Perspectives on Healthcare

It’s a patient’s perspective on healthcare from Ashli Molinero on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare podcast with Rob Oliver. Ashli is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She brings a unique perspective in that she has a lifelong disability and she also works for a major healthcare network to ensure that people with disabilities receive quality care. This interview comes from the Guinness world record setting patient interview marathon.

The good news is that the purple issue with Mary Ann Stanchik’s WebCam seems to have been resolved in this interview with Ashli. What are your thoughts on the patient’s perspectives that we have heard so far? Share your thoughts through the contact form on the Perspectives on Healthcare website or shoot Rob a DM through social media.

Here are 3 things that stood out as Ashli Molinero gave us a patient’s perspective on healthcare:

• UPMC has a Disability Resource Center which works to ensure that patients with disabilities have the necessary accommodations within UPMC facilities. This includes ADA compliance, communication tools, and general accessibility.
• By utilizing a team approach, the Disability Resource Center is able to work with a variety of departments across the healthcare system to meet the needs of patients with disabilities.
• Quality healthcare is patient centered. It emphasizes effective communication, collaboration between patients and providers, and accessibility to facilities and resources. It is founded on understanding individual patient needs and tailoring care to those needs.

Tina Baxter gives us a nurse practitioner’s perspective on healthcare on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare podcast with Rob Oliver. She joins us from the great state of Indiana (which is a state we have not had represented on the podcast yet.) A member of Generation X, she has a particular specialty in geriatric care.

Here are 3 things that stood out as Tina Baxter gave us a nurse practitioner’s perspective on healthcare:

• Quality healthcare is providing the best achievable outcome for patients. It must be patient centered and include individualized decision-making.
• Quality healthcare must also address patient’s emotional and social needs, in addition to their medical treatment.
• Nurse practitioners help bridge the gap between nursing and medicine. Among their unique roles is the provision of holistic care, patient advocacy and education.

You can learn more about Tina Baxter and connect with her through the links below:

We hear a patient’s perspective on healthcare from Mary Ann Stanchik on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare podcast with Rob Oliver. Mary Ann is from Pennsylvania. This interview came from the Patient’s Perspective Interview Marathon. For those of you watching on video, I’m not sure what was going on but for some reason everything in the picture is lavender. You will hear in Mary Ann Stanchik’s comments at the beginning of the interview that she is wearing something that is black. Whatever she is wearing, her WebCam definitely gives it a purple look.

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Here are 3 things that stood out as Mary Ann Stanchik provided a patient’s perspective on healthcare:

• The health insurance marketplace is difficult to navigate. Additionally, it can sometimes be cost prohibitive to the point that people are making employment decisions based on health insurance coverage.
• It is imperative that healthcare is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial status.
• Improving the quality of care that patients receive must include embracing new technology, such as telehealth, and incorporating patient feedback and preferences.

We hear a pharmacy resident’s perspective on healthcare from Omar Yassin on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare Podcast with Rob Oliver. He is currently a pharmacy resident at the University of Arizona. A member of Generation Z, Omar is originally from Egypt. With a particular interest in geriatric psychiatry, he has worked in a variety of settings and logged over 1500 clinical hours.

We hear a family physician’s perspective on healthcare from Doriana Parkin on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare Podcast with Rob Oliver. Doriana Parkin is a family physician and healthcare entrepreneur in Toronto, Ontario. She is a member of Generation X. Currently, her work centers around weight loss and lifestyle medicine.

Here are 3 things that stood out as Doriana Parkin gave us a family physician’s perspective on healthcare:

• Quality healthcare is about ensuring access to healthcare services without allowing those services to be abused. It also needs to include an element of preventative counseling.
• One of things that need to be improved is the quality of communication between healthcare professionals and patients.
• Doriana Parkin is optimistic about the future of healthcare. She sees advancements in technology and research. There is also an increased awareness about preventative care.

You can learn more about Doriana Parkin and the work that she does through the links below:

It’s a patient’s perspective on healthcare from Alex Lawson on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare podcast with Rob Oliver. This is a unique dual role perspective as he shares his viewpoint both as a patient and as a medical professional. Alex Lawson is from Massachusetts. This interview comes from the patient’s perspective interview marathon. It takes place 17 hours into the marathon which is almost 1:00 a.m. As I mention in the interview, I have not had a single break to this point. The wild thing is, were not even halfway to the goal.

Here are 3 things that stood out as Alex Lawson gave us a patient’s perspective on healthcare:

• Healthcare Heroes help to ease the burden of illness and to settle uncertainty by providing compassionate care.
• There is room within the healthcare context for the integration of both conventional treatments and natural remedies. The greater the number of treatments, the more options there are for better patient outcomes.
• Reducing the cost of healthcare is possible when medical professionals scrutinize the necessity of medical procedures and tests. Eliminating unnecessary treatments can go a long way to lowering healthcare costs and increasing fiscal responsibility.

