Healthy Aging with Southcoast Health

Southcoast Health
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Patricia Raskin, host, interviews medical professionals from Southcoast Health and patients with firsthand accounts. The goal is to help and inspire listeners to navigate their health journey with knowledge, comfort and ease. The Healthy Aging with Southcoast Health podcast helps listeners to manage their health to live a longer and healthier life.

  1. Sep 13

    Primary Care 101: Choosing the Right Provider for You and Your Family with Dr. John Podkowa, Executive Chief of Primary Care - at Southcoast Health

    Dr. John Podkowa is the Executive Chief of Primary Care at Southcoast Health. He began this role in 2026 and has served as a Southcoast Health Primary Care Provider since 2009. Today, he is responsible for leading Southcoast Health's Primary Care Practice in delivering exceptional patient care, ensuring excellent quality outcomes, and improving access to primary care services. Together with the primary care team, he focuses on partnering with numerous specialties across the Southcoast Health System to strengthen patient care and better serve our community. During his tenure at Southcoast Health, Dr. Podkowa has served as the Medical Director for the Southcoast Health Network, a Regional Chief of Primary Care, and Chief Medical Information Officer and Senior Vice President. His leadership has always been rooted in improving how care is delivered and experienced. Dr. Podkowa is board-certified in Internal Medicine and continues to see patients in Dartmouth. His commitment to compassion extends far beyond his clinical role, and he has partnered with Southcoast Health to establish the Nicole Podkowa Patient & Caregiver Fund, which provides support to Southcoast Health Cancer Care patients in need. Before joining Southcoast Health, Dr. Podkowa earned his medical degree from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pennsylvania. He then completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, where he served as Chief Resident. He was also a National Health Corps scholar and a member of the Osteopathic Honors Fraternity at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Podkowa dicusses:  His role as the Executive Chief of Primary Care  What "primary care" really means and why it's such a critical part of overall health 3     How  the primary care setting is personal, accessible and proactive at Southcoast Health 4     How  having a strong relationship with a primary care provider impacts long-term health outcomes       The key differences between Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Pediatrics       How a patient determines whether they should see a family physician versus an internal medicine provider       What types of patients or conditions are best suited for Internal Medicine       How Family Medicine differs in its approach, especially when caring for patients across all age group       When a patient should  transition from a pediatrician to an adult primary care provider       The situations where multiple primary care specialties collaborate to support a patient's care       What role the Nurse Practitioner plays within a primary care practice       How the care from a Nurse Practitioner differs from — or complement — that of a physician       In what situations a patient might choose to see a Nurse Practitioner instead of a doctor  Why routine check-ups, physical exams, and preventive screenings are so important — even for people who feel healthy  How primary care helps patients manage chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease over time  How often a patinet should schedule a physical exam or annual visit  What patients should bring or prepare before their primary care appointment  When someone should contact their primary care provider versus going to urgent care or the emergency room

  2. Aug 21

    Pelvic Health Matters: Understanding Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery for All with Laura Tenekjian and Sara Knight - at Southcoast Health

    Laura Tenekjian, DPT PRPC is a Board-Certified Physical Therapist at Southcoast Health who specializes in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction.        Sara Knight, PT, DPT is a Physical Therapist at Southcoast Health. specializing in pelvic floor rehabilitation     In this interview, Laura Tenekjian and Sara Knight discusss:    What pelvic health rehabilitation is and who it's for 4 Why  Pelvic Health such an important, but often overlooked, part of overall wellness  5 Common symptoms that might indicate someone could benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy 6 Types of conditions or life stages often lead people to seek pelvic health rehab (such as postpartum, menopause, or surgery recovery) 7. How pelvic floor dysfunction impacts daily life if left untreated 8 When someone should talk to their doctor about getting a referral for pelvic health rehab    What can be expected during the first pelvic health evaluation 1  What types of assessments or evaluations therapists use to understand a patient's needs 1  How they ensure patient comfort when nervous about internal assessmen     Once a diagnosis is made, the treatment options that are typically available 1  How rehabilitation programs are personalized for each patient 1  The role that strengthening, coordination, and relaxation exercises play in recovery 1  How pelvic floor therapy help with issues like back, hip, or abdominal pain  1  How pelvic health therapy supports bladder, bowel, and sexual function     How the physical therapists  at Southcoast Health collaborate with other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care    Common misconceptions about pelvic floor therapy  1. Preventative steps people can take to maintain or improve pelvic health     How long it typically takes for patients to see improvement with treatment 2  Advice to someone who feels embarrassed or hesitant to seek help 2. How members of our community access pelvic health rehabilitation services at Southcoast Health

