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COVID Featured Stories

Mission-inspired

Mission-inspired

Feeling hopeful

Tatiana Molinar & Mike Drummond

Tatiana, an ICU nurse, talks with colleague Mike about being fearful early in the pandemic. She heard about shortages of personal protection equipment on the East Coast and in other countries. To help ensure their safety, as well as their patients and families, she and some of her nursing colleagues quickly put together a list of demands for their chief nursing officer. Most of those demands were met within a week, giving her hope. Edit credit: Mike Addis Tatiana's PPE Petition: https://www.thepetitionsite.com/645/987/886/providence-saint-johns-covid-19-demands

Mission-inspired

A lasting sacred encounter

Nancy Jordan & Janice Peters

Janice, an oncology nurse, recalls with colleague Nancy the solemn experience she shared with a cancer patient and her 20-year-old daughter. The patient requested to remain in the hospital because she didn’t want to die at home where her daughter lived. She wanted it to remain a happy place. Her wish was honored. Janice formed a compassionate bond, as the patient and her daughter found a sense of healing in the absence of a cure. Edit credit: Sean Collins. Animation: RockitWorks.

Mission-inspired

Where God leads

Pam Sipos & Lisl Foss

Pam Sipos, director of spiritual care at Providence Mount St. Vincent in Seattle, recalls the first time she first saw “the Mount,” and immediately felt a strong presence of the Holy Spirit. She knew immediately God had led her there. Pam loves that the Mount has heart and puts a priority on the language of caring. Edit credit: StoryCorps

Mission-inspired

Holding Aubrielle

Holly Rossiter & Debra Bolton

Holly Rossiter and her family sought the help of a Providence St. Joseph Health perinatal hospice program to help her deliver her baby, Aubrielle, who was diagnosed in utero with a terminal illness. Holly recounts the journey with nurse Debra Bolton and how the experience forever changed her. Edit credit: Sean Collins

Mission-inspired

Gimme shelter

Kenny Flaherty & Aaron Hoppe

Kenny Flaherty, a guest at St. Patrick House and patient at Providence St. Patrick Hospital, and relief coordinator Aaron Hoppe examine the miracle of treating people as whole persons, rather than as a sum of their diagnoses, and reflect on the Irish proverb, “It is in the shelter of each other that the people live.” Edit credit: Sean Collins

Mission-inspired

Rooted in love

Jody Heaton & Kitty Cannan

Kitty and Jody first met when Jody's mom Elsie was at the end of her life, and Kitty was her nurse. After Elsie passed away, Jody brought Kitty a plant for taking such good care of her mother. Twenty years later they reconnected when Jody decided to become a hospice volunteer and bumped into Kitty at the hospital. To Jody's surprise, the plant was still there, and Kitty gave her a couple of clippings from that plant, giving root to a new friendship. Edit credit: StoryCorps

Mission-inspired

Life's transitions

Dana Mitchell & Jessica Moore

Jessica tells colleague Dana about what led her to become a gender-specialized nurse practitioner. Jessica’s youngest child had confided why they always felt depressed. It’s because she was a boy. Jessica became an advocate and an activist for transgender issues. Realizing medical professionals weren’t treating the transgender community with compassion, Jessica went back to school to get her nurse practitioner license so she could be their compassionate caregiver. Edit credit: StoryCorps

Mission-inspired

Mission, vision, and values

Janice Peters & Nancy Jordan

Nancy, a chief mission officer, and Janice, a clinical program manager, share the journeys that brought them to Providence. Searching for more meaning in their work, they were each drawn to Providence because of the organizations’ mission, vision, and values. They see their work as a calling and believe divine intervention may have played a role in bringing them to Providence. Edit credit: Sean Collins

Mission-inspired

Immersion experience

Jill Jones-Redmond & Maricor Lim

Jill and Maricor, colleagues at Providence Marianwood, talk about their immersion experience at a migrant camp in Skagit Valley, Wash. Deemed “essential workers” amid the coronavirus pandemic, these migrants perform back-breaking work for long hours in the heat, and for very little pay. Both Jill and Maricor were grateful for – and humbled by – the opportunity. Edit credit: Mike Addis

Mission-inspired

Comfort clown

Lorrie Shamarin & Kelly Bryan

Providence Hospice of Seattle administrative support supervisor Lorrie Shamarin walks colleague Kelly Bryan through the first time she donned a clown costume. It was in a children’s hospital in the former Soviet Union, where she brought joy to a dying child. (The famed Dr. Patch Adams figures into this story.) The conditions were grim. No TV. No toys. No medications. Edit credit: Sean Collins

Mission-inspired

Little acts of compassion

Therese Reynolds & Mike Drummond

Therese, an RN nurse manager, began her career at Providence Portland Medical Center at age 15 in the kitchen delivering food to patients. After swapping out green Jell-O for red for a patient who felt ignored, it resonated with Therese that little things can make a significant impact on a patient’s wellbeing. She tells Mike, a communications director at Providence, that sometimes you don’t need more medical treatments, just little acts of compassion. Edit credit: Mike Addis

Mission-inspired

Living a legacy

Lisl Foss & Molly Swain

Molly Swain, foundation director at Providence Mount St. Vincent, grew up volunteering at the long-term care facility for the elderly where her mother was director of nursing. She shares with colleague and friend, Lisl Foss, how she fell in love with elders from being around them as a child. After working in the insurance industry for years, she began looking for more meaningful work and stumbled on an ad for a foundations and communications position at “The Mount.” She has been there for 18 years and feels like she is continuing her mother’s legacy. Edit credit: Mike Addis

Mission-inspired

Never give up

Naomi Richardson & Julie Konen

Naomi, a retired nurse, shares with her friend Julie, a recreational therapist, what drew her to nursing. Her nursing journey began at Providence Mount St. Vincent. She left to work at Harborview Medical Center, where she met Curtis, the love of her life. Forty years into their marriage, Curtis had a bad fall, needed living assistance and moved into Mount St. Vincent. After Curtis’ death, Naomi became a resident volunteer at the Mount. Edit credit: StoryCorps

Mission-inspired

Whole-person healing

Janice Peters & Nancy Jordan

Nancy and Janice, Providence co-workers, discuss how Jesus was a whole-person healer, who tended to the body, mind and spirit. Janice recalls how a patient of hers was nearly paralyzed from a brain tumor. He wanted to return home, but was unable to board a plane in his condition. Yet after a steroid procedure and plenty of prayer, the patient regained use of his limbs and was able to travel home. Janice believes she may have witnessed a miracle. Edit credit: Sean Collins

Mission-inspired

Arresting the help

Fredrick Katelnikoff & Father Innocent Philo

Fredrick Katelnikoff, a security officer at Providence Health & Services Kodiak, shares with Father Innocent Philo the experience and lessons learned as a former village public safety officer (VPSO). VPSOs provide emergency assistance and law enforcement to rural Alaska communities hundreds of miles away from state services. He often relied on help from villagers he had arrested previously for minor crimes – encounters that taught him to treat everyone with respect. Edit credit: Alaska Public Media

Mission-inspired

My mommy lives in jail

Fran Albrecht & Molly Adamson

Fran Albrecht, executive director of Providence Montana Health Foundation, shares with Molly Adamson, development officer for the foundation, how the poignant story of a little girl from a broken home helped motivate and inspire her to serve others. Edit credit: StoryCorps

Mission-inspired

A nurse goes in for open-heart surgery

Lindsey Burrell & Julie Baker

Lindsey Burrell and her mother, Julie Baker, both ICU nurses at Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Torrance, Calif., talk about Lindsey’s open-heart surgery and how the experience has fundamentally changed their approach to nursing. Edit credit: StoryCorps

Mission-inspired

"I'm not ready for palliative care!"