We hear a pharmacist’s perspective on healthcare from Amy Behimer on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare Podcast with Rob Oliver. Amy is part of the millennial generation (Generation Y) although she is pretty close to the border between Generation X and Generation Y. She is from Georgia. In addition to being a pharmacist, she is also a wellness coach and an MS patient. As such, she brings a truly unique perspective on healthcare to the podcast.

Be sure that you are following Rob Oliver and the Perspectives on Healthcare podcast on social media. The links are at the bottom of the show notes. We would love to hear from you.

Here are 3 things that stood out as Amy Behimer shared a pharmacist’s perspective on healthcare:

• In patient centered care, the patient must play a central role in making their own decisions about healthcare. Additionally, they must advocate for themselves to ensure that they are heard and valued.
• Quality healthcare must encompass the entire human being: physical, mental, and emotional. It is essential to consider the entire being rather than focusing solely on specific symptoms or conditions.
• Changes in healthcare as well as society need to be incremental. The changes in mindset do not need to be driven by medication, it needs to be small, sustainable change that happens one person at a time.

You can learn more about Amy Behimer and her work through the links below:

It’s an epidemiologist’s perspective on healthcare from Shanil Ebrahim on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare Podcast with Rob Oliver. Shanil is a former epidemiologist who is now a partner at Deloitte where he leads their life sciences and healthcare consulting business. A member of the millennial generation (Generation Y,) he is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

This is episode 183. Make sure you are subscribed to the podcast on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Of course, we would always appreciate a review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Here are 3 things that stood out as Shanil Ebrahim gave us an epidemiologist’s perspective on healthcare:

• Sometimes, implementing new technology actually adds to the burden of employees. For example, electronic medical health records and other requirements have increased the documentation burden on many practitioners.
• Quality healthcare means providing better and more effective care in an accessible manner.
• Technology is becoming an increasingly powerful tool for medicine. It allows precision medications, genomics, telemedicine and AI to be part of the process. Digital health as part of the delivery system has huge potential in improving patient outcomes.

You can learn more about Shanil Ebrahim and connect with him through the links below:

It’s a functional blood work specialist’s perspective on healthcare from Lacy Lain on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare podcast with Rob Oliver. Lacy is based in Florida and is a member of the Millennial Generation (Generation Y.) I will admit that I had not heard of a functional blood work specialist before meeting with Lacy Lain. Her responses were educational, insightful and enlightening.

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Here are 3 things that stood out as Lacy Lain gave us a functional blood work specialist’s perspective on healthcare:

• Communication is essential for good health. That includes communication within the body and with medical professionals.
• Quality healthcare must be patient centered. By spending a little more time with patients, practitioners may develop a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s health struggles.
• Her OB/GYN was an excellent example of quality healthcare. By taking the time to understand Lacy’s medical history, the doctor made critical decisions that saved her life during pregnancy complications.

You can learn more about Lacy Lain and functional blood work through the links below:

We hear a healthcare entrepreneur’s perspective on healthcare from Andrew Mills on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare Podcast with Rob Oliver. Andrew is a member of Generation X. He is the founder and CEO of a company called CareTrack. He lives in Georgia. Although he’s not a medical practitioner, he brings a unique and interesting viewpoint.

Here are 3 things that stood out as Andrew Mills gave us a healthcare entrepreneur’s perspective on healthcare:

• There are several different ways to support patients living in the community who may need occasional in the home supports that are beyond traditional office visits.
• Technology helps in creating understandable care plans, remote monitoring and enhanced quality of life for patients.
• The future of healthcare is exciting as treatments begin to emphasize a holistic approach and implement new technologies. The results will improve patient outcomes and enhance overall well-being.

You can learn more about Andrew Mills and Care Track through the links below:

We hear a patient’s perspective on healthcare from Jean Grover on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare Podcast with Rob Oliver. This interview is the 60th in the patient’s perspective interview Marathon series. Jean is from Rochester New York. As a person with a disability, she brings a unique background as a survivor of thalidomide. Her insights into healthcare are spot on.

As you listen to this interview, keep in mind that Rob Oliver had been interviewing people for over 16 straight hours without a break. This shows up when he tries to talk about Billie Joel’s album “We Didn’t Start the Fire” and accidentally calls it “We Didn’t Fart the Stire.” Be sure you are subscribed to the podcast so that you receive the insights of the varied guests and can appreciate Rob’s sense of humor.

Here are 3 things that stood out as Jean Grover shared a patient’s perspective on healthcare:

• Within the healthcare environment there needs to be accessibility. Equipment, such as adjustable exam tables, help ensure equal access to quality care for people with varied limitations.
• Quality healthcare comes from practitioners to listen attentively, do their homework, and consider each patient’s unique circumstances.
• Medical professionals can improve the quality of healthcare by becoming better listeners and enhancing their people skills.

We hear a perinatal mental health professional’s perspective on healthcare from Becky Gleed on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare podcast with Rob Oliver. Becky practices in Northern Virginia, just outside of Washington DC. She is a member of the millennial generation. In broader terms, she is a licensed marriage and family counselor with a specialty in perinatal and maternal mental health.

