In the sixteenth episode of Vitals and Voices, we sit down with a newly graduated veterinarian from outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who’s currently completing her internship at Abington Equine Hospital. Her journey, which began with a love for animals on her grandfather’s farm, led her to earn her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Simmons University and her veterinary degree from University College Dublin — where she discovered her true passion for equine medicine.

She shares how growing up surrounded by animals inspired her to explore the powerful connection between humans and the creatures they care for, and how that bond continues to guide her every day in practice. From navigating long days in the field to celebrating small victories with her patients, she reflects on the importance of teamwork, resilience, and having a supportive community both inside and outside of work.

We also dive into her interest in the One Health approach — the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health — and how it continues to shape her perspective on global veterinary medicine. Beyond the clinic, she shares personal achievements that keep her grounded, including running her first half marathon — a reminder that perseverance, both in and out of work, is key to balance and growth.

Through her story, we’re reminded that curiosity, compassion, and connection remain at the heart of every great veterinarian.

In the fifteenth episode of Vitals and Voices, we sit down with Grace (she/her) — a psychiatric nurse practitioner and the founder of Rediscovered Psychiatry, an insurance-based private practice serving adults 18 and older. Grace provides medication management and supportive therapy for those navigating eating disorders, disordered eating, depression, anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, and ADHD. She’s especially passionate about working with AAPI and queer communities, adult working professionals, and recovering perfectionists.

Grace’s journey into healthcare began with her own experiences as a patient during young adulthood. As the first in her family to navigate college, cultural narratives around mental health, and the process of seeking care, she experienced both the lifesaving potential of compassionate care and the harm of negligent, coercive systems.

In this conversation, Grace shares what motivates her — the patients themselves — and her perspective on challenging a profit-driven mental health system to build a more community-centered model of care. She also dives into her deep passion for eating disorder awareness, exploring how culture, trauma, and body image intersect in the healing process.

From starting her own practice to redefining what recovery looks like, Grace reminds us that healing is possible — and that care rooted in empathy and understanding is the care we need most.

In the fourteenth episode of Vitals and Voices, we sit down with Dr. Jackson Call, a pediatric dental resident, educator, and advocate for accessible oral healthcare.

After graduating from the University of North Carolina Adams School of Dentistry in 2024, Jackson spent a year as a general dentist before discovering his calling in pediatric denistry. His journey — inspired by his father’s compassion as a dentist and shaped by his time serving in Guatemala, where he witnessed health disparities firsthand — reflects his deep commitment to care, education, and community.

From leading SHAC Endodontics, a free dental clinic that provided root canals to underserved patients, to mentoring others through teaching and outreach, Jackson has continually used his skills to make a tangible difference.

Join us as Jackson shares how loss, purpose, and a passion for teaching have shaped his path, what pediatric dentistry has taught him about resilience and empathy, and why helping children smile brighter is what keeps him moving forward.

In the thirteen episode of Vitals and Voices, we sit down with Sakhi Patel — a PharmD student at UC Irvine, community pharmacy intern, and co-founder of CuraVoice, an AI voice-simulation platform helping healthcare students strengthen their patient communication and bedside manner with personalized feedback.

Through her work in pharmacy, education, and mentorship, Sakhi is bridging the gap between clinical expertise and human connection. She shares how growing up witnessing health literacy challenges inspired her to pursue pharmacy — a field that combines science, communication, and care.

Sakhi also opens up about building CuraVoice from the ground up, scaling it into a tool now used by dozens of students and programs across the country. Beyond entrepreneurship, she creates educational content as @sakhubitril.rx, where she makes healthcare relatable and empowers students to build systems for learning and wellness.

Tune in as Sakhi shares her insights on redefining health education, making empathy measurable, and proving that communication is more than a soft skill — it’s a clinical one.

Please note that in this episode, viewers will only be able to hear Dr. Bakshi’s audio, as a technical issue prevented video from being captured. We sincerely apologize for this inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

In the twelfth episode of Vitals and Voices, we sit down with Dr. Neeru Bakshi, a dedicated psychiatrist whose practice spans outpatient, inpatient, partial hospital, intensive outpatient, and residential care settings. Dr. Bakshi is deeply passionate about the treatment of eating disorders and advancing mental health equity.