Rebekah Riemer & Dr. Colin Scibetta

Rebekah Riemer’s grandmother died shortly after being diagnosed with a form of leukemia. Nine months later, Rebekah was diagnosed with a similar disease. Now a palliative care nurse, she shares with Dr. Colin Scibetta her healing journey with the same palliative team that cared for her grandmother and the impact that’s had on her work. Edit credit: StoryCorps

Mission-inspired

Remembering Randy

Anna Seaver & Beth Gafur

Anna’s journey into hospice work began when she lost her 3-year-old son Randy to brain tumors in 1981. At this time, hospice was little known and unheard of for children. She decided she wanted to become a liaison between the medical community and families to help ease their way. As she prepared for this role, her focus shifted, and she became a hospice nurse. Edit Credit: Sean Collins

Mission-inspired

Truth and justice

Sister Michele MacMillan & Sister Clare Lentz

Sister Michele MacMillan shares with Sister Clare Lentz about her life as a Dominican sister and witnessing an incident, which inspired her work in helping the Khum people build a community in Seattle. She talks about going from parish to parish asking for donations for the families. She recounts setting up educational programs to help people read and practice speaking English. Edit credit: Sean Collins

Mission-inspired

Cherished memories

Suzanne Gwynn & Faith Cooley

Registered nurse Suzanne Gwynn speaks with her friend and "sidekick," Faith Cooley, about the pranks some of her young hospitalized patients would play, as well as her work caring for children and young adults with life-limiting illnesses. Suzanne reminisces about one particular young man who touched her heart. She recalls the day he died, and she bathed him, and laid him across the laps of his siblings for the final car ride from the hospital. Edit credit: Alison Jacques

Mission-inspired

Building bridges, not walls

Sue Giboney & Megan Managhan

Sue Giboney, executive director of Patient Experience, shares with colleague Megan Managhan her mission trip story to the Valley Humanitarian Respite Center in McAllen, Texas. Sister Norma Pimentel set up the center to provide a place for refugees to rest and receive needed supplies before continuing their journeys. Even with her limited Spanish, Sue connected with the people there and earned their trust. Edit credit: Sean Collins

Mission-inspired

From refugee to caregiver

Agnes Twishime & Katheeen Hollis

Born in Congo, Agnes Twishime arrived at a refugee camp in Uganda when she was just three. Now with laundry services at Providence Alaska Medical Center, Agnes shares with Mission Services Director Kathleen Hollis her experience as a child refugee and desire to help care for the vulnerable and those in need. Edit credit: Alaska Public Media

Mission-inspired

Love comes full circle

Diann Verdugo & Julie Conway

Diann, a nurse educator for Sea Crest Hospice, volunteered to take photos of hospice patients and their families to help educate people about hospice care. One of the patients Diann photographed was Julie’s father on his pinning day, celebrating his military service. Diann photographed the two of them together, creating one of Julie’s most cherished possessions. Inspired by the care her father received, Julie felt a calling to become a hospice volunteer and is now helping to care for Diann’s mother-in-law. Edit credit: Alison Jacques

Mission-inspired

When God speaks

Carlos Palacian & Paulina Alvarado

Paulina and Carlos are colleagues who took different spiritual paths to Providence Mount St. Vincent, aka The Mount. Paulina found her calling at age 12 after she went to mass for the first time and wanted to know more about Jesus. Carlos grew up in the church and thought about becoming a priest. He left the church to sow his oats. When he decided to get married, he felt a calling to return to the church and take an active role. Edit credit: Mike Addis

Mission-inspired

Humor is great medicine

Kris Fahlstrom & Nicole Grantham

Working together for a few years now, Kris, a hospice nurse, and Nicole, a social worker, believe their soothing energy and humor bring a sense of calm to their patients. One of their favorite patients is a man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease. They have found that humor has been a way for them to connect with him and his wife and ease their way. Edit credit: Mike Addis

Mission-inspired

The gift of being a caretaker

Liz McCully & Cara Aguilera

Liz first learned of her father’s cancer diagnosis via text from him while sitting on an airplane as it taxied off the runway. At the time, Liz was a substitute teacher, which gave her the flexibility to be his primary caregiver. Throughout this process, she has come to discover she really likes being his caretaker, which has brought them even closer. Profoundly touched by the experience of taking care of her father, she sought a career in social work. Edit credit: Mike Addis

Mission-inspired

A kitten for a dying man

Arleta Lefler & Theresa Gleason

Arleta talks to her colleague, Theresa, about nursing being more than a job and how a stolen moment with a kitten allowed a man with cancer to die at peace. Edit credit: audio by Alaska Public Media; animation by RockitWorks

Mission-inspired

Leading from a place of love

Allan Komarek & Liz Wessel

Allan, a clinical excellence director, describes Providence as a living, breathing organization that lives its mission and values – a place that helps caretakers focus on the deeper meaning of their work. He tells Liz, a fellow clinical excellence director, that Providence leadership puts a value on the human spirit. He notes that leading from a place of love helps bring out the best in people. Edit credit: Sean Collins

Mission-inspired

Touch becomes sacred

Ahmed Pierstorff & Coleen Dumenjich

Ahmed Pierstorff is a Muslim, and social touch of the opposite sex is prohibited. Yet, his job as a registered nurse often necessitates physical contact with the opposite sex. Here he shares with his mentor, Coleen Dumenjich, how he navigates his professional duties with his religious devotion. Edit credit: Tomorrow’s Event Productions

Mission-inspired

A beautiful, unfolding path

Deanna Drake & Jane Ashe

Jane’s a retired chaplain; Deanna is relatively new to her role as a chaplain. Deanna confides she initially thought she needed to have all the answers, when all she really needed were some really good questions. She also shares with Jane that being a chaplain has given her some of the most sacred moments in her life in what has been a beautiful, unfolding path. Edit credit: Mike Addis

Mission-inspired

How do we have any more tears left?

Ginny Shaffer & Lisa Solomonson

Friends Ginny Shaffer and Lisa Solomonson recall the passing of Ginny's infant son, Bryson. At the time, Lisa was a nurse who cared for Bryson and his twin sister, Holland. Both were born with heart defects. Ginny and Lisa bonded during the care of Bryson and Holland through this difficult time. Alaska Public Media

Mission-inspired

Human connection

Storey Squires & Lisl Foss

Storey is the volunteer coordinator at Providence Mount St. Vincent (The Mount) in Seattle. She shares with friend Lisl about what drew her to work at The Mount and finding meaningful ways for volunteers to contribute in the community. Storey also shares that her mother spent the last 10 years of her life at The Mount and how that experience left a lasting impression. Edit credit: Mike Addis

Mission-inspired

A higher place

Jeremy Edmonds & Victoria Johnson

Jeremy and Victoria share a passion for the work they do at ElderPlace, an adult activity and medical center for seniors in Seattle. They feel honored to help fellow human beings and blessed to work in service of the mission at Providence, which provides opportunities for professional and spiritual growth. Edit credit: Mike Addis

Mission-inspired

The Providence Promise

Heidi Chilimidos and Dana Sitts

Providence’s promise statement, “Know me, care for me, ease my way,” resonates with Heidi, a team coordinator, and Dana, a dietician, and connects them to their work. In their roles, they have to give patients bad news. However, armed with the Providence promise, they know they can care for people through difficult times and help ease their way. Edit credit: Sean Collins

Mission-inspired

The price of care

Susan Tuller & Cara K. Aguilera

Caregivers Susan Tuller and Cara Aguilera share thoughts on the ethics of for-profit elderly care and the joy felt from facilitating a wedding for a lesbian couple at the Providence ElderPlace Center. Edit credit: Sean Collins

Mission-inspired

My new best friend

Mary Young & Becki Mullins

Newly met colleagues Mary Young and Becki Mullins share their journeys to Providence. Mary was laid off from a job she had for decades. She returned to school, pulled all-nighters, fell asleep during the test… and got a 92. Becki, a hospice volunteer, found graphic design following lots of loss of loved ones. The funeral book of one of her departed friends had spelling errors and was “ugly,” which motivated Becki to make a better book for her friend and pursue her creative passion. Edit credit: Mike Addis

Mission-inspired

Midlife nurse

Jason Plamondon & Mike Drummond

Jason was in his late 30s and unhappy with his career as a computer scientist when he decided to go back to school to become a nurse. He tells Mike, a communications director at Providence, that early in his nursing career, he felt overwhelmed and thought he had made the biggest mistake of his life. He soon realized this is typical of new nurses. He now finds the career switch as a rewarding change. Edit credit: Mike Addis

Mission-inspired

Feeding body and soul

Jackie Beck & Heather Preece

When Jackie Beck nursed her adopted 4-day-old baby boy for the first time, it was as nourishing for his soul as it was for his body. Jackie recounts the profound bonding experience with Heather Preece, founder of Kodiak KINDNESS, a program that offers free infant feeding support to families. Heather remarks that the moment was the highlight of her career. Edit credit: audio by Marina Preece Cummiskey; animation by RockitWorks

Mission-inspired

Team Approach

Allan Komarek & Lesley Nichols

Lesley, a director of home health, talks with Allan, a clinical excellence director, about her time at Providence and how she manages her team. Her approach: Work together, know the work will get done, and don’t worry about hierarchy. She also believes that as a Catholic organization, Providence helps provide a spiritual connection with caregivers. Edit credit: Sean Collins

Mission-inspired

A short life well lived

Patty Sullivan & Tom Sullivan

While working as a correspondent for Good Morning America, Tom produced a story about children with cancer experiencing the joy of skiing. He ended up befriending Molly, a vivacious girl with a Texas accent, who inspired him to write his definitive book on children living with cancer, “A Short Live Well Lived.” His experience with Molly and others moved him and wife Patty to get involved with Providence TrinityCare Hospice. Tom is currently a board member of Providence TrinityCare Hospice Foundation. Edit credit: Sean Collins

