On Call with April and Alicia

After a brief hibernation, On Call is back--just in time for Spring! After a long, cold winter, April and Alicia are thrilled to catch up by putting one another in the hot seat for a new seasonal fact or fiction. Does pollen exposure do more than make you sneeze? Could daylight savings impact more than just your sleep? And why haven't they put out a vaccine for Spring Fever yet? A fresh season deserves fresh answers--let's dive back in!

Don't get left out in the cold—April and Alicia are closing out 2025 with one last fact or fiction all about the winter weather! Does your head really let off the most heat? Could going limp prevent a broken wrist on the slopes? And will standing outside in the cold be the next weight loss fad? Put on your coziest socks and tune in for frosty fun!

Happy Thanksgiving! April and Alicia are serving up a brand-new fact or fiction in honor of our favorite food-centered holiday. Is your turkey dinner the reason for your post-dinner food coma? Was the wishbone once used for divination? And just how long should you expect to wait at the emergency room if someone at the table takes a tumble? Tune in--you just might learn something between your laughs.

The holidays are approaching fast, and we at On Call are getting in the spirit of togetherness with a brand new guest! April and Alicia are joined by long-time colleague and friend Saira Ayub, Senior Director for Staffing Services at Sound Physicians. After nine years at Sound, Saira has learned a thing or two about what makes a great clinical team. Tune in to hear her career and leadership journey, hospital staffing philosophy, and even a few holiday hot takes.

Patients may hear their clinician, but do they really understand them? In this episode, April and Alicia tackle the myths and misunderstandings surrounding health literacy. From mixed messages to medical jargon, they test each other's knowledge on the facts, fictions, and ways clearer communication can transform care.

April and Alicia diving back into the headlines with a chilling twist! This episode, hear some of the latest healthcare news (and personal encounters) about all things creepy, crawly, and cutting-edge. From new-age cadaver labs to advancements in freeze-dried blood, these innovations are as fascinating as they are frightening. Spoiler alert: maybe skip this one if you're scared of bugs!

It's our favorite time of the year here at On Call: National APP Week! Sept. 22-27 is dedicated to recognizing advanced practice providers for the expertise, compassion, and care they bring to patients every day. To celebrate, April and Alicia—APPs themselves—are adding a little friendly competition into the mix with a fact or fiction all about their beloved profession. If you're an APP out there listening, we hope you play along with us and feel celebrated this week!

Days are shortening, temperatures are cooling, and pumpkin spice is back - it can only mean one thing: It's Fall, y'all! Our hosts April and Alicia are thrilled to kick off the season with a fact or fiction that will test their knowledge on all things autumnal and cozy. Are there any nutritional benefits in your favorite pumpkin treats? Will colder weather actually make you sick? And is there any truth around "seasonal depression?" Tune in and play along!

Ready for part two? April and Alicia are back with more health news headlines and hot takes! In this episode, they dive into the battle against C-section site infections and the innovations saving the lives of countless women. Also, April unpacks what a compact license means for physician assistants on the move. It's breaking news, and you won't want to miss it!

This month, we’re scrubbing in with a two-parter on the latest health headlines—literally. From the buzz about “skin cancer soap” to the ongoing debate around BMI, April and Alicia break down the breakthroughs, bust some myths, and ask the big (and sometimes weird) questions facing the future of healthcare. Tune in for your dose of news and nuance.

In this episode, April and Alicia have the pleasure of sitting down with friend, colleague, and adventurer extraordinaire Stephanie Byrne. As VP of Specialized Clinical Solutions at Sound, Stephanie knows a thing or two about problem solving, providing support, and conflict resolution - all things that make a great leader. Tune in to hear Stephanie's story!

It’s Herbal Prescription Interaction Awareness Month—yes, that’s a thing! In this episode, April and Alicia discuss some of the most famous homeopathic remedies that may not be playing nice with the prescriptions in your medicine cabinet. From flu season fixes to natural mood boosters, our hosts dig into the pros, the cons, and the "wait, this does what?!" moments. Spoiler alert: just because it grows in your garden doesn't mean it's risk-free.

You know what they say: sun's out, bugs out! To celebrate the start of the season, April and Alicia test each other's summertime safety knowledge with a fact or fiction. What warm-weather critters could cause you harm? Are you really at risk of West Nile virus in the U.S.? And just what exactly should you put on a jellyfish sting? Tune in and play along - On Call summer school is in session.

