Charged: Stories from the Women Leading Health Care

Racism Against the Asian American and Pacific Islander Community Jul 21, 2021

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) have faced more than 6,000 hate incidents since the start of the pandemic, which is about a 149% rise since the last year. The racially motivated incidents range from verbal harassment virus to physical attacks.

In this special episode of Charged, a panel of guests discuss the history of racism against the AAPI community, how the pandemic has fueled it and why this group has been widely excluded from conversation and policy intended to foster racial equality.

Intimate Partner Violence & Brain Injury with Dr. Eve Valera Jun 10, 2021

The WHO reports that almost 1/3 of women have experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner. Eve Valera, PhD, neuroscientist, has spent more than 20 years researching the prevalence of TBI resulting from intimate partner violence and the impact these injuries can have.

In this episode of Charged, Dr. Valera explains the impairments that women endure due to TBIs resulting from intimate partner violence and the barriers she's faced.

Why Female Leadership Matters in Health Care with Dr. Rachel Sisodia May 27, 2021

Rachel Sisodia, MD, gynecologic oncologist and surgeon, believes that it is critical to strike a balance between doing what is needed to treat someone's cancer and honoring what is most important to them. She partners with each patient to fight cancer together as a team.

In this episode of Charged, Dr. Sisodia talks about her experience caring for women with cancer, her efforts to promote women into leadership positions, and her work leading the Mass General Brigham patient reported outcomes program.

Mother's Day 2021 Special Episode May 12, 2021

Happy Mother’s Day from the Charged team at Massachusetts General Hospital! In honor of this special day, we are celebrating the many amazing mothers at Mass General.

In this episode, we asked a few of our most recent guests to share their stories about parenting, the importance of having a community of support and how healthy habits can help to ensure that working parents (moms and dads!) do not miss the small moments of joy.

We hope you enjoy this special episode with the mothers of Charged!

A Systems Approach to Vaccine Design with Dr. Galit Alter Apr 28, 2021

When Galit Alter, PhD, immunologist and virologist, began her career during the peak of the HIV/AIDS crisis, there were few researchers who were studying the immune system in the context of infectious diseases. She quickly became curious about how the human immune system fights different viruses and how uncovering this knowledge could significantly impact the way vaccines are developed.

In this episode of Charged, Dr. Alter, a self-described "virus hunter," talks about the mechanisms by which the immune system fights disease, how she and her team created a novel serology tool that profiles the body's antibody response to both viruses and vaccines, and how this tool was employed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Restoring Life Through Transplant Surgery with Dr. Leigh Anne Dageforde Apr 15, 2021

Dr. Leigh Anne Dageforde first realized her passion for transplantation surgery during a moment in her residency when she witnessed the immediate result a kidney transplant surgery provided to a patient. Over the course of her career, her dedication to the field has only grown. The field of transplant surgery is special to her because doctors can give their patients something new, and in turn, give them back their life.

In this episode of Charged, Dr. Dageforde shares her experience working in a what is still considered a young field and learning from role models who have forged the path ahead for transplant surgeons like herself. She discusses the unique nature of the field, the personal connections she has with patient and donor communities and the collaborative nature of transplantation.

Migraines, Stroke and Gender with Dr. Andrea Harriott Mar 31, 2021

Migraine is a leading cause of disability worldwide and women make up 85% of migraine sufferers. Despite its prevalence and known associations with an increased risk of other health complications, there are many questions still unknown.

In this episode of Charged, Dr. Andrea Harriott, discusses the associations between migraine and other health complications, the significant gender disparity amongst migraine sufferers, and her work in the lab and at the bedside of patients with migraine disorders.

Social Media & Health Care Mar 17, 2021

As our world becomes increasingly virtual, the field of medicine has also followed suit. Today, more than 40% of health care consumers use social media as a source for important health care information—and this number is only expected to grow.

In this special episode of Charged, some of our past guests share their perspectives on social media’s place in medicine, its impact on patient care and how they use it personally and professionally.

Infertility & Environmental Impact on Reproductive Health with Dr. Irene Souter Mar 03, 2021

Infertility is more common than many people might think. And yet, many people are hesitant to discuss their struggles. This is exactly why Irene Souter, MD, has dedicated her career to helping couples facing infertility find the best way to grow their family.

In this episode of Charged, Dr. Souter discusses the various options for how to have a healthy baby as well as her participation in a 20-year study that investigates the impact of environmental, nutritional and lifestyle factors on fertility.

