Meaningful Medicine with Novant Health

Bunions may be small, but they can cause big frustration — and women experience them far more often than men. In this episode of Meaningful Medicine, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Stuart Saunders, who specializes in foot and ankle injuries, will share why this painful foot deformity is so common in women and what can be done to prevent or treat it. We break down the real culprits: inherited foot structur...

In this episode, we explain the role of a clinical pharmacist practitioner and why their work matters for cardiometabolic health. Glenn Herrington, CPP, PHARMD, walks through how clinical pharmacist practitioners provide comprehensive medication management and partner with cardiologists and primary care teams to reduce cardiovascular risk.  Learn more about Glenn Herrington 

In this episode of Meaningful Medicine with Novant Health, we take a closer look at a question many people quietly wonder about: Is my memory normal, or could it be something more? Novant Health neurologist Dr. Robert Wiggins provides his insight. From occasional forgetfulness to more serious cognitive concerns, this conversation explores how memory changes over time, what may signal dementia, and...

In this episode of Meaningful Medicine with Novant Health, Dr. David Voellinger introduce a new, comprehensive approach to supporting teens through the adolescent bariatrics clinic. This conversation goes beyond weight, focusing instead on whole-person health, confidence, and long-term well-being. Dr. Voellinger discusses how the clinic combines medical expertise, emotional support, and family-cen...

Why do some people develop breast cancer while others don’t — even when their lifestyles look similar? In this episode of Meaningful Medicine with Novant Health, we sit down with Dr. Sandrine Crane, a hematologist and oncologist, to unpack one of the most common and emotionally charged questions patients ask: Did I do something to cause this? Dr. Crane explains why breast cancer is a complex disea...

Those first days with a newborn are a blur of feedings, diapers and wondering whether every tiny sound is normal. In this episode of Meaningful Medicine, we tap into guidance shared by Novant Health pediatrician Dr. Soren Johnson who describes for parents what’s happening at that very first pediatric appointment. From checking weight, reflexes and jaundice to talking through feeding patterns, safe...

In this episode, you’ll learn more about childhood urinary issues from Dr. Nicole Belko, a pediatric urologist with Novant Health, who explains more about urinary issues, including symptoms and treatment options. Dr. Belko also discusses the importance of proper hydration and treatment for other pediatric urology conditions. Learn more about Dr. Belko  

Preparing for breast cancer surgery isn’t just about the day you go into the operating room — it’s about understanding your care team, knowing your options, and feeling supported every step of the way. Drawing on insights from Dr. Elizabeth Fish, this episode of Meaningful Medicine with Novant Health explores common questions patients have ahead of surgery. She also explains how she works with pat...

Tinnitus can feel like a mystery — a constant ringing, buzzing or whooshing that no one else can hear. In this episode of Meaningful Medicine with Novant Health, neurosurgeon Dr. Kevin Shah breaks down what’s really happening inside the brain when tinnitus strikes. Listeners will learn what causes tinnitus, when it’s a sign of something more serious, and what can be done in terms of treatment. Lea...

In this episode Dr. Mohammad Shahnawaz, pediatric neurologist and epileptologist at Novant Health, explains what you need to know about pediatric epilepsy. Learn essential guidance on pediatric seizures, seizure first aid, recognizing absence seizures and generalized convulsions, and when to seek emergency care. Dr. Shahnawaz also covers diagnostic tools like EEG and MRI and how they inform treatm...

Imagine treating a complex liver tumor without making a single surgical incision. Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center recently became the first hospital in the Carolinas to offer histotripsy, a noninvasive method to destroy liver tumors without surgery. The technique uses high-intensity ultrasound waves to shatter tumor cells while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.  In this episode of Mea...