Mission-inspired

Doing right and good

Tomi Ryba & Gayle Johnson

Tomi Ryba, Providence St. Joseph Health chief executive for Southern Oregon, talks with Gayle Johnson, executive office manager at Providence St. Joseph Health in Medford, Ore., about why she adopted two Guatemalan children as an older adult and how her adult, biological children took the news. Edit credit: Sean Collins

Mission-inspired

The pathway down to the pond

Linda Darkhand & David Vandegrift

Snohomish hospice home care nurses, Linda and David, exchange touching end-of-life stories that have shaped their lives and careers. They discuss what keeps them going and their desire to make sure their patients have quality care through the end of life and that no one dies alone. Edit credit: Mike Addis

Mission-inspired

Speaking the same language

Cristian Ramon & Kelly Kasner

Grief-support assistant Cristian Ramon tells colleague Kelly Kasner how she used Spanish and a video of her hiking to connect with and lift the spirits of a depressed and angry patient, paralyzed from the neck down. Edit credit: StoryCorps

Mission-inspired

The fire

By Thao & Sandra Kiggins

Sandra, a Providence program assistant for faculty support services in Anchorage, recalls being awakened by a loud crash and realized a fire broke out in the bedroom. As she fled, she noticed her husband had passed out from the smoke. She was unable to revive him. She lost everything in the fire, including her husband. It was her Providence family who helped her replace everything, and not just material things. Edit credit: Alison Jacques

Mission-inspired

Riding a wave of love

Lisa Aquino & Tricia Teasley

Lisa Aquino and her husband, Chris, were living abroad when he sustained a traumatic brain injury in a motor scooter accident, leading to weeks of intensive care. Lisa shares with friend and coworker Tricia Teasley a story of suffering, love and the healing touch of the Anchorage community. Edit credit: StoryCorps

Mission-inspired

Taking care of each other

Liz Wessel & Dan Dwyer

Dan served as executive director of theology and ethics at Providence. He shares with Liz, a clinical excellence director, his life’s journey. He thought he’d be a priest, but initially became a medical social worker, and worked with physicians and other health-care workers who suffered from depression and burnout. Throughout his career, he helped others find or rediscover meaning in their lives and work. Edit credit: Mike Addis

Mission-inspired

She joined the team that cared for her aunt

Salve Bautista & Marianne Ayala

Salve Bautista’s aunt received palliative care through Providence St. Joseph Health, which awoke a passion in Salve for this field of medicine. The palliative staff at Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance were surprised and delighted when Salve re-entered their lives – this time not as a family member of a patient, but as a job applicant. Edit credit: StoryCorps

Mission-inspired

Answering the call

Becky Nappi & Michael Drummond

Recovering journalists Becky Nappi, director of mission integration at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, Wash., and Michael Drummond, director of communications at the Institute for Human Caring in Gardena, Calif., share how they heeded the power of calling and the spiritual forces that moved them to work at Providence St. Joseph Health. Edit credit: Sean Collins

Mission-inspired

A soulful force

Chaplain Denise Hess & Marianne Ayala

Chaplain Denise Hess worked alongside palliative care nurse Marianne Ayala for years. Denise, who has moved on to a new role in a different state, shares her belief that science and spirituality can coexist in health care, and how she is determined to serve as a harmonizing agent. Edit credit: Sean Collins

Mission-inspired

The grateful patient

Peter Lynch & Patricia Modrzejewski

Peter Lynch survived quintuple bypass surgery years ago, and the experience moved him to give back to his community. The former Warner Bros. retail executive shares with Patricia Modrzejewski, Providence St. Joseph Health’s chief development officer, how the mission for caring for the poor and vulnerable drives him to serve the Providence St. Joseph Foundation. Edit credit: Sean Collins

Mission-inspired

Nice enough to be a nurse

Jennifer Gentry & Michael Drummond

Jennifer Gentry, the Chief Nursing Officer at Providence Portland medical center was once told she wasn’t nice enough to be a nurse. After dropping out of college to follow her military husband around the world, she did eventually go back to school to become a nurse. The work has been both challenging and rewarding and yes, she is nice enough to be a nurse. Edit credit: Mike Addis

Mission-inspired

The life of a nurse

Dicki Franklin & Linn Bartram

Linn and Dicki were both drawn to nursing from early in their childhoods and have a combined 76 years of home health care experience. The memories they share are both heartwarming and heartbreaking. One of their most cherished memories is when they were privileged to work with Mother Teresa at the St. Joseph Carmelite Monastery. Over the years, the work was hard and challenging, but very rewarding. Edit credit: Alison Jacques

Mission-inspired

I'm not okay, but I will be

Gaile Edrozo & Victoria Johnson

Gaile, an RN at Providence ElderPlace in Seattle, discusses her clinical depression with colleague Victoria, a quality compliance specialist. When Gaile hit rock bottom, she realized she needed help. It was her mentor who helped her get treatment. Gaile’s depression goes in and out of remission, but having a supportive boss and team is immensely helpful for her healing process. Edit credit: Alison Jacques

Mission-inspired

Creating your own path

Bridget Daly and Libby Cunningham

Soon after Bridget enrolled her son at the newly created preschool program at Providence Mount St. Vincent she had an ‘aha’ moment. She shares that story with her colleague, Libby, and how she persuaded the CEO of Providence Mount St. Vincent to let her teach intergenerational art with the students and residents. The CEO agreed to let her teach one class. Twenty three years later, her students hold a highly anticipated art show each year selling their work to the community. Edit credit: Mike Addis

Mission-inspired

Paying it forward

Patrick O'Brien

Patrick, a director of nursing for Providence, reflects on growing up in an economically challenged household surrounded by addiction on the outskirts of Philadelphia. He realizes if it weren’t for a few people in his life who saw the potential in him even before he could, he might have been destined to the same bleak future. Patrick pays it forward by encouraging and inspiring others to reach their potential. Edit credit: Sean Collins

Texas

Texas

The crafty nurse

Kimberly Malinowski & Scott Acord

In the early days of Covid when hospitals were running short on personal protection equipment, Kimberly, a quality improvement specialist, knew she needed to tap into her skills as a crafter. She gathered supplies and set up an assembly line in a conference room and made masks and face shields for her hospital. This is just one of the many reasons she won the Nursing Hero of Our Time Award. Edit credit: Alison Jacques

Texas

They tested positive

Cayce Kaufman & Leonard Gillard

Cayce, chief mission officer at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Lubbock, Texas, shares with friend and colleague Leonard, her family’s journey with COVID-19. She, her husband and son contracted and survived the disease in 2020. Cayce shares how grateful she is for her courageous frontline colleagues who administered the drive-through test, and how blessed she is to work for an organization that’s mission-driven and results-oriented. Edit credit: Mike Addis

Texas

Forecast is sunny for this training specialist

Leonard Gillard & Cayce Kaufman

Leonard shares his journey with friend and colleague, Cayce, how he went from local television weatherman to working in talent-management and learning at Providence. While volunteering as a training specialist at a local mental health organization, he met a nurse from Providence who persuaded him to come work with her. He’s grateful he made the career move. Edit credit: Mike Addis

Hear Me Now Podcast Featured Podcast

Hear Me Now Podcast Featured Podcast

Hear Me Now Podcast - COVID winter strategies

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 1 2020

As the Northern Hemisphere approaches the first winter of the COVID-19 pandemic, we talked with a group of thoughtful people about their strategies for staying safe yet socially engaged. The physical-distance restrictions we've all lived with so far have been mitigated, in part, by easy access to outdoor activities. That will be harder when the darkness and chill of winter arrive. What's your plan?

Hear Me Now Podcast Featured Podcast

"I see you. I hear you. And I ache for you"

Victoria Johnson & Jeremey Edmonds

In May 2020, communities across the United States were emerging from shelter-at-home measures put in place to stem the COVID-19 pandemic. In Minneapolis, George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, was killed when a white police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes. The nation, and then world, erupted in protests. In this extended Hear Me Now recording, Providence caregivers Jeremy Edmonds and Victoria Johnson share their lived experiences as Black women and their reaction to the killing of George Floyd and other unarmed Black civilians by law enforcement.

