Shows
Rural Health PulseSeason 4: Seconds Matter - IRMC Advancing Stroke Care in Rural CommunitiesIn this episode, Sarah George, Stroke Program Coordinator at Indiana Regional Medical Center (IRMC), explains the crucial work of a Primary Stroke Center. She breaks down the different types of stroke, reveals why it's a leading cause of disability, and shares how interdisciplinary teams—from EMS to rehab—collaborate to give patients the best chance at recovery. This is your essential guide to understanding life-saving stroke care in your community.
2025-11-1917 minRural Health PulseFull Circle: Reflections from the First Graduating Class of the IRMC Family Medicine ResidencyIn this special episode of Rural Health Pulse, we reconnect with the inaugural class of the Indiana Regional Medical Center (IRMC) Family Medicine Residency Program as they prepare to graduate. Joined by Program Director Dr. Amanda Vaglia and residents Dr. Mohit Chhatpar, Dr. Tanvi Bharathan, Dr. Nawar Al Janabi, and Dr. Robin Rodriguez, we reflect on the growth, challenges, and rewards of practicing rural medicine. The residents share candid insights into what surprised them most, what they’ve learned, and how the experience has shaped their future paths—from addiction medicine to geriatrics to family medicine with obstetrics. Dr. Vagl...
2025-07-2931 minRural Health PulseLifelines in the Region: Inside the IRMC Trauma ProgramIn this episode of Rural Health Pulse, we speak with Emelia Rippen, Trauma Program Manager at Indiana Regional Medical Center (IRMC), about the journey to establishing a Level 4 Trauma Center in a rural community. A lifelong Indiana County resident and experienced nurse leader, Rippen shares how IRMC responded to a critical need for trauma care by launching a program that now plays a vital role in stabilizing patients and coordinating emergency care across a large geographic area. We explore the unique challenges of rural trauma response, the rigorous path to accreditation, and the power of partnerships with EMS, regional...
2025-06-3019 minRural Health PulseInside Pennsylvania’s Healthcare Pulse: A Conversation with HAP President Nicole StallingsIn this episode, we sit down with Nicole Stallings, President and CEO of The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP), to explore her leadership role and the organization's vital mission in supporting hospitals, health systems, and patients across the Commonwealth. Stallings shares key facts about HAP’s statewide impact and dives into the major initiatives shaping healthcare delivery in Pennsylvania—from rural health equity and workforce development to policy advocacy and innovation. Whether you're a healthcare professional, policymaker, or community advocate, this episode offers essential insight into the organization at the forefront of Pennsylvania’s healthcare landscape.
2025-06-0220 minRural Health PulseRevitalizing Rural Communities: A Conversation with Commissioner Sherene HessIn this episode, we sit down with Indiana County Commissioner Sherene Hess to explore the intersection of rural revitalization and rural health. Commissioner Hess shares insights from her leadership role not only in Indiana County, but also through her work with the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP). With a focus on collaborative efforts, she discusses the challenges and opportunities facing rural communities today—ranging from healthcare access and infrastructure to workforce development and quality of life. Whether you’re a policymaker, healthcare advocate, or community leader, this conversation offers valuable perspective on how you can drive meaningful progress in P...
2025-05-1319 minRural Health PulseExploring Nursing Education at IUPIn this episode, we sit down with Dr. Theresa Gropelli, Director of the Nursing Department at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), to explore the various nursing degree programs offered at IUP. Dr. Gropelli provides valuable insights into how IUP's nursing department blends immersive education with simulation labs and fieldwork experiences to ensure that students are well-prepared for successful careers in nursing. She also discusses the department’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for registered nurses and how the program continues to evolve to meet healthcare industry needs. Dr. Gropelli highlights the significance of hands-on learning in shaping the ne...
2025-03-2426 minRural Health PulseRegional Planning and Health: Insights from Indiana CountyIn this episode, we delve into the intricacies of regional planning in rural communities with Byron Stauffer, Executive Director of the Indiana County Office of Planning and Development. We explore how regional planning and development influence social determinants of health. Byron shares insights into the multifaceted role of his department, which includes business attraction, retention, startup entrepreneurship, and administering loan and incentive programs. We also discuss the importance of community partnerships with organizations like the Indiana County Chamber of Commerce, the Indiana County Development Corporation, the Indiana County Tourist Bureau, and Indiana University of Pennsylvania in improving the quality...
2025-02-1024 minRural Health PulseBridging the Gap: Mental Health Challenges in Rural CommunitiesIn this episode, we explore the mental and behavioral health challenges faced by rural communities with guest Tammy Calderone, Administrator for the Armstrong-Indiana Behavioral and Developmental Health Program. Together, we discuss the growing demand for services, barriers to accessing care, and the collaborative efforts of agencies and organizations working to address these critical needs.
2025-01-0523 minRural Health PulseSeason 3: A Conversation with the Founding Dean of the IUP Proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Dr. Miko Rose, the visionary founding dean of the proposed IUP College of Medicine. Dr. Rose shares insights into the mission and future of the college, including the exciting plans to launch Pennsylvania's first public Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the inspiration behind the initiative, Dr. Rose's passion for advancing medical education, and the unique opportunities this new program will offer to future healthcare professionals. Tune in for an engaging conversation about innovation, leadership, and the future of osteopathic medicine in rural Pennsylvania.
