Wise & Well Presented by Community Memorial Healthcare

In this episode, host Scott Webb talks with Community Memorial's Dr. Deborah Carlson, MD; Dr. Christina Desai, MD; and Petie Hayes, BSN, RN IV, MEDSURG-BC, about Community Memorial Healthcare's Healthgrades recognition and what it means for staff, physicians, patients and families.

Community Memorial Healthcare is more than a network of hospitals and health centers. It is a nonprofit health system, and our nonprofit status truly shapes how we serve patients, families, and the broader Ventura community. In this episode of the Wise & Well podcast, we explore what nonprofit healthcare means in practical terms: how decisions are made, how resources are reinvested, and why lo...

In this episode, we explore the vital resources available for new and expecting parents at the Community Memorial New Parent Resource Center, featuring insights from manager Ciella Baum, MPH, IBCLC, RLC. Discover the significance of lactation support, community connections, and educational classes designed to help Ventura County families thrive during the early months of parenting and beyond!

In this episode of Wise and Well, we explore the connection between nutrition and hospital recovery. Community Memorial clinical dietitians Hannah Reed and Stevie Flynn join us to explain the complexities of inpatient care, including the life-saving technology of tube feeding and IV nutrition. Plus, discover how the healthcare team at Community Memorial works together to stabilize fragile patients...

In this episode of Wise & Well, Dr. Kay Anand discusses her role as the new Medical Director of the Community Memorial Cancer Center, marking a first-of-its-kind era for oncology in Ventura. After practicing at prestigious centers across the country, Dr. Anand explains why she chose to lead this community-focused expansion, emphasizing that high-level cancer care should be accessible close to...

Want to know what it's really like to be a Psychiatry resident at Community Memorial Healthcare? This episode of our Residency Spotlight series dives into Psychiatry with Dr. Navid, Associate Program Director, and Dr. Janet Lee-Coomes, chief resident. Learn more about the program, the curriculum, and what makes Community Memorial Healthcare a unique place to train. Visit mycmh.org/psychiatry   Lea...

In this episode, we explore a major medical milestone for our region with Dr. David Blitzer. Alongside Dr. Li Sheng Kong and the specialized team at Community Memorial Hospital - Ventura, they recently performed the first-ever Thoracoabdominal Branch Endoprosthesis (TAMBE) procedure in Ventura County. This marks a shift in vascular care, allowing surgeons to repair complex, life-threatening aortic...

When it comes to cardiothoracic surgery, the language can often feel like "doctor speak." In this episode of Wise and Well, heart and lung surgeon Dr. Ryan Vela joins host Maggie McKay to bridge the gap between complex medical procedures and patient understanding. Dr. Vela discusses his unique background in the humanities and how it shapes his "patient-first" communication style. We dive into the...

Dr. Yang’s journey with Community Memorial Healthcare is a remarkable full-circle story: it began in the Emergency Department as an ED scribe. Hear how his early days in the hospital shaped his perspective, the life-changing advice he received from urology mentors, and what it means to now serve the Ventura community where he grew up. Dr. Yang also shares how his Da Vinci robotic surgical expertis...

In this episode, we discuss the Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) at Community Memorial Healthcare. Join host Maggie McKay as she interviews Giselle Gillmon, LCSW, CPXP, and PFAC member Cassandra McCambridge, to explore how patient voices influence healthcare and improve experiences. If you are a patient, family member, healthcare professional, or simply passionate about enhancing patient...

Join Community Memorial's Medical Oncologist Dr. Carlos Orejel and Ambulatory Services Clinical Manager and Tracie Funk Director of Ambulatory Services and Cancer Center as they delve into the offerings of the Community Memorial Cancer Center, highlighting state-of-the-art technology and patient-focused amenities. If you've been diagnosed with cancer, you can get the expert care and support you ne...