She shares how her journey into medicine was shaped by curiosity and a fascination with human stories—finding psychiatry to be uniquely engaging because every patient and every day is different. In her current work, she leverages this curiosity to understand each patient’s individual experiences while also critically examining the systems of care that affect them.

Dr. Bakshi is motivated by witnessing her patients’ transformations, both mentally and physically, whether in residential programs or in her long-term outpatient practice. She emphasizes the importance of mental health equity, advocating for systemic change to ensure that every individual has access to meaningful healing opportunities.

Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Bakshi serves as a board member for Project Heal, a non-profit organization that supports those seeking treatment for eating disorders—a cause she holds close to her heart. Tune in to hear an inspiring conversation about patient care, resilience, and the pursuit of meaningful change in healthcare.

In the eleventh episode of Vitals and Voices, we sit down with Clareth — a first-generation college graduate, immigrant from Mexico, EMT, and future Physician Assistant. Born and raised in Mexico and now living in Texas, Clareth shares her inspiring journey from interpreting for her parents to pursuing a career in medicine.

A UT Dallas graduate with a degree in neuroscience and a minor in Spanish, she’s worked across primary care, plastic surgery, and crisis response — all while advocating for cultural representation in healthcare. Clareth opens up about her passion for serving underserved communities, her upcoming start in PA school, and her work as one of only 20 delegates nationwide in the AAPA House of Delegates.

She also mentors aspiring PA students for free, offering mock interviews and guidance to make the path to medicine more accessible. Tune in as Clareth shares her story of resilience, representation, and redefining what it means to serve with heart and purpose.

In the tenth episode of Vitals and Voices, we’re joined by Dr. Faith Mahlangu, a medical doctor, mental health advocate, and founder of Mentalversations, a wellness hub dedicated to reshaping how we view and approach mental health.

Dr. Mahlangu shares how her passion for both science and humanity led her to medicine — and how her personal experiences inspired her to reimagine what accessible, stigma-free mental health care can look like. From creating safe spaces for open conversations to pioneering initiatives that support men’s mental wellness, her work embodies compassion, leadership, and transformation.

We explore her journey, the importance of holistic healing, and how prioritizing mental health can transform not only individuals but entire communities. Tune in to hear how Dr. Mahlangu is reframing the conversation — one Mentalversation at a time.

In the ninth episode of Vitals and Voices, we’re joined by Arman Marghzar, a second-year Audiology student. Arman’s passion for audiology stems from a love of combining science with compassionate care, as well as inspiration from his father, who also works in the field.

We dive into Arman’s dedication to helping patients improve their quality of life, from hearing support to vestibular care, and explore how his research on hearing protection for dental professionals is raising awareness about occupational hearing risks. He shares the challenges and rewards of working with diverse patients, including those with complex balance and hearing issues, and what keeps him motivated even in difficult situations.

Tune in to hear Arman’s journey, insights on vestibular disorders, and the impact audiology has on people’s daily lives — reminding us that hearing and balance are essential to living fully.

In this episode, we sit down with Megan Pilcher, a second-year medical student and the creative mind behind @medwmeg, where she documents her journey as a first-generation pre-med through honest and relatable vlogs.

Growing up in a single-parent household with her Filipina mother and grandmother, Megan found her “why” for pursuing medicine after witnessing how a lack of patient connection can impact care. Today, that experience fuels her mission to become a physician who truly sees the person behind the patient.

Outside of her studies, Megan is a cycle instructor, dog mom, book lover, and reality TV enthusiast — proof that balance is possible, even in med school. She’s passionate about preventative medicine and believes in empowering individuals and communities through lifestyle, nutrition, and fitness.

We also talk about how she turned her “silly little vlogs” into a global source of inspiration for other first-gen students in medicine, what keeps her grounded through tough times, and her plans to expand into YouTube (because 90-second videos just aren’t enough).

Tune in for a candid, motivating, and joy-filled conversation about purpose, growth, and the power of storytelling in healthcare.

In this episode of Vitals and Voices, we sit down with Raquel Johnson, a new graduate nurse currently working in cardiovascular and telemetry services (CVTS). She began her nursing journey after being inspired by her grandmother’s illness and a desire to help others at the bedside during the pandemic.

She shares how her experiences on both med/surg and cardiac units shaped her approach to patient care, including her dedication to preventing pressure ulcers and ensuring patients feel heard and respected. She also reflects on her motivation, the challenges of nursing, and the meaningful impact of receiving Daisy nominations from patients early in her career.