Hear Me Now Podcast Featured Podcast

Hear Me Now podcast - The voices of nurses

Sean Collins, Sylvain Trepanier, Bennett Pendleton, & Sarah Thompson

Today, we sit down with three nurses to talk about the challenges and joys of nursing. The World Health Organization designated 2020 as the Year of the Nurse & Midwife. Then COVID-19 changed everything. Episode Notes "Nurses bring science to the bedside." It's an elegant and succinct way to think about the key role nursing plays in healthcare. In a year that had been set aside to honor nurses, the coronavirus pandemic hit. Many nurses found themselves working under extraordinary circumstances and in situations that none had experienced before. "We were building the plane as we were flying it," we are told on today's program. Guests: Sylvain Trepanier, DNP, RN, CENP, FAONL, FAAN Chief Nursing Officer, Providence Sarah Thompson, BSN, RNC NICU Providence Portland Medical Center Bennett Pendleton, BSN, RN, CEN PACU Providence Portland Medical Center

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 1 - 2020

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 1 - 2020

"I see you. I hear you. And I ache for you"

Sean Collins, Victoria Johnson & Jeremy Edmonds | Season 1 2020

In May 2020, communities across the United States were emerging from shelter-at-home measures put in place to stem the COVID-19 pandemic. In Minneapolis, George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, was killed when a white police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes. The nation, and then world, erupted in protests. In this extended Hear Me Now recording, Providence caregivers Jeremy Edmonds and Victoria Johnson share their lived experiences as Black women and their reaction to the killing of George Floyd and other unarmed Black civilians by law enforcement.

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 1 - 2020

Grief in the time of COVID

Sean Collins, Dr. Ira Byock, & Rev. Denise Hess | Season 1 2020

COVID-19 has changed the way we live and the way we die. The pandemic has changed interactions at the bedside, our rituals of mourning, and how we process loss. Hear Me Now Podcast presents “Grief in the time of COVID,” featuring Dr. Ira Byock, founder and chief medical officer at Providence’s Institute for Human Caring, and Rev. Denise Hess, executive director of the Supportive Care Coalition.

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 1 - 2020

Transgender health

Sean Collins, Erika Laurentz, & Bennett Pendleton | Season 1 2020

This episode of the Hear Me Now Podcast explores Trans Health through the perspectives of two Providence healthcare providers who are transgender. Erika Laurentz is an emergency department psychiatric counselor; Bennett Pendleton is a registered nurse. They share their experiences with family tension, social discrimination, and awkward healthcare encounters. Erika and Bennett also explore how to make healthcare more compassionate and respectful for one of society’s most vulnerable populations. For additional information about the Transgender educational programs by Erika Laurentz or Bennett Pendleton please reach out to them directly at: Erika Laurentz: [email protected] or [email protected] Bennett Pendleton: [email protected]

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 1 - 2020

Trusted decision maker

Sean Collins, Dr. Ira Byock, Edo Banach, & Nathan Kottkamp | Season 1 2020

Dr. Ira Byock, Founder and Chief Medical Officer of the Providence Institute for Human Caring, discusses a new vision for advance care planning that simply asks individuals to name a trusted decision-maker to speak for them in the event they’re not able to speak for themselves. This choice is then entered into the electronic health record by a care provider. Joining Dr. Byock are Edo Banach, President and CEO of the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization, and Nathan Kottkamp, founder of the National Healthcare Decisions Day.

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 1 - 2020

Dementia and memory care

Sean Collins, Maureen Nash, M.D., Sally Tisdale, & David Shenk

Worldwide in the month of September, health organizations refocus attention on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. On today’s program we’re joined by three people with extensive first-hand knowledge of the best care possible for people living with dementia. Maureen Nash, M.D. is the medical director of Providence PACE, the program of all-inclusive care for the elderly in Portland, Oregon, she’s an internal medicine physician and geriatric psychiatrist. She is also the 2020 American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry’s Clinician of the Year; Sally Tisdale is the author of nine books, and her writing has appeared in Harper’s, the New Yorker, the New York Times, and Tricycle the Buddhist Review, in addition to many other publications, Sally Tisdale, R.N. is a nurse at Providence ElderPlace in Portland, Oregon; David Shenk is the author of six books where he’s explored everything from the appeal of the grateful dead to the nature of genius and passionately and poignantly he’s written about Alzheimer’s in The Forgetting: Portrait of an Epidemic – along with Greg O’Brien, David co-hosts a podcast also called The Forgetting and David has for years keenly followed progress in Alzheimer’s research.

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 1 - 2020

Mental health and the pandemic / heroism & hypocrisy

Sean Collins, Robin Henderson, and Dr. Ira Byock | Season 1 2020

Clinical Psychologist Robin Henderson speaks with Seán Collins about the mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and how to strategize and make mental health a priority in the months ahead. Sean also speaks with Dr. Ira Byock, the founder of the Institute for Human Caring, about an article he wrote for the Journal of Palliative Medicine: Heroism and Hypocrisy: Seeing Our Reflection with 2020 Vision. Episode Notes If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or other mental health issues and would like to seek help, please check out the Work@BeWell website for a list of qualified organizations. Send us an email and share your COVID Winter strategies with us to help us plan our next episode. Read Dr. Ira Byock's article Heroism and Hypocrisy: Seeing Our Reflection with 2020 Vision in The Journal of Palliative Medicine. Guests Robin Henderson, Psy. D. is a clinical psychologist in Portland, OR, and the Chief Executive for Behavioral Health for Providence Oregon and the Clinical Liaison to the Well Being Trust. Ira Byock, M.D., is a leading palliative care physician and the Founder and Chief Medical Officer of the Providence Institute for Human Caring in Gardena, CA.

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 1 - 2020

COVID winter strategies

Sean Collins, Amy Dickinson, Allie I., Joe Newberry, Maizie B., Gwen Thompkins, Catherine Stifter, Abbot Christopher Jami

As the Northern Hemisphere approaches the first winter of the COVID-19 pandemic, we talked with a group of thoughtful people about their strategies for staying safe yet socially engaged. The physical-distance restrictions we've all lived with so far have been mitigated, in part, by easy access to outdoor activities. That will be harder when the darkness and chill of winter arrive. What's your plan? Episode Notes EAT SMART, MOVE MORE, STAY SOCIAL During our recent episode on Mental Health and the Pandemic, we asked for strategies from Robin Henderson who offered a three-fold plan for staying safe and engaged this winter: We have to eat healthily; we have to move our bodies, and we have to interact with each other socially. She says digital wellness is more important than ever during this pandemic. And she suggests now may be the time to join an online support group or a book club or class to learn a new skill. Robin Henderson Psy.D., Chief Executive, Behavioral Health Providence Oregon, Portland, OR LITTLE MOVEMENTS MATTER Catherine Stifter tells us we can be moving more at home (and restoring balance and function) by making subtle changes in how we arrange the items we use daily. Having to reach (or bend) for something you use every day will, over time, preserve your range of motion. Small, consistent efforts pay off over time. Catherine Stifter, Restorative Movement Instructor, Your Movement Project, Nevada City, CA Catherine on Instagram GO OUTSIDE

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 1 - 2020

Oregon drug decriminalization

Sean Collins, Andrew Seaman, Mike Marshall, Beau Kilmer, & Janie Gullickson | Season 1 2020

In November 2020, Oregon became the first state in the country to decriminalize possession of small amounts of illicit hard drugs when 60% of voters approved Measure 110. Proponents wanted to stop arresting people for a health condition (addiction). Tax money from the legal sale of cannabis will fund new treatment options for addicted Oregonians. Episode Notes America has been fighting a War on Drugs for 50 years - a war we've been losing. Oregon's Measure 110 is a bold attempt to re-reframe the tactics. It will attempt to shift the thinking from law enforcement to health care. On today's program, we hear from four people who'll be involved in how this first-in-the-nation experiment plays out. They don't all agree on the means to an end, but they do agree on the goal: Get help to anyone who wants it for substance use disorders and stop putting people in jail for what amounts to a complex neurobehavioral disorder with far-reaching social consequences. Read the text of Oregon Measure 110 Andrew Seaman, M.D. Assistant Professor of Medicine Oregon Health and Science University Central City Concern Addiction Medicine Mike Marshall Co-Founder & Director Oregon Recovers Beau Kilmer, Ph,D. M.P.P. Director RAND Drug Policy Research Center Janie Gullickson, M.P.A:H.A. P.S.S. P.R.C. Executive Director Mental Health & Addiction Association of Oregon Co-Chief Petitioner, Oregon Measure 110

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 1 - 2020

Multigenerational households

Sean Collins, Crystal Walsh, Jennifer Liddell, & Kelby Johnson

One in five Americans lives in a household with two or more adult generations under the same roof — that's more than 64 million people. And a growing number of these households are headed by a member of the "sandwich generation" — adult children who are caring for their parents and their own children at the same time. On today's program: the benefits, challenges, and practical considerations of inviting parents to live with you. Successfully turning the tables on caretaking benefits from the clear communication of needs and expectations. Kelby Johnson, Content Strategy Director for Providence in Seattle, is making plans to have his mom move in with him and his two school-aged children in the spring. Crystal Walsh, LCSW, Manager of Supportive Services for TrinityCare Hospice in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., cared for her own mom for many years and helps families negotiate some of the boundary issues multigenerational-living brings up. Jennifer Liddell welcomed her mom into her home in South Bend, Ind., to live with her, her husband, and her kids. She recommends having conversations about expectations early on.

