Well Beyond Medicine: The Nemours Children's Health Podcast

Quality and safety in pediatric care have transformed over the past three decades, moving away from a culture of blame toward one centered on thoughtful system design and continuous improvement.Pediatric quality and safety leaders from across the country discuss how that evolution has enabled more proactive approaches to preventing harm, along with stronger collaboration throughout hospitals and health systems. We also explore how insights from frontline care teams, partnerships with families, and the use of predictive analytics are helping identify risks earlier and improve outcomes for children across the care continuum.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring: Jared Capouya, MD, MS, HQS, Vice President, Chief Quality and Safety Officer, Nemours Children’s HealthSandip Godambe, MD, PhD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer, SVP Medical Affairs, Rady Children’s Health Orange County, Orange and Mission ViejoLara Wood, MN, RN, CPN, CPPS, Senior Associate Clinical Director, Children’s Hospitals’ Solutions for Patient Safety (SPS)Host/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

“Food as medicine” is transforming the future of pediatric care. From programs like WIC to the essential role of registered dietitians, nutrition is emerging as a powerful driver of better outcomes for children. Allison Steiber, RD, PhD, Chief Mission, Impact and Strategy Officer, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, shares her organization’s Food as Medicine roadmap and unpacks the critical gaps in access, funding, and awareness that stand in the way of impact. She also discusses what it will take to ensure every child has the nutrition they need not just to grow, but to truly thrive.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring: Allison Steiber, RD, PhD, Chief Mission, Impact and Strategy Officer, Academy of Nutrition and DieteticsHost/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

Jessica Malaty Rivera, MS, Executive Director, Infodemiology Initiative, and infectious disease epidemiologist, joins us to unpack the “infodemic,” the overwhelming flood of health information shaping how we think, decide and act. From misinformation to trust, she explains why science isn’t finished until it’s communicated — and what each of us can do to navigate today’s complex information landscape more responsibly.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring: Jessica Malaty Rivera, MS, Executive Director, Infodemiology InitiativeHost/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

What if a single strand of hair could help detect autism earlier? We sit down with David Elkin, PhD, VP, Clinical Liaison and Advocacy, LinusBio, to explore a breakthrough approach to autism detection using hair-based biomarkers. This emerging technology aims to close the gap between early signs and formal diagnosis, helping children access intervention sooner. It’s a conversation about science, timing and what earlier answers could mean for families navigating autism risk.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring: David Elkin, PhD, VP, Clinical Liaison and Advocacy, LinusBioHost/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

New federal dietary guidelines arrived earlier this year, introducing a redesigned food model and updated recommendations for children and families. From whole foods and age-specific guidance to ultra-processed foods, school meals, food anxiety, and obesity prevention, this episode translates national policy into practical, everyday strategies.Jaclyn Albin, MD, CCMS, DipABLM, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine, Pediatric and Public Health, and Director, Culinary Medicine Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and Marlene Rafferty, RD, Senior Clinical Dietitian, Nemours Children's Health, break down what the 2025 -2030 Dietary Guidelines mean for kids. Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring: Jaclyn Albin, MD, CCMS, DipABLM, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine, Pediatric and Public Health, and Director, Culinary Medicine Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterMarlene Rafferty, RD, Senior Clinical Dietitian, Nemours Children's HealthHost/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

Hospitals can be intimidating for children, especially when they don’t understand what’s happening. Nancy Tinsley, RN, MBA, FACHE, Chairman, Xploro Inc., joins us to discuss Xploro’s gamified platform that uses interactive stories, avatars and games to help kids and families understand medical care. The goal: reduce fear and anxiety while empowering children to take an active role in their healthcare journey.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring: Nancy Tinsley, RN, MBA, FACHE, Chairman, Xploro Inc.Host/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

As health care advances in the digital era, how do we ensure we don’t lose the human touch? Jennifer Goldsack, MChem, MA, MBA, OLY, founder and CEO, Digital Medicine Society (DiMe), and a former Olympian, discusses the promise of digital medicine, the ethics and trust surrounding health data and why keeping humanity at the center of health care innovation is essential.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring: Jennifer Goldsack, MChem, MA, MBA, OLY, founder and CEO, Digital Medicine SocietyHost/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