The Food-Mind Connection with Dr. Uma Naidoo Feb 17, 2021

Dr. Uma Naidoo, developed a passion for food and cooking at a young age—a deep interest that persisted throughout her career as a practicing psychiatrist. Eventually, it led her to wonder if food and diet can somehow be used in mental health medicine. Dr. Uma is a leading expert and pioneer in the field of nutritional psychiatry, a new area of research and clinical practice that looks at how food influences brain function.

In this episode of Charged, Dr. Uma talks to us about how she built her career in this niche, how she helps patients foster healthy diets to improve their mental health and her experience implementing this knowledge in her own life.

The Patient as Your North Star with Dr. Inga Lennes Feb 03, 2021

When Dr. Inga Lennes was in medical school, she aspired to be a physician that strives to listen to patients’ voices. A practicing thoracic medical oncologist, Dr. Lennes has become a leader in the management of lung and esophageal cancer, enhancing quality and safety measures, and improving the patient experience.

In this episode of Charged, Dr. Lennes explains her approach to caring for patients with a serious prognosis and her passions for practicing medicine and evoking change as an administrator.

Bringing Cognitive Behavioral Skills to the Community with Dr. Luana Marques Jan 20, 2021

According to the NIMH, nearly one in five adults in the US lives with mental illness. As a clinical psychologist, Dr. Luana Marques, believes that everyone should be equipped with the skills to help them manage and overcome mental health challenges.

In this episode of Charged, Dr. Marques shares the anxiety-management skills she learned while growing up in Brazil, what drove her to pursue a career in psychology and how cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to treat many mental health disorders.

Our New Year's Resolutions Jan 06, 2021

Happy New Year from the Charged team at Massachusetts General Hospital! In honor of the new year, we are listening back to last year's bonus episode when we asked some of our past guests about their New Year's resolutions. We hope this inspires you as you think about your own plans for the new year.

Discipline and Diversity in Medicine with Dr. T. Salewa Oseni Dec 23, 2020

Dr. T. Salewa Oseni, breast surgical oncologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, knows that when a team caring for patients of all backgrounds does not also reflect the same inclusivity amongst its members, the quality of care suffers. As the co-director of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee in the Mass General Department of Surgery, much of Dr. Oseni’s work is dedicated to changing the face of medicine, to become more reflective of the diverse patient population it serves.

On this episode of Charged, Dr. Oseni talks to us about her 13-year background as a surgeon in the Navy, her work to change the face of medicine and how to eliminate health care disparities.

Advancing Sports Medicine for Female Athletes with Dr. Miho Tanaka Dec 16, 2020

Miho Tanaka, MD, a sports medicine surgeon, was 11 years old when she knew that she wanted to become a doctor who treats athletes. As a former athlete herself, Dr. Tanaka routinely felt there was one thing lacking in her health care experience: a shared passion and motivation for a speedy return to the sports she loved.

In this episode of Charged, Dr. Tanaka talks about why she chose sports medicine, pursuing a career in a male-dominated field and the importance of research and education for athletes.

HIV—Treating a Changing Epidemic with Dr. Rochelle Walensky Dec 08, 2020

As chief of the Mass General Infectious Diseases Division and one of five members on the Boston COVID-19 Advisory Board, Rochelle Walensky, MD, MPH, has witnessed the transformation of the landscape for viral diseases. Recently, Dr. Walensky was nominated by President-elect, Joe Biden, to serve as the next director of the CDC.

In this episode of Charged, Dr. Walensky discusses how she has worked to help expand access to care for HIV patients and her willingness to understand patients’ struggles.

Designing Better Systems of Care with Dr. Emily Aaronson Nov 25, 2020

As an emergency medicine physician and associate chief quality, officer at Mass General, Emily Aaronson, MD, works to ensure that patient safety and clinical quality are implemented across all operations.

In this episode of Charged, Dr. Aaronson discusses how she helped lead Mass General’s efforts to improve patient safety, her role integrating palliative care in the emergency department during COVID-19 and how communication makes all the difference in caring for patients with serious illnesses.

Learning & Leading During COVID-19 with Dr. Erica Shenoy Nov 11, 2020

As associate chief of the Infection Control Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital, Erica Shenoy, MD, PhD, focuses on infection prevention and control, with a special interest in preparedness and response to emerging infectious diseases.

In this episode of Charged, Dr. Shenoy talks about what drove her to pursue a career in infection control, her unique experience of being a key leader and advisor in the hospital’s planning and response to the COVID-19 pandemic, what she and her team have learned since the first surge and how they are preparing for the future.

