Sarasota Memorial HealthCasts artwork

Sarasota Memorial HealthCasts

158 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 days ago - ★★★★★ - 3 ratings

Get expert health and wellness tips, discover the latest medical advances and learn about the health issues impacting our community with HealthCasts podcast, featuring Sarasota Memorial’s award-winning physicians and experienced healthcare professionals. Subscribe, so you never miss an episode, or watch the video versions on our YouTube channel, @SMHCS.

Sarasota Memorial is one of the largest public health systems in Florida. Its flagship 897-bed hospital in Sarasota, Fla., has been consistently ranked among the highest performing hospitals in multiple specialties by U.S. News & World Report. Our SMH-Venice campus features 178 private rooms. Our podcasts are for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as medical advice. Please consult your physician about any personal health concerns.

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Episodes

Treating Summer's Bites, Burns & Stings | HealthCasts Season 3, Ep. 4

July 22, 2021 14:03 - 24 minutes - 22.1 MB

Enjoying outdoor summer fun in Florida often means dealing with itchy bites, painful sunburns and even marine animal stings. But when should we consider medical care for these common irritations? Sarasota Memorial Emergency Medicine Specialist Steve Kamm, MD, talks summer safety and treatments for burns, bites and stings in this episode of HealthCasts. You can also watch the video recording on our YouTube channel here. For more health tips & news you can use from experts you trust, sign up...

Motion-Sparing Spine Surgery | HealthCasts Season 3, Ep. 3

July 08, 2021 14:22 - 17 minutes - 16.2 MB

Spinal fusion has been considered the gold standard for treatment of low-back pain with leg pain or neck pain with arm pain. But advances in non-fusion technology and motion-sparing techniques may change the gold standard. Orthopedic Spine Surgeon Ashvin Patel, MD, discusses the benefits of the new technologies and ongoing research studies open to certain spine surgery patients at Sarasota Memorial. You can also watch the video recording on our YouTube channel here. For more health tips & ...

Healthy Living After the Pandemic | HealthCasts Season 3, Ep. 2

June 24, 2021 15:19 - 14 minutes - 13.5 MB

The past year has taken a toll on many of us. With COVID vaccines now readily available and life starting to return to normal, critical care pulmonologist Kirk Voelker, MD, says there is no better time to set personal goals to improve your overall health, well-being, and quality of life. He shares tips from an innovative lifestyle medicine program designed to accommodate the SMH staff’s busy work schedules and family commitments. You can also watch the video recording on our YouTube channel...

Pandemic Lessons Learned | HealthCasts Season 3, Ep. 1

June 10, 2021 14:30 - 24 minutes - 22.3 MB

You can also watch the video recording on our YouTube channel here. For more health tips & news you can use from experts you trust, sign up for Sarasota Memorial’s monthly digital newsletter, Healthe-Matters. YouTube Check out our other interviews with SMH experts at smh.com/podcast.

Promoting Diversity in Medicine

July 29, 2020 13:47 - 18 minutes - 16.6 MB

As Sarasota County’s safety net hospital, Sarasota Memorial Hospital strives to not only continue providing quality care in underserved communities, but also to focus on diversity in medical education. SMH’s Internal Medicine Residency Program Director Wilhelmine Wiese-Rometsch, MD, explains how the graduate medical education program, partnership with Florida State University and the Internal Medicine Practice at Newtown Clinic all fit into SMH’s vision for closing the racial gap in healthca...

Important Patient Conversations and Palliative Care

July 15, 2020 15:31 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MB

There are important and difficult conversations every person should have with their loved ones regarding what kind of medical care they’d want if they couldn’t speak for themselves. SMH’s Medical Director of Supportive Care Services Joelle Vlahakis, MD explains why these conversations are necessary, and in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, even more vital. You can also watch the video recording on our YouTube channel here. For more health tips & news you can use from experts you trust, s...

Recovering from COVID-19

July 01, 2020 18:56 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MB

Patients with severe cases of COVID-19 often endure extended hospitalizations and significant strength loss. What can be done to help them regain that strength, energy and quality of life? Physiatrist and rehabilitation specialist Alexander Bajorek, MD, explains how the Sarasota Memorial Rehab team is doing just that in this HealthCasts episode. You can also watch the video recording on our YouTube channel here. For more health tips & news you can use from experts you trust, sign up for Sa...

Hospital Births Amid COVID-19

June 17, 2020 18:41 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MB

What’s it really like to give birth during a global pandemic? OB/GYN Kyle Garner, MD, discusses how COVID-19 has impacted labor and delivery at Sarasota Memorial and answers the questions many expectant parents are asking in this HealthCasts episode. Check out our other interviews with SMH experts at smh.com/podcast. You can also watch the video recording on our YouTube channel here. For more health tips & news you can use from experts you trust, sign up for Sarasota Memorial’s monthly dig...

