Aging Pearls Podcast

What groundbreaking methods in dentistry could revolutionize both oral and systemic health, particularly through the lens of salivary testing? In this episode, Janice Correa, a seasoned dental professional with over 40 years of experience, shares her inspiring journey from a chairside dental assistant to a market manager and educator. She dives deep into the world of salivary testing, a pivotal advancement in holistic and biological dentistry.

This conversation explores how salivary analysis can provide crucial insights into a patient's overall health, offering a window into conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Janice's passion and dedication to the field shine through as she discusses the importance of continuous learning and adapting to new technologies in dentistry.

[00:01 - 05:00] Early Beginnings and Career Growth

• Passion for dentistry ignited at a young age
• Transition from chairside dental assistant to various roles in dentistry
• The importance of networking and continuous learning

[05:01 - 10:00] Diverse Experiences in Dentistry

• Working in private, government, and military sectors
• Opportunities and challenges in different settings
• The significance of humility and eagerness to learn

[10:01 - 15:00] Introduction to Salivary Testing

• Entry into holistic dentistry and salivary analysis
• Benefits and applications of salivary testing
• Educating patients on the importance of salivary testing

[15:01 - 21:03] Impact of Salivary Testing on Patient Care

• How salivary testing helps in managing systemic diseases
• The importance of regular testing intervals
• The role of saliva in early detection of health issues

[00:28:01 - 21:03] Future of Dentistry and Personal Reflections

• Exciting advancements in dental technology
• Personal stories of family involvement in oral health
• Janice's reflections on her career and future aspirations

Connect with Janice:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janice-correa-3865301b/

Key Quotes:

"If you humble yourself enough, people will be open to show you and allow you to grow." - Janice Correa

"Saliva is like filtered blood; it gives us the information we need without invasive procedures." - Janice Correa

Connect with Me!

You can connect with me on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and visit my website https://www.mouthmirrorsllc.com/ to learn more.

LEAVE A REVIEW + And share this podcast with someone who wants awareness of the oral and systemic health of our aging population! Click here to listen to our previous episodes.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

How can one person's journey through Parkinson's caregiving inspire a global movement for awareness and change?

In this heartfelt episode of the Aging Pearls podcast, Dr. George Ackerman shares his deeply personal and inspiring journey as a caregiver for his mother, Sharon, who battled Parkinson's disease for 15 years. Dr. Ackerman discusses his mother's life, their challenges, and his advocacy efforts to honor her memory and support others affected by the disease. From working in law and education to spearheading awareness campaigns, Dr. Ackerman's story is one of resilience, love, and a relentless pursuit of a cure for Parkinson's.

[00:01 - 04:26] A Son's Tribute

• Dr. Ackerman's motivation stems from his mother's sacrifices and support
• The importance of family in shaping one's identity
• The initial steps in his journey toward Parkinson's advocacy

[04:27 - 12:54] A Caregiver's Challenge

• The emotional and physical toll of caregiving
• The impact of late-onset dementia and Parkinson's symptoms on Sharon
• The transition from independence to needing full-time care

[12:55 - 16:26] Fighting for Awareness

• The significance of the National Plan to End Parkinson's Disease
• Encouraging public support for legislative action
• The global reach of Parkinson's and its universal challenges

[16:27 - 19:43] Global Parkinson's Community

• Dr. Ackerman's interviews with Parkinson's patients worldwide
• Practical advice for caregivers on managing daily challenges
• The importance of maintaining the patient's dignity and self-worth

Resources Mentioned:

Together for Sharon

A Son's Journey: From Parkinson's Disease Caregiver to Advocate

Key Quotes:

"Parkinson's disease took my mother, but it can never take the memories we shared." - Dr. George Ackerman

"If we just reach one person, just one today, that now knows they're not alone, or someone who isn't aware, now is aware, then we've changed the world for the better." - Dr. George Ackerman

"We love you. We support you. We care a lot about you and you're never alone." - Dr. George Ackerman

Connect with Me!

