Primary Care Pearls

By Primary Care Pearls (PCP) PodcastMedicine Health & Fitness

Primary Care Pearls episodes

September 14BONUS Episode: "I Don't Think Women's Health Should Be a Niche Interest."
Join Jasmine as she has a one on one conversation with Dr. Dhond on her ambition to provide comprehensive care to the VA population in New Haven, CT by optimizing her education on women's health.

Episode Outline
Navigating Training Pathways: How primary care trainees can proactively seek mentorship, clinical rotations, and formal or self-designed tracks to build women's health and in-office procedural competencies during residency.
Lifelong Skill Development & CME: Utilizing continuing medical education (CME) conferences—both virtual and in-person—to expand gynecologic care capabilities at any stage of your career.
Universal Reproductive Counseling: Why family planning, fertility impacts, and medication risks should be routinely discussed by providers across all medical specialties.
Advocating for Equity in Research & Education: Addressing the historical underrepresentation of women in clinical trial research, funding, and medical school curricula.

Our Experts
Dr. Mukta Dhond, MD is an Assistant Professor of General Medicine at Yale and practicing primary care physician at the West Haven VA Medical Center. She is the Women’s Health Medical Director at the VA Connecticut and part of the Women's and Gender Health Education Program at the Yale School of Medicine

The Primary Care Pearls (PCP) Podcast is created in collaboration with faculty, residents, and students from the Department of Internal Medicine at the Yale School of Medicine. The project aims to create accessible and informative podcasts about core primary care topics centered around real patient stories.

Host: Jasmine Jiang
Producers: Helen Cai, Josh Onyango, Daniel Wang, Jasmine Jiang
Logo and Name: Eva Zimmerman
Theme music and Editing: Helen Cai, Josh Onyango
Other background music: Lish Grooves
Instagram: @pcpearls
Twitter: @PCarePearls
Listen on your favorite podcast platforms: linktr.ee/pcpearls
8 min
July 15"If you can manage Diabetes, you can manage Menopause." - Gynecological and Reproductive Health (Part II)
Join Jasmine and Daniel to get empowered on approaching various gynecological health care issues as a primary care provider with Drs. Pathy and Dhond as they offer structured frameworks and clinical pearls that can be immediately implemented in the office setting.

=== Outline ===
Chapter 1: Common GYN Scenarios (AUB, PMOS, Menopause)
Chapter 2: The PCP's Scope of Management
Chapter 2: Universal Screening
Chapter 4: Resources and Referrals

=== Learning Points ===
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: The PALM-COEIN mnemonic can be used to distinguish the different underlying etiologies of AUB, each with their own workup and management.
Urinary Incontinence: Identifying whether incontinence symptoms are primarily stress, urge, overflow, or mixed from a thorough history is crucial to guiding treatment.
Menopause: PCP management of menopause and perimenopause, using both hormonal and non-hormonal modalities, should be standard practice.
Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome: Irregular bleeding pattern, hyperandrogenic symptoms, and metabolic symptoms are hallmarks of PMOS presentation, and diagnosis may be supplemented with laboratory testing or ultrasound.
Endometriosis: While laparoscopic visualization is required for definitive diagnosis, endometriosis can often be identified clinically, and managed with a combination of hormonal treatment and analgesia.
Primary Care GYN Screening: STI, IPV, Cancer (breast, cervical, and other age appropriate screenings like lung, colon), Osteoporosis. Encourage use of USPSTF app

=== Our Expert(s) ===
Dr. Mukta Dhond, MD is an Assistant Professor of General Medicine at Yale and practicing primary care physician at the West Haven VA Medical Center. She is the Women’s Health Medical Director at the VA Connecticut and part of the Women's and Gender Health Education Program at the Yale School of Medicine.

Shefali R Pathy, MD, MPH is an Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at Yale. She is the OB/GYN Director of the Women’s Center at Yale New Haven Hospital and received her medical degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, NY where she also completed her OB/GYN residency. She has a strong interest in urban health care and medical education, and serves as the Director of Clerkships for Yale School of Medicine and the co-director of Women and Children's Health Clerkship, OBGYN Component.