COVID-19 Insights, Answers & What’s Next

June 03, 2020 18:38 - 21 minutes - 19.3 MB

Infectious disease specialist Manuel Gordillo, MD, talks COVID-19 testing, treatment and what’s next as he separates fact from fiction and offers expert insight on novel coronavirus symptoms and community spread in this HealthCasts episode. You can also watch the video recording on our YouTube channel here. For more health tips & news you can use from experts you trust, sign up for Sarasota Memorial’s monthly digital newsletter, Healthe-Matters.

Health, Safety & Re-opening During COVID-19 — HealthCasts Episode 12

May 21, 2020 18:50 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MB

What is Sarasota Memorial doing to protect patients, staff and the community, amid COVID-19 and Florida's phased re-opening? What considerations were made in re-opening elective surgeries and other medical services? James Fiorica, MD, chief medical officer at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, explains in this HealthCasts episode. You can also watch the video recording on our YouTube channel here. For more health tips & news you can use from experts you trust, sign up for Sarasota Memorial’s mont...

Fighting Gastrointestinal Cancer

March 04, 2020 21:10 - 15 minutes - 14.6 MB

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer cases are on the rise across the US. But thanks to robotic surgery and other treatment advances, there are more options to fight the disease than ever before. Robotic surgeon and head of Sarasota Memorial’s GI Surgical Oncology program Ken Meredith, MD, explains in this HealthCasts episode. You can also watch the video recording on our YouTube channel here. For more health tips & news you can use from experts you trust, sign up for Sarasota Memorial’s monthly d...

High-tech, Highly Effective Heart Surgery - HealthCasts Episode 10

February 20, 2020 00:29 - 18 minutes - 17.1 MB

Dr. Jeffrey Sell, chief of cardiothoracic surgery at Sarasota Memorial, explains how technology has made cardiac surgery safer and more effective than ever before. Learn about the latest advances — from robotic heart surgery to highly specialized ORs, called "iSuites" — and how surgeons and cardiologists are redefining cardiac care through collaboration. You can also watch the video recording on our YouTube channel here. For more health tips & news you can use from experts you trust, sign ...

Plastic Surgery Risks & Realities

February 05, 2020 19:45 - 22 minutes - 20.3 MB

Reconstructive surgery can help patients with a range of body sculpting needs, whether it's to resolve medical issues, part of post-trauma recovery or for a needed confidence boost. Dr. Alissa Shulman, a board-certified plastic surgeon at Sarasota Memorial Hospital who specializes in breast cancer reconstruction, discusses the risks and realities and what to expect from your plastic surgeon in this HealthCasts episode.  You can also watch the video recording on our YouTube channel here. Fo...

Treating COPD, Asthma & Other Chronic Lung Disease

January 23, 2020 13:43 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MB

Critical care pulmonologist Kirk Voelker, MD, director of clinical research at Sarasota Memorial, shares some good news for those managing COPD, emphysema and other chronic lung conditions in this episode of HealthCasts. Dr. Voelker dives into the latest research and treatment innovations, including lung volume reduction and spiration valve system. You can also watch the video recording on our YouTube channel here. For more health tips & news you can use from experts you trust, sign up for...

Weight-loss Surgery 101

January 08, 2020 20:13 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MB

You can also watch the video recording on our YouTube channel here. For more health tips & news you can use from experts you trust, sign up for Sarasota Memorial’s monthly digital newsletter, Healthe-Matters.

The Latest on Knee Replacement Surgery

December 26, 2019 13:12 - 16 minutes - 14.8 MB

Learn more about advances in robotic knee replacements at smh.com/rosa. You can also watch the video recording on our YouTube channel here. For more health tips & news you can use from experts you trust, sign up for Sarasota Memorial’s monthly digital newsletter, Healthe-Matters.

Lung Cancer Treatment Advances – Part 2

December 11, 2019 21:00 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MB

You can also watch the video recording on our YouTube channel here. For more health tips & news you can use from experts you trust, sign up for Sarasota Memorial’s monthly digital newsletter, Healthe-Matters.

Catching Lung Cancer Early

November 26, 2019 22:36 - 18 minutes - 16.9 MB

You can also watch the video recording on our YouTube channel here. For more health tips & news you can use from experts you trust, sign up for Sarasota Memorial’s monthly digital newsletter, Healthe-Matters.

The Future of Cancer Care at Sarasota Memorial

November 13, 2019 20:30 - 18 minutes - 17.3 MB

You can also watch the video recording on our YouTube channel here. For more health tips & news you can use from experts you trust, sign up for Sarasota Memorial’s monthly digital newsletter, Healthe-Matters.

