Dr. Neil Skolnik knew something had to change when he wound up out of breath while walking through an airport on his way lecture on—of all things—diabetes.Through diligent diet and exercise, Dr. Skolnik lost weight, started to exercise, and got a handle on his diet. What's more, the patients who hadn't truly heard his advice in the past really started to listen.

Dr. Neil Skolnik knew something had to change when he wound up out of breath while walking through an airport on his way lecture on—of all things—diabetes.Through diligent diet and exercise, Dr. Skolnik lost weight, started to exercise, and got a handle on his diet. What's more, the patients who hadn't truly heard his advice in the past really started to listen.

This doctor's patients really take his advice to heart

When you head to a yoga class led by Alexa Drubay, leave your mat behind. You won't be doing downward-facing dog or a sun salutation. But if you're like the majority of her students, you'll leave class feeling less stressed and more at peace.It's all thanks to laughter yoga, which combines deep breathing and mindfulness meditation with playful games and spontaneous laughter. Laughter yoga is believed to reduce stress hormones, lift the mood and relax the mind and body.Alexa leads laughter yoga classes in her community, at hospitals and in corporate settings. Andy talked with Alexa at Temple University Hospital after she wrapped up a class with a group of patients.Learn more:Laughter Yoga With AlexaLearning to laugh it off with laughter yoga - Philly Voice Get in touch with us at hello@offthechartspodcast.com, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

When you head to a yoga class led by Alexa Drubay, leave your mat behind. You won't be doing downward-facing dog or a sun salutation. But if you're like the majority of her students, you'll leave class feeling less stressed and more at peace.It's all thanks to laughter yoga, which combines deep breathing and mindfulness meditation with playful games and spontaneous laughter. Laughter yoga is believed to reduce stress hormones, lift the mood and relax the mind and body.Alexa leads laughter yoga classes in her community, at hospitals and in corporate settings. Andy talked with Alexa at Temple University Hospital after she wrapped up a class with a group of patients.Learn more:<ul><li><a href="http://laughteryogawithalexa.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Laughter Yoga With Alexa</a></li><li><a href="http://www.phillyvoice.com/we-tried-it-learning-laugh-it-laughter-yoga/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Learning to laugh it off with laughter yoga</a> - Philly Voice</li></ul> Get in touch with us at <a href="mailto:hello@offthechartspodcast.com">hello@offthechartspodcast.com</a>, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

Alexa Drubay's style of yoga will get you laughing

Dr. Daniel Eun is the chief of Temple University Hospital's Robotic Surgery program and directs its Minimally Invasive Robotic Urologic Oncology and Reconstructive Surgery program. Which means he's on the cutting edge of complex, state-of-the-art robotic surgery techniques that require tremendous skill and, at times, tremendous resilience and flexibility.But before he became a leader in this cutting-edge field, Dr. Eun faced obstacles at every step on his path. Whether it was affording medical school, completing a residency in urology, or carving out a niche in robotics, Dr. Eun has relied upon his faith, his family, and his fierce determination to keep moving forward.In this episode, Andy and Dr. Eun discuss the journey that brought him to Temple, where the field of robotics is headed, and what it takes to be a capable leader in medicine today. Get in touch with us at hello@offthechartspodcast.com, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

<a href="https://medicine.temple.edu/daniel-eun" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Daniel Eun</a> is the chief of Temple University Hospital's Robotic Surgery program and directs its Minimally Invasive Robotic Urologic Oncology and Reconstructive Surgery program. Which means he's on the cutting edge of complex, state-of-the-art robotic surgery techniques that require tremendous skill and, at times, tremendous resilience and flexibility.But before he became a leader in this cutting-edge field, Dr. Eun faced obstacles at every step on his path. Whether it was affording medical school, completing a residency in urology, or carving out a niche in robotics, Dr. Eun has relied upon his faith, his family, and his fierce determination to keep moving forward.In this episode, Andy and Dr. Eun discuss the journey that brought him to Temple, where the field of robotics is headed, and what it takes to be a capable leader in medicine today. Get in touch with us at <a href="mailto:hello@offthechartspodcast.com">hello@offthechartspodcast.com</a>, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

