The business of vulnerability

In this episode of "The Business of Vulnerability," host Blake Kohler interviews Kathy Oubre, the CEO of Ontchart Cancer Center, a community oncology practice in southeast Louisiana. They delve deep into Kathy's journey into the world of oncology, the challenges her center faces in providing treatment for a diverse array of patients, and their commitment to helping individuals in vulnerable situations. Kathy offers insights into the innovative strategies and programs they have developed to ensure access to quality care for all, regardless of socioeconomic status. From creating treatment education guides tailored to patients' needs and financial assistance programs, to addressing mental health concerns, the podcast reveals the lengths to which the Ontchart Cancer Center goes to serve its community. Listen in for a candid discussion on the intricate balance of providing physical, emotional, and financial support for cancer patients and their families.

In this engaging podcast episode, Blake Kohler interviews Julia Basso, a neuroscientist and dancer, about her groundbreaking work in the embodied brain lab. Julia shares how her lab examines the impact of mind-body movement practices on brain function and physiology, bridging the gap between arts and sciences. They discuss the historical concept of mind-body dualism and the paradigm shift brought by the discovery of brain plasticity in the 1960s. Julia explains her research hypothesis, the synchronicity hypothesis of dance, which explores the potential of dance as a transformative intervention for mental health, cognitive function, and social connection. The podcast delves into the innovative methods employed by the lab, including the use of mobile brain-body imaging through electroencephalography (EEG) technology. Julia highlights the importance of community-based participatory research and engaging with vulnerable populations to ensure their interests and needs are considered. She emphasizes the inclusive nature of dance, which can be adapted to accommodate individuals with diverse abilities and mobility. Julia shares some preliminary findings from her studies, demonstrating a decrease in stress levels and an increase in empathy, mindfulness, and attention among participants in improvisational dance interventions. She expresses her optimism for the potential application of dance-based interventions in various clinical populations, such as individuals with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The conversation also touches on future directions, including exploring the effects of dance in team sports and collaborations with other art forms like hip-hop. Julia emphasizes the core value of diversity, equity, and inclusivity in her lab and highlights her involvement in diversity initiatives at the university. She shares her commitment to creating a safe and comfortable space for all lab members and emphasizes the continuous learning process in understanding and addressing diverse needs. Overall, this podcast episode provides a captivating insight into the transformative potential of dance as a tool for enhancing mental health, cognitive function, and social well-being, while highlighting the importance of inclusivity and community engagement in research.

In this podcast episode, Blake Kohler interviews Brooke Griffin, a pharmacist and coach, about the importance of coaching in the healthcare industry. Brooke Griffin shares personal experiences and discusses the common issue of burnout and feeling stuck among healthcare professionals. They delve into the need for healthcare workers to have a safe space to explore their career goals, find agency, and regain joy in their work. Brooke Griffin explains the difference between coaching and mentoring, highlighting the power of coaching to help individuals tap into their own strengths, values, and aspirations. They also discuss the benefits of coaching in healthcare organizations, including improved performance, retention, and overall well-being. Brooke Griffin emphasizes that coaching is not limited to pharmacists but can be beneficial for healthcare professionals in various roles. The episode concludes with advice for those seeking coaching, including asking around and exploring coaching podcasts for valuable insights and mindset shifts. Brooke Griffin emphasizes the ongoing importance of having a coach and shares their own experience of using coaching to grow their business.

In this episode of the Business of Vulnerability podcast, we welcome Mini Ajayi, Business Development Manager for Med Clinical Research. Listen in as we discuss the importance of diversity in clinical trials, the challenges faced in recruiting underrepresented communities, and the role of trust in fostering engagement. Mini shares her insights on how Med Clinical Research works with pharmaceutical companies to bring clinical trials to predominantly black communities like Irvington, New Jersey. We also delve into the strategies employed to overcome mistrust and ensure that medications and interventions work for the entire population. Join us to explore the future of Med Clinical Research and their mission to expand their reach and serve minority populations more effectively.