Here are 3 things that stood out as Becky Gleed provided a perinatal mental health professional’s perspective on healthcare:

• Working moms have unique healthcare needs as they attempt to return to work. Issues such as physical recovery, breast-feeding support and navigating the work environment postpartum.
• Quality healthcare includes collaboration, equal access and equitable care for all individuals. There are major disparities with marginalized communities.
• Providers need to take care of themselves, prioritizing their own mental and physical health, in order to improve the quality of care their patients receive.

You can learn more about Becky Gleed, her practice and her books through the links below:

Jim Batterton gives us a patient’s perspective on healthcare in this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare podcast with Rob Oliver. Jim is located in Connecticut. You may recognize his last name because his wife joined the interview marathon as well. This is episode 176 of the podcast and Jim is the 59th interview in the patient’s perspective marathon.

If you are enjoying these interviews, we would value a review on whatever platform you listen to Perspectives on Healthcare.

Here are 3 things that stood out as Jim Batterton gave us a patient’s perspective on healthcare:

• The cost of healthcare services needs to be more transparent. There is no upfront pricing information for healthcare as opposed to other consumer services.
• There needs to be a better system for coordinating and connecting care providers. Information needs to be easily shared across a variety of healthcare settings.
• Creating a more consumer friendly healthcare system involves valuing not just the practitioners time but the patient’s time as well. Both need to be valued equally.

Michelle May gives us a family physician’s perspective on healthcare on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare Podcast. Michelle is a member of the baby Boomer generation. She is located in Arizona. She is the CEO of a company called Am I Hungry? Mindful Eating Programs and Trainings. Michelle May has personal experience and a professional understanding of our eating habits and the impact they have on our health.

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Here are 3 interesting points that Michelle made while sharing a family physician’s perspective on healthcare:

• Quality healthcare looks at the whole person’s well-being rather than focusing solely on metrics like weight or BMI.
• There needs to be caution within the medical community about using weight as a primary indicator of health.
• Medical professionals can have better conversations with their patients by asking open-ended questions, avoiding assumptions based on body size, and providing support tailored to the individual needs of the patient.

Here is the link to the article that she mentioned during the interview:

We hear a patient’s perspective on healthcare from Melissa Marshall on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare Podcast with Rob Oliver. This is interview 58 in the patient’s perspective interview marathon. Melissa is from Connecticut. She shares a powerful story about her own personal experiences of living with a disability from birth. It is interesting to hear the impact that her disability had on her care as a child as well as in motherhood. A strong advocate for people with disabilities, Melissa Marshall provides some true food for thought.

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Here are 3 stand out points that Melissa Marshall makes as she shares a patient’s perspective on healthcare:

• Healthcare Heroes are the ones who show empathy, believe in their patients and actively work with patients to improve their condition.
• Quality Healthcare is affordable, accessible for all people and welcomes patient input. (Patients must be seen as equal members of the care team.)
• Healthcare professionals need to be aware of their own disability bias. Being aware of its existence and recognizing how personal biases impact patient care can make a huge difference in the way their practices run.

Carter Williams gives a venture capital investor’s perspective on healthcare on this addition of the Perspectives on Healthcare Podcast with Rob Oliver. Carter is from St. Louis Missouri. He is the CEO of iSelect Fund, an organization which you will learn more about throughout the interview. Carter Williams is a member of Generation X.

Just a reminder to make sure that you are subscribed to the podcast on your favorite platform. With two episodes a week, there’s plenty of interesting conversation surrounding quality healthcare and how to improve it.

Here are 3 things that stood out as Carter Williams shared a venture capital investor’s perspective on healthcare:

• Food is health. One of the ways to address some of the significant health issues facing our country such as type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease is to look at the food that we eat.
• Bringing nutritional counselors into your local grocery store or Walmart is one way to encourage good food choices. Nutritional guidance would work hand in hand with healthcare services.
• As we move towards the future, Carter Williams would like to see the investment in healthcare switch from treatment to prevention. It may be possible to effectively eliminate type II diabetes.

You can follow Carter Williams and learn more about iSelect Fund through the links below:

We hear a patient’s perspective on healthcare from Marcie Roth on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare podcast with Rob Oliver. Marcie lives in Maryland, just outside of Washington DC. This is interview 57 in the patient’s perspective interview marathon. You will hear me mention the fact that I’ve been going for over 15 straight hours. It seems like a long time when I said it but it is not even halfway to the end of the marathon.

Here are 3 things that stood out as Marcie Roth gave us a patient’s perspective on healthcare:

• Immediate and accessible communication with healthcare providers is extremely valuable. It allows patients to get clarification without the need for an office visit.
• Quality healthcare includes being treated with respect and taken seriously by medical providers. Patients need to be seen as partners in the process.
• Providers need to make patients feel that they are worthy of their time!

It’s a healthcare executive’s perspective on healthcare from Rachel Woodward on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare Podcast with Rob Oliver. Rachel is from California and brings the perspective of the millennial generation (Generation Y.) Furthermore, Rachel Woodward is the CEO of Datapro, a medical billing company.