Dr. Dan Eun's journey from the mission field to the surgical field

Sarayna Schock understands the importance of good nutrition from a patient's perspective and, now, from a doctor's perspective.After educating herself and modifying her own unhealthy diet, Sarayna connected the dots between good nutrition, better health, and local agricultural practices.A third-year medical student at Penn State College of Medicine, Sarayna is the creator of ProduceRx, a unique program that uses a doctor's prescription pad to connect people who need more fruits and vegetables with people who grow them.Learn more:Produce Rx's websiteInspired student Sarayna Schock delivers produce program - Penn State MedicineFind a local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program - LocalHarvest Get in touch with us at hello@offthechartspodcast.com, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

Sarayna Schock understands the importance of good nutrition from a patient's perspective and, now, from a doctor's perspective.After educating herself and modifying her own unhealthy diet, Sarayna connected the dots between good nutrition, better health, and local agricultural practices.A third-year medical student at Penn State College of Medicine, Sarayna is the creator of <a href="https://sites.psu.edu/producerx/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ProduceRx</a>, a unique program that uses a doctor's prescription pad to connect people who need more fruits and vegetables with people who grow them.Learn more:<ul><li><a href="https://sites.psu.edu/producerx/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Produce Rx's website</a></li><li><a href="https://pennstatemedicine.org/2016/10/06/inspired-student-sarayna-schock-delivers-produce-program/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Inspired student Sarayna Schock delivers produce program</a> - Penn State Medicine</li><li><a href="https://www.localharvest.org/csa/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Find a local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program</a> - LocalHarvest</li></ul> Get in touch with us at <a href="mailto:hello@offthechartspodcast.com">hello@offthechartspodcast.com</a>, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

Thanks to this med student, your doctor may someday prescribe fresh fruits and veggies

Dr. Allan Wulc knows a thing or two about looking good.A Philadelphia-area plastic surgeon specializing in facial procedures, Dr. Wulc brings his background in the arts and a fascination for human beauty to his practice of helping restore and enhance his patients' faces.In this episode, Dr. Wulc explains to Andy how perceptions of beauty have changed over time and what generally makes for a beautiful face. (Plus, he explains toward the end of the episode how he could improve Andy and Emily's faces!) Get in touch with us at hello@offthechartspodcast.com, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

Dr. Allan Wulc knows a thing or two about looking good.A Philadelphia-area plastic surgeon specializing in facial procedures, Dr. Wulc brings his background in the arts and a fascination for human beauty to his practice of helping restore and enhance his patients' faces.In this episode, Dr. Wulc explains to Andy how perceptions of beauty have changed over time and what generally makes for a beautiful face. (Plus, he explains toward the end of the episode how he could improve Andy and Emily's faces!) Get in touch with us at <a href="mailto:hello@offthechartspodcast.com">hello@offthechartspodcast.com</a>, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

Dr. Allan Wulc on measuring and perfecting the human face

Michael Green

  Fourth-year medical students at Penn State College of Medicine are not only allowed to doodle in class, but encouraged to. Dr. Michael J. Green teaches an elective course called "Graphic Storytelling and Medical Narratives" in which his students document their own experiences in medical school using short comics. It's much more than an outlet for creative expression or a way to blow off a little steam: graphic medicine can have a profound impact on how patients, doctors, and doctors-in-training see themselves and the human body.Learn more:The Comics Revealing Medical School's Hidden Flaws and Hard Lessons - The AtlanticCollection of graphic narratives - Penn State University College of Medicine Get in touch with us at hello@offthechartspodcast.com, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

