MIT - Conversations with MIT Health

The Benefits and Risks of Medical Testing; How do Doctors Decide Which Tests to Perform

Medical testing is done to detect potential health conditions, and we know that early detection can reduce the risk of some serious health disorders and help clinicians to treat diseases more effectively. Screening tests, however, can also cause harm in certain situations. Listen as MIT Health primary care provider Dr. Kamau Karanja discusses medical testing and the risks and benefits that clinicians consider when deciding which tests to perform.

Well-child visits: Preparing for Pediatric Primary Care Visits

During routine or “well-child” visits, your child's healthcare provider will check their growth and development in order to find or prevent problems. Well-child visits also provide an opportunity for parents or guardians to ask questions and share concerns. Listen as Dr. Edward Levy discusses scheduling routine visits for your child, how to prepare for their appointments, and what to do if you have questions between visits.

Well-Child Visits: Preparing for Pediatric Primary Care Visits

During routine or “well-child” visits, your child's healthcare provider will check their growth and development in order to find or prevent problems. Well-child visits also provide an opportunity for parents or guardians to ask questions and share concerns. Listen as Dr. Edward Levy discusses scheduling routine visits for your child, how to prepare for their appointments, and what to do if you have questions between visits.

Birth Control Options at MIT Health

Contraceptives and condoms can help protect you against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). MIT Health offers a wide variety of birth control options to fit your needs and offers counseling and insurance options to help you make the right choices. Two family nurse practitioners and primary care providers (PCPs) from MIT Health Primary Care Service explain the forms of birth control available to MIT Health patients, discuss important factors to consider when choosing birth ...

Birth Control Options at MIT Medical

Contraceptives and condoms can help protect you against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). MIT Medical offers a wide variety of birth control options to fit your needs and offers counseling and insurance options to help you make the right choices. Two family nurse practitioners and primary care providers (PCPs) from MIT Medical’s Primary Care Service explain the forms of birth control available to MIT Medical patients, discuss important factors to consider when choosing bi...

Pills, Patches, Implants: What are the Options?

There are several forms of hormonal contraception available today, birth control pills, hormonal skin patches, implants, coils. They all affect hormone levels and prevent pregnancy, but they are used in different ways. How does one decide which form works best for their needs? Jennifer Shark a Certified Nurse Midwife at MIT Health with many years of contraceptive counseling experience, is here to discuss hormonal birth control options, how they work, their effectiveness, and things to consid...

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

There are several forms of hormonal contraception available today, birth control pills, hormonal skin patches, implants, and coils. They all affect hormone levels and prevent pregnancy, but they are used in different ways. How does one decide which form works best for their needs? In part 3 of the 3-part series, listen as Jennifer Shark a Certified Nurse Midwife at MIT Health with many years of contraceptive counseling experience, discusses what factors you should consider if you are thinki...

Emergency Contraception

There are several forms of hormonal contraception available today, birth control pills, hormonal skin patches, implants, and coils. They all affect hormone levels and prevent pregnancy, but they are used in different ways. How does one decide which form works best for their needs? In part 2 of a 3-part series, listen as Jennifer Shark a Certified Nurse Midwife at MIT Health with many years of contraceptive counseling experience, discusses emergency contraception, what options are available ...

MIT Medical Sports Medicine and Orthopedics Service

The Sports Medicine and Orthopedics Service provides comprehensive, coordinated care for musculoskeletal and orthopedic issues. The service offers treatment for musculoskeletal issues or orthopedic issues for patients who are recovering from injuries or seeking to improve functionality. Scot Spak, MIT Medical’s Sports Medicine and Orthopedics Practice Supervisor, discusses the service’s new treatment space, the clinical team, and expanded service offerings available to MIT Medical patients.

MIT Health Sports Medicine and Orthopedics Service

The Sports Medicine and Orthopedics Service provides comprehensive, coordinated care for musculoskeletal and orthopedic issues. The service offers treatment for musculoskeletal issues or orthopedic issues for patients who are recovering from injuries or seeking to improve functionality. Scot Spak, MIT Health Sports Medicine and Orthopedics Practice Supervisor, discusses the service’s new treatment space, the clinical team, and expanded service offerings available to MIT Health patients.

Provider Profile: Meet Kamau Karanja, M.D.

MIT Health Primary Care Providers (PCPs) include physicians and nurse practitioners. They are pediatricians for children, specialists in internal medicine and family practice for adults, and specialists in adolescent medicine and family practice for young adults. But how do you know which of our many providers is best for you? Today we are speaking with Kamau Karanja, MD, primary care provider (PCP) and family physician at MIT Health.

Provider Profile: Francine Schwartz, M.S.N., A.G.P.C.N.P.-B.C.

In this episode, we hear from Francine Schwartz. She will discuss her education background, her areas of expertise and specialties, and what she loves about working at MIT.

Sex and Anxiety

Joanna Goldsmith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at MIT Health Student Mental Health Counseling Services and a certified sex educator. She is here to discuss sex and anxiety, and share resources for understanding and coping with one’s own anxieties around sex.