  3. Jul 29

    Rheumatoid Arthritis Explained: When Joint Pain Is More Than Wear and Tear with Dr. Suzelle Luc, Chief of Rheumatology - at Southcoast Health

    Dr. Suzelle Luc, MD. MPH, is the Chief of Rheumatology at Southcoast Health. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Tufts University in Medford, MA. Dr. Luc then furthered her medical expertise, first earning her Master of Public Health degree and finally her Doctor of Medicine degree from Tufts University. After completing her education through Tufts, Dr. Luc became an intern, resident, and clinical fellow at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. She then completed her residency in the primary care program at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center before completing her second year Rheumatology fellowship at Tufts Medical Center. Dr. Luc is board certified in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine. Dr. Luc's clinical interests are in Rheumatoid Arthritis, gout, Osteoporosis and Lupus. Her personal philosophy of care is focused on putting the patient first and treating everyone she sees with dignity and respect to provide the most positive outcome. Dr. Luc's interest in Biology in high school helped inspired her to become a physician. In this episode, Dr. Luc discusses: her role as Chief of Rheumatology at Southcoast Health and what led her to specialize in rheumatology. what  rheumatology is, and what types of conditions do rheumatologists treat. how to explain RA to someone who has just been diagnosed — or is worried they might have it What the key differences are between rheumatoid arthritis with osteoarthritis and how are they treated  why is early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is so important in preventing long‑term joint damage and disabilit  the most common early signs and symptoms  of rheumatoid arthritis that people tend to overlook how morning stiffness is a hallmark of RA and why stiffness lasting 45 minutes or longer such an important warning sign how RA may impact other parts of the body, such as the heart, lungs, eyes, or skin, besides the joints  when someone with persistent joint pain, swelling, stiffness, or fatigue should consider seeing a rheumatologist what the Rheumatoid Factor test is and its role in diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis what the Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide antibody test is, what this test identifies and how it play a role in diagnosis other tools rheumatologists use to accurately diagnose RA, such as physical exams, imaging, and patient history treatment options advances for rheumatoid arthritis today and what the treatment approach looks like, from early intervention to long‑term management how treatment plans  are personalized based on disease severity, lifestyle, and a patient's goals the role that newer medications play in controlling inflammation and reducing the risk of complications like heart disease how lifestyle factors such as exercise, weight management, smoking cessation, and oral health affect RA outcomes how to help patients stay empowered and engaged in their care of rheumatoid arthritis advice to patients who are newly diagnosed and feeling overwhelmed about the future

