Resilience and purpose shine through life’s toughest challenges.

In this episode of the Straight Out of Health IT podcast, cancer patient advocate Amanda Rose Ferraro shares her journey of surviving AML Leukemia, her advocacy work through Cancer is an A* LLC, and her mission to provide resources, support, and hope to cancer patients and their families. Diagnosed in 2017 after a misdiagnosis, she underwent intensive chemotherapy and celebrated remission in early 2018. However, a relapse due to a genetic mutation (Tp53) required another round of aggressive treatment and a life-saving Stem Cell transplant later that year. Today, Amanda is cancer-free and credits her survival to medical advancements, her donor in Germany, and an unwavering determination to overcome immense challenges.

Her experiences inspired her to create "Cancer is an Asshole LLC" a resource platform for cancer patients and their families. Recognizing gaps in available support, Amanda’s website provides practical tools such as information on legal aid, medical supplies, and emotional support. As a certified life coach, she also works directly with patients, offering guidance, advocacy, and a compassionate presence during medical appointments. Her advocacy aims to break the stigma around cancer and ensure no one feels alone in their journey.

Amanda’s transparency about the emotional and physical toll of cancer resonates with many, fostering a supportive community through social media and her motivational writings. She emphasizes the importance of persistence, mental health awareness, and accepting help. Amanda’s message is clear: life is hard, but with support, hope, and determination, it’s possible to navigate even the toughest challenges.

Tune in and discover an inspiring journey of strength, advocacy, and hope!

Human touch is essential for emotional well-being and mental health.

In this episode of the Straight Out of Health IT podcast, Ben Wilson, founder and CEO of the Color of Sound Foundation and leader of their Chronically Undertouched project, discusses "touch starvation" and its prevalence and impact within communities of color. Throughout this conversation, he explains his nonprofit's mission to address these issues through initiatives focused on racial healing, restorative justice, and economic development.

Ben elaborates on the Chronically Undertouched Project, which is rooted in anti-racist work but specifically aims to address the absence of non-sexual, tender touch among Black men. He describes how this phenomenon has historical roots in stereotypes that frame Black men as threatening, fostering a lack of physical closeness and tenderness even within the community itself. Ben shares that the project includes a short film titled Dark and Tender, which aims to engage viewers, especially Black men, in understanding and healing from the effects of touch deprivation.

Additionally, Ben talks about plans to leverage digital platforms to build awareness and engagement around the topic, including social media and virtual events. He emphasizes the need to normalize and research platonic touch within Black communities, describing it as an "ungoogleable" concept that he hopes to make more accessible and well-understood. Through this work, the Chronically Undertouched Project aspires not only to foster connections within Black communities but also to educate broader audiences on the structural and historical forces that contribute to touch deprivation, with the ultimate goal of bringing people together across backgrounds.

Tune in for a powerful conversation that uncovers the hidden impact of 'touch starvation' in communities of color, exploring how simple acts of tenderness can heal, connect, and transform lives!

Despite being labeled a 'women's disease,' osteoporosis silently threatens millions of men as well, often going unnoticed until a life-changing fracture occurs.

In this episode of the Straight Out of Health IT podcast, David Lee, the founder and Chief Collaboration Officer of Health Collaboration Partners, explores the realities of osteoporosis, a condition causing low bone mass and increased fracture risk in both men and women, particularly those over 50. Though osteoporosis is commonly associated with women, men are also vulnerable, with one in four men over 50 expected to experience osteoporosis-related fractures. This misconception has led to underdiagnosis and undertreatment among men. The disease is often called "silent" because it typically goes undetected until a fracture occurs, making it difficult for patients to prioritize bone health, especially in brief primary care visits.

David describes the increasing prevalence of osteoporosis due to an aging population and highlights significant risk factors, including smoking, alcohol use, glucocorticoids, and genetic predispositions. He emphasizes the need for weight-bearing exercise and sufficient calcium and vitamin D intake to strengthen bones. Advances in treatment, such as fracture liaison services, aim to ensure that those who experience fractures receive necessary osteoporosis care, reducing their risk of subsequent fractures by half.

Looking forward, David shares promising developments in osteoporosis research, including efforts to expedite drug trials by focusing on bone density rather than fracture reduction as the primary endpoint. He stresses that while osteoporosis can be managed with lifestyle changes, exercise, and medication, it cannot be fully reversed, highlighting the importance of early intervention. Preventive measures, timely diagnosis, and treatment improvements are crucial to reducing fractures and improving the quality of life for those affected.

Tune in to uncover the hidden dangers of osteoporosis and learn how proactive steps today can protect your bones and transform your health for the future!

Are great leaders born with innate abilities, or can anyone be shaped into a successful leader through practice and mentorship?

Leadership is like dancing; some may have natural abilities, but everyone can improve through training and practice. In this episode of the Straight Out of Health IT, J. Bryan Bennett, founder and Executive Director of the Healthcare Center of Excellence, explores the classic debate of whether leaders are born or made. According to Bryan, leadership is like dancing. He believes those with innate leadership traits, such as risk-taking and vision, tend to have a higher leadership ceiling, while qualities like empathy and humility may be more challenging to cultivate.

Bryan explains that great leaders take risks, articulate a clear vision, and demonstrate empathy and humility. Poor leaders, on the other hand, are often self-serving, toxic, and uninterested in others’ success. Leadership development can be aided by mentors, who play a vital role in guiding both young and seasoned professionals. Bryan emphasizes that leadership is a continuous learning process, and the best leaders are always seeking to grow.

