This episode of VHHA’s Patients Come First podcast features Dr. Chester Sharps, an orthopedic surgeon with Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. He’s with us to tell us about himself and his path to medicine, educate us about an innovative procedure known as vertebral body tethering, and more. Send questions, comments, feedback, or guest suggestions to [email protected] or contact on X (Twitter) or Instagram using the #PatientsComeFirst hashtag.

This episode of VHHA’s Patients Come First podcast features Dr. William Cooper, a nationally recognized cardiothoracic surgeon, a decorated U.S. Army veteran, and a healthcare entrepreneur. He joins us for a conversation about his new role as medical director of cardiovascular surgery at HCA Virginia’s Reston Hospital Center. Send questions, comments, feedback, or guest suggestions to [email protected] or contact on X (Twitter) or Instagram using the #PatientsComeFirst hashtag.

This episode of VHHA’s Patients Come First podcast features Dr. Martin O'Grady, Medical Director of the Trauma Center at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, for a conversation about the hospital recently earning a Provisional Level III Trauma Center Designation from the state, the work that went into that, and what that means for patient care. Send questions, comments, feedback, or guest suggestions to [email protected] or contact on X (Twitter) or Instagram using the #PatientsComeFirst hashtag.

This episode of VHHA’s Patients Come First podcast features Dr. Eric Edwards, Chief Executive Officer of Phlow Corp., a pioneering public benefit pharmaceutical company. Dr Edwards is a keynote speaker at the upcoming Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Leaders Summit scheduled for Nov. 5-7, 2025 in Hot Springs, VA. The conversation with Dr. Edwards covers his work as a clinician and entrepreneur, efforts to boost production of essential medicines in the U.S., and previews his remarks at the upcoming Summit. Send questions, comments, feedback, or guest suggestions to [email protected] or contact on X (Twitter) or Instagram using the #PatientsComeFirst hashtag.

This episode of VHHA’s Patients Come First podcast features Kevin Johnson, a retired teacher and cancer survivor who is active in expanding Man Up To Cancer support groups in Virginia. He joins us for a conversation about his post-retirement medical challenges, collaboration with the Sentara Health Brock Cancer Center, and the work to grow Man Up To Cancer chapters to support men facing cancer diagnoses. Send questions, comments, feedback, or guest suggestions to [email protected] or contact on X (Twitter) or Instagram using the #PatientsComeFirst hashtag.

This episode of VHHA’s Patients Come First podcast features a return guest, Dr. Deepak Talreja, who is a cardiologist with Sentara Health and a real-life Good Samaritan. He’s here to talk about his life and career, plus a recent situation where he selflessly intervened to help a stranger in serious trouble. Send questions, comments, feedback, or guest suggestions to [email protected] or contact on X (Twitter) or Instagram using the #PatientsComeFirst hashtag.

This episode of VHHA’s Patients Come First podcast features Kyle Dodd, a VCU Health heart transplant patient and U.S. Army Veteran who recently represented Team USA at the 2025 World Transplant Games in Germany. He joins us for a conversation about his military service, heart transplant procedure, participation in the World Transplant games, and more. Send questions, comments, feedback, or guest suggestions to [email protected] or contact on X (Twitter) or Instagram using the #PatientsComeFirst hashtag.

This episode of VHHA’s Patients Come First podcast features Sarah Hale, a Hospice Volunteer and Bereavement Coordinator with Ballad Health, for a conversation about her work and what inspires it, Ballad Health’s Camp Firefly initiative that helps children navigate grief and loss, and more. Send questions, comments, feedback, or guest suggestions to [email protected] or contact on X (Twitter) or Instagram using the #PatientsComeFirst hashtag.

This episode of VHHA’s Patients Come First podcast features Dr. Daniel Cohen, Chief of Neurology for Sentara Medical Group, for a conversation about his work, depression and mental health awareness, the importance of self care in mental wellness, which for Dr. Cohen includes DJing as a hobby, and more. Send questions, comments, feedback, or guest suggestions to [email protected] or contact on X (Twitter) or Instagram using the #PatientsComeFirst hashtag.

This episode of VHHA’s Patients Come First podcast is part of a limited series profiling the 2025 major political party nominees for Virginia Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General. This episode features Virginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, the Republican nominee for Governor, for a conversation about her professional path to public service, her message to voters, her thoughts on key policy issues, and more. VHHA recorded this interview series as a public service to voters. It is not an endorsement of any candidate or issue. Election Day is Nov. 4 this year and early in-person voting in Virginia begins Sept. 19. Send questions, comments, feedback, or guest suggestions to [email protected] or contact on X (Twitter) or Instagram using the #PatientsComeFirst hashtag.