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Here are 3 things that stood out as Rachel Woodward shared a healthcare executive’s perspective on healthcare:

• Quality healthcare must be both timely and include a preventative element.
• Access to quality healthcare, and healthcare in general, is a significant concern. It is especially important in situations where delays can impact patients’ everyday lives.
• One of the bright things about the future of healthcare is an increasing recognition and openness about mental health issues.

You can learn more about Rachel Woodward and Datapro through the links below:

It’s Ashley Waliczek giving a patient’s perspective on healthcare on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare Podcast with Rob Oliver. Ashley currently lives in Windsor, Ontario. Her perspective is unique in that she has lived in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Ontario, giving her experience with the US healthcare system in 2 locations as well as the Canadian healthcare system. It’s fascinating to hear her talk about having to find a volunteer doctor.

Make sure that you are subscribed to the podcast so you don’t miss any of these fascinating interviews. They are published every Tuesday and Friday.

Here are 3 points that stuck out in my mind from Ashley Waliczek as she gave us a patient’s perspective on healthcare:

• A volunteer doctor at a free clinic for newcomers to Canada became a healthcare hero! He took the patient’s concern seriously, ordered the necessary tests and identified a serious medical issue.
• Quality Healthcare is about building mutual trust. Patients need to be involved in their own health and, especially, in the decision-making process.
• Empathy is key. Healthcare professionals should treat every patient with respect and empathy. This fosters a collaborative approach rather than a top-down model.

It’s part 2 of A Patient’s Perspective on Healthcare from Traci Sexton on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare Podcast with Rob Oliver. Traci is from Indiana, Pennsylvania, about an hour north of Pittsburgh. Her story involves her own experiences being diagnosed with arthritis at age 7 and her experiences with her daughter Lily who has transverse myelitis. Her insights are extremely interesting. If you did not catch part 1, I would encourage you to go back and listen.

Here are 3 things that stood out as his word in this part of the interview with Traci Sexton giving a patient’s perspective on healthcare:

• Medicine needs to be a true collaboration. Patients nor practitioners can be counted on to know everything. Needs to be an allowance for “I don’t know.”
• There is a need for advocacy in the healthcare system beyond just the family members. Advocates can help navigate things like access to care, billing, and communication with the practitioner.
• There is a lack of communication between healthcare professionals. An effective communication system where information is shared may help practitioners to properly diagnose and treat the patients that come into their practices.

Traci Sexton shares a patient’s perspective on healthcare on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare podcast with Rob Oliver. Traci is from Indiana, Pennsylvania (a town just north of Pittsburgh.) Traci is an amazing story that includes her own diagnosis with arthritis at age 7 and her daughter’s experience with transverse myelitis. This is interview 55 in the world record setting patient’s perspective interview marathon. This episode features the first half of the interview.

Here are 3 things that stood out as Traci Sexton shared a patient’s perspective on healthcare:

• There is a fine line between sharing your symptoms with a medical professional and being asked to self diagnose. This is especially true as a parent talking about your children’s medical condition.
• Your health insurance company can be a Healthcare Hero by advocating for your needs and helping to resolve billing issues.
• Quality healthcare is about providing solutions. Medical professionals should be honest. If they have a solution, share it. If they don’t, admit it.

We get a patient’s perspective on healthcare from Julia McMichael on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare podcast with Rob Oliver. This is interview 54 in the patient’s perspective interview marathon. Julia is from New Jersey. She shares an interesting perspective as it relates to both her personal and professional experiences.

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Here are 3 things that stood out as Julia McMichael gave us a patient’s perspective on healthcare:

• Healthcare heroes are medical professionals who can keep their composure during stressful situations. Their resilience and self-control help provide emotional support for the patients they serve.
• Quality healthcare is more than meeting quality metrics. It requires a holistic approach with a focus on long-term well-being.
• Practitioners can improve the quality of healthcare patients receive by taking the time to ensure that patients feel heard.

Allison Draper provides a patient’s perspective on healthcare during this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare podcast with Rob Oliver. She is located in North Carolina and shares her experiences about the birth of her two children. This interview with Allison Draper is #53 in the Guinness World Record Setting patient interview marathon. Just to give you context, the marathon started at 7:30 a.m. and by the time this interview took place, it was around 9:45 PM and I had been going for over 14 hours straight, without a break.

Here are 3 things that stood out as Allison Draper shared a patient’s perspective on healthcare:

• Sometimes, people can make all the difference. Alison’s experience during the delivery of her two children was vastly different. One of the differences was a nurse named Michelle who provided comfort and exceptional care.
• Empathy can go a long way towards building trust and relationships between practitioners and patients.
• There needs to be an emphasis on the patient’s needs and rights over insurance company guidelines and regulations when it comes to determining a course of treatment.

Yasmin Brown brings a patient’s perspective on healthcare to this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare podcast with Rob Oliver. This is part of the world record setting patient’s perspective interview marathon. It is interview 52 in the series. Yasmin Brown is from Pennsylvania. As you will hear, she has a diversity of experience in healthcare.