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 1 - 2020

The voices of nurses

Sean Collins, Sylvain Trepanier, Bennett Pendleton, & Sarah Thompson

Today, we sit down with three nurses to talk about the challenges and joys of nursing. The World Health Organization designated 2020 as the Year of the Nurse & Midwife. Then COVID-19 changed everything. Episode Notes "Nurses bring science to the bedside." It's an elegant and succinct way to think about the key role nursing plays in healthcare. In a year that had been set aside to honor nurses, the coronavirus pandemic hit. Many nurses found themselves working under extraordinary circumstances and in situations that none had experienced before. "We were building the plane as we were flying it," we are told on today's program. Guests: Sylvain Trepanier, DNP, RN, CENP, FAONL, FAAN Chief Nursing Officer, Providence Sarah Thompson, BSN, RNC NICU Providence Portland Medical Center Bennett Pendleton, BSN, RN, CEN PACU Providence Portland Medical Center

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 1 - 2020

The incarnation & health care as ministry

Sean Collins & Rev. Denise Hess

There is a long tradition of faith-based healthcare. On this Christmas episode — filled with music, poetry, and conversation — we ask: How has the belief that God became human in the flesh inspire care for people and their bodies? The Rev. Denise Hess of the Supportive Care Coalition (now part of the Catholic Health Association) joins host Seán Collins in a reflection on the Christian doctrine of the Incarnation and the ways it has inspired centuries of healthcare. They talk about the example of Jesus-as-healer, the crucial role women have served in promoting healthcare ministries, and the place suffering plays in our understanding of caring for the whole person. They are accompanied throughout the hour by three musicians who perform original arrangements of traditional carols: Gabe Miller, violin and arranger; Elijah Cole, guitar; and Nathan Pence, bass.

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 2 - 2021

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 2 - 2021

Healthcare politics

Sean Collins, Julie Rovner, & Ali Santore

Ali Santore and Julie Rovner join us for a conversation about the opportunities and challenges members of the new Biden administration face as they work to keep campaign promises, deal the nation’s response to a deadly pandemic, and advance access to care for underserved populations in what is now a four trillion-dollar business in America Nominally, the Democrats have an advantage in Congress, but it’s only with a razor-thin margin in the Senate that will necessitate cooperation across both the aisle and within the party itself. That suggests a return to more deliberative processes on Capitol Hill and less drama.

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 2 - 2021

Healthcare realities

Sean Collins, Dr. Zahra Esmail, & Christina Rothans

Two frontline caregivers describe the realities of working in a hospital in LA County during the most recent surge in COVID-19 patients. The death toll has been unprecedented. Against a backdrop of COVID-19 denialism and super-spreader events, Dr. Zahra Esmail and social worker Christina Rothans have been treating a recent surge of patients with their colleagues in the South Bay of Los Angeles. The two serve on one of the in-house palliative care teams at the Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Torrance, Calif. They are responsible for the care of the very sickest patients. The hospital's census of COVID-19-positive patients has climbed steadily for the past two months to heretofore unseen levels. All of the COVID-19 patients have been isolated from their families and many, despite the best efforts of their caregivers, have succumbed to the ravages of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. And despite bracing for what they knew was coming, neither Dr. Esmail nor Ms. Rothans felt fully prepared for the scale of loss they have experienced this winter in LA County.

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 2 - 2021

Staffing a pandemic

Sean Collins

Call them Unsung Heroes, call them Essential Workers, today we talk with some of the people whose mission-critical work keeps our hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health care open during a pandemic. Episode Notes Last spring, Cylix Shane and some other engineers, using off-the-shelf parts, built a prototype emergency ventilator that could be readily-deployed during the pandemic. “We have some rural hospitals that wouldn’t have access to ventilators if they had a surge in patients, so we wanted to be able to allow them to configure one rapidly using parts they could get locally.” Total cost: about $250. WATCH VENTILATOR VIDEO Cylix Shane Design & Construction Manager Providence St. Joseph Health Spokane, Wash. Heather Martin leads a team of 14 medical librarians who support the work of Providence caregivers in seven states. She says that 75% of her work this past year has been staying on top of research focused on the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the treatment of COVID-19. On average, she sees around 1,200 to 1,500 peer-reviewer articles each week, which she prioritizes and passes on to Providence clinicians. “They can do their own research and find evidence, but I’d much rather my doctor was spending time reading the article rather than spending time in a database when they have librarians to do that.” Heather Martin Director System Library Services Providence Astoria, Ore. Donell Grayer is sous chef at Providence Marionwood, a skilled nursing

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 2 - 2021

First patient

Sean Collins, Robin Addison, & Andrea "Andi" Leighty

In January 2020 a man was admitted to the Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett, Wash. and became the first COVID+ patient in the United States. We talk with two of his nurses about his care and the value of being prepared. Also: to mark the end of Black History Month, we listen to an excerpt from a powerful conversation we first brought you in June 2020, "I see you. I hear you. And I ache for you."

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 2 - 2021

Medical records and medical literacy

Sean Collins, Dr. Gregg Vandekieft, Nathan Kottkamp, and Maura Wozniak

Episode Summary The 21st Century Cures Act is making it easier for patients to have access to their medical records. But will we understand what we read there? And are clinicians writing with patients in mind? Episode Notes On April 5, 2021, a new federal rule mandates that healthcare providers make most medical records available to patients without charge and without blocking. It's a move proponents hope will promote transparency and collaboration between patients and clinicians. But will clinicians tailor their language for patients? Will the average patient understand what's in the medical record? And will this move aimed at transparency cause more confusion than clarity? Healthcare attorney Nathan Kottkamp and palliative physician Gregg VandeKieft join Seán Collins to discuss the new medical records rule and some ways patients and clinicians can use the change for their common good. And then Maura Wozniak joins Seán to talk about how important it is for patients with chronic illness to understand their condition and their treatment options in order to fully participate in their own care. She has lived with cystic fibrosis her whole life and says it's "imperative" that you understand your medical condition. Nathan Kottkamp, JD Partner Waller Law Firm Nashville, Tenn. Founder National Healthcare Decisions Day Gregg VandeKieft, MD Medical Director Palliative Practice Group Providence Institute for Human Caring Palliative Care Physician P

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 2 - 2021

We are doctors of the spirit

Sean Collins, Chloe Zelkha, Imam Yusuf Hasan, Danielle Pruitt Cummings

Episode Summary As religious communities mark Passover, Holy Week, and Ramadan, we talk with three chaplains from different faiths about the role spiritual wellbeing plays in caring for the whole person. Serious illness and dying can test and reaffirm notions of faith. The ministry of accompaniment is at the heart of the work of chaplains working in healthcare. Episode Notes THE SPIRITUAL CARE OF THE WHOLE PERSON . Imam Yusuf Hasan Chaplain Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center New York, N.Y. MSKCC Spiritual & Religious Care • NYP Pastoral Care • African American Day Parade • Association of Professional Chaplains • HealthCare Chaplaincy Network • Association of Muslim Chaplains • Masjid Malcolm Shabazz . Chloe Zelkha Rabbinical Student Hebrew Union College Cincinnati, Ohio Co-Founder COVID Grief Network Instagram • Twitter • Facebook • Website . . Rev. Danielle Pruitt Cummings Palliative Care Chaplain Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance, Calif. Reflections Blog • PLCM Palliative Care

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 2 - 2021

Medical technology and the sacred encounter

Sean Collins & Aaron Martin

Episode Summary Data, data everywhere, nor any drop to humanity. With apologies to Samuel Taylor Coleridge, it sometimes feels patients are surrounded by a sea of data and technology, but little in the way of TLC. Even as healthcare rolls out new life-prolonging devices and collects and analyzes more information on us, how do we keep medicine human and humane? Aaron Martin, chief digital and innovation officer at Providence, talks about technology’s role in healthcare and how it should remove friction in the sacred encounter between patient and provider. Show Less Episode Notes Aaron Martin Executive Vice President, Chief Digital & Innovation Officer Providence .

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 2 - 2021

Palliative care

Sean Collins, Dr. Diane Meier, and Brynn Bowman, MPA

Episode Summary Palliative care is misunderstood, even among medical professionals. Palliative care is a medical specialty that relieves symptoms and stress of serious illness, and typically involves a team of doctors, nurses, chaplains and social workers. Today we speak with two titans in the field who demystify palliative care. Show Less Episode Notes Diane Meier, M.D., is professor of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine at Mount Sinai Medical School in New York, N.Y., where she also holds a chair in Medical Ethics. Dr. Meier is the director emerita and strategic medical advisor of the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC) where she has championed the sharing of best practices in the field of palliative medicine. She has been succeeded at CAPC by Brynn Bowman, MPA, the new chief executive officer. They talk with us about palliative care, about goals of training for caregivers, and the expectations for care that patients and families should expect. To find a palliative care program near you, visit getpalliativecare.org or follow them on Twitter. Here's a link to CAPC's Tipping Point Challenge.

