Shows
MedLink Health Connections PodcastCelebrating A Half Century Of MedLink’s Impact with CEO, Dave WardFifty years is more than a number. It represents thousands of patients cared for, challenges faced head-on, and communities supported along the way. In this episode, we sit down with MedLink Georgia CEO Dave Ward to talk about how MedLink grew from a single small clinic into a trusted healthcare network serving thousands of people, while always keeping patients first. Tune in for a meaningful look back and an exciting look ahead. If this mission matters to you, subscribe, share the episode, and leave a review to help others find the show. Thank yo...
2026-01-0708 minMedLink Health Connections PodcastPreventing HIV Today: Testing, PrEP, PEP, And Primary Care’s Role with Dr. Cameron WagenbrennerMany people still hold outdated beliefs about HIV, leading to fear, missed testing, and preventable infections. In this episode, Dr. Wagenbrenner, an internal medicine physician at MedLink, breaks down the essentials—how HIV affects the immune system, how it differs from AIDS, and why accurate information saves lives. We cover national and Georgia-specific stats, real transmission risks, and the common myths science has long disproven.We also dive into today’s prevention tools: safer sex practices, PrEP options like Truvada, Descovy, Apretude, and the new six-month injectable, plus PEP and the crucial 72-hour window after possible exposure. Dr...
2025-12-1116 minMedLink Health Connections PodcastA Clinician’s Guide To Cold And Flu Season: Symptoms, Prevention, And When To See A Doctor Cold and flu season is here, and we’re breaking it all down with Dr. Teresa Jacobs, Clinical Director at the Georgia Primary Care Association. In this episode, Dr. Jacobs explains the key differences between a cold and the flu, what symptoms matter most, and how to know when a fever or body aches signal something more serious. We also cover simple, effective ways to protect yourself—like handwashing, rest, hydration, healthy foods, and the best timing for your flu shot—plus home remedies that can actually help you feel better. She also shares the warning signs that mean it’s ti...
2025-11-2613 minMedLink Health Connections PodcastUnderstanding Diabetes: The Basics and Beyond with Jennifer Wright, MS, RD, LD, CDCESDiabetes can feel overwhelming until the pieces click. In this episode, Registered Dietitian Jennifer Wright joins us to break down what diabetes is, how blood sugar and insulin work, and what those numbers like A1C and fasting glucose really mean.We cover early warning signs, simple lifestyle changes that make a big impact, and how stress, sleep, and even caffeine can affect your blood sugar. Jennifer also shares practical tips for building sustainable habits—like tapering soda, walking after meals, and making balanced food choices that last.Plus, learn how MedLink Georgia’s
2025-11-1222 minMedLink Health Connections PodcastUnderstanding Childhood Vaccines: A Guide for ParentsMany parents have questions about childhood vaccines and how the recommended schedule helps protect their children’s health. In this episode, pediatric experts Jennifer Rubner and Dr. Elizabeth Reece discuss how vaccines work, why timing matters, and what parents can expect at each stage of the schedule.They explain how vaccines help prevent illnesses such as pertussis, polio, pneumococcus, and rotavirus, and share insights about how preventive options for RSV are helping protect infants. The conversation also covers common parent questions about vaccine timing, side effects, and what to do if your child has missed a visit....
2025-10-1622 minMedLink Health Connections PodcastEarly Detection Saves Lives: A Conversation About MammogramsOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we’re sitting down with Dona Miller, a mammogram technologist at MedLink Georgia, to talk about the importance of mammograms, what to expect during the process, and how early detection can save lives.Dona helps clear up common myths, explains when to start screenings, and shares tips to make the experience more comfortable. Whether it’s your first mammogram or a reminder to schedule your next one, this episode is all about empowering you with knowledge and easing any fears.Schedule your mammogram at MedLink Winder Imaging in Wind...
