The PQI Podcast

How can we truly deliver patient-centered care without understanding our patients’ cultural backgrounds?

In this episode of The PQI Podcast, Kafilat Salawu, DNP, FNP-C, AOCNP, BCPA, nurse practitioner, and Founder of FIDES Health Advocates, shares powerful insights on culturally competent care in oncology. Drawing from her personal journey and over 15 years of experience, she provides valuable insights on how healthcare professionals can bridge communication gaps and enhance care coordination, ultimately making a meaningful impact on the lives of patients from diverse backgrounds.

Kafilat highlights the role of multidisciplinary teams, health literacy, and patient advocacy in delivering more inclusive care. She also discusses how addressing implicit bias and strengthening communication can lead to better treatment experiences and outcomes for diverse patient populations.

Continuing Education (CE) Information
This episode is accredited for 0.5 CE credit for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

Learning Objectives:

• Define culturally competent care and its impact on oncology
• Recognize barriers to equitable care and strategies to overcome them
• Discuss the role of implicit bias in healthcare and approaches to mitigate its effects
• Explore how multidisciplinary teams and patient advocacy improve treatment outcomes

To claim CE credit, use the access code: 3S D2H H and submit here.

About the Guest
Dr. Kafilat Salawu, DNP, FNP-BC, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner and founder of FIDES Health Advocates, dedicated to improving health equity through patient advocacy and education. With over 15 years in hematology and oncology, she is a leading voice in culturally competent care, empowering patients and providers to create more inclusive treatment experiences.

Disclosures:
The following relevant financial relationships within the past 24 months have been identified and disclosed for the reviewers of this CE presentation:
Dr. Kafilat Salawu, DNP, FNP-C, AOCNP, BCPA – Consultant for BeiGene, with honoraria received.
No relevant financial relationships for the following reviewers:

Ginger Blackmon, PharmD

Tahsin Imam, PharmD

Daisy Doan, PharmD

In this episode of The PQI Podcast, we’re excited to welcome Samira Daswani, founder and CEO of Manta Cares. As a cancer survivor, Samira knows firsthand the challenges of navigating the cancer journey. Driven by her own experience, she created Manta Cares to provide survivors and caregivers with tools that offer both practical support and peace of mind.

We'll talk about how her personal story shaped the mission behind Manta Cares, including innovative resources like the Manta Planner and the unique subway-style maps that guide patients through the often-overwhelming process of cancer care.

Samira is also the host of Patient from Hell, a top-ranked podcast on Spotify, where she shares powerful stories from the frontlines of patient advocacy, reminding us of all of the strength it takes to face the challenges of healthcare.

Join us as we explore the intersection of personal experience, healthcare innovation, and the emotional challenges of cancer care

Learn more at: MantaCares.com

For many cancer patients, the journey to treatment can be just as challenging as the treatment itself. What if that journey could be shortened—by bringing care directly to their homes?

In this episode of the podcast, we’re joined by Jennifer Hunsey, BSN, RN, Nursing Program Coordinator at Mayo Clinic Florida, to explore the innovative Cancer Care Beyond Walls initiative. This groundbreaking program is bringing oncology treatments directly to patients, minimizing barriers to care, and reducing the burden of travel. Jennifer discusses how the Mayo Clinic uses technology and a patient-centered approach to deliver chemotherapy and supportive care in the comfort of patients' homes.

We learn the inspiration behind this initiative, the role of virtual oversight and home health nursing, as well as the challenges faced and the patient experiences that have shaped the program. Jennifer also shares exciting insights into future expansion plans that could reshape how cancer care is delivered.

This episode offers a powerful look at the future of oncology care—listen now to discover the Cancer Care Beyond Walls program’s impact on patients and the importance of expanding care beyond traditional settings.

Jennifer Hunze, BSN, RN, the RN Program Coordinator for Mayo Clinic’s Cancer Care Beyond Walls program. With over 20 years of nursing experience—17 of those in oncology—Jen has worked in various roles, including inpatient hematology, infusion nursing, and cancer treatment management. She now leads efforts to develop innovative cancer care delivery models aimed at improving access and the overall patient experience.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we’re joined by Chara Reed, Senior Director of National Sales, who has spent over 30 years making an impact in pharmacy and healthcare. From her start as a pharmacy technician to leading in the specialty medication space, Chara has built a career centered on leadership, mentorship, and advocating for women in the field. As the founder of the Pharmacist Women Networking Association, she’s dedicated to fostering connections and empowering the next generation of female leaders. Listen in as Chara shares insights on career growth, leadership, and the value of building a supportive professional network.

