In this special edition of the HEALS Pod, I had the distinct pleasure of welcoming Shelley Berkley, a prominent mayoral candidate for the city of Las Vegas. Our conversation delved deep into her journey, her understanding of healthcare, and her vision for the future of our vibrant city.

We kicked off the episode by discussing the intensity of the election season and how grateful I was that Shelley could join me despite her busy schedule. Shelley shared her passion for healthcare, a topic that has been central to her life and career. With her family deeply rooted in the medical field—her husband is a nephrologist, and her stepdaughter is a family practice physician—Shelley brings a unique perspective to the political landscape, especially regarding healthcare issues.

As we explored her background, Shelley recounted her family's journey to Las Vegas in the early 1960s. Her father, a waiter, moved the family from upstate New York to Southern California, but a spontaneous stop in Las Vegas turned into a lifelong residence. This personal history resonated with me, as I shared my own family's story of immigration and the sacrifices made for a better life.

Shelley's path to public service began early; she was involved in student government and always had aspirations to run for office. After attending law school, she was determined to gain the credibility needed to serve her community. Her political career took off when she ran for the Nevada State Assembly, where she passed significant legislation, including the Senior Law Project and the Lemon Law.

Throughout our discussion, Shelley emphasized the importance of education and public service, reflecting on her family's immigrant background and the opportunities afforded to her. She shared her experiences in Congress, highlighting the challenges of navigating healthcare legislation without a medical background, and the importance of having professionals in the room when discussing healthcare policy.

As we transitioned to her current campaign for mayor, Shelley expressed her excitement about the potential for transformative change in Las Vegas. She outlined her priorities, including public safety, homelessness, affordable housing, and economic growth, while also emphasizing the need for better transportation and education systems. Her extensive experience in healthcare and education positions her uniquely to address these issues effectively.

The episode concluded with a discussion about the future of Las Vegas, the importance of retaining physicians through residency programs, and the optimism surrounding the city's growth. Shelley's passion for public service and her commitment to improving the lives of Las Vegas residents were evident throughout our conversation, leaving me inspired about the future of our community.