2025-10-0113 minMedLink Health Connections PodcastThe Mind-Body Connection: How Physical and Mental Health Intertwine with Jordan Hoffman, LCSWHave you ever noticed your shoulders tensing up during a stressful moment? Or felt your heart racing before a big presentation? These aren't coincidences—they're powerful examples of the mind-body connection at work in your daily life.In this enlightening conversation with Jordan Hoffman, Director of Behavioral Health Services at Medlink, we uncover the science behind how our physical and mental health systems communicate and influence each other constantly. Jordan brings over a decade of experience working in mental health and shares practical, accessible techniques for using this connection to your advantage.What makes this di...
2025-09-2508 minMedLink Health Connections PodcastThe Purple Monster on My Shoulder: A Candid Talk About Anxiety with Patricia Whatley, LCSWEver felt like you're the only one overthinking every social interaction while everyone else navigates life effortlessly? Our conversation with Patricia Watley, a licensed clinical social worker at MedLink, reveals the truth: we're all just trying to keep our heads above water.Patricia breaks down anxiety with refreshing clarity, describing it as "an unhealthy hyper-awareness" that creates "uncomfortable urgency" in our lives. From the person rehearsing their restaurant order multiple times to the musician apologizing for mistakes the audience never noticed, anxiety tricks us into believing our minor stumbles are catastrophic failures. But as Patricia reminds us...
2025-09-0315 minMedLink Health Connections PodcastSweet Dreams: Pediatric Sleep Tips with Dr. Kelly MontgomeryEver wondered why bedtime turns your sweet child into a professional negotiator? Sleep isn’t just rest—it’s the foundation of your child’s growth, learning, and emotional wellbeing.In this episode, Dr. Kelly Montgomery, pediatrician at MedLink Georgia, explains how sleep fuels physical health, sharpens memory and learning, and helps regulate mood and behavior. She also reveals how lack of sleep can disguise itself as hyperactivity, food cravings, or meltdowns—making it easy to miss the real issue.Dr. Montgomery offers practical tips for creating effective bedtime routines, avoiding common sleep mistakes...
2025-08-2118 minMedLink Health Connections PodcastBeyond Helmets: Summer Riding Safety with Dr. Reece & Jennifer Rubner, CPNPSummer brings outdoor fun—and serious risks for young riders. Pediatrician Dr. Elizabeth Reece and pediatric nurse practitioner Jennifer Rubner from MedLink share essential safety tips to help families avoid ER visits.They go beyond basic helmet advice, explaining why fit matters, hand-me-downs don’t cut it, and why even short rides need protection. The episode also tackles ATV and dirt bike safety, emphasizing that these are powerful vehicles—not toys—and should never be operated by kids under 16.Lawn mower safety, often overlooked, gets special attention. Learn why children should never ride as passe...
2025-08-0610 minMedLink Health Connections PodcastPreventing Burns, Breaks & Bites: Summer Tips with Dr. Reece & Jennifer Rubner, CPNPSummer fun comes with hidden risks—but pediatrician Dr. Elizabeth Reece and pediatric nurse practitioner Jennifer Rubner are here to help. In this episode, they share expert tips on sun protection, trampoline safety, and insect bite prevention every parent should know.Learn why sunscreen matters even on cloudy days, how to apply it effectively, and what to do for babies under six months. Discover why most trampoline injuries happen with multiple jumpers and how to keep backyard play safe. Plus, get practical advice on avoiding mosquito bites, removing ticks, and protecting kids from Georgia’s summ...
2025-07-2312 minMedLink Health Connections PodcastSummer Swim Safety with Dr. Elizabeth Reece & Jennifer Rubner, CPNPSummertime in Georgia means fun in the water—but it also brings serious safety concerns. Pediatric experts Dr. Elizabeth Reece and Jennifer Rubner, PNP, share life-saving insights on how to keep kids safe around pools, lakes, and boats.Drowning is often silent, not dramatic. That’s why constant, undistracted supervision is critical—even for strong swimmers. The conversation covers surprising statistics, such as teens being the second-highest risk group, and offers practical tips, including bright swimwear, secure pool fencing, and clear safety rules.Natural water adds hidden dangers like currents and submerged objects. Life j...