What if hospital-level pediatric care didn’t require staying in the hospital? Jane Mericle, DNP, MHS-CL, BSN, RN, CENP, Executive Vice President, Enterprise Chief Nursing Executive and Chief Patient Operations Officer, Nemours Children's Health, and Christopher Beaty, MSN, NE-BC, Vice President, Operational Innovation, Nemours Children's Health, discuss Nemours Children’s Advanced Care at Home program, a 24/7, virtually supported model that helps medically stable children recover at home sooner.They share how this technology-enabled approach reduces emergency visits and readmissions, supports families and redefines pediatric hospitalization by delivering the right care, in the right place, at the right time.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring: Jane Mericle, DNP, MHS-CL, BSN, RN, CENP, Executive Vice President, Enterprise Chief Nursing Executive and Chief Patient Operations Officer, Nemours Children's HealthChristopher Beaty, MSN, NE-BC, Vice President, Operational Innovation, Nemours Children's HealthHost/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

Bayo Curry-Winchell, MD, Founder and Chief Medical Officer, Beyond Clinical Walls, and Founder, Clinicians Who Care, joins us to discuss how she’s transforming care for children and families. She shares how bridging access gaps, addressing social determinants of health and building trust through community-centered care are essential to advancing whole child health beyond the clinic. We also highlight her new initiative, Clinicians Who Care, which connects patients with trusted clinicians who prioritize empathy, trust and patient-centered care.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring: Bayo Curry-Winchell, MD, Founder & Chief Medical Officer, Beyond Clinical Walls, and Founder, Clinicians Who CareHost/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

Ashley Lerman, DDS, Founder and CEO, Firstgrin, joins us to talk about the role of oral health in whole child health. From fluoride safety and X-rays to bottle habits and access to care, this conversation explores how prevention, education, and early intervention can reduce the most common chronic disease in children -cavities - and build a healthier future from the very first grin.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring: Ashley Lerman, DDS, Founder and CEO, FirstgrinHost/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

Richard Coffin, Chief of Research and Advocacy at USAFacts, shares how nonpartisan government data helps families, educators, and health care leaders make more informed decisions for the children and communities they serve. From local public health trends to population-level insights, this conversation highlights why transparent, accessible facts are critical to building trust — and advancing whole child health.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring: Richard Coffin, Chief of Research and Advocacy, USAFacts Host/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

GE HealthCare has launched Care Intellect for Perinatal, a cloud-first digital solution designed to improve safety and outcomes for mothers and babies during labor and delivery.Jeff Caron, Chief Digital and Technology Officer, Patient Care Solutions, GE HealthCare, shares how the platform unifies multiple, previously disconnected data sources into a single, real-time patient view that all clinicians can access — a true “single pane of glass.” By reducing data overload and streamlining workflows, it enables care teams to spot emerging risks sooner and respond more quickly and effectively.The conversation also examines how standardized, data-driven perinatal care can support clinicians without adding to their workload, help address persistent gaps in maternal health outcomes, and create greater consistency across care teams.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring: Jeff Caron, Chief Digital and Technology Officer, Patient Care Solutions, GE HealthCareHost/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

In neonatal intensive care units across the country, critically ill newborns are in a race against time, while families often wait weeks — or even months — for answers. New research from Tufts Medical Center shows there’s a better way.We explore how rapid whole genome sequencing nearly doubles diagnostic rates in critically ill infants compared to standard testing — and can save the health care system hundreds of thousands of dollars per baby when used early. It’s a powerful example of whole child health in action: faster answers reduce suffering, guide care, shorten NICU stays, and challenge how we think about value in pediatric medicine.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring: Tara Lavelle, PhD, Investigator, Center for the Evaluation of Value and Risk in Health, Tufts Medical CenterJonathan Davis, MD, Vice Chair, Pediatrics, Tufts Medical CenterHost/Producer: Carol VassarAccess this studyRead the Associated Press storyViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

