Behind the Mask: Interviewing Health Professionals

In Episode 15 of Behind The Mask, we explore the world of healthcare social work to better understand the vital role social workers play in supporting patients and families through some of life's most difficult moments. Healthcare social workers serve as advocates, counselors, and problem-solvers, helping patients navigate emotional, social, and practical challenges while ensuring they receive...

In Episode 14 of Behind The Mask , we explore the field of radiology with Dr. Paresh Rijsinghani to better understand the specialty that helps physicians diagnose and treat patients through medical imaging. Radiologists play a critical role in healthcare, interpreting scans, collaborating with clinical teams, and helping guide patient care behind the scenes. In this episode, Dr. Rijsinghani shares...

In Episode 13 of Behind The Mask , we explore the world of dental hygiene with Tawanna to uncover what the profession is really like beyond routine cleanings. Dental hygienists play a major role in preventive care, patient education, and identifying oral health concerns firsthand, making them an essential part of the dental team and overall patient health. In this episode, Tawanna shares her uniqu...

In Episode 12 of Behind The Mask, we dive into the world of orthodontics with Dr. Tony Tyan to uncover what really goes into creating confident, healthy smiles. From braces to clear aligners, orthodontic care is about more than just aesthetics—it plays a critical role in oral health, function, and long-term well-being. In this episode, Dr. Tyan shares his journey into orthodontics and breaks down...

In this episode of Behind The Mask , we explore the complex world of oncology clinical operations with Medical Oncology Clinical Operations Director Bo. From coordinating schedules with multiple locations to managing healthcare teams, oncology operations play a critical role in ensuring patients receive timely, safe, and effective cancer care. In this episode, Bo shares her journey into oncology o...

In Episode 10 of Behind The Mask , we explore the vital role of vascular health with Nurse Practitioner Carmy Mendoza. From circulation to chronic conditions, vascular care plays a critical role in preventing serious complications and improving patient outcomes. In this episode, NP Mendoza shares her journey into vascular health and discusses what it takes to care for patients with complex vascula...

In Episode 9 of Behind The Mask , we sit down with Dr. Nelia San Jose-Carlson, a psychiatrist and hospital administrator, to explore what it means to balance patient care with system-level decision-making. From treating mental health conditions to leading within a hospital setting, Dr. San Jose-Carlson shares how clinical insight and leadership intersect in high-stakes environments. We discuss her...

In this episode of Behind The Mask , we explore the world of nurse anesthesia with Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Alana to uncover what it takes to keep patients safe before, during, and after surgery. CRNAs play a critical role in healthcare, managing anesthesia, monitoring vital functions, and making rapid decisions in high-pressure situations to ensure the best possible patient o...

In Episode 7 of Behind The Mask , we explore the world of dialysis nursing with Charge Nurse Christina to better understand the care and dedication required to support patients with kidney disease. Dialysis nurses play a vital role in monitoring treatments, educating patients, and helping individuals manage complex health conditions while improving their quality of life. In this episode, Christina...

High performance doesn’t always mean high well-being. In this episode of Behind The Mask: Interviewing Health Professionals, we explore why high-performing athletes often struggle in silence. From internal pressure and perfectionism to stigma and fear of vulnerability, we break down the hidden challenges many athletes face behind the scenes. We had the opportunity to have this important conversati...

In Episode 5 of Behind The Mask , we explore the world of orthopaedic surgery residency with Dr. Yesha Parekh, a senior orthopaedic surgery resident at Johns Hopkins. Residency is one of the most demanding stages of medical training, requiring years of dedication, long hours, and continuous learning as physicians develop the skills needed to care for patients independently. In this episode, Dr. Pa...

In Episode 4 of Behind The Mask , we explore the world of clinical research nursing with Manda, a clinical research nurse at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey. Clinical research nurses play a vital role in advancing medicine by connecting patient care with scientific discovery, helping bring new treatments and therapies from clinical trials to the patients who need them most. In this epis...

In Episode 3 of Behind The Mask , we explore the world of oncology administration with Dr. Ghalib of the Rutgers Cancer Institute to better understand the human side of healthcare leadership. Oncology administrators play a critical role in shaping patient experience and supporting clinical teams, ensuring that care delivery is both effective and compassionate during some of the most challenging mo...

In Episode 2 of Behind The Mask , we explore the field of palliative care and pain management with Dr. Habib of the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey to better understand how this specialty focuses on improving quality of life for patients facing serious illness. Palliative care physicians play a vital role in managing symptoms, relieving pain, and supporting both patients and families throug...

In this intro episode, host Kelly Hon introduces Behind the Mask — a student-led initiative that is focused on sharing real stories from medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, residents, and students. Learn why Kelly started this podcast, what you can expect in the future, and how it will take you behind the scenes of the medical world.