Health Talks

Raj Savalia
Health Talks

From topics of the day in healthcare, to educational insights, mindfulness practices, and inspirational stories, welcome to Health Talks with host Raj Savalia. I’m joined by people who advance community healthcare, advocacy, and public health, while striving to improve patient care.      Launching in Season 3, Health Talks now has four new areas of focus:      Wellness Watch – Learn about wellness tips, nutrition programs, community garden programs, and more.  Educational Insights – Perhaps you’re more interested in insights about leading health care topics of the day. If so, tune in!   The Sidebar – How about feature stories about community health care? Then, this one is for you!   The Bold Podcast – Or maybe you’re mostly interested in the unique experiences of providers boldly providing care to vulnerable communities?       The topics are endless, so tune in every Thursday for a new episode! 

  1. Food Is Medicine: Bringing Nutrition Into Healthcare

    JUN 26

    Food Is Medicine: Bringing Nutrition Into Healthcare

    Food is more than fuel—it’s medicine. In this episode of Health Talks, we sit down with Janna Simon, Chief Program and Policy Officer at the Illinois Public Health Institute, to explore how food and nutrition programs are transforming healthcare across the state. From produce prescriptions to innovative community partnerships, Janna shares how IPHI’s Food is Medicine initiatives are improving health outcomes, addressing food insecurity, and bringing care beyond the clinic walls. We also get into real examples of successful collaborations with Community Health Centers, tips for getting started with your own food and nutrition program, and how CHCs can play a leading role in connecting patients to healthy, nourishing food. Whether you're new to the concept or ready to expand your impact, this episode is packed with practical advice, hope, and a vision for what’s possible when healthcare and food systems come together. Contact/Connect: Join the Alliance for Health Equity: https://www.allhealthequity.org/contact Join the Illinois Alliance to Promote Opportunities for Health: https://bit.ly/IAPOHform Contact IPHI: info@iphionline.org  Produce Prescription Resources: Produce Prescription Project Readiness Checklist, created for the Michigan Farmers Market Association via the Nutrition Incentive Hub: https://www.nutritionincentivehub.org/media/e3tnbckg/produce-prescription-project-readiness-checklist_final.pdfThe Prescription for Health Program Implementation Guide from the Washtenaw County, MI Health Department: https://www.nutritionincentivehub.org/media/lxubhj45/prescription-for-health-implementation-guide.pdf Learn more about Food is Medicine: https://aspenfood.org/fim/

    18 min
  2. Healing Through Food

    JUN 25

    Healing Through Food

    In this episode of Health Talks, we’re joined by Donisha Reed from TCA Health Inc. in Chicago to learn how her team is turning food into a powerful tool for healing. Donisha shares how TCA Health’s Food is Medicine program started, what it looks like today, and how it’s helping patients eat well, live well, and feel seen. We also chat about other nutrition and healthy eating initiatives at the center, how they screen for food insecurity, and why this kind of work is essential in the communities they serve. Donisha wraps up with a beautiful reflection on what keeps her inspired to serve. If you're looking for real-world examples of how health centers can address food insecurity with dignity and purpose, this episode is for you.

    34 min
  3. Building a Residency Program with Lawndale Christian Health Center

    JUN 24

    Building a Residency Program with Lawndale Christian Health Center

    In this episode of Health Talks, we’re joined by Dr. Ben Preyss, Family Physician and Program Director, Dr. Elizabeth Redican, and resident Edward Akinyemi from Lawndale Christian Health Center. Together, they walk us through the journey of launching a new family medicine residency program while sharing firsthand what it takes to go from vision to recruitment.  Listeners will hear about the essential groundwork, including aligning with community partners, securing resources, and staying mission-driven. The team also reflects on what makes Lawndale’s program unique, the timeline from planning to implementation, and the long-term benefits residency programs can bring to FQHCs, including stronger recruitment, improved retention, and a culture of teaching. Whether you're exploring a residency program or already in the process, this conversation is packed with real-world insights and advice.

    19 min
  4. PrimeCare Health's Innovative Administrative Fellowship Program

    JUN 20

    PrimeCare Health's Innovative Administrative Fellowship Program

    In this episode of Health Talks, we spotlight a groundbreaking initiative from PrimeCare Health Center—one of the first community health centers in the country to launch an Administrative Fellowship program. Our guests include CEO Lynn Hopkins, along with Elizabeth Brewington and Kelsey Kesler, who share how this 12-month fellowship gives recent master’s graduates an immersive leadership experience in community health.  From working directly with executive leaders to leading strategic projects and presenting capstones, fellows gain firsthand exposure to operations, healthcare delivery, and systems innovation. The conversation explores why this kind of training is so vital for the future of health centers, especially in underserved communities. Our guests reflect on powerful moments of impact, the importance of cultivating talent in FQHCs, and what’s next for PrimeCare’s fellowship program. Whether you're a recent grad, a healthcare leader, or a community advocate, this episode offers inspiration—and a roadmap—for building the next generation of health center leadership. Resources: https://www.primecarehealth.org/training-programs

