Voices of Experience Podcast

In this episode, Johnny Crowder shares his personal journey with mental health, the power of vulnerability, and innovative tools like Cope Notes that support mental well-being. Discover insights on reducing stigma, recognizing signs of mental health struggles, and fostering resilience.

Key Topics:

• Johnny Crowder's personal mental health story
• The role of music in coping with mental health
• Challenges of stigma and media influence
• The impact of diagnosis and advocacy
• Introduction to Cope Notes and its benefits
• Recognizing signs of mental health struggles
• Supporting loved ones and colleagues
• Building resilience through imagination and hope

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Johnny Crowder's Background
00:29 Johnny's Childhood and Early Challenges
01:26 Starting Treatment and Changing Perspectives
02:10 Music as a Medium for Connection and Healing
04:01 The Power of Sharing Personal Stories
04:31 Stigma Around Mental Health and Media Influence
05:50 Diagnoses and Societal Perceptions
08:31 Signs of Mental Health Struggles in Others
11:17 Supporting Loved Ones and Colleagues
16:04 Maintaining Hope During Difficult Times
18:03 Introduction to Cope Notes and Its Impact
21:24 Real Stories of Hope and Recovery
26:00 Resilience and Using Imagination to Overcome Challenges
28:44 Final Message and Resources for Help

“Tomorrow might be better.”

“If you can just say something like, ‘That sucks.’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, it really does.’”

“Please don’t leave before you get to experience all that stuff.”

🚀 Get involved here: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/patient-and-family-advisory-council-pfac 

Share your TGH Patient Experience story:
https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/recognition-compliments-and-stories

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In this episode, Dr. Noella West discusses the vital role of Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) in healthcare, their training, scope of practice, and the importance of APP Week. She shares insights on building patient trust, expanding access to care, and the future of APP practice.

Key Topics:

• Role and scope of APPs
• Training and certifications of APPs
• Impact of APPs on healthcare access
• Building patient trust and communication
• Future trends in APP practice

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Noella West and APP Week
02:05 Journey into healthcare: From family history to leadership
04:04 Defining the role of an Advanced Practice Provider
05:59 Differences between nurse practitioners and physician assistants
07:59 Supporting and elevating APPs at Tampa General Hospital
10:12 The significance of APP Week and recognition activities
12:06 Building trust and connection with patients
14:04 Educational background and certifications of APPs
16:05 Overcoming misconceptions about APPs
17:50 The future of APP practice and healthcare innovation
20:09 Patient empowerment and active participation in care
21:56 Closing remarks and appreciation for APPs

"APPs are highly trained, collaborative healthcare providers."

"Building trust involves listening and personalized communication."

"The future of APPs includes more presence in research and policy."

🚀 Get involved here: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/patient-and-family-advisory-council-pfac 

Share your TGH Patient Experience story:
https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/recognition-compliments-and-stories

Follow on social media @voicesofexperiencepfac

Share your TGH Patient Experience story:
https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/recognition-compliments-and-stories

Follow on social media @voicesofexperiencepfac

In this episode of the Voices of Experience podcast, host Amber Brown welcomes Aamer Ahmed, Chief Patient Experience Officer to the show. Aamer shares his vision for transforming patient experience by adopting a holistic, journey-based approach that emphasizes human connection, cross-department collaboration, and patient-centered care.

Key Topics:

• Patient journey mapping and its importance
• Changing paradigms in patient experience measurement
• Cross-department collaboration for seamless care
• Accessibility and language services in healthcare
• The role of spiritual health and human connection

Takeaways:

• Patient experience is a human experience that spans the entire continuum of care.
• Measuring patient experience should focus on journeys, not just units or departments.
• Cross-department collaboration is essential for seamless patient care.
• Accessibility, language services, and spiritual health are critical components of patient-centered care.
• Leadership must adopt a holistic view to truly improve patient experience.

"Patient experience starts long before hospital arrival."

"Measuring journeys across the continuum of care is essential."

"Experience matters as much as clinical care."