2024-11-2134 minRural Health Pulse2023 Pennsylvania Mountains Rural Health Conference Highlights - Part IIIThis is the third and final installment of a special three-part series that will share highlights from the 2023 Pennsylvania Mountains Rural Health Conference. In this episode we discuss the medical applications of Drones with Ms. Alice Griffith and Ms. Erica Tamburo of Airspace Link, Inc. We also speak with Mr. Matthew Capell of Mainstreet Health regarding innovative solutions to delivering value-based care in rural communities.
2024-11-1127 minRural Health Pulse2023 Pennsylvania Mountains Rural Healthcare Conference Highlights - Part IIThis is the second installment of a special three-part series that will share highlights from the 2023 Pennsylvania Mountains Rural Health Conference. In this episode we discuss the PA Rural Health model with Jack Sisk, President of Punxsutawney Area Hospital, the role of Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) with Dr. Dennis Gingrich and reflections of a rural physician with Dr. Richard Whalen.
2024-11-0528 minRural Health Pulse2023 Pennsylvania Mountains Rural Healthcare Conference Highlights - Part IThis is the first installment of a special three part series that will share highlights from the 2023 Pennsylvania Mountains Rural Health Conference. In this episode we discuss the concept of pathways and also the topic of equality vs. equity with Bergitta Cotroneo with the American Academy of Physicians and with Dr. Benjamin Frederick, Director at the Pennsylvania Area Health Education Center.
2024-10-0215 minRural Health PulsePreserving Our Waters: Dr. David Janetski on Freshwater Ecosystems and ConservationIn this episode of the Rural Health Podcast, Dr. David Janetski, an expert in freshwater ecology and conservation, discusses the critical role that freshwater ecosystems play in every community. Dr. Janetski holds a BS and MS from Brigham Young University and a PhD from the University of Notre Dame (2012). His research focuses on improving the understanding and conservation of freshwater ecosystems, particularly macroinvertebrates and fish affected by human activities.
2024-08-2930 minRural Health PulseOvercoming Challenges to Rural EMS ServicesJoin us in this episode as we delve into the critical issues facing rural EMS services across the nation. Our guests, BJ Pino, Executive Director of Citizens Ambulance Service, and Dr. Reba Johnson, Director of Human Resources for Citizens Ambulance, provide firsthand insights into the challenges that are shaping the landscape of emergency medical services in rural communities. BJ Pino shares his experiences navigating the complexities of budgetary constraints, highlighting the impact on service delivery and community outreach efforts. Dr. Reba Johnson brings to light the workforce challenges that are exacerbating the situation.
2024-07-3026 minRural Health PulseGenomics Revolutionizing Rural HealthcareLearn about the profound impact of genomics research on rural healthcare in our latest episode! Genomics holds the key to advancing healthcare in rural areas by tailoring treatments to individual genetic profiles, thereby improving outcomes and access to specialized care. Our guest for this discussion is Nick Jacobs, a visionary leader in healthcare. Nick is the co-founder and president of the Windber Research Institute, now known as The Chan Soon-Shiong Institute for Molecular Medicine in Windber. He's also the founder of the Clinical and Translational Genome Research Institute, which is now part of Southern California University of Health Sciences in...
2024-06-2725 minRural Health PulseTalking about Ticks and Tickborne Diseases in Rural CommunitiesJoin us for an insightful conversation about tickborne diseases with an accomplished researcher in the field, Dr. Thomas (Tom) Simmons. Dr. Simmons, a biology professor at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), has conducted extensive research on this topic in partnership with key health organizations. He will share invaluable prevention and safety recommendations to help you stay safe.
2024-05-3125 minRural Health PulseIUP Graduate School and ResearchIn this episode we will delve into the vital role of research at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) with Dr. Hilliary Creely, Dean of the IUP Graduate School and Research. Join us as we explore how research initiatives at IUP are shaping the landscape of healthcare in rural communities and highlight the significance of research in enhancing the quality and accessibility of healthcare services for rural populations.
2024-04-2525 minRural Health PulseIUP Institute for Rural Health and SafetyThe IUP Institute for Rural Health and Safety brings together university personnel from various disciplines and professional backgrounds to solve problems related to rural health and safety including first responder and emergency response training. In this episode we speak with the Institute’s director Dr. Lou Pesci to learn more about the programs and services offered.
2024-03-2735 minRural Health PulseBreaking Down Barriers to Quality Healthcare in a Rural Health SettingSocial determinants of health and other barriers such as food insecurity, transportation and insurance coverage significantly impact access to quality healthcare in a rural setting. In this episode, we are joined by Rachel Grove, Director of Ambulatory Social Services and Jonathan Hunte, Clinical Care Coordinator at IRMC Physician Group who are working on a daily basis to help breakdown these barriers enabling patients to overcome these challenges by accessing services and resources in the local community.
