UB Medicine

The transition from high school to college is one of the most exciting—and challenging—periods in a young person’s life. For students pursuing careers in medicine, health care, and science, the first year often brings new academic expectations, greater independence, and important questions about identity, belonging, and purpose. In this episode of the UB Medicine Podcast , host Dr. Allison Brashea...

This episode of the UB Medicine Podcast explores perimenopause and menopause — an inevitable stage of life that affects half the population, yet remains widely misunderstood. Host Dr. Allison Brashear , dean of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences , is joined by Dr. Sarah Berga , professor and chair of obstetrics and gynecology, to bring clarity, context and science to a topic oft...

In this episode of the UB Medicine Podcast, Dr. Allison Brashear , dean of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and vice president for health sciences at the University at Buffalo , explores how the future of pediatric care is being shaped through innovation, collaboration, and a deep commitment to improving outcomes for children and families. Joined by Dr. Benny Joyner , chair of...

In this episode of the UB Medicine Podcast, Dr. Allison Brashear explores how pediatric cancer care is being transformed through scientific discovery, collaborative care, and a deep commitment to supporting children and their families at every stage of the journey. Joined by Dr. Kara Kelly , a nationally recognized leader in pediatric hematology/oncology and Chair of Pediatric Oncology at Roswell...

Scientific discovery doesn’t begin in the lab; it begins with people. Who sees themselves as a scientist, who feels prepared to pursue and sustain a career in STEM, and how communities engage with and trust science all shape the future of health care. In this episode, host Allison Brashear, MD, MBA, vice president for health sciences and dean of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Science...

Out‑of‑hospital cardiac arrest remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States. More than 350,000 Americans experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital each year, yet survival remains near 10 percent, despite strong evidence that immediate CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival. Western New York reflects these national trends, with significant disparities in C...

The addiction crisis continues to evolve rapidly The drug supply is growing increasingly unpredictable, with potent synthetic opioids and adulterants like xylazine and medetomidine contributing to overdose risk across populations.   Western New York remains profoundly affected. Erie County reported nearly 400 overdose deaths in 2023, making it the deadliest year on record, with nearly one person d...

Population health looks beyond the treatment of individual patients to understand the community, regional and system-level forces shaping health outcomes. That includes inequities driven by race, socioeconomic status, geography, and structural barriers that influence how people live, work, and access care. Chronic disease burdens remain high and social determinants continue to impact wellbeing acr...

As people live longer, aging science has become one of the most important areas of medical research. Alzheimer’s disease—affecting more than 6 million Americans—remains one of the most pressing challenges facing older adults and their families, and a key driver of innovation in prevention, diagnosis, and care. UB has a long, meaningful history in Alzheimer’s research and patient care, from nationa...

Rare diseases — more than 7,000 conditions affecting 30 million people in the U.S. — are often misdiagnosed or misunderstood because of low prevalence and complex presentations.  In this episode of the UB Medicine podcast, we highlight how the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is nurturing a culture that centers on awareness, advocacy, research and community partnership around rare...

In Buffalo, we of course love our Buffalo Bills and we're big fans of winter sports, such as hockey and skiing, too. But behind these high-contact activities, there's an important story about player safety and the science of brain health. The NFL reported more than 90 concussions during the 2025 season. Countless more were sustained by athletes at all levels around the world, and that&ap...

This episode explores the evolving landscape of medical education and the Jacobs School’s commitment to preparing future physicians through innovation, mentorship, and holistic support. Allison Brashear, MD, MBA hosts a dynamic conversation with Dr. Alan Lesse , associate dean for medical curriculum, and Dr. Jennifer Meka , associate dean for medical education and director of the Medical Education...

Artificial intelligence is changing the game in medical research, from modeling molecules to predicting disease risk. This episode of the UB Medicine podcast explores how AI is shaping the future of health care right here in Western New York. Allison Brashear, MD, MBA, hosts a discussion with Thomas Grant, PhD, assistant professor of structural biology, and Vincent Tutino, PhD , assistant professo...

This episode offers a compassionate look at how individuals and communities navigate emotional wellness during the holiday season. Allison Brashear , MD, MBA , hosts a heartfelt conversation with Beth A. Smith, MD , chair of psychiatry at the Jacobs School, and Susan M. Orrange, MEd, PhD, assistant dean for education and resident services in the Office of Graduate Medical Education. Together, they...

This episode explores cutting-edge advancements in neurology with the help of two clinical and research leaders at the Jacobs School.  Host Allison Brashear, MD, MBA hosts a conversation with Daniel Woo, MD , Professor and Irvin and Rosemary Smith Endowed Chair of Neurology, and Melissa L. Rayhill , clinical associate professor, vice chair for education and adult neurology residency program direct...

This episode examines the biomedical research enterprise at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and how our faculty, learners and partners are transforming ideas into impact. Host Allison Brashear, MD, MBA sits down with Marc Halterman, MD, PhD , professor of neurology and senior associate dean and executive director of the Office of Research at the Jacobs School, to discuss how...

Buffalo is a football town. So, think of your primary care physician as the quarterback coordinating your care. The problem is, there aren't enough QBs to go around. Listen to find out what the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is doing to replenish the roster and help keep Western New York residents in the game. Host Allison Brashear, MD, MBA , welcomes Nancy H. Nielsen, MD,...

These aren't your average doctors. Host Allison Brashear, MD, MBA , and her guests fire up the mic with unexpected insights as they introduce the podcast, explore where the Jacobs School is headed, and delve into how the school helps address health disparities in the Buffalo and greater Western New York area. Guests are Timothy F. Murphy, MD , a SUNY Distinguished Professor in the Jacobs Scho...