You can connect with me on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and visit my website https://www.mouthmirrorsllc.com/ to learn more.

LEAVE A REVIEW + And share this podcast with someone who wants awareness of the oral and systemic health of our aging population! Click here to listen to our previous episodes.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

"We have to be in charge, but we have to build our tribe, our friends, our family, and our medical people." - Deb Krier

Hello! Welcome to the Aging Pearls Podcast, where we're dedicated to providing dental pearls for all those concerned with the oral care needs of our aging population. I am Dr. Christie Hogue, and today, we sit down with Deb Krier, a breast cancer survivor and advocate, to discuss the need for patient advocacy, effective communication, and human connection in healthcare, emphasizing the significance of open dialogue, caregiver involvement, and embracing life's challenges.

Deb Krier is a coalition builder and warrior who is rewriting the playbook on how to L.I.V.E. with cancer. Diagnosed with Stage 4 Triple Positive Breast Cancer in 2015, she has seen what happens when cancer has people and is on a mission to ensure that we are no longer "fine" with cancer by energizing our voices and expanding our choices.

[00:00 - 08:01] Navigating Cancer Care and Advocacy

• Deb Krier is a breast cancer survivor and coalition builder. She shares her unexpected path from stage zero to stage four diagnosis, highlighting patient advocacy and communication with medical experts
• Deb's personal stories reveal the need for patients to engage proactively in their care. She discusses navigating online medical information and stresses doctors' role in providing clear guidance
• Deb encourages people to be their own advocates and ask questions of their medical personnel
• Dr. Google is the worst thing we can do when it comes to medical information

[07:27 - 14:33] Deb's Insights on Patient-Caregiver-Medical Professional Dynamics

• Deb advocates proactive communication between patients, caregivers, and medical professionals, emphasizing the significance of ensuring critical information reaches all parties
• She underscores the role of supportive individuals during crucial medical discussions while stressing doctors' responsibility to provide clear instructions in both verbal and written formats
• Personal insights into emotional processing during medical diagnoses, highlighting the importance of a trusted companion for information retention, are shared

[14:33 - 21:24] Embracing Life's Journey: The L.I.V.E. Philosophy from "Trying Not to Die

• Deb introduces the unique perspective behind her website's name, sharing how her hospitalization experience led to the realization that individuals often prioritize survival to the point of forgetting to truly live
• She breaks down the acronym L.I.V.E., which forms the foundation of her website's philosophy. It emphasizes leading one's support network, invigorating the soul, voicing emotions honestly, and elevating one's mindset to embrace life fully
• Deb encourages people to advocate for themselves and their family members, as well as remember that everyone expresses emotions differently
• Finally, Deb inspires patients, healthcare providers, and caregivers to embrace the human aspect of healthcare, promoting a culture of empathy, understanding, and connection on the journey toward well-being

Key Quote:

"And so when I talk to medical people, I tell them, you know, please remember that we are people; we're not patients." - Deb Krier

Connect with Deb!

Here are the links to our resources:

Website:

https://tryingnottodie.live/

Linkedin

https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahkrier/

Connect with Me!

You can connect with me on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and visit my website https://www.mouthmirrorsllc.com/ to learn more.

LEAVE A REVIEW + And share this podcast with someone who wants awareness of the oral and systemic health of our aging population! Click here to listen to our previous episodes.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

"Having the teeth in their mouth will help us to pronounce clearly the words in order to communicate appropriately." - Roberto Carlos Castrejón-Pérez DS, MSc, DSc.

Hello! Welcome to the Aging Pearls Podcast, where we're dedicated to providing dental pearls for all those concerned with the oral care needs of our aging population. I am Dr. Christie Hogue and today, we sit down with Roberto Carlos Castrejón-Pérez to discuss the importance of understanding behavior modifications as it relates to oral health and increasing lifespan, particularly for older adults.