What happens when medical trainees step into a world where adolescent health challenges are amplified by resource constraints and discover that teens everywhere face strikingly similar struggles? In part 2 of this series, the focus turns to mentorship, medicine and global partnership, examining the impact of the Nemours Ginsburg Institute Scholars' work in Uganda through the eyes of clinicians and educators on the ground. The discussion centers on the realities of adolescent health in a resource-limited setting, the power of global research collaboration and the universal nature of young people's experiences across continents.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring: Sabrina Kitaka, MD, PhD, Pediatric Infectious Disease and Adolescent Medicine Specialist, Makerere University, College of Health SciencesLonna Gordon, MD, Chief of Adolescent Medicine, Nemours Children's HealthViola Mrruku, former Ginsburg ScholarHost/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

What can global public health teach us about caring for children everywhere?Recorded at the Ginsburg Symposium in Orlando, we explore the launch and early impact of the Ginsburg Institute’s Global Health Experience Program – an immersive initiative preparing future physicians to practice whole child health in an increasingly interconnected world.Rooted in the mission of Nemours Children's Health and the Ginsburg Institute, the conversation examines how most health outcomes are shaped far beyond hospital walls — and why hands-on, experiential learning is essential to developing compassionate, effective physician leaders.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring: Nancy Molello, MSB, Executive Director, Ginsburg Institute, Nemours Children's Health Aribah Ali, Ginsburg Scholar, Nemours Children's HealthTreasure Ray, Ginsburg Scholar; and Coordinator, upliftED, Heart of Florida United WayHost/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

Loneliness is more than a feeling — it’s a growing public health issue with real physical and emotional consequences. Lucy Rose, Founder and President of The Cost of Loneliness Project, joins us in a timely conversation about chronic loneliness, connection and health.We explore why children and young adults report some of the highest rates of loneliness, how loneliness can become intergenerational, and the critical differences between digital communication and real human connection. Lucy also examines the role — and limits — of AI and technology, and shares what parents, clinicians, schools and communities can do to help build a culture of connection.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring:  Lucy Rose, Founder & President, The Cost of Loneliness ProjectHost/Producer: Carol VassarLearn more about The Cost of Loneliness ProjectViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

How can payment models transform pediatric care? In part two of this provider case study series, leaders from Nemours Children’s Health and Cincinnati Children’s explore how value-based care, accountable care organizations and innovative financing are shifting the focus from paying for visits to paying for health. The conversation highlights how sustainable funding models strengthen prevention efforts and drive better long-term outcomes for children and families.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring: David Cruz, MHSA, CPHQ, LSSGB, Executive Director, Kidwell Network, Nemours Children's HealthAndrew Beck, MD, MPH, Attending Physician, Division of General & Community Pediatrics; Attending Physician, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center; Director, Population Health/Health Equity Research and Innovation; Professor, University of Cincinnati Department of PediatricsJeff Steller, MSc, Former Population Health Consultant, Cincinnati Children’s Office of Population Health, Cincinnati Children’sHost/Producer: Carol VassarGet the policy brief: Advancing the Key Elements of Whole Child Health: Provider Case Study - Cincinnati Children’sViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

What does whole child health look like in action? In part one of this two-part series, leaders from Nemours Children’s Health and Children’s Wisconsin explore how pediatric systems are redesigning care to improve lifelong outcomes for kids. From integrated mental health, dental and nutrition services to community partnerships, prevention strategies and innovative policy approaches, we highlight real-world models advancing children’s health beyond the doctor’s office and setting the stage for smarter, more sustainable care.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring: Daniella Gratale, MA, Associate Vice President, Federal Affairs, Nemours Children's HealthHannah Wagner, MPP, Senior Advisor, Policy Development and Partnership, Nemours Children’s HealthAllison Gertel-Rosenberg, MS, Vice President, Chief Policy and Prevention Officer, Nemours Children’s HealthJenny Crouse, MS, RD, CD, Director of Clinical Nutrition, Children’s Wisconsin Chris Schwake, MD, FAAP, Director of Quality and Patient Safety for Children’s Medical Group, Children’s Wisconsin Host/Producer: Carol VassarGet the policy brief: Advancing the Key Elements of Whole Child Health: Provider Case Study - Children's WisconsinViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

