Urban Service Talks Podcast

30. Mental Health and Advocacy

Mental health is an invisible disability that is often inadequately recognized and treated in today’s society. In this episode, Quinnipiac University PA student Robyn Roznitsky and UConn School of Medicine student Shaharia Ferdus discuss stigma versus discrimination with Kathy Flaherty, a Staff Attorney with many years of experience working at the Statewide Legal Services of CT. She is also the Executive Director of the Connecticut Legal Rights Project, Inc. (CLRP), a statewide non-profit agency that provides legal services to low-income individuals with mental health conditions. Join us as we dive into Kathy’s journey as a patient with unmet mental health needs, turned lawyer and advocate for those whose voices are not heard. Learn how you can advocate as Kathy does and become a part of achieving equity and equality for those without mental health resources.

29. Una Flor Marchita: Sexual and Reproductive Disparities in Guatemala

In 2023, Kimberly Rosado, a UConn nursing student and UST/AHEC scholar, travelled 3000 miles to Guatemala as a BOLD Women’s Leadership Network Scholar to produce a documentary on underage pregnancy and reproductive rights. The title of the documentary is Una Flor Marchita, which means “a withered flower.” In this episode, fellow UConn nursing student and UST/AHEC scholar, Khadijah Stanford, interviews Kimberly about her experience and what she learned about reproductive and sexual health education and the factors that contribute to the underage pregnancy epidemic in Guatemala. The discussion encompasses education, religion, the societal roles imposed on women, prevalent stereotypes, the influence of machismo, and the accessibility of resources.  This conversation also sheds light on how Guatemalan women who now reside in the United States view women’s reproductive rights and pregnancy.

28. Changing the Landscape of Primary Care

Join Nicey Brooks, a 2022 graduate of the School of Nursing at the University of Connecticut (UConn), and Sara Schulwolf, a third year medical student at the UConn, as they discuss the interconnectedness of primary care and the community with two of Hartford’s leading primary care providers. Dr. Bruce Gould, the founding Director of Connecticut Area Health Education Center and retired Associate Dean of Primary Care at the UConn School of Medicine, reflects on his career in primary care, noting some of the major changes, but also continuities in the field. Dr. Anton Alerte, Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Associate Dean of Primary Care at the UConn School of Medicine, shares his approach to primary care and what his hopes are for the field going forward. Listen and learn as they talk about addressing some of the social determinants of health in our communities and what we can do as future healthcare providers to help our patients receive optimal care.

27. Community Based Primary Care

In this episode, UConn School of Medicine students Claire Surkis and Shaharia Ferdus interview UConn Professor Emeritus of Public Health Sciences Judy Lewis, a medical sociologist who developed one of the first school-based health clinic programs in the United States. Professor Lewis has developed partnerships with many community programs both in the Greater Hartford area and internationally. In this episode, we discuss community-centered primary care, the development of school-based health programs and the importance of interprofessional medical education. Join us for a rich discussion with this inspiring guest!

26. Pediatric Lead Levels

Protecting children from exposure to lead is a public health priority. There is no safe blood lead level for children. In this episode, Abhishek Gupta, a UConn medical student, interviews Dr. Jennifer Haile, a pediatrician and Medical Director of the Connecticut Children’s Regional Lead Treatment Program, to learn why lead exposure is so dangerous for children and what healthcare providers and caregivers must do to address the problem. In 2023, Connecticut passed a law addressing lead poisoning that included the 2021 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendation to lower the actionable blood lead level of 5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) to 3.5 µg/dL. Dr. Haile has faculty appointments at both the UConn School of Medicine and Connecticut Children’s Pediatric Residency Program.

25. Affirmative Action & Primary Care

In this podcast, Eddyson Altidor, a third-year dental student at UConn School of Dental Medicine, engages in a discussion with Dr. Jeffrey F. Hines, Chief Diversity Officer at UConn Health. Together, they explore affirmative action and its implications for primary care within the healthcare realm. Dr. Hines shares his expertise, providing insights into the evolution of affirmative action and its specific relevance to primary care. They address essential questions aimed at unraveling the complexities surrounding affirmative action's impact on healthcare, discussing its advantages, drawbacks, and dispelling misconceptions. Dr. Hines highlights how affirmative action impacts patients in primary care and emphasizes the role of healthcare education institutions in fostering diversity. Moreover, they discuss the need for policy changes and advocacy efforts to promote diversity and equity in primary care. Join Urban Service Talks to listen, become informed and learn more about opportunities for health professions students/professionals.

24. Cultural Awareness in Healthcare

Join Max Marks and Aysha Hoang, current students at the University of Connecticut’s School of Dental Medicine, as they interview Dr. Sarita Arteaga about cultural awareness in healthcare. In her roles as professor and associate Dean of Students at UConn’s School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Arteaga uses her own experiences in various environments to educate students on how to be culturally sensitive providers for a diverse population of patients. Dr. Arteaga highlights how important interprofessional teamwork is and how we can learn from other’s experiences to benefit our patients.

23. Mind, Body, and Soul

In this podcast episode, "Mind, Body, and Soul". The show explores the relationship between physical, mental, and emotional health, and how they are interconnected. UConn School of Dental Medicine Eddyson Altidor interviews Dr. Shay (Stacer) Vian. Dr. Shay shares insights from her experience as a primary care physician, emphasizing the importance of addressing all aspects of wellness to improve patient outcomes. Dr. Shay offers practical tips for listeners on how to integrate mind, body, and soul wellness into their daily routines. Throughout the episode, the hosts discuss various topics related to holistic health, including mindfulness practices, healthy eating habits, and exercise routines.  The podcast provides valuable information for anyone looking to improve their overall health and well-being. Dr. Shay and Eddyson's expertise and passion for wellness shine through, making for an engaging and informative listen. Whether you're a healthcare provider or an individual looking to prioritize your health, this episode is a must-listen. Join Urban Service Talks to listen, become informed and learn more about opportunities for health professions students/professionals.

 

22. Patient Empowerment

In this episode titled "Patient Empowerment” we explore the ways in which primary care can empower patients to take control of their health and wellness through education and engagement. UConn School of Dental Medicine student Eddyson Altidor interviews Dr. Kenia Mansilla-Rivera, Associate Professor and Director of the UConn Family Medicine Residency Program. They discuss the importance of building strong patient-provider relationships, fostering communication and trust, and providing patients with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions about their health. Through personal anecdotes and examples from her own experiences in the healthcare field, Dr. Mansilla-Rivera highlights the power of patient empowerment in improving health outcomes and quality of life. She shares practical tips and strategies for patients and healthcare providers alike to promote patient empowerment, including ways to improve health literacy, increase patient engagement in care decisions, and build a supportive healthcare team. Join Urban Service Talks to listen, become informed and learn more about opportunities for health professions students/professionals.

 

21. Unions and Labor Organization

Labor organizing in healthcare means so much more than the (in)famous nursing strikes. Healthcare workers and non clinical employees in hospital settings have been unionizing for nearly a century to decrease the exploitation of some of our country’s most essential employees. Unions provide workers with safeguards and bargaining rights within their organization, promoting a more democratic system for employees. In this episode we have Quinnipiac University Physician Assistant student Simon Ebbott interviewing Lisa D’Abrosca, RN long-time union leader here in Connecticut.