We Talk Health - Official Podcast of West Tennessee Healthcare

A cancer diagnosis can bring many questions and uncertainties—especially when surgery may be part of the treatment plan. In this episode, surgical oncologists Asad Azim, MD, FACS, FSSO, and Adil Ayub, MD, FACS, FSSO, discuss what patients and families need to know about surgical oncology.

From understanding when surgery is recommended and how treatment plans are developed to answering questions about chemotherapy, radiation, recovery and second opinions, Dr. Azim and Dr. Ayub provide insight into the cancer journey. They also share what patients can expect at their first appointment and how specialized cancer surgery is helping bring advanced care closer to home for patients throughout West Tennessee. 

Having a baby can be an exciting and joyful experience, but it can also bring unexpected emotional challenges. For some new mothers, feelings of sadness, anxiety, exhaustion or being overwhelmed may be signs of something more than the “baby blues.”

In this episode of We Talk Health, we discuss postpartum depression, how to recognize the warning signs, when it’s time to ask for help and how family members can support a new mother who may be struggling.

We’ll also explore postpartum depression resources available through West Tennessee Healthcare, including Women’s Health services and Pathways Behavioral Health Services. Most importantly, we’ll remind new mothers that they are not alone—and that postpartum depression is treatable.

If you or someone you love is struggling after childbirth, learn how to recognize the signs and where to turn for support.

What does robotic surgery really mean—and who is actually in control? In this episode, Dr. Garrison Smith of Jackson Surgical Associates explains how robotic-assisted surgery works, what makes it different from traditional surgery, and what potential benefits it may offer patients.

Dr. Smith recently reached an impressive milestone of 2,000 da Vinci robotic surgeries, while Jackson-Madison County General Hospital has surpassed 15,000 robotic surgeries. He shares why experience matters, which procedures may be performed robotically, what patients can expect before and after surgery, and the questions every patient should ask when considering their surgical options.

Most importantly, Dr. Smith explains why robotic technology is just one tool—and why the ultimate goal is always choosing the safest and most effective approach for each patient.

Hemorrhoids and hernias are common, but they’re not always easy to talk about. In this episode of The WTH Wellness Podcast, Shaniece Craft, MD, general surgeon with Jackson Surgical Associates, tackles these often-uncomfortable topics and answers the questions patients may be hesitant to ask.

Dr. Craft explains what causes hemorrhoids and hernias, which symptoms can be managed at home and when it’s time to see a healthcare provider. She also discusses when rectal bleeding should be evaluated, whether every hernia requires surgery, warning signs that may indicate an emergency, and the treatment options available—including minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures.

 Most importantly, Dr. Craft reminds listeners that seeking an evaluation does not automatically mean surgery. Getting the right diagnosis is the first step toward understanding your options and finding the treatment that’s right for you. 

🏥 Advanced technology. Compassionate care. Life-changing independence.

In this episode of We Talk Health, we explore the new Mobility & Assistive Technology Clinic, a groundbreaking service bringing specialized care closer to home for families across West Tennessee.

For years, many patients had to travel long distances for evaluations, fittings, repairs, and access to complex rehabilitation equipment. Now, thanks to this innovative clinic, patients can receive comprehensive support right here in their own communities.

Join us as we discuss how a collaborative team of physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and assistive technology professionals work together to help patients of all ages live safer, more independent lives. From custom wheelchairs and safe-sleep beds to communication devices that give patients a voice, you'll learn how technology is transforming healthcare—and why local access matters for rural communities.

✨ Discover how this new clinic is helping families navigate complex equipment needs with confidence while bringing advanced care closer to home.

In This Episode:

✅ What the Mobility & Assistive Technology Clinic offers
 ✅ Who can benefit from these services
 ✅ How assistive technology improves independence and quality of life
 ✅ The importance of local access to evaluations, repairs, and support
 ✅ Why this clinic represents the future of healthcare in West Tennessee

🎙️ Enjoying We Talk Health? Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who may benefit from learning about the life-changing possibilities of mobility and assistive technology. To learn more about the services available through West Tennessee Healthcare, visit your local provider or talk with your healthcare team.

In this episode of We Talk Health, we take a closer look at how innovative technology and compassionate care come together through West Tennessee Healthcare’s eICU program.

Host Keith Sherley is joined by Jason and Audrey, members of the eICU leadership team, to discuss what eICU really means, how it works behind the scenes, and the impact it has on patients, families, and bedside care teams across our region.

From real-time patient monitoring and rapid response support to helping patients stay closer to home, this conversation explores how eICU adds an extra layer of expertise and collaboration in critical care settings. Listeners will also hear about the day-to-day role of eICU nurses, how the technology supports patient-centered care, and what the future may hold for this growing program.

Whether you are a healthcare professional, patient, or community member, this episode offers an inside look at how West Tennessee Healthcare is using technology to strengthen care and improve outcomes across West Tennessee.

  Season 3 is here! Join us for the premiere of We Talk Health as we kick off a brand-new season with a fresh voice behind the mic. In Season 3, listeners can expect engaging conversations with healthcare experts, the latest health information and wellness insights, and new ways to connect with West Tennessee Healthcare.

In this first episode, meet our new podcast host and get a preview of what’s ahead this season—from timely health topics and community stories to expert advice designed to help you and your family live healthier. Whether you're a longtime listener or joining us for the first time, there’s something new for everyone in Season 3 of We Talk Health.

Subscribe now so you never miss an episode, and stay connected with the latest from West Tennessee Healthcare.

On this episode of We Talk Health, we sit down with Shelby McMillon, Director of Lake Haven Behavioral Health in Henry County, to talk about a topic many families struggle with: caring for an aging loved one who is facing mental health challenges.

Shelby shares her insight into the Geriatric Psychiatry Unit at Lake Haven—what it is, how it works, and most importantly, why it's often the right step for families trying to navigate the complex emotional and behavioral health needs of seniors.

She addresses the hesitations many people feel when considering inpatient care for a parent, grandparent, or elderly relative—and explains how Lake Haven provides compassionate, specialized treatment that supports not only the patient, but the entire family.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• What the geriatric psych unit at Lake Haven offers.
• Why families often feel guilt or uncertainty about seeking inpatient psychiatric care for an elderly loved one.
• How Lake Haven supports emotional healing and stability for seniors experiencing conditions like dementia, depression, or anxiety.
• The positive impact proper treatment can have on both the individual and their caregivers.
• Shelby’s advice for families considering this path—and what to expect if they take the next step.

Host:
Kara Mobley
Social Media Coordinator

Guest:
Shelby McMillon, RN
Director, Lake Haven Behavioral Health

Resources:
731-644-8420

731-644-8424 (Fax)

In this episode of the We Talk Health podcast, West Tennessee Healthcare Henry County Hospital CEO, Paula Bell joins us. Paula recently became the new CEO of Henry County Hospital, and as a native of Henry County, she shares her journey and how she plans to lead.

Learn all about what's new at Henry County Hospital, hear all about Paula's background and more.

Guest:
Paula Bell, PharmD, BCPS
CEO, Henry County Hospital

Host:
Kara Mobley
Social Media Coordinator

Tune into the latest episode of We Talk Health to hear from Dr. Lindsay Foust, DPM, as she delves into the world of podiatry. Discover how podiatrists play a vital role in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle concerns—from everyday aches to more complex conditions—and learn tips for keeping your lower extremities healthy and pain-free. 

Guest:
Lindsay Foust, DPM
Podiatrist, Innovative Orthopedics

Host:
Kara Mobley
Social Media Coordinator