Meaningful Medicine with Novant Health

If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you aren’t alone. Nearly 13 percent of men in the United States will be diagnosed during their lifetimes. The good news is that there are a lot of treatment options, said Dr. Alex Caillat, a urologist at Novant Health. In this episode, Caillat talks about what men should do if their prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test comes back high. In detail, Ca...

Bariatric surgeon Neil McDevitt, M.D., knows weight loss surgery is a big decision for patients. In this episode, he explains when it might - and might not- be the right choice for people who want to lose weight.

Join us as we delve into the intricate relationship between heart health and cancer in our latest episode of Meaningful Medicine. With insights from Novant Health cardiologist Dr. Kristopher Swiger, discover how chemotherapy and cancer treatments can affect your cardiovascular system and the importance of monitoring heart health throughout your journey.

Are you part of the 8% of Americans that have an autoimmune disease? While rare, they’re 80% more likely to develop in women, and include at least 80 different types of chronic debilitating illnesses. Autoimmune diseases occur when your body’s immune system – known for fighting sick cells in your body – malfunctions and starts to attack healthy cells.  “While there’s no cure for autoimmune disease...

In this episode, we delve into the world of picky eaters and kid's tummy troubles. Dr. Amari Howard shares insight into why children may prefer only certain foods, highlighting the nuances of pediatric gastroenterology that contribute to this common parenting challenge. Discover the importance of nutrition and when parents should be concerned about their child's eating habits, reports of stomachac...

For people in their 30s and 40s, the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer can be easy to dismiss. After all, colorectal cancer is only a risk for people over the age of 50, right? Wrong, said Dr. David Hiller, a colorectal surgeon at Novant Health. A recent report indicates that the rate of new colorectal cases among Americans younger than 55 years of age have nearly doubled from 11% in 1995 to...

In this episode, Dr. Whiyie Sang, discusses the concerning rise of colon cancer among younger adults. The conversation covers the impact of diet and lifestyle on risk factors, the importance of regular screenings, and subtle symptoms that warrant attention.

Dr. Tyler Watson discusses the short- and long-term damage that patients can suffer with ongoing acid reflux. He shares that many people don't realize there are relatively small surgical interventions that can dramatically improve reflux and quality of life.

Dr. Christine Bolen joins us to explore how a pediatric cancer diagnosis impacts an entire family. Plus she shares more about treatment advancements for young cancer patients and ways a family can navigate something as terrifying as cancer.

One in five of women in the United States will develop a non-cancerous tumor in their uterus by the time they reach 50, known as uterine fibroids. Fibroids can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including heavy menstrual periods, cramping, gas, infertility, pain during sex, fatigue, abdominal pressure and/or trouble urinating. While not all fibroids cause symptoms or require treatment, they...

How often should you make a gynecology appointment? Dr. Buckingham discusses what a routine GYN visit entails, why it’s imperative, and the latest screening guidelines. Understanding these visits can make all the difference in early disease detection.

Not all births go as planned. In fact, one in 10 babies are born premature in the United States, that’s prior to the 37-week point in the pregnancy. While many factors are associated with preterm births, we know that they are 50% more common in Black women than White or Hispanic mothers. “A premature birth can be a scary experience for the whole family,” said Dr. Thomas Payne, medical director of...

Dr. Adam Spitz provides an in-depth look at diabetes management, including separating myth from fact, and a helpful guide to knowing the difference in diabetes types.

There’s a widespread belief that once you reach a certain age, you're no longer a candidate for back surgery. Some surgeons are hesitant to operate on octogenarians or nonagenarians. In this episode, Dr. Michaux Kilpatrick, a neurosurgeon at Novant Health, explains why age is indeed “just a number,” and not the best determinate for surgery. Unlike your grandfather’s spine surgery, Kilpatrick share...

In this episode, cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. John Perry explains the crucial role of heart valves and how to detect them. He explains why doctors want to repair heart valve problems earlier in a patient's life, and what surgery and recovery may be like for a patient.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Colston Edgerton to talk about weight loss surgery. He discusses the various types of bariatric procedures, the lifestyle changes that accompany them, and how they can improve overall health. Join us as we delve into patient preparation, recovery, and the support systems available to ensure lasting success after surgery.

It’s estimated that 1 million people (about the population of Delaware) in the United States are living with a brain tumor. In fact, it’s the fifth most common cancer and the most common cancer diagnosed in children. Dr. Rashid Janjua, a neurosurgeon at Novant Health, knows that it’s a scary diagnosis for many of his patients. That’s why he makes a point to tell them during their first appointment...

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Timothy Chase about bladder leaks and their impact on women’s health. Discover the common causes, treatment options, and the misconceptions that may prevent women from seeking help. Join us to understand the effective solutions are available.

Do you take your feet for granted? The average American strides 3,000 to 4,000 steps a day without thinking about the fact that nearly a quarter of the bones in their body are found in their feet. On top of that, each foot has 33 joints, and 100+ muscles, tendons and ligaments that are all required to keep your body in motion. “When one of those parts stop working, it’s my job to get patients movi...

Dr. Onyinye Igbokwe discusses how to choose and build a relationship with your primary care physician, including what questions to ask, what to never leave out of your appointment conversations, and why this relationship is so crucial for your long term health.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Lindsey Prochaska to explore the breast cancer awareness and treatment. From the importance of early screenings to the latest in immunotherapy, we discuss how genetics can impact risk and what ongoing care looks like after treatment. Join us as empower listeners with crucial knowledge to take charge of their health.

Description: Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common heart arrythmia in the country, affecting one in four people during their lifetime. By 2030, more than 12 million people (the current population of Pennsylvania) will be afflicted, according to the American Heart Association. In this episode, Dr. Lai Kok, a cardiac electrophysiologist at Novant Health, answers common questions about AFib....

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. John Rommel to discuss heart failure. We explore the condition, advances in treatment and palliative care support.

If you’re 65 or above – and feeling just fine – you might not think you need to see a doctor every year. But Dr. Sakeitha Crowder, a geriatrician at Novant Health, would like you to reconsider. She tells her patients, 65 is a pivotal age – it's a time when your body starts to change, even if you might not be aware of it. In this episode, Crowder explains that she wants to partner with her patients...