In this episode of the Business of Vulnerability podcast, we sit down with Stacey Cook, Site Director and Clinical Research Coordinator at Objective Health. Stacey shares the incredible mission of Objective Health to bring healthcare options to underprivileged communities and treat diseases without existing cures. Learn about their partnerships with community health centers, their growth and reach across the United States, and the life-changing impact of their studies on patients. Discover how clinical research is not only providing treatment but also empowering patients to adopt healthier lifestyles.

In this episode, we dive into a fascinating conversation with Dr. Douglas McMahon, an allergist and founder of AllerMed Pharma. Dr. McMahon shares his journey to create a more affordable and accessible epinephrine auto-injector, an essential tool for those suffering from severe allergies. We discuss the challenges he has faced in securing funding, the approval process, and his long-term plans for innovation. Discover how his mission to make allergy solutions accessible can change lives and the ways you can support this noble cause. Join us for this insightful and inspiring discussion on making life-saving technology available to everyone.

In this episode, host Blake Kohler speaks with Dr. Elliot Shin about his experience as a principal investigator in clinical research and founder of Jubilee Clinical Research, which conducts clinical trials for metabolic syndrome and other health conditions. Dr. Shin also shares his passion for helping the homeless through his non-profit organization, Operation Hope, which provides free medical care, food, and other resources to those in need. He emphasizes the importance of giving time and prayer, in addition to financial donations, and discusses the role of faith in his work.

In this podcast, we explore the innovative work of Children's School Services, a program overseen by Dr. Andrea Boudreaux that is changing the face of public health in the District of Columbia. By providing healthcare services to over 120,000 children through 200+ school-based health suites/clinics, Children's School Services is ensuring that students have access to high-quality healthcare services right in their schools. As part of the National Children's Hospital, Children's School Services is driving innovation in public health, by offering a wide range of other services that go beyond traditional healthcare. Join us as we explore the work of Children's School Services, and learn more about the ways that this innovative program is improving the health and well-being of DC's children. Dr. Andrea J. Boudreaux is a healthcare executive and pediatric psychologist with a focus on improving health outcomes and access for children, particularly minorities. She has worked in senior leadership roles with national health systems and is currently the Executive Director of Children's School Services in Washington, DC. Dr. Boudreaux is board certified in healthcare management and is a champion of health equity and population health initiatives. She is also involved in various organizations and enjoys cycling, rowing, and community service activities.

In this podcast, Dr. Michael Koren discusses the importance of informed consent and the process of participating in clinical trials. He also talks about the risks and benefits of clinical trials and how to find clinical trials for specific medical concerns. You can hear more from Dr. Koren on his podcast, MedEvidence, which aims to provide truth and clarity about medical evidence and clinical research. Michael J. Koren, MD, is a practicing cardiologist and CEO of ENCORE Research Group which has 7 locations in the state of Florida. He received his medical degree cum laude at Harvard Medical School and completed his residency in internal medicine and fellowship in cardiology at New York Hospital/Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center/Cornell Medical Center. He is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology, fellow and two-time president of the Academy of Physicians in Clinical Research, and the regional chapter of the American Heart Association. Dr. Koren has served as an Investigator in over 2,000 trials and as the international lead investigator for many multi-centered trials. He has been published in the most prestigious medical journals. Dr. Koren has also designed a research training course for physicians to learn how to become Principal Investigators. Check out Dr Koren's podcast here: Facebook: MedEvidence Instagram: Med_Evidence / https://www.instagram.com/med_evidence/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/medevidence / MedEvidenceTwitter: med_evidence

Humeera Khan joins the podcast to share the issues that nonprofits have with the data divide, how Splunk is trying to help bridge that gap and how her own personal journey has taken her as she's journeyed deeper into social impact.

