Voices of Experience Podcast

Amber Brown
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to the Voices of Experience podcast, a podcast dedicated to sharing powerful stories from patients and their families, showcasing the importance of patient-centered care. Presented by Tampa General Hospital, each episode dives deep into real-life experiences, offering insights into the challenges, triumphs, and transformative moments in healthcare. Join us as we explore the human side of medicine, where empathy, collaboration, and care are at the heart of every story. Whether you're a patient, a healthcare provider, or simply interested in the stories that shape our medical community, the Voices of Experience podcast offers a unique perspective on the journey to healing and hope.

  1. 1d ago

    Building Trust with Patients — Understanding the Role of Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)

    In this episode, Dr. Noella West discusses the vital role of Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) in healthcare, their training, scope of practice, and the importance of APP Week. She shares insights on building patient trust, expanding access to care, and the future of APP practice. Key Topics: Role and scope of APPsTraining and certifications of APPsImpact of APPs on healthcare accessBuilding patient trust and communicationFuture trends in APP practiceChapters: 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Noella West and APP Week 02:05 Journey into healthcare: From family history to leadership 04:04 Defining the role of an Advanced Practice Provider 05:59 Differences between nurse practitioners and physician assistants 07:59 Supporting and elevating APPs at Tampa General Hospital 10:12 The significance of APP Week and recognition activities 12:06 Building trust and connection with patients 14:04 Educational background and certifications of APPs 16:05 Overcoming misconceptions about APPs 17:50 The future of APP practice and healthcare innovation 20:09 Patient empowerment and active participation in care 21:56 Closing remarks and appreciation for APPs "APPs are highly trained, collaborative healthcare providers." "Building trust involves listening and personalized communication." "The future of APPs includes more presence in research and policy." 🚀 Get involved here: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/patient-and-family-advisory-council-pfac  Share your TGH Patient Experience story: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/recognition-compliments-and-stories Follow on social media @voicesofexperiencepfac Share your TGH Patient Experience story: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/recognition-compliments-and-stories Follow on social media @voicesofexperiencepfac

  2. Sep 11

    Revolutionizing the Patient Experience: A Journey-Based Approach

    In this episode of the Voices of Experience podcast, host Amber Brown welcomes Aamer Ahmed, Chief Patient Experience Officer to the show. Aamer shares his vision for transforming patient experience by adopting a holistic, journey-based approach that emphasizes human connection, cross-department collaboration, and patient-centered care. Key Topics: Patient journey mapping and its importanceChanging paradigms in patient experience measurementCross-department collaboration for seamless careAccessibility and language services in healthcareThe role of spiritual health and human connectionTakeaways: Patient experience is a human experience that spans the entire continuum of care.Measuring patient experience should focus on journeys, not just units or departments.Cross-department collaboration is essential for seamless patient care.Accessibility, language services, and spiritual health are critical components of patient-centered care.Leadership must adopt a holistic view to truly improve patient experience."Patient experience starts long before hospital arrival." "Measuring journeys across the continuum of care is essential." "Experience matters as much as clinical care." 🚀 Get involved here: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/patient-and-family-advisory-council-pfac  Share your TGH Patient Experience story: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/recognition-compliments-and-stories Follow on social media @voicesofexperiencepfac