  4. Jul 14

    Breathing Better: Understanding COPD & Pulmonary Care

    Breathing Better: Understanding COPD & Pulmonary Care with Pulmonologist Dr. Daniel Sousa, MD Explanation  of Pulmonology and the types of conditions most commonly treat. Defining COPD  what the major diseases are that fall under this umbrella. Early signs or symptoms of COPD that people often overlook. Smoking - the major risk factor for COPD. Other causes  of COPD such as environmental exposure, workplace irritants, or genetics like alpha‑1 antitrypsin deficiency. Diagnosis & Testing: Description of pulmonary function testing (PFT) offered at Southcoast Health.  How PFT tests help diagnose COPD and what patients should expect during a PFT appointment. The different stages of COPD that require different approaches. Treatment & Symptom Management:  Typical treatment plans for COPD.  Effectiveness of inhalers and bronchodilators in managing COPD symptoms  and how treatment plans are determined. Lifestyle changes to significantly improve quality of life for someone living with COPD, in addition to medication. COPD Interventions that help patients maintain lung function for as long as possible. How to reduce risk of COPD flare-ups, especially during cold and flu season. Respiratory Intervention & Mechanical Ventilation: Explanation of intervention and mechanical ventilation and when it is necessary. How to determine whether invasive and non-invasive ventilation options are needed. Support and education that Southcoast offers for patients who require long-term or home ventilation. Patient Support & Future Outlook  How patients are helped with COPD to manage activity levels, fatigue, and breathlessness.  What role pulmonary rehabilitation plays in COPD management, and who is typically a good candidate for it. What symptoms indicate evaluation and when should someone should seek help for frequent coughing or shortness of breath. Advancements or new treatments in pulmonary medicine. Importance of lung cancer screening. New medications on the market. Counseling for pulmonary rehab.   BIO- Dr. Daniel Sousa MD Dr. Sousa received his doctor of medicine degree from the university of Vermont College of Medicine. He completed his internal medicine residency program at Brown University School of medicine/Rhode Island Hospital and Miriam Hospital. Dr. Sousa completed his training and pulmonary/critical care medicine at Rhode Island Hospital, Roger Williams Hospital, Memorial Hospital, and Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Providence. Dr. Sousa has been practicing in the Fall River area since 2004. He serves on the Fall River Board of Health. He is a fellow in The College of Chest physicians. He is Board Certified in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine, and critical care medicine.  Dr. Sousa is fluent in Portugese.   Dr. Sousa Dr. Sousa received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine. He completed his internal medicine residency program at Brown University School of Medicine/Rhode Island Hospital and Miriam Hospital. Dr. Sousa completed his training in pulmonary/critical care medicine at Rhode Island Hospital, Roger Williams Hospital, Memorial Hospital, and Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Providence. Dr. Sousa has been practicing in the Fall River area since 2004. He serves on the Fall River Board of Health. He is a fellow in the College of Chest Physicians. He is board certified in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine and critical care medicine. Dr. Sousa is fluent in Portuguese.         Dr. Sousa received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine. He completed his internal medicine residency program at Brown University School of Medicine/Rhode Island Hospital and Miriam Hospital. Dr. Sousa completed his training in pulmonary/critical care medicine at Rhode Island Hospital, Roger Williams Hospital, Memorial Hospital, and Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Providence. Dr. Sousa has been practicing in the Fall River area since 2004. He serves on the Fall River Board of Health. He is a fellow in the College of Chest Physicians. He is board certified in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine and critical care medicine. Dr. Sousa is fluent in Portuguese.

  5. Jun 30

    Total Joint Program – Nurse Navigators and Posh Clinic

    Vanessa Valcorba will discuss: t Understanding the Program & Team What the Total Joint Replacment Program is at Southcoast Health, and what makes it unique compared to other providers in the region. 2 Who qualifies for total joint replacement surgery 3 What the role is of the nurse navigator in the joint replacement journey 4 How the nurse navigator supports patients before, during, and after surgery 5 What the POSH Clinic is and how it works in collaboration with the orthopedic team   Patient Education & Experience: 1 What patients can expect during their consultation with the nurse navigator 2 How the Total Joint Program prepare patients and families for surgery 3 How Southcoast Health involves families in the care and recovery process 4 How and why personalized care such a big part of the joint replacement program at Southcoast 5  What kind of wellness follow-up calls patients receive from the nurse navigator after surgery  Before Surgery (Prehabilitation & Planning): 1 What prehabilitation is and how can it benefit patients preparing for joint replacement surgery T The importance for patients to strengthen their body before surgery 3 How patients are helped to  manage fear or anxiety leading up to surgery 4 The steps involved in planning for discharge even before the surgery takes place  During & After Surgery: 1 How it is decided if patients are candidates to discharge home the same day  2 What patients can expect during the initial recovery after surgery 3 How pain is managed after surgery, and what role rehabilitation plays in long-term success 4 The average overall recovery time is for patients  Results & Long-Term Outcomes: 1 What the types of outcomes are that patients experienced from total joint replacement at Southcoast 2 Advice to someone who's been living with chronic joint pain but is unsure if surgery is right for them  About Vanessa Valcorba NP Vanessa Valcorba, DNP, Total Joint Program Coordinator, began her academic journey at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. She then furthered her medical expertise, earning her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, also from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Vanessa is a certified bariatric nurse and adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner. In addition, she is fluent in both English and Portuguese. Vanessa's personal philosophy of care is rooted around compassion and empathy, and her goal is to always strive to provide holistic and quality care to each patient she encounters. It is very important to her to care for her patients as a whole, and not just the disease or condition in which they are seeking care for. When not at work, Vanessa enjoys traveling, readidng, powerlifting and spending rime with her family and friends.