Vanessa Garcia-Brito, Vice President and Chief Impact Officer at Nike, shares how the company is helping make youth sports more accessible in communities everywhere. We explore why sport, play and movement are essential building blocks for lifelong physical health, mental well-being, confidence and connection – and how Nike is equipping parents, coaches and mentors with free, evidence-based tools to help every child thrive through play.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring: Vanessa Garcia-Brito, Vice President and Chief Impact Officer, NikeHost/Producer: Carol VassarLearn more about Nike’s free coaching resources.Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

What if one of the most powerful tools for preventing disease is already in your kitchen? Dr. Nathan Wood is a physician, trained chef and director of culinary medicine at Yale School of Medicine. He discusses how teaching kitchens translate nutrition science into practical, hands-on training for medical students, patients and families. Dr. Wood also explains why home cooking is one of the most accessible tools for disease prevention, particularly in pediatrics and shares strategies to help families make healthy eating affordable, realistic and engaging for children and teens.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring: Nathan Wood, MD, Director, Culinary Medicine, Yale School of Medicine/Yale-New Haven Health SystemHost/Producer: Carol VassarGet the recipes mentioned in this episode.Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

Angela Fitch, MD, FACP, FOMA, Dipl. ABOM, co-founder and Chief Medical Officer, Knownwell Health, is a leading expert in pediatric and adult obesity medicine. She joined us at HLTH in Las Vegas to discuss obesity as a complex disease and why children with this diagnosis need supportive, stigma-free care. Dr. Fitch covers the growing use of GLP-1 medications in adolescents, what is known about their safety, and how families and clinicians can make informed decisions together. She also shares strategies to help kids build healthier habits and shift the focus from “the number on the scale” to managing weight for overall health.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring: Angela Fitch, MD, FACP, FOMA, Dipl. ABOM, Co-Founder, Chief Medical Officer, Metabolic Health & Primary Care Physician, Knownwell HealthHost/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

What happens when a journalist turns the lens on herself — and uses what she learns to change how communities face cancer? Ysabel Duron, Founder, President, and Executive Director of the Latino Cancer Institute, reflects on how her stage II Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis in 1999 became a personal and professional turning point — one that inspired her to help children, families and communities confront fear, stigma, misinformation and the silence that often surrounds cancer.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring: Ysabel Duron, Founder, President and Executive Director, The Latino Cancer InstituteHost/Producer: Carol VassarDuron's recent article in Springer Nature: Climate Change, Cancer, and the Importance of Community Engagement.Also check out: Benito, You Can Do It!Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

Leana Wen, MD, MSc, FAAEM, health columnist, The Washington Post, is one of today’s most trusted voices in public health. She shares her perspective on whether AI can meaningfully address health care’s biggest challenges and discusses her concerns about bias, privacy and the potential for a two-tiered system. She also reflects on how parenthood reshaped her views on medicine, paid leave, childcare and empathy, and how her mother’s misdiagnosis inspired her to advocate for clinicians to enhance their listening skills in the exam room.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring: Leana Wen, MD, MSc, FAAEM, Health Columnist, The Washington PostHost/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

At the 2025 Ginsburg Institute Symposium in Orlando, themed Healing Through the Arts, the fireside chat brought together two self-described “theater kids” and leaders in children’s health: Wizdom Powell, PhD, MPH, CMHC, CEO, Unified Youth, and Myron Rolle, MD, MS, former NFL player and current pediatric neurosurgeon, Nemours Children’s Health. Together, they explore how creativity and play are essential to child development — strengthening brain architecture through neuroplasticity and supporting emotional regulation and resilience. Drawing on science, medicine and personal experience, the conversation underscores why the arts, nature and other whole-child approaches should complement traditional health care to help children thrive.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring: Wizdom Powell, PhD, MPH, CMHC, Chief Executive Officer, Unified YouthMyron Rolle, MD, MS, former NFL player, Pediatric Neurosurgeon, Nemours Children's HealthHost/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