Improving Care for Older Adults Through Geriatric Research with Dr. Christine Ritchie Oct 28, 2020

Christine Ritchie, MD, MSPH, a geriatrician and palliative care specialist, has worked throughout her career to strengthen the quality of care for patients with serious illnesses and expand the breadth of research on aging and chronic illness in an effort to close the current gaps in care of older adults.

In this episode of Charged, Dr. Ritchie discusses how her upbringing in South Korea ignited her passion for geriatric medicine and research, her experience as a personal caregiver and the impact of COVID-19 on the older population.

A Career Dedicated to Serving the Underserved and Driving Access to Health Care Oct 14, 2020

Joan Quinlan, MPA, has dedicated her entire career to advocating for the underserved. As the current vice president for community health at Massachusetts General Hospital and founding director of the Center for Community Health Improvement, Joan has strived to improve the health status of underserved communities and their access to health care.

In this episode of Charged, Joan shares the unexpected way in which she developed her career in community health, the initiatives that she helped Mass General develop and the thread of social justice that has run throughout her career.

Mentorship, Imposter Syndrome and Inequities in Medicine Sep 30, 2020

Dr. Nasrien Ibrahim has experienced the important role that mentorship plays in a person’s life and career. Her approach to mentorship is built on transparency and a belief in sharing her own challenges in order to help other young woman and men of color who are considering careers in medicine. In this episode of Charged, Dr. Ibrahim talks about her mission to eradicate disparities in medicine, Imposter Syndrome and the story of what she describes as her “lowest point” in her career and life.

Addressing Inequality & Racism in Health Care Today Jul 22, 2020

In the United States, people of color have long experienced inequalities in health care. And, throughout the global COVID-19 pandemic, these disparities in health care, and the systemic racism that prevents underserved and underrepresented communities from accessing equal care, have been brought to light even more. In this special episode, the new Charged host, Kelsey Damrad, and three previous Charged guests—Dr. Gaurdia Banister, Dr. Allison Bryant and Dr. Marcela del Carmen—discuss inequalities and racism in health care.

Driving Toward a Cure for ALS with Dr. Merit Cudkowicz May 13, 2020

Doctors have struggled for years to find an effective treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), in part because the it varies greatly from patient to patient in terms of how quickly it progresses and the age of onset. But for neurologist Merit E. Cudkowicz, MD, those challenges are opportunities for scientific collaboration. She spends her days leading clinical trials aimed at better understanding ALS and working with patients to find better treatments for this debilitating disease. Today, new therapies are in rapid development. Her work has inspired hope for a disease that seemed incurable a decade ago. In this episode, she discusses her drive to find a cure for ALS and why she’s so passionate about her ALS patients.

Mother's Day Special Edition May 06, 2020

Happy Mother’s Day from the Charged team at Massachusetts General Hospital! In honor of this special day, we are celebrating the many amazing mothers at Mass General and the incredible way they manage their work and personal lives.

In this special episode, we asked our second season guests to share stories about balancing motherhood and their careers, the challenges of building a career in medicine while raising a family and their parenting inspirations and role models.

We hope you enjoy this bonus episode with the mothers of Charged!

Treating Obesity: Removing the Stigma and Improving Lives with Dr. Angela Fitch Apr 29, 2020

Throughout her career Angela Fitch, MD, has watched obesity treatment transform from an area of medicine rarely discussed to a dynamic, rapidly evolving practice. Dr. Fitch wants to transform the way we approach obesity by building patient-focused treatment programs and communities of support to help patients succeed in losing weight and living healthier lives.

In this episode of Charged, Dr. Fitch discusses the importance of re-educating patients and providers to recognize obesity as a chronic disease in order to eradicate the stigma and misinformation surrounding obesity, as well as how developments in personalized medicine and a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach are shaping the field of obesity medicine.

Battling Burnout: Thriving in Modern Health Care Apr 22, 2020

Physicians put in a tremendous amount of work into providing quality care for their patients, but sometimes the challenges that physicians face go unnoticed. Many physicians experience burnout, which leaves them feeling stress, exhaustion and less enjoyment in their work. More women than men report feelings of burnout. In this episode, we hope to spark discussion about the challenges that the women at Mass General face.

How to Overcome Loneliness & Build Stronger Relationships with Dr. Jacqueline Olds Apr 15, 2020

As a practicing psychiatrist, Dr. Jacqueline Olds has spent decades working with patients of all ages and life stages, helping them through life’s challenges. And while no two people are the same, Dr. Olds has identified one common theme among her patients—loneliness. And while that feeling may not be permanent, it can have a serious impact on our lives.