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 2 - 2021

Nursing during the pandemic

Sean Collins & Sylvain Trepanier, DNC Providence

The pandemic has proved how crucial nursing's role is in providing frontline healthcare. It has also shown the incredible toll it takes on the nurses who take care of us. We talk with Syl Trepanier, Providence's Chief Nursing Officer, about lessons learned this past year and about efforts to be proactive with self-care. Sylvain “Syl” Trepanier, DNP, RN, CENP, FAAN, FAONL System Chief Nursing Officer Providence Renton, Wash.

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 2 - 2021

Early pregnancy loss

Sean Collins, Veronika Zantop, MD, & Lexie Fleming

As many as a quarter of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. But that doesn't make it easy to talk about. On today's program, we explore early pregnancy loss, the way individuals often cope with the trauma alone, silently, and how the loss can persist for years -- sometimes, even a lifetime. Show Less Episode Notes Veronika Zantop, M.D. Medical Director Swedish Center for Perinatal Support and Bonding Medical Director Reproductive Mental Health at Swedish Seattle, Wash. Alexandra Fleming, MSW, LICSW Therapist Swedish Center for Perinatal Support and Bonding Nurturing Wisdom Therapy Seattle, Wash. .. We are collecting stories of pregnancy loss as part of the ongoing Hear Me Now oral history project. On today's podcast, we listen to four women who describe their experiences of early pregnancy losses. Side-by-side with this episode of the podcast we're also publishing extended versions of their stories for you to explore in more detail. Danielle Jenkins and Marie Balance have been friends since they were 13. Danielle describes how she found out she was miscarrying. (47:46) Angela and Eric Hodge are a married couple whose first pregnancy ended in miscarriage. (25:11) Samantha Edwards and Scott Acord – Sam shares her story with Hear Me Now producer Scott Acord and describes the loss of a perceived future for her child. (44:13) Lauren Sawson and Sara Epstein are sisters-in-law. Lauren talks about her decision to have a dilation and curet

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 2 - 2021

George Floyd revisited: Our first anniversary

Sean Collins, Victoria Johnson, & Jeremy Edmonds

A year ago, this podcast debuted with an episode exploring racism in the aftermath of George Floyd's murder in Minneapolis and the protests that followed. We check in with our two guests from the first episode to hear about what has changed and what's stayed the same. Listen to the debut episode, "I see you. I hear you. And I ache for you," featuring Jeremy Edmonds & Victoria Johnson which was published June 19, 2020. The episode ends with "A Plowshare Prayer," written and performed by Spencer LaJoye. For more information, visit their website: www.spencerlajoye.com

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 2 - 2021

The poetry of medicine

Sean Collings

We explore the poetics of medicine and the medicine in poetry with poet-physician Patrick Clary, M.D.; Redwing Keyssar, RN; and Ira Byock, M.D. "Poetry holds a mirror up to us. It helps us understand what has just happened," says Clary. Episode Notes We explore the poetry of medicine by offering two conversations. In the first, Dr. Ira Byock talks with Dr. Patrick Clary about his poetry, why he writes it, how he uses it, and why it matters. "I don't see it as a medical practice so much as a humane practice for us as we do medicine; to maintain our way of looking at our patients as people." —Dr. Patrick Clary in conversation with Dr. Ira Byock . . Then host Seán Collins talks with palliative care clinician Redwing Keysaar about the poetry workshops she's been hosting online during the pandemic. What began as a way for people to process their grief has become a way to get in touch with un-tapped creativity and strengths. "We forget so many of the healing modalities that are with us all the time and that have been part of the various cultures that many of us come from. Dr. Rachel Remen says, "We may have lost faith in our ability to write poems just as we have lost faith in our ability to heal. Recovering the poet strengthens the healer and sets free the unique song that's at the heart of each life." —Redwing Keysaar, RN in conversation with Seán Collins . . Patrick L Clary, M.D. has long used poetry as a tool in his effort to understand, practice, and teach

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 2 - 2021

Busyness and overwork

Sean Collins, Dr. Robin Henderson, Crystal Brown-Tatum, and Joselyn Eitemiller

Some of us wear our busyness like a badge of honor. But should we? Overwork is a crisis-level concern in healthcare, where more than half of frontline providers say they are burned out.* We talk about strategies for reclaiming time for friends, family, and even yourself. * Washington Post – Kaiser Family Foundation poll, January 2021 EPISODE NOTES Robin Henderson, Psy.D. Chief Executive for Behavioral Health Providence Oregon Chief Clinical Officer Work to be Well Portland, Ore. . . Crystal Brown-Tatum Director of Human Resources Cadence Delivery Fort Worth, Texas. . . Joselyn Eitemiller MA, CCC-SLP Home Health Clinical Manager Providence SoundHomeCare Olympia, Wash. . . Jessica Collins, CRNA Nurse Anesthetist and mother of three St. Louis

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 2 - 2021

Dental-medical divide

Sean Collins, Jane Barrow, MPH & Shenam Ticku, BDS, MPH

Ever wondered why your medical health insurance doesn't cover dental? Today we explore the confusing and convoluted relationship between dentistry and medicine as we hear why now might be the perfect time for change. Show Less Episode Notes It's crazy how complicated the relationship is between your dentist and your other healthcare providers. There are cultural, institutional, regulatory, and financial barriers that would have to be dismantled for a better system to prevail. And the pandemic may be just the excuse we needed to work on making change. . . Oral Health Stakeholders: A Time for Alignment and Action Millbank Quarterly, 29 June 2021 . Shenam Ticku, BDS, MPH Instructor Dept. of Oral Health Policy and Epidemiology Harvard School of Dental Medicine Boston, Mass. . . Jane Barrow, MPH Associate Dean Office of Global and Community Health Executive Director Initiative fo Integrate Oral Health and Medicine Harvard School of Dental Medicine Boston, Mass. . . Jane Grover, DDS, MPH Director Council on Advocacy for Access, Prevention, and Interprofessional Relations American Dental Association Chicago, Ill. . Making the Case for Dental Coverage for Adults in All State Medicaid Programs ADA Health Policy Institute, July 2021

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 2 - 2021

Anger and the Delta variant

Sean Collins, Zahra Esmail DO, Christina Rothans LCSW, Alexandra Fleming MSW,& Binyamin Appelbaum

Episode Summary The Delta variant of Covid-19 is sickening un-vaccinated people – including record numbers of young people – filling ICUs, taxing caregivers, and stoking economic uncertainty. Today we explore the anger many feel with the anti-vax, anti-mask advocates through the lens of two clinicians, a New York Times editorial board member, and a therapist. Show Less Episode Notes We return to two caregivers who poignantly described the Winter Surge in Southern California in our episode "COVID-19 Realities," in January 2021. Listener advisory: The effects on these caregivers of treating unvaccinated patients is startling. . Zahra Esmail, DO Palliative Care Physician Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance, Calif. . Christina Rothans, LCSW Palliative Care Social Worker Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance, Calif. . . We discuss the challenge of getting public health messages to compete with economic messaging in a culture that is predisposed to treat the market with primacy. . Binyamin Appelbaum Lead writer on Economics & Business, author of "The Economists' Hour" The New York Times Editorial Board New York, N.Y. . . Finally, we turn to a therapist to ask about strategies for moving beyond the anger that many feel with the resurgence of serious illness and deaths with the Delta wave – something that could have been prevented with a higher percentage of vaccination. . Alexandra Fleming, MSW, LICSW Therapist

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 2 - 2021

#MedTwitter

Sean Collins, Chase Anderson MD, Riordan Ledgerwood MD, Monica Verduzso-Guiterrez MD, & Joel Bervell MS3

Some healthcare professionals are using social media to advocate for health equity and to build community. We hear from four who believe that meeting their patients where they are makes sense. Episode Notes Chase Anderson, M.D. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow UCSF San Francisco, Calif. . . Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez, M.D. Professor & Chair of Rehabilitation Medicine UT Health Rehabilitation San Antonio, Texas . . Riordan Ledgerwood, M.D. General Pediatrician Killeen, Texas . . Joel Bervell, MS3 Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine Spokane, Wash.

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 2 - 2021

Nursing triptych

Seán Collins, Megan Craft RN, Christian Diance RN BSN, Andrea Chia RN, & Rocky Duff RN

In this episode, we offer three snapshots of nursing with practitioners who spend more time in the community than they do in the clinic and how that interchange can enrich a nurse's job.

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 2 - 2021

Trauma-informed care

Seán Collins, Heidi Miller MD, Jacki Lyden, & Hyojin Im PhD

With tens of thousands of Afghan evacuees coming to the United States, we discuss how healthcare providers can be mindful of traumas their patients have experienced in order to help them come to the fullness of health.

