Beyond Clinical Walls Podcast Dr. BCW - Dr. Curry-Winchell, M.D.

When Marian Dancy speaks, her story resonates with an urgency that commands attention. It's a tale that is all too familiar, yet still desperately needs to be heard: a stark illustration of why self-advocacy is not just important, but potentially life-saving in Black maternal health. On Beyond Clinical Walls, we open our hearts to the powerful narratives of Marian, and Leslie Jordan who, with harrowing clarity, recounts her own experience with pain mismanagement. Together, these women's voices form a symphony of strength, drawing a spotlight on the pressing need to address the healthcare disparities that leave Black mothers at risk.

As we navigate through these deeply personal and eye-opening accounts, we uncover the nuanced relationship between a patient's composure and the perception of pain in the healthcare setting. The humbling journey Leslie shares, marked by a near-loss of life, reveals the stark consequences of cultural insensitivity and the importance of recognizing and validating pain in all its forms. Their stories are not isolated incidents; rather, they are part of a broader conversation that extends well beyond Black Maternal Health Week. This episode is a testament to the power of vulnerability, patient education, and relentless advocacy in the fight for equitable healthcare.

Wrapping up this episode, we reflect on resilience, gratitude, and the profound realization that our struggles do not define our worth. I, Dr. BCW, invite you to carry the empowering messages from Marian and Leslie with you—let them be a beacon of hope in challenging times. Thank you for joining us on this journey, where the shared experiences of our guests remind us of our shared humanity and the critical need for change in the narrative of Black maternal health.
Thank you for Listening to Beyond Clinical Walls Podcast.
To find more from Dr. BCW
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondClinicalWalls Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_bcw/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_bcw Twitter: https://twitter.com/dr_bcw

As we sit down with the fervent Dr. George Ackerman, he unveils the depths of his dedication to battling Parkinson’s disease, a quest born from the profound loss of his beloved mother, Sharon. "Together for Sharon" is not just an initiative; it's a beacon of hope, symbolizing the relentless fight against the silent encroachment of a disease that robbed him of a loved one. Our conversation traverses the rough terrain of early detection, the pitfalls of misdiagnosis, and the overarching need for heightened awareness. Dr. Ackerman imparts the tale of his mother's battle with Parkinson's, her struggles with its surreptitious symptoms, and the dire need for our collective resolve in this escalating fight. We weave together the power of human stories, which serve as the catalyst for change and a torchlight pointing towards a more informed future, where Parkinson's disease is not a whispered fear but a challenge we meet head-on.

The dialogue takes a turn to spotlight the broader societal implications of understanding Parkinson's, touching on the heartrending incident of a woman with Parkinson's unjustly ousted from TikTok due to misinformed perceptions. The urgent call for comprehensive education within law enforcement becomes apparent, emphasizing its criticality in sensitively managing interactions with those affected by such conditions. My own journey of interviewing individuals across the globe who live with Parkinson’s threads into our discussion, underscoring the transformative power of shared knowledge and empathy. This episode is an intimate expedition outside the traditional clinical confines, inviting listeners to join a movement where awareness isn't just about recognition but about active and compassionate support. Remember to subscribe and engage with our content to keep pace with the narratives that transcend the clinical realm on Beyond Clinical Walls.
Thank you for Listening to Beyond Clinical Walls Podcast.
To find more from Dr. BCW
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondClinicalWalls Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_bcw/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_bcw Twitter: https://twitter.com/dr_bcw

Have you ever felt like your voice is lost in the crowd, or struggled to advocate for your own needs? Professor Alexandra Carter joins us to illuminate the pathways to empowerment through the art of negotiation and self-advocacy. Drawing from her rich experience as a Columbia Law professor and director of Mediation Clinic, Professor Carter shares her transformative journey from a place of silence to leading individuals to find and amplify their own voices. Our discussion ventures into the realms of health, career, and personal life, showcasing negotiation as an indispensable tool for growth and self-empowerment. Professor Carter's expertise, paired with her work with NBC News' Know Your Value, offers actionable insights for women striving to ascend in their careers.

Role models can profoundly influence our lives, and this episode delves into the stories that have shaped our understanding of advocacy. I open up about my father's selfless community service and how it has woven into my personal fabric of advocacy. We also tackle the power of standing up for oneself, particularly in healthcare, as I recount a recent health experience that underscores the life-saving potential of self-advocacy. This chapter is an invitation to listeners to find inspiration in their own life narratives and take proactive steps in health, work, and at home.

