Behind the Mask: Interviewing Health Professionals

Kelly Hon
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What really happens behind the mask in the medical world? Join student host Kelly Hon as she talks with doctors, nurses, surgeons, residents, and students about their journey into medicine, what challenges they face, the stories you don’t usually hear, and advice for people like you. These inspiring conversations will leave you curious about the medical field and thinking of a career in healthcare. Follow @behindthemaskinitiative on Instagram!

  1. May 27

    Episode 13: More Than a Cleaning: Inside Dental Hygiene with Tawanna

    In Episode 13 of Behind The Mask, we explore the world of dental hygiene with Tawanna to uncover what the profession is really like beyond routine cleanings. Dental hygienists play a major role in preventive care, patient education, and identifying oral health concerns firsthand, making them an essential part of the dental team and overall patient health. In this episode, Tawanna shares her unique pathway from accounting to dental assisting and eventually into dental hygiene, discussing the love that she has had for the field. She talks about the realities of working closely with patients every day, the most rewarding and challenging parts of her job, and how dental hygienists often catch issues before they become serious problems. We also discuss her future goal of purchasing a mobile dental vehicle to expand access to care and reach underserved communities. We also want to apologize for some of the audio quality in this episode and appreciate your patience and support. Whether you’re interested in dentistry, healthcare careers, or learning more about the people behind patient care, this episode offers an honest look at the dedication, compassion, and impact involved in dental hygiene.

    15 min

  2. May 5

    Episode 12: Brace Yourself: Inside Orthodontics with Dr. Tony Tyan

    In Episode 12 of Behind The Mask, we dive into the world of orthodontics with Dr. Tony Tyan to uncover what really goes into creating confident, healthy smiles. From braces to clear aligners, orthodontic care is about more than just aesthetics—it plays a critical role in oral health, function, and long-term well-being. In this episode, Dr. Tyan shares his journey into orthodontics and breaks down the pathway into becoming involved in dentistry, how his day goes as a provider who takes care of mostly children, and what he loves about working with patients over time to transform their smiles. We also talk about common misconceptions, what he does to wind down, and what students should know if they’re interested in pursuing a career in dentistry or orthodontics. Whether you’ve had braces, are considering them, or are curious about the field, this episode offers an inside look at the precision, patience, and impact behind every smile.

    12 min

  3. Apr 25

    Episode 11: Inside Oncology Operations: Running the System Against Cancer with Bo

    In this episode of Behind The Mask, we explore the complex world of oncology clinical operations with Medical Oncology Clinical Operations Director Bo. From coordinating schedules with multiple locations to managing healthcare teams, oncology operations play a critical role in ensuring patients receive timely, safe, and effective cancer care. In this episode, Bo shares her journey into oncology operations and discusses her experience in overseeing the systems that support cancer treatment. We talk about the responsibilities of a clinical operations director, the challenges of patient loss, and a day-in-the-life. She also provides insight into her long, interesting path into being where she is today. This conversation highlights how strong leadership skills behind the scenes can directly impact patient care—and why understanding healthcare operations is essential for future healthcare professionals interested in making a difference beyond the bedside.

    15 min

  4. Apr 8

    Episode 10: Flow Matters: Inside Vascular Health with NP Carmy Mendoza

    In Episode 10 of Behind The Mask, we explore the vital role of vascular health with Nurse Practitioner Carmy Mendoza. From circulation to chronic conditions, vascular care plays a critical role in preventing serious complications and improving patient outcomes. In this episode, NP Mendoza shares her journey into vascular health and discusses what it takes to care for patients with complex vascular conditions. We talk about the aspects of her job, her job as a traveling NP (going into people's houses), and clinical decision-making involved in managing circulation-related health issues. She also provides insight into the responsibilities of a nurse practitioner and what students should know if they are interested in advanced nursing roles. This conversation highlights how something as simple as blood flow can have life-changing consequences—and why understanding vascular health is essential for future healthcare professionals.

    9 min

  5. Mar 29

    Episode 9: Balancing Minds and Systems: Dr. Nelia San Jose-Carlson on Psychiatry and Hospital Administration

    In Episode 9 of Behind The Mask, we sit down with Dr. Nelia San Jose-Carlson, a psychiatrist and hospital administrator, to explore what it means to balance patient care with system-level decision-making. From treating mental health conditions to leading within a hospital setting, Dr. San Jose-Carlson shares how clinical insight and leadership intersect in high-stakes environments. We discuss her journey into psychiatry, the responsibilites of being a part of hospital administration, and how decisions made behind the scenes directly impact patient safety and outcomes. This episode offers a powerful look into both the human and operational sides of healthcare—and what future healthcare professionals need to understand before entering the field. Apologies if there are some audio issues with this episode!

    9 min

  6. Mar 1

    Episode 8: Calm Under Pressure: Life as an Nurse Anesthetist

    In this episode of Behind The Mask, we explore the world of nurse anesthesia with Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Alana to uncover what it takes to keep patients safe before, during, and after surgery. CRNAs play a critical role in healthcare, managing anesthesia, monitoring vital functions, and making rapid decisions in high-pressure situations to ensure the best possible patient outcomes. In this episode, Alana shares her journey into nurse anesthesia, from her experiences in critical care nursing to pursuing advanced training as a CRNA. We discuss the responsibilities of administering anesthesia, how the ICU has helped her, and maintaining safety throughout surgical procedures. She also offers insight into the intensity of schooling leading up to being a CRNA, and the rewarding moments that come from caring for patients during some of the most vulnerable times in their lives. Whether you're interested in nursing, anesthesia, healthcare careers, or learning more about the professionals behind the scenes in the operating room, this episode provides an inside look at the skill, precision, and dedication required to practice nurse anesthesia.

    8 min

  7. Feb 9

    Episode 7: Leading the Floor: Inside Dialysis Nursing with Charge Nurse Christina

    In Episode 7 of Behind The Mask, we explore the world of dialysis nursing with Charge Nurse Christina to better understand the care and dedication required to support patients with kidney disease. Dialysis nurses play a vital role in monitoring treatments, educating patients, and helping individuals manage complex health conditions while improving their quality of life. In this episode, Christina shares her journey into nursing and discusses what a typical day on the dialysis floor looks like. We talk about her responsibilities as a charge nurse, how she balances patient care with leadership, and the unique challenges and rewards that come with working in a specialized area of healthcare. Christina also provides insight into the importance of education in delivering safe, effective care. You may hear a few quiet background sounds during this episode—Christina recently became a new mom, and her newborn joined us for the recording. We are incredibly grateful to Christina for taking the time to share her experiences while balancing both motherhood and her nursing career. Whether you're interested in nursing, nephrology, healthcare leadership, or learning more about the professionals who care for patients with chronic kidney disease, this episode offers an inside look at the compassion, expertise, and commitment involved in dialysis nursing. We'd love your feedback on this episode and the podcast overall! Fill out the Behind The Mask feedback form here:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScbA5fSnmzzYShv55TyjsSIbUxSx-3B7c-XkDAJLRsGcyO99A/viewform?usp=header

    10 min

  8. Feb 1

    Episode 6: Quiet Battles (Behind The Mask x Mind Matters)

    High performance doesn’t always mean high well-being. In this episode of Behind The Mask: Interviewing Health Professionals, we explore why high-performing athletes often struggle in silence. From internal pressure and perfectionism to stigma and fear of vulnerability, we break down the hidden challenges many athletes face behind the scenes. We had the opportunity to have this important conversation with Mind Matters. Through honest conversation and reflection, this episode sheds light on why athletes hesitate to speak up and why opening up is not a weakness, but a strength. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or supporter, this episode is a reminder that success and struggle can coexist. Because mental health matters on and off the field. 🩵

    5 min
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About

What really happens behind the mask in the medical world? Join student host Kelly Hon as she talks with doctors, nurses, surgeons, residents, and students about their journey into medicine, what challenges they face, the stories you don’t usually hear, and advice for people like you. These inspiring conversations will leave you curious about the medical field and thinking of a career in healthcare. Follow @behindthemaskinitiative on Instagram!

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