UB Medicine

Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
  • 4.4 (7)
  • Medicine

Hosted by Allison Brashear, MD, MBA, dean of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and vice president for health sciences at the University at Buffalo. This series explores how our faculty, learners, and partners are driving innovation, advancing education and transforming health across Western New York and beyond.

  1. Oct 7

    Ep. 24 - Beyond the Extra Hour: Understanding Sleep Health

    Sleep affects nearly every aspect of our health, but getting enough quality sleep can be a challenge at every age. In this episode of the UB Medicine Podcast, host Dr. Allison Brashear talks with sleep experts Dr. Amanda Hassinger and Dr. Ali El Solh about why sleep matters, how our sleep needs change throughout life and what happens when we consistently don’t get enough rest. From the effects of the seasonal time change and the unique sleep challenges facing children and teenagers to sleep apnea, cardiovascular health and other common sleep disorders, the conversation explores the science of sleep across the lifespan. The guests also share practical strategies listeners can use to build healthier sleep habits and explain when sleep problems may warrant medical attention.

  2. Sep 16

    Ep. 23 - Who Takes Care of the Caregivers? Understanding Compassion Fatigue

    Health care professionals dedicate their careers to caring for patients and families, often working in high-pressure environments where exposure to stress, trauma and suffering is a daily reality. While compassion is at the heart of health care, the emotional demands of continually caring for others can lead to compassion fatigue, affecting personal well-being, professional satisfaction and patient care. In this episode of the UB Medicine Podcast, Allison Brashear, MD, PhD, speaks with Chandra M. Grabill, PhD, and Graham Skelhorne-Gross, MD, PhD, about the causes and warning signs of compassion fatigue, its impact on health care professionals and strategies for building resilience and fostering healthier workplace cultures. Together, they explore how individuals and organizations can better support the well-being of those who care for others.

  3. Sep 2

    Ep. 22 - Genes, Guidance and Care: The Role of Genetic Counseling

    Genetic testing has transformed the way we understand disease risk, diagnose rare conditions, and personalize medical care. But behind every test result is a patient, a family, and a series of important decisions about health, prevention, and the future. In this episode of the UB Medicine Podcast, Dean Allison Brashear sits down with certified genetic counselors Lindsey Alico, MS, CGC, inaugural director of the Jacobs School's Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program, and Hallie Metzger, MS, CGC, lead genetic counselor at Catholic Health, to explore the growing role of genetic counseling in modern medicine. They discuss how genetic counselors help patients navigate complex and often emotional information, the enduring importance of family health history, and how advances in genomic medicine are changing care across the lifespan, from family planning and pregnancy to cancer risk assessment and rare disease diagnosis. The conversation also examines the future of personalized medicine, the expanding role of genomic testing in health care, and how the next generation of genetic counselors is being trained to meet the increasing demand for expertise in this rapidly evolving field. Whether you're curious about your family health history, interested in the future of medicine, or considering a career in genetic counseling, this episode offers an inside look at a profession that is helping bridge scientific discovery and compassionate patient care.

  4. Aug 19

    Ep. 21 - A Conversation on GLP 1s, Obesity & Metabolic Care

    Obesity affects millions of people and is increasingly recognized as a complex chronic disease shaped by biology, genetics, environment and metabolism. In this episode of the UB Medicine Podcast, host Dr. Allison Brashear is joined by Dr. Ajay Chaudhuri, an internationally recognized expert in diabetes, obesity and metabolic disease, and Dr. Kathleen Bethin, a pediatric endocrinologist and specialist in childhood metabolic health, for an in-depth discussion about the science transforming obesity care. Together, they explore how our understanding of obesity has evolved, why stigma remains a barrier to treatment, and what patients and families should know about metabolic health. The conversation also examines the rise of GLP-1 medications, explaining how these therapies work, why they represent a significant breakthrough in obesity and diabetes treatment, and the broader health benefits clinicians are seeing beyond weight loss. Listeners will gain insight into obesity and metabolic care across the lifespan, from children and adolescents to adults, as well as the importance of combining medication with nutrition, physical activity and behavioral support. The episode concludes with a look at emerging research, unanswered questions and the future of personalized obesity treatment.