In this podcast episode, Dr. M Chadi Alraies, a cardiologist, discusses the importance of prevention in heart disease, as well as the challenges faced by vulnerable populations in accessing healthcare. He emphasizes the need for education on healthy lifestyle choices, such as exercise and healthy eating, and the importance of smoking cessation. Dr. Alraies also discusses the mental health burden of serving vulnerable populations and the need for community support and resources.

Skyler Jackson, Qualitative Research Specialist, talks about the importance of recognizing individuals who have made a real and meaningful difference to groups and to individual patients/families impacted by rare diseases. From initiatives impacting national policy to providing a much-needed break for families of newly diagnosed patients, Skyler shares stories of "unsung heroes" and how the Rare Disease Difference Maker® project has been created to recognize their efforts. Tune in and learn how you can help make a difference in rare diseases! To nominate someone for the Rare Disease Difference Maker Program visit this link: https://www.engagehealth.com/survey/TakeSurvey.aspx?PageNumber=1&SurveyID=p24K5n8&Preview=true#

Anne Rugari, a mother of three children, two of which had a rare disease, joins us again on the Business of Vulnerability podcast. She is an advocate for rare diseases and has written two books, Just Like Me and Just Like Me Too, inspired by her daughter who had a rare disease. Anne speaks to us about how to break down walls and create acceptance for those with disabilities, regardless of their physical differences. If you visit Anne's website, https://www.annerugari.com/, you will get $5 off her books. Tune in to hear her journey and her advice for how to be inclusive towards those who are differently-abled.

In this episode, Patti Engel, President and CEO of Engage Health, Inc., joins us to discuss her career in the rare disease field, the work Engage Health does, and why rare disease research is so important. With nearly 30 years of experience in health management and PRO research, Patti brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the podcast. Get in touch with Patti and learn more about Engage Health: pengel@engagehealth.comwww.engagehealth.comhttps://www.facebook.com/EngageHealthInchttps://twitter.com/EngageHealthInchttps://www.linkedin.com/company/engage-health/mycompany/https://www.instagram.com/engagehealthinc/

Anne Rugari is the founder of the Partners for Krabbe Research and a consultant for the NDRD Brain and Tissue Bank, a biorepository of sorts that harvests brains and tissues of neurodegenerative or neurodevelopmental brains for research. She started the foundation in 2012 after her two children were diagnosed with Krabbe disease and her daughter was the fourth newborn to receive treatment for the disease. To date, 18 patients have donated to the Brain and Tissue Bank, and three peer-reviewed manuscripts have been published to help translate research into treatment. Additionally, Anne is a prominent advocate for Krabbe research, more information on which can be found on Krabbes.org.

Dr. Garrett-Price, Co-Founder of GP Health joins the podcast to talk about their work to provide a new paradigm of care. You can find out more about GP Health by checking out any of these links below: IG: @gphealth_ Twitter: GPHealth_ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/gphealth/ LinkedIn (Dr. Garrett-Price): http://linkedin.com/in/ahmad-garrett-price-md-3438b0148 Website: https://www.drgp.health/

Olivia Khalili, Head of Global Social Impact @ Pager Duty, stops by the share the social impact work she and her team does to help increase the positive social impact Pager Duty has on the world.

Patricia Toothman, the manager of the social impact team at Splunk, stops by to share the work the team @ Splunk does to help utilize their platform to make an impact on the world. We touch on what it takes to get into CSR, how Splunk is making a difference, and how data can be the missing piece for the world's most complex problems.

Dominique Wilson the Co-founder of RiseKit joins the podcast to talk about how they're helping cities consolidate resources for employment and why impact matters.

Cynthia Lo, a Program Manager for Social Impact at Github, joins the podcast to talk about why GitHub cares about social impact, how GitHub utilizes a skills based volunteering program to help partner GitHub employees with nonprofits to help provide resources to further a organizations mission, and what she sees as the future of Social Impact in tech.