Here are 3 things that stood out as Yasmin Brown gave us a patient’s perspective on healthcare:

• Healthcare Heroes address the patient’s medical needs but go beyond by offering comfort and support to the patient and the patient’s family.
• To provide patient centered care, it is imperative that medical professionals truly listen to their patients.
• The main component of quality healthcare is: Communication! Communication! Communication!

It’s a pharmacist’s perspective on healthcare from Christina Fontana on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare podcast with Rob Oliver. Originally from Long Island New York, Christina Fontana is now based in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. A member of the Millennial Generation (Generation Y,) she uses her education and training in pharmaceutical to provide a more holistic model of care for the people she serves.

Here are 3 things that stood out as Christina Fontana gave us a pharmacist’s perspective on healthcare:

• Patients represent more than a diagnosis, their needs must be met on a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual level. Additionally, it is important to address root causes and not merely symptoms.
• Quality healthcare is heart centered and includes empathy, understanding, and compassion.
• Trauma-Informed care considers patients’ past experiences and is sensitive to their psychological and physiological responses to stress.

You can learn more about Christina Fontana and connect with her through the links below:

We get a patient’s perspective on healthcare from Allison Dennison on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare podcast with Rob Oliver. Allison lives in Michigan but is originally from Arizona. She is a member of the Millennial Generation (Generation Y) and shares her experiences in healthcare, including the birth of her child. This interview comes from the Guinness World Record Setting patient interview marathon. It is interview 51, and as you will hear during the conversation takes place after 14 straight hours of interviews. I do a little multitasking during the interview because the next guest is having audio problems, please be gracious.

Here are 3 things that stood out as Alli Dennison presented a patient’s perspective on healthcare:

• It is essential to treat each patient with dignity and respect. Medical professionals need to understand that patients are often in unfamiliar circumstances.
• Allison’s Healthcare Heroes were the nurses and resident doctor during her childbirth experience. Their composure and critical decision-making had a calming influence during a very difficult time.
• Quality healthcare is more than clinical expertise. It’s about treating patients as individuals, building relationships and being aware of patient’s unique needs and experiences.

Mary Beth Selby gives us a patient’s perspective on healthcare in this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare podcast with Rob Oliver. Mary Beth and her family live in South Carolina. Although, she has lived in many places around the United States and references the differences in the healthcare approach from each region. This interview comes from the Guinness World Record Setting patient’s perspective interview marathon. It is interview 50 in the series.

As I mentioned in the intro, we had to skip interview 49 because of poor audio quality. You can read the transcript of that fascinating interview with Kimberly Gillis on the Perspectives on Healthcare website:

This episode features a patient’s perspective on healthcare from Esther Hamblin. She joined the Perspectives on Healthcare podcast with Rob Oliver as part of the Guinness World Record Setting patient interview marathon. Esther is from Virginia and, as you will hear, is a stay-at-home mom who is concerned about her children’s health. This is interview 48 in the marathon.

Here are 3 things that stood out as Esther Hamblin gave us a patient’s perspective on healthcare:

• A Healthcare Hero, like Dr. Shane, is somebody who takes a personal interest in their patients and goes above and beyond in caring for them.
• Quality healthcare is not just about caring for the individual but realizing that it has an impact on their entire family.
• Listening to your patients is imperative. In Esther situation, a provider dismissing her symptoms led to significant postpartum complications. Medical professionals need to listen to their patients and take their concerns seriously!

It’s a mental health peer specialist’s perspective on healthcare from Jennifer Silbaugh on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare Podcast with Rob Oliver. Jennifer is a new author, the book is called “A Dove in the Shadows,” and shares her personal journey from mental health patient to peer specialist. She is from just outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and is a member of the Millennial Generation.

Here are 3 things that stood out in a mental health peer specialist’s perspective on healthcare from Jennifer Silbaugh:

• A peer specialist has an advantage over a professional because they have been through similar experiences to the individuals they are assisting. The shared experience comes across as more genuine wine and trustworthy than hearing it from a doctor.
• As with many health issues, the mental health journey is an ongoing process, even when you are in recovery. There are still struggles and challenges to face and cope with.
• It is refreshing to be able to talk openly about mental health. Hearing public figures and celebrities share their mental health struggles helps to reduce stigma and encourage honest discussions.

You can learn more about Jennifer Silbaugh and her book as well as connect with her through the links below:

Mary Goldberg gives us an assistive technology specialist’s perspective on healthcare on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare Podcast with Rob Oliver. Mary is a member of the Millennial Generation, although she is close to the line of belonging to Generation X. She lives in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania where she serves as the Associate Dean for Interprofessional Studies at the School of Health and Rehabilitation Science at the University of Pittsburgh.

Here are 3 things that stood out as Mary Goldberg shared an assistive technology specialist’s perspective on healthcare:

• It is important to look at the people that are served by the healthcare community has more than their primary diagnosis or presenting issue. Take a look at what else is going on in their life and how it may impact their plan of care moving forward.
• Assistive technology improves the independence and functionality of people with disabilities. Her definition of assistive technology is a product or service that enhances the independence in health of individuals with disabilities.
• Technology will play a major role in the future of healthcare. Artificial intelligence can assist with diagnoses, technology can help offer personalized medicine, and telehealth offers patients access to care from anywhere.
• Bonus: smart home technology can help people with disabilities to be more independent but also may be able to help improve their health.