Advances in Hip and Knee Replacement

October 28, 2019 20:44 - 17 minutes - 16.4 MB

In this episode of Sarasota Memorial HealthCasts, orthopedic surgeon and medical director of Sarasota Memorial’s orthopedic team Edward Stolarksi, MD, joins veteran medical journalist Heidi Godman for a Q&A on the latest innovations and options in hip and knee replacements. You can also watch the video recording on our YouTube channel here. For more health tips & news you can use from experts you trust, sign up for Sarasota Memorial’s monthly digital newsletter, Healthe-Matters.

The Role of a Community Hospital

September 29, 2019 16:01 - 26 minutes - 23.9 MB

In this premiere episode of season two, we discuss the differences between public and private hospitals, and more importantly, what that means for patients. We also find out more about David Verinder, President & CEO of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System. You can also watch the video recording on our YouTube channel here. For more health tips & news you can use from experts you trust, sign up for Sarasota Memorial’s monthly digital newsletter, Healthe-Matters.

Fourth of July Safety Tips

June 27, 2019 13:27 - 4 minutes - 3.72 MB

Keep your holiday weekend focused on friends, family and fun—not a trip to the ER—with these easy safety tip tips from SMH Trauma Coordinator Leann Putney.

What is a stroke?

June 20, 2019 18:15 - 10 minutes - 9.71 MB

A stroke - sometimes called a brain attack - kills someone every 4 minutes. When a stroke is left untreated, 2 million brain cells are lost per minute. Listen in to find out about the types of strokes and some of the signs/symptoms that someone is having a stroke.

Top Tips to Poison-proof Your Home

June 13, 2019 15:00 - 1 minute - 1.58 MB

Poison-proof your home with these Top Tips from an SMH emergency care pharmacist.

10 Ten Tips for Hurricane Preparedness

June 06, 2019 14:43 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MB

From evacuation prep, taking care of your property all the way through to preparing a personal emergency kit, SMH's Wanda Jackson, Outpatient Care Coordinator helps to get you ready for hurricane season.

Top Tips for Summer Safety

May 30, 2019 18:15 - 6 minutes - 5.94 MB

Headed to one of our beautiful beaches, a cool pool or area park this weekend? Try these #TopTips to avoid common injuries and safety hazards.

Stroke Alert - Every Second Counts

May 23, 2019 15:06 - 3 minutes - 2.86 MB

If you think you or a loved one may be having a stroke, call 911 IMMEDIATELY and ask them to take you to the nearest Comprehensive Stroke Center. Offering services beyond the scope of primary stroke centers, only Comprehensive Stroke Centers can offer the wider range of specialists and more advanced treatment options needed when standard therapies are not enough. Learn more in this video produced by Sarasota Memorial Hospital's Comprehensive Stroke Center team or visit smh.com/stroke for mor...

Vaping & E-cigarettes: Get the Facts

May 16, 2019 14:58 - 22 minutes - 20.4 MB

E-cigarettes have become increasingly popular, but are they safer than regular cigarettes? Get the facts on vaping and e-cigarettes–and how they impact users' health—in this livestreamed #AskAnExpert Q&A with Sarasota Memorial Director of Thoracic Surgical Oncology Paul Chomiak, MD.

The physical and emotional effects of having a hysterectomy

May 09, 2019 14:47 - 9 minutes - 9.02 MB

Great advancements in surgical techniques makes the removal of the uterus less invasive than even just a few years ago. And while the surgery can be seen as more procedural, the psychological effects must also be considered. Listen as Dr. Gard explains.

The Big Day - Baby's Arrival!

May 02, 2019 12:43 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MB

From birth to skin-to-skin and all the way through cord clamping, Dr. Gard guides us through some of the major milestones of the birth process.

An in-depth discussion about Cesarean section (C-section) and vaginal births

April 25, 2019 14:00 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MB

A vaginal birth versus a C-section birth is a key discussion between the mother-to-be and the doctor. Listen in for the pros and cons about the difference between a vaginal birth and the major abdominal surgery involved with c-sections.

Dr. Kathryn Gard - A Native Sarasotan Comes Home To Open Her Practice

April 18, 2019 18:17 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MB

A true SMH'er - she was born at Sarasota Memorial Hospital - Dr. Gard is a graduate of Florida State and has returned to Sarasota to open her OB/GYN practice. She has a true passion to build relationships her patients, partners and families.

DIY Ways for Kids to Boost Focus & Confidence

April 11, 2019 14:00 - 31 minutes - 28.9 MB

Help your kids with tips & exercises to boost their focus & confidence!

Lung Cancer Prevention

April 04, 2019 20:02 - 10 minutes - 10.1 MB

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Besides the heart, eyes - even your skin - smoking negatively affects many parts of the body. Smoking is also the number one cause of lung cancer, but there are many local resources that can help someone quit smoking. Listen for many of the options.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Cancer

March 28, 2019 19:01 - 10 minutes - 9.51 MB

Depending on what type of cancer exists, there are different treatment options. But one of the biggest factors that determine diagnosis and treatment is what stage the cancer is in. Once the stage is determined, the prognosis - or the expected development - will likely be.