AI in health care isn’t a distant future — it's happening right now. Micky Tripathi, PhD, MPP, Chief Artificial Intelligence Implementation Officer, Mayo Clinic, joined us at HLTH 2025 to share what this transformation looks like on the ground: dozens of AI tools already in daily use, breakthrough models detecting disease earlier than ever, and emerging foundations for precision medicine and digital twins. He also explains the challenges ahead — data quality, workflow integration and privacy gaps — alongside the extraordinary opportunities AI offers to improve patient care, research and education.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring: Micky Tripathi, PhD, MPP, Chief Artificial Intelligence Implementation Officer, Mayo ClinicHost/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

How do we close the gaps in care for children’s mental health right now — not months from now?In part two, we highlight two evidence-based models delivering rapid, meaningful support: HealthySteps, which strengthens early relational health in primary care; and PATH, a telemental-health program offering fast, targeted access for kids and teens.Rahil Briggs, PsyD, National Director, HealthySteps, and Amanda Lochrie, PhD, MBA, ABPP, Executive Director, Child and Behavioral Health, Medical Director, PATH, Nemours Children’s Health, join us to explain how these programs meet families where they are, reduce stigma, shorten wait times, and lay the groundwork for children to flourish. Their work is detailed in a new issue brief from the Nemours Children’s Office of Policy and Prevention: Promoting Mental Well-Being for Children: Promising Pediatric Mental Health Models That Help Children Thrive.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring: Rahil Briggs, PsyD, National Director, HealthyStepsAmanda Lochrie, PhD, MBA, ABPP, Executive Director, Child and Behavioral Health, Medical Director, PATH, Nemours Children’s HealthHost/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

Schools are more than places to learn - they’re also powerful front doors for kids to access mental health care. This episode explores how school-based health centers are expanding access to behavioral health services for children served by Nationwide Children's and Nemours Children's Health, drawing on promising models featured in a new issue brief from the Nemours National Office of Policy and Prevention. This is Part 1 of a two-part series on improving access to pediatric mental health care. Part 2 (Episode 168) focuses on telehealth and early relational health models that help children thrive well beyond medicine.Learn more about these models in an issue brief from the Nemours Office of Policy and Prevention, entitled Promoting Mental Well-Being for Children: Promising Pediatric Mental Health Models That Help Children Thrive. GUESTS:Daniella Gratale, Associate Vice President, Federal Affairs, Nemours Children's HealthHannah Wagner, Senior Advisor for Policy Development and Partnerships, Nemours Children's HealthMary Kay Irwin, Senior Director for School-Based Health at Nationwide Children’sJason Boye, MD, Clinical Director of School-Based Behavioral Health, Nemours Children’s HealthCarol Vassar, podcast host/producerViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

What children eat today is heavily influenced by powerful forces — from ultra-processed “kids’ foods” to marketing strategies designed to keep them hooked. World-renowned nutrition expert Dr. Marion Nestle explains how we got here, why parents are facing an uphill battle and what real solutions look like.We discuss school meals, the “pester factor,” the connection between food insecurity and obesity, and how other countries are taking a different approach. Dr. Nestle also offers practical, hopeful steps parents, grandparents and caregivers can take to help children develop a healthier relationship with food.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring: Marion Nestle, PhD, MPH, Paulette Goddard Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, Emerita, New York UniversityHost/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

Child trafficking isn’t a distant issue — it happens in our own communities, often hiding in plain sight. Erin Williamson, LCSW, Chief Programs & Strategy Officer, Love146, a nationally recognized expert on child exploitation and trauma-informed care, shares insight into the realities of child trafficking. She discusses how health care providers, educators and community members can recognize red flags, build trust with vulnerable youth, and provide wraparound support that restores safety and dignity.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring:Erin Williamson, LCSW, Chief Programs & Strategy Officer, Love146Host/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

Well Beyond Medicine: The Nemours Children's Health Podcast is exploring all the ways we can create the healthiest generations of children ever. Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