You can connect with Mary Goldberg through the links below:

LeeAnn Beitko gives us a patient’s perspective on healthcare on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare podcast with Rob Oliver. LeeAnn was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis and rheumatoid arthritis several years ago. It was a long process to reach the correct diagnosis. She is from my hometown of White Oak, Pennsylvania. Her story and insights are fascinating. This is interview 46 in the patient’s perspective interview Marathon.

Here are 3 things that stood out as LeeAnn Beitko shared a patient’s perspective on healthcare:

• Sometimes just getting the correct diagnosis takes forever. LeeAnn was not feeling well but could not get any resolution to what was causing her discomfort. It took almost 10 years to finally get a diagnosis.
• Sometimes, medical professionals are dismissive of patient’s input and feedback. Several of her doctors attributed her tiredness to simply having children. This oversimplification was frustrating as she realized there was a difference between what she was feeling and the fatigue of dealing with everyday life.
• Quality healthcare means not giving up. It is imperative that medical professionals continue to work with their patients until there is a successful resolution to their situation. LeeAnn was thankful for a doctor that continued to work with her even when test results were coming back normal.

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Today’s guest is Ceena Jenkins, sharing a patient’s perspective on healthcare on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare podcast with Rob Oliver. This is interview 44 in the Guinness World Record Setting patient’s perspective interview marathon. Ceena is from the sweetest place on earth, Hershey Pennsylvania. She brings her perspective as a patient and as a state employee empowering people with disabilities. Her openness is powerful and refreshing.

Here are 3 things that stood out as Ceena Jenkins gave us a patient’s perspective on healthcare:

• All healthcare workers are “Healthcare Heroes”. There is not one name that jumps to mind as standing out above the others, each of them plays their own role in serving their community.
• Quality healthcare involves providers taking the time to understand the patients need, considering alternatives, and involving the patient in developing the treatment plan.
• There is still stigma that surrounds mental health concerns. Medical professionals, and the community at large, need to be more understandable and empathetic for people experiencing mental health challenges.

To book Rob Oliver as a speaker at your next event visit:

It’s Austin Joyce giving us a patient’s perspective on healthcare on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare podcast with Rob Oliver. Austin is 27 years old and lives in Michigan. He has lived in several other locations over the past few years. Although he has limited experience in the healthcare system, his answers are thoughtful and insightful. This is interview 43 in the patient’s perspective interview marathon.

Here are 3 things that stood out as Austin Joyce shared a patient’s perspective on healthcare:

• To be a healthcare hero, medical professionals need to be knowledgeable and have a caring attitude towards the people they serve.
• Quality healthcare must include a timely response, accurate diagnosis, honest communication, and differing treatment choices for the patient.
• Even with electronic health records, there needs to be better interconnectivity between healthcare systems to facilitate the transfer of patient information.

You can connect with Austin Joyce on LinkedIn:

We hear a patient’s perspective on healthcare from Matthew Sembrat on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare podcast with Rob Oliver. Matt is a friend of the show from the Pittsburgh area but joined in the patient’s perspective interview marathon from his family’s home up in Maine. This is interview 42 in the interview marathon.

Here are 3 things that stood out as Matt Sembrat gave us a patient’s perspective on healthcare:

• Healthcare Heroes represent dedication, care, and selflessness in a way that they support and care for their patients.
• Quality healthcare revolves around affordability, accessibility, inclusivity, and collaboration among healthcare providers.
• The patient experience would be improved if there were better communication and collaboration among healthcare providers.

To book Rob Oliver as a speaker at your next event visit:

Today we get a patient’s perspective on healthcare from Maranda Holder on the Perspectives on Healthcare podcast with Rob Oliver. This is interview 41 from the Guinness world record setting interview marathon. Maranda joined the podcast from Chester Virginia, right outside Richmond. It is interesting to hear her perspective as it covers her experiences as a patient and as an employee in the healthcare system.

Here are 3 things that stood out as Maranda Holder shared a patient’s perspective on healthcare:

• Stacey Epps is a healthcare hero because he was thorough, patient, and listened to the patient without jumping to conclusions.
• Quality healthcare means that the patient is being listened to, providers are exploring multiple possible diagnoses and that care providers have a good bedside manner.
• The healthcare delivery and medical records systems are fragmented. This leaves the patient responsible for disclosing medical history and medications. Having a more unified system of delivery and tracking would be beneficial.

To book Rob Oliver as a speaker at your next event visit:

We hear a homecare and hospice nurse’s perspective on healthcare from Rachel Hammon on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare Podcast with Rob Oliver. Rachel is a member of Generation X. She joined the podcast from Texas where she is the Executive Director of the Texas Association of Homecare and Hospice. Previously, she was a nurse within the hospital setting as well as the home care setting. As you will hear in the interview, she is also a passionate advocate for patients and their right to receive care in the environment of their choosing.