Additionally, Bryan notes that leadership skills are generally the same across demographics, though perceptions may vary. He recommends investing in personal development through reading, attending conferences, and seeking mentorship, with both mentors and coaches playing crucial roles in career advancement. He also stresses the importance of self-reflection, having an external voice through a mentor, and always being open to growth as key strategies for becoming an effective leader.

Tune in to discover the key traits that shape effective leadership and learn how you can cultivate them in your own journey!

Amidst the complexities of Europe's healthcare system, innovation and technology are transforming the future of patient care in Italy and beyond.

In this episode of the Straight Out of Health IT podcast, Christopher Kunney welcomes Giorgia Pezzotta, a health and innovation engineer who is a Strategy and Marketing Associate at Doctolib, currently scaling Siilo, a medical communication app for healthcare professionals in Italy. Together, they explore challenges and opportunities within the European healthcare technology ecosystem, with a focus on Italy.

Giorgia shares her personal journey into healthcare, driven by her family's experiences with chronic illness, the impact of COVID-19 in her village, and her own health transformation. She highlights key challenges in the European healthcare system, including digital literacy, bureaucracy, and fragmented healthcare regulations. Giorgia discusses initiatives like the European Health Data Space and Italy’s Electronic Health Record, aimed at improving patient data sharing and digital health management.

Within their conversation, they also touch on cybersecurity, with Giorgia explaining the importance of tools like Doctolib Siilo for secure communication among healthcare professionals. They discuss the slow pace of innovation in public healthcare due to bureaucracy but acknowledge advancements in virtual care and telemedicine, especially post-pandemic. Giorgia concludes by advising professionals to find their purpose and form meaningful connections, emphasizing that each healthcare system has unique challenges and opportunities for innovation.

Tune in for insights on navigating Europe's evolving healthcare landscape and the power of technology to drive lasting change!

Patients must take an active role in advocating for their own health and well-being.

In this episode of the Straight Out of Health IT podcast, Nancy J. Lewis, president of Progressive Techniques Incorporated, discusses patient advocacy, self-empowerment in healthcare, and the importance of personal responsibility for health. Her personal experiences with healthcare made her realize the importance of advocating for herself and ensuring her concerns were addressed. However, those experiences also showed her healthcare professionals sometimes lack the emotional intelligence and sensitivity needed to understand their patients’ needs fully.

Nancy stresses the importance of asking questions, seeking second opinions, and being proactive about understanding medical results. She also highlights that patients should take personal accountability for their health by improving diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices. Physicians, she notes, should be patient and provide clear information to help patients make informed decisions.

Nancy also talks about her company, Progressive Techniques Incorporated, which focuses on management development training, emotional intelligence, leadership, diversity, and inclusion. She emphasizes the importance of faith, positivity, and surrounding oneself with uplifting people. Finally, she urges listeners to be their best advocates, stressing the significance of taking charge of one's health.

Tune in as we explore the power of asking the right questions, taking control of your health journey, and how emotional intelligence can transform patient care!

Workplace violence in healthcare requires a comprehensive approach, including improved reporting, supportive policies, technology, and legal protections, to create a safer and more respectful environment for healthcare professionals.

For this episode of the Straight Out of Health IT podcast, Dr. Rhoda Collins, Chief Nursing Officer at Kontakt.io, has a conversation with host Christopher Kunney about the rising issue of workplace violence against healthcare professionals. Dr. Collins explains that most workplace violence involves verbal abuse from patients, although physical assaults and lateral violence (among colleagues) also occur. She emphasizes the need to remove the stigma around reporting incidents and create a culture where workers feel safe seeking help.

Dr. Collins identifies stress as a key driver of coworker-to-coworker violence and notes that improvements in diversity, inclusion, and communication have reduced such incidents over the years. She mentions the role of professional organizations and guidelines, such as those from the Joint Commission, which help hospitals address violence. Technology, such as wearable distress buttons, is also playing a growing role in preventing violence by enabling quick responses in emergencies.

Towards the end, Dr. Collins discusses legal measures, including laws that classify healthcare workplace violence as a felony in 32 states. She also encourages advocacy for federal legislation and promotes resources from organizations like the American Nurses Association and Emergency Nurses Association to help healthcare workers and institutions better handle workplace violence. It is the collective responsibility of communities, healthcare administrators, and lawmakers to ensure a safer environment for healthcare professionals.

Tune in to learn about the growing issue of workplace violence against healthcare workers and how we can work together to create safer, more supportive environments for those who care for others!

Resources

• Connect with Dr. Rhonda Collins on LinkedIn here.

• Visit Kontakt.io!

  
  

  Check out these risk assessment tools for workplace violence against healthcare professionals by the American Nurses Association, the American Organization of Nurse Leaders, the Emergency Nurses Association, and the CDC.
  

Innovative technology is revolutionizing the lives of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, empowering them toward greater independence and inclusivity.

In this episode, Bradley Dick, a prominent healthcare leader and advocate for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD), discusses his work with zerodivide.ai, a company dedicated to leveraging technology to support the I/DD community.

Bradley shares his journey from a healthcare CIO to founding zerodivide.ai, a company with a mission to bridge the digital divide for individuals with I/DD. He emphasizes the importance of creating accessible and user-friendly technology solutions that empower individuals with I/DD to live more independent and fulfilling lives.

Throughout the conversation, Bradley explores the unique challenges faced by the I/DD community, including access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. He also discusses the importance of inclusion and normalizing such diagnostics in daily life and how technology can be a powerful tool in addressing these challenges.

Tune in to learn more about how Bradley and his team at zerodivide.ai are making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with I/DD!