  6. Jun 24

    New Beginnings Moms Do Care – Supporting Mother and Infants Impacted by Substance Exposure

    Maternity with Southcoast Health Podcast Season 3: New Beginnings Moms Do Care – Supporting Mother and Infants Impacted by Substance Exposure – with Katelyn Caton and Lauren Souza at Southcoast Health     Mission: E.   Explanation of the New Beginnings, Moms Do Care Program and roles of the Katelyn Caton and Lauren Souza ·         Mission of the program. ·       Why this program  was created, and what needs it fills within our community.  Care Approach & Philosophy: How the program emphasizes "meeting mothers where they are at" and how this is practiced. ·       How compassionate, individualized care differs from traditional approaches to maternity and recovery support. ·       Explanation of the roles that  family advocates, nurses, and recovery coaches play in a mother's care journey.  Eligibility & Services: ·        Eligilbity requirements for the program and how a mother or family can get connected. ·       Support provided by the program during pregnancy, in the hospital, and after birth. ·        Explanation of the support for up to three years postpartum and why is that extended timeframe important. Substance Exposure & Infant Care: The challenges that infants have of being exposed to substances during pregnancy and how to address those challenges.       Explanation of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) or Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS). ·       Treatment options available for infants — both non-pharmacological and pharmacological — and how the best approaches are determined.   Patient Experience & Success Stories:  How the New Beginnings, Moms Do Care Program helps to  prepare mothers for delivery and the hospital experience, especially when there may be concerns about substance exposure. P     Positive impacts of the New Beginnings Moms Do Care program - reports of mother and infant thriving after being part of this program. ·       Collaboration & Community Impact: ·       Collaboration with neonatologists and other providers to ensure families feel informed and supported. ·       Community partnerships and resources offered to  connect families outside Southcoast Health. ·       Reducing stigma around substance use in pregnancy, both within healthcare and in the wider community. Looking Ahead: Future goals of the New Beginnings Moms Do Care Program ·       How can listeners can support this mission, through advocacy, awareness, or community involvement. v Lauren Sousa Lauren Sousa, RN Team Leader and Grant Award Manager of the New Beginnings Moms Do Care Program at Southcoast Health. With 15 years of experience in nursing, Lauren has spent her career focusing on supporting families in her community, taking special interest in families impacted by substances. In 2015 Lauren joined the Substance Exposed Newborn Committee, taking on the role of facilitator in 2016 and expanding the group into what is now known as SENSE (Substance Exposed Newborns Southeast) Collaborative, bringing providers together across the region to improve the care of families impacted by substances. In 2019 Lauren joined Southcoast Health's New Beginnings Program to pilot the role of Postpartum Care Coordinator, providing services to mothers from hospital discharge throughout 12 months postpartum. Taking on the role of Team Leader in 2021, Lauren managed the Health Policy Commission's C4SEN grant which allowed further expansion of the care team. New Beginnings became a Moms Do Care site in 2023, expanding services to support pregnant and parenting people impacted by all substances up to 3 years postpartum. Lauren was the recipient of the Eagle Leadership award in 2023 and her team was the honored to be recipients of the Perinatal Quality Improvement Network Hospital Team Award in 2024. Most recently Lauren saw her passion project come to life as she led the thoughtful design of the New Beginnings Moms Do Care's first ever clinical location. Opening its doors in January 2025, the space now offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere to host moms and their littles ones for casual weekly drop-in hours, structured parent groups, more formal care plan meetings, 1:1 patient and provider meetings, and group celebratory events. Katelyn Caton Katelyn Caton, Program Coordinator of the New Beginnings Moms Do Care Program at Southcoast Health. With 19 years' experience supporting at-risk children and their families, Katelyn is deeply committed to strengthening families and improving outcomes for vulnerable communities. She has been a part of the program since its inception in 2017, helping to shape and grow services that support children and caregivers. In 2021, she stepped into the role of SENSE facilitator while also taking on responsibilities as Program Coordinator, further expanding her work to guide and support both families and professionals. Passionate about sharing knowledge and improving care for families impacted by substance use, Katelyn has presented at several conferences, including the Bristol County Regional Alliance Conference and the IDTA (In-Depth Technical Assistance) Kick-Off for Improving Care for Families Affected by Substance Use in 2023. In 2024, she also presented at the To the Moon and Back Conference. Through her work and presentations, she remains dedicated to collaboration, advocacy, and creating supportive systems where children and families can thrive.   You can view the New Beginnings landing page on Southcoast.org here: https://www.southcoast.org/community/new-beginnings/. Southcoast Health, which includes Charlton Memorial Hospital, St. Luke's Hospital and Tobey Hospital, serves communities across southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island as the largest provider of primary and specialty care in the region.

