Did you know that only 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly? This is a micro episode to shed light on some shocking facts about blood demand and the need for donations. With statistics sourced from the World Health Organization and the American Red Cross, we unpack the gravity of the situation while also shining a light on the global disparities in blood supply. Links: World Health OrganizationAmerican Red CrossFind the Nearest Blood Drive Check out the Global Health Pursuit...

If you needed blood, but there was no blood in the hospital blood bank, what do you do? Today, we speak with inventor and mechanical engineer, Gillian Henker, who unravels the story behind Hemafuse, a revolutionary autotransfusion device that addresses the dire need for donor blood worldwide. This episode illuminates not only the inception and evolution of a life-saving invention, but also the profound impact it's making in areas like maternal health—a space where hemorrhage is the leading...

Reflecting on the journey from burnout to breakthrough, I share the intimate details of my personal transformation that began with a wish for courage, motivation, and perseverance. This isn't just my story, but an invitation to you,  to find strength in your own dreams as we navigate the new year together. This episode is a reminder that change can begin with a single book, a single moment, and that each of us has the potential to lead our own movements for justice and healing in the world...

Exactly 2 years ago, I decided to quit my engineering job. This conversation reveals the conflict between corporate success and seeking a place where one's soul feels at home. The journey wasn't just about leaving a job; it was a  journey for fulfillment that challenged me to confront deep-set fears and societal pressures. So, for the last episode of 2023, I wanted to re-release the first episode of this podcast: "The Honest Truth about Healing from Burnout" This episode shares my story and...

Can you imagine a world without Obstetric Fistula? Brooke Sulahian and Cara Brooks,  the driving forces behind Hope for Our Sisters,  share their inspiring stories, fervor, and dedication in advocating for and providing support to women battling with this condition. This episode is not just about shedding light on Obstetric Fistula; it’s about humanizing the struggle. Brooke and Cara emphasize the role of Hope for Our Sisters in making a tangible difference through the prevention of Fistula...

Fistula repair surgery originated in the late 19th century. Yet, at least one million women today suffer for want of this surgery that can transform their lives. In this episode, Jesse Chu, the senior program manager at Fistula Foundation, shares her personal quest in encountering the world of obstetric fistula. We dive into the tireless work of Fistula Foundation, how they are building trust in communities, leading women to the right care, and harnessing a network of dedicated surgeons. We...

Though childbirth injuries are practically eradicated in the developed world, they still hold a devastating grip on the lives of countless women in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Obstetric fistula, a result of prolonged, obstructed labor, leaves women socially ostracized and emotionally shattered, with many enduring the consequences for an average of five years before receiving treatment. Today's conversation with Jesse Chu, program manager of Fistula Foundation, takes us deep into the...

How did Giving Tuesday begin? Who founded the movement, and why is it so important to nonprofits today?  In this episode, we uncover the story of Giving Tuesday, a global philanthropic movement born in 2012 as a counterpoint to the rampant consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. I share some research into how this occasion has become a springboard for non-profits to amplify their missions, draw support, and inspire a culture of giving back. We also shine a light on three exemplary...

Why is epilepsy highly stigmatized, particularly in low and middle-income countries? Join me as we learn together.  We revisit our previous discussion in episodes 34 and 35, we attempt to answer the following questions that will take us further into understanding this often misunderstood condition: What are the changes in language or terminology when we speak about epilepsy?What is Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) and what do we know about how it is caused?What are the different...

Can a cup of coffee help destigmatize how the world looks at epilepsy? What if we looked at brain health as something that affects us all? Our guest, Teguo is not only making strides toward enhanced epilepsy awareness but also championing an innovative approach to sustainable healthcare delivery through his fair-profit company. As you listen, you'll discover the harsh realities of medical needs in various global regions and how crucial funding is in this area. You'll also learn about Teguo's...

Can you imagine the ripple effects of epilepsy stigma in a remote village in Cameroon? Our guest, Teguo Daniel Djoyum, a neurotechnologist and social entrepreneur, knows all too well. His personal journey began with his brother's epilepsy diagnosis, sparking a fierce passion for neurodiagnostics within him. Today, he's assisting people in countries like Cameroon, making neurodiagnostic services and education more accessible. His non-profit, the Global Organization of Health Education, is...

Today, amongst the crisis that is happening between Palestine and Israel, I needed some time to decompress, reflect, and continue to dig deeper into the history of these two nations. That's why I'm re-releasing one of my favorite and most relevant episodes to shed a little bit of light and faith for those who feel hopeless in times like these: "Why Are Infants Dying From Preventable Causes? w/ Dr. Wisam Breegi" __ Currently, there are no affordable, fully functional incubators for...

Ever noticed an unsettling change in your outlook after you return from a service or volunteer trip? That, my friend, is what we call reverse culture shock, and it's what we're diving into today. Fresh from a journey with Extra Mile Pediatrics to El Salvador, I've been struck by the stark differences in lifestyle, attitude, and particularly, patient gratitude in rural communities. As we navigate this episode, you'll find how even the simplest aspects of our life - access to healthcare or a...