🚀 Get involved here: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/patient-and-family-advisory-council-pfac 

Share your TGH Patient Experience story:
https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/recognition-compliments-and-stories

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In this episode of the Voices of Experience podcast, host Amber Washington engages with leaders from the Digestive Diseases Institute at Tampa General Hospital to discuss their innovative work on reducing outpatient colonoscopy revisits. The conversation highlights the importance of patient education, the role of the Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC), and the successful outcomes achieved through collaboration and quality improvement initiatives. The leaders share their experiences, insights, and the recognition they received for their impactful work, emphasizing the significance of the patient voice in healthcare.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Voices of Experience Podcast
01:26 Meet the Leaders of Digestive Diseases Institute
03:22 The Colonoscopy Reduction Project: Identifying the Issue
05:47 Patient Education: Enhancing the Experience
08:21 Standardizing Patient Education and Discharge Calls
10:43 Pre-Procedure Education: Preparing Patients for Colonoscopy
13:39 Recognition and Accolades for the Project
17:09 The Importance of Patient Voice in Healthcare
20:32 Final Thoughts on Patient-Centered Care

🚀 Get involved here: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/patient-and-family-advisory-council-pfac

Takeaways:
-The colonoscopy reduction project significantly improved patient outcomes.
-Patient education was identified as a critical area for improvement.
-Standardizing processes across units enhanced patient care.
-Engaging nurses in patient education led to better understanding.
-Discharge calls were implemented to reinforce patient education.
-Utilizing technology like MyChart improved patient access to information.
-Collaboration with PFAC was essential for project success.
-Recognition at conferences highlighted the project's impact.
-Listening to patients is crucial for effective healthcare delivery.
-The patient voice should always be at the center of care.

"We cut the revisit rate in half!" 

"We received a QI macros blue ribbon!" 

"PFAC was a vital part of our success."

🚀 Get involved here: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/patient-and-family-advisory-council-pfac

Share your TGH Patient Experience story:
https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/recognition-compliments-and-stories

Follow on social media @voicesofexperiencepfac

In this episode of the Voices of Experience podcast, host Amber Washington introduces the new Patient Family Advisory Council (PFAC) executive committee members. The discussion revolves around their personal experiences with Tampa General Hospital, their visions for improving patient-centered care, and the importance of community engagement. Each member shares their unique stories, highlighting the significance of the patient voice in healthcare. The episode emphasizes the need for continuous improvement in healthcare practices and the role of patient advocates in shaping a better experience for all.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the Voices of Experience Podcast
01:41 Meet the New PFAC Executive Committee
07:09 Vision and Leadership in PFAC
11:27 Engagement and Community Involvement
15:48 Personal Stories and Patient Experiences
33:17 The Importance of the Patient Voice

🚀 Get involved here: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/patient-and-family-advisory-council-pfac

Takeaways:
-The value of the PFAC members is priceless.
-Community engagement is essential for healthcare improvement.
-Patient experiences shape the future of healthcare.
-Mentorship programs can enhance advisor involvement.
-Quality and safety are core focuses of PFAC.
-Diverse patient voices lead to better healthcare outcomes.
-Engagement in the community fosters trust and collaboration.
-Personal stories highlight the importance of patient advocacy.
-The patient voice is crucial for understanding diverse experiences.
-Healthcare must adapt to meet the needs of all patients.

"We want to be that choice." "We are part of the community." "Behind every number is a patient."

🚀 Get involved here: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/patient-and-family-advisory-council-pfac

Share your TGH Patient Experience story:
https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/recognition-compliments-and-stories

Follow on social media @voicesofexperiencepfac

In this episode of the Voices of Experience podcast, host Amber Washington speaks with Dr. Anthony Watkins, a transplant surgeon at Tampa General Hospital. They discuss the critical role of patient voices in healthcare, the importance of kidney transplants, and the impact of chronic kidney disease. Dr. Watkins shares his journey in transplant surgery, the demographics of patients he serves, and the significance of patient advocacy in the healthcare system. The conversation highlights the need for health literacy and the responsibilities of patients post-transplant, emphasizing the importance of individualized care. 

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Patient-Centered Care
01:19 Meet Dr. Anthony Watkins
03:27 The Importance of Kidney Transplants
06:17 Impactful Patient Stories
08:34 Understanding Patient Demographics
11:41 Advocating for Kidney Health
14:19 Post-Transplant Care and Responsibilities
16:56 The Role of Patient Advocacy
22:04 Conclusion and Future Conversations 

🚀 Get involved here: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/patient-and-family-advisory-council-pfac

Takeaways:
-The patient's voice is critical in healthcare situations.
 -Tampa General Hospital has achieved record transplant volumes.
 -Kidney transplants significantly improve patients' quality of life.
 -Chronic kidney disease is often caused by high blood pressure and diabetes.
 -Health literacy is essential for patients to advocate for themselves.
 -Patients must adhere to medication regimens post-transplant.
 -Every patient has unique needs that must be addressed.
 -Access to quality healthcare is vital for managing chronic diseases.
 -Patient stories remind healthcare providers of their impact.
 -Building trust between patients and providers is crucial for effective care.