Considering an Internal Medicine residency? Find out why Community Memorial Healthcare should be your top choice! Join Dr. Hannah Robinson and Dr. Rahul Jalota as they highlight the culture of collaboration, exceptional faculty, and diverse patient population that sets this program apart. Visit mycmh.org/internal-medicine

October is National Physical Therapy Month, and we're discussing the power of movement! We are joined by Community Memorial Healthcare's Brian Murphy, Associate Director of Rehabilitation Services, and Gabby Dobbs, physical therapist, to explore how physical therapy (PT) can help you live a healthier, more active life. We have locations in Ojai and Ventura. Visit www.mycmh.org/programs-services/re...

In this episode of Wise & Well, Breast Center Medical Director Dr. Dansby walks us through the entire process of getting a mammogram, from arrival to results. Get insight into how the Community Memorial Hospital Breast Center aims to provide a quick, comfortable, and supportive experience for every patient. To learn more & schedule your mammogram, visit mycmh.org/breasthealth .

Join us for a timely and information conversation with Dr. Alison Shuman, pediatrician and Chief of Staff at Community Memorial Healthcare, about the upcoming flu season in Ventura County. For more information, visit mycmh.org/vaccines .

On today’s episode, we’re discussing our recent recognition in geriatric care. More than 150,000 people over the age of 65 live right here in Ventura County, and that number is growing. To meet this critical need for older adult-focused care, Community Memorial Hospital-Ventura has been awarded the Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation. This is a national accreditation for organizations tha...

As the county's premier birthing center, Community Memorial Hospital - Ventura provides award winning care and extensive support to newborns and families in our community. In this episode, we sit down with Anna Haas, MSN, Community Memorial's Clinical Nurse Specialist in our Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Anna provides insight into the technology, physician expertise, and specialized...

Community Memorial Continuing Care Center in Ojai has once again earned the prestigious Five-Star Rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).  We are joined by Rob Zitsman, Administrator of Community Memorial Continuing Care Center, to discuss this achievement and its criteria, including health inspections, staffing, and quality measures. Rob also discusses the CCC’s commit...

This May, Community Memorial will launch MyChart, your new patient portal. MyChart is a simple, seamless, and secure way to view everything related to your health. Join Community Memorial's Dr. Robert Streeter, Chief Medical Officer, and Dr. Raagav Mohanakrishnan, Associate Chief Medical Information Officer, as they discuss how MyChart simplifies care for you and your whole family. To learn more,...

Join us as Dr. Matthew Hakimi, Community Memorial cardiologist, reveals the latest advancements in AFib treatment. From groundbreaking leadless pacemakers to complex cardiac ablations, we explore the leading-edge of electrophysiology at Community Memorial. Discover how wearable technology is transforming patient care and learn lifestyle choices to manage AFib. Find out why Community Memorial Healt...

In this episode of Wise & Well, Dr. Christopher Fernandez discusses addiction, its impact on individuals and families, and the link to mental health. He highlights new substance concerns like Kratom and the unique care offered at Community Memorial Healthcare, along with local resources for those seeking help.

Want to know what it's really like to be a General Surgery resident at Community Memorial Healthcare? This episode of our Residency Spotlight series dives into General Surgery with Program Director Dr. Javier Romero and resident physicians, Dr. T'Keyah Gray and Dr. Diego Monasterio. Learn more about the program, the curriculum, and what makes Community Memorial Healthcare a unique place to train....

Are you or a loved one recovering from heart surgery? In this insightful conversation with Kelli O'Harrow, Cardiac Rehab Nurse, we uncover the numerous benefits of cardiac rehabilitation, specifically designed to help you recover stronger and live better after a cardiac incident. To learn more, visit https://www.mycmh.org/programs-services/heart-vascular/cardiac-rehabilitation .

At Community Memorial, we want you to have the best experience possible while you’re in our care. That’s why we partnered with Teladoc® to bring our talented, compassionate staff and the latest in virtual nursing technology together. Our Virtual Nursing program gives you immediate access to your nurse at the click of a button, while allowing our in-person team members to spend more time at your be...

In this special episode of Wise & Well, we sit down with Community Memorial Healthcare President & CEO, Mick Zdeblick for a year in review.