S1E14: A New Era of Pediatric Care — How Tampa General Hospital Is Tackling Health Disparities at the Root (Dr. Tanuja Sharma & Rachel Hoyer, Tampa General Hospital)

In the fight against pediatric health disparities, are we missing the most powerful tools: connection, education and access? TampaWell, activated by Tampa General Hospital (TGH), is redefining disease prevention and tackling social factors negatively impacting health at the root. In this episode of Think Bigger Voices, host Jennie Treby sits down with Dr. Tanuja Sharma and Rachel Hoyer of TGH to explore how one of Florida’s leading hospitals is addressing health disparities in underserved populations. With over 40% of the U.S. population struggling to make ends meet, this is not a niche issue — it’s a national reality. Dr. Sharma and Rachel Hoyer unpack how systemic gaps, from a lack of primary care to chronic stress, are impacting kids long before they ever reach a hospital. They explore how TampaWell is responding with real, community-centered solutions – based on the proven success of a similar model in Italy! Listen in to learn: - Why many children in underserved communities go without routine care, and what’s lost in the process. - How fragmented support, environmental exposure and chronic stress impact physical and mental health. - Why access and education are the foundation of lasting change, and how wellness classes and conversations at a young age build habits that carry into adulthood. - Why access to nutritious food, physical activity, stress reduction, and social connection are essential pillars of care rooted in equity, dignity and proactive care. - How community-focused programs, including educational activities, wellness coaching and volunteering, empower families to heal and grow together through cooking, gardening, exercise and giving back. TGH is redefining pediatric health, bridging the gap between medical, mental and community care. Dr. Sharma and Rachel Hoyer offer a behind-the-scenes look at how TGH’s TampaWell, with empathy at its core, is equipping families with the tools they need to flourish. Links: TGH Tampa Well Think Big for Kids More about Dr. Sharma and Rachel Hoyer Dr. Sharma on TGH Website Rachel Hoyer on LinkedIn About host Jennie Treby Jennie Treby on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.