Voices of Vital Care

What makes someone an athlete? A physical therapist assistant instructor and the founder of a competitive wheelchair soccer program say it's not what you'd expect. In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, host Nohelani Graf sits down with Jim Irvin, Lead Instructor in the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Pima Medical Institute, and Tony Jackson, founder of Ability360's Power Soccer program,...

Smoke-filled skies. Wildfire smoke. Dust storms. Ozone alerts. High pollen. If you've looked outside lately and wondered whether it's safe to be outside, you're not alone. In this episode of Voices of Vital Care , host Nohelani Graf sits down with Dr. Cindy Bauer, Division Chief and Medical Director of Allergy & Immunology at Phoenix Children's , to explain what poor air quality is actually do...

June is Pride Month, but this conversation is about something much bigger than a single month. It's about belonging, mentorship, and why healthcare is stronger when everyone feels seen. On this episode of Voices of Vital Care, Nohelani Graf sits down with Dominic Flores, healthcare educator, researcher, LGBTQIA+ advocate, and Career Prep Instructor at Pima Medical Institute. Dominic shares his jou...

When you think about surgery, you probably picture the surgeon. But what about the professionals who make sure every instrument is sterile, every safeguard is in place, and every patient is protected before the operation even begins? In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, host Nohelani Graf sits down with Kendria Stevens-Hulsinger, FAST, CST, Senior Program Director of Surgical Technology at Pim...

What does a pharmacy technician really do? Most people think of counting pills and filling prescriptions, but the reality is far more critical. In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, certified pharmacy technician and instructor Ben Montoya shares how pharmacy technicians help prevent medication errors, protect patient safety, prepare life-saving IV medications, and support healthcare teams every...

Ahead of Men’s Health Month, Voices of Vital Care sits down with Aiden Bender and Maurice Gabriel to talk about why more men are needed in healthcare, the realities of stepping into female dominated medical fields, and how empathy, confidence, and human connection can change lives. From medical assisting and dental assisting to conversations around men avoiding checkups, colon cancer awareness, pa...

What does it really take to work in veterinary care beyond the exam room? In this powerful episode of Voices of Vital Care, Veterinary Assistant graduate Berenice Lucero shares the emotional reality of animal rescue, shelter medicine, community outreach, and affordable veterinary care in Phoenix, Arizona. From helping families avoid surrendering their pets to working with the Arizona Animal Welfar...

Do you really need a four year degree to start a meaningful healthcare career? In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, admissions leaders from Pima Medical Institute break down the growing shift toward career focused healthcare education and why more students are exploring alternatives to the traditional college path. From medical assistant and dental programs to hands on healthcare training, Ama...

What happens when a patient stops breathing… and everyone in the room looks to the nurse? In this powerful Nurses Week special of Voices of Vital Care, Nursing Program Director Jennifer Morelli takes us inside the real pressure, responsibility, and emotional weight nurses carry every day. From simulation labs and clinical rotations to life-or-death moments at bedside, this episode reveals what nur...

If your dog or cat collapsed right in front of you, would you know what to do in the first 60 seconds? Most pet owners wouldn’t—and those first moments can mean everything. In this powerful episode of Voices of Vital Care, we sit down with a former first responder turned pet CPR instructor Kate Klasen of Bishop’s Mission, to break down the life-saving skills every pet parent needs but almost no on...

What if dental hygiene isn’t just about cleanings, but about preventing disease, building patient trust, and changing lives? In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, we sit down with Dr. Kimberly Peacher, Dean of Academic Innovation for Dental Hygiene at Pima Medical Institute in Houston, to uncover the truth about one of healthcare’s most misunderstood careers. From her unexpected journey into th...

Most people think healthcare is all doctors and nurses. But behind every patient visit is an entire system of professionals making care possible. In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, we explore non-clinical healthcare careers like medical administrative assistants, healthcare administration, and leadership roles that keep the entire system running. Blake Bowen, a four-time graduate and healthc...

When a patient cannot breathe, respiratory therapists are the specialists making life saving decisions in real time. In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, April Ramirez, Respiratory Therapist and Director of Clinical Education at Pima Medical Institute, breaks down what respiratory therapy really is, where these professionals work, and why their role is critical across healthcare settings. From...

What does an occupational therapist do and why are more people discovering this career later in life? In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, we explore occupational therapy (OT), a healthcare career focused on helping people regain independence, rebuild daily life skills, and return to what matters most. Chris Sorrells, Senior Director of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program in Denver at P...

Between classes, work, family, and everything in between, many students are not just busy. They are overwhelmed. In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, we take a real look at student mental health, burnout, and stress management, especially for those pursuing careers in healthcare and allied health fields. Host Nohelani Graf is joined by: Michelle Carlin, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Prac...

What is it really like to work in pediatric nursing and how do you get started in a healthcare career? In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, registered nurse and instructor Teri Gearon, RN, shares her journey into nursing, her experience in pediatric patient care, and how pathways like becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant can open the door to a meaningful career in healthcare. Pediatric nursi...

What if one scan could change someone’s life? In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, host Nohelani Graf sits down with Najla Khalifa, Program Director of Diagnostic Medical Sonography at Pima Medical Institute, to explore the world of ultrasound and the professionals behind it. Diagnostic medical sonographers use sound waves to create real time images inside the body, helping physicians detect i...

What does a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) do, and how does physical therapy help patients regain movement after injury or illness? In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, host Nohelani Graf speaks with Dana Dichiara, Program Director of the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Pima Medical Institute, about the growing demand for PTAs and physical therapy professionals in healthcare. Dana...

What does a radiologic technologist do, and how does radiography shape patient care? In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, host Nohelani Graf sits down with Jennifer Carlson, Radiography Educator at Pima Medical Institute’s Houston campus, to explore the science, technology, and human connection behind medical imaging careers. Radiography professionals play a critical role in healthcare, captur...

What does it take to start a career in healthcare without becoming a doctor or nurse? In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, we explore three essential allied health career pathways at Pima Medical Institute’s Phoenix campus: Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, and Veterinary Assistant. Hear directly from students preparing to enter these growing healthcare fields: • Preliyah Alamin – Dental As...

Voices of Vital Care is a podcast dedicated to allied health; the essential professionals delivering quality care and helping sustain the future of healthcare. Through real conversations with students, educators, and industry leaders, the show goes beyond job titles to explore the skills, pathways, and workforce powering modern care. Whether you're considering a career in healthcare or thinking ab...