Roberto Carlos Castrejón-Pérez is a nature enthusiast who was born in Chiapas to a long-lived family. He was an athlete during his youth and still enjoys sports. After completing his master's degree, he started working on ageing and joined the Instituto Nacional de Geriatría in 2009. His research interests are focused on oral health and the general health of older populations. In addition to his academic pursuits, Roberto is a photography enthusiast and enjoys having long talks with his friends.

[00:01 - 07:17] Important Points for Oral Health and Increasing Lifespan

• Losing teeth is preventable and not a natural part of aging

• Access to a variety of food is important for a pleasurable life

• Cultural experiences affect oral health and overall health

• Health literacy for all populations can make a significant difference as we age

[07:18 - 15:56] Promoting Healthy Aging through Oral Health

• Ageism is a harmful and prevalent attitude in society towards the elderly.

• Aging is a natural process that is impacted by genetics, lifestyle, and behavior.

• The belief that dental problems are inevitable with age is a self-fulfilling prophecy that leads to poor oral health.

• Health professionals have a role in promoting literacy and behavior modification to reduce health disparities and promote healthy aging.

[15:56 - 22:25] Preventative Measures for Maintaining Oral Health in Aging Populations

• Distinguish normal aging from age-related conditions affecting dental health, such as Parkinson's disease and arthritis.

• Educate nurses and caregivers on dental care for aging patients, including adaptive aids.

• Empower patients to take responsibility for their oral health and debunk the myth that dental visits are always costly.

• Highlight the significance of prevention and the impact of dental health on communication and enjoyment of food.

[22:26 - 28:53] Closing Segment

• Good oral health is essential for clear communication, as dental problems can affect pronunciation.

• Social barriers such as age, ethnicity, and economic status can limit access to oral health care and understanding of treatment needs.

• Patients should take ownership of their oral health and work with their healthcare providers to overcome barriers to care.

• With modern technology and knowledge, there are many treatments available to improve oral health and quality of life, such as the ability to chew and enjoy food.

Key Quotes:

"It is never too late to learn how to take care of ourselves. We must take our role in trying to address or promote healthy aging and prepare for a healthy aging process." - Roberto Carlos Castrejón-Pérez DS, MSc, DSc.

Connect with Me!

You can connect with me on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and visit my website https://www.mouthmirrorsllc.com/ to learn more.

LEAVE A REVIEW + And share this podcast with someone who wants awareness of the oral and systemic health of our aging population! Click here to listen to our previous episodes.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

"What I have found is that the best professionals in this industry in operations understand what happens at a clinical research site." - Tengu C Muna

Hello! Welcome to the Aging Pearls Podcast, where we're dedicated to providing dental pearls for all those concerned with the oral care needs of our aging population. I am Dr. Christie Hogue and today, we sit down with Tengu C Muna to discuss the need to empower African healthcare professionals in clinical trials research.

Tengu C Muna has 19 years of experience in the Clinical Trials Industry as a Global Consultant Managing Clinical Trials.

Owner and Founder of Achaibo Clinical, dedicated to innovating and modernizing the African clinical trials space. By providing streamlined coaching and training services to African Healthcare Professionals. Their mission is to increase the number of patients of African descent participating in Clinical trials.

[00:01 – 06:-09] Increasing Participation of African Descent in Clinical Trials

• Tribal Clinical provides coaching and training for aspiring African researchers and healthcare professionals
• The goal is to empower people to get into the clinical trials industry, which is highly paid and often unknown
• How Tengu curated two signature programs to provide hands-on education from someone who is present in the industry

[06:10 – 12:13] Advice for Health Professionals and Researchers: Widening Your Perception and Pursuing a Career in Clinical Research

• Monitor role is at the heart of clinical research
• Tribal Clinical Career Clinic program for medical doctors to work at a clinical research site
• Blueprint created to help medical doctors with practices understand clinical trials
• Education and knowledge can make a difference in people's lives
• Widening perception of oneself is important for students

[12:14 – 17:20] Final Thoughts

• Tengu's message to dental students
• Tengu C Muna – leave a review and comment (links below)

Key Quotes:

"Expand your perception of your world in whatever you are actually involved in." - Tengu C Muna

"The divine operation is always for expansion and fuller expression." - Tengu C Muna

Connect with Tengu!

