Rural Health Pulse

This episode of Rural Health Pulse , highlights a powerful example of rural innovation: the creation of the IRMC Medical Laboratory Science program. With medical laboratory scientists in critically short supply nationwide, Indiana Regional Medical Center partnered with Indiana University of Pennsylvania to build a local pipeline of highly skilled clinical laboratory professionals.  Dr. Jim Kinneer...

In this episode, Sarah George, Stroke Program Coordinator at Indiana Regional Medical Center (IRMC), explains the crucial work of a Primary Stroke Center. She breaks down the different types of stroke, reveals why it's a leading cause of disability, and shares how interdisciplinary teams—from EMS to rehab—collaborate to give patients the best chance at recovery. This is your essential guide t...

In this special episode of Rural Health Pulse , we reconnect with the inaugural class of the Indiana Regional Medical Center (IRMC) Family Medicine Residency Program as they prepare to graduate. Joined by Program Director Dr. Amanda Vaglia and residents Dr. Mohit Chhatpar, Dr. Tanvi Bharathan, Dr. Nawar Al Janabi, and Dr. Robin Rodriguez, we reflect on the growth, challenges, and rewards of practi...

In this episode of Rural Health Pulse, we speak with Emelia Rippen, Trauma Program Manager at Indiana Regional Medical Center (IRMC), about the journey to establishing a Level 4 Trauma Center in a rural community. A lifelong Indiana County resident and experienced nurse leader, Rippen shares how IRMC responded to a critical need for trauma care by launching a program that now plays a vital role in...

In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Stallings, President and CEO of The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP), to explore her leadership role and the organization's vital mission in supporting hospitals, health systems, and patients across the Commonwealth. Stallings shares key facts about HAP’s statewide impact and dives into the major initiatives shaping healthcar...

In this episode, we sit down with Indiana County Commissioner Sherene Hess to explore the intersection of rural revitalization and rural health. Commissioner Hess shares insights from her leadership role not only in Indiana County, but also through her work with the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP). With a focus on collaborative efforts, she discusses the challenges and oppo...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Theresa Gropelli, Director of the Nursing Department at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), to explore the various nursing degree programs offered at IUP. Dr. Gropelli provides valuable insights into how IUP's nursing department blends immersive education with simulation labs and fieldwork experiences to ensure that students are well-prepared for su...

In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of regional planning in rural communities with Byron Stauffer, Executive Director of the Indiana County Office of Planning and Development. We explore how regional planning and development influence social determinants of health. Byron shares insights into the multifaceted role of his department, which includes business attraction, retention, startup...

In this episode, we explore the mental and behavioral health challenges faced by rural communities with guest Tammy Calderone, Administrator for the Armstrong-Indiana Behavioral and Developmental Health Program. Together, we discuss the growing demand for services, barriers to accessing care, and the collaborative efforts of agencies and organizations working to address these critical needs. 

 In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Dr. Miko Rose, the visionary founding dean of the proposed IUP College of Medicine. Dr. Rose shares insights into the mission and future of the college, including the exciting plans to launch Pennsylvania's first public Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the inspiration behind the initiativ...

This is the third and final installment of a special three-part series that will share highlights from the 2023 Pennsylvania Mountains Rural Health Conference.  In this episode we discuss the medical applications of Drones with Ms. Alice Griffith and Ms. Erica Tamburo of Airspace Link, Inc. We also speak with Mr. Matthew Capell of Mainstreet Health regarding innovative solutions to delivering valu...

This is the second installment of a special three-part series that will share highlights from the 2023 Pennsylvania Mountains Rural Health Conference.  In this episode we discuss the PA Rural Health model with Jack Sisk, President of Punxsutawney Area Hospital, the role of Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) with Dr. Dennis Gingrich and reflections of a rural physician with Dr. Richard Whalen.  