Over the past 25 years, she and her psychiatrist husband, Dr. Richard Schwartz, have worked to bring loneliness out of the closet and help all of us build stronger, long-lasting relationships. She discusses ways to combat loneliness, the importance of building positive, supportive relationships, both romantic and platonic, and elements that help a relationship last.

HIV—Treating a Changing Epidemic with Dr. Rochelle Walensky Apr 08, 2020

Since beginning her career in the mid-1990s, infectious disease chief Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky has witnessed the transformation of the landscape for HIV and AIDS. Though new drugs have improved the outlook, the challenges of accessing and maintaining care persist. Dr. Walensky discusses how she works to expand access to care for HIV patients through research and a willingness to understand patients' struggles.

Restoring Life Through Transplant Surgery with Dr. Leigh Anne Dageforde Apr 01, 2020

Dr. Leigh Anne Dageforde first realized her passion for transplantation surgery during a moment in her residency when she witnessed the immediate result a kidney transplant surgery provided to a patient. Over the course of her career, her dedication to the field has only grown. The field of transplant surgery is special to her because doctors can give their patients something new, and in turn, give them back their life.

In this episode of Charged, Dr. Dageforde shares her experience working in a what is still considered a young field and learning from role models who have forged the path ahead for transplant surgeons like herself. She discusses the unique nature of the field, the personal connections she has with patient and donor communities and the collaborative nature of transplantation.

How Meditation Changes the Structure of the Brain with Dr. Sara Lazar Mar 18, 2020

During her graduate studies in molecular biology, an over-training injury derailed Dr. Sara Lazar’s aspirations to run the Boston Marathon. During her recovery, she discovered yoga and, after a few classes, was surprised to find that she felt calmer, more compassionate and less reactive. She wanted tounderstand why, and that quest ultimately altered the course of her career. For over 15 years, she and her team in the Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital have investigated how meditation affects the brain and were the first to show the connection between meditation and cortical thickening in the brain. In this episode, she discusses her work and how to integrate meditation into a busy life.

The Importance of Community in Careers and Leadership with Dr. Yolonda Colson Mar 04, 2020

When Dr. Yolonda Colson passed her thoracic surgery boards in the early 2000s, just over 100 women had joined the field ahead of her, and she was the only woman in her department in her first attending role. But over the course of her career, she’s watched the number of women in the field grow steadily. Now, as the chief of the Division of Thoracic Surgery at Mass General, Dr. Colson recognizes the value of diversity in the field. Dr. Colson talks about how she’s improving care for lung cancer patients, her career path and the important role that fostering community, seizing opportunities and breaking down perceived barriers have played along the way.

How to Overcome Loneliness & Build Stronger Relationships with Dr. Jacqueline Olds Feb 19, 2020

As a practicing psychiatrist, Dr. Jacqueline Olds has spent decades working with patients of all ages and life stages, helping them through life’s challenges. And while no two people are the same, Dr. Olds has identified one common theme among her patients—loneliness. And while that feeling may not be permanent, it can have a serious impact on our lives.

Over the past 25 years, she and her psychiatrist husband, Dr. Richard Schwartz, have worked to bring loneliness out of the closet and help all of us build stronger, long-lasting relationships. She discusses ways to combat loneliness, the importance of building positive, supportive relationships, both romantic and platonic, and elements that help a relationship last.

Treating Cancer in the Era of the Opioid Epidemic with Dr. Helen Shih Feb 05, 2020

As the opioid epidemic has increased in severity, so has the number of patients diagnosed with cancer who are also facing substance use disorders. As a radiation oncologist specializing in brain tumors, Dr. Helen Shih is accustomed to treating patients with very serious prognoses. However, her experience treating two young patients with brain tumors who were also facing addictions tied to opioid use, shifted her perspective on this work and inspired her to learn more about the challenges for these patients. In this episode, Dr. Shih discusses how these patients motivated her to think more about specialized care for patients with this dual diagnosis.

The Biology of Sleep with Dr. Richa Saxena Jan 22, 2020

Most of us know from experience that a good night’s sleep can make all the difference in our health and well being. Tips and props to improve sleep have been promoted more and more in recent years. Despite all the attention that sleep gets these days, the biology of sleep and its function is still not well understood. Sleep researcher Dr. Richa Saxena is working to change that by studying all of the genetic information that makes up a person. Her team has identified dozens of genes related to sleep and their connections to other health problems like cancer, psychiatric disorders and diabetes. Dr. Saxena discusses her research and how she hopes it will change our relationship with sleep.

