In this episode of PX Space host Linda Robinson Speaks with Dr. Attef Mikhail, a Board Certified Vascular and Interventional Radiologist at Vascular and Interventional Associates in Crestview Hills, Kentucky.. His commitment to patient care has earned him multiple "Top Doctor" awards from Cincinnati Magazine. Known for his ability to make complex medical information accessible to patients, Dr. Mikhail specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of vascular diseases and conditions

Linda and Dr. Mikhail discussed the significant advancements and impacts of interventional radiology (IR), particularly in oncology. Dr. Mikhail highlighted the rise of minimally invasive procedures that require less recovery time and are suitable for patients who are not candidates for traditional surgery, including the elderly or those who are poor surgical candidates. These procedures not only offer therapeutic and diagnostic benefits but also provide palliative care to relieve pain. Furthermore, there is a focus on educating both the healthcare community and the public about the capabilities and benefits of IR, as it is still a relatively unknown field. They also emphasized the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in oncology to enhance patient outcomes through combined expertise and integrated treatment approaches.

Dr. Mikhail explains three categories of treatments in interventional oncology, focusing particularly on arterial therapies and ablation for liver cancer, including primary and metastatic tumors. These treatments involve inserting a catheter to deliver radioactive beads or chemicals directly to the tumor or blocking the tumor's blood supply. He also discusses newer methods like oblation, where tumors are targeted with energy to destroy them. Additionally, these physical methods can enhance immunotherapy by exposing previously "cold" tumors to the immune system, making them "hot" and more susceptible to attack. Dr. Mikhail also touches on the integration of these treatments with other oncology approaches and the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in developing effective cancer treatments.

Dr. Mikhail elaborates on the use of advanced medical imaging technology in interventional radiology, noting that today's medical monitors offer higher resolution than standard televisions and provide real-time visualization, which is crucial for guiding procedures precisely.

Dr. Mikhail discusses advanced interventional radiology procedures used for palliative care, particularly focusing on methods that alleviate severe pain in cancer patients. He describes how technologies like probes and needles can be used to target and freeze tumors and surrounding nerve fibers, which significantly reduces pain levels in patients. Furthermore, he explains the use of medical cement and percutaneous screws to stabilize bones affected by cancer, improving patients' mobility and quality of life. Dr. Mikhail also highlights the integration of these procedures with other oncological treatments to enhance their effectiveness and how these advancements have transformed patient care.

Explore the transformative journey of Dr. Misty Wilkie, PhD, RN, FAAN, in this episode of PX Space with host Linda Robinson. As a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing, Dr. Wilkie's pioneering research centers on supporting minority nursing students, particularly those from American Indian/Alaska Native/Indigenous backgrounds. Gain insights into her impactful role as the Founder/Director of Niganawenimaanaanig, securing $4.2 million to empower American Indian/Alaska Native/Indigenous nursing students.

Delve into the complexities faced by American Indian communities, addressing historical injustices like the Indian Relocation Act and the enduring impact of the boarding school era. Dr. Wilkie challenges the notion of easily overcoming profound historical traumas, emphasizing the lasting effects on present-day issues. Host Linda Robinson navigates the discussion through Dr. Wilkie's dedication to Niganawenimaanaanig, providing holistic support for students, and the program's expansion at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing.

Discover the success stories of Niganawenimaanaanig, graduating 19 American Indian/Alaska Native nurses with BSNs and expanding to support DNP and Ph.D. candidates. Dr. Wilkie's programs aim to address the historical underrepresentation of Indigenous healthcare providers and empower nurses to return to their tribal homelands. The episode unfolds the challenges, triumphs, and ongoing efforts to support minority nursing students, intertwining historical context, personal experiences, and the transformative power of dedicated programs.

Dr. Wilkie also shares her involvement in creating the first American Indian digital clinical experience with Shadow Health, emphasizing cultural nuances in healthcare. The simulation incorporates practices like burying the placenta at homelands, unique communication styles, and the significance of eye contact. The dialogue underscores the importance of cultural competency in nursing education and the transformative power of mentorship.

