Community Connect: presented by TGH

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States—but earlier detection and advances in treatment are creating more reasons for hope.

Board-certified thoracic surgeon Dr. Mary Carolyn Vinson explains who may qualify for lung cancer screening, what to expect from a low-dose CT scan and why people who have never smoked can still develop the disease. She breaks down how lung cancer is diagnosed and staged, when surgery may be an option and how they are rapidly closing the gap with other cancer research. Along the way, Dr. Vinson also addresses the biggest myth she keeps hearing and explains how she believes this misconception came about.

For more information, visit www.tgh.org/cancer.

To explore our full library of episodes, visit www.tgh.org/communityconnect.

Perimenopause or menopause... how can you tell the difference? In this informative episode, Dr. Catherine Lynch breaks down what happens during the menopause transition, including when it typically begins, common symptoms and treatment options that can help. From hot flashes and sleep disruptions to weight changes, mood shifts and irregular periods, she helps make sense of what many women experience during this stage of life.

Dr. Lynch also discusses the 12-month rule for menopause, lifestyle factors that can influence symptoms and one of the biggest misconceptions she wants to set straight. She tackles the ongoing conversation around hormone replacement therapy (HRT), explaining why it has been controversial, what we've learned from more recent research and when it may be an appropriate option for symptom relief.

Whether you're just starting to notice changes or are well into the transition to menopause, this episode offers reassurance, expert guidance and strategies to help you feel your best through every stage of the journey.

For more information, visit tgh.org/womens

To explore our full library of episodes 

Blood cancers can be difficult to recognize because symptoms such as fatigue, bruising, and swollen lymph nodes often overlap with everyday health concerns. In this episode, Dr. Ankit Kansagra walks listeners through the journey from early warning signs and diagnosis to today's most advanced treatment options. Learn what happens after an abnormal blood test, how doctors diagnose leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, and how breakthroughs like CAR T-cell therapy are changing outcomes for patients. Dr. Kansagra also shares what patients and families can expect as they navigate care and treatment decisions. For more information, visit www.tgh.org/cancer 

Learn more about Ankit Kansagra, MD 

Could an everyday infection turn into sepsis, and how would you know? Dr. Doug McConnell explains how sepsis develops and details specific warning signs to help you discern when to call your doctor or go to the emergency room. Dr. McConnell also covers common causes, why timeliness makes all the difference, and goes over the biggest red flags families should never ignore. For more information, visit www.tgh.org/sepsis

Think virtual healthcare is just a FaceTime with your doctor? Think again. In this episode, Jordan Clark, Director of Ambulatory Business Operations and Integration at Tampa General Hospital, explains what a virtual care visit really looks like and how the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the growth of this important healthcare option. You'll learn how virtual health can make it easier to access care-- especially for people with transportation challenges, mobility limitations, or those living in healthcare deserts. Join us as we explore how technology is helping bring high-quality care closer to home and creating a more convenient patient experience. For more information, visit tgh.org/virtual health

Your primary care physician (PCP) is more than someone you see for annual checkups. They're a key partner in your long-term health and an important guide after a hospital stay. In this episode, Dr. Mandy Dailey and Christine Hutchinson discuss how PCPs help patients navigate recovery, manage new medications, understand discharge plans, and connect with the right specialists when needed. Learn how a strong relationship with a PCP can help prevent complications, reduce the risk of readmission, and support a smoother path back to wellness. For more information visit www.tgmg.org or www.getcare.tgh.org/providers. 

Learn more about Dr. Dailey  

Snoring and daytime fatigue are often brushed off as part of getting older, but they may be signs of obstructive sleep apnea. In this episode, sleep specialist Suketu Shah, MD explains who is at risk, how sleep apnea affects heart health, and why treatment can make a meaningful difference. Learn how the condition is diagnosed, what treatment options are available, and what to do if CPAP isn't the right fit. It's a conversation that could change the way you think about sleep—and your health. For more information, visit www.tgh.org/sleep 

Learn more about Dr. Shah 

This episode focuses on the immediate and long-term challenges people face after a cancer diagnosis and why addressing all a patients’ needs—beyond treatment alone-- is essential to quality care. Allegra Kartha, a licensed clinical social worker at Tampa General Hospital, explains the role of a social worker in coordinating care and addressing mental health support, financial strain, transportation needs, as well as caregiver and family support. Listen to learn how integrated care can reduce stress during treatment and beyond. For more resources and to connect with the TGH Cancer Institute

How are your dietary choices impacting your overall health? Jenise Carr and Matt Murphy delve into this topic through the lens of food being medicine. They share practical tips on nutrition choices to help you foster a healthy relationship with food and explain how mindful eating fits into clinical care. Whether it’s learning to grow your own food or approaching food with curiosity, this thoughtful conversation will inspire you to begin your own healthy eating journey today! For more information, visit www.tgh.org/CHW 

Learn more about Jenise Carr 

What happens when trauma impacts both the mind and the brain—and how do clinicians tell the difference? In this episode, we take a deeper look at the critical role of neuropsychological evaluation in separating PTSD-related cognitive changes from traumatic brain injury and other medical conditions.

Join us for a thoughtful and informative conversation exploring how these evaluations help guide personalized treatment plans. We’ll also dive into the unique experiences of veterans living with PTSD—shedding light on relationship challenges and cognitive functioning. Dr. Lindsay Niccolai brings her expertise to the discussion, walking us through the key components of effective programs and the referral pathways that can make a meaningful difference in recovery. For more information, visit Outpatient Traumatic Brain Injury Program 

Learn more about Dr. Niccolai