Here are the links to our resources:

Website:

https://www.achaiboclinical.com/

WhatsApp Group Link:

AC on WhatsApp

Free Webinars:

AC Free 1:1 Webinars

Book a Free 15 mins Call:

https://calendly.com/d/dvd-j7w-bh4

Connect with Me!

You can connect with me on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and visit my website https://www.mouthmirrorsllc.com/ to learn more.

LEAVE A REVIEW + And share this podcast with someone who wants awareness of the oral and systemic health of our aging population! Click here to listen to our previous episodes.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

"Because we make this light the way we look into the mirror when we look or sell into the mirror. And we have to let the people know that that can be modified. As we were saying in our previous conversation, it is never too late to take action, to take care of ourselves and to improve our oral conditions. It is never too late." - Dr. Roberto Carlos Castrejón-Pérez

Hello! Welcome to the Aging Pearls Podcast, where we're dedicated to providing dental pearls for all those concerned with the oral care needs of our aging population. I am Dr. Christie Hogue and today, we sit down with Dr. Roberto Carlos Castrejón-Pérez to talk about why preventative care is important, and why people fear orofacial pain. Even though it can be preventative.

Dr. Roberto Carlos Castrejón-Pérez was born in Chiapas in a long-lived family, always attracted to and exploring nature. He was an athlete during his youth and still loves sports. He started working on aging with the master's degree and joined the Instituto Nacional de Geriatría in 2009. His research interests focus on oral health and the general health of older populations. He is a photography enthusiast and love long talks with friends.

[00:01 – 02:51] Why People Fear Orofacial Pain

• Why people are avoiding dental attendance
• Why the lack of self care is why people are experiencing pain
• How simple prial pain

[02:52 – 04:52] Why Older Population May Be at Risk From Infections

• Why it is important to help the older population
• Why it's important for them to have their mouth check from time to time
• Why it is also important for caregivers and healthcare providers to pay attention to the older population

[04:53 – 13:48] Issues With Oral Problems

• How oral conditions affects eating
• Why having tooth mobility embedding us to enjoy eating is not a game
• How it also affects the nutritions of patients
• Why we have to learn to improve our oral health

[13:49 – 17:00] Final Thoughts

• Dr. Roberto's message to dental students
• Dr. Roberto Carlos Castrejón-Pérez – leave a review and comment (links below)

Key Quotes:

"We have to learn that we can improve our oral health. And that by doing so, it will pay dividends itself because we will be able to enjoy food again." - Dr. Roberto Carlos Castrejón-Pérez

"Take a look into your patient's mouth. They may be experiencing something. Ask them how comfortable they feel when eating or talking if they notice some people understand them or misunderstand them when they try to talk, to say something that may be improved by the dental person, right?" - Dr. Roberto Carlos Castrejón-Pérez

Connect with Me!

You can connect with me on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and visit my website https://www.mouthmirrorsllc.com/ to learn more.

LEAVE A REVIEW + And share this podcast with someone who wants awareness of the oral and systemic health of our aging population! Click here to listen to our previous episodes.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

"If we are treating older patients under facing missing teeth, we don't need to just think about what's going on today. We need to think about what's going on five, 10 years from now, how well this patient is going to be able to maintain this going forward. " - Dr. Gerry McKenna

Hello! Welcome to the Aging Pearls Podcast, where we're dedicated to providing dental pearls for all those concerned with the oral care needs of our aging population. I am Dr. Christie Hogue and today, we sit down with Dr. Gerry McKenna to talk about caries management and restorative treatment and dentistry for older adults.

