vimeo channel here . For more health tips & news you can use from exp...