Battling Burnout: Thriving in Modern Health Care Jan 08, 2020

Physicians put in a tremendous amount of work into providing quality care for their patients, but sometimes the challenges that physicians face go unnoticed. Many physicians experience burnout, which leaves them feeling stress, exhaustion and less enjoyment in their work. More women than men report feelings of burnout. In this episode, we hope to spark discussion about the challenges that the women at Mass General face.

Our New Year’s Resolutions Jan 01, 2020

Happy New Year from the Charged team at Mass General!

In honor of the new year, we’ve asked some of our past and future guests about their resolutions for 2020. We hope this inspires you as you think about your own plans for the new year.

Saving the Breast Through Improved Breast Cancer Care with Dr. Barbara Smith Dec 18, 2019

In the United States, one out of eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime which, for many patients, can be a devastating thought. In the past two decades, treatment for breast cancer has come a long way, and Dr. Barbara Smith has been at the forefront of the movement of improving care for patients as well as being a pioneer in nipple-sparring mastectomies.

In this episode, find out how Dr. Smith broke the mold to give new hope and better outcomes to breast cancer patients.

Homelessness & Dermatology: Promoting Better Wellness Through Skin Care with Dr. Jennifer Tan Dec 04, 2019

Since 1990, the number of people in Massachusetts experiencing homelessness has more than doubled. One of the medical barriers to patients who experience homelessness is the lack of dermatological care. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Tan discusses the dermatological challenges that someone facing homelessness may experience and her work with Boston’s Healthcare for the Homeless program to make this care available.

Living Well Through Palliative Care with Dr. Vicki Jackson Nov 27, 2019

The holidays can be stressful, not matter what. But if you or a loved one is facing a serious illness, this time of year can be even more difficult. Our team has been thinking a lot about an episode from our first season with Dr. Vicki Jackson, a palliative care specialist at Mass General. Her work focuses on helping her patients live well, no matter their diagnosis or circumstances, and this advice can be especially helpful in the midst of holiday stress. As we head into Thanksgiving, we are re-sharing this episode. Happy Thanksgiving from the Charged team at Mass General in Boston!

Personalizing Diabetes Care for Pregnant Women with Dr. Camille Powe Nov 13, 2019

Pregnant women have historically been excluded from clinical research due to an abundance of caution for the safety of them and their babies. But consequently, these women are often left out of medical advances. Endocrinologist Dr. Camille Powe is passionate about changing that for women with maternal diabetes. In this episode, she discusses her work to better understand diabetes and pregnancy, as well as how she hopes to develop more personalized treatments for these patients.

How Is Climate Change Related to the Human Brain? with Dr. Tina Duhaime Oct 30, 2019

Human activity is changing the planet at a rate “unprecedented in human history.” For many of us, the massive scale of this problem makes finding solutions feel daunting—if not impossible. But for pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Tina Duhaime, it’s not hard to explain our struggle with climate change when you consider how the human brain works. In this episode, Dr. Duhaime discusses her work studying how the brain’s reward system might relate to our drive toward increasing consumption.

Improving Care for Rare Cancers with Dr. Cristina Ferrone Oct 16, 2019

As a medical student, the last thing Dr. Cristina Ferrone thought she would ever become was a surgeon, as the male-dominated specialty forced the few women in it to make hard lifestyle choices. However, when she entered her surgical rotation, she was surprised to discover how much she loved it. She is now a leader in pancreatic cancer and bile duct cancer. By focusing on work that excites her and honing in on a unique niche, she has found her identity and built a balanced career in a field that is still largely male.

National Recovery Month: Changing the Face of Addiction Treatment with Dr. Sarah Wakeman Sep 25, 2019

September is National Recovery Month. This month has two goals: to increase awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders. And to celebrate the people in recovery. In honor of the month, we are bringing back this episode from season one with Dr. Sarah Wakeman, an addiction medicine specialist and the medical director of the Substance Use Disorders Initiative at Mass General. She discusses her commitment to changing both how addiction is treated and how it is understood by the public.

Battling Burnout: Thriving in Modern Health Care Jun 26, 2019

Physicians put in a tremendous amount of work into providing quality care for their patients, but sometimes the challenges that physicians face go unnoticed. Many physicians experience burnout, which leaves them feeling stress, exhaustion and less enjoyment in their work. More women than men report feelings of burnout. In this episode, we hope to spark discussion about the challenges that the women at Mass General face.