In honor of Men's Health Week, April and Alicia are joined by a special guest: Sound Hospital Medicine's Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mihir Patel. Dr. Patel brings personal insight and professional perspective to discussing the realities of men and their health. Why are so many men hesitant to schedule those regular checkups? What preventive screenings could save a man's life—especially one who feels perfectly fine? Tune in for a conversation that could inspire you (or the men in your life) to make that overdue appointment.

In honor of Lyme Disease Awareness Month, this episode of On Call takes a turn to the personal as Alicia shares a recent family journey - her son's unexpected Lyme disease diagnosis. From early symptoms to the challenges of pinning down a correct diagnosis, she and April discuss this illness's science, risks, and reality. Tune in for a candid conversation that sheds light on this often-forgotten disease.

In honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, April and Alicia put their knowledge to the test with a fun and informative quiz all about skin cancer. From surprising statistics to vital prevention tips, tune in as they challenge each other — and you — to spot the facts and stay sun safe. Can a multitude of melanin really replace SPF? Should you skip sun protection on a cloudy day? And that toasty tanning bed can't be that bad...right?

April and Alicia are back from Spring Break and ready to dive back into another On Call fact or fiction head-to-head! Changing seasons can impact your health in many ways. Allergies, bugs, and changing temperatures are just a few factors that could distract you from the Spring cleaning you've been putting off. What plants are the biggest Spring villains? Does this season make you more vulnerable to ticks? Do you actually need to fill a huge planter with dirt before putting flowers in it? Tune in to find out!

As we continue celebrating Women's History Month, former guest and friend of the podcast Tiffany Coyle returns to catch up with April and Alicia - with a new job title, no less! As Sound Physician's Chief Operating Officer, Tiffany joins us On Call to get candid about how her leadership journey started and how its new heights have brought interesting challenges. Having navigated imposter syndrome, harsh assumptions, and all the highs and lows of leadership, Tiffany speaks to the power of embracing humanity in leadership, offering wisdom on authenticity, setting boundaries, and giving yourself grace.

When facing the unthinkable, one's mental battle is just as important as their physical battle. It's Women's History Month, and April and Alicia are joined by Adriana Santos, a dear friend, former colleague, and cancer survivor. After a tumor was discovered on her pancreas, Adriana's life was turned upside-down with intense treatments and surgeries. In this episode, she shares her patient journey, detailing how her attitude - and gratitude - carried her through some of the most difficult times in her life.

February is the month of hearts! Heart boxes full of chocolate, heart-shaped cards, chalky conversations hearts; but what about the most important heart - the one beating in your chest and keeping you alive? We at On Call have you covered because we're celebrating Heart Month, the time of year dedicated to learning and raising awareness about heart disease's leading cause of death in the U.S. April and Alicia put their heart health knowledge to the test, swapping cardiovascular facts and essential tips to keeping your ticker in top shape. Tune in for a heart-racing competition!

It's Black History Month, and we're proud to recognize the achievements, contributions, and history of Black individuals and their communities in the healthcare landscape. To celebrate and spread a little knowledge, April and Alicia talk through trivia about some lesser-known figures who pushed healthcare innovation forward - despite having all odds stacked against them due to the color of their skin. Tune in for some education, reflection, and lighthearted competition!

Bundle up, On Call listeners! In this episode, April and Alicia dive into the wonders of winter with a frosty fact or fiction. Could going out in chilly weather make you catch a cold? Is cookie dough as dangerous as it is delicious? Tune in to find out - and don't forget your mittens!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! April and Alicia are ringing in 2025 with their hopes, resolutions, (and maybe a few predictions) for what's in store this year. Joined once again by question master Julie Holley, our hosts ruminate on dream podcast guests, a 2025 theme song, and the word they want to define their year.

'Tis the season for reminiscing, reflecting, and getting together with good friends - podcast guests included! Sound Executive Administrator Julie Holly is back and brought some burning questions about April and Alicia's first year of podcasting. It may be the year's last episode, but don't worry; our favorite hosts will return with more On Call in 2025. Happy holidays!

