In this episode of Meaningful Medicine with Novant Health, Kari Mohrien, PA-C, joins us to shine a light on an essential, but often unfamiliar, resource for families who have spent time in the neonatal intensive care unit: Novant Health’s developmental-behavioral pediatric NICU follow-up clinic.

Many babies who spend time in the NICU go on to do beautifully, but they may still benefit from specialized monitoring to support growth, development, and long-term well-being. Kari explains how the follow-up clinic bridges the transition from hospital to home, what families can expect during visits, and how early detection and intervention can make an enormous difference in a child’s future.

This episode is a reassuring, compassionate look at how Novant Health partners with families to give every child the strongest possible start, not only at birth, but in the months and years that follow. 

Learn more about Kari Mohrien, PA-C  

In this episode, Dr. Michelle Fillion, a specialist in complex general surgical oncology, explains how NanoKnife technology targets tumors, including in the liver and prostate. 

Learn more about Michelle Fillion, MD  

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Rex Kiteley, a radiation oncologist with Novant Health, about the importance of prostate cancer screening. Learn the latest guidelines and the benefits of detecting this common cancer early. Join us and empower yourself with knowledge about prostate health.  

Learn more about Rex Kiteley, MD  

In this episode, Dr. Jafar Hashem, a neurocritical care physician with Novant Health, discusses signs of brain emergencies such as stroke and aneurysm. Learn why quick action can save lives, and how doctors treat serious neurological events, including in critical care. 

Learn more about Jafar Hashem, MD  

On this episode of Meaningful Medicine with Novant Health, bariatric surgeon Dr. David Voellinger joins us to unpack the truth behind one of the most misunderstood areas of medicine: weight loss surgery.

Dr. Voellinger shares how far bariatric care has come, from surgical innovations and minimally invasive techniques to comprehensive long-term support that helps patients transform not just their weight, but their overall health and quality of life.

Together, we’ll explore the science, stigma, and success stories and learn why modern bariatrics is about so much more than the number on the scale. 

Learn more about David Voellinger, MD

Pickleball is sweeping the nation — but so are Achilles injuries among older adults taking up the sport. In this episode, orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon Dr. William Corey explains why these injuries are becoming more common, how to recognize early warning signs, and what players can do to prevent serious setbacks. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a new pickleball enthusiast, Dr. Corey shares practical advice to keep you on the court safely. 

Learn more about William Corey, MD 

In this episode of Meaningful Medicine with Novant Health, neurosurgeon Dr. Charles Munyon joins us to discuss a groundbreaking treatment that’s transforming life for patients with essential tremor: an incisionless brain surgery using focused ultrasound technology from Insightec.

Dr. Munyon explains how this innovative, noninvasive approach works, what patients can expect from diagnosis through recovery, and how it’s redefining what’s possible in neuroscience and quality of life.

From shaking hands to steady ones, this episode explores not just the science, but the deeply human stories behind medical innovation - hope, relief, and restored confidence. 

Learn more about Charles Munyon, MD

In this episode of Meaningful Medicine with Novant Health, gastroenterologist Dr. Robert Czuprynski helps us better understand two complex and often misunderstood conditions: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Dr. Czuprynski explains what’s happening in the body during inflammation, how treatment has evolved from symptom control to precision medicine, and why early diagnosis and ongoing support can make such a difference. We’ll talk about new therapies, patient-centered approaches, and how Novant Health is helping people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) reclaim comfort, confidence, and control in their daily lives. 

Learn more about Robert Czuprynski, MD 

In this episode of Meaningful Medicine with Novant Health, pediatrician Dr. Sumon Bhowmick joins us to talk about one of the most common - and often stressful - challenges for parents: picky eating.

Dr. Bhowmick shares what’s typical when it comes to children’s eating habits, why some kids resist new foods, and how parents can foster a healthy relationship with food without turning mealtimes into a battle.

We’ll also explore when picky eating may signal something more, and how your child’s doctor can help identify nutritional gaps, rule out medical issues, and guide your family toward balance and peace at the table. 

Learn more about Sumon Bhowmick, MD 

Diabetes is one of the most common — and sometimes preventable — chronic diseases in the U.S. In this episode, primary care physician Dr. Carrie Alexander explains how regular checkups and early screening can detect diabetes before symptoms even appear, and why staying connected to a primary care provider is essential for long-term health. Learn the simple steps that can protect your heart, kidneys, vision and quality of life. 

Learn more about Carrie Alexander, MD