"Health literacy is crucial for patient advocacy." "Every patient is different and has unique needs."

🚀 Get involved here: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/patient-and-family-advisory-council-pfac

Share your TGH Patient Experience story:
https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/recognition-compliments-and-stories

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In this episode of the Voices of Experience podcast, host Amber Washington engages with Dr. Asa Oxner and Sandra Genao to discuss the critical role of patient voices in healthcare innovation, particularly through the Think Ambulatory First initiative. They explore how this initiative addresses capacity challenges in hospitals by providing care in ambulatory settings, enhancing patient experiences, and fostering collaboration with the Patient Family Advisory Council (PFAC). The conversation highlights the importance of education, patient advocacy, and the use of simulations to better understand patient journeys and improve healthcare delivery.

Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Patient Voices
02:49 Think Ambulatory First Initiative
05:55 Patient Experience and Feedback
09:09 Education and Team Engagement
12:08 Patient Advocacy and Self-Advocacy
14:48 Collaboration with PFAC
18:03 Simulations and Understanding Patient Journeys
27:05 The Value of Patient Perspectives

🚀 Get involved here: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/patient-and-family-advisory-council-pfac

Takeaways
-The patient voice is essential for effective healthcare innovation.
-Think Ambulatory First addresses hospital capacity challenges.
-Patient feedback is crucial for improving healthcare programs.
-Education for healthcare teams is vital for program success.
-Patients should be empowered to advocate for their own care.
-Collaboration with PFAC enhances program development.
-Simulations help staff understand patient experiences better.
-Realistic patient scenarios improve healthcare delivery.
-Engaging patients in program design leads to better outcomes.
-Continuous communication is key to patient-centered care.

🚀 Get involved here: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/patient-and-family-advisory-council-pfac

"You are your best advocate." "Having PFAC helps us be realistic."

Share your TGH Patient Experience story:
https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/recognition-compliments-and-stories

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In this compelling episode of Voices of Experience, host Amber Washington, speaks with Advisor Carlos Brito, a Corporal with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, as he shares his real-life trauma story after being struck by a car while on duty.

Carlos opens up about the moment that changed everything, the challenges of recovery, and how this experience shaped his outlook on life, service, and resilience. His story is a powerful reminder of the risks first responders face, and the strength it takes to heal, both physically and mentally.

Share your TGH Patient Experience story:
https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/recognition-compliments-and-stories

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In honor of Lipedema Awareness Month, this episode of Voices of Experience features advocate and patient Julie Quinn, who shares her personal journey living with lipedema—a misunderstood and often misdiagnosed condition.

Julie opens up about the emotional and physical challenges she faced before finally receiving the diagnosis, and how that moment of clarity empowered her to become an advocate for others. This episodes explores the key differences between lipedema and lymphedema, common signs and symptoms, and the importance of provider awareness and compassionate care.

Share your TGH Patient Experience story:
https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/recognition-compliments-and-stories

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In this special recap episode of Voices of Experience, guest host Vincent A. Lanci returns to reflect on the first half of Season 2, offering key takeaways and personal insights from Episodes 1 through 5. From the power of storytelling to the impact of high-quality, compassionate care, this conversation revisits the voices and moments that have shaped this season so far.

Catch up on the episodes featured in this recap:

🔹 Life as Kidney Transplant Donors with Michael and Debbie Lundberg
In honor of National Donate Life Month, advisors Michael and Debbie share their moving story as living kidney donors.

🔹 The Impact of Quality and High Reliability in Healthcare with Dr. Peggy Duggan and Dr. Laura Haubner
Tampa General Hospital leaders discuss how a commitment to safety and reliability drives better outcomes.

🔹 Navigating Life as NICU and Twin Parents with Justin and Kim Park
A heartfelt look at parenting through the NICU and beyond, with twin parents Justin and Kim Park.

🔹 Compassion in Healthcare with Tiffany Brown and Megan Lenahan
Inspired by Compassionomics, this episode explores how empathy and human connection improve care.

🔹 The Importance of Primary Care and How It Saved My Life with Kyle Pukylo
PFAC advisor Kyle Pukylo shares how a primary care visit led to a life-saving diagnosis.

Whether you're joining mid-season or looking to reflect on past episodes, this recap highlights the stories, themes, and voices that continue to shape a more compassionate, patient-centered healthcare experience at Tampa General Hospital.

Share your TGH Patient Experience story:
https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/recognition-compliments-and-stories

Follow on social media @voicesofexperiencepfac