VHAN Director of Network Operations Matt Duckworth joins the miniVHAN to peel back the layers of health care’s monumental shift from volume to value in the past 10-plus years. Duckworth leans on his expertise in law and health care policy to offer insights on the Affordable Care Act's impact and the innovative strategies being tested by the CMS Innovation Center. 

Local communities across the state are in serious need of compassionate, problem-solving health professionals who can build bridges between doctors and patients and ensure every individual receives the care they deserve. That’s why the miniVHAN is proud to spotlight Tennessee’s Community Health Workers (CHWs) initiative and show how these workers are filling health care gaps, especially for those in high-need, hard-to-reach populations. The podcast welcomes two women leading the charge: Nikayla Boyd, Ed.D., Executive Director of the Tennessee Community Health Worker Association, and Barbara Clinton, who served as the director of Vanderbilt Center for Health Services for more than 30 years. These experts share their unique experiences on the role of CHWs as bridge builders and trust makers, ensuring that all community members are connected to vital health and social services. Our conversation illuminates the way CHWs are transforming health outcomes across Tennessee by overcoming barriers such as resource scarcity and housing insecurity. Get ready to be inspired and learn how you can contribute to the initiative. This conversation is not just about health care—it's about people, community and the power of compassion in action. Learn more about the Community Health Worker Training Program of Tennessee (CHWTPT) and find out how to apply: https://www.vhan.com/new-state-program-available-to-train-community-health-workers/ 

In this thoughtful discussion, we navigate the landscape of grief and bereavement, shedding light on its many forms, common disruptors, and signs that indicate the need for intervention. Listen in as guests, Rebecca Sebastian, VHAN Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Dr. Martha Shepherd, Medical Director for Vanderbilt Health at Metro Nashville Public Schools, take us through the intricacies of anticipatory and acute grief as well as exploring the role of employers in providing easy access to grief resources and the importance of reducing stigma around mental health in the workplace.  

In this episode, we unravel the complex subject of childhood and adult trauma with guests Tasia York, MD, child and adolescent psychiatrist with Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and Sophie Bell, LCSW with Here/Now Psychotherapy Collective in Brooklyn, New York. We explore the different ways that trauma can express itself and discuss how to recognize the signs of trauma across all ages. We also examine trauma-informed care, explaining the four Rs of this approach and how health care providers can use it in their practices.  

Join us on a journey through the world of neurodiversity in our latest episode, as we explore autism and ADHD across the lifespan. Kelly Geelan, LCSW at Vanderbilt Health, guides us through the neurodiversity movement and common misconceptions about autism. The episode continues with Allison Peak, LCSW, executive director at Allied Behavioral Health Solutions, who shares the importance of early interventions and support for those with ADHD. We'll examine how understanding social cues and building supportive relationships can aid the transition into adulthood. Finally, we discuss how workplaces can become more inclusive for neurodiverse adults. You'll discover that neurodiversity is about appreciating and respecting all brains, not just those we consider “normal.” Together, we'll tackle the language we use, explore how we can shift our perspective and change the conversation about neurodiversity together.

Welcome back to a brand-new season of the miniVHAN podcast, where together we learn more about mental health across the lifespan—and how physical, mental and emotional health are all interconnected. Joining us first in the miniVHAN are two health care experts who will examine the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression, and help us recognize the signals that further clinical support is needed. Have ideas to share or want to be a guest on the miniVHAN podcast? Contact us anytime at [email protected]. Guests this episode: Susan O'Hara, MSW, LCSW, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Psychotherapist | Dr. Jason Greenhagen, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Director of Inpatient Geriatric Psychiatry Service, Director of Long-Term Care Psychiatric Service, Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences 

In the last road trip of the series, our guests will share their insights on the future of pharmacy and its deeper integration into the care delivery model. We’ll also investigate current trends, such as shortages of mainstream medications like Ozempic, and the impact on quality performance goals. Have ideas to share or want to be a guest on the miniVHAN podcast? Contact us anytime at [email protected]. Guests this episode: Gary Owen, PharmD, MPH, BCPS, Clinical Pharmacist and Manager of VHAN’s Population Health Pharmacy Services Team | Montgomery Green, PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist and Vaccines Medical Science Liaison at GSK | Danny Truelove, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, AAHIVP, Director of Pharmacy for University Health Network at University of Tennessee Medical Center | Julie Jeter, MD, Family Physician and Associate Professor at University of Tennessee Medical Center at Knoxville | Erin Neal, PharmD, MMHC, Clinical Pharmacist and the Director of Population Health Pharmacy Services at Vanderbilt Health and VHAN | Jacky Bradley, PharmD, MBA, Clinical pharmacist, Vanderbilt Health Affiliated Network 

Pharmacy-led programs are critical to improving chronic conditions, reducing unnecessary utilization and lowering the total cost of care—all while keeping patient goals top of mind. Join us in the miniVHAN as we discuss the importance of antibiotic stewardship, practical ideas for developing a program in your organization, and key clinical and patient engagement opportunities to consider. Have ideas to share or want to be a guest on the miniVHAN podcast? Contact us anytime at [email protected]. Guests this episode: Montgomery Green, PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist and Vaccines Medical Science Liaison at GSK | Danny Truelove, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, AAHIVP, Director of Pharmacy for University Health Network at University of Tennessee Medical Center | Jacky Bradley, PharmD, MBA, Clinical pharmacist, Vanderbilt Health Affiliated Network

Serving hundreds of patients each day, pharmacists are highly in tune with what patients need from their care team. Hear from pharmacists and other health care providers on the unique, trusting relationships that pharmacists forge with patients and opportunities for collaboration that can improve patient outcomes and team satisfaction. Have ideas to share or want to be a guest on the miniVHAN podcast? Contact us anytime at [email protected]. Guests this episode: Gary Owen, PharmD, MPH, BCPS, Clinical Pharmacist and Manager of VHAN’s Population Health Pharmacy Services Team | Kaylin Craig, MD, Primary Care Physician at Vanderbilt Health | Julie Jeter, MD, Family Physician and Associate Professor at University of Tennessee Medical Center at Knoxville | Lyndi Tarr, PharmD, MBA, BCPS, Clinical Pharmacist, Vanderbilt Health Affiliated Network

In 2020, total pharmacy spend in the United States was nearly $350 billion. And with prescription drug prices rising three times faster than the rate of inflation, millions of Americans are wondering how they’re going to pay for their medications. In this episode you’ll hear from three health care leaders about the factors driving up costs and how to manage them so that patients can get the care they need. Have ideas to share or want to be a guest on the miniVHAN podcast? Contact us anytime at [email protected]. Guests this episode: Jacky Bradley, PharmD, MBA, Clinical Pharmacist, Vanderbilt Health Affiliated Network | Erin Neal, PharmD, MMHC, Clinical Pharmacist and Director of Population Health Pharmacy Services at Vanderbilt Health and VHAN | Julie Jeter, MD, Family Physician and Associate Professor at University of Tennessee Medical Center at Knoxville