Dr. Gerry McKenna is a qualified dentist at the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom, in 2004. After working in a number of dental hospitals and spending time in dental practice he completed his PhD and higher specialist clinical training in University College Cork, Ireland. He currently works as a Consultant in Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry in Queens University Belfast where he provides clinical supervision and teaching for undergraduate and postgraduate dental students. His clinical work is focused on fixed and removable prosthodontics including managing older adults in both hospital and private practice.

Dr. Gerry McKenna is an active clinical researcher based within the Centre for Public Health in Queens University Belfast where he leads oral health research. He is president elect of the British Society of Gerodontology and a past President of both the Geriatric Oral Research Group of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) and the European College of Gerodontology (ECG). His research is centered on optimizing treatment options for older adults which positively impact their dental and overall health. This is supported by over £10 million in competitive research funding secured from funders including the National Institute of Healthcare Research (NIHR), Erasmus + and the Dunhill Medical Trust.

Dr. Gerry McKenna is both a fellow and a King James IV Professor at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Dr. Gerry McKenna is an adjunct Professor in University College Cork.

He has published over 100 peer reviewed articles and by 2021 published the books "Clinical Cases in Gerodontology" and "Nutrition and Oral Health".

[00:01 – 08:54] Older Adults Retain Natural Teeth and Improve Oral Health

• How retaining natural teeth is very important for oral function
• The emerging issue of root carries on older adults
• How epidemiology is emerging in lower and middle income countries

[08:55 – 13:47] Older Adults Face Increased Risk for Root Caries

• The challenge of managing root carries operatively
• Dr. Gerry shares how they're basing their work around the use of atraumatic restorative treatment
• How using the atraumatic restorative treatment is cost effective and patient centric

[13:48 – 29:25] Using the Fluoride Intervention and Chlorhexidine Interventions

• How caries is a preventable disease, but can be very challenging to implement preventative regime
• The importance of preventive measures for someone who is at high risk of dental caries
• Why we must consider how well this patient will be able to maintain this in the future, five or ten years from now

[29:26 – 38:40] Final Thoughts

• Dr. Gerry's message to dental students
• Connect with Dr. Gerry McKenna – leave a review and comment (links below)

Key Quotes:

"Think about how that patient is going to be able to maintain those restorations, those prostheses that you're putting in your patient's mice." - Dr. Gerry McKenna

"So certainly I would be advocating that where possible we think about treatment approaches, which are centered around the shortened dental arch that's healing a functional dentition. Rather than thinking every missing two for this patient must be replaced, particularly if the option is a removable partial denture." - Dr. Gerry McKenna

Resources:

Oral Health and Aging Textbook

Important papers:

An RCT of atraumatic restorative treatment for older adults: 5 year results

C da Mata, G McKenna, L Anweigi, M Hayes, M Cronin, N Woods, D O'Mahony, P F Allen

Risk indicators associated with root caries in independently living older adults

Martina Hayes, Cristiane Da Mata, Margaret Cole, Gerald McKenna, Francis Burke, Patrick Finbarr Allen

Cost-effectiveness of ART restorations in elderly adults: a randomized clinical trial

Cristiane da Mata, Patrick F Allen, Michael Cronin, Denis O'Mahony, Gerald McKenna, Noel Woods

Knowledge transfer on the use of Atraumatic Restorative Treatment: A mixed-methods study: Knowledge transfer on the use of ART

Cristiane da Mata, Gerry McKenna, Martina Hayes

Impact of oral rehabilitation on the quality of life of partially dentate elders in a randomised controlled clinical trial: 2 year follow-up

Gerald McKenna, Patrick Finbarr Allen, Martina Hayes, Cristiane DaMata, Ciaran Moore, Michael Cronin

Connect with Me!

You can connect with me on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and visit my website https://www.mouthmirrorsllc.com/ to learn more.