What are YOU thankful for this year? Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and April and Alicia are going head-to-head in a food-filled, turkey-tastic holiday fact or fiction. Can holiday over-indulging really put pressure on your heart? Has Thanksgiving always dominated the fourth Thursday in November? Is green bean casserole the true side dish GOAT? Listen in and learn something new - you can thank us later!

Starting to feel a chill in the air? For a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patient, winter weather can spark a myriad of challenges. It's COPD Awareness Month, and April and Alicia are joined by none other than Dr. Sergio Zanotti, Chief Medical Officer for Sound Critical Care and host of the Critical Matters podcast. Together, they discuss the intricacies of this dangerous respiratory illness. A pillar of the intensivist community, Dr. Zanotti brings his decades of pulmonary expertise and clinical ICU work to this insightful conversation.

In this special episode of On Call, hear the powerful testimony of a breast cancer survivor. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to spread awareness about and rally behind those struggling with one of the most common forms of cancer for women. April and Alicia welcome Lauren, a nurse practitioner, mother, and friend of the show, to share the journey she's embarked on since her diagnosis last year. Lauren describes the physical and emotional challenges she's faced, the importance of early detection, and the ways her diagnosis and treatment have reshaped her perspective on life, both past and present. Tune in for a meaningful story about resilience, hope, and the strength found in community support.

In honor of Latin AIDS Awareness Day on Oct. 15, April and Alicia bring in an expert to discuss mass infectious disease and the brave researchers who cure it. Meet Dr. Roberta Luskin-Hawk, a Chicago-based Sound Physicians clinical leader and infectious disease specialist whose fascination with curing patients placed her at the center of the 1980s American AIDS/HIV epidemic. Hear about her journey to the top of her field and the stigmas she broke along the way.

We are counting down the days to our favorite holiday here at On Call: National APP Week! Sept. 22 through 28 celebrates all the nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and more working tirelessly in hospitals worldwide. April and Alicia could think of no one better to kick off the APP festivities with than Sound's executive assistant extraordinaire Julie Holley! After sharing a bit about herself and her background, Julie puts our hosts in the hot seat to shed some light on all things APP. To all the APPs out there, we see you and appreciate all you do for your patients and teams!

Prilosec. Skyrizi. Monjaro. These aren't Harry Potter spells - they're prescription drugs. In this episode, April and Alicia dive into the interesting world of prescription drug names and quiz each other on how well they can tell widely used medications from made-up imposters. For those who still have the song from the Ozempic commercial stuck in your head, this one is for you!

Medicine is as much an art as it is a science, and throughout history, many incredible medical breakthroughs have come about via trial and error. In this episode, April and Alicia quiz one another on some interesting wonders and blunders to have made a mark on healthcare history. Play along, test your knowledge, and (hopefully) learn something new! (Trigger warning: discussions of blood and use of insects in medical treatment)

It's hard to believe that schools are about to start again for students nationwide! Back-to-school season is one of the busiest times of the year for our two favorite APP moms, but that couldn't keep them from diving into some school-themed questions. How heavy is too heavy for a backpack? Is the school nurse-to-student ratio really 700:1? Tune in and find out!

When used correctly, social media is a powerful tool that can help healthcare professionals build a thriving network of followers, peers, and thought leadership. But where on Earth do you start?! April and Alicia bring on Austan Lundeen, Digital Marketing Manager for Sound Physicians, to answer just that. Austan dives into his extensive marketing background and shares accessible advice on getting the most out of your social media profiles.

Subscribe to On Call: https://forms.office.com/r/4DNMd2i9zS You may be going on vacation, but your risk of a medical emergency isn't! From unexpected allergies to questionable drinking water, traveling can be dangerous to the unprepared and ill-informed. In this episode, April and Alicia share how they ensure a healthy vacation for themselves and their loved ones. Pay attention! These tips and tricks may help you avoid the trip no one wants to take: a trip to the hospital!

The days are heating up, and your favorite hosts are ready to have some fun in the sun! Summertime brings many things: beach days, family trips, patio grilling - and misconceptions. In this episode, April and Alicia try to stump one another in a game of fact or fiction themed around common (and not-so-common) warm-weather health statements. Should you really wait half an hour to swim after having a sandwich? Can a glass of pickle juice take the edge off a fiery sunburn? Play along and test your Summer knowledge!

Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Cd9ozHQGYV4Xmoqro0vvE?go=1&sp_cid=4c89b033-6608-43a7-aeef-76c84c6b6ea6&utm_source=embed_player_p&utm_medium=desktop&nd=1&dlsi=e2ed5c69694c4104 Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-call-with-april-and-alicia/id1728119676?i=1000657895319 In honor of Men’s Health Month, April and Alicia are joined by Dr. Tony Briningstool, CEO for Emergency Medicine at Sound. This month prompts our hosts’ discussion with Dr. Briningstool as he highlights the key focus of identifying preventative health problems early for men and boys alike. Dr. Briningstool also describes his life’s journey, detailing experiences as a former athlete, working EM physician, and doting family man.

Recognizing how your mental health impacts you is one thing--preserving it is a whole different story. In this episode, April and Alicia continue their Mental Health Awareness Month discussion by diving into how they balance their mental health and busy lives. From emotional regulation to creating healthy environments at work and home, these tips help keep our hosts sane.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, April and Alicia give us a glimpse into their lives as they swap stories about times their mental health took a toll. In this candid conversation, they discuss navigating postpartum depression and the fear frontline healthcare providers experienced while keeping their families safe during COVID.

Continuing last episode's conversation, April and Alicia reflect on some of the hardest moments of their careers. Together, they discuss the harsh reality of losing a patient, grappling with guilt, and building the coping tools to fall back on when things don't go as planned. Listen to last week's episode: https://soundphysicians.com/podcast-episode/?podcast_id=9008&track_id=1797955252

Having hard conversations is an uncomfortable part of working in healthcare—and living life! Inspired by an article April wrote for the Sound Op-Med blog, she and Alicia dive into the realities of navigating tough talks and dissect what they’ve learned from having them with patients, families, and even their own children. Read April’s blog here: https://soundphysicians.com/blog/getting-comfortable-with-the-uncomfortable/

Happy Women’s History Month! We are celebrating this month with HERstory Unveiled, a four-part interview series. Each week in March, meet a new guest who embodies the determined, odds-defying, trailblazing spirit this month honors. In the last installment of this series, April and Alicia are joined by Catherine Abshire, MBA, BSN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer for Sound Physicians. Catherine reflects on her career and passion for improving patient care. She also shares how the technology and data implementation she leads at Sound impacts patient experience, limits hospital readmissions, and reduces bias.

Happy Women’s History Month! We are celebrating this month with HERstory Unveiled, a four-part interview series. Each week in March, meet a new guest who embodies the determined, odds-defying, trailblazing spirit this month honors. Artificial intelligence—is it helpful, harmful, or somewhere in between? April and Alicia dig into this juicy topic with Dr. Chia-Shing Yang, Regional Chief Medical Officer for Sound Physicians. Dr. Yang describes her experience with AI and shares her take on its growing impact on life and healthcare. Don’t worry, it’s (mostly) good news.

Happy Women’s History Month! We are celebrating this month with HERstory Unveiled, a four-part interview series. Each week in March, meet a new guest who embodies the determined, odds-defying, trailblazing spirit this month honors. This week, April and Alicia sit down with Tiffany Coyle, Regional President of Operations for Sound Physicians. Together, they get down to the nitty-gritty of managing different leadership styles, battling imposter syndrome, and maintaining essential work relationships.

Happy Women’s History Month! Here On Call, we are celebrating this month with HERstory Unveiled, a four-part interview series. Each week in March, meet a new guest who embodies the determined, odds-defying, trailblazing spirit this month honors. To kick things off, April and Alicia sat down with Annie Fowler, Chief People Officer for Sound Physicians, to learn more about her background in leadership, DEI efforts, and – of course – favorite flavor of ice cream.

We hear it all the time: Work-life balance is SO important. But what does that mean to healthcare workers trying to juggle the important things in life? Between work, chores, family responsibilities, and personal well-being, it feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day. In this episode, April and Alicia dive in and share their experience of trying to “have it all” without burning out.

In this special edition of On Call, April and Alicia are in the hot seat to answer some burning questions. Get to know your fabulous hosts a little better as they discuss their healthcare backgrounds, how they became friends, and the trials and tribulations of both having names that begin with the letter ‘A.’

Welcome to the first episode of On Call with April and Alicia! We're kicking it off with the hot topic of healthcare staffing. What does this crisis look like in hospitals? What does it mean for clinicians and patients alike? What IS April's phone number? Tune in and find out!