The podcast concludes with Dr. Wilkie emphasizing the impact of visible role models and encouraging aspiring nurses to overcome barriers with perseverance and a strong support system. Tune in to this illuminating episode, where culture, healthcare, and education intersect, fostering a dialogue that transcends boundaries.

In this PX Space episode, Chief Veterans Experience Officer John W. Boerstler discusses his journey from the U.S. Marine Corps to leading the Veterans Experience Office at the Department of Veterans Affairs. He emphasizes human-centered design, addresses trust discrepancies among veterans, and highlights efforts to improve experiences for diverse veteran groups.

He delves into challenges identified through feedback from younger veterans, emphasizing non-clinical concerns like parking and facility navigation. Boerstler introduces initiatives, including the Red Coat Ambassador program and "Own the Moment" training, aiming to enhance patient experiences. The episode concludes with insights into addressing social determinants of health, improving patient care processes, and breaking down departmental silos, resulting in increased satisfaction and trust among VA patients. Satisfaction reached 79.3%, and trust in outpatient experiences reached 90%.

You won't want to miss the insights shared by our distinguished guest this week on the podcast!

In this week's heartwarming holiday episode of PX Space, host Linda Robinson speaks with Mayo Clinic Rochester's Animal-Assisted Services Coordinator, Whitney Romine, MPH, C-AAIS. With a remarkable 13-year tenure as a hospital-based therapy animal program advisor and volunteer coordinator, Whitney brings a wealth of experience and passion to the discussion.

Whitney's journey unfolds with vivid tales of her discovery of the Volunteer Services profession and hands-on involvement in an Animal Assisted Support program, where volunteers, accompanied by their dogs, provided heartwarming visits to patients. As she reflects on her early experiences, Whitney fondly recalls coordinating her first Pet Partners evaluation event and attending a life-changing conference where a leader in animal-assisted therapy shared an inspiring story of how he and his parrot connected with patients. Her firsthand account of these events emphasizes the dedication required to cultivate positive human-animal relationships and ensure the success of therapy dog teams.

Whitney shares her commitment to advancing animal-assisted programs beyond traditional models, envisioning collaborations with clinicians and integration into treatment activities. Her enthusiasm for innovation is paired with a strong emphasis on ensuring the welfare and enjoyment of the animals involved.

Tune in for heart-warming stories of transformation, compassion, and the extraordinary impact that animal-assisted support programs can have on individuals seeking comfort and support in healthcare settings.

In this compelling episode of PX Space host Linda Robinson speaks with Dr. Soojin Jun, a Population Health Pharmacist at Oak Street Health and co-founder of Patients for Patient Safety US. Dr. Jun, a distinguished board-certified geriatric pharmacist, brings additional certifications in patient safety and healthcare quality, anchored by her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Illinois Chicago.

Driven by a deeply personal experience of harm within her family, Dr. Jun transitioned from her previous role as a videographer to a career in healthcare, emerging as a fervent advocate for patient safety. The tragic event involving her father, a South Korean immigrant navigating language and cultural barriers in healthcare, impelled Dr. Jun to confront gaps in care and medication-related adverse events. These challenges tragically culminated in her father's untimely death, prompting Dr. Jun to channel her grief into a resolute commitment to enhancing healthcare for others.

The conversation illuminates the profound impact of personal caregiving experiences on Dr. Jun's professional journey, underscoring her unwavering dedication to advocating for patient safety. It sheds light on the complexities faced by families navigating healthcare, particularly in the presence of language and cultural barriers. Dr. Jun's trajectory embodies a steadfast commitment to catalyze positive change in healthcare, with a vision of improving the system one patient at a time.

Continuing the discussion, the two explore the intricacies of healthcare, specifically in the realm of medicines and patient safety. Despite existing safeguards, both hosts acknowledge that there is room for improvement. Dr. Jun shares her transformative journey, realizing that her initial efforts as a pharmacist were merely a starting point for the systemic changes she aspired to instigate. Through shared caregiving stories, she recognized that medical harm transcends cultural and language barriers, leading to the formation of Patients for Patient Safety US—a collective of individuals who have experienced or witnessed medical harm.