  3. Jan 13

    Improving Care: PFAC Involvement in the Colonoscopy Reduction Revisit Workgroup

    In this episode of the Voices of Experience podcast, host Amber Washington engages with leaders from the Digestive Diseases Institute at Tampa General Hospital to discuss their innovative work on reducing outpatient colonoscopy revisits. The conversation highlights the importance of patient education, the role of the Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC), and the successful outcomes achieved through collaboration and quality improvement initiatives. The leaders share their experiences, insights, and the recognition they received for their impactful work, emphasizing the significance of the patient voice in healthcare. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Voices of Experience Podcast 01:26 Meet the Leaders of Digestive Diseases Institute 03:22 The Colonoscopy Reduction Project: Identifying the Issue 05:47 Patient Education: Enhancing the Experience 08:21 Standardizing Patient Education and Discharge Calls 10:43 Pre-Procedure Education: Preparing Patients for Colonoscopy 13:39 Recognition and Accolades for the Project 17:09 The Importance of Patient Voice in Healthcare 20:32 Final Thoughts on Patient-Centered Care 🚀 Get involved here: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/patient-and-family-advisory-council-pfac Takeaways: -The colonoscopy reduction project significantly improved patient outcomes. -Patient education was identified as a critical area for improvement. -Standardizing processes across units enhanced patient care. -Engaging nurses in patient education led to better understanding. -Discharge calls were implemented to reinforce patient education. -Utilizing technology like MyChart improved patient access to information. -Collaboration with PFAC was essential for project success. -Recognition at conferences highlighted the project's impact. -Listening to patients is crucial for effective healthcare delivery. -The patient voice should always be at the center of care. "We cut the revisit rate in half!"  "We received a QI macros blue ribbon!"  "PFAC was a vital part of our success." 🚀 Get involved here: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/patient-and-family-advisory-council-pfac Share your TGH Patient Experience story: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/recognition-compliments-and-stories Follow on social media @voicesofexperiencepfac

  4. 12/26/2025

    A New Chapter: Introducing the NEW PFAC Executive Committee

    In this episode of the Voices of Experience podcast, host Amber Washington introduces the new Patient Family Advisory Council (PFAC) executive committee members. The discussion revolves around their personal experiences with Tampa General Hospital, their visions for improving patient-centered care, and the importance of community engagement. Each member shares their unique stories, highlighting the significance of the patient voice in healthcare. The episode emphasizes the need for continuous improvement in healthcare practices and the role of patient advocates in shaping a better experience for all. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Voices of Experience Podcast 01:41 Meet the New PFAC Executive Committee 07:09 Vision and Leadership in PFAC 11:27 Engagement and Community Involvement 15:48 Personal Stories and Patient Experiences 33:17 The Importance of the Patient Voice 🚀 Get involved here: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/patient-and-family-advisory-council-pfac Takeaways: -The value of the PFAC members is priceless. -Community engagement is essential for healthcare improvement. -Patient experiences shape the future of healthcare. -Mentorship programs can enhance advisor involvement. -Quality and safety are core focuses of PFAC. -Diverse patient voices lead to better healthcare outcomes. -Engagement in the community fosters trust and collaboration. -Personal stories highlight the importance of patient advocacy. -The patient voice is crucial for understanding diverse experiences. -Healthcare must adapt to meet the needs of all patients. "We want to be that choice." "We are part of the community." "Behind every number is a patient." 🚀 Get involved here: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/patient-and-family-advisory-council-pfac Share your TGH Patient Experience story: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/recognition-compliments-and-stories Follow on social media @voicesofexperiencepfac

  5. 12/19/2025

    Inside the Transplant Institute: The Journey of Kidney Transplantation with Dr. Anthony Watkins

    In this episode of the Voices of Experience podcast, host Amber Washington speaks with Dr. Anthony Watkins, a transplant surgeon at Tampa General Hospital. They discuss the critical role of patient voices in healthcare, the importance of kidney transplants, and the impact of chronic kidney disease. Dr. Watkins shares his journey in transplant surgery, the demographics of patients he serves, and the significance of patient advocacy in the healthcare system. The conversation highlights the need for health literacy and the responsibilities of patients post-transplant, emphasizing the importance of individualized care.  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Patient-Centered Care 01:19 Meet Dr. Anthony Watkins 03:27 The Importance of Kidney Transplants 06:17 Impactful Patient Stories 08:34 Understanding Patient Demographics 11:41 Advocating for Kidney Health 14:19 Post-Transplant Care and Responsibilities 16:56 The Role of Patient Advocacy 22:04 Conclusion and Future Conversations  🚀 Get involved here: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/patient-and-family-advisory-council-pfac Takeaways: -The patient's voice is critical in healthcare situations.  -Tampa General Hospital has achieved record transplant volumes.  -Kidney transplants significantly improve patients' quality of life.  -Chronic kidney disease is often caused by high blood pressure and diabetes.  -Health literacy is essential for patients to advocate for themselves.  -Patients must adhere to medication regimens post-transplant.  -Every patient has unique needs that must be addressed.  -Access to quality healthcare is vital for managing chronic diseases.  -Patient stories remind healthcare providers of their impact.  -Building trust between patients and providers is crucial for effective care. "Health literacy is crucial for patient advocacy." "Every patient is different and has unique needs." 🚀 Get involved here: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/patient-and-family-advisory-council-pfac Share your TGH Patient Experience story: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/recognition-compliments-and-stories Follow on social media @voicesofexperiencepfac