2023-12-2128 minRural Health PulseSeason 2: Promoting Integrative Wellness in a Rural CommunityIn this episode, our topic is promoting integrative wellness in a rural community. Our guest, Nick Jacobs, shares his insights from his personal experience as well as his professional experiences as the former CEO of Windber Medical Center to engage both community members and hospital employees in wellness initiatives. Listen and learn about benefits and challenges of introducing integrative medicine in a small Western Pennsylvania community.
2023-11-2023 minRural Health PulseSeason 2: Promoting Integrative Wellness in a Rural CommunityIn this episode, our topic is promoting integrative wellness in a rural community. Our guest, Nick Jacobs, shares his insights from his personal experience as well as his professional experiences as the former CEO of Windber Medical Center to engage both community members and hospital employees in wellness initiatives. Listen and learn about benefits and challenges of introducing integrative medicine in a small Western Pennsylvania community.
2023-11-1623 minRural Health PulseAchieving Excellence in Rural Health CareThe Punxsutawney Area Hospital (PAH) has been named a Top 100 Rural and Community Hospital for several years, in addition the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) recognized PAH as one of 20 highest-ranked rural and community hospitals in the country based on an evaluation by the Chartis Center for Rural Health. In this episode, our guest Katie Donald, Marketing and Public Relations Specialist at Punxsutawney Area Hospital, discusses these achievements along with other rural healthcare models and challenges.
2023-07-3117 minRural Health PulseUniversity-based Speech and Hearing Outreach in a Rural CommunityIn this episode, we discuss the services offered by IUP's Speech and Hearing Clinic with our guest Erin Clark, clinic director at IUP’s Speech and Hearing Clinic and assistant professor in the IUP Department of Communication Disorders, Special Education.
2023-07-3025 minRural Health PulseRural Health Model and Nursing WorkforceThe Pennsylvania Rural Health Model is an alternative payment model designed to address the financial challenges faced by rural hospitals by transitioning them from fee-for-service to global budget payments. Pennsylvania is the first state in the country to design and implement a model that is focused entirely on rural hospitals. In this episode, Wendy Haislip shares experiences with the Pennsylvania Rural Health Model from her perspective as the Chief Nursing Officer at Indiana Regional Medical Center who is a participant in the program. She also discusses how rural hospitals are responding to nursing workforce challenges.
2023-06-3018 minRural Health PulseKopchick Hall: A New Hub for Science and Mathematics at IUPOur guest Dr. Steve Hovan, Dean of IUP John J. and Char Kopchick College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics discusses the construction of Kopchick Hall. Once completed, the more than 142,000-square-foot Kopchick Hall will be the hub of activity for all things science and math at IUP and an important resource for rural health and medicine initiatives.
2023-05-3122 minRural Health PulseBreast Cancer Screening and Treatment in a Rural SettingRural residents often face barriers to breast cancer screening and treatment. In this episode, Dr. Dan Clark, Medical Director of the IRMC Comprehensive Breast Center , discusses the need for high quality, multidisciplinary breast care and the development of a nationally accredited breast center at Indiana Regional Medical Center.
2023-04-2626 minRural Health PulseRural Family Medicine Residents Share Experiences and PerspectivesIn this episode, the inaugural class of resident physicians at Indiana Regional Medical Center, Indiana, PA share their backgrounds, interests in rural family medicine and perspectives on their first year experience. Guests include Dr. Narinder Sangha, Dr. Mohit Chhatpar, Dr. Tanvi Bharathan, Dr. Nawar Al Janabi, and Dr. Robin Rodriguez.
2023-03-2718 minRural Health PulseDeveloping a Successful Robotic Surgery Program in a Rural HospitalRapidly advancing technological developments are helping rural hospitals to improve the quality of care while decreasing hospitalization and recovery time. In this episode, Dr. Dan Clark, IRMC Director of Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery, discusses the adoption and growth of robotic surgery at Indiana Regional Medical Center.
2023-02-2820 minRural Health PulseUsing Wastewater Surveillance Data to Support the COVID-19 Response in a Rural CommunityIn this episode, we discuss how wastewater surveillance was used to predict COVID-19 infection rates in a rural community setting. Our guest is Dr. Rick Adkins, IUP professor of mathematics.
2023-01-2019 minRural Health PulseUniversity and Rural Hospital Collaboration for COVID TestingIn this episode, we discuss how an innovative partnership between Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and Indiana Regional Medical Center (IRMC) solved the challenge of having rapid turn-around for COVID testing during the height of the pandemic. Our guests Dr. Narayanaswamy Bharathan and Ms. Jackie Sansig share how the partnership started and continued to evolve.
2022-12-1422 minRural Health PulseStarting a Rural Family Medicine Residency ProgramIn this episode, our topic is the establishment of a rural family medicine residency program at Indiana Regional Medical Center, Indiana, PA. After years of planning, the IRMC Family Medicine Program welcomed its first cohort of six residents in July 2022. Our guest, Dr. Amanda Vaglia, shares insights into the motivation for starting this program, its philosophy and future vision.
2022-11-1612 min