This dynamic organization aims to advocate for patients and caregivers at the policy level, uniting various patient safety organizations to amplify their collective voice. Dr. Jun emphasizes the crucial need for policy change, particularly in addressing workplace violence.

The conversation delves into the multifaceted challenges within healthcare, ranging from language barriers to navigation issues and the lack of clarity in discharge care. Also mentioned, is the importance of technological solutions, such as language translations in patient rooms, aligning with broader efforts in quality improvement. The discussion also highlights the alignment of Patients for Patient Safety US with the World Health Organization's Global Patient Safety Action Plan, spanning from 2021 to 2030. Dr. Jun's narrative and advocacy work stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment to effecting positive change in healthcare policies and practices.

In this episode of PX Space, Linda Robinson MSN, RN, CPXP interviews Kay Kennedy DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CPHQ, a highly experienced nurse executive and educator with a DNP in Executive Leadership. Certified as an Advanced Nurse Executive and a Healthcare Quality Professional, Kay's rich leadership background includes roles such as Chief Nursing Officer and VP of Patient Care Services.

Kay's commitment to excellence in nursing leadership is evident in her Human-Centered Leadership articles. Currently teaching at Emory University, her insights, rooted in human interactions and self-care, enrich the exploration of healthcare leadership in this podcast.

The episode delves into nursing leadership's unique aspects, highlighting nurses as leaders at every level. Kay shares research findings on human-centered leadership's importance and addresses the literature gap. The discussion emphasizes the critical role of self-care for leaders, introducing the motto "It starts with you, but it's not about you."

Exploring leadership behaviors like the "awakener" and "connector," Kay reveals nurses' desire for supportive leaders fostering professional growth and team unity. The conversation touches on self-awareness, transitioning from individual excellence to team success. The analogy of putting on one's mask first underscores the importance of leader well-being for effective team care.

The episode also contains a reflection on the potential impact of this leadership theory amid nursing shortages. It highlights the transformative potential for leaders at all levels to adopt this approach, fostering a culture of excellence, trust, and caring in healthcare organizations. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode of PX Space!

In the spirit of Thanksgiving and Giving Tuesday, we share a compelling story of resilience and generosity. Renowned American women's college basketball head coach Pat Summitt, celebrated for her Olympic achievements and Hall of Fame induction with 1,098 career wins, faced her most formidable challenge when diagnosed with Alzheimer's at 58. Together with her son Tyler Summitt, they founded the Pat Summitt Foundation in 2011. Dedicated to eradicating Alzheimer's, the foundation supports research, educates on the disease, and provides crucial care and support. Host Linda Robinson delves into this impactful journey and legacy in a poignant episode featuring Tyler Summitt.

In this episode, Linda speaks with guest Dr. Chanti Flanagan, a distinguished family medicine physician and hospitalist at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. Dr. Flanagan unravels the intricate evolution of the hospitalist role, a profession that emerged from physicians' complex demands juggling hospital and office duties.

Diving into the essence of hospitalist responsibilities, Dr. Flanagan provides valuable insights into their specialized role, exclusively dedicated to managing patients within the inpatient setting. From admission to discharge, hospitalists like her focus intently on acute problems, emphasizing a holistic and patient-centric approach.

The episode unveils the collaborative nature of hospitalist work, spotlighting their pivotal role within multidisciplinary teams. Dr. Flanagan emphasizes the close collaboration with nursing staff, social workers, and various specialists, creating a seamless network that ensures comprehensive patient care.

She also highlights her and the hospital's proactive involvement in meeting community needs through initiatives such as GO Pantry. GO Pantry is a non-profit organization committed to combating childhood hunger in Northern Kentucky by supplying food to children when schools are not in session. The organization underscores the significance of averting child hunger and urges community support to create a positive influence on the lives of these vulnerable children.

Beyond exploring hospitalist intricacies, the interview addresses pressing issues such as workforce shortages and technology integration in healthcare. Dr. Flanagan and Linda delve into the challenges faced by healthcare professionals and the innovative solutions aimed at preparing patients for a successful discharge.

The conversation not only highlights the distinctive role of hospitalists in the broader healthcare system but also delves into the evolving landscape of healthcare, where technology and teamwork intersect to shape a more efficient and patient-focused future.