Let‘s Clear the Air! All Things Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

Host Kaylie Francis talks with Dr. Jane Conley about anaphylaxis. Learn what it is, how it happens, and what to do when it happens. Dr. Conley also answers some common questions about when and how to use epinephrine. 

Host Liz Edwards introduces us to Dr. James Kidd, an allergist at our Louisiana offices who is Baton Rouge born and raised!

Learn how Dr. Kidd became interested in medicine at an early age, why he chose allergy as his specialty, and what to expect during a first visit as a new patient. 

Host Liz Edwards introduces listeners to Dr. Ben Gaudin with our Louisiana offices!

Dr. Gaudin comes from a family of LSU Tigers. He, his father, and all his siblings are LSU alumni. While they pursued careers in engineering, Dr. Gaudin chose the medical field, but he still finds many similarities between the two disciplines.

Learn what attracted Dr. Gaudin to the field of allergy specifically, why the specialty has always taken a view of involving the patient in making any medical decisions, and why he believes allergists can make a big impact on the quality of people's lives. We also get some insight into Dr. Gaudin's love of reading, theater/musicals, and "old school" puzzle solving in the daily newspaper.

It's hard to separate Dr. Phil Jones from the specialty his been practicing for more than 20 years, which is why this "Getting to Know" episode is a bit Dr. Jones, a bit asthma and pulmonology and a lot allergy.

A native of the Tri-Cities in East Tennessee, Dr. Jones attend undergraduate and graduate school at the University of Alabama. He returned to Johnson City to serve the community he loves as both a pulmonologist and allergist.

Learn the differences between the two disciplines, how newly onset asthma can happen to adults (as old as 84!), why confirming a penicillin allergy is easy and necessary, how allergists offer a life-saving fix for stinging insect or bee allergies, and much more! Oh, and if you know anyone with an old barn who wouldn't mind Dr. Jones rummaging around....

Host Liz Edwards talks with our Louisiana allergist Dr. Jeffery Franklin about an all-too-common allergy foe: respiratory allergies. These allergens affect our respiratory system, which is a fancy way of saying all things connected to how we breathe. 

Respiratory allergies can make us feel run down and miserable, negatively impacting our quality of life. Sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, fatigue.... But Dr. Franklin shares how this is also where board-certified allergists can help the most!

Learn how seeing an allergist can help you go from a low quality of life score (maybe a 2 or 3 while on several medications) to a 9 or 10! It's not a quick fix, but it is a long-term cure that makes folks who have experienced it wonder why they waited so long.

We're going to Louisiana! Host Liz Edwards introduces listeners to Dr. Jeffery Franklin, who sees patients at our Prairieville, Bluebonnet, and Goodwood locations. 

Dr. Franklin shares how he knew he wanted to go into medicine from an early age, as early as four or five years old. As one of four boys, he may have been inspired by his pediatrician, whom they visited multiple times while growing up, but he also took advantage of every opportunity to learn more about the field as he grew, even taking time in high school to shadow an ENT. 

Learn how Dr. Franklin chose allergy, asthma, and immunology and what he wishes more folks in South Louisiana knew about allergists and allergies (besides the fact that they do exist!). 

Host Liz Edwards introduces us to Family Nurse Practitioner Brittany Harper! Brittany always knew she'd be in some type of healthcare. Learn how her career unfolded into nursing and why this Nebraska-born CrossFitter loves seeing new patients.

Dr. John Overholt shares with host Liz Edwards some good news! Starting this summer, major manufacturers will cap patients' out-of-cost expense for inhalers.

This restriction on pricing is long overdue as some asthma patients are forced to limit the use of their inhalers because of its cost. Dr. Overholt shares how common it is for patients to use inhalers less frequently than prescribed and how dangerous that practice can be, creating more illness, more ER visits, and even the need for additional meds; but for those who can't afford the $400-$500 cost per month, it's a necessary maneuver. As Dr. Overholt explains, "A medication you can't afford is not a good medication."

Learn when specific companies will begin capping their products' costs and how this change will empower providers to prescribe the inhaler that works best for the patient instead of the one that's most affordable.

Host Liz Edwards talks with family nurse practitioner James (Jim) O'Rourke about the three medicines you should stop taking if you have allergies!

Learn how these medications, reserved for acute or episodic infections, can become addictive if taken too often and for too long–and how they often make your symptoms worse!

Jim and Liz discuss why it's wise to get an accurate diagnosis and how allergy specialists like Jim can help you find alternative treatment plans that are safer and more effective.

Join us as host Liz Edwards introduces us to family nurse practitioner James (Jim) O'Rourke.

Jim had his first career in pharmaceuticals but was intrigued by the provider side of medicine. Years later, we're honored to have him helping patients in Middle Tennessee!