Chief Executive Officer Wizdom Powell, PhD, MPH, CMHC, joins the podcast to discuss how Unified Youth is reshaping mental well-being for young people through creativity. Drawing on her experience working with veterans and military families, Dr. Powell shares how the same principles of healing in community — what she calls “speaking to the wounds” — can help today’s youth remember who they are and reimagine who they can become. It’s a conversation about radical healing, belonging and the transformative power of art and purpose in building a healthier future for all.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring:Wizdom Powell, PhD, MPH, CMHC, Chief Executive Officer, Unified YouthHost/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

Retired NASA astronaut Cady Coleman, PhD, connects space exploration to children's health and reveals what it really takes to thrive on long-duration missions — including playing the flute in orbit. She makes the case for the "A" in STEAM and shares advice for kids daring to dream big.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring:Cady Coleman, PhD, retired NASA astronaut, public speaker and author Host/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

In the second part of our series on congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV), we speak with two Nemours associates and mothers of children diagnosed with CMV at different stages of their journeys. They share personal stories of diagnosis, advocacy, resilience, and the everyday realities of parenting children affected by CMV.Nemours Children’s Health policy experts also join the conversation to discuss current efforts and ongoing needs at the state and federal levels, including raising awareness, improving screening and supporting families through initiatives like the STOP CMV Act and other legislative efforts.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring:Daniella Gratale, MA, Associate Vice President, Federal Affairs, Nemours Children's HealthCasey Osgood Landry, MPH, Senior Advisor, Legislative & Regulatory Affairs, Nemours Children's HealthCaroline Bruce, MS, RD, LDN, CDCES, NASM-CPT, mom of child with CMV, Wellness Program Manager and Peer Support Program Manager, Nemours Children’s HealthBrittany Fitts, RN, mom of child with CMV, Senior Data Analyst, Nemours Children’s HealthHost/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is one of the most common viruses, yet many people have never heard of it. CMV is a leading cause of non-genetic hearing loss in children. In part one of this two-part series, we take a medical look at CMV — what it is, how it affects developing babies and the latest advances in early screening, diagnosis and treatment.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring: Cedric Von Pritchett, MD, Otolaryngologist, Nemours Children’s Hospital, FloridaWilliam Parkes, MD, Otolaryngologist, Medical Director, Nemours Children's Hospital, DelawareSalwa Sulieman, DO, Infectious Disease physician, Nemours Children's Hospital, DelawareKathryn (Kat) Tribulski, AuD, Audiologist, Nemours Children's Hospital, DelawareHost/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

Why are children across the U.S. falling behind on key health measures – and what can we do about it? Joseph R. Betancourt, MD, President, The Commonwealth Fund, joins us to explore solutions. We discuss the Fund’s long-standing work in child and maternal health, recent state health findings, and key factors affecting pediatric care, from policy and primary care investment to trust, data and urgent mental health needs.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring: Joseph R. Betancourt, MD, President, The Commonwealth FundHost/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

Clinical psychologist, parenting expert and New York Times best-selling author Dr. Lisa Damour joins us to explore the emotional lives of teenagers – what’s typical, when to worry and how adults and systems can better support adolescents today. Listen to Dr. Damour’s Ask Lisa podcast for more insights.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring: Lisa Damour, PhD, clinical psychologist, parenting expert and NY Times best-selling authorHost/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

How can we guide boys through health, emotions and relationships in a culture that often tells them to “toughen up”? Christopher Pepper and Joanna Schroeder, co-authors of Talk to Your Boys: 16 Conversations to Help Teens and Tweens Grow into Confident, Compassionate Men, share practical, real-world advice. We cover everything from navigating social media and digital culture to building friendships and emotional skills, giving parents, grandparents, educators and health care providers the tools they need to start and sustain meaningful conversations with the teen boys in their lives.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring: Christopher Pepper, award-winning health educator and authorJoanna Schroeder, journalist and authorHost/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we speak with Adela Casas-Melley, MD, Chair of Surgery, Nemours Children's Health. She shares her journey from a young Cuban immigrant in Miami to a leader in pediatric surgery, how her family’s belief in education guided her, the challenges she faced, and the legacy she’s creating through mentorship and advocacy.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring: Adela Casas-Melley, MD, Chair of Surgery, Nemours Children's HealthHost/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