Have you imagined how a medical service trip to El Salvador might look like? Strap in for a journey with Extra Mile Pediatrics, a non-profit organization transforming the lives of communities in need. Our guests, Kris , Dr. Mapp, Dr. Shah, Shyam, and Lilly, share their moving experiences in Hacienda San Diego, El Jobo, La Presa, and La Red. These communities battle serious health problems due to lack of access to healthcare. So, plug in your headphones and join us for an episode that is sure...

What would it be like to venture into uncharted territories and stretch the limitations of pediatric healthcare and bring it to those most in need? Picture the aroma of foreign spices, the sound of children's laughter, and the heartfelt gratitude in new mothers' eyes. These are just glimpses into the extraordinary journey of Dr. Jeff Mapp, co-founder of Extra Mile Pediatrics, whose passion for medicine was kindled amidst a personal family crisis. His drive and dedication to serving the...

Why do some children end up in orphanages? Callie Himsl, an advocate for social justice, education, and healthcare in Haiti, joins us for a riveting discussion on this and much more. Having transitioned from corporate America to work with La Pointe Foundation in Haiti, Callie offers unique insights into the realities of life there. We delve into the complex issues surrounding volunteerism and the unintentional harm it can sometimes cause. Plus, discover how Callie is fighting for more jobs,...

Join me as we journey into the heart of Southeast Asia with Susan Hammond, founder of the War Legacies Project, whose experience and knowledge of the Vietnam War's aftermath is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Her decades-long dedication to understanding the enduring impacts of this conflict paints a vivid, and often distressing, picture of the lasting effects of Agent Orange and explosive remnants of war. From the chilling realities of dioxin contamination to the ongoing health hazards, Susan...

Meet our exceptional guest, Rachel Svetanoff, my friend who's making waves in the sphere of social entrepreneurship and activism. Rachel's work predominantly revolves around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and she brings a unique fresh perspective to these critical objectives aimed at nurturing people, planet, and wildlife. This episode promises to enlighten you on the vast scope of the SDGs, their inherent challenges, and the promising solutions on the horizon....

Have you ever wondered about the intersections of poverty, colonialism, and access to healthcare? Join us for a rich conversation with Dr. Eric Wetzel, a professor of biology at Wabash College and a dedicated parasitologist, as he unravels these complex issues through his lens of neglected tropical diseases. With a unique teaching approach that illuminates life and healthcare access in impoverished communities, Dr. Wetzel sparks 'light bulb' moments that challenge and reshape our...

Here's a celebration you don't want to miss! On my birthday, I'm turning the spotlight on three phenomenal women leading global health nonprofits that are changing lives around the world. Listen as we explore the transformative work of Jb Dondolo, led by the inspiring Lumbie Mlambo, which is making a real difference in underserved communities through clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. We'll then traverse the innovative terrain of telehealth with Sharon Allen at the helm of the World...

Dr Eric Nelson and Molly Klarman are bridging health access gaps in Haiti through their revolutionary pediatric telemedicine and medication delivery service. Born out of their fiery dedication to making a difference, they share their inspiring journey, their motivations, and the personal experiences that fuel their passion.  Unpack the logistics of MotoMeds with us, a model that draws inspiration from the food delivery business, but with a twist - it's about delivering life-saving medical...

What if you could be part of a mission that brings essential healthcare to those who need it most, but are often overlooked? Today, we open the door to the world of telehealth with none other than Sharon Allen, the dynamic CEO behind the World Telehealth Initiative. Sharon’s passion for travel and smart business savvy has led her to create an organization that has literally been a life-saver for vulnerable communities worldwide. You'll hear about the cutting-edge technology that is bridging...

Ever wondered why drug prices are soaring? Come join me and Dr. Neda Ashtari as we dig into the tangled web of high drug costs. Our journey starts with the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, a step toward making meds more affordable for folks on Medicare. We'll also chat about how each of us can pitch in to make healthcare less of a wallet drain. But we're not stopping at the surface – we're diving into the nitty-gritty. We'll break down things like those handy co-pay cards, coupon tricks, and...

Have you ever wondered about the hidden truths of the pharmaceutical industry? Well, you're not alone. Today, I had a powerful conversation with Dr. Neda Ashtari, a dedicated resident at Yale New Haven Hospital, who is bravely challenging the Big Pharma. We plunged into the depths of the system and its practices, shedding light on how the drugs are developed, the role of marketing in promoting drug safety, and where all the money actually goes. Neda’s personal connection to this fight against...

Curious about how culture and social determinants shape our food choices? Get ready to shift your perspective on nutrition as we chat with Dr. Lora Iannotti, professor of public health and the pioneering director of the E3 nutrition lab. Our conversation uncovers the sobering reality of global malnutrition issues, from child wasting and stunted growth to obesity. Dr. Iannotti pulls back the curtain, revealing the intricate interplay of socio-cultural factors on our dietary habits and their...