Disclaimer: The views expressed by Chara Reed in this episode are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of her employer.

Staying connected during a health journey is essential for both patients and their loved ones. In this episode, we welcome Jay Drayer, founder of CareFlash, and Steven Paulson, MD, President and Chairman of Texas Oncology, to discuss how CareFlash communities provide a unique space for sharing updates, offering support, and easing the emotional challenges of caregiving.

Jay founded CareFlash in 2005, inspired by his personal caregiving experiences. He brings a unique blend of financial expertise, strategic vision, and a deep passion for innovation to his work. Through platforms like Careopolis, Kiddopolis, and Petopolis, CareFlash helps families and loved ones navigate caregiving with empathy and connection.

Dr. Paulson, a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist, leads Texas Oncology, one of the largest cancer treatment organizations in the country. With a distinguished career spanning decades, he has been instrumental in advancing oncology care and ensuring patients receive cutting-edge treatments in a compassionate, community-based setting.

Together, Jay and Dr. Paulson share insights into the role of connection in patient care, how CareFlash enhances communication among caregivers, and what excites Dr. Paulson about the future of oncology.

For more information on CareFlash, visit CareFlash.com.

Ilana Graetz, PhD, is an Associate Professor at Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health and leader of the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Program at the Winship Cancer Institute. Dr. Graetz’s research centers on leveraging health information technology to transform care delivery and improve patient outcomes. As the principal investigator and co-investigator on numerous federally and institutionally funded studies, her work encompasses a wide range of topics, including data analytics, the use of electronic health records and patient portals to enhance care quality and coordination, telehealth innovations, remote monitoring, and patient-reported outcomes. She also leads efforts to design and evaluate mobile health interventions that strengthen patient-provider communication, support treatment adherence, and improve health outcomes.

In this premiere episode, Jessica White, PharmD, VP of Speciality Portfolio & Programs at McKesson, brings over 20 years of experience to the table. From managing oncology’s generics portfolio to fostering manufacturer relationships, Jessica shares her unique insights into the strategies that can help navigate drug shortages and ensure continuity in patient care.

Tune in as Jessica emphasizes the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to maintain supply chain stability and deliver exceptional care.

Check out Jessica’s article, Stakeholders Collaborate to Ensure Supply Chain Continuity, where she discusses how effective collaboration can help prevent drug shortages and maintain continuous patient care.

In this special bonus episode of the PQI Podcast, we’re celebrating NCODA’s own Sharita Howe, Associate Director of Partner Development and Strategy, and a 2025 MM+M 40 Under 40 honoree.

Sharita takes us through her career journey, from her early days as a retail pharmacist to her current leadership role at NCODA, where she’s driving meaningful changes in oncology care through collaboration and patient-centered initiatives. She reflects on how her experiences have shaped her path, the significance of her recent recognition, and the growing role of pharmacists in oncology.

Sharita’s career is a powerful example of the impact pharmacists can have, not just behind the counter but as leaders in transforming patient care. 

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on how collaboration, leadership, and education are driving change in oncology care. Plus, we couldn’t resist asking—what’s Sharita planning to wear on the red carpet?

In this special holiday episode, they’re looking back on 2024’s highlights, sharing their personal journeys that led to NCODA, and looking ahead to all the exciting possibilities in 2025. Get ready for some holiday cheer with Christmas trivia, spirited cookie debates, and heartwarming stories about why NCODA’s mission continues to inspire.

Cindy and John explore the unique challenges veterans face, especially in rural areas, and explore innovative solutions like telehealth, coordinated care, and public-private partnerships aimed at improving care quality and access for this deserving population.

Tune in for this impactful conclusion to Season 7, where we honor the service of our veterans and those who dedicate their lives to their care. Thank you for joining us this season, and stay tuned for more inspiring conversations in Season 8!

Additional Resources:
Veteran Patient Cancer Care