UB Medicine

Sleep affects nearly every aspect of our health, but getting enough quality sleep can be a challenge at every age. In this episode of the UB Medicine Podcast, host Dr. Allison Brashear talks with sleep experts Dr. Amanda Hassinger and Dr. Ali El Solh about why sleep matters, how our sleep needs change throughout life and what happens when we consistently don’t get enough rest.

From the effects of the seasonal time change and the unique sleep challenges facing children and teenagers to sleep apnea, cardiovascular health and other common sleep disorders, the conversation explores the science of sleep across the lifespan. The guests also share practical strategies listeners can use to build healthier sleep habits and explain when sleep problems may warrant medical attention.

Health care professionals dedicate their careers to caring for patients and families, often working in high-pressure environments where exposure to stress, trauma and suffering is a daily reality. While compassion is at the heart of health care, the emotional demands of continually caring for others can lead to compassion fatigue, affecting personal well-being, professional satisfaction and patient care.

In this episode of the UB Medicine Podcast, Allison Brashear, MD, PhD, speaks with Chandra M. Grabill, PhD, and Graham Skelhorne-Gross, MD, PhD, about the causes and warning signs of compassion fatigue, its impact on health care professionals and strategies for building resilience and fostering healthier workplace cultures. Together, they explore how individuals and organizations can better support the well-being of those who care for others.

Genetic testing has transformed the way we understand disease risk, diagnose rare conditions, and personalize medical care. But behind every test result is a patient, a family, and a series of important decisions about health, prevention, and the future.

In this episode of the UB Medicine Podcast, Dean Allison Brashear sits down with certified genetic counselors Lindsey Alico, MS, CGC, inaugural director of the Jacobs School's Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program, and Hallie Metzger, MS, CGC, lead genetic counselor at Catholic Health, to explore the growing role of genetic counseling in modern medicine.

They discuss how genetic counselors help patients navigate complex and often emotional information, the enduring importance of family health history, and how advances in genomic medicine are changing care across the lifespan, from family planning and pregnancy to cancer risk assessment and rare disease diagnosis.

The conversation also examines the future of personalized medicine, the expanding role of genomic testing in health care, and how the next generation of genetic counselors is being trained to meet the increasing demand for expertise in this rapidly evolving field.

Whether you're curious about your family health history, interested in the future of medicine, or considering a career in genetic counseling, this episode offers an inside look at a profession that is helping bridge scientific discovery and compassionate patient care.

Obesity affects millions of people and is increasingly recognized as a complex chronic disease shaped by biology, genetics, environment and metabolism. In this episode of the UB Medicine Podcast, host Dr. Allison Brashear is joined by Dr. Ajay Chaudhuri, an internationally recognized expert in diabetes, obesity and metabolic disease, and Dr. Kathleen Bethin, a pediatric endocrinologist and specialist in childhood metabolic health, for an in-depth discussion about the science transforming obesity care.

Together, they explore how our understanding of obesity has evolved, why stigma remains a barrier to treatment, and what patients and families should know about metabolic health. The conversation also examines the rise of GLP-1 medications, explaining how these therapies work, why they represent a significant breakthrough in obesity and diabetes treatment, and the broader health benefits clinicians are seeing beyond weight loss.

Listeners will gain insight into obesity and metabolic care across the lifespan, from children and adolescents to adults, as well as the importance of combining medication with nutrition, physical activity and behavioral support. The episode concludes with a look at emerging research, unanswered questions and the future of personalized obesity treatment.

Gun violence is more than a public safety issue. It is a public health challenge that affects the health, well-being and resilience of entire communities. In this episode of the UB Medicine Podcast, host Dr. Allison Brashear is joined by Adrienne Garr, executive director of Buffalo's Office of Gun Violence Prevention, and Eddie Payne, community coordinator with the Erie County Department of Central Police Services, to discuss how Buffalo is working to prevent violence, support healing and strengthen community partnerships. 

Together, they explore the lasting impact of the May 14, 2022, Tops Friendly Market shooting, the importance of viewing violence through a public health lens, and the collaborative efforts helping individuals, families and neighborhoods recover from trauma. The conversation highlights violence prevention, trauma recovery, community trust and the critical role health professionals, educators, advocates and residents play in creating safer, healthier communities.  

The episode also previews the 2026 Rise, Respond and Rebuild Conference at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, a gathering dedicated to advancing healing, resilience and community-driven solutions to violence.

How can medical schools build stronger, more meaningful partnerships with the communities they serve? In this episode of the UB Medicine Podcast, host Allison Brashear, MD, MBA, explores how the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is working alongside community organizations, advocates, patients, and neighbors to advance health, opportunity, and better outcomes across Western New York.

Joining the conversation are Anyango Kamina, PhD, assistant dean for trainee and faculty development, and Michael Lamb, PhD, psychologist, educator, and trauma-informed care advocate. Together, they discuss the importance of listening to community voices, supporting learners and faculty in community-engaged work, and creating educational experiences that connect students with real-world health challenges and lived experiences.

