Stroke Busters UTHealth Houston Stroke Institute

Fiona Smith, a PhD student at the Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston and Stroke Coordinator at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, recently joined the Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases Stroke Busters podcast to discuss her research on stroke awareness within the Spanish-speaking community. Smith's passion for improving stroke care and reducing disparities in healthcare access has driven her to focus on the cultural factors that influence care-seeking behavior among Spanish speakers.

Smith highlighted the importance of the RAPIDO acronym, a Spanish-language tool designed to help individuals recognize the signs of stroke and take action. RAPIDO, which translates to "fast" in English, stands for:

R: Rostro caído (fallen face)

A: Afectación de equilibrio (balance impairment)

P: Pérdida de fuerza en los brazos (weakness in the arms)

I: Impedimento visual (visual impairment)

D: Dificultad para hablar (difficulty speaking)

O: Obtener ayuda (obtain help)



Smith emphasized that while the RAPIDO acronym is an essential tool for stroke recognition, it is equally important to understand the cultural factors that may influence an individual's decision to seek care. Her current research focuses on identifying these variables and developing strategies to ensure that everyone seeks care as quickly as possible when experiencing stroke symptoms.



Smith also stressed the importance of collaboration among healthcare professionals, including nurses, doctors, therapists, and technologists, in making significant changes to improve stroke care in the community. She encourages healthcare professionals and researchers passionate about addressing cultural barriers to find mentors and advisors who can provide guidance and support in pursuing their research goals.

Fiona Smith's dedication to improving stroke awareness and care within the Spanish-speaking community serves as an inspiration to healthcare professionals and researchers alike. Her work highlights the importance of understanding and addressing cultural factors in healthcare delivery and the power of community engagement in promoting better health outcomes for all.



Stroke Busters, a Podcast

Presented by: The Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) or “Stroke Institute

Genre: Medicine



About

StrokeBusters is a podcast series of recorded conversations on the topic of stroke and cerebrovascular disease. Based in the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical center in the world, we tap into our local network of astonishing leaders in healthcare and medicine to discuss the latest and most exciting news in stroke. Throughout this ten-episode series, we connect with UTHealth physicians and researchers, many who are experts in their field, to discuss their practice, cutting-edge research and medical care.





Who We Are

The Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease, better known as the Stroke Institute, serves as a multi-disciplinary hub for research and best practices in stroke recovery, stroke prevention, services, population health, and vascular dementia. We are one of the most active research and clinical programs in the country, the first Comprehensive Stroke Center in the state, and launched the first Mobile Stroke Unit in the nation.





Our stroke program, founded by Dr. James Grotta in 1979, specializes in stroke epidemiology, clinical trial design, and basic science. We train the next generation of revolutionary academics and leaders in cerebrovascular disease through our NINDS-funded fellowship programs.



Contact

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact us at info.uthiscd@gmail.com

Young Stroke Survivor's Inspiring Journey Highlights the Power of Resilience, Support, and Research

Katie was a healthy, active 27-year-old professional from Seattle starting her career, living life, and never expected it to be upended by a stroke. She woke up one morning and began her day like any other when suddenly her life changed forever.

Katie traveled to Houston and dedicated herself to the rigorous 6-hour-a-day, 5-day-a-week program, working alongside her occupational therapist, Emily Stevens, MOT, OTR, CSRS. The results were remarkable; within just a few days, her father noticed significant improvements, and Katie herself began to recognize progress in her arm and leg function.

In this episode of the Stroke Institute's podcast, Stroke Busters, she shared her daily struggles while also expressing her hopes to empower other survivors to find their voice and advocate for the support and resources they need to thrive.

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At the Stroke Busters Podcast, we're on a mission to decode the complexities of strokes, those unexpected disruptions in brain blood flow that can change lives in an instant. Our team of experts, affectionately known as the Stroke Busters, is committed to exploring new frontiers in stroke science, clinical excellence, and public awareness.

Each episode will bring you captivating conversations with top physicians, researchers, and courageous survivors, offering valuable perspectives on cutting-edge research, transformative therapies, and inspiring tales of resilience in the face of adversity.