2025-07-1615 minMedLink Health Connections PodcastDiabetes and Your Vision: A Clear View with Dr. Evans of Georgia Eye ClinicDiabetes can silently damage your eyes long before you notice any vision changes. In this episode, ophthalmologist Dr. Evans explains how high blood sugar affects the tiny vessels in your retina—and how early detection can help prevent permanent vision loss.With clear analogies and expert insight, Dr. Evans walks us through the stages of diabetic eye disease, why the brain might hide signs of vision loss, and how lifestyle changes can help your body heal.Whether you're managing diabetes or supporting someone who is, this episode offers essential, hopeful information to help protect your si...
2025-06-1827 minMedLink Health Connections PodcastBreaking Barriers: How Hawks Health Center Brings Healthcare to SchoolWhat if healthcare came to where students already are? At the Hawks Health Center in Hall County, that's exactly what's happening. Located on the Chicopee Woods Campus, this full-service clinic removes barriers to care by offering checkups, vaccinations, chronic condition management, and behavioral health support—right on campus.By reducing missed school, minimizing parents' time away from work, and offering translation and flexible payment options, the center makes care more accessible for all families. The results speak for themselves: better attendance, earlier diagnoses, and life-changing mental health support.From helping a child ov...
2025-05-2111 minMedLink Health Connections PodcastUnderstanding Stress: A Conversation with Savannah Smith, LCSWFeeling constantly on edge, like you're waiting for the next shoe to drop? You're not alone. Stress affects everyone—but understanding it and learning to manage it can make a big difference.Licensed clinical social worker Savannah Smith explains stress as a natural response and how to recognize it through signs like irritability, fatigue, and overwhelm. Awareness, she says, is the crucial first step to addressing it.Smith shares simple, effective coping tools—from adult coloring books to flexible routines—and uses a helpful analogy: trying to handle every stressor at once is like carrying open b...
2025-05-0710 minMedLink Health Connections PodcastCalm the Chaos: DBT Tips with Caroline BroomStruggling with intense emotions or relationship challenges? You’re not alone — and there’s help. In this episode, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Caroline Broom from MedLink Georgia walks us through Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a powerful approach that blends validation with meaningful change.Caroline breaks down practical DBT tools like mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation — including the life-changing TIP technique to manage emotional crises. You’ll also hear the inspiring story behind DBT’s creation and how it can support those facing anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and more.Tune in to learn skills you can use righ...
2025-04-3012 minMedLink Health Connections PodcastPharmacy Discounts That Save Lives: Inside MedLink's 340B ProgramWhat happens when patients can finally afford the medication they truly need instead of settling for what they can pay for? The answer is transformative healthcare.Pharmacy Director Dennis Kimbrell shares a surprising revelation from his experience with the 340B drug pricing program at MedLink. When he first joined the organization, he expected to help patients save money on their existing medications. Instead, he discovered something far more impactful – patients weren't using effective medications at all because they simply couldn't afford them. This conversation shows how the 340B program helps in two big ways: it sav...
2025-04-0908 minMedLink Health Connections PodcastColorectal Cancer: What You Need to Know with Dr. Nicole PowellColorectal cancer is one of the most preventable yet deadly cancers if left undetected. Dr. Nicole Powell, DNP, a family nurse practitioner at MedLink Winder, shares key facts about this common condition.She explains how colorectal cancer develops from small polyps that can become cancerous and highlights a critical update: screening now starts at age 45 instead of 50 due to rising cases in younger adults.Dr. Powell breaks down screening options, from at-home tests like FIT (yearly) and Cologuard (every three years) to the gold-standard colonoscopy, which detects and removes polyps. She also addresses common barriers...