=== References ===

=== About Us ===
The Primary Care Pearls (PCP) Podcast is created in collaboration with faculty, residents, and students from the Department of Internal Medicine at the Yale School of Medicine. The project aims to create accessible and informative podcasts about core primary care topics centered around real patient stories.

Host: Jasmine Jiang
Producers: Helen Cai, Josh Onyango, Daniel Wang, Jasmine Jiang
Logo and Name: Eva Zimmerman
Theme music and Editing: Helen Cai, Josh Onyango
Other background music: Nat Keefe, Adam MacDougall, Silent Partner, Density and Time, "Accralate - The Dark Contenent" by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.

Instagram: @pcpearls
Twitter: @PCarePearls
Listen on your favorite podcast platforms: linktr.ee/pcpearls
22 min
July 01"I Wish Someone Took Me Seriously" - Gynecological and Reproductive Health (Part I)
Join Jasmine and Daniel as they discuss with Drs. Pathy and Dhond on how to integrate comprehensive gynecological health into your primary care practice.
=== Outline ===
Chapter 1: Scope of Practice in Primary Care
Chapter 2: Initial Approach
Chapter 3: Access to Contraception
Chapter 4: Establishing Trust

=== Learning Points ===
Reproductive Health in Primary Care: Half of patients we see will require gynecologic and productive care, and PCPs should feel confident serving as initial providers of these services before referring to OB/GYN.
Shared Decision-Making: When working with all patients of reproductive potential, open-ended patient-centered discussions of reproductive, family planning, and contraceptive goals should be a standardized part of routine history taking.
Keys to Approaching Contraception: Birth control is not a topic reserved for the OB/GYN office; a proactive approach to contraceptive counseling and trialing different methods is critical to ensuring the well-being of patients with pregnancy potential.
Listening and Humility: Building a foundation of trust means learning to listen to the experiences of our patients with openness and respect, recognizing the history of stigma and power imbalance surrounding reproductive health.

=== Resources for Further Learning ===
American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists student membership (complimentary): https://www.acog.org/membership/join/medical-students
American Academy of Family Physicians - Women’s Health Resources: https://www.aafp.org/family-physician/patient-care/care-resources/womens-health/women-s-health-resources.html
OB/GYN Student - Study materials, quizzes, and notes for medical students and early-career trainees: https://obgynstudent.com/
Bedsider - Simple, trustworthy reproductive health information for patients and providers: https://providers.bedsider.org/

=== Our Expert(s) ===
Dr. Mukta Dhond, MD is an Assistant Professor of General Medicine at Yale and practicing primary care physician at the West Haven VA Medical Center. She is the Women’s Health Medical Director at the VA Connecticut and part of the Women's and Gender Health Education Program at the Yale School of Medicine.
Shefali R Pathy, MD, MPH is an Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at Yale. She is the OB/GYN Director of the Women’s Center at Yale New Haven Hospital and director of clerkships for Yale School of Medicine. She received her medical degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, NY where she also completed her OB/GYN residency.

=== References ===
Daniels K, Mosher WD, Jones J. Contraceptive methods women have ever used: United States, 1982–2010. National health statistics reports; no 62. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2013. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr062.pdf
De Corte P, Klinghardt M, von Stockum S, Heinemann K. Time to Diagnose Endometriosis: Current Status, Challenges and Regional Characteristics-A Systematic Literature Review. BJOG. 2025 Jan;132(2):118-130. doi: 10.1111/1471-0528.17973. Epub 2024 Oct 7. Erratum in: BJOG. 2025 Jun;132(7):1018. doi: 10.1111/1471-0528.18149. PMID: 39373298; PMCID: PMC11625652.
Rabin RF, Jennings JM, Campbell JC, Bair-Merritt MH. Intimate partner violence screening tools: a systematic review. Am J Prev Med. 2009 May;36(5):439-445.e4. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2009.01.024. PMID: 19362697; PMCID: PMC2688958.