Supporting Patients through Gender-Affirming Care Jun 12, 2019

For transgender people, finding health care providers knowledgeable about their unique needs can be challenging. One essential component of care for many is hormone replacement therapy which helps the body align more closely with their gender identity. Endocrinologist Dr. Frances Hayes has provided this care to transgender patients for many years, and today she is helping helm the Transgender Health Program at Mass General. In this episode, she discusses the importance of providing multidisciplinary care for transgender patients in a supportive and affirming environment.

From Sports Lover to Sports Medicine with Dr. Kelly McInnis May 29, 2019

Kelly McInnis, DO, is a lifelong sports lover. After residency, the former Division 1 soccer player launched a new sports medicine training pathway that allowed her to spend time with orthopedic surgeons and non-operative sports specialists. At Mass General's Sports Medicine Center, she has demonstrated how her background in non-surgical care can complement the work of orthopedic surgeons. She discusses her passion for helping athletes recover and return to doing what they love.

Finding Solutions for Severe Depression with Dr. Cristina Cusin May 15, 2019

Traditional treatments don't always help people who struggle with the most severe depression. Cristina Cusin, MD, has dedicated her career to working with patients with the most severe forms of depression. She is interested in ketamine, a drug traditionally used as an anesthetic that has shown promise for treatment-resistant depression. Dr. Cusin talks about what first drew her to this field, how she hopes to provide relief for her patients and why it’s important to support them in rebuilding their lives when they find a depression treatment that works.

Nurses Are Natural Innovators with Hiyam Nadel May 01, 2019

True innovation comes from seeing the world differently. In nursing, something as simple as using tape to modify equipment can drives innovation in patient care. Hiyam Nadel, MBA, RN, BSN, a mentor for nurse-entrepreneurs at Massachusetts General Hospital, wants to solve problems, improve patient care and advance new ideas. She discusses the pursuit of innovation within nursing and how it’s creating exciting opportunities to improve the quality of patient care.

Breaking the Mold to Improve Multiple Myeloma Treatment with Noopur Raje Apr 17, 2019

In 2005 Noopur Raje, MD, came to the Mass General Cancer Center with a plan to establish a new type of lab dedicated to the study of multiple myeloma, a cancer that affects the plasma cells and weakens bones. Like any uncharted territory, establishing this narrowly-focused lab required some tenacity. Noopur was up to the task, working hard to build a successful research program that has expanded our understanding of this cancer. Today, Dr. Raje directs the Center for Multiple Myeloma at the Mass General Cancer Center. In this episode, she discusses why she thinks risk-taking is important to success and how she draws inspiration from her patients to keep pressing forward.

Increasing Diversity in the Security Industry with Bonnie Michelman Apr 03, 2019

While completing her master’s in criminal justice at Northeastern University, Bonnie Michelman, MBA, CPP, CHPA, became fascinated by the security industry. Over the years, she has worked hard within the industry, earning her extensive leadership experience, particularly within healthcare. In this episode, Bonnie discusses the importance of increasing diversity to enrich the functionality of the security industry.

Living Well Through Palliative Care with Dr. Vicki Jackson Mar 20, 2019

When Dr. Vicki Jackson was an internal medicine resident, one particular patient showed her the transformative role that empathy can play in a patient’s life and care. This experience sparked her interest in palliative care and providing specialized support for people with serious illness. In this episode, she discusses her passion for the field and her experience helping patients navigate the uncertainty inherent infacing serious illness.

Bonus Episode: Charged Honors Women's History Month Mar 08, 2019

March is Women’s History Month. In honor of the month, we are celebrating the women behind the innovations in health care at Mass General. We recognize their success stories, their strength in overcoming adversity and what keeps them charged to achieve their goals. In this special episode, we ask our guests from throughout the hospital to share stories about what drove them to pursue a career in medicine and what keeps them motivated to drive forward.

Making Surgery a More Sustainable Career for Women with Dr. Sareh Parangi Mar 06, 2019

When Sareh Parangi, MD, witnessed her first operation in medical school, she knew immediately that she wanted to become a surgeon. Now years later, Dr. Parangi is one of the first women to become a full professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School. However, she recognizes the challenges that a career in surgery can present to young women. Dr. Parangi discusses the seriousness of gender disparities that come with a career in surgery and why she has become an advocate to help female surgeons overcome barriers to do what they love, while also raising a family.