LEAVE A REVIEW + And share this podcast with someone who wants awareness of the oral and systemic health of our aging population! Click here to listen to our previous episodes.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

"That is part of the consequences of dental conditions… When we forget about taking care of ourselves, our mouths…and suddenly we realize we are not able, or we are not comfortable to speak or eat." - Roberto Carlos Castrejón-Pérez DS, MSc, DSc

In Aging Pearls Podcast, we're dedicated to providing dental pearls for all those concerned with the oral care needs of our aging population. I am Dr. Christie Hogue, and in this episode, Roberto Carlos Castrejón-Pérez tackles oral function and how it can be affected by missing teeth, conditions like Parkinson's disease and stroke, and other medical issues. He also talks about how oral health is relevant to overall health and how dentures and false teeth can impact speech.

Roberto Carlos Castrejón-Pérez was born in Chiapas in a long-lived family, always attracted to and exploring nature. He was an athlete during his youth and still loves sports. He started working on aging with a master's degree and joined the Instituto Nacional de Geriatría in 2009. His research interests focus on oral health and the general health of older populations. He is a photography enthusiast and loves long talks with friends.

[00:01 – 08:26] How Health and Oral Care can Affect Communication

• Roberto Carlos Castrejón-Pérez DS, MSc, DSc. - on his research on oral health
• The impact of oral care and other health issues on speech
• The challenges of replacing missing teeth

[08:27 – 18:36] The Importance of Taking Care of Yourself

• Loss of teeth can lead to an age appearance and cause people to look older
• Oral conditions can be caused by a lack of self-care at younger ages

[19:06 – 23:34] Final Thoughts

• Roberto's message to the community
• Connect with Roberto Carlos Castrejón-Pérez DS, MSc, DSc – leave a review and comment (links below)

Key Quote:

"We are able to age because of the advances of the knowledge on science, health, and technology." - Roberto Carlos Castrejón-Pérez DS, MSc, DSc

Connect with Me!

You can connect with me on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and visit my website https://www.mouthmirrorsllc.com/ to learn more.

LEAVE A REVIEW + And share this podcast with someone who wants awareness of the oral and systemic health of our aging population! Click here to listen to our previous episodes.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

"It seems [that] in general, the people who have teeth or have their dentures taken care of, they're healthier, they're active, they're eating better." - Dr. Lorin Berland

In Aging Pearls Podcast, we're dedicated to providing dental pearls for all those concerned with the oral care needs of our aging population. I am Dr. Christie Hogue, and today, we discuss with Dr. Lorin Berland the development of a unique toothpaste for dentures and proper oral care for denture wearers.

Lorin Berland, DDS, is an internationally acclaimed cosmetic dentist and one of the most published authors on clinical dentistry. With well over 100 articles, the best-selling Lorin Library Smile Style Guide as well as instructional videos, Dr. Berland has made a lasting impact on dental education. Dr. Berland was the 1st Fellow of the AACD, included in the Top 100 CE Leaders for 19 consecutive years, and was even recognized by the AACD for "Outstanding Contributions to the Arts & Science of Cosmetic Dentistry". Dr. Berland created the original Dental Spa concept and the multi-specialty group practice. His unique approach to dentistry has been featured in major national print and TV publications, such as 20/20, Time, Town & Country, Reader's Digest, and GQ. Dr. B began his career as a denture technician, and after more than 35 years of listening to patients, he retired to start Dr. B Dental Solutions with a full line of products specifically designed to treat the common yet serious issues affecting the daily lives of people with oral appliances- Oral Infections and Dry Mouth- which are not addressed by major brands. For the whole story - https://denturewearers.com/long-time-ada-member-earns-seal-for-denture-solutions/

[00:01 –11:01] Developing Unique Toothpaste for Dentures

• Dr. Lorin's story - from a dental technician to founding Dr. B Dental Solutions
• Developing a zinc-free denture adhesive and toothpaste
• Half as abrasive as baby toothpaste and fights dry mouth better than Biotene

[11:02 – 18:36] Dental Wearers are Getting Younger

• Recommendable cleaning methods and good oral care products
• Be wary of dirty dentures - the development of plaque and how it gets people sick
• Maintaining the quality of life through proper hygiene

[18:37 – 24:50] Final Thoughts

• Dr. Lorin's message to the community
• Connect with Dr. Christie Hogue – leave a review and comment (links below)

Key Quotes:

"I learned that, generally, a good-looking denture fits better…we would give these people teeth, not just in the way they look, but in the way they function." - Dr. Lorin Berland

"When you're dealing with older, compromised individuals with lots of comorbidities, they just expect them to be sick. But they don't realize dirty dentures are making them sicker." - Dr. Lorin Berland

Connect with Me!