When technology promises to lighten the load but instead adds to it, what’s really going on? Katie Boston-Leary, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FADLN, FAONL, Senior Vice President for Equity and Engagement, American Nurses Association,  joins us to share her journey from aspiring accountant to national nursing leader — and explores how AI, virtual care and innovation can actually empower nurses instead of overwhelming them.Watch the episode on YouTube.Featuring:Katie Boston-Leary, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FADLN, FAONL, Senior Vice President for Equity and Engagement, American Nurses AssociationHost/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

Nemours Children’s Health is proud to be the official Children’s Hospital of the Philadelphia Phillies. For the third year in a row, the Phillies welcomed our podcast team to share powerful stories from Childhood Cancer Awareness Night on September 13, 2025.In our first segment, we talk with Douglas J. Harrison, MD, MS, Division Chief of Hematology/Oncology/Transplant and Cellular Therapy, Inaugural Lisa Dean Moseley Foundation Presidential Endowed Chair, Nemours Children’s Health, who reflects on his unlikely journey from college theater major to nationally recognized pediatric oncologist and researcher.In our second segment, we meet 11-year-old pediatric cancer patient Vishaal and his sister, Sahasra, who share how life shifts for a family after a cancer diagnosis. We’re also joined by Vishaal’s clinician, Nicholas Manini, MD, Pediatric Hematologist-Oncologist, Nemours Children's Health, who offers insights into Vishaal’s care and prognosis.Watch the episode on YouTube.Douglas J. Harrison, MD, MS, Division Chief of Hematology/Oncology/Transplant and Cellular Therapy, Inaugural Lisa Dean Moseley Foundation Presidential Endowed Chair, Nemours Children’s HealthNicholas Manini, MD, Pediatric Hematologist-Oncologist, Nemours Children's HealthVishaal A., pediatric cancer patientSahsra A., sister of a pediatric cancer patientHost/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

Charles Johnson walked into a California hospital expecting joy – hours later, his wife, Kira, was gone after preventable delays and inaction. Charles shares how that devastating loss sparked the creation of 4Kira4Moms, a nonprofit dedicated to improving maternal health outcomes, advancing policy reform and supporting families impacted by maternal mortality. The U.S. is facing a maternal health crisis, with Black women most at risk. 4Kira4Moms works to close these gaps and make childbirth safe, empowering and free of fear for every mother.Guest: Charles Johnson IV, Founder and President, 4Kira4MomsHost/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

Asthma and food allergies remain major health concerns, especially as students head back to school. Chris Martinez, President and CEO, Asthma and Allergy Impact and Rescue (AAIR), joins us to share life-saving, practical solutions that keep kids healthy and learning. From stocking albuterol in schools to equipping families with diagnostic kits and advancing key policy initiatives, AAIR is transforming how communities respond to these chronic conditions.Guest:  Chris Martinez, President and CEO, Asthma and Allergy Impact and Rescue (AAIR)Host/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

Caring for a child with a chronic condition can feel overwhelming – especially when it involves coordinating specialists, therapies and countless appointments. That’s where Health Hug helps. By combining technology with a personal touch, Health Hug streamlines pediatric care, connects families to resources, and eases burdens for both parents and providers. On this episode, Health Hug’s CEO & Co-founder, Christina Sloan-Vélez, takes us back to the kitchen table where Health Hug was born as a result of personal, professional and world circumstances she was facing.Guests: Christina Sloan-Vélez, CEO & Co-Founder, Health HugChristina Nadaskay, RN, BSN, Chief Clinical Officer, Health HugHost/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

Mama Glow founder Latham Thomas shares her personal journey into birth work, breastfeeding and the difference between doulas and midwives. A SuperSoul 100 honoree, she’s advancing maternal health through advocacy, education and birth equity.Guest: Latham Thomas, Founder, Mama GlowHost/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

