Off the Charts: Examining the Health Equity Emergency

Hosts Kari Haley, MD, and Steven Jackson, MD, close the year by looking back on six seasons of the award-winning “Off the Charts.” The pair share what they’ve learned and how they’ve applied it to their day-to-day work.

Hosts: Kari Haley, MD, and Steven Jackson, MD

HealthPartners website: Off the Charts podcast

Got an idea? Have thoughts to share? We want to hear from you. Email us at [email protected].

Dr. Margaret Funk is passionate about the treatment of eating disorders at Melrose Center. She shares what inspired her to pursue this area of medicine and impactful moments she has had with patients. She also covers the complications and misconceptions about eating disorders, Melrose Center’s multidisciplinary approach, and the challenges of social media.

Melrose Center also has its own podcast, Melrose Heals.

Hosts: Kari Haley, MD, and Steven Jackson, MD

Guest: Dr. Margaret Funk

HealthPartners website: Off the Charts podcast

Got an idea? Have thoughts to share? We want to hear from you. Email us at [email protected].

Family nurse practitioner Munira MaalimIsaq and Dr. Yeng Yang share how they’ve helped patients from various cultural backgrounds manage high blood pressure and diabetes without giving up the foods that mean the most to them. Learn how culturally sensitive dietary guidance is making a difference in patient outcomes and trust.

Hosts: Kari Haley, MD, and Steven Jackson, MD

Guests: Munira MaalimIsaq and Dr. Yeng Yang

HealthPartners website: Off the Charts podcast

Got an idea? Have thoughts to share? We want to hear from you. Email us at [email protected].

Shelley Quiala and Paul Scholtz of Cantus Vocal Ensemble explore the powerful intersection of music and memory through the group’s performances. Quiala, Cantus’ executive director, and Scholtz, artistic co-director, share how song, personal stories and community partnerships transform perceptions of dementia. The conversation highlights how the arts can foster healing and connection.

Hosts: Kari Haley, MD, and Steven Jackson, MD

Guests: Shelley Quiala and Paul Scholtz

HealthPartners website: Off the Charts podcast

Got an idea? Have thoughts to share? We want to hear from you. Email us at [email protected].

Dr. Aaron Burnett, medical director for Regions EMS and the St. Paul Fire Department, and SPFD assistant chief Steve Sampson discuss how their teams are confronting the opioid crisis on St. Paul streets. They share how a new program using Suboxone helps first responders treat opioid use disorder more effectively and compassionately. With a focus on community trust, collaboration and meeting people where they are, this conversation highlights the power of innovation in the public health response.

Hosts: Kari Haley, MD, and Steven Jackson, MD

Guests: Aaron Burnett, MD, and Steve Sampson

HealthPartners website: Off the Charts podcast

Got an idea? Have thoughts to share? We want to hear from you. Email us at [email protected].

Sumaya Noor, a hospital medicine physician assistant at Regions Hospital, and Ryan Aga, director of clinical simulation at HealthPartners, discuss the origin and impact of innovative training they created after experiences Sumaya had working inside an emergency department. Listen as they share personal stories and data that highlight the importance of addressing bias in health care settings.

Hosts: Kari Haley, MD, and Steven Jackson, MD

Guests: Sumaya Noor and Ryan Aga

HealthPartners website: Off the Charts podcast

Got an idea? Have thoughts to share? We want to hear from you. Email us at [email protected].

The women’s sports medicine program at TRIA addresses the unique challenges female athletes face, such as higher rates of ACL injuries and the effects of hormonal changes on training and recovery. Dr. Heather Bergeson emphasizes the importance of comprehensive care and the need for more research to better support female athletes throughout their lives.

Hosts: Kari Haley, MD, and Steven Jackson, MD

Guest: Dr. Heather Bergeson

HealthPartners website: Off the Charts podcast

Got an idea? Have thoughts to share? We want to hear from you. Email us at [email protected].

Nicole Wojowski, a registered nurse at Regions Hospital, joins the show to explore the complexities and often misunderstood international adoption process. The discussion delves into myths and misconceptions. Nicole shares her personal experiences as an adoptee and highlights the challenges and triumphs she has faced. The conversation also covers the impact of microaggressions, importance of acknowledging trauma and unique journeys of adoptees.

Hosts: Kari Haley, MD, and Steven Jackson, MD

Guest: Nicole Wojowski

HealthPartners website: Off the Charts podcast

Got an idea? Have thoughts to share? We want to hear from you. Email us at [email protected].

A pair of experts with Healthcare for the Homeless share their perspectives working with unsheltered populations and addressing homelessness. Kat Donnelly, a family nurse practitioner with Minnesota Community Care, and Josh Leopold, a senior advisor on health, homelessness and housing for the Minnesota Department of Health, join the show to talk about what’s being done in St. Paul.

Hosts: Kari Haley, MD, and Steven Jackson, MD

Guests: Kat Donnelly and Josh Leopold

Resources:

• Minnesota Department of Health Public Health and Homelessness
• Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless
• Minnesota Interagency Council on Homelessness 
• National Health Care for the Homeless Council
• Street Medicine Institute

HealthPartners website: Off the Charts podcast

Got an idea? Have thoughts to share? We want to hear from you. Email us at [email protected].

Xiongmee Chang shares how mentorship and unwavering belief inspired her to accomplish goals and take on roles previously unimagined. The Regions Hospital nurse manager joined the Hmong Nurses Association board of directors in 2024 and helped plan HNA’s second National Nursing Conference after being encouraged by her mentor to attend the first one.

Hosts: Kari Haley, MD, and Steven Jackson, MD

Guest: Xiongmee Chang

HealthPartners website: Off the Charts podcast

Got an idea? Have thoughts to share? We want to hear from you. Email us at [email protected].