=== About Us ===
The Primary Care Pearls (PCP) Podcast is created in collaboration with faculty, residents, and students from the Department of Internal Medicine at the Yale School of Medicine. The project aims to create accessible and informative podcasts about core primary care topics centered around real patient stories.

Host: Jasmine Jiang
Producers: Helen Cai, Josh Onyango, Daniel Wang, Jasmine Jiang
Logo and Name: Eva Zimmerman
Theme music and Editing: Helen Cai, Josh Onyango
Other background music: Ryan McCuffrey, The Mini Vandals, Schwartzy, Godmode, Lish Grooves

Instagram: @pcpearls
Twitter: @PCarePearls
Listen on your favorite podcast platforms: linktr.ee/pcpearls
31 min
January 02 BONUS Episode: Becoming a New Parent During Medical Training
In this episode our producer, Helen Cai, leads a far reaching conversation with Alissa (guest speaker on Breastfeeding episode) about the joys and challenges of raising children while pursuing rigorous medical training.

=== About Us ===
The Primary Care Pearls (PCP) Podcast is created in collaboration with faculty, residents, and students from the Department of Internal Medicine at the Yale School of Medicine. The project aims to create accessible and informative podcasts about core primary care topics centered around real patient stories.

Hosts: Helen Cai
Producers: Helen Cai, Josh Onyango
Logo and Name: Eva Zimmerman
Theme music and Editing: Helen Cai, Josh Onyango
Other background music: Steve Adams, The Mini Vandals, Density & Time

Instagram: @pcpearls
Twitter: @PCarePearls
Listen on your favorite podcast platforms: linktr.ee/pcpearls
16 min
December 30, 2025 BONUS Episode: Lactation Medicine in Medical Education
In this bonus episode, one of our producers, Helen Cai, dives deeper into the challenges and opportunities of training medical providers to be more competent and confident in guiding new parents through breastfeeding. Our expert is Dr. Deanna Nardella, MD, MHS, a Yale Pediatrician.

=== About Us ===
The Primary Care Pearls (PCP) Podcast is created in collaboration with faculty, residents, and students from the Department of Internal Medicine at the Yale School of Medicine. The project aims to create accessible and informative podcasts about core primary care topics centered around real patient stories.

Hosts: Helen Cai
Producers: Helen Cai, Josh Onyango
Logo and Name: Eva Zimmerman
Theme music and Editing: Helen Cai, Josh Onyango
Other background music: Schwartzy

Instagram: @pcpearls
Twitter: @PCarePearls
Listen on your favorite podcast platforms: linktr.ee/pcpearls
14 min
December 15, 2025"Thank goodness there is Formula" - Infant Nutrition (Part II)
In this episode, Helen Cai and Dr. Faith Crittenden chat with Katherine and Dr. Porto about the challenges and opportunities of relying on infant formula, especially if it wasn’t a parent’s original plan.

=== Outline ===
Chapter 1: The realities of Infant Feeding
Chapter 2: The history and science behind formula
Chapter 3: Safe practices in handing infant formula
Chapter 4: Formula’s unintended benefits on family life

=== Learning Points ===
All infant formula are safe and complete due to regulations by the FDA and Infant Formula Act of 1980
The majority of infants thrive on standard intact cow’s milk protein formula
Prepared, refrigerated formula can be safely stored for up to 24 hours
Never dilute formula to stretch it, as this can lead to electrolyte abnormalities and failure to thrive
=== Our Expert(s) ===
Dr. Anthony Porto is a board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist and Professor of Pediatrics at Yale, where he serves as Associate Chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Medical Director of the Yale Pediatric Celiac Program. He is a recognized expert in infant nutrition and feeding, co-author of The Pediatrician’s Guide to Feeding Babies and Toddlers, and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics

=== Further Reading ===
CDC 2022 Breastfeeding Report Card: https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding-data/breastfeeding-report-card/index.html
NASPGHAN list of formula equivalents: https://naspghan.org/recent-news/naspghan-tools-for-hcps-affected-by-formula-recall/
Cernioglo K, Smilowitz JT. Infant feeding practices and parental perceptions during the 2022 United States infant formula shortage crisis. BMC Pediatr. 2023 Jun 24;23(1):320. doi: 10.1186/s12887-023-04132-9. PMID: 37355589; PMCID: PMC10290398.
Calello DP, Jefri M, Yu M, Zarraga J, Bergamo D, Hamilton R. Notes from the Field: Vitamin D–Deficient Rickets and Severe Hypocalcemia in Infants Fed Homemade Alkaline Diet Formula — Three States, August 2020–February 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:1124–1125. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7033a4
Anderson CE, Whaley SE, Goran MI. Lactose-reduced infant formula with corn syrup solids and obesity risk among participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Am J Clin Nutr. 2022 Oct 6;116(4):1002-1009. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/nqac173. PMID: 35998087; PMCID: PMC10157812.

=== About Us ===
The Primary Care Pearls (PCP) Podcast is created in collaboration with faculty, residents, and students from the Department of Internal Medicine at the Yale School of Medicine. The project aims to create accessible and informative podcasts about core primary care topics centered around real patient stories.

Hosts: Helen Cai
Producers: Helen Cai, Josh Onyango
Logo and Name: Eva Zimmerman
Theme music and Editing: Helen Cai, Josh Onyango
Other background music: Jeremy Black, Nat Keefe, Schwartzy, Corbyn Kites, Dan Bodan, The Mini Vandals, Moonrise, Density&Time, Quincas Moreira, Jesse Gallagher, John Patitucci, Steve Adams

Instagram: @pcpearls
Twitter: @PCarePearls
Listen on your favorite podcast platforms: linktr.ee/pcpearls
51 min
November 28, 2025“I did not expect it to be as challenging as it was” - Breastfeeding, Infant Nutrition (Part I)
In this episode, Helen Cai chats with Dr. Chen and Dr. Nardella about the challenges and joys involved with feeding babies through breastfeeding.

=== Outline ===
Chapter 1: Motivation for Learning
Chapter 2: Counseling on benefits of Breastfeeding
Chapter 3: Collecting a history and troubleshooting
Chapter 4: Not all situations are the same

=== Learning Points ===
Breastfeeding Pain is Not Normal: While some tenderness may occur in the very early days, ongoing pain, is a sign of a problem.
Supply and Demand Basics: Breastfeeding largely operates on supply and demand. Parents need to be encouraged to drain the breast 8 to 12 times in 24 hours to establish an adequate milk supply.
Universal Provider Responsibility: All primary care physicians should have a foundational knowledge of common breastfeeding challenges and counseling techniques.
Focus on Parent Goals and Informed Decision: Counseling should avoid shaming and move past yes/no questions and use motivational interviewing.
=== Our Expert(s) ===
Deanna Nardella, MD, MHS is a general pediatrician at Yale who completed her pediatrics residency at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and later joined Yale as a National Clinician Scholar, bringing a strong background in infant care and breastfeeding medicine to her work with families.

=== Further Reading ===
American Academy of Pediatrics. Policy Statement: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/150/1/e2022057988/188347/Policy-Statement-Breastfeeding-and-the-Use-of?autologincheck=redirected
Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine: links to “Need to Know” videos
https://www.bfmed.org/need-to-know-videos
Institute for the Advancement of Breastfeeding and Lactation Education (IABLE): Offers online CME and eCourses, including a “1 Day Primary Care Breastfeeding Medicine Course for Physicians and Other Providers”
https://lacted.org/
Global Health Media Project: Offers free instructional videos on a wide range of breastfeeding topics
https://globalhealthmedia.org/video/?_topic=breastfeeding&_language=english&~1
E-lactancia: Spanish and English information about compatibility between medications and breastfeeding. https://www.e-lactancia.org/
Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), maintained by the NIH: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/

=== About Us ===
The Primary Care Pearls (PCP) Podcast is created in collaboration with faculty, residents, and students from the Department of Internal Medicine at the Yale School of Medicine. The project aims to create accessible and informative podcasts about core primary care topics centered around real patient stories.

