Health Care Heart to Heart with Dr. Jeff Gold

In his latest “Health Care Heart to Heart” podcast, UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, speaks Michele Balas, PhD, UNMC’s 18th Scientist Laureate.

Dr. Balas, the first nurse-scientist to be honored as Scientist Laureate, speaks with Chancellor Gold about the award.

“To my knowledge, it's the first time someone from the College of Nursing, but most importantly a nurse scientist, has received the award. So that is what I find most thrilling,” she said.

Dr. Balas also discusses her background, her decision to become a nurse, what lured her into research and the exciting trial she is working on now, some she calls her “dream research,” examining the effects on new technology compared to an extra nurse on patient health outcomes. The project grew from an earlier study, which was funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, that Dr. Balas said led to a change in the standards of care in hospitals throughout the country.

If you’re struggling or worried about a loved one who may need crisis support, call or text 988. The national lifeline offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help you or a loved one experiencing mental health-related distress.

As Suicide Awareness Month nears its end and World Mental Health Awareness Month begins in October, Drs. Gold and Wengel discuss issues surrounding suicide, signs of depression or suicidal ideation and steps friends and family members may take to reach out to someone in crisis.

In his latest “Health Care Heart to Heart” podcast, now streaming, UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, speaks with Student Senate President and Student Regent Katie Schultis about her experiences as a UNMC medical student, her background in rural Nebraska, the groundbreaking for the new Rural Health Education Building on the campus of the University of Nebraska at Kearney and other topics.

Schultis, who currently is on a rotation in Louisville, Kentucky, speaks with Dr. Gold about her experiences as a student leader, the teachers and doctor who inspired her back in her hometown of Diller, Nebraska, and her experience as an undergraduate student in the Kearney Health Opportunities Program.

In his latest “Health Care Heart to Heart” podcast, now streaming, UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, and his guest Dr. Ashley Wysong discuss skin cancer, as well as Dr. Wysong’s recent national study on melanoma survival rates among men. In addition, Dr. Wysong shares the story of how she fell in love with dermatology and discusses advances in skin cancer treatment.   

In this episode of “Health Care Heart to Heart,” Dr. Gold and Jill Poole, MD, chief of the UNMC Division of Allergy and Immunology, discuss allergies. As the fall allergy season looms, Drs. Gold and Poole speak on the evolution of allergies, the pros and cons of over-the-counter  allergy medication, breakthroughs in treatments for allergic asthma and other topics.  

During an extensive conversation, Dr. Gold engages with Kari Simonsen, MD, chair of the UNMC Department of Pediatrics and professor of infectious diseases, on topics related to National Immunization Month, which is recognized in August each year. Together, they shed light on the significance of the month, exploring the historical aspects of vaccinations and addressing concerns surrounding vaccines. The discussion underscores the crucial importance of staying informed and up to date on vaccinations, particularly when considering children's health.

Dr. Jeff Gold speaks with Geetanjali Rathore, MD, associate professor in the division of neurology for the UNMC Department of Pediatrics and this year’s recipient of the American Academy of Neurology Kenneth M. Viste Jr., MD, Patient Advocate of the Year Award.

In a wide-ranging discussion, Dr. Rathore speaks about the importance of patient advocacy and how she came to embrace it, eventually advocating at a national level to improve neurological care.

University of Nebraska’s collaboration with the National Security Research Institute

Dr. Jeff Gold speaks with Maj. Gen. Rick Evans (Ret.), who serves as the executive director of the National Strategic Research Institute at the University of Nebraska. Dr. Gold and Gen. Evans discusses the role of the NSRI and Nebraska’s University Affiliated Research Center and how they benefit from academic support in national security research and more. 

Dr. Jeff Gold speaks with Sarah Fischer, PhD, psychologist at the Aspire Clinic and UNMC’S director of wellness programming. Drs. Fischer and Gold discuss the different levels of stress, as well as how to deal with stress and imposter syndrome.