Beyond the Stethoscope

In this episode of Beyond the Stethoscope, Dr. Hartaj Powell of Holy Cross Health shares expert insights on pregnancy after 35. Learn how fertility changes with age, what “advanced maternal age” means, and how personalized care and modern medicine support healthy pregnancies. Whether you’re planning ahead or currently expecting, this conversation offers clear, trusted guidance to help you make informed decisions.

For many, finding safe and effective weight loss treatment can be a struggle. Bariatric surgeon Kanika Trehan, MD, from Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital, joins us to discuss the differences in treatment options and whether GLP1 or bariatric surgery is the best option for patients.

Not sure whether to head to the ER or urgent care? In this episode of Beyond the Stethoscope, Kimberly Fortson, nursing director of the St. Mary Medical Center emergency department explains what is considered an emergency versus when to seek care at an urgent care center. Plus, she talks about why getting CPR certified this season is a simple step that can make a lifesaving difference.

Le‑Ann Harris of Trinity Health Mid‑Atlantic and Holy Cross Health shares thoughtful reflections on the patient experience and the personal journey that led her to a career in nursing. Through real‑world perspectives and meaningful experiences, Le‑Ann highlights the importance of compassion, presence, and purpose in delivering patient‑centered care. Her insights serve as a reminder to healthcare professionals of the values that inspire service, excellence, and connection in clinical practice. This conversation offers an authentic look at how remembering one’s “why” strengthens both caregiver resilience and the overall patient experience.

Behind every healthy birth is a network of care, compassion and support. At Saint Francis Hospital in Delaware, the Tiny Steps Program is at the forefront of this effort. In this episode of Beyond the Stethoscope, we discuss how this impactful initiative is transforming maternal care by offering comprehensive support to expectant mothers, regardless of their financial circumstances. The Tiny Steps Program provides a range of services, including prenatal education, bilingual counseling, postpartum care, and community outreach. This initiative is helping families thrive—one tiny step at a time. Join us as we speak with special guest, Maureen Lorenzo, from the program to learn how it is making a lasting impact on mothers, babies, and the communities they live in. Learn more about the Tiny Steps Program: trinityhealthma.org/tiny-steps

On this episode of Beyond the Stethoscope, we explore the transformative world of Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic's interventional radiology services. Discover how minimally invasive procedures are improving outcomes, reducing recovery times and reshaping the patient experience. Interventional radiologist David Feldstein, MD, shares insights into the technology, teamwork and innovation driving this vital program—and what it means for the future of health care.

Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at hospital medicine with Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic board-certified internist Konstantin Ozerinsky, MD. Discover how compassion, coordination and clinical expertise come together to support patients during their most critical moments. Experience a powerful conversation about care, connection, and the human side of healing.

Winter weather may be beautiful, but it can also be dangerous, especially when it comes to slips, falls, and joint injuries. In this episode of Beyond the Stethoscope, orthopedic surgeon Stephen Cairone, DO, discusses the most common cold-weather injuries and how to prevent them. From footwear choices to safe snow-shoveling techniques, we’re covering everything you need to stay safe, strong, and injury-free this season.

Flu season is here, and Beyond the Stethoscope is helping you stay ahead of it. We sit down with Jing Liang, CRNP, a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner from Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic Medical Group, to break down the essentials–from how the flu spreads and who’s most at risk to why the flu shot matters more than ever. Schedule an appointment for your annual flu vaccine now.

In this episode of Beyond the Stethoscope, we’re stepping into the heart of advocacy with Nazareth Hospital’s nurse manager, Jaime Moran, a participant of the 2025 Philadelphia Heart Walk. This event is more than just a walk; it's a powerful movement to raise awareness, inspire action, and support those affected by heart disease and stroke. Jaime shares her personal connection to the cause, what the walk means to her and why community advocacy is essential in the fight for better heart health. Support the Heart Walk: http://www2.heart.org/goto/trinityhealthmidatlantic

On this special Breast Cancer Awareness Month episode of Beyond the Stethoscope, we sit down with Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic Medical Group breast surgeon Kristin Krupa, MD, to explore the critical role of early detection, the latest in prevention strategies, and the evolving landscape of breast cancer treatment. Whether you’re navigating a diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or simply want to stay informed, this conversation offers practical insights, expert advice, and a message of hope.

At Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic, delivering the highest quality of care is more than a goal, it’s a mission. In this episode of Beyond the Stethoscope, we’re joined by Oleg Teytelboym, MD, who takes us inside the world of advanced CT technology. Discover how the latest innovations in imaging are transforming diagnostics, improving outcomes, and enhancing the patient experience across our region.