The episode highlights initiatives such as Community Connect within the Well Beyond Curriculum, community-partnered learning opportunities, and trauma-informed approaches to patient care. Guests also share how these experiences help future physicians better understand social drivers of health, build trust with patients and communities, and become more compassionate and effective health care leaders.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the power of collaboration, the value of community wisdom, and how sustained partnerships are helping shape the future of medical education and health care.

The transition from high school to college is one of the most exciting—and challenging—periods in a young person’s life. For students pursuing careers in medicine, health care, and science, the first year often brings new academic expectations, greater independence, and important questions about identity, belonging, and purpose.

In this episode of the UB Medicine Podcast, host Dr. Allison Brashear, dean of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, explores what it takes to help students successfully navigate this critical transition. She is joined by Dr. John C. Panepinto, senior associate dean for biomedical education, and Carissa Uschold-Klepfer, LCSW, assistant director for outreach programs, for a conversation about academic readiness, student wellbeing, resilience, and the evolving role of families.

Together, they discuss the challenges many students face during their first year, how confidence is built through support and early success, and why seeking help is a sign of strength—not weakness. The episode also offers practical advice for incoming students and their families on developing healthy habits, managing stress, building connections, and making the most of the college experience.

Whether you're a student preparing for your first semester, a parent supporting a child through this transition, or an educator committed to student success, this conversation offers valuable insights into helping young people thrive during a pivotal stage of their educational journey.

This episode of the UB Medicine Podcast explores perimenopause and menopause — an inevitable stage of life that affects half the population, yet remains widely misunderstood. Host Dr. Allison Brashear, dean of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, is joined by Dr. Sarah Berga, professor and chair of obstetrics and gynecology, to bring clarity, context and science to a topic often shaped by confusion and myth.

Together, they discuss why menopause is not a single moment but part of a longer, highly individualized reproductive lifespan. The conversation unpacks common symptoms such as sleep disruption, mood changes, and brain fog, and explains how hormonal fluctuations, not just decline, drive many of these experiences. Dr. Berga also addresses longstanding misconceptions about hormone therapy, the lasting impact of the Women’s Health Initiative, and how evolving research is reshaping care.

Importantly, this episode highlights a critical gap in education and access: many women seek care from a range of providers who may not be fully trained in menopause management. The discussion underscores the need for better awareness across the health care system and encourages listeners to seek informed, personalized care.

With a focus on evidence-based medicine and patient empowerment, this episode offers practical insight for women navigating midlife health, and reinforces the importance of being informed, asking questions, and finding providers who are prepared to answer them.

In this episode of the UB Medicine Podcast, Dr. Allison Brashear, dean of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and vice president for health sciences at the University at Buffalo, explores how the future of pediatric care is being shaped through innovation, collaboration, and a deep commitment to improving outcomes for children and families.

Joined by Dr. Benny Joyner, chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the Jacobs School, and Dr. Lucy Mastrandrea, chief of pediatric endocrinology and diabetes, the conversation highlights how advances in technology, clinical care, and medical education are transforming pediatrics across Western New York and beyond.

Together, they explore the evolving landscape of pediatric medicine — from simulation-based training for high-acuity care to technologies transforming diabetes management. The discussion highlights how innovation is improving outcomes while enhancing the patient and family experience.

The episode also highlights the importance of integrating research, care, and education into cohesive, family-centered models. Drs. Joyner and Mastrandrea discuss how collaboration across UB, UBMD Physicians' Group and Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo — along with strong community partnerships — is strengthening pediatric care across the region.

Looking ahead, the conversation addresses the critical role of data, technology and workforce development in shaping the next generation of pediatric care. From predictive analytics in critical care to new approaches in training future clinicians, the episode highlights how UB is positioning itself as a leader in pediatric innovation and discovery.

At its core, this episode is about reimagining what’s possible in children’s health — and how science, collaboration and community-driven care are coming together to build a healthier future for children in Buffalo and beyond.

In this episode of the UB Medicine Podcast, Dr. Allison Brashear explores how pediatric cancer care is being transformed through scientific discovery, collaborative care, and a deep commitment to supporting children and their families at every stage of the journey.

Joined by Dr. Kara Kelly, a nationally recognized leader in pediatric hematology/oncology and Chair of Pediatric Oncology at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Dr. Andrew Rogers, a physician-scientist focused on improving quality of life for young cancer patients, the conversation spans the full continuum of care — from breakthroughs in the lab to long-term survivorship.

Together, they reflect on how far the field has come, with dramatically improved survival rates driven by decades of research and collaboration, including partnerships between the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Science at the University at Buffalo, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo. They also examine the complexities that remain, from addressing long-term effects of treatment to ensuring equitable access to cutting-edge therapies.

The episode highlights the importance of caring for the whole child — not just the disease — with multidisciplinary teams supporting physical health, emotional well-being, and family resilience. It also looks ahead to the future of pediatric cancer research, including the promise of precision medicine and innovations that aim to improve both outcomes and quality of life.

At its core, this conversation is about rewriting what a pediatric cancer diagnosis means today — and what it can mean in the future — through science, compassion, and hope.