Meaningful Medicine with Novant Health

In this episode of Meaningful Medicine with Novant Health, gastroenterologist Dr. Robert Czuprynski helps us better understand two complex and often misunderstood conditions: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Dr. Czuprynski explains what’s happening in the body during inflammation, how treatment has evolved from symptom control to precision medicine, and why early diagnosis and ongoing suppo...

In this episode of Meaningful Medicine with Novant Health, pediatrician Dr. Sumon Bhowmick joins us to talk about one of the most common - and often stressful - challenges for parents: picky eating. Dr. Bhowmick shares what’s typical when it comes to children’s eating habits, why some kids resist new foods, and how parents can foster a healthy relationship with food without turning mealtimes into...

Diabetes is one of the most common — and sometimes preventable — chronic diseases in the U.S. In this episode, primary care physician Dr. Carrie Alexander explains how regular checkups and early screening can detect diabetes before symptoms even appear, and why staying connected to a primary care provider is essential for long-term health. Learn the simple steps that can protect your heart, kidney...

Can you sweat your way out of a bad diet? Not exactly. In this episode, we talk with a bariatric surgeon and nutrition expert Dr. Neil McDevitt to unpack the science behind weight gain, why exercise alone won’t cut it, and what actually works when it comes to long-term health.

From trendy online clinics to “roadside” hormone centers, misinformation about women’s hormones is spreading fast- potentially putting patients at risk. In this episode, [Dr. Christian Cook] explains what hormones actually do, when treatment is truly needed and how to avoid harmful, unregulated products. Learn how to protect your health and make hormone decisions based on science, not sales tactic...

GLP-1 medications have quickly become household names for weight loss — but what’s myth and what’s medical breakthrough? Obesity medicine specialist Dr. John Cleek joins us to explain how these drugs work, who they help most and what to know about side effects, access and stigma. If you’ve ever wondered whether GLP-1s could be right for you or someone you love, this episode has the answers.

If your doctor has ordered a stress test, you might be wondering: What is it? Why do I need it? And should I be worried? In this episode, Novant Health cardiologist Dr. Aaron Ford breaks down what a stress test really tells us about your heart, what to expect during the procedure and how it helps guide your care.  Learn more about Aaron Ford, MD  

From weekend pickleball players to competitive pitchers, overhead athletes put unique stress on their shoulders and elbows, making injuries more common than many realize. In this episode, renowned orthopedic sports medicine surgeon Dr. Michael Kissenberth breaks down the most frequent issues he treats, why overuse can escalate into serious damage and the smart preventive habits that can keep athle...

Knee injuries are on the rise in young athletes, from ACL tears to patellar issues that can sideline a promising season. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Marc Haro joins us to break down what’s behind the trend, how to recognize warning signs early and the latest advances that are helping kids return safely to the sports they love.

Obesity is more than a matter of willpower – it's a chronic disease that affects about 40% of Americans and increases the risk of serious health issues like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, joint pain and certain cancers. In this episode of Meaningful Medicine, Dr. Nik Teppara of the Novant Health Surgical Institute addresses the stigma surrounding bariatric surgery. He shares the most common conc...

Eric Angermeier, MD, usually sees an uptick in outdoor-related hand and wrist injuries when the weather gets warmer. From dog walking to sports, you may be surprised at the most common injuries he treats.

Join us to explore how preventive measures can lead to significant health improvements. Discover the importance of screenings and early interventions from Dr. Jeffrey Warhaftig. Dr. Warhaftig is medical director of the Physician Quality Partners Accountable Care Organization, which ranked first in the nation for high quality performance in 2024 in the CMS Medicare Shared Savings Program. Learn mor...

Thinking about knee replacement? You may have more options than you realize. In this episode, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Robert Hoffman breaks down the range of nonsurgical treatments - including injections - that can relieve pain, improve mobility and even delay surgery.

Menopause is a natural stage of life, but it often comes with challenging symptoms – from hot flashes and mood changes to sleep disruptions, weight gain, and an increased risk of osteoporosis. “While menopause is expected, women don’t have to suffer in silence,” said Dr. Melissa Davies, an OBGYN at Novant Health. In this episode of Meaningful Medicine, Dr. Davies explains what women can expect dur...

Join Dr. Phillip Marks, a urologist at Novant Health, as we explore the common condition of enlarged prostate, learning more about symptoms and treatment options.

Robots in healthcare are having a moment. In the U.S., robotic-assisted surgery now accounts for more than 15% of all general surgeries, and it’s expected to double within the next five years. The future of medicine is here, but will it replace doctors in the operating room? In this episode of Meaningful Medicine, Dr. Max McCabe, an orthopedic surgeon at Novant Health, will answer some common ques...

Pelvic floor health plays a vital role in everything from bladder control to core strength and overall wellness, but its importance is often misunderstood or overlooked. In this episode of Meaningful Medicine, Novant Health urogynecologist and pelvic surgeon Dr. Joseph Malek joins us to demystify pelvic floor disorders, share how therapy can help, and explain when to seek care. Whether you're post...

In this episode of Meaningful Medicine with Novant Health, cardiologist Dr. Desiree Dawson joins us to share five natural, evidence-based strategies for managing high blood pressure without medication. From the power of nutrition and movement to the often-overlooked role of sleep and stress, Dr. Dawson breaks down how small lifestyle changes can lead to big improvements in heart health. Whether yo...

Is joint replacement only for seniors, or are younger patients reshaping the conversation? In this episode, Dr. Dustin Hambright explores the “age-old question” of whether age truly determines the right time for knee or hip replacement. We’ll dive into why more people in their 40s and 50s are opting for surgery, the challenges older adults may face and how advancements in technology are changing t...

Dr. Jayme Stokes, a bariatric surgeon with Novant Health’s Weight Management & Wellness Clinic, discusses steps we can take to increase our health and wellness.

Join us as we explore how to interpret mammogram results with Dr. Breanna Durbin. Understand what your radiology report means and why further imaging may be needed. Learn more about Breanna Durbin, MD

The average American coffee drinker consumes just over three cups of coffee a day. If this is you, you’re not alone. In fact, 7 in 10 Americans drink coffee every week. But is our reliance on coffee or soda/energy drinks healthy? And how much is too much? In this episode of Meaningful Medicine Dr. John Card, a Internal Medicine Physician at Novant Health, spills the beans on the pros and cons of c...

Delving into the significance of family medical history in assessing breast cancer risk, Dr. Michelle Fillion explains how understanding this history can inform your health decisions. Dr. Fillion also breaks down the various types of breast cancer and the tailored treatment pathways available.

In this episode of Meaningful Medicine with Novant Health, hosts sit down with Dr. Logan Rhea, a medical oncologist, and Dr. Peter Turk, a surgical oncologist, to talk about one of the most common and preventable forms of cancer: skin cancer. Together, they unpack the most important facts about skin cancer types, warning signs to watch for, and how early detection can make all the difference. They...

When states implement evidence-based sepsis protocols, they achieve remarkable results: one state saw a 21% reduction in adult sepsis deaths and 40% reduction in pediatric deaths, saving over 16,000 lives. In this episode, Novant Health's sepsis care director Dr. Daniel Feinstein and public policy leader Elizabeth Outten share groundbreaking research on successful state-level interventions that al...