Hospitals have dedicated professionals working behind the scenes to ensure every patient receives the best care possible. On this episode of Beyond the Stethoscope, Megan O’Dell, regional director of quality, safety and patient experience for Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital and Saint Francis Hospital, shines a light on the vital role of her department. From maintaining compliance with national, state and local standards to driving positive patient outcomes, the quality team plays a pivotal role in shaping the care experience from the inside out.

As the school year begins, it’s not just about new backpacks and sharpened pencils; it’s also the perfect time to check in on your child’s health. In this episode of Beyond the Stethoscope, we sit down with Saint Francis Center of Hope primary care physician Sergio Ramirez, MD, to talk about the essential role of back-to-school checkups. From physicals and immunizations to mental health and healthy routines, we cover everything families need to know.

In this episode of Beyond the Stethoscope, we dive into the evolving world of structural heart disease—a group of conditions affecting the heart’s structure, including heart failure, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and congenital heart defects. Dr. Hitesh Raheja joins us to explore the latest advancements in structural heart procedures and the cutting-edge technologies now available in our region. Whether you’re a health care professional or simply curious about the future of cardiac care, this conversation offers valuable insights into how innovation is transforming patient outcomes.

Throughout our series, we’ve explored many of the departments that keep hospitals running—from emergency care to labor and delivery. But today, we’re shining a light on a department that touches nearly every corner of the hospital: Environmental Services. In this episode, we sit down with Ra’son Alexander, Senior Director of Environmental Services at Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic, to uncover the essential role his team plays in maintaining not just cleanliness, but the overall health and safety of our campuses. From patient rooms to high-traffic areas, learn how Environmental Services supports hospital operations in ways that often go unseen—but are always critical.

As we go through our day to day lives, there are many things that can affect our overall heart health. Outside of known risk factors, on this episode of Beyond the Stethoscope, Nazareth Hospital cardiologist Dr. Robert Singer discusses silent things happening in your body that could be affecting your heart.

Cases of HIV and Hepatitis C have been on the rise in the Greater Philadelphia area. Infectious disease provider Gul Madison, MD, shares her approach to treating these two diseases and the goal of eliminating long-rooted stigma. If you or someone you know is battling HIV or Hepatitis C, Dr. Madison is accepting new patients.

Access to care is often one of the biggest barriers when it comes to positive health outcomes, but there are also several factors, commonly referred to as social determinants of health, that play a larger factor. Marlow Levy, RN, MBA, FACHE, president of Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital in Darby, Pa., and Saint Francis Hospital in Wilmington, Del., talks about how social determinants play a role in the lives of the communities we serve in Delaware and Greater Philadelphia, and what Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic is doing to combat them.

Bariatric surgeon, Aley Tohamy, MD, discusses the significant advancements of minimally invasive surgery for bariatric patients and non-surgical weight-loss options.

At Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic we strive in our mission to meet our community where they are. We are excited to welcome Joe Fisher and Amy Gravelle of the Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic Medical Group to talk about the new outpatient center opening in Yardley, Pa., on May 5, 2025. Learn more about the services at Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic at Yardley: trinityhealthma.org/yardley.

Spring has sprung and for those who are breaking out of their winter hibernation and getting more active, foot and ankle specialist Dr. Eric Gokcen shares how to prevent harming your feet and ankles, and what the treatment for the most common foot and ankle injuries, a twisted ankle. If you are in need of a foot and ankle specialist in the greater Philadelphia area, Dr. Gokcen is accepting new patients now: https://www.trinityhealthma.org/provider/eric-gokcen-md

In honor of Match Day on March 21—a day that is most memorable in a medical student’s education—we meet Dr. Brian McDonough, the chair of graduate medical education at Saint Francis Hospital. Dr. McDonough has been practicing medicine for over 40 years and over the last decade been advising residents in their three-year residency journey. Dr. McDonough highlights his career as not only a provider and advisor to residents, but as a medical reporter as he educated the masses in New York City and Philadelphia about a wide array of medical conditions.

Kicking off our new season, we are excited to introduce our new regional president and CEO, Andre (Dre) Boyd. Dre joined Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic earlier this year; and in this episode, he shares a little about himself, his background in health care and his vision for the future of Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic. Learn more about the mission at Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic at: https://www.trinityhealthma.org/mission

Today, we are excited to welcome back Ob/Gyn Sarah Goodheart, DO. In our last episode, Dr. Goodheart answered questions first-time moms often think about before giving birth. In this episode, Dr. Goodheart discusses what women can expect after birth and shares post-partum tips.