Tina Aswani-Omprakash began experiencing symptoms as a child – joint pain, eye inflammation and digestive issues – but no one connected them. Without a diagnosis, health insurance, or support due to the cultural stigma surrounding inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and Crohn’s disease, Tina endured a long and painful journey to understand her own body.Today, she’s a patient advocate, storyteller and CEO of the South Asian IBD Alliance (SAIA), using her lived experience to support others – especially young people and families – facing similar challenges.Own Your Crohn’sSouth Asian IBD Alliance (SAIA)Guest: Tina Aswani-Omprakash, MPH, CEO, South Asian IBD Alliance (SAIA)Host/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

Anne Snowdon, PhD, Chief Scientific Research Officer, Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), joins us to discuss how information, innovation and digital technology are transforming health care worldwide. From AI tools that support early-career clinicians to cross-border collaboration on system design, this conversation explores how digital health is improving outcomes, addressing workforce shortages and advancing a shift from disease management to whole child health.Guest: Anne Snowdon, PhD, Chief Scientific Research Officer, Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS)Host/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

Early literacy is one of the strongest predictors of lifelong health and success – yet reading scores across the U.S. are falling at an alarming rate.In part two of our series on early literacy and health, we highlight Nemours Children’s Reading BrightStart!, a proven, science-based program celebrating 20 years of impact.Reading BrightStart! supports children from birth through first grade with early literacy curricula, educator training, and family resources – helping more young learners become confident readers and setting a foundation for lifelong health.Resources:Nemours Children’s Reading BrightStart! Family ResourcesHarris Poll Executive SummaryFull Harris Poll ResultsGuests:Rebeca Grysko, PhD, CBIS, Special Education Teacher and School Liaison, Nemours Children’s Hospital, FloridaJamie Williams, MEd, Manager, Intellectual Property and Curriculum Design, Nemours Children's HealthDawn Espinoza, MEd, Educational Support Supervisor, Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties, FloridaSamantha Taylor, Quality Performance Specialist, Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties, FloridaHost/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

Early literacy is one of the strongest indicators of lifelong health and success – yet reading scores across the U.S. are declining at an alarming rate. In part one of this two-part series, we dive into what the latest data reveals, how the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the literacy crisis, and what actions educators and health care providers can take to reverse these trends.Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Nemours Children’s Reading BrightStart! continues its mission to help every child become a successful reader through early literacy curricula, educator training and family resources for children from birth to first grade.Resources:Nemours Children’s Reading BrightStart! Family ResourcesHarris Poll Executive SummaryFull Harris Poll ResultsGuests:Kate Blackburn, MSW, Director of Practice and Prevention, National Office of Policy & Prevention, Nemours Children’s HealthRebeca Grysko, PhD, CBIS, Special Education Teacher and School Liaison, Nemours Children’s Hospital, FloridaHost/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 60 million Americans – one in five – live in rural areas, including 12 million children. But hospitals in these communities face growing challenges: cybersecurity threats, aging infrastructure, staffing shortages and limited funding are all jeopardizing access to care.Laura Kreofsky, Director of Rural Health, Microsoft Philanthropies, highlights the critical need to bolster rural health care systems. Through efforts like the Rural Health AI Innovation Lab (RHAIL), Microsoft is helping rural hospitals enhance cybersecurity, access affordable AI tools and strengthen collaboration.Guest:Laura Kreofsky, MHA, MBA, PMP, CDH-E, Director of Rural Health, Microsoft PhilanthropiesHost/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.

Dr. Robert Pearl, former CEO of the Permanente Medical Group and a professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, discusses his latest book, ChatGPT, MD. He shares how generative AI could transform health care by empowering patients and clinicians through real-time data analysis and insights. These AI tools could significantly improve chronic disease management, helping to reduce the incidence of heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure. In this wide-ranging interview, we explore his vision for the potential of generative AI in reshaping the future of health care.Guest:Robert Pearl, MD, author, podcaster, former CEO of the Permanente Medical Group, Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery, Stanford University School of MedicineHost/Producer: Carol VassarViews expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management.  Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org.