Music is more than entertainment — it's a form of healing. In this episode of the miniVHAN podcast, PJ Cowan, senior program manager of the nonprofit Musicians On Call, shares how they are transforming patient care through live music, emotional connection and whole-person care.

Health care policy plays a critical role in who gets screened for cancer and who can afford it. In the miniVHAN with us is, Maddie Michael of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network who shares how advocacy, legislation and community voices shape access to cancer care and improve outcomes.  

Cancer screening access is improving. But what happens after screening? In this episode of the miniVHAN podcast, Shari Rajoo, MD, chief medical officer of Ballad Health, shares insights on patient-centered care, health system gaps and the growth of accessible screening options. She also advocates for community health navigators and health coaches to better support patients through every phase of their care.  

The guidelines around cancer screening are changing to prioritize earlier evaluation and a more personalized approach to prevention. In this episode of the miniVHAN podcast, Ben Park, MD, director of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, discusses early detection and the lowering of recommended ages for certain screenings due to rising cancer rates in younger adults. He also encourages precision screening that accounts for an individual's genetics and family history, and advocates for shared decision-making to ensure patients feel respected and informed in their care journey.  

Jump into the miniVHAN, where you'll always have a front-row seat to the future of health care. Hosted by Mallory Yoder, our podcast explores clinical advancements, value-based care and the innovations driving the Vanderbilt Health Affiliated Network. Join us as we dive deep with thought leaders to tackle the issues that matter most, including behavioral health across the lifespan, care delivery and building bridges between communities. Whether you're a clinician, employer,  caregiver or patient, miniVHAN provides the roadmap, actionable tools and inspiration you need to navigate the twists and turns of health care.  Ready to transform care together? Visit minivhanpodcast.com to listen, subscribe, and stay ahead of the curve. Your journey to better health starts here.  

In the newest episode of the miniVHAN podcast, we sit down with Terrell Smith, MSN, RN, the recently retired senior director of Patient and Family Engagement at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. With over five decades of experience, Terrell shares heartfelt anecdotes and insights into the challenges caregivers face daily. We shine a spotlight on these unsung heroes, exploring the emotional and physical toll of caregiving and the vital importance of community support. This episode addresses caregiving as a significant public health issue, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and examining how caregiving can be integrated into preventive health care practices. As we explore the evolving landscape of caregiving within value-based care models, Terrell shares valuable advice for caregivers on managing their roles and maintaining self-care. This episode is a call to action for health care providers to recognize caregivers' pivotal role and ensure they are equipped with necessary resources and support.

This episode of the miniVHAN spotlights the work of Interfaith Dental, a Middle Tennessee nonprofit that helps vulnerable populations achieve and sustain a healthy smile. Rhonda Switzer-Nadasdi, DMD, the organization's visionary CEO, walks us through Interfaith Dental's modest beginnings in 1995 and evolution into a cornerstone community resource that has rapidly adapted to break down barriers in health care. Our conversation shows how the organization has expanded services to patients of all ages and addressed social determinants of health through innovative solutions like teledentistry, walk-in days and community dental health workers.  

In this episode, we explore the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model with our guest, Liz Pierce, MD, pediatric regional medical director for the Vanderbilt Health Affiliated Network. With over 30 years of experience in pediatrics, Dr. Pierce shares her invaluable insights into how this physician-led, team-based care model can enhance patient outcomes.   The PCMH model, rooted in the principles of coordinated and comprehensive care, seeks to centralize the patient's medical journey and make health care more accessible and effective. Because implementing the model can be a challenge, Dr. Pierce discusses the pivotal role of PCMH champions within organizations and highlights state programs that offer financial aid and coaching to ease the transition.   For those eager to embark on the journey toward PCMH designation, Dr. Pierce walks us down the path of achieving and maintaining PCMH certification, a designation granted by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). We also invite listeners to use the resources from this episode to learn more. 

We're hitting the road with Elizabeth Randolph, MD, from Green Hills Pediatric Associates, to explore the growing problem of antibiotic resistance and how it's making infections harder to treat. Discover why antibiotic stewardship is vital to decrease the risk  of disease spread and severe illness.  We'll tackle the challenges of managing patient and family expectations when it comes to antibiotic use and share strategies for reassuring parents about non-antibiotic treatments for common ailments. We'll also discuss many of the risks involved in overprescribing.   Learn how Green Hills Pediatrics is leading a cultural shift towards more thoughtful antibiotic use by educating patients and tracking prescription data. Join us for this episode aimed at building a strong foundation for pediatric health. 

Join us as we welcome Paul Augustyniak, board chair for the Tennessee chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Paul highlights the organization's mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide through research, advocacy, education and healing initiatives.  With 1,200 Tennesseans lost to suicide last year and the state ranked 22nd in the nation for suicide rates, increasing awareness and encouraging open conversations are crucial for prevention. Our discussion also underscores the need to expand mental health resources, particularly in areas with limited health care access.   This episode also covers the expansion of outreach and volunteering opportunities within AFSP, with the goal of increasing community engagement through events like the AFSP walks and State Capitol Days. Tune in to hear how these community-building efforts create a beacon of hope for individuals in need.  If you or a loved one need support, you can call or text the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline 24/7/365. Conversations with lifeline counselors are free and confidential.