Get ready to expand your knowledge and be inspired by the incredible work being done in the world of stroke care. This is the Stroke Busters Podcast, where we break barriers, ignite curiosity, and empower change.






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StrokeBusters, a Podcast

Presented by: The Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) or “Stroke Institute



Genre: Medicine

uth.edu/stroke-institute



About

StrokeBusters is a podcast series of recorded conversations on the topic of stroke and cerebrovascular disease. Based in the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical center in the world, we tap into our local network of astonishing leaders in healthcare and medicine to discuss the latest and most exciting news in stroke. Throughout this ten-episode series, we connect with UTHealth physicians and researchers, many who are experts in their field, to discuss their practice, cutting-edge research and medical care.



Who We Are

The Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease, better known as the Stroke Institute, serves as a multi-disciplinary hub for research and best practices in stroke recovery, stroke prevention, services, population health, and vascular dementia. We are one of the most active research and clinical programs in the country, the first Comprehensive Stroke Center in the state, and launched the first Mobile Stroke Unit in the nation.



Our stroke program, founded by Dr. James Grotta in 1979, specializes in stroke epidemiology, clinical trial design, and basic science. We train the next generation of revolutionary academics and leaders in cerebrovascular disease through our NINDS-funded fellowship programs.

Welcome to the Stroke Busters Podcast! I'm your host, Amy Quinn, and I'm thrilled to take you on a journey into the fascinating world of stroke research and innovation. Join me as we delve into the latest breakthroughs and insights from the Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases at UTHealth Houston.

At the Stroke Busters Podcast, we're on a mission to decode the complexities of strokes, those unexpected disruptions in brain blood flow that can change lives in an instant. Our team of experts, affectionately known as the Stroke Busters, is committed to exploring new frontiers in stroke science, clinical excellence, and public awareness.

Each episode will bring you captivating conversations with top physicians, researchers, and courageous survivors, offering valuable perspectives on cutting-edge research, transformative therapies, and inspiring tales of resilience in the face of adversity.

Get ready to expand your knowledge and be inspired by the incredible work being done in the world of stroke care. This is the Stroke Busters Podcast, where we break barriers, ignite curiosity, and empower change.



Today, we are honored to have with us a distinguished guest who brings over 20 years of invaluable research experience to the field of stroke care. Starting her journey at MD Anderson Cancer Center and Baylor College of Medicine, she has made significant contributions to neurology and stroke research at Texas Oncology and currently at UT Health.

A native Houstonian, she not only excels in her professional endeavors but also embraces an active lifestyle. She has conquered numerous marathons, 10k's, and 5k's, showing her determination and resilience. From MUD runs to step aerobics and trampoline classes, she embodies the importance of physical wellness.

Beyond her professional and athletic achievements, our guest is deeply committed to community service. She actively participates in health fairs, community outreach programs, and prevention events, demonstrating her dedication to giving back and improving public health.

Join me in welcoming our esteemed guest, a passionate researcher, an avid athlete, and a devoted community advocate. Welcome to the show!

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StrokeBusters, a Podcast

Presented by: The Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) or “Stroke Institute

Genre: Medicine



About

StrokeBusters is a podcast series of recorded conversations on the topic of stroke and cerebrovascular disease. Based in the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical center in the world, we tap into our local network of astonishing leaders in healthcare and medicine to discuss the latest and most exciting news in stroke. Throughout this ten-episode series, we connect with UTHealth physicians and researchers, many who are experts in their field, to discuss their practice, cutting-edge research and medical care.



Who We Are

The Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease, better known as the Stroke Institute, serves as a multi-disciplinary hub for research and best practices in stroke recovery, stroke prevention, services, population health, and vascular dementia. We are one of the most active research and clinical programs in the country, the first Comprehensive Stroke Center in the state, and launched the first Mobile Stroke Unit in the nation.



Our stroke program, founded by Dr. James Grotta in 1979, specializes in stroke epidemiology, clinical trial design, and basic science. We train the next generation of revolutionary academics and leaders in cerebrovascular disease through our NINDS-funded fellowship programs.