Hosts: Helen Cai
Producers: Helen Cai, Josh Onyango
Logo and Name: Eva Zimmerman
Theme music and Editing: Helen Cai, Josh Onyango
Other background music: Alge, futuremono, Joel Cummins, Schwartzy, Density & Time, The Tower of Light, Asher Fulero, Track Tribe, Penguinmusic, Esther Abrami, the Mini Vandals, Godmode, Quincas Moreira, Nathan Moore, Adam MacDougall,

Instagram: @pcpearls
Twitter: @PCarePearls
Listen on your favorite podcast platforms: linktr.ee/pcpearls
1 hr 6 min
August 13, 2025"The doctor is also just a person" - Transitions of Care for Adolescents (Part II)
In this episode, Dr. Liang chats with Alexis and Dr. Quinn about the challenges involved with helping adolescents transition care into the adulthood.

=== Outline ===
Chapter 1: Building a team of specialists
Chapter 2: Transitions to adult care
Chapter 3: The role of parents
Chapter 4: Parting advice
Chapter 5: Conclusion

=== Learning Points ===
While it’s tempting to think of adolescents as simply younger versions of adult patients, we need to recognize that they have their own needs and considerations. They’re learning about how to navigate the health care system for the first time, and will likely need our help to understand it.
If you’re listening to this as a specialist or as an adult provider who sees young adults, just remember that they may need a little bit of extra grace and kindness when they show up to see you for the first time. Your attitude easily becomes their attitude.
Emphasize interdependence, rather than independence. Who do teens have on their team, and how can we build up their toolkit of strategies and problem solving to best set them up for success?
=== Our Expert(s) ===
Sheila M. Quinn, DO, is an attending physician in the Craig-Dalsimer Division of Adolescent Medicine and the Transition to Adult Care Program at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Her areas of expertise include adolescent and young adult health, reproductive health, and health care transitions.
=== Toolkits and Resources ===
https://gottransition.org/

=== About Us ===
The Primary Care Pearls (PCP) Podcast is created in collaboration with faculty, residents, and students from the Department of Internal Medicine at the Yale School of Medicine. The project aims to create accessible and informative podcasts about core primary care topics centered around real patient stories.

Hosts: Addy Feibel
Producers: Helen Cai, Josh Onyango
Logo and Name: Eva Zimmerman
Theme music and Editing: Helen Cai, Josh Onyango
Other background music: Patrick Patrikios, Nat Keefe, The Mini Vandals, John Patitucci, DivKid, Joel Cummins, Godmode, Ammil

Instagram: @pcpearls
Twitter: @PCarePearls
Listen on your favorite podcast platforms: linktr.ee/pcpearls
43 min
June 30, 2025"We Have a Voice" - Mental Health, Social Media, and Sexual & Reproductive Health in Adolescents (Part I)
In this episode, Dr. Liang interviews Dr. Quinn (Adolescent Health Provider) and Alexis (Teenager) on her personal experience with navigating social media, mental health struggles, and reproductive health with her healthcare providers.

=== Outline ===
Chapter 1: Definitions
Chapter 2: Establishing a relationship with the patient
Chapter 3: Mental health
Chapter 4: Social media
Chapter 5: Sexual and reproductive health
Chapter 6: Conclusion

=== Learning Points ===
First impressions are important. How you set up and frame the relationship with a teen patient will set the tone for the teen’s trust, and how much they choose to confide in you in the coming years.
Instead of being prescriptive or setting limits, such as with social media, we can equip teens with the skills to reflect on their interactions. What does it mean to be kind in an online world? Is it leading to meaningful and constructive interactions? Or is it quickly becoming a detriment to someone’s identity and how they see themselves?
No matter the topic, using normalizing language can go a long way in empowering adolescents to share. When discussing topics included in the social history, using simple language can go a long way in avoiding misunderstandings. Remember, it might be the first time that teens are hearing these words being used.

=== Our Expert(s) ===
Sheila M. Quinn, DO, is an attending physician in the Craig-Dalsimer Division of Adolescent Medicine and the Transition to Adult Care Program at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Her areas of expertise include adolescent and young adult health, reproductive health, and health care transitions.
=== Toolkits and Resources ===
n/a

=== About Us ===
The Primary Care Pearls (PCP) Podcast is created in collaboration with faculty, residents, and students from the Department of Internal Medicine at the Yale School of Medicine. The project aims to create accessible and informative podcasts about core primary care topics centered around real patient stories.