  7. May 31

    Healing at Southcoast Health Wound Care: Advanced Treatments for Better Outcomes

    Wound Care with Southcoast Health Podcast Season 3: Healing at Southcoast Health Wound Care: Advanced Treatments for Better Outcomes with Dr. Pilar Alonso, Medical Director and Cheryl Thompson, Market Director of Wound Care Dr. Pilar Alonso is a graduate of the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Medical Center, Philippines. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine at St. Agnes Hospital, MD and furthered her medical expertise at Brown University, RI specializing in Infectious Diseases. A greater part of her philosophy of care is to serve as an educator, empowering her patients with the tools to take control of their own health and well-being. Dr. Alonso has been practicing in Fall River since 2000. Her clinical Interests include general infectious diseases specifically musculoskeletal infections, wound care and wound healing.  Cheryl Thompson is a registered nurse with over 33 years of experience. She began her career working in med-surg and home health services before she came to Southcoast Health's Charlton Memorial Hospital as the Director of Wound Care in 2013. Today, Cheryl serves as the Market Director for the South Coast region managing all three Southcoast Health Wound Care locations in Fall River, New Bedford and Wareham, Massachusetts. She is passionate about caring for others with a patient-centered approach and is proud of the direct improvement exceptional wound care can have on a patient's quality of life.     ·       What makes Southcoast Health Wound Care the first comprehensive wound care center in Southeastern Massachusetts ·       Why ispecialized wound care is so important for patients with chronic or complex wounds ·      An overview of the types of wounds and conditions you treat at the center ·       What advanced technologies and evidence-based treatments are available at Southcoast Health Wound Care ·       How surgical debridement helps in the healing process ·W.    What role bioengineered tissue products play in wound care ·       How does negative pressure wound therapy work, ·        What Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is and how it benefits wound healing Southcoast Health is the first in the region to offer HBOT — why is this treatment so significan             What conditions are most treated with HBOT  ·                   What patients can expect during a typical HBOT session ·                  How many treatments does a patient usually need, and what factors determine that ·                 Risks or side effects associated with HBOT     How the team at SouthCoast Health collaborates with referring physicians to ensure continuity of care ·       What a typical patient journey looks like — from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up ·       How  treatment plans for each patient are personalized ·       Support that patients receive during their recovery process ·        Benefits patients experience from specialized wound care at Southcoast Health ·       How advanced wound care improves the  quality of life for patients ·

  8. May 14

    Raising Healthy, Active Children: Advanced Pediatric Care at Southcoast Health

    Pediatrics with Southcoast Health Podcast Season 3: Raising Healthy, Active Children: Advanced Pediatric Care at Southcoast Health with Dr. Ashley Kenyon, Pediatrician About Ashley Kenyon DO Ashley Kenyon, DO, grew up in Plymouth, MA and spent much of her life in Massachusetts. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She furthered her education and earned her medical degree from Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific – Northwest in Lebanon, Oregon. She completed her residency in Pediatrics at UMass Chan Medical School at Baystate Children's Hospital in Springfield, MA.  Dr. Kenyon discovered her passion for pediatrics after working in pediatric research prior to medical school at both Boston Children's Hospital and Joslin Diabetes Center and volunteering at Camp Sunshine, a camp for children with life-threatening illnesses. She is especially interested in newborn care, early childhood development, and general pediatrics. Her philosophy of care focuses on treating the whole patient, considering not only clinical symptoms but also each child's background and environment. Dr. Kenyon values a family-centered approach, building trust with both patients and their families to create collaborative care plans.  Outside of work, Dr. Kenyon enjoys traveling, being outdoors, spending time with her family, and attending group spin classes.   Talking points during interview [=·       What makes Southcoast Health Pediatrics unique in caring for children from newborns through adolescence ·       Why  pediatric care is so critical during the early years and teen years A.  An overview of the services Southcoast Health offers for families ·       What parents can expect during a pediatric physical exam at Southcoast Health ·       How annual physicals help track a child's growth and development w.What role diet and exercise discussions play during these visits   ·       Why  the teen years such an important time to establish healthy habits ·       What are the health screenings or tests that teens should start considering ·       How  Southcoast Health supports teens with issues with mental health

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About

Patricia Raskin, host, interviews medical professionals from Southcoast Health and patients with firsthand accounts. The goal is to help and inspire listeners to navigate their health journey with knowledge, comfort and ease. The Healthy Aging with Southcoast Health podcast helps listeners to manage their health to live a longer and healthier life.

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