The Power of Discovery with Dr. Sylvie Breton Feb 20, 2019

Biophysicist Dr. Sylvie Breton has dedicated her career to studying the kidneys and the male reproductive tract, and her discoveries have the potential to change medicine. She has identified a method for predicting the onset of acute kidney disorder, which affects more than four million people yearly and is called the “silent killer.” She talks about why she enjoys research so much, and how each new discovery spurs her on to the next.

Solving the Problem of Gun Violence with Dr. Chana Sacks Feb 06, 2019

Gun violence kills more than 35,000 Americans annually, yet funding for research is limited and most doctors are not taught how to approach the topic with patients. For Dr. Chana Sacks, gun violence became a personal reality when her cousin’s seven-year-old son Daniel was killed at Sandy Hook. This tragedy spurred Dr. Sacks to establish the Mass General Gun Violence Prevention Coalition. She discusses why she has become a vocal advocate for gun violence prevention research and why she views gun violence as a solvable problem.

HIV—Treating a Changing Epidemic with Dr. Rochelle Walensky Jan 23, 2019

Since beginning her career in the mid-1990s, infectious disease chief Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky has witnessed the transformation of the landscape for HIV and AIDS. Though new drugs have improved the outlook, the challenges of accessing and maintaining care persist. Dr. Walensky discusses how she works to expand access to care for HIV patients through research and a willingness to understand patients' struggles.

Practicing Medicine as a Black Woman with Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford Jan 09, 2019

As an obesity medicine specialist, Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford understands the implicit and explicit biases that her patients face. As a black female doctor, she’s also familiar with the biases she faces each day. But a recent Delta flight was a poignant reminder of these biases when flight attendants questioned her credentials as a doctor as she provided care to a fellow passenger. Dr. Stanford discusses this experience and why she's speaking out against biases and promoting diversity in medicine.

Bipolar Disorder and the Paradigm Shift in Pediatric Psychiatry with Dr. Janet Wozniak Dec 12, 2018

Bipolar disorder can be easily overlooked or misdiagnosed in children because it presents differently than adult bipolar disorder. Just 25 years ago, experts believed that bipolar disorder only affected adults—and to suggest otherwise was controversial. However, thanks to the work of child psychiatrist Janet Wozniak, MD, we now know that bipolar disorder also affects children. In this episode, she discusses her work with children struggling with bipolar disorder and why she believes early interventions to diagnose and treat psychiatric disorders in children can be such a powerful force to help her young patients and their families.

Why We Need More Diversity in Nursing with Dr. Gaurdia Banister Nov 28, 2018

Gaurdia Banister, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, believes that the hospital should be a welcoming place for all patients. Patient care, she says, should be founded on empathy, compassion, dignity and respect, and as a nursing leader, she advocates for that quality of care. Dr. Banister is also a longtime champion for diversity in nursing. In this episode she discusses the work she's done to help more people of color enter nursing and why this work is so important.

Driving Toward a Cure for ALS with Dr. Merit Cudkowicz Nov 14, 2018

Doctors have struggled for years to find an effective treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), in part because the it varies greatly from patient to patient in terms of how quickly it progresses and the age of onset. But for neurologist Merit E. Cudkowicz, MD, those challenges are opportunities for scientific collaboration. She spends her days leading clinical trials aimed at better understanding ALS and working with patients to find better treatments for this debilitating disease. Today, new therapies are in rapid development. Her work has inspired hope for a disease that seemed incurable a decade ago. In this episode, she discusses her drive to find a cure for ALS and why she’s so passionate about her ALS patients.

Tackling Childhood Obesity with Dr. Elsie Taveras Oct 30, 2018

Childhood obesity is on the rise among low-income racial and ethnic minorities. Elsie Taveras, MD, MPH, chief of Mass General's Division of General Pediatrics, is focused on preventing and treating childhood obesity along with reducing healthcare disparities that contribute to its rise. She discusses the importance of supporting underserved families and making them aware of ways to establish healthy habits for children.

Finding Variety in Longevity with Ann Prestipino Oct 17, 2018

Ann L. Prestipino, MPH, has spent her entire career at Mass General, starting as the assistant to the director of operations 38 years ago. Today, Ann serves as one of Mass General’s 15 senior vice presidents. In this role, she manages the administrative aspects of all four parts of the hospital’s mission (patient care, education, research and community) across a large portfolio of centers and departments. She also leads emergency preparedness and served as the incident commander for both the Boston Marathon bombing and the Rhode Island Station Nightclub fire. Hear how she’s built a long, successful career with continued growth, all within the same institution.