Here are 3 things that stood out as Rachel Hammon gave us a homecare and hospice nurse’s perspective on healthcare:

• Homecare is extremely diverse. It represents a variety of care options, differing time lengths of treatment, and serves individuals of all ages, from children to seniors.
• Quality healthcare means timely access to care in an environment of the patient’s choosing, including the option to receive services within the home.
• The ability to provide quality care throughout the healthcare system has been challenged by the current labor market. Additionally, wages for home care workers and nurses can present a challenge.

You can learn more about Rachel Hammon and the Texas Association of Homecare and Hospice through the links below:

Stacey Hawthorne gives us a patient’s perspective on healthcare in this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare Podcast with Rob Oliver. This is patient interview 40 from the patient’s perspective interview marathon. Stacey is a retired police detective and polygraph from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. She has an amazing story and is a quality individual.

Here are 3 things that stood out as Stacey Hawthorne presented a patient’s perspective on healthcare:

• As we get older, we move from thinking we are invincible to seeing the value of healthcare. It is a tool for maintaining mobility, health, and overall quality of life.
• Christine Mackey is a healthcare hero. What sets her apart is her compassion, knowledge and dedication to finding solutions to healthcare problems.
• Stacey liked when Dr. Mackey took a holistic approach to her care, considering not just physical health but mental well-being as well.

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We hear a clinical social worker’s perspective on healthcare from Daniel Mango in this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare podcast with Rob Oliver. Daniel has expertise in mental health and treating mental health issues. He is also passionate about serving the African-American community. A member of Generation X, Daniel joined the podcast from California.

Here are 3 things that stood out as Daniel Mango gave a clinical social worker’s perspective on healthcare:

• Mental health is a key component of overall wellness. It contributes to our motivation and function in all aspects of our lives.
• A healing circle offers participants an opportunity to share, bond, and develop action strategies. It can be used to address mental health issues as well as community stress points.
• Continuous stress (CPSD) often occurs in communities with low socioeconomic status, high crime, and historical oppression. It can be a contributor to ongoing mental health issues.

You can learn more about Daniel Mango and follow his work through the links below:

We hear a patient’s perspective on healthcare from Wanda Allen in this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare podcast with Rob Oliver. Wanda is from Mississippi. Although she has limited experience in the healthcare system, she has seen the ugly side in billing and the good side in patient centered care. This is interview 39 in the patient’s perspective interview marathon.

Here are 3 things that stood out as Wanda Allen gave us a patient’s perspective on healthcare:

• Bedside manner is extremely important. Someone that is skilled as a clinician still needs to be able to make a personal connection on a human level.
• Billing is one of the most frustrating parts of the healthcare system. Nobody wants to get a surprise bill!
• It’s not just one doctor’s office here or there that is creating the problem. It is the healthcare system in the United States that causes the frustration.

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Cyrus Massoumi gives us a healthcare founder’s perspective on healthcare on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare Podcast with Rob Oliver. Cyrus founded ZocDoc, which helps people book doctors appointments online. He has gone on to form a new company called Dr. B, a telehealth platform to help people get prescriptions. Cyrus was originally from Florida but now resides in New York City. Cyrus Massoumi is a member of Generation X.

Here are 3 things that stood out as Cyrus Massoumi shared a healthcare founder’s perspective on healthcare:

• Technology is the only way to impact all three dimensions of healthcare: access, outcomes, and cost.
• Access is about getting to the medical provider irrespective of cost.
• Simplification of healthcare, where patients are easily navigated to the appropriate modality, is key to improving outcomes.
• BONUS: Healthcare in America is the number one reason for bankruptcy.

You can connect with Cyrus Massoumi and learn more about his organization through the links below:

Ben Reuter gives us a patient’s perspective on healthcare on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare Podcast with Rob Oliver. Ben is from just outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This is episode 38 of the patient’s perspective interview marathon. It’s hard to believe that we are down to double digits left (just to spell it out, there’s only 99 interviews remaining.)

Here are 3 things that stood out as Ben Reuter provided a patient’s perspective on healthcare:

• Getting a recommendation from someone that you trust can be a real game changer when it comes to choosing a healthcare provider.
• There is great value in healthcare providers who encourage preventive measures, such as regular check-ups and diagnostic tests, to detect health issues early and prevent more severe problems down the line.
• Healthcare practitioners should prioritize patient care and proactive health measures over paperwork.

To connect with the show on social media use the links below:

The interview marathon continues as Rikki Quintana gave us a patient's perspective on healthcare on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare podcast with Rob Oliver. This is interview 37 in this series. Only 100 more to go! Rikki is from New Mexico. She shared some very personal insights and there's a lot to learn here.

Here are 3 things that stood out as Rikki Quintana gave us a patient's perspective on healthcare:

• Insurance significantly controls the healthcare people receive in the United States, access to care often depends on presenting an insurance card.

• Quality healthcare should consider the entire person, including their physical and mental health and life circumstances, rather than just focusing on specific medical issues.

• Medical professionals need to acknowledge the vulnerability of patients during healthcare encounters, maybe starting by acknowledging their own struggles as a patient.