To conclude, we share an uplifting tale of a guest's first colonoscopy, transforming a typically intimidating experience into one of empowerment and proactive health management. By embracing this narrative, we hope to dispel fears and promote a proactive approach to health care, while acknowledging the privilege that influences our experiences within the medical system. Professor Carter extends an invitation to connect through her daily motivational posts and at the upcoming TEDxReno event, intertwining her message of empowerment with the power of personal connections. Join us as we celebrate the strength of our voices and the profound impact they can have on our lives.
Thank you for Listening to Beyond Clinical Walls Podcast.
To find more from Dr. BCW
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondClinicalWalls Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_bcw/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_bcw Twitter: https://twitter.com/dr_bcw

When you think health care, do you picture white coats and clinical trials, or do you see a tapestry of real-life stories and patient voices waiting to be heard? Join me, Dr. BCW, as I sit down with public health virtuoso Pam Cusick, whose three-decade crusade for patient empowerment and crystal-clear communication in healthcare research is nothing short of revolutionary. Pam's candor about her early FDA work during the AIDS crisis, her insights into the rise of direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising, and her unwavering advocacy for patient involvement in research, shines a light on the human side of health innovation. Together, we unpack the complexities and celebrate the victories of bringing patient experiences to the forefront of healthcare design and delivery.

Healthcare is undergoing a seismic shift, with patient-centricity at its heart. This episode peels back the layers of what it truly means to center patients in the health narrative, with a special focus on the transformative power of their input in clinical trial design. Listen to the poignant story of a woman with Fabry disease and the profound lessons her experiences impart about the necessity of empathy and understanding in treatment and research. As Pam and I explore the broader implications of patient feedback, we confront the realities of health equity and the vital role that patient voices play in steering the healthcare system toward more equitable, effective outcomes for all. Don't miss this deep dive into the essence of what makes health care not just a service, but a partnership.
Thank you for Listening to Beyond Clinical Walls Podcast.
To find more from Dr. BCW
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondClinicalWalls Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_bcw/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_bcw Twitter: https://twitter.com/dr_bcw

When the harmonies of healing intertwine with the melodies of life, transformation begins. Join us for an intimate conversation with the enchanting Yuval Ron, an Oscar-winning composer whose mastery of music transcends entertainment, delving deep into the realms of health and well-being. From the echo of nature's chorus in his youth to the pulsating beats that earned him cinematic acclaim, Yuval unveils the narrative of his musical voyage and its poignant intersection with therapeutic science. As a practitioner who's no stranger to the soothing cadence of a well-chosen track, I share my personal experiences with the subtle art of prescribing rhythms and harmonies that mend the mind and rejuvenate the spirit. 

Witness the democratization of healing as we navigate the liberating decision to release 40 Hz music therapy into the public domain, a step towards bridging gaps in health equity. Our discussion spotlights the Inspired Sound Initiative, a beacon of hope for at-risk youth and underserved communities, fostering an environment where music, dance, and storytelling aren't mere acts of expression but tools for empowerment. As we bid farewell, I extend heartfelt thanks to you for embarking on this auditory journey with us, reminding you to stay tuned for future explorations that promise to enrich your heart, mind, and soul, here on Beyond Clinical Walls.
Thank you for Listening to Beyond Clinical Walls Podcast.
To find more from Dr. BCW
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondClinicalWalls Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_bcw/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_bcw Twitter: https://twitter.com/dr_bcw

As a black female physician myself, I've encountered moments that both challenge and affirm my place in the medical field. It's these experiences that make me particularly excited to share the airwaves with Dr. Toyin Weaver, a family medicine physician whose story of resilience and success is not just inspiring but a beacon for change in healthcare. Dr. Weaver brings to the table her wealth of knowledge in hyperbaric oxygen therapy wound care, along with insights from her roles as a hospitalist and urgent care clinician. But perhaps her most profound role is that of a mentor, guiding us through the intricate balance of professional and personal life as a wife and mother of three. This episode isn't just about the hardships; it's a celebration of the strides we're making in medicine, both as providers and as individuals.

Representation matters, and Dr. Weaver's presence in healthcare is a testament to that. From the joys of being a role model to young black girls to the sobering realities of vaccine hesitancy and historical mistrust in medical institutions, we examine the layers of being black physicians in today's world. We unravel personal anecdotes of mistaken identity and racial bias, uncovering the ongoing need for frank dialogues to build patient trust. With Dr. Weaver's narrative, we underscore the significance of seeing oneself reflected in their healthcare provider. This enlightening discussion not only acknowledges the generational impact of medical mistrust but also champions the pursuit of health equity and increased representation in the field. Join us as we address these critical issues with the hope of inspiring a future where diversity in medicine is not an exception but a norm.
Thank you for Listening to Beyond Clinical Walls Podcast.
To find more from Dr. BCW
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondClinicalWalls Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_bcw/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_bcw Twitter: https://twitter.com/dr_bcw