This is the first installment of a special three part series that will share highlights from the 2023 Pennsylvania Mountains Rural Health Conference.  In this episode we discuss the concept of pathways and also the topic of equality vs. equity with Bergitta Cotroneo with the American Academy of Physicians and with Dr. Benjamin Frederick, Director at the Pennsylvania Area Health Education Center.  

In this episode of the Rural Health Podcast, Dr. David Janetski, an expert in freshwater ecology and conservation, discusses the critical role that freshwater ecosystems play in every community. Dr. Janetski holds a BS and MS from Brigham Young University and a PhD from the University of Notre Dame (2012). His research focuses on improving the understanding and conservation of freshwater ecosystem...

Join us in this episode as we delve into the critical issues facing rural EMS services across the nation. Our guests, BJ Pino, Executive Director of Citizens Ambulance Service, and Dr. Reba Johnson, Director of Human Resources for Citizens Ambulance, provide firsthand insights into the challenges that are shaping the landscape of emergency medical services in rural communities.  BJ Pino shares his...

Learn about the profound impact of genomics research on rural healthcare in our latest episode!   Genomics holds the key to advancing healthcare in rural areas by tailoring treatments to individual genetic profiles, thereby improving outcomes and access to specialized care.  Our guest for this discussion is  Nick Jacobs, a visionary leader in healthcare. Nick is the co-founder and president of the...

Join us for an insightful conversation about tickborne diseases with an accomplished researcher in the field, Dr. Thomas (Tom) Simmons. Dr. Simmons, a biology professor at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), has conducted extensive research on this topic in partnership with key health organizations. He will share invaluable prevention and safety recommendations to help you stay safe. 

In this episode we will delve into the vital role of research at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) with Dr. Hilliary Creely, Dean of the IUP Graduate School and Research. Join us as we explore how research initiatives at IUP are shaping the landscape of healthcare in rural communities and highlight the significance of research in enhancing the quality and accessibility of healthcare service...

The IUP Institute for Rural Health and Safety brings together university personnel from various disciplines and professional backgrounds to solve problems related to rural health and safety including first responder and emergency response training. In this episode we speak with the Institute’s director Dr. Lou Pesci to learn more about the programs and services offered. 

Social determinants of health and other barriers such as food insecurity, transportation and insurance coverage significantly impact access to quality healthcare in a rural setting.  In this episode, we are joined by Rachel Grove, Director of Ambulatory Social Services and Jonathan Hunte, Clinical Care Coordinator at IRMC Physician Group  who are working on a daily basis to help breakdown these ba...

In this episode, our topic is promoting integrative wellness in a rural community. Our guest, Nick Jacobs, shares his insights from his personal experience as well as his professional experiences as the former CEO of Windber Medical Center to engage both community members and hospital employees in wellness initiatives.   Listen and learn  about benefits and challenges of introducing integrative me...

The Punxsutawney Area Hospital (PAH) has been named a Top 100 Rural and Community Hospital for several years, in addition the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) recognized PAH as one of 20 highest-ranked rural and community hospitals in the country based on an evaluation by the Chartis Center for Rural Health. In this episode, our guest Katie Donald, Marketing and Public Relations Specialist...

In this episode, we discuss the services offered by IUP's Speech and Hearing Clinic with our guest Erin Clark, clinic director at IUP’s Speech and Hearing Clinic and assistant professor in the IUP Department of Communication Disorders, Special Education.

The Pennsylvania Rural Health Model is an alternative payment model designed to address the financial challenges faced by rural hospitals by transitioning them from fee-for-service to global budget payments.  Pennsylvania is the first state in the country to design and implement a model that is focused entirely on rural hospitals. In this episode, Wendy Haislip shares experiences with the Pennsylv...

Our guest Dr. Steve Hovan,  Dean of IUP John J. and Char Kopchick College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics discusses the construction of Kopchick Hall.  Once completed, the more than 142,000-square-foot Kopchick Hall will be the hub of activity for all things science and math at IUP and an important resource for rural health and medicine initiatives.