To connect with the show on social media use the links below:

We hear a patient’s perspective on healthcare from Scott Ballard on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare podcast with Rob Oliver. This is interview 36 of the Guinness World Record setting patient interview marathon. Scott is from Oregon and shares his personal story. I hope you learn a lot from what he has to say.

Here are 3 things that stood out as Scott Ballard shared a patient’s perspective on healthcare:

• Healthcare professionals should focus on the individual before they focus on the patient’s presenting issue.
• MIC DROP: One word to improve healthcare quality… Smile!
• Building trust and making patients feel understood is essential to improving healthcare quality.

To connect with the show on social media use the links below:

Anne Leduc gives us a nurse practitioner’s perspective on healthcare during this interview from the Perspectives on Healthcare Podcast with Rob Oliver. Anne is a member of the Baby Boomer generation. She joined Rob from Connecticut. Anne Leduc has retired from her career as a nurse practitioner but is passionate about the profession and ensuring that patients receive high quality care.

Here are 3 things that stood out as Anne Leduc gave us a nurse practitioner’s perspective on healthcare:

• Whether it is short term rehab for long-term care, the goal is for patients to transition back to independent living.
• Quality healthcare means healthcare that is accessible for everyone. Additionally, the healthcare system needs the flexibility that allows people to choose the coverage that suits their needs.
• Preventative care is one way to maintain overall health and cut down on the need for acute medical intervention.

You can learn more about Anne Leduc and connect with her through the link below:

We hear a patient’s perspective on healthcare from Jennifer Darling on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare Podcast with Rob Oliver. Jennifer is from Northern California. In addition to joining Rob to share her perspective as a patient, she is a LinkedIn expert in real life (you will hear Rob mention seeing her on LinkedIn at the end of the interview.) This is interview 35 in the Guinness World Record setting interview marathon.

Here are 3 things that stood out as Jennifer Darling gave us a patient’s perspective on healthcare:

• Sometimes it’s important for the patient to empower themselves. This is possible through education as well as seeking alternative treatments that are outside of traditional medicine and may not be covered by insurance.
• Jennifer’s “Healthcare Hero” is her general practitioner who treated her with a holistic approach, taking into account her life beyond the current symptoms. They connected on a human level.
• Medical professionals need to take better care of themselves to combat stress and burnout. One strategy would be to form communities where they can share experiences and alleviate stress which will help improve the quality of healthcare their patients receive.

You can connect with Jennifer Darling on LinkedIn, just like Rob did:

It’s a health insurance strategist’s perspective on healthcare from Noor Ali on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare Podcast with Rob Oliver. Dr. Noor is from New York but went to Bangladesh to do her medical training. Upon returning to the US, she had trouble with licensure and committed herself to honing her expertise on health insurance. Currently living in Florida, she is a member of the millennial generation (Generation Y.)

Here are 3 things that stood out as Noor Ali gave us a health insurance strategist’s perspective on healthcare:

• Quality healthcare involves having desired treatments covered at a reasonable cost. Insurance isn't meant to cover everything but to mitigate costs.
• There is a triangular relationship in healthcare involving insurance companies, healthcare providers, and patients. Patients often end up losing due to coverage limitations. Providers also face challenges as insurance companies may not adequately reimburse their efforts.
• Podcasts and educational resources are empowering patients to understand insurance better, which leads to better utilization and less fear of insurance companies.

You can connect with Noor Ali through the website and links below:

We get a patient’s perspective on healthcare from Linsi Brownson on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare Podcast with Rob Oliver. She is a member of the millennial generation and joined the podcast from Austin, Texas. This interview is #34 in the patient’s perspective interview marathon.

Here are 3 things that stood out as Linsi Brownson gave us a patient’s perspective on healthcare:

• Quality healthcare utilizes a holistic approach where healthcare providers are open-minded, curious, and willing to work collaboratively with patients.

• A healthcare system that supports wellness, not just illness, can contribute to a healthier and happier community.

• Two key actions that medical professionals can take to improve healthcare quality are (1) approaching patients without judgment and (2) offering patients options and involving them in decision-making.

To connect with the show on social media use the links below:

Iris Waichler gives us a medical social worker’s perspective on healthcare on this episode of the Perspectives on Healthcare podcast with Rob Oliver. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and joined the podcast from Chicago, Illinois. Iris Waichler is a member of the Baby Boomer generation. She has a broad range of experience within the healthcare setting, both personally and professionally. On a professional level, Iris Waichler has worked in end-of-life, emergency room, infertility, catastrophic injury, and more.

Here are 3 things that stood out as Iris Waichler gave us a medical social worker’s perspective on healthcare:

• She believes that healthcare professionals should listen to patients, involve them in treatment decisions, and create a collaborative treatment plan that addresses all aspects of their well-being.
• Quality healthcare involves a multidisciplinary approach, considering physical, emotional, and psychological needs. Support groups can help patients cope and connect with others facing similar challenges.
• She believes that patients and their families should be empowered to ask questions, voice concerns, and actively participate in their treatment plans. Advocacy helps ensure that patients receive the care and information they need to make informed decisions.

You can connect with Iris Waichler through the links below: