Community Connect: presented by TGH

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 thoughtfu...

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 per...

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...

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 s...

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 t...

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 p...

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 ment...

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...

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 conditi...

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...

Newly diagnosed with diabetes? Don’t panic! Join Laura Gil, MSN, RN, and Dr. Latoya Connor as they share practical steps and insights to help you navigate your journey with diabetes. Understand how to empower yourself through small, manageable actions and find support. For more information, visit tgh.org/endo .

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 inform...

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. V...

Are traditional New Year's resolutions too ambitious for your health goals? In this episode, we explore how to effectively set dietary resolutions that are realistic and sustainable. Join us as TGH Registered Dietitian Matt Murphy shares insight into how you can create flexible health habits to support your eating goals this New Year and beyond. Matt gives his top three changes you can make to you...

In this informative episode, we explore how you can go from being a bystander to a lifesaver in an emergency. Join Alex Roeder, RN, an injury prevention and outreach coordinator at Tampa General Hospital, as she explains the significance of the Stop the Bleed program. Discover how this life-saving initiative empowers everyday citizens to respond effectively to bleeding emergencies before professio...

In this motivating episode, Brian Pirolozzi, TGH Fitness Center Manager, explores how to establish lasting fitness goals and routines. He dives into historical aspects of New Year’s goals and shares practical tips to maintain motivation and avoid common pitfalls to keep you on track. Whether you're aiming to lose weight, build muscle, or just improve your overall health, this episode offers key in...

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions, yet it remains widely misunderstood. Join Dr. Benbadis and Dr. Bezchlibnyk as they share expert insights into diagnosing, treating, and managing epilepsy—from the latest medical advancements to surgical innovations. Epilepsy affects millions worldwide, and timely diagnosis and treatment can dramatically improve quality of life. Whether yo...

In this episode, Dr. Yamil Miranda-Usúa—Air Force veteran, board-certified family medicine physician, and Medical Director of Primary Care at Tampa General Medical Group—joins us to explore the unique health needs of veterans and the importance of culturally competent care. From prevention and chronic disease management to breaking down barriers in veteran healthcare, Dr. Miranda-Usúa shares why y...

In this episode, Dr. Sean P. Collins sheds light on castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). He explains what this type of prostate cancer is, the challenges it presents, and how an innovative treatment option like Pluvicto could be the answer certain patients may be looking for. Dr. Collins dives into how this innovative therapy works and who it may benefit, offering hope to those facing limite...

Pituitary tumors are more common than many realize and often go undiagnosed. In this episode, Dr. Siviero Agazzi and Dr. Marla Sevilla Alsina from Tampa General Hospital and the University of South Florida explain how to recognize symptoms, when treatment is necessary, and what options are available, including medication and minimally invasive surgery. They share why TGH has a dedicated Pituitary...

It’s a common, yet underdiagnosed heart condition—Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy-- also known as HCM. Join Dr. Robby Wu as he sheds light on a condition that’s characterized by an abnormal thickening of the heart muscle. He shares what signs to look for, genetic implications, the link between HCM and sudden cardiac death and how to manage HCM if you’ve been diagnosed. As the director of Tampa General...

Join Dr. Carol Lilly as she explains the ABCs of infant safety and how to keep your little ones safe as they slumber. She explains best practices that can significantly reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and debunks common misconceptions with infant sleep. This episode will equip you with knowledge to ensure a safe sleeping environment for your child and provide crucial guidanc...

In this informative episode, Dr. Rod Ellis takes us inside the world of radiopharmaceuticals and describes how liquid radiation can target cancer cells directly. He discusses the role of these therapies in fighting specific types of cancer and breaks down how this treatment option is reshaping the patient experience, especially for those with limited treatment options. Tune in to discover how scie...

In this informative episode, Dr. Victoria Rizk and Dr. Paula Rosenblatt discuss the increasing incidence of breast cancer among younger women. Learn why it's never too early to start a conversation with your healthcare provider about evaluations tailored to your personal risk. From early screenings to healthy lifestyle choices, this episode emphasizes the importance of prevention and timely detect...

What’s really going on in our minds and what can we do about it? This episode tackles the pressing topic of mental health and highlights critical advances in this space. Join Doug Leonardo, CEO of the TGH Behavioral Health Hospital, as he discusses the importance of behavioral healthcare and how this field of medicine has grown over the years. He explains how having a specialized care team and inn...