Provider Profile: Meet Audrey Novchich M.S.N., F.N.P.-C

MIT Medical's Primary Care Providers (PCPs) include physicians and nurse practitioners. They are family practitioners for patients of all ages, pediatricians for children, specialists in internal medicine for adults, and specialists in adolescent medicine and family practice for young adults. But how do you know which of our many providers is best for you? Today we are speaking with Family Nurse Practitioner and Primary Care Provider Audrey Novchich, M.S.N., F.N.P.-C

Provider Profile: Meet Israel Molina, M.D

MIT Health's Primary Care Providers (PCPs) include physicians and nurse practitioners. They are pediatricians for children, specialists in internal medicine and family practice for adults, and specialists in adolescent medicine and family practice for young adults. But how do you know which of our many providers is best for you? Today we are speaking with Israel Molina, MD, primary care provider (PCP) and family physician at MIT Health.

Provider Profile: Meet Chukwueloka Obionwu, Jr., M.D

MIT Health's Primary Care Providers (PCPs) include physicians and nurse practitioners. They are pediatricians for children, specialists in internal medicine and family practice for adults, and specialists in adolescent medicine and family practice for young adults. But how do you know which of our many providers is best for you? Today we are speaking with Chukwueloka Obionwu, Jr., M.D., physician, sports medicine specialist, and primary care provider at MIT Health.

MIT Optical, a Full-Service Optical Store For The MIT Community

MIT Optical is a full-service optical store specializing in quality eyewear and frame repairs for the MIT community at a reasonable cost. We offer hundreds of eyeglass frames at heavily discounted prices, including major brands and designer frames from all over the world. We even have frames costing less than $100. We also offer a large selection of specialty eyewear for swimming, cycling, scuba diving, racquet sports, and other activities.

Provider Profile: Meet Rosemarie Roqué Gordon

MIT Health's Primary Care Providers (PCPs) include physicians and nurse practitioners. They are pediatricians for children, specialists in internal medicine and family practice for adults, and specialists in adolescent medicine and family practice for young adults. But how do you know which of our many providers is best for you? Today we are speaking with Rosemarie Roqué Gordon, MD, MPH, Pediatrician at MIT Health.

Track it: Using Data for Self-Care

Many of us track our diet, exercise, and sleep patterns, but what other data should we consider as we manage our health and wellness? How often are we reaching out to others and socializing with friends? How does our anxiety level fluctuate throughout the week? Listen as Eric Marks discusses options for tracking data for self-care.

Imposter Phenomenon

Dr. Maryam Khodadoust discusses the Imposter Phenomenon.

Digital Detox and Self-Care

Mindfulness Revisited

Erik Marks discusses mindfulness, stress reduction, and self care.

Perfectionism

Dr. Maryam Khodadoust discusses perfectionism and the potential dangers that can arise when striving for it.

LGBTQ-Centered Care at MIT Medical

Dr. Jenny O'Brien discusses LGBTQ services at MIT Medical.

Why Choose Group Therapy

Dr. Sejal Patel discusses why to choose group therapy at MIT Student Mental Health and Counseling.

Why Choose Group Therapy?

Psychologist Dr. Sejal Patel discusses group therapy, the benefits and opportunities it can provide for students—particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic—and the options available at MIT Medical’s Student Mental Health and Counseling Services.

CBT Strategies to Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Dr. Maryam Khodadoust discusses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy strategies to reduce stress and anxiety.

COVID-19: Food For Thought

Eating Disorders Specialist Christina Brothers, LICSW, discusses how our relationship to food has changed during COVID-19 and the challenges these changes can present for those with eating-related issues.

Midwifery at MIT Medical

Jennifer Shark discusses Midwifery at MIT Medical.

Midwifery at MIT Health

Jennifer Shark discusses Midwifery at MIT Health.

Provider Profile: Melissa Mackel

Dr. Mackel discusses her career path and what let her to become a primary care provider at MIT.

Stress Management During COVID-19 Crisis

MIT Health Psychologist Dr. Xiaolu Hsi discusses ways to reach outfor support as we self-isolateduring the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of sleep, and other tools for stress management.   Learn more about Xiaolu Hsi, PhD

Hacking Your Potential: How to Successfully Work with Challenges

Listen as MIT Medical Psychiatrist Dr. Rheinila Fernandes discusses self-care, embracing your strengths, and letting go of goals of 24/7 perfection.  Learn more about Rheinila Fernandes, M.D.

Black Mental Health Matters

Leslie Langston, LICSW, discusses mental health and treatment for people of color.

Strategies to Reduce Procrastination

What is procrastination? Why do we put off tasks that wereally need to get done? Listen as MIT Medical Psychologist Dr. Maryam Khodadoust encourages us to get curious about what's behind our decision to delay as a first step in breaking the habit.   Learn more about Maryam Khodadoust, Psy.D.

Mindfulness and Self-Care for MIT Students

Erik Marks, MSW, discusses mindfulness and self-care.