Pregnancies cause a wide range of emotions, especially for first-time mothers–excitement, anxiety and stress. In the first of a two-part interview, we have the pleasure of speaking with Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic Medical Group Ob/Gyn Sarah Goodheart, DO, who helps first-time moms keep their emotions in check and deliver their babies in a healthy, safe environment.

The worst place to spend the holiday season is in the hospital. However, some patients have long-term stays in the hospital and may not have family visit them. Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic lead patient advocate Absalom Mitchell explains ways the community can make the holidays memorable for those in the hospital.

The holidays are a time to spend with family and friends, and most gatherings often center around food. Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic dietician Sophia Friedeborn offers tips on how to navigate healthy food choices over the holiday season.

In this episode, we discuss how spiritual care plays a role in a healthcare environment. St. Mary Medical Center offers a Chaplain Residency Program by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) accredited by the Department of Education. The manager of Clinical Pastoral Education, Jawad Bayat, discusses how chaplains play a vital role across all Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic hospitals.

Hiatal hernia is a term you may only hear when experiencing one. This type of hernia occurs when parts of the stomach begin to push into your chest. Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic Medical Group bariatric surgeon Alfred Trang, MD, discusses the causes and how to spot the warning signs of hiatal hernias.

Saint Francis Hospital is celebrating its centennial year on October 16, 2024. In this episode we welcome Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic President & CEO, Jim Woodward and Regional Director of Philanthropy, Gina Kennedy to look back on the legacy of the hospital and the impact it continues to make today. Also in this episode, we welcome our new host Adriane Kiss.

We welcome back sports orthopedic surgeon, Dinesh Dhanaraj, MD, to talk about some of the common injuries players see during the NFL season. Dr. Dhanaraj also explains how patients overcome concussions.

In the season 2 premiere of Beyond the Stethoscope, we talk to internal medicine physician, Cheryl Jackson, MD, who breaks down the differences between primary care and internal medicine and how both play a role in addressing the social determinants of health of patients across the Philadelphia-metro area.

Happy Pride Month! As we wrap the first season of Beyond The Stethoscope, we take a look into health care inequities often experienced by those in the LGBTQ+ community. Dr. Michael Magro, president of St. Mary Medical Center and Nazareth hospital, goes beyond the scenes of how their community approaches health care and the safe spaces Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic offers to members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Minutes matter in health care. But when do you need to seek emergency medical treatment? Dr. Brad Bendesky, chair of emergency medicine at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital explains situations where patients should seek care at an emergency room (ER), at an urgent care center, or with their primary care provider.

Chest pain of any kind can make people fear the worst—they may think they’re having a heart attack. But, is it? Dr. Ronald Fields, cardiologist at Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic Medical Group goes behind the science and explains the functions of the heart and how to tell the difference.

We take a dive into the new model of care at the Healthy Village at Saint Francis Hospital. Lil Schonewolf, executive director, explains the social impacts of health care and how the Healthy Village supports whole-person, whole-life health care to the northern Delaware community. Lil also explains the ways organizations can partner with the Healthy Village at Saint Francis Hospital.

It’s Nurses Week! This recognition is celebrated every year between May 6-12 in honor of Florence Nightingale’s birthday, the founder of modern nursing. In this episode, chief nursing officer, Angel McCullough, DNP, RN, MBA, NEA-BC, FACHE, dives into the great work our nurse’s do everyday around the region and highlights the multiple DAISY and BEE Awards recognitions at Nazareth Hospital so far this year.

For some, the journey to weight loss is a difficult one, and diet and exercise are simply not enough. If you’ve struggled to reach a healthy weight, weight-loss surgery at Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic may be right for you. Dr. Kanika Trehan, bariatric surgeon at Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic, explains the benefits of this procedure and helps bust the five common myths when it comes to bariatric surgery.

Technology and artificial intelligence are taking over many industries; health care is no different. Dr. William Melms, president of Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic Medical Group, talks about the future of health care and how that will affect the communities around the greater Philadelphia area and Delaware in the years to come.

Spring is in full bloom, and whether you are about to hit some walking trails, or have children partaking in spring sports, Dr. Dinesh Dhanaraj, orthopedic surgeon at Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic, has tips to prevent injuries while being active this season.

Did you know? Black mothers and babies face higher morbidity and mortality rates than any other race. Dr. LaShauna McIntosh, ob/gyn at Saint Francis Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware explains the importance of raising awareness around black mother and babies’ health in recognition of Black Maternal Health Week.

Welcome to Beyond the Stethoscope! Across this series, you will hear from different voices across the Greater Philadelphia and Delaware area, but in our series premiere, Jim Green, VP and Chief Development Officer at Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic, introduces you to our philanthropy department who helps get the mission and values out in the community.