Welcome back to Stroke Busters where we bring you groundbreaking research and expert insights from the Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases at UTHealth Houston.

Our team is committed to unraveling the mysteries surrounding strokes, those unexpected interruptions to the blood flow in the brain that can have life-altering consequences. Our team of experts, or as we like to call them Stroke Busters, is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of stroke research, clinical care, and public awareness.

Each episode of the Stroke Busters Podcast will feature engaging conversations with leading physicians, researchers, and survivors, providing valuable insights into the latest advancements in stroke science, innovative treatments, and inspiring stories of triumph over adversity.

Today, we were honored to chat with our special guest, a true luminary in the world of neurology and health disparities research. Dr. Lewis Morgenstern, a Professor of Neurology, Epidemiology, Emergency Medicine, and Neurosurgery at the University of Michigan Medical School and School of Public Health.

Dr. Morgenstern has been at the forefront of groundbreaking research, serving as the Principal Investigator of the NIH-funded Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi (BASIC) project since 1999. With over 130 original, peer-reviewed manuscripts under his belt, his expertise spans health services clinical trials, stroke epidemiology, and clinical studies of intracerebral hemorrhage.

We were able to ask Dr. Morgerstern a few more questions following his Grand Rounds presentation for medical students and faculty at the McGovern Medical School in Houston, TX,  with our host, Dr. Carlos De Garza.

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StrokeBusters, a Podcast 

Presented by: The Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) or “Stroke Institute 

Genre: Medicine 

 

About 

StrokeBusters is a podcast series of recorded conversations on the topic of stroke and cerebrovascular disease. Based in the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical center in the world, we tap into our local network of astonishing leaders in healthcare and medicine to discuss the latest and most exciting news in stroke. Throughout this ten-episode series, we connect with UTHealth physicians and researchers, many who are experts in their field, to discuss their practice, cutting-edge research and medical care. 



Who We Are 

The Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease, better known as the Stroke Institute, serves as a multi-disciplinary hub for research and best practices in stroke recovery, stroke prevention, services, population health, and vascular dementia. We are one of the most active research and clinical programs in the country, the first Comprehensive Stroke Center in the state, and launched the first Mobile Stroke Unit in the nation. 



Our stroke program, founded by Dr. James Grotta in 1979, specializes in stroke epidemiology, clinical trial design, and basic science. We train the next generation of revolutionary academics and leaders in cerebrovascular disease through our NINDS-funded fellowship programs. 



Our Podcast Audience 

Our podcast content is targeted to stroke trainees (fellows, residents, medical students); however, we receive a wide range of listeners primarily in their 20’s to 40’s with moderate to advanced levels of education. 



Contact 

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact us at info.uthiscd@gmail.com 

From the Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases at UTHealth Houston, today, we delve into a fascinating study exploring the intriguing concept known as the "obesity paradox" in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Joining us are two esteemed guests, Dr. Jared Chen and Dr. Andrea Gaitan, who played integral roles in this research. 

You are in for a treat as we unpack the study's background, objectives, and compelling results. The study, aiming to understand the association between body mass index (BMI) and functional outcomes in patients with ICH, also explores the role of race/ethnicity in this relationship.

Their research article can be found at https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WNL.0000000000208014

Welcome back to another episode of our podcast dedicated to exploring the latest in stroke research, treatment, and stories of resilience. I'm your host, Amy Quinn, and today, we have an incredible guest joining us - a true expert in the field. I'm thrilled to welcome Stuart Fraser, Assistant Professor in Pediatric Neurology and the Director of the Pediatric Stroke Program here at the stroke institute.

Dr. Fraser joined students at the McGovern Medical School for Stroke Grand Rounds and we asked Dr. Fraser to stick around for a follow up interview with our stroke fellow, Carlos De La Garza.

Pediatric stroke is an area that often doesn't get the attention it deserves, so I’m excited for this episode, to shed light on the advancements and opportunities for improving outcomes. It’s insightful, refreshing, and a great listen for students and trainees who, for all the right reasons, get nervous when they hear anything relating to pediatrics.