Episode 19: In this episode of Jackson Health System’s On Call, Off Script, we sit down with Dr. Vanessa Padilla, a clinical psychiatrist at Jackson Behavioral Health Hospital, Commissioner René Garcia, chairman of Miami-Dade County’s Behavioral Health Advisory Board, and Michelle Kligman, Psy.D., MBA, MS, executive vice president and chief human resources officer at Jackson Health System, for an honest conversation about burnout, mental health, and workplace wellness.

The episode explores what burnout really looks like — from emotional exhaustion and irritability, to disengagement and fatigue — and why it affects everyone, from healthcare workers and first responders to office employees and leaders. They discuss the importance of psychological safety in the workplace, breaking the stigma around mental health, and creating supportive environments where people feel safe asking for help.

The guests also shared personal stories about anxiety, grief, leadership vulnerability, and the importance of community, boundaries, therapy, physical activity, and self-care. Plus, we share tangible advice for recognizing burnout early and taking meaningful steps toward healing and balance.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or mentally exhausted, this conversation is for you.

Guest Bios:

Michelle Kligman, Psy.D, MBA, MS: Michelle Kligman is the executive vice president and chief human resources officer for Jackson Health System. In her current role, she has strategic oversight for human resources functions across the entire organization. Throughout her tenure at Jackson, Kligman has driven multiple strategic initiatives, including improving employee engagement and patient experience, redesigning compensation and benefits for all employees, and launching enterprise-wide labor management and leadership development. Kligman brings more than 15 years of human resources experience to her current role at Jackson. She holds a degree from Florida International University, a Master’s of Science degree in Organizational Development, and a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University. She also holds a post-doctorate degree from Columbia University and an executive master’s in business administration specialization in healthcare policy and administration from the University of Miami.

Vanessa Padilla: Dr. Vanessa L. Padilla, M.D., F.A.P.A., is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in Psychiatry and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, recognized for her clinical leadership, academic contributions, and dedication to medical education and patient care. Dr. Padilla completed her medical training at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, where she earned her M.D. degree in 2008. She went on to complete her psychiatry residency at the same institution in 2012, and pursued advanced subspecialty training in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Miami / Jackson Health System in 2013. Dr. Padilla currently serves as the Psychiatry Residency Program Director at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, where she leads one of the region’s major ACGME-accredited psychiatry training programs based at Jackson Memorial Hospital. In addition to her program leadership, Dr. Padilla is the medical director of the Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Service at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where she provides psychiatric assessment and care within complex medical settings and collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams across the medical hospital. She is double board-certified in Psychiatry and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Her work encompasses clinical education, mentorship, research, and direct patient care with diverse adult populations.

Commissioner René Garcia: Commissioner René Garcia is a product of Northwest Dade. He was born and raised in the City of Hialeah. Commissioner Garcia’s passion for serving his community began more than 20 years ago as a Councilman in the City of Hialeah. As a State Representative, and then as a State Senator, René focused on helping those most in need. Giving a voice to the voiceless has always been René’s number one priority. He advocated for comprehensive reforms to our mental health laws, sponsored legislation to end surprise medical bills after any hospitalization, promoted the importance of expanding health care services for children through the Florida KidCare program, and has been a staunch advocate for the seniors in our community. First elected in 2020 as County Commissioner for District 13 and then re-elected in 2024, Commissioner Garcia truly believes in the importance of balancing the economic progress and growth of a community with the social needs of its people while working together to address the pressing issues of the community such as workforce housing, the environment, our crumbling infrastructure and safety in our communities, using a pragmatic approach to leave this community a better place for our children. Commissioner Garcia was appointed Chairman of the Recreation and Tourism Committee and Vice Chairman of the Safety and Health Committee. He also serves on the Transportation Committee.

Episode 18: What do vaping, incense, and long-COVID have in common? They can all impact your lungs in ways most people don’t consider.

In this episode of On Call, Off Script, lung experts from the Lung Center at Jackson Health System/ Miami Transplant Institute, an affiliation between Jackson Health System and UHealth – University of Miami Health System explore, explain, and debunk fascinating lung facts while also exposing the hidden dangers that can affect respiratory health.

You’ll learn how everyday habits and environmental exposures can influence long-term lung health, why all smokers should throw the vape and cigarettes away now, and what conditions are sending younger patients to pulmonologists.

Whether you’re curious about the science behind breathing or want practical tips to better protect your lungs, this episode delivers facts and expert insight you can apply in your daily life.

Guest Bios:

Episode 17: Formula 1 is all about speed, precision, and split-second decisions. So is trauma care.

In this high-intensity episode of On Call, Off Script, we take you behind the scenes of one of the most complex medical operations in sports. As Formula 1 returns to Miami, the team at Jackson Health System’s Ryder Trauma Center isn’t just on standby. They’re building a fully operational trauma unit right at the track.

Host Ruelle Champion sits down with trauma surgeon Dr. Antonio Marttos and Ann Higgins, associate nurse manager at Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial, to break down what it really takes to prepare for an event where every second matters.

