The Cass Health Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Meet Dr. Kalli Rush, the newest podiatrist at Cass Health. Dr. Rush shares her journey to becoming a foot and ankle specialist, what inspired her to pursue podiatry, and why building relationships with patients is one of the most rewarding parts of her work. You'll also learn: • What a podiatrist actually treats (it's much more than ingrown toenails!) • Why you shouldn&a...

Send us Fan Mail Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide — but new advancements in screening, diagnosis, and treatment are changing outcomes for patients every day. In this episode of The Cass Health Podcast, pulmonologist Dr. Sumit Mukherjee joins us to talk about: Why lung cancer is often found late Who should consider screening What symptoms to watch for The stigma around sm...

Send us Fan Mail Meet Dr. Kimberly Turman, orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine physician at Cass Health. In this Get to Know You episode, learn more about: • Her background as a collegiate gymnast and former All-American athlete • The experiences that inspired her career in orthopedics and sports medicine • Life outside of work, including family, fitness, and favorite vacation destinations • Wh...

Send us Fan Mail Meet Gynecologist Dr. Amy Bingaman, who provides care for patients at Cass Health. In this episode, enjoy an insightful conversation about: Dr. Bingaman’s personal story and what inspired her to become a physician Her passion for women’s health, adolescent care, and LGBTQ+ care  Menopause, perimenopause, and the growing need for specialized care  How robotic surgery is expanding c...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with nationally recognized orthopedic surgeon Dr. Todd Sekundiak to explore a modern approach to joint replacement: the Jiffy Knee. Dr. Sekundiak walks us through: What makes Jiffy Knee surgery different The difference between total and partial knee replacements  What patients can expect before, during, and after surgery  And a little about Dr. Sekundi...

Send us Fan Mail Board Certified Advanced Diabetic Management Physician Assistant Mary Robinson joins us for the final installment of our series together. Our topics include: Defining diabetes Common symptoms of diabetes Importance of blood sugar management Nutritional recommendations Mental health's role in managing diabetes Continuous glucose monitors This episode is a great introduction to...

Send us Fan Mail Board Certified Advanced Diabetic Management Physician Assistant Mary Robinson joins us to chat about all things prediabetes. Our topics included: Defining prediabetes  Who is at risk How it is diagnosed Consequences of untreated prediabetes MyChart test results Resources for managing prediabetes

Send us Fan Mail Board Certified Obesity Management Physician Assistant Mary Robinson joins us to chat about the growing world of Weight Loss Medications. Our topics included: Weight loss medications that are now available. How weight loss medications work What makes someone a good candidate for these weight loss medications Common side effects of weight loss medications and how to manage them Lon...

Send us Fan Mail Cass Health's Mary Robinson, PA-C joins us as we talk through defining obesity, our topics included: Causes of obesity Treatment options Significance of diet and exercise  Physiological factors & barriers Obesity & mental health Relapse avoidance strategies & more!

Send us Fan Mail Get to Know Cass Health's newest Family Medicine Physician, Dr. Hunter Pflughaupt. Dr. Pflughaupt chatted with us about: Why he chose family medicine Why Cass Health What he wants new patients to know Championship Basketball Experience Favorite books, movies, and more!

Send us Fan Mail Cass Health's ENT Dr. Rick Rinehart joins us to chat about sinus and nasal issues. Some of the highlights include: How many sinuses humans have Common causes of sinus issues When to see your primary care provider for sinus issues When to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rinehart ENT approved at-home treatments for sinus issues

Send us Fan Mail Emergency Department Physician Dr. Heather Hergott joins us for a conversation about strokes. Listen to learn more about: ▪️ Types of strokes ▪️ Symptoms ▪️ Treatment ▪️ How to reduce your risk of stroke ▪️ & learn a little bit about Dr. Hergott as well!

Send us Fan Mail Get to know Megan Frederiksen, ARNP! Megan Frederiksen is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). She provides family practice care for patients of all ages. Frederiksen earned a Bachelor of Science from Luther College in 2007 and then completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Nebraska Methodist in 2...