Provider Profile: Meet Vini Anand

Members of the MIT Traditional Health Plan are required to select an MIT Medical primary care provider (PCP). And, students are strongly urged to select a PCP at MIT Medical as well. Our PCPs include physicians and nurse practitioners. They are specialists in internal medicine and family practice for adults, pediatricians for children, and specialists in adolescent medicine and family practice for young adults. But how do you know which of our many providers is best for you? Today we are sp...

Provider Profile: Meet Allison Sherwood

Members of the MIT Traditional Health Plan are required to select an MIT Health primary care provider (PCP). And, students are strongly urged to select a PCP at MIT Health as well. Our PCPs include physicians and nurse practitioners. They are specialists in internal medicine and family practice for adults, pediatricians for children, and specialists in adolescent medicine and family practice for young adults. But how do you know which of our many providers is best for you? Today we are spe...

Antidepressants - FAQs

Anthony Van Niel, MD, covers FAQs surrounding the use of antidepressants, including alternate treatments, medication interactions, and how long one should be on an antidepressant regimen.

MIT Medical Dental Service

Dental Hygienist Kathleen Sullivan discusses MIT Medical's Dental Service, insurance coverage, and payment options for employees and students.

Culture and Stress Management

Dr. Xiaolu Hsi explains the difference between good and bad stress, cultural differences in managing stress, self-help techniques, and the different services available to MIT students to help combat stress.

Student Mental Health and Counseling Services

The Mental Health and Counseling Service can help students who are experiencing symptoms of stress or depression, dealing with sleep difficulties or relationship problems, or trying to cope with other concerns. MIT’s Student Mental Health and Counseling Services works directly with students to understand and solve problems. Dr. Anthony Van Niel discusses Student Mental Health and Counseling services available at MIT Health as well as who can use these services.

MIT's MindHandHeart Initiative

The MindHandHeart Initiative is tapping into our passionate community spirit and innovative problem-solving skills to enhance mental health and overall well-being at MIT. Students, faculty, staff, and other experts are working together to launch promising new efforts that coordinate and improve support services and measure progress. Listen in as the Executive Administrator of MindHandHeart Maryanne Kirkbride, MS explains that over time, MindHandHeart will help members of our community feel ...

Meet Pediatrics - MIT Medical's Pediatrics Service

Edward Levy, MD, Pediatrician at MIT Medical invites you to meet pediatrics at MIT Medical's Pediatrics service and how our clinicians, nurse practitioners, and other pediatric staff stress prevention and education while providing a full range of services for children and adolescents.

MIT Medical’s Urgent Care Service

Did you know that MIT Medical offers Urgent Care service? MIT Medical's walk-in Urgent Care Service is open from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. every day for urgent, but non-life-threatening emergencies. Coleen Collins, MD, physician and Chief of Urgent Care at MIT Medical, joins us today to talk a little bit about how the Urgent Care Service can support you when you really need it. Published in: MIT Medical

The MIT Let’s Chat Program

Let’s Chat is a program that provides students with easy access to informal, free, confidential consultations with counselors from MIT Medical’s Mental Health & Counseling Service. No appointment is needed; just drop in. Meetings are brief (20 minutes), and you and your counselor will determine if additional follow-up is needed. In this segment Leslie Langston, Licensed Social Worker at MIT Medical, discusses some common concerns that students may have, including stress, sadness, anxiety, di...

Resources for Treating and Preventing Ergonomic Stress and Overuse Injuries

The use of a computer, working in awkward positions in your laboratory, and lifting heavy objects are just some examples of tasks that can lead to persistent muscle aches, tendon inflammation, compression of nerves, and subsequent disability that in some cases may be permanent. It could happen to you! The MIT Medical Department sees nearly 300 people a year for problems such as these caused by overuse and/or misuse of computer workstations and other forms of overuse injuries.  In this segme...

The MIT Pharmacy

The MIT Pharmacy serves the entire Institute community—on campus and at Lincoln Laboratory. We fill prescriptions from MIT Medical providers and offer discounted over-the-counter medications and health-related products. To avoid unwanted drug interactions, we use software that checks patients’ medication lists and flags potential problems for any new prescription. Listen as Georgene Bloomfield, MS, RPh, the Chief Pharmacist at MIT Medical, discusses all the special services available at the ...

MedLinks- Stay Healthy at MIT

MedLinks are students like you. We serve as liaisons between undergraduate students and MIT Health. We support the health and wellbeing of MIT students—both in their living groups and within the wider MIT community—one-on-one and through larger campus events. MedLinks can dispense first-aid supplies and over-the-counter (OTC) medications and can help you decide if you need to seek medical attention when you are sick or hurt. In this segment of Conversations with MIT Health, we are speaking ...

Diversity and Race-Based Stress at MIT

On campus, MIT has started implementing a series of measures intended to further extend an atmosphere of respect and inclusiveness for all — and of greater mutual understanding among community members regardless of differences in ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. Listen as Cecil Webster, MD discusses race-based traumatic stress counseling available at MIT Medical.