Scientist, Mom, Leader with Dr. Sue Slaugenhaupt Oct 03, 2018

Sue Slaugenhaupt, PhD, is the inaugural scientific director of Mass General’s Research Institute. She began at Mass General in the early 1990s and has spent her whole career focused on understanding two rare diseases: familial dysautonomia or FD and mucolipidosis type IV or ML4. She tackled the challenges of building a thriving scientific career at the same time she was building her family, and in this episode she discusses how she is now working to pay it forward and change the culture of scientific research for the better.

Why It Pays to Be Bold with Cathy Minehan Sep 19, 2018

Former banker Cathy E. Minehan, MBA, is the chair of Mass General’s Board of Trustees. Cathy’s long career in the Federal Reserve Bank system included many firsts: she was the first woman to become the first vice president of any reserve bank, the first woman to become president of the Boston bank and only the second female president in the whole federal bank system. She discusses the importance of being your own advocate, how she repeatedly broke gender barriers and how her success in banking has led to a fulfilling second career guiding some of the region’s and the nation’s top organizations as a board member.

Why Quality Care Means Equitable Care with Dr. Allison Bryant Sep 05, 2018

Allison Bryant, MD, MPH, spends her days caring for women with high-risk pregnancies and advocating for not just safety and quality of care, but also the equity of care. Dr. Bryant explains how we might go about improving equity in health care and why it’s important for us all to examine our own biases.

Forging a Path to Neurosurgery with Dr. Pamela Jones Aug 08, 2018

Before becoming a neurosurgeon, Dr. Pamela Jones trained as a writer, and spent her free time in ballet. You might be surprised by how training as a journalist and a ballerina has helped her become a better surgeon.

Charting Your Own Path to Success with Aswita Tan-McGrory Jul 25, 2018

Aswita Tan-McGrory, MBA, MSPH, is the deputy director of the Disparities Solutions Center at Mass General. Beginning with the Peace Corps after college, Aswita has devoted her career to lifting disenfranchised groups. Hear how she’s also charted her own path to success and leadership along the way.

Finding Balance in Transition with Misty Hathaway Jul 11, 2018

Misty Hathaway, MIA, is Mass General’s chief marketing officer and senior director for international and specialized services and moved to Boston after 17 years at Mayo Clinic. Major transitions can be hard, but you'll hear her advice on bridging the gap between your past and your future.

Valuing Your Own Diversity with Dr. Marcela del Carmen Jun 27, 2018

Dr. Marcela del Carmen is the chief medical officer at Mass General. She is now a leader in gynecologic oncology, but she started in a very different place when she fled Nicaragua with her family at age 10. Hear how experience inspired her to dedicate her career to reducing disparities in cancer care and promoting diversity in medicine.

Women and the Heart with Dr. Malissa Wood Jun 13, 2018

Cardiologist Dr. Malissa Wood is committed to improving women’s heart health. She helped found the hospital's Corrigan Women’s Heart Health Program and has devoted her career to make sure women get the care they need, all while balancing the demands that come with being the mom of four.

Surgeon of Balance with Dr. Denise Gee Jun 13, 2018

Dr. Denise Gee is a surgeon specializing in bariatric surgery. As you might imagine, being a surgeon and teaching the future generation is an intense job. But as the mom of three, she’s become a master in work-life balance so she can be a hands-on mom and surgeon.

Changing the Face of Addiction Treatment with Dr. Sarah Wakeman Jun 13, 2018

Dr. Sarah Wakeman is an addiction medicine specialist at Mass General and a national thought leader in treatment for substance use disorders. As the medical director for the hospital's Substance Use Disorders Initiative, she is committed to changing how addiction is understood by the public and how it is treated at Mass General.

Leading with Empathy with Dr. Katrina Armstrong Jun 13, 2018

Dr. Katrina Armstrong is Mass General’s physician-in-chief. In this role, she leads over 700 doctors, researchers and trainees in the Department of Medicine, one of the hospital’s largest divisions. Her first day on the job was April 13, 2013, the day of the Boston Marathon bombing. Hear what she learned that day and how that has helped her lead and teach at Mass General.

Introducing Charged Jun 05, 2018

Charged is a new podcast series from Mass General about the relentless daily pursuit to break boundaries and provide exceptional care. Launching June 13th. To learn more about Charged, visit www.massgeneral.org/charged.

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