Send us Fan Mail Cass Health Family Medicine provider Dr. Jeals Brines joins us to talk about all of the amazing ways fiber can help improve your health. Listen in to learn more about: Fiber-rich foods Daily fiber goals Supplements Gut health Cleanses Cardiovascular health Weight loss and more!

Send us Fan Mail **  Please note that this podcast was originally released in December 2024, so the dates mentioned in the episode do not accurately reflect the current application process and timeline. ** Join us as we talk with Human Resources Coordinator Kat Niemann and Director of Education Brittni Schmidt, BSN RN CEN about the Cass Health Nurse Apprenticeship Program. This first-of-its-kind p...

Send us Fan Mail Get to know Maria Hoegh, ARNP! Maria Hoegh is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She received her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Creighton University in 2021, and recently moved from Utah where she was practicing in a Family Medicine clinic. Prior to the start of her career as a Nurse Practitioner, Maria’s nursing career began in 2013 after graduating with her BSN from...

Send us Fan Mail Two of Cass Health's Rapid Care Providers Emily James, ARNP and Linda Newsome, PA-C join us to chat about a variety of winter illnesses, treatments, and prevention. Some of the highlights include: The differences between Rapid Care and primary care providers What illnesses are circulating right now and what's ahead Prevention tactics to help keep you from getting sick Wh...

Send us Fan Mail Cass Health's Weight Loss Surgeon Dr. William Rizk joins us for a conversation about gastric sleeve surgery. Some of the highlights include: ▪️   Defining who is a candidate for weight loss surgery ▪️   The difference between weight loss surgery and a diet ▪️   How Cass Health's weight loss program is designed to help patients succeed ▪️   What patients can expect before...

Send us Fan Mail Get to know Dr. Jeals Brines! Dr. Brines is a board-certified Family Medicine physician who provides care to all ages at Cass Health. Originally from Leon, Iowa, Dr. Brines received her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Northwest Missouri State University in 2017, and her Doctorate of Medicine from the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine in May of 2021. She then went o...

Send us Fan Mail Get to know Dr. Jill Pollpeter! Dr. Pollpeter is a board-certified family medicine physician who joined Cass Health in the fall of 2024. Dr. Pollpeter received her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Creighton University in May 2017, and her Doctorate of Medicine from Creighton University in May of 2021. She then went on to complete her Family Medicine Residency at Unity Point H...

Send us Fan Mail OB/GYN Dr. Marcela Pineda joins us to talk about perimenopause and the impact this transition can have on so many aspects of a woman's life. Some of the highlights include: Defining perimenopause Wide range of symptoms Hormone Replacement Therapy Changing nutritional needs Perimenopause's effect on weight gain Impact on women's sexual health and more!

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Seema Harichand joins us for an insightful conversation about cancer care and prevention. From reducing your risk to receiving a diagnosis, we talk about it all. Some of the highlights include: Risk factors The link between aging and cancer The types of cancer Dr. Harichand sees most often Words of wisdom for oncology patients The rapid advancements in oncology care and more!

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Adam Verhoef joins us for an incredible conversation about maternal health. From preparing for pregnancy to postpartum care, we talk about it all. Some of the highlights include: Healthy habits to adopt before you're pregnant Tips for newly pregnant moms Keeping baby & you safe during pregnancy Nutrition and exercise Preparing for labor Importance of having a provider...

Send us Fan Mail Cass Health's cardiology provider Kristin Babb, PA-C  joins us to talk about Atrial Fibrillation (AFib). Our topics included: What is AFib? Who is at risk The connection between AFib and strokes Treatment options for patients The impact of caffeine and energy drinks Decreasing your risk of developing AFib & learn more about Kristin too! 

Send us Fan Mail Cass Health's new podiatry provider Dr. Michael Egertsen joins us to talk about diabetic foot care. A native of Laurens, Iowa, Dr. Egertsen shares with us his background, stories of his time at the VA in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C., and how Cass Health led him back to Iowa. Dr. Egertsen also talked with us about: Red flags for diabetic patients to watch out for T...