  5. Aug 19

    Ep. 20 - From Trauma to Healing: Addressing Violence as a Public Health Issue

    Gun violence is more than a public safety issue. It is a public health challenge that affects the health, well-being and resilience of entire communities. In this episode of the UB Medicine Podcast, host Dr. Allison Brashear is joined by Adrienne Garr, executive director of Buffalo's Office of Gun Violence Prevention, and Eddie Payne, community coordinator with the Erie County Department of Central Police Services, to discuss how Buffalo is working to prevent violence, support healing and strengthen community partnerships.  Together, they explore the lasting impact of the May 14, 2022, Tops Friendly Market shooting, the importance of viewing violence through a public health lens, and the collaborative efforts helping individuals, families and neighborhoods recover from trauma. The conversation highlights violence prevention, trauma recovery, community trust and the critical role health professionals, educators, advocates and residents play in creating safer, healthier communities.   The episode also previews the 2026 Rise, Respond and Rebuild Conference at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, a gathering dedicated to advancing healing, resilience and community-driven solutions to violence.

  6. Jul 15

    Ep. 19 - Community Partnerships in Action

    How can medical schools build stronger, more meaningful partnerships with the communities they serve? In this episode of the UB Medicine Podcast, host Allison Brashear, MD, MBA, explores how the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is working alongside community organizations, advocates, patients, and neighbors to advance health, opportunity, and better outcomes across Western New York. Joining the conversation are Anyango Kamina, PhD, assistant dean for trainee and faculty development, and Michael Lamb, PhD, psychologist, educator, and trauma-informed care advocate. Together, they discuss the importance of listening to community voices, supporting learners and faculty in community-engaged work, and creating educational experiences that connect students with real-world health challenges and lived experiences. The episode highlights initiatives such as Community Connect within the Well Beyond Curriculum, community-partnered learning opportunities, and trauma-informed approaches to patient care. Guests also share how these experiences help future physicians better understand social drivers of health, build trust with patients and communities, and become more compassionate and effective health care leaders. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the power of collaboration, the value of community wisdom, and how sustained partnerships are helping shape the future of medical education and health care.

  7. Jul 1

    Ep. 18 - Starting Strong at the Jacobs School: Supporting Students in the Transition from High School to College

    The transition from high school to college is one of the most exciting—and challenging—periods in a young person’s life. For students pursuing careers in medicine, health care, and science, the first year often brings new academic expectations, greater independence, and important questions about identity, belonging, and purpose. In this episode of the UB Medicine Podcast, host Dr. Allison Brashear, dean of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, explores what it takes to help students successfully navigate this critical transition. She is joined by Dr. John C. Panepinto, senior associate dean for biomedical education, and Carissa Uschold-Klepfer, LCSW, assistant director for outreach programs, for a conversation about academic readiness, student wellbeing, resilience, and the evolving role of families. Together, they discuss the challenges many students face during their first year, how confidence is built through support and early success, and why seeking help is a sign of strength—not weakness. The episode also offers practical advice for incoming students and their families on developing healthy habits, managing stress, building connections, and making the most of the college experience. Whether you're a student preparing for your first semester, a parent supporting a child through this transition, or an educator committed to student success, this conversation offers valuable insights into helping young people thrive during a pivotal stage of their educational journey.

  8. Jun 17

    Ep. 17 - Perimenopause & Menopause: Breaking the Silence, Understanding the Science

    This episode of the UB Medicine Podcast explores perimenopause and menopause — an inevitable stage of life that affects half the population, yet remains widely misunderstood. Host Dr. Allison Brashear, dean of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, is joined by Dr. Sarah Berga, professor and chair of obstetrics and gynecology, to bring clarity, context and science to a topic often shaped by confusion and myth. Together, they discuss why menopause is not a single moment but part of a longer, highly individualized reproductive lifespan. The conversation unpacks common symptoms such as sleep disruption, mood changes, and brain fog, and explains how hormonal fluctuations, not just decline, drive many of these experiences. Dr. Berga also addresses longstanding misconceptions about hormone therapy, the lasting impact of the Women’s Health Initiative, and how evolving research is reshaping care. Importantly, this episode highlights a critical gap in education and access: many women seek care from a range of providers who may not be fully trained in menopause management. The discussion underscores the need for better awareness across the health care system and encourages listeners to seek informed, personalized care. With a focus on evidence-based medicine and patient empowerment, this episode offers practical insight for women navigating midlife health, and reinforces the importance of being informed, asking questions, and finding providers who are prepared to answer them.

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Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Hosted by Allison Brashear, MD, MBA, dean of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and vice president for health sciences at the University at Buffalo. This series explores how our faculty, learners, and partners are driving innovation, advancing education and transforming health across Western New York and beyond.

Information

  • Creator
    Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 UB Medicine
  • Show Website
    UB Medicine

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