2025-03-2614 minMedLink Health Connections PodcastTackling Allergies and Eczema in Kids with Dr. Elizabeth Reece, and Jennifer Rubner, CPNPIs your child struggling with eczema and allergies? Pediatrician Dr. Elizabeth Reese and nurse practitioner Jennifer Rubner share practical tips to help. Discover gentle soap alternatives, the best post-bath routine, and when to seek medical help for infections. Learn about the link between eczema and allergies, the impact of pets, and the benefits of consistent allergy medication. Get expert advice on when to see an allergist and effective management strategies for Georgia's allergy season.Thank you for listening to the MedLink Georgia Podcast. New episodes feature conversations with providers, leaders, and community partners who are working to...
2025-03-1514 minMedLink Health Connections PodcastHeart Disease: The Silent Killer and How to Fight Back with Dr. Theresa Jacobs from GPCAThis episode delves into heart disease prevention and the simple lifestyle changes that can lead to significant improvements in heart health. Dr. Teresa Jacobs from the Georgia Primary Care Association shares valuable insights, highlighting the importance of awareness and proactive strategies to combat heart disease.• Understanding heart disease, its symptoms, and associated risk factors • Proactive measures for monitoring and improving heart health • The importance of community initiatives like the Live to the Beat campaign Please subscribe, rate and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Thank you for listen...
2025-02-2611 minMedLink Health Connections PodcastExploring Affordable Medications and Community Impact with Dennis KimbrellThe podcast discusses the 340B Drug Pricing Program, emphasizing its role in providing affordable medications to underserved communities through healthcare facilities. We explore eligibility criteria, the program's impact on patient access, and the positive changes it fosters in local healthcare systems.• Overview of the 340B Drug Pricing Program • Explanation of eligible covered entities • How 340B functions in pharmacy settings • Testimonials on patient experiences with 340B • Importance of patient eligibility requirements • Community impact of the 340B program • Discussion on expanding services due to cost savingsThank you for listening to the MedLink Georgia...
2025-02-1210 minMedLink Health Connections PodcastThyroid Health 101 with Dr. Stelin GeorgeIn this episode, we sit down with Dr. Stelin George, a board-certified family physician based at MedLink’s Athens location, to demystify thyroid health.Together, we explore the critical role of the thyroid gland, common signs of thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, and the diagnostic process. Dr. George provides an in-depth look at treatment options, including medication and advanced procedures like thyroid ablation, while offering insights into how these conditions affect overall well-being.Whether you're curious about symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or palpitations, or you're interested in staying informed about proactive health measures, th...
2025-01-2915 min
MedLink Health Connections PodcastMedLink Health Connections: Connecting You to Better HealthWelcome to the very first episode of MedLink Health Connections! In this introductory episode, we’ll explore the mission and vision behind our podcast. Discover what inspired the creation of MedLink Health Connections and what you can expect in future episodes. Whether you're looking to improve your health, stay informed about the latest medical advancements, or connect with experts in the field, this podcast is your gateway to better health. Tune in and start your journey towards a healthier, happier you!Thank you for listening to the MedLink Georgia Podcast. New episodes feature conversations with providers, leaders, an...
2025-01-1303 min
MedLink Health Connections PodcastPrinciples for Sustainable Weight Management with Dietitian Ann WhitakerIn this episode, registered dietitian nutritionist Ann Whitaker discusses the challenges of weight loss and maintenance, and shares principles for successful, sustainable lifestyle changes. Key points include:Approach weight loss as a lifelong habit, not a temporary "diet" - practice the behaviors you want to maintain long-term.Manage hunger and cravings by eating regularly and keeping healthy foods accessible. Avoid using "forbidden" foods as rewards.Expect progress, not perfection. Treat setbacks as learning opportunities, not failures.Reframe your mindset - focus on feeling good and being healthy, not just the number on the scale.Be realistic...
2025-01-1320 min
Becoming Doctors Abroad by Medlink StudentsStudying Medicine in Pleven University, Bulgaria via Medlink Students - Episode 5
Becoming Doctors Abroad Podcast by Medlink Students - Episode 5
2024-04-1341 min
Becoming Doctors Abroad by Medlink StudentsEuropean University Tbilisi, Georgia [Quickfire Q&A]Medlink Students interviewed student Qadir, a UK medicine student at European University Tbilisi, Georgia. He talks about his experience and describes what it's like to study at the university.
2023-11-071h 51
MedLink Neurology PodcastBrainWaves #26 Considerations in the management of women with epilepsyMedLink Neurology Podcast is delighted to feature selected episodes from BrainWaves, courtesy of James E Siegler MD, its originator and host. BrainWaves is an academic audio podcast whose mission is to educate medical providers through clinical cases and topical reviews in neurology, medicine, and the humanities, and episodes originally aired from 2016 to 2021. Originally released: July 18, 2017 There's more to epilepsy than AED titration. (Shocking, I know.) Especially in women, management is undeniably complex. For example, the same enzymatic machinery used to metabolize AEDs is also used to break down estrogen-containing oral contraceptives--an in...
2023-04-1420 minMedLink Neurology PodcastBrainWaves #42 There's more to the facial nerve than Bell's PalsyMedLink Neurology Podcast is delighted to feature selected episodes from BrainWaves, courtesy of James E Siegler MD, its originator and host. BrainWaves is an academic audio podcast whose mission is to educate medical providers through clinical cases and topical reviews in neurology, medicine, and the humanities, and episodes originally aired from 2016 to 2021. Originally released: July 18, 2017 Yeah, we talk about Bell's palsy here. A lot, actually. But there's also hemifacial spasm, blepharospasm, facial myokymia, and pathologic sialorrhea as it pertains to neurodegenerative disease--not to mention the facial nerve anatomy! Sit down and bu...
2023-04-1416 minMedLink Neurology PodcastBrainWaves #84 Neonatal abstinence syndromeMedLink Neurology Podcast is delighted to feature selected episodes from BrainWaves, courtesy of James E Siegler MD, its originator and host. BrainWaves is an academic audio podcast whose mission is to educate medical providers through clinical cases and topical reviews in neurology, medicine, and the humanities, and episodes originally aired from 2016 to 2021. Originally released: November 9, 2017 With the ongoing opioid crisis, not only those using opiates are affected. There has been an exponential rise in the incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome--the multiorgan dysfunction experienced by newborns of mothers who are using opioid pr...
2023-04-1417 minMedLink Neurology PodcastBrainWaves #160 Pluses and minuses of perfusion imagingMedLink Neurology Podcast is delighted to feature selected episodes from BrainWaves, courtesy of James E Siegler MD, its originator and host. BrainWaves is an academic audio podcast whose mission is to educate medical providers through clinical cases and topical reviews in neurology, medicine, and the humanities, and episodes originally aired from 2016 to 2021.Originally released: April 2, 2020Perfusion imaging employs concepts that date back to the early 1830s, and it leverages hardware and software that emerged around the same time as multidetector helical CT scans. But it has only become popular in recent years for thrombectomy decision-making...
2023-04-1421 minMedLink Neurology PodcastBrainWaves #161 Rule out spinal dural AV fistulaMedLink Neurology Podcast is delighted to feature selected episodes from BrainWaves, courtesy of James E Siegler MD, its originator and host. BrainWaves is an academic audio podcast whose mission is to educate medical providers through clinical cases and topical reviews in neurology, medicine, and the humanities, and episodes originally aired from 2016 to 2021.Originally released: April 16, 2020As my wife and I are raising our 9-month-old daughter, and she is eating more solid food, I can't help but think about how important it is for her to keep an open mind to new food groups. But being...