You can connect with me on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and visit my website https://www.mouthmirrorsllc.com/ to learn more.

LEAVE A REVIEW + And share this podcast with someone who wants awareness of the oral and systemic health of our aging population! Click here to listen to our previous episodes.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

"When we make deeper connections with our patients, it actually helps our own well-being." - Dr. F. Emelia Sam

Hello! Welcome to the Aging Pearls Podcast, where we're dedicated to providing dental pearls for all those concerned with the oral care needs of our aging population. I am Dr. Christie Hogue and today, we sit down with Dr. F. Emelia Sam to talk about compassion in health care and how it impacts patients, colleagues, and ourselves. She believes that health care is more than just clinical. It's about building relationships, letting go of biases, and treating each other as individuals and human beings.

Dr. Sam represents a unique blend of science and spirit. While formerly an associate clinical professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery at Howard University, she maintained a voice in the realm of personal development. Her many articles appeared in Huffington Post and MindBodyGreen as well as on her long-standing blog, 360SOUL (three-sixty soul). Her latest book, Compassionate Competency: Healing the Heart of Healthcare represents the intersection of her extensive clinical experience and concepts such as emotional intelligence and mindfulness. It aims to bring more attention to creating compassionate healthcare environments that nurture patients as well as the professionals who care for them.

[00:01 – 06:21] Centering on Relationships

• During her oral surgery residency and time in the academe, Dr. Sam noticed the exhaustion in patients, students, and colleagues
• Feeling like there was a void inside of her, she started writing a personal development blog
• She realized that healthcare is too focused on clinical competency, diagnosis, treatment, etc. instead of relationships

[06:22 – 10:03] Bringing Compassion to the Clinical Experience

• Dr. Sam discusses her book and the value of personal development
• Compassionate care is not only for patients but for everybody in the health care environment
• What are the 10 essential elements of a compassionate health care environment?

[10:04 – 18:37] Understanding the Patient's Story

• Often, health care workers look past the patient and only speak to their caregivers because we think that patients cannot advocate for themselves
• There are biases that affect how we treat a patient like ageism
• We need to find out who the patients are instead of assuming who they are
• Making deeper connections with patients is actually good for our well-being

[18:38 – 25:39] Final Thoughts

• Dr. Sam's message to the community
• Connect with Dr. Christie Hogue – leave a review and comment (links below)

Key Quotes:

"Usually, personal development is something that we tend to do as individuals, in our corners. And I realized that it was actually central to our mission of healthcare." - Dr. F. Emelia Sam

"I really wanted to talk about how do we create a compassionate environment and make it very practical, not this esoteric sort of concept that everybody has their own ideas about what that entails." - Dr. F. Emelia Sam

"You can diagnose and prescribe and treat all day long. You can help your patient on a physical level and still harm them on an emotional level." - Dr. F. Emelia Sam

Resources:

Undaunted Trailblazers: Minority Women Leaders for Oral Health by Shelia Price, Jeanne Sinkford, Marilyn Woolfolk

Compassionate Competency: Healing the Heart of Healthcare by Dr. Emelia Sam

Connect with Me!

You can connect with me on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and visit my website https://www.mouthmirrorsllc.com/ to learn more.

LEAVE A REVIEW + And share this podcast with someone who wants awareness of the oral and systemic health of our aging population! Click here to listen to our previous episodes.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review!