Lung Cancer Risk Factors and Symptoms

March 21, 2019 17:42 - 10 minutes - 9.78 MB

We are familiar with smoking being a large risk factor - even second-hand smoke. But other, more obscure risk factors like family history, radon gas or cleaning chemicals can also be risk factors. Listen for more information on the risk factors, and on what symptoms to look out for.

What is Lung Cancer?

March 14, 2019 14:38 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MB

Unfortunately, lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer. The traditional categories of lung cancer were small and non-small cell cancers. But advancements in science and research have redefined treatment - and potentially - cure it.

Having Total Joint Replacement surgery?

March 07, 2019 18:55 - 4 minutes - 4.57 MB

SMH Orthopedics Program Coordinator Lisa Kennedy answers some of the most common questions for before, during and after surgery.

Two special groups of volunteers at SMH - Teens... and Pets!

February 28, 2019 18:41 - 10 minutes - 9.25 MB

The teen volunteer program has been a great success - and it allows teens with an early interest in the healthcare field. They bring excitement and thirst for knowledge to the whole hospital. Also, one of the most popular groups of volunteers is Pet Therapy! They visit many units and bring joy and unconditional love to so many patients & visitors!

Want to become a volunteer?

February 21, 2019 15:02 - 10 minutes - 9.54 MB

From the first face-to-face meeting to the final orientation, becoming a volunteer at SMH requires a commitment of time, dedication... and empathy! The new volunteer will shadow a veteran to become more comfortable with directions in the hospital - and everything else will come with experience.

Volunteers embody SMH's mission

February 14, 2019 18:39 - 11 minutes - 10.6 MB

Volunteers make a big difference in our visitor's & patient's lives. Their dedication, caring and talents are on display every day. Listen and meet one of our awesome volunteers!

Volunteers at SMH - The backbone of the organization

February 07, 2019 16:00 - 10 minutes - 10 MB

Delivering gifts, helping people feel more comfortable, handing out free coffee, helping people get to a destination... just a few of the tasks the volunteers perform. They are often the first friendly face people see when they arrive on campus. Listen how you can volunteer too!

What is minimally invasive surgery? Dr. Hoffberger answers the questions.

January 31, 2019 14:29 - 4 minutes - 4.37 MB

In our on-going "Ask an Expert" series, we spoke with Sarasota Memorial's Director of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery, and Cardiovascular Surgeon Dr. Jonathan Hoffberger about minimally invasive surgery.

Peer mentoring group - a personal guide to help new wheelchair users

January 25, 2019 12:49 - 7 minutes - 7.08 MB

When someone is going through inpatient rehab - or anyone who needs support - the Mobility Support Group can visit with a wheelchair user to help them get accustomed to a new life situation. They can also help educate caregivers and family members and providing them with essential resources. Listen to find out how to contact John Berkey.

Love the great outdoors and you are in a wheelchair? There's plenty of options!

January 17, 2019 18:23 - 13 minutes - 12 MB

Whether it's getting out on the links, the baseball diamond or even the tennis courts... there are there are multiple options for participating while being in a wheelchair. Listen in and find out how adaptive sports are popping up everywhere!

Keep that golf swing in top shape - from a wheelchair

January 10, 2019 19:21 - 9 minutes - 8.67 MB

We live in a golfer's dreamland. Just because a person is in a wheelchair, that doesn't mean that playing golf is not possible. Listen to find out about how technology and community support has made golf accessible.

Wheelchairs users face challenges and its this group's mission to help

January 03, 2019 22:27 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MB

John Berkey is a co-founder of a local support group that helps those people using wheelchairs lead a fuller more robust life. Whether it's a physical, emotional or financial hurdle, John and the group can help find solutions.

Button batteries - The hidden danger in some electronic gifts

December 21, 2018 21:00 - 3 minutes - 3.45 MB

It's gift-giving season, and some of those electronics use button batteries - the little coin-sized batteries. Button battery ingestion is on the rise and can lead to serious complications and even death. Listen to learn what to do if a child swallows one.

Getting over the speed bumps in life

December 06, 2018 15:36 - 8 minutes - 7.76 MB

Difficult times makes the good times more enjoyable. Whether it's depression, stress, anxiety or a combination of each - you can find help. There are healthy amounts of each in everyone's life, but if it becomes too much, do not deny it's impact.

The blues versus depression

November 29, 2018 17:53 - 11 minutes - 10.5 MB

In most cases, the "blues" are triggered by situations like stress, conflict or unmet expectations which can make someone feel down. However, depression is present when the the situations are absent and someone feels down. Learn more about the differences and solutions to both.

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