2023-04-1027 minMedLink Neurology PodcastBrainWaves #80 The meningitis that keeps coming backMedLink Neurology Podcast is delighted to feature selected episodes from BrainWaves, courtesy of James E Siegler MD, its originator and host. BrainWaves is an academic audio podcast whose mission is to educate medical providers through clinical cases and topical reviews in neurology, medicine, and the humanities, and episodes originally aired from 2016 to 2021. Originally released: October 12, 2017 Most people never get meningitis. For those who do, it is rare to experience it more than once. But if it recurs, red flags should be going up. Dr. Jon Rosenberg joins Jim Siegler this week in...
2023-04-1023 minMedLink Neurology PodcastBrainWaves #163 What’s the buzz?MedLink Neurology Podcast is delighted to feature selected episodes from BrainWaves, courtesy of James E Siegler MD, its originator and host. BrainWaves is an academic audio podcast whose mission is to educate medical providers through clinical cases and topical reviews in neurology, medicine, and the humanities, and episodes originally aired from 2016 to 2021. Originally released: May 14, 2020 Can you hear that too? You can't? Well, that doesn't mean I'm having auditory hallucinations. It could just be tinnitus, which describes the irritating sound of ringing, buzzing, clicking, or hissing that affects 10% to 20% of the wo...
2023-04-1021 minMedLink Neurology PodcastBrainWaves #14 Anti-epileptic drug-drug interactionsMedLink Neurology Podcast is delighted to feature selected episodes from BrainWaves, courtesy of James E Siegler MD, its originator and host. BrainWaves is an academic audio podcast whose mission is to educate medical providers through clinical cases and topical reviews in neurology, medicine, and the humanities, and episodes originally aired from 2016 to 2021. Originally released: July 18, 2017 Things you need to know about the way antiepileptic drugs affect each other, all in one podcast. Take a few minutes here to familiarize yourself with these common and critical complications of seizure management. BrainWaves podcasts an...
2023-04-1008 minMedLink Neurology PodcastBrainWaves #2 Teaching through cinical cases: Neurologic deterioration after strokeMedLink Neurology Podcast is delighted to feature selected episodes from BrainWaves, courtesy of James E Siegler MD, its originator and host. BrainWaves is an academic audio podcast whose mission is to educate medical providers through clinical cases and topical reviews in neurology, medicine, and the humanities, and episodes originally aired from 2016 to 2021. Originally released: July 18, 2017 In our first episode with neurology content, we will discuss my research interest in neurologic deterioration after stroke. Enjoy! BrainWaves podcasts and online content are intended for medical education only and should not be used to gu...
2023-04-1009 minMedLink Neurology PodcastBrainWaves #113 Teaching through clinical cases: Hypoactive delirium & antipsychoticsMedLink Neurology Podcast is delighted to feature selected episodes from BrainWaves, courtesy of James E Siegler MD, its originator and host. BrainWaves is an academic audio podcast whose mission is to educate medical providers through clinical cases and topical reviews in neurology, medicine, and the humanities, and episodes originally aired from 2016 to 2021. Originally released: June 21, 2018 This week's clinical case features a complex course of hospital-acquired delirium with an in-depth discussion on antipsychotics. Dr. Ayyappan Venkatraman reviews the pertinent psychopharmacology in dopaminergic and nondopaminergic signaling. Produced by James E S...
2023-04-1028 minMedLink Neurology PodcastBrainWaves #36 Teaching through clinical cases: Acute vestibular syndromeMedLink Neurology Podcast is delighted to feature selected episodes from BrainWaves, courtesy of James E Siegler MD, its originator and host. BrainWaves is an academic audio podcast whose mission is to educate medical providers through clinical cases and topical reviews in neurology, medicine, and the humanities, and episodes originally aired from 2016 to 2021. Originally released: July 18, 2017 The acute vestibular syndrome is easy enough to identify, but it can be a challenge to diagnose. In this week's episode of BrainWaves, Dr. Ali Hamedani tries to simplify the approach to acute, intermittent, and chronic co...
2023-04-1024 min