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 2 - 2021

Every Deep-Drawn Breath: A Conversation with Wes Ely, M.D.

Seán Collins, Wes Ely MD, & Matt Gonzales MD

We discuss efforts to improve outcomes for patients in Intensive Care Units with Wes Ely, M.D., a longtime proponent of reducing ICU delirium. Once expected and accepted, ICU delirium is now seen as the best predictor of longer stays, greater costs, eventual dementias, and in-patient deaths of people cared for in ICUs.

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 2 - 2021

Poverty & health

Sean Collins, Aimee Khuu, Dana Codron, & Megan McAninch-Jones

Today we discuss how poverty negatively impacts a person's health and wellbeing and how to mitigate this pervasive social determinant of health.

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 2 - 2021

Conference highlights

Sean Collins & Matt Gonzales

We present highlights from the 2021 conference that explored ways to prioritize the personal in healthcare while at the same time to better engage communities, improve health equity, boost patient outcomes, and save costs.

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 2 - 2021

Grief and gratitude

Sean Collins and Chloe Zelkha

Three-quarters of a million people are missing from the Thanksgiving table this year, dead from COVID-19. Join us for a conversation with Chloe Zelkha, a co-founder of the Covid Grief Network, about outreach to young adults experiencing profound loss.

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 2 - 2021

Narrative medicine

Sean Collins, Rita Charon, M.D. PhD, & Kathy Kirkland, M.D.

Twenty years ago, Dr. Rita Charon coined the phrase "narrative medicine." We talk with her and her former student, Dr. Kathy Kirkland, about their careers listening closely to the stories patients tell.

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 2 - 2021

Addiction, recovery, and community

Sean Collins, Bernadette "Bernie" Fried, Joe Newberry, and Andrey MacCracken

An episode we planned to be about addiction and holiday stress turned into an episode about connection, community, and compassion. Listen for great strategies for us all as 2022 dawns.

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 3 - 2022

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 3 - 2022

Covid 2022: Looking ahead

Sean Collins, Dr. Amy Compton-Phillips, Julie Rovner, & Dr. Zahra Esmail

Entering the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, we talk with three people about their view of COVID: a physician leading clinical care for a large healthcare system, a reporter in Washington, D.C., covering national health policy, and a frontline doc in a hospital in Los Angeles County.

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 3 - 2022

The future of nursing

Sean Collins, Syl Trepanier DNP, Claire Zangerle DNP, & David Marshall DNP

Two-plus years into a global pandemic, U.S. nursing is in a state of 911. Three nurse leaders unpack the economic, social and psychological impacts of demoralized nurses leaving the field en masse.

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 3 - 2022

Advance care planning

Sean Collins, Ira Byock M.D., & Daniela Lamas M.D.

Does advance care planning work? There's controversy swirling around the question and we shed some light on the debate with two leading physicians with different views.

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 3 - 2022

Medical cannabis

Sean Collins & Susan Marks CFNP, RN, ANP-C

The medical use of marijuana poses interesting issues, including its legal status: It's illegal at the federal level and it's legal in close to 40 states. We'll weed through the confusion in a conversation on medical cannabis.

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 3 - 2022

Family caregiving

Sean Collins, Robin Henerson PsyD, Nick Kockler PhD, & Maureen Nash MD

For millions of Americans, taking care of a loved one at home is a way of life. This "informal" caregiving is hard work that often falls to an elderly spouse, or to adult children, or to an ad hoc network of friends & family.

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 3 - 2022

Life during wartime

Sean Collins, Anne Garrels, Orest Holubec, Inna Pashniak, Olesksyi Kurka, & Caroline Brennan

Ukraine's fight unites a global humanitarian response The indiscriminate targeting of civilians as the Russian military prosecutes its illegal war on Ukraine has caused an unprecedented humanitarian crisis: more than a quarter of Ukraine's forty million citizens are displaced. In this episode, using a lens of whole person care, we talk with people reaching out to others in wartime, making connections, and countering the darkness with (in the words of W.H. Auden) "ironic points of light."

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 3 - 2022

The medical futurist

Sean Collins & Bertalan Meskó, M.D., Ph.D

Bertalan Meskó, M.D., Ph.D., joins us from Budapest.. The days of medical robots, scanners, and bots are upon us — but do not fear! — these tools of digital health may be exactly what the doctor ordered to regain the personalism that's at the heart of caring.

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 3 - 2022

Tele palliative care

Sean Collins, Dr. Gregg VandeKieft, Dr. Kevin Murphy, & Dr. Adie Goldberg

Twenty percent of Americans live in a rural setting and full access to some medical care is limited: often requiring long drives or temporary relocations. That includes specialty palliative care -- the interdisciplinary services of physicians, nurses, social workers, and chaplains aimed at helping patients control symptoms of a serious illness. On today's podcast, we explore a demonstration project underway in rural Stevens County, Washington undertaken by the Palliative Practice Group at the Providence Institute for Human Caring. The in-person nursing and chaplaincy providers in two rural hospitals are being joined by physicians and social workers through a Tele-PC video connection or by phone, allowing patients to avoid 70-100 mile drives to seek consultations. And the Tele-PC connection allows far-flung family members to be involved in bedside conversations about the goals of care. .

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 3 - 2022

A New Day for Psychedelic Research

Sean Collins, Ira Byock M.D. FAAHPM, & Bill Richards Ph.D.

The therapeutic use of psychedelics Dr. Bill Richards has been researching the therapeutic uses of psychedelic substances for 60 years and he believes there's a legitimate role for them in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and interpersonal withdrawal. He believes these substances behave in a novel way among psychiatric medications: it's the memory of an experience that's therapeutic and that you carry with you. You don't have to keep taking medication every day to have the effect. You experience something so profound, that it changes your whole concept of who you are.

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 3 - 2022

Starting med school later in life

Sean Collins, Kevin Murphy, M.D., Rebecca Armendariz, M.D., Tara Kimbeson, M.D., & Tom McNalley, M.D.

Does Other Work Experience Make A Difference? A small number of first year medical students each year are significantly older than the norm. They've come to medicine as a second or sometimes third career. Do those other work experiences make a difference in how they make their way through their training and, more importantly perhaps, do they make a difference in how the individuals practice medicine? Seán talks with four physicians who began their training later in life.

Hear Me Now Podcast Season 3 - 2022

Gender-affirming care for kids

Sean Collins, Ponrat Pakpreo, M.D., MPH, Marcie Drury Brown, M.D., Bentley Moses, MPH

The Standard of Care for Pediatric Patients . A discussion of the accepted standard of care when assessing and treating pediatric patients whose gender expression is different from what was assigned at birth. In addition to clinicians and public health experts, we hear from parents of trans+ kids, others who love them, and trans+ kids themselves.

COVID Featured Stories

COVID Featured Stories

Illustrating the bravery of our healthcare workers

Alireza Pakdel

Award-winning cartoonist, character designer and illustrator, Alireza Pakdel's illustrations highlight the bravery of our healthcare workers on the front lines of the pandemic To learn more about his work please visit his Instagram account alirezapakdel_artist: https://www.instagram.com/alirezapakdel_artist/

COVID Featured Stories

This pandemic is personal

Dr. Ira Byock Physician, author, patient advocate, and founder/chief medical officer at Providence’s Institute for Human Caring

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Byock, 69, has been forced to face his mortality. At his age, and with a few underlying but very manageable medical conditions, Dr. Byock speaks about the “what if” scenario of contracting the very real and potentially lethal virus.

COVID Featured Stories

Fireside chat with Dr. Ira Byock and Dave Isay

Social-distancing restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic created a longing for human connection – particularly for quarantined patients, frontline healthcare workers and vulnerable communities. In July 2020, Dave Isay, founder and president of StoryCorps, and Dr. Ira Byock, founder of Providence’s Institute for Human Caring, led a national online conversation on how stories build human connections during these challenging times. Reimagine: Life, Loss and Love, in partnership with the Institute for Human Caring and StoryCorps, hosted the event.

Coronavirus Chronicles

Coronavirus Chronicles

Illustrating the bravery of our healthcare workers

Alireza Pakdel

Award-winning cartoonist, character designer and illustrator, Alireza Pakdel's illustrations highlight the bravery of our healthcare workers on the front lines of the pandemic To learn more about his work please visit his Instagram account alirezapakdel_artist: https://www.instagram.com/alirezapakdel_artist/

Coronavirus Chronicles

You are my heroes

Krista Farnham, Chief Executive, Providence Portland Medical Center

Krista Farnham, Chief Executive, Providence Portland Medical Center, takes a moment to say, thank you, to all of the Providence caregivers. "You are my heroes."