  6. 12/12/2025

    Think Ambulatory First: A Conversation on PFAC Collaboration & Engagement with Dr. Asa Oxner and Sandra Genao

    In this episode of the Voices of Experience podcast, host Amber Washington engages with Dr. Asa Oxner and Sandra Genao to discuss the critical role of patient voices in healthcare innovation, particularly through the Think Ambulatory First initiative. They explore how this initiative addresses capacity challenges in hospitals by providing care in ambulatory settings, enhancing patient experiences, and fostering collaboration with the Patient Family Advisory Council (PFAC). The conversation highlights the importance of education, patient advocacy, and the use of simulations to better understand patient journeys and improve healthcare delivery. Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Patient Voices 02:49 Think Ambulatory First Initiative 05:55 Patient Experience and Feedback 09:09 Education and Team Engagement 12:08 Patient Advocacy and Self-Advocacy 14:48 Collaboration with PFAC 18:03 Simulations and Understanding Patient Journeys 27:05 The Value of Patient Perspectives 🚀 Get involved here: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/patient-and-family-advisory-council-pfac Takeaways -The patient voice is essential for effective healthcare innovation. -Think Ambulatory First addresses hospital capacity challenges. -Patient feedback is crucial for improving healthcare programs. -Education for healthcare teams is vital for program success. -Patients should be empowered to advocate for their own care. -Collaboration with PFAC enhances program development. -Simulations help staff understand patient experiences better. -Realistic patient scenarios improve healthcare delivery. -Engaging patients in program design leads to better outcomes. -Continuous communication is key to patient-centered care. 🚀 Get involved here: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/patient-and-family-advisory-council-pfac "You are your best advocate." "Having PFAC helps us be realistic." Share your TGH Patient Experience story: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/recognition-compliments-and-stories Follow on social media @voicesofexperiencepfac

  7. 07/03/2025

    Injured in the Line of Duty - "My Real Life Trauma Story" with Carlos Brito

    In this compelling episode of Voices of Experience, host Amber Washington, speaks with Advisor Carlos Brito, a Corporal with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, as he shares his real-life trauma story after being struck by a car while on duty. Carlos opens up about the moment that changed everything, the challenges of recovery, and how this experience shaped his outlook on life, service, and resilience. His story is a powerful reminder of the risks first responders face, and the strength it takes to heal, both physically and mentally. Share your TGH Patient Experience story: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/recognition-compliments-and-stories Follow on social media @voicesofexperiencepfac

  8. 06/07/2025

    Lipedema Awareness: “It’s Not Obesity, It’s Lipedema” with Julie Quinn

    In honor of Lipedema Awareness Month, this episode of Voices of Experience features advocate and patient Julie Quinn, who shares her personal journey living with lipedema—a misunderstood and often misdiagnosed condition. Julie opens up about the emotional and physical challenges she faced before finally receiving the diagnosis, and how that moment of clarity empowered her to become an advocate for others. This episodes explores the key differences between lipedema and lymphedema, common signs and symptoms, and the importance of provider awareness and compassionate care. Share your TGH Patient Experience story: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/recognition-compliments-and-stories Follow on social media @voicesofexperiencepfac

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Voices of Experience podcast, a podcast dedicated to sharing powerful stories from patients and their families, showcasing the importance of patient-centered care. Presented by Tampa General Hospital, each episode dives deep into real-life experiences, offering insights into the challenges, triumphs, and transformative moments in healthcare. Join us as we explore the human side of medicine, where empathy, collaboration, and care are at the heart of every story. Whether you're a patient, a healthcare provider, or simply interested in the stories that shape our medical community, the Voices of Experience podcast offers a unique perspective on the journey to healing and hope.

Information

  • Creator
    Amber Brown
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Voices of Experience Podcast
  • Show Website
    Voices of Experience Podcast