Hormone replacement therapy is having a moment, but for many women, it’s still confusing, misunderstood or even a little intimidating. In this episode, Dr. Tyler Pierce, OB/GYN and lead of our women's healthcare team in Summerville, South Carolina, breaks down what’s fact, what’s fiction and what’s changed when it comes to hormone therapy. Learn more about Dr. Pierce  

Dr. Jeffrey Beecher, a neurosurgeon with Novant Health, shares information on signs of strokes and aneurysms and the importance of timely treatment. Dr. Beecher also discusses leading-edge brain tumor treatment techniques available in the Wilmington region. Learn more about Dr. Beecher  

This episode explains how modern minimally invasive spine surgery shortens hospital stays and improves outcomes. Dr. J. Alex Thomas, a neurosurgeon, walks listeners through procedures, what patients can expect during recovery and the importance of physical rehab. Learn more about Dr. Thomas: Understand your back and neck health. Take the S pine Health Assessment quiz  

In this episode, we talk with orthopedic specialist Dr. Edward Blocker about how to stay active while avoiding common injuries from sports like tennis, pickleball, and golf. Dr. XX shares practical tips on warming up, recognizing warning signs of joint problems, and why timely orthopedic care matters. Whether you’re a weekend athlete or a daily walker, you’ll learn how to keep moving safely.  Lear...

Today we’re digging into a topic that touches nearly all of us at some point in life -- pain and the myths we often subscribe to that can keep us hurting longer than necessary. Pain isn’t just something you “have to live with,” and chronic discomfort doesn’t always mean you’re worn-out or out of options. Here to help us separate fact from fiction is Dr. Kent Cochran, an anesthesiology and pain med...

In this episode of Meaningful Medicine with Novant Health, pediatric hematologist Dr. Felipe Bautista joins us to talk about the realities, breakthroughs, and daily triumphs of caring for children with sickle cell disease. Dr. Bautista explains what sickle cell disease is, how it affects children differently than adults, and why early, coordinated care is so essential. We explore promising advance...

In this episode, we discuss the critical importance of early detection of lung cancer with Dr. Nathaniel Meier, a pulmonologist at Novant Health. You'll learn about the impact that timely screenings for those with a history of smoking can have on patient outcomes. Dr. Meier also discusses lung nodules and the use of minimally invasive lung cancer biopsy technology.  Learn more about Nathaniel Meie...

In this episode of Meaningful Medicine with Novant Health, Kari Mohrien, PA-C, joins us to shine a light on an essential, but often unfamiliar, resource for families who have spent time in the neonatal intensive care unit: Novant Health’s developmental-behavioral pediatric NICU follow-up clinic. Many babies who spend time in the NICU go on to do beautifully, but they may still benefit from special...

In this episode, Dr. Michelle Fillion, a specialist in complex general surgical oncology, explains how NanoKnife technology targets tumors, including in the liver and prostate.  Learn more about Michelle Fillion, MD   

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Rex Kiteley, a radiation oncologist with Novant Health, about the importance of prostate cancer screening. Learn the latest guidelines and the benefits of detecting this common cancer early. Join us and empower yourself with knowledge about prostate health.   Learn more about Rex Kiteley, MD   

In this episode, Dr. Jafar Hashem, a neurocritical care physician with Novant Health, discusses signs of brain emergencies such as stroke and aneurysm. Learn why quick action can save lives, and how doctors treat serious neurological events, including in critical care.  Learn more about Jafar Hashem, MD   

On this episode of Meaningful Medicine with Novant Health, bariatric surgeon Dr. David Voellinger joins us to unpack the truth behind one of the most misunderstood areas of medicine: weight loss surgery. Dr. Voellinger shares how far bariatric care has come, from surgical innovations and minimally invasive techniques to comprehensive long-term support that helps patients transform not just their w...

Pickleball is sweeping the nation — but so are Achilles injuries among older adults taking up the sport. In this episode, orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon Dr. William Corey explains why these injuries are becoming more common, how to recognize early warning signs, and what players can do to prevent serious setbacks. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a new pickleball enthusiast, Dr. Corey shares...

In this episode of Meaningful Medicine with Novant Health, neurosurgeon Dr. Charles Munyon joins us to discuss a groundbreaking treatment that’s transforming life for patients with essential tremor: an incisionless brain surgery using focused ultrasound technology from Insightec. Dr. Munyon explains how this innovative, noninvasive approach works, what patients can expect from diagnosis through re...