Coronavirus Chronicles

This pandemic is personal

Dr. Ira Byock Physician, author, patient advocate, and founder/chief medical officer at Providence’s Institute for Human Caring

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Byock, 69, has been forced to face his mortality. At his age, and with a few underlying but very manageable medical conditions, Dr. Byock speaks about the “what if” scenario of contracting the very real and potentially lethal virus.

Coronavirus Chronicles

Susan's face mask surprise

Liz Kydoniefs

As a hearing impaired physical therapist during the pandemic, Susan struggles to communicate with her coworkers and patients because she can't lip read through normal face-shield coverings. Her manager Michelle Darrow decided she needed to find a way for Susan to communicate, while still following protective protocols, to serve her patients. Working with donors & suppliers, Michelle found a way to let Susan feel she could do her job effectively. Michelle made all of the masks for the department and for Susan's patients so they can communicate freely with each other.

Coronavirus Chronicles

Getting injured people back to work

Alexandra Hyams

Getting back to work after an on-the-job injury has never been more important. Providence and St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute Occupational Medicine teams remain connected with patients and continue therapy through virtual visits, ensuring your timely return to work.

Coronavirus Chronicles

Notes from the field (featuring Caitlin Allen)

Peg Currie

PHC Chief Operating Officer Peg Currie hosts "Notes from the Field," a weekly video blog where caregivers and providers share their creative solutions to care for the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. This week she features Caitlin Allen, M.D., an internal medicine physician in the Kendall Yards clinic, who helped PMG bring primary care visits to the virtual world.

Coronavirus Chronicles

Drive-thru clinic

Alexandra Hyams

At both Providence Holy Family Hospital and Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, people rely on our anti-coagulation clinics to help manage medications for blood clotting disorders. But providing those services in the time of COVID-19 posed challenges requiring our pharmacy team to be creative and flexible. The solution? Curbside lab draws to help ease the way for these patients.

Coronavirus Chronicles

You can make a difference

Enrique Bilsland, Nurse PHCMC, Emergency Services

You can make a difference

Coronavirus Chronicles

When this is over

Scott Acord, Institute for Human Caring

When this is over you're all getting hugs. I discovered this beautiful thought provoking painting while on a street hike in the Hollywood Hills along with a few other coronavirus inspired paintings. What is your "When this is over..."?

Coronavirus Chronicles

If you have a life-threatening medical emergency, call 911. Don't wait!

Dr. James Beckerman

YouTube video to call 911 if you're having a medical emergency

Coronavirus Chronicles

Your support helps us save lives

Lori Kloes

Lori Kloes, Chief Philanthropy Officer of Providence General Foundation and Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett, offers a brief video to express her appreciation for the community that has helped to enable new care additions to the Regional Medical Center.

Coronavirus Chronicles

Something to crow about

Michael Drummond, Communications Director, Institute for Human Caring

Mike makes a new friend while in isolation

Coronavirus Chronicles

Puzzle time

David Delgado, Program Manager IHC, Institute for Human Caring

Puzzles help the time pass while staying inside!

Coronavirus Chronicles

Team love

Patrick O'Brien, Dir, Hospice, OHC-Hospice

The Hospice team from OHC-Hospice in Anaheim, California

Coronavirus Chronicles

Honor walk

Providence Sacred Heart Medica Center

Caregivers at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, Wash., honored a patient who was discharged in April 2020 to a gauntlet of applause after being successfully treated for COVID-19.

Coronavirus Chronicles

Blursday

Melody Fawcett, Service Excellence Data Mgr, PSCS Quality

Coronavirus Chronicles

At-home hospice care during isolation

Peg Shipley

Peg Shipley, a Volunteer Coordinator in Snohomish, WA shares a story about one of her volunteers with a service dog and an at-home hospice patient during this time when all in-person visits have been ceased.

Coronavirus Chronicles

Touch is sacred

Ahmed Pierstorff & Coleen Dumenjich

Ahmed Pierstorff is Muslim, and social touch of the opposite sex is prohibited. During the coronavirus pandemic of 2020, all social touch was declared off-limits. This clip, which predates the pandemic, reminds us of the power of and the longing for our social interactions. Edit credit: Tomorrow’s Event Productions

Coronavirus Chronicles

All COVID, all the time

Rachel Manchester, BSN/MBA/MHA

Rachel addresses her friend Melody about her new normal work day, which is now seven days a week, during the coronavirus pandemic.

Coronavirus Chronicles

A social butterfly trapped in self-isolation

Melody Fawcett, Service Excellence Data Mgr, PSCS Quality

Melody Fawcett, a self-proclaimed social being, talks about living alone and adjusting to living and working during the time of self-isolation.

Coronavirus Chronicles

Easing into shelter-in-place

Mike Drummond, Communications Director, Institute for Human Caring

Mike Drummond recounts the day California went from social distancing to shelter in place: Driving during light rush-hour traffic, a final drop-off of groceries to his son away at law school, and conflicted about surfing during the pandemic.

Coronavirus Chronicles

Providence Health Care: Notes from the Field

Peg Currie, COO PHC, PHC Administration, Sacred Heart Medical Center

Unprecedented times, call for innovative measures — PHC Chief Operating Officer Peg Currie hosts "Notes from the Field," a video blog where caregivers share their creative solutions to care for the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Katie Troyer, RN, explains how the the adult ICU team at Sacred Heart Medical Center came up with new ways to preserve personal protective equipment.

Coronavirus Chronicles

Thank you Providence caregivers

Sam Scriven, Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, Spiritual Care

Providence Holy Cross Medical Center sends message of love and thanks to all the caregivers for their dedication and hard work.

Coronavirus Chronicles

Letting off a little steam with a dance party

Nurses at Providence Mount St. Vincent let off a little steam with a parking lot dance party

Coronavirus Chronicles

Lean on me

Alison Leras, Volunteer Coordinator

St. Joseph Health Hospice Services in Sonoma County, CA shows gratitude for the many volunteers who are helping to keep caregivers safe by making face masks and shields.

Coronavirus Chronicles

The fitting

Diann Verdugo, Nurse Educator - NE, OHC Hospice

Diann Verdugo assist a colleague with her new N-95 mask fitting.

Coronavirus Chronicles

Work your mask

Amy Compton-Phillips

Join Amy Compton-Phillips in supporting our caregivers, our essential businesses, the poor and vulnerable communities that we strive to protect, and the people we love. Show me how you #WorkYourMask

Coronavirus Chronicles

Fireside chat with Dr. Ira Byock and Dave Isay

Social-distancing restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic created a longing for human connection – particularly for quarantined patients, frontline healthcare workers and vulnerable communities. In July 2020, Dave Isay, founder and president of StoryCorps, and Dr. Ira Byock, founder of Providence’s Institute for Human Caring, led a national online conversation on how stories build human connections during these challenging times. Reimagine: Life, Loss and Love, in partnership with the Institute for Human Caring and StoryCorps, hosted the event.

Coronavirus Chronicles

Darby and Sterling share their COVID story

Darby & Sterling

Teenage siblings, Darby and Sterling, share their COVID stories. All the ways they have learned to cope with keeping up with schoolwork, friends and how they are adapting to the restrictions of living during a pandemic.

Coronavirus Chronicles

Bittersweet blessings

Tatiana Molinar & Mike Drummond

Tatiana, a former social worker turned ICU nurse, shares with colleague, Mike, when her mother contracted COVID-19. She was one of the first in the area to be infected with the virus and was admitted to the ICU where Tatiana is on staff. Tatiana was unable to be her mother’s ICU nurse, but she was able to spend time with her mother before she died. Edit credit: Mike Addis

Coronavirus Chronicles

Preparing for your initial home health care visit

Providence's Institute for Human Caring

A short video to help you have a successful home health care visit with your healthcare provider.

Advance Directive

Advance Directive

Why I have an advance directive - Rebekah M.

IHC Team

A conversation with Rebekah M. about the importance in completing an advance directive.

Advance Directive

Why I have an advance directive - Cindy F.

IHC Team

A conversation with Cindy F. about the importance in completing an advance directive.

Advance Directive

Why I have an advance directive - Roneale B.

IHC Team

A conversation with Roneale B. about the importance in completing an advance directive.

Advance Directive

Why I have an advance directive - Carolyn H.

IHC Team

A conversation with Carolyn H. about the importance in completing an advance directive.

Advance Directive

Why I have an advance directive - Gayle J.

IHC Team

A conversation with Gayle J. about the importance in completing an advance directive.

Advance Directive

Why I have an advance directive - Valerie F.

IHC Team

A conversation with Valerie F. about the importance in completing an advance directive.

Advance Directive

Why I have an advance directive - Christa S.

IHC Team

A conversation with Christa S. about the importance in completing an advance directive.

Advance Directive

Why I have an advance directive - Mike D.

IHC Team

A conversation with Mike D. about the importance in completing an advance directive.