From replicating a Level 1 trauma center trackside to making life-or-death decisions in under five minutes, this episode explores how elite medicine mirrors elite racing. 

You’ll hear how:

* A full trauma system is transported and rebuilt at the F1 track

* Medical teams train for high-speed, high-impact emergencies

* Real-time data like G-force impacts shapes clinical decisions

* A five-minute window can determine whether a driver returns to the race or is airlifted to the hospital

* Jackson helped raise the global standard for motorsports medical care

And beyond the adrenaline, you’ll get a rare look at the teamwork, trust, and preparation that power both the track and the trauma bay.

This isn’t just coverage. It’s a masterclass in readiness.

Guest Bios:

Episode 16: The importance and value of organ donation takes center stage every April for Donate Life Month. It’s a time to spotlight the impact that being an organ donor can have on countless lives.

With thousands of patients on the transplant waitlist and the growing gap between supply and demand, understanding the truth behind organ donation is crucial. In this episode of On Call, Off Script, a Jackson Health System podcast, we hear from the experts at Miami Transplant Institute—a partnership between Jackson and UHealth—University of Miami Health System.

You’ll hear how organs are preserved and transported, the innovative technology that’s advancing transplant, and the waves of impact that just one donor can leave behind.

If you’re curious about what it takes to be an organ donor, our experts at Miami Transplant Institute share the profound meaning behind giving the gift of life.

Guest Bios:

Episode 15: Jackson Health System is advancing the future of emergency care. A new, state-of-the-art emergency room (ER) is opening at Jackson Memorial Hospital in April. In this episode of On Call, Off Script, the minds behind one of the largest emergency rooms in the nation share how collaboration between clinical and construction brought this project to life.

The new ER is more than just a brand-new building. Our experts explain how patient experience is placed at the forefront of the design, construction, and clinical workflow of Jackson Memorial Hospital’s innovative ER.

Guest Information:

Daniel Aguiar: Daniel Aguiar is the nursing director of emergency services at Jackson Memorial Hospital; leading the nurses at the new emergency room. Aguiar brings more than 15 years of experience in trauma and emergency care. His leadership is key in preparing the clinical teams to transition their workflow into the new ER.

Jorge Garciga: Jorge Garciga is the director of design and construction for Jackson Health System—overseeing large infrastructure projects like the construction of Jackson West Medical Center and now, the new ER. Garciga specializes in integrating what the clinical team needs with a functional and modern healthcare setting. He ensures that innovative design supports patient needs and efficient clinical operations.

Episode 14: From dramatic defibrillator scenes to instant diagnoses, pop culture shapes how many people think hospitals operate. But how much of what we see on TV actually reflects real life?

On this episode of On Call, Off Script, two experienced nurse leaders from Jackson Health System separate fact from fiction. They break down the truth about “Code Blue” situations, explain why medical teams rely on calm coordination rather than chaos, and share how critical collaboration really is between nurses, doctors, and support staff.

Our guests also share which medical TV shows comes closest to reality, the surprising differences between pediatric and adult emergency care, and the ways social media influences patients. Whether you're a fan of hospital dramas or simply curious about what really happens in the hospital, this episode reveals the realities of healthcare today.

Guest information:

Jose Rodriguez, RN, is the nurse manager of the emergency room at Holtz Children’s Hospital. In his role, he leads a team that provides emergency care for pediatric patients, and ensures that children and families receive high-quality medical treatment and compassionate support during some of their most critical moments.

Vicky Rodriguez, RN, is an associate nurse manager at Jackson South Medical Center, where she oversees the clinic and supports nursing staff in delivering care to patients. She brings extensive frontline experience in hospital care coordination, patient education, and collaboration. Rodriguez is passionate about empowering patients through accurate medical information and ensuring safe, effective transitions from hospital care to home.

Episode 13: In this episode of On Call Off Script, we go behind the scenes with Miami’s first responders and trauma care teams to explore what it truly takes to serve the 305. From coping with tragedy and finding humor in the toughest situations, to building trust with patients and their families, our guests share the human side of some of the city’s most demanding roles. Listen as Michael Vega, a public information officer for the City of Miami Police Department, Pete Sanchez, a Lieutenant and Public Information Officer for the City of Miami Department of Fire-Rescue, and Yina Patino, nurse manager of the Trauma Resuscitation Unit at Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital, discuss the emotional highs and lows of policing, firefighting, and emergency nursing, and how teamwork, communication, and community make all the difference.

Guest Bios:

Michael Vega

Michael Vega has served the Miami community as a police officer since 1997, bringing nearly three decades of experience to the City of Miami Police Department. He has worked across multiple divisions, including Patrol, Internal Affairs, the Problem-Solving Team (PST), the Motor Unit, and Red-Light Camera enforcement.

Since November 2017, Vega has served as a Public Information Officer, acting as the liaison between the police department and the public. In this role, he leads media relations efforts, communicates critical public safety information, and supports transparency during high-profile and day-to-day incidents.

Throughout his career, Vega has remained committed to strengthening the community’s trust and ensuring the safety of Miami’s residents.

Pete Sánchez

Pete Sánchez is a Lieutenant with the City of Miami Department of Fire-Rescue, where he has served for 15 years. He has spent six years as the department’s Public Information Officer (PIO) and is a FEMA Master PIO.

Lieutenant Sánchez has led communications during high-profile incidents like the historic Temple Courts Three-Alarm fire, also serving as Joint Information Center (JIC) Manager for the Champlain Towers collapse in Surfside for three weeks and deploying with Florida Task Force 2 as PIO during Hurricane Irma in Fort Myers. Most recently, he led crisis communications for a major multi-agency incident that drew international media attention lasting over two weeks.

Yina Patino:

Yina Esmeralda Patino, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC is the Nurse Manager of the Trauma Resuscitation Unit at Ryder Trauma Center nat Jackson Memorial Hospital. With over 24 years of nursing experience, primarily in emergency services, she has dedicated her career to delivering high-quality, lifesaving care to critically injured patients.

As Nurse Manager, Yina leads a highly skilled multidisciplinary team in one of the busiest trauma centers in Miami-Dade County. She is committed to elevating trauma care standards, strengthening team performance, and ensuring exceptional patient outcomes for both residents and visitors who depend on Ryder Trauma Center during their most critical moments. Through her leadership within at Jackson, she continues to promote a culture of excellence, compassion, and clinical expertise.

Episode 12: It’s hard to imagine vomiting worse than it already is. The symptom of ‘scromiting’, or screaming and vomiting, is sending people to the emergency room in South Florida.

Jeffrey Bernstein, MD, director of Florida Poison Control Center Miami, talks about the real medical condition behind scromiting, called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). Caused by excessive marijuana use, Dr. Bernstein explains why CHS cases are increasing, and how cannabis can cause painful side effects.

As the only toxicologist covering six counties across South Florida, Dr. Bernstein is well-experienced in the poisonings that are unique to this community and talks through what he sees on a daily basis – from mercury poisoning to coral rock poisoning, and more. The conversation covers the importance of education, marked by eye-opening situations that are only seen at Florida Poison Control Center Miami.

Guest Information & Bio

Jeffrey Bernstein, MD, is the medical director of Florida Poison Control Center Miami, housed at Jackson Memorial Medical Center. Dr. Bernstein is the only toxicologist for six counties with decades of experience in emergency medicine and poisonings. He’s closely involved in poison control education, and oversees thousands of poison-related calls each year across South Florida.

Episode 11:  You’d never guess that some of your favorite everyday activities are on our experts’ personal no-fly list. In this eye-opening conversation, Vincente Nelson, MD, a trauma surgeon at Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial and Timothy Tan, MD, chief of emergency medicine at Jackson Memorial Medical Center shares the habits, hobbies, and Miami-style behaviors that most often land people in the emergency room or Ryder Trauma.

From e-scooters and motorcycles, to water sports, cosmetic surgery gone wrong, viral trends, and vaping, these doctors share firsthand stories from the front lines of medicine—and why they personally say “never will I ever.”

This isn’t about living in fear. It’s about knowing the risks, making smarter choices, and understanding what doctors really see after the sirens stop.

Guest Info & Bio:

Vincente Nelson

Vincente Nelson is the director of the Army Forward Surgical Team Training Center, and a trauma surgeon with Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital. He also serves as a Lieutenant Colonel for the United States Army. His experience on the front-lines of medicine shape his perspective to conversations about risk, responsibility and living life without fear.

Timothy Tan

Timothy Tan is the chief of emergency medicine for Jackson Memorial Medical Center. He oversees one of the busiest emergency rooms in the country from a calm, clear, and experienced approach. Dr. Tan is passionate about medical education, especially when it can potentially help keep patients out of an emergency situation.

Episode 10: The beginning of a new year often brings fresh starts, new goals, and for many families, the start of a journey into parenthood. In this episode of On Call Off Script, we’re joined by Joanne Ruggiero, senior vice president and chief executive officer of Jackson Memorial Medical Center, to talk about what expectant parents can really expect when preparing to give birth at The Women’s Hospital at Jackson Memorial. Drawing from her extensive experience as a labor and delivery nurse and nurse leader in women’s health services, Joanne offers insight into birth planning, high-risk pregnancies, and the deeply personal moments that define childbirth.

Joanne Ruggiero is the senior vice president and chief executive officer at Jackson Memorial Medical Center. With a career that began at the bedside as a labor and delivery nurse, Joanne has spent years caring for families in their most emotional moments and now brings that same perspective to her leadership role. She’s passionate about supporting parents, patients, and care teams while helping deliver safe, compassionate, and memorable birth experiences. In this episode, Joanne reflects on her journey from the delivery room to the executive office, and what that experience means for families preparing to welcome a new baby.