    30 min
  5. How to Support Teens Struggling with Substance Use

    JUN 6

    How to Support Teens Struggling with Substance Use

    It’s never too early to start an honest conversation with teens about substance use. In this episode of Health Talks, we sit down with Dr. Maria Rahmandar, an attending physician in Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine at Lurie Children's Hospital and the founding medical director of their Substance Use and Prevention Program. Dr. Rahmandar shares her personal and professional journey into adolescent substance use treatment, including how a family tragedy shaped her commitment to this work.  We dive into timely and complex issues from the evolving potency of cannabis and the rise of nicotine vapes to the intersection of mental health and substance use among teens. Dr. Rahmandar offers practical insights for providers, emphasizing empathy, harm reduction, and the importance of building trust. She also discusses how social media plays a dual role in both connection and risk, and shares strategies for engaging youth in meaningful, nonjudgmental conversations about their health. Whether you're a provider, caregiver, or advocate, this episode is a powerful guide to supporting young people with compassion and clarity. As Dr. Rahmandar reminds us: “It is really important to celebrate those successes, live in the moment, and be proud of people for the hard work they’ve done.”

    43 min
  6. Leading with Empathy: Educating Patients and Providers on Addiction Medicine

    JUN 6

    Leading with Empathy: Educating Patients and Providers on Addiction Medicine

    In this episode of Health Talks, we chat with Gorana Micevic, a Physician Assistant at Access Community Health Network in Chciago. Gorana shares her journey from training at SIU School of Medicine to serving both rural and urban communities through family and addiction medicine. She discusses leading a nationally recognized COVID-19 testing program in rural Illinois, completing Rush University’s addiction medicine fellowship, and building a patient panel for opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment at federally qualified health centers (FQHCs).  Gorana offers encouragement for providers who may feel uncertain about treating OUD, and reminds us that education, empathy, and collaboration are key to making an impact. Throughout the episode, Gorana emphasizes the importance of education both for patients and providers. She reflects on how increasing clinician confidence around initiating OUD treatment could reduce barriers to care, and stresses the need for more training programs to include addiction medicine and integrated behavioral health: “I’m a strong believer in the power of integrated behavioral health. Some of the most meaningful progress I’ve seen with patients has happened alongside behavioral health consultants—professionals trained in trauma, anxiety, depression, and recovery. It’s the combination of medical and emotional care that truly transforms outcomes.”

    18 min
  7. Stronger Together: Family and Friends in Substance Use Recovery

    JUN 4

    Stronger Together: Family and Friends in Substance Use Recovery

    In this podcast episode, we’re joined by Stacy Agosto, a Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorders Consultant at IPHCA. Stacy shares her insights on how involving loved ones in addiction treatment can improve outcomes, reduce stigma, and strengthen long-term recovery. She also offers practical tips and real-world resources that healthcare providers can share with patients and their families, along with inspiring stories of recovery where community made the difference.

    20 min
  8. Expanding Access: Long-Acting Injectables in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

    MAY 23

    Expanding Access: Long-Acting Injectables in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

    In this episode of Health Talks, we sat down with Dr. Ruchi Fitzgerald from PCC Wellness Health Center to explore the topic of treatments for substance use disorder. Specically, long-acting injectables (LAIs) and other treatments for opioid use disorder (OUD). Dr. Fitzgerald shares her clinical journey into this field, the barriers patients face in staying on treatment, and how new treatments may offer a solution by providing stability and continuity of care. We dive into how treatments work, the growing eligibility among patients, and strategies for discussing these options with those considering treatment. Dr. Fitzgerald also highlights the value of listening to individuals with lived experience and how integrating harm reduction, behavioral health, and primary care can lead to more compassionate, effective care models.

    36 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

From topics of the day in healthcare, to educational insights, mindfulness practices, and inspirational stories, welcome to Health Talks with host Raj Savalia. I’m joined by people who advance community healthcare, advocacy, and public health, while striving to improve patient care.      Launching in Season 3, Health Talks now has four new areas of focus:      Wellness Watch – Learn about wellness tips, nutrition programs, community garden programs, and more.  Educational Insights – Perhaps you’re more interested in insights about leading health care topics of the day. If so, tune in!   The Sidebar – How about feature stories about community health care? Then, this one is for you!   The Bold Podcast – Or maybe you’re mostly interested in the unique experiences of providers boldly providing care to vulnerable communities?       The topics are endless, so tune in every Thursday for a new episode! 

Information

  • Creator
    Raj Savalia
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    86
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Raj Savalia
  • Show Website
    Health Talks

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