Hosts: Addy Feibel
Producers: Helen Cai, Josh Onyango
Logo and Name: Eva Zimmerman
Editing: Helen Cai, Josh Onyango
Theme music: Josh Onyango
Other background music: Nat Keefe, TrackTribe, Geographer, Asher Fulero, Loopop, Freedom Trail Studio, Chris Haugen, Aaron Kenny, Ammil, penguinmusic,

Instagram: @pcpearls
Twitter: @PCarePearls
Listen on your favorite podcast platforms: linktr.ee/pcpearls
42 min
June 02, 2025"I don't feel welcome there." - LGBTQ+ Health in the Office (Part I)
In this episode, Delaney, Chloe, and Dr. Canarie help us understand how to provide inclusive care for everyone, including patients from LGBTQ+ community.

=== Outline ===
Chapter 1: Creating a welcoming environment
Chapter 2: Sexual history and organ inventory
Chapter 3: An informed physical exam

=== Learning Points ===
A simple, basic thing to do to create a safe environment for trans individuals is to commit to using their correct pronouns and name, which may be different from their legal name or the name on their medical records. This extends to before and after the visit, when you may be discussing a patient with other staff members.
Somebody's gender expression may be vastly different from their gender identity, and the same goes for sexual identity and sexual expression. What this means for us is that we shouldn't make assumptions about the individual sitting in front of us, for instance, that someone is taking hormones or wants to be, or that somebody who identifies as lesbian, bisexual, or gay is practicing a certain type of sex.
Use trauma-informed care when taking a sexual history and performing the physical exam. And we should be doing this with every patient we see, not just LGBTQ + patients. This can look like asking permission to discuss a topic and offering patients the choice to opt out.

=== Our Expert(s) ===
Dr. Canarie graduated from Arizona State University and the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. He completed his combined internal medicine and pediatrics residency at the Yale School of Medicine in 2020. During this time, Dr. Canarie studied under Anchor Health’s cofounder, A.C. Demidont, DO, AAHIVS, where he experienced firsthand how lifesaving competent care is for LGBTQ people. After graduating, Dr. Canarie served as a chief resident in pediatrics. In 2021, Dr. Canarie was hired as the medical director of Anchor Health’s HIV Prevention & Treatment Program.

=== Toolkits and Resources ===
YSM Dean’s Advisory Council guide
Fenway textbook: Transgender and Gender Diverse Health Care: The Fenway Guide
Free CME sponsored by Fenway: https://www.lgbtqiahealtheducation.org/
Neo pronouns: https://neopronounss.carrd.co/
CDC: Taking a sexual history using the 5 P’s https://www.cdc.gov/sti/hcp/clinical-guidance/taking-a-sexual-history.html#cdc_generic_section_3-the-five-ps

=== Listen to more LGBTQ+ voices ===
Making Gay History (podcast & book)
LGBTQ&A (podcast)
TransLash (podcast & website)
Gender Reveal (podcast)

=== About Us ===
The Primary Care Pearls (PCP) Podcast is created in collaboration with faculty, residents, and students from the Department of Internal Medicine at the Yale School of Medicine. The project aims to create accessible and informative podcasts about core primary care topics centered around real patient stories.

Hosts: Delaney Rawson
Producers: Helen Cai, Josh Onyango
Logo and Name: Eva Zimmerman
Theme music and Editing: Helen Cai, Josh Onyango
Other background music: The Mini Vandals, Density & Time, The Tides, Jesse Gallagher, Chillout, Astron

Instagram: @pcpearls
Twitter: @PCarePearls
Listen on your favorite podcast platforms: linktr.ee/pcpearls
44 min

About Primary Care Pearls

From the publisher's feed

A medical education podcast focused on primary care made by learners, for learners and - most importantly - led by our patients' stories. Episodes released every two weeks.