<a></a> <a></a> Fourth-year medical students at Penn State College of Medicine are not only allowed to doodle in class, but encouraged to. Dr. Michael J. Green teaches an elective course called "Graphic Storytelling and Medical Narratives" in which his students document their own experiences in medical school using short comics. It's much more than an outlet for creative expression or a way to blow off a little steam: <a href="http://www.graphicmedicine.org/why-graphic-medicine/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">graphic medicine</a> can have a profound impact on how patients, doctors, and doctors-in-training see themselves and the human body.<h3>Learn more:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2017/03/medical-humanities/520623/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Comics Revealing Medical School's Hidden Flaws and Hard Lessons</a> - The Atlantic</li><li><a href="https://sites.psu.edu/graphicnarratives/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Collection of graphic narratives</a> - Penn State University College of Medicine</li></ul> Get in touch with us at <a href="mailto:hello@offthechartspodcast.com">hello@offthechartspodcast.com</a>, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

Dr. Michael Green asks his med students to doodle more in class

When Dr. Asif Ilyas talks to his patients prior to an orthopedic surgery, one of the things they discuss is whether the patient should be given anesthesia to keep them asleep during the procedure.Many are surprised to learn that there are actually numerous benefits of staying awake and using only local anesthesia to numb the surgical site.But "awake surgery" is not for everyone, and it has a profound effect on how surgeons and their teams must conduct themselves in the OR. Dr. Ilyas, a hand, wrist, elbow and orthopaedic trauma surgeon at the Rothman Institute, talked with Andy about why this technique is becoming more popular—and why it's not as daunting as you might think.Learn more: Going Under the Knife, With Eyes and Ears Wide Open - New York Times, March 25, 2017 Get in touch with us at hello@offthechartspodcast.com, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

When Dr. Asif Ilyas talks to his patients prior to an orthopedic surgery, one of the things they discuss is whether the patient should be given anesthesia to keep them asleep during the procedure.Many are surprised to learn that there are actually numerous benefits of staying awake and using only local anesthesia to numb the surgical site.But "awake surgery" is not for everyone, and it has a profound effect on how surgeons and their teams must conduct themselves in the OR. Dr. Ilyas, a hand, wrist, elbow and orthopaedic trauma surgeon at the <a href="https://www.rothmaninstitute.com/physicians/asif-m-ilyas-md" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rothman Institute</a>, talked with Andy about why this technique is becoming more popular—and why it's not as daunting as you might think.Learn more: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/25/health/surgery-awake-anesthesia.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Going Under the Knife, With Eyes and Ears Wide Open</a> - New York Times, March 25, 2017 Get in touch with us at <a href="mailto:hello@offthechartspodcast.com">hello@offthechartspodcast.com</a>, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

Many of Dr. Asif Ilyas's patients stay awake (and watch!) during surgery

Med students don't treat patients until their third year in their program—they spend a lot of time in the classroom until that year. So it's no surprise that third- and fourth-year students have a lot of interesting stories from their first days on the front lines of medicine.In this episode, Andy listens to two young storytellers: Tyler Rainer and Matthew Trifan, fourth-year med students at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. Both share compelling stories from their Trauma Surgery rotations at Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia. They also talked with Andy about the pressures of medical school, why they've chosen to be doctors, and where they're headed next.  Get in touch with us at hello@offthechartspodcast.com, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

Med students don't treat patients until their third year in their program—they spend a lot of time in the classroom until that year. So it's no surprise that third- and fourth-year students have a lot of interesting stories from their first days on the front lines of medicine.In this episode, Andy listens to two young storytellers: Tyler Rainer and Matthew Trifan, fourth-year med students at the <a href="https://medicine.temple.edu/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lewis Katz School of Medicine</a> at Temple University. Both share compelling stories from their Trauma Surgery rotations at <a href="http://tuh.templehealth.org/content/default.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Temple University Hospital</a>, Philadelphia. They also talked with Andy about the pressures of medical school, why they've chosen to be doctors, and where they're headed next.  Get in touch with us at <a href="mailto:hello@offthechartspodcast.com">hello@offthechartspodcast.com</a>, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

Med students Tyler Rainer and Matthew Trifan tell us a story

"Reincorporating humanities into the curriculum is nothing more than going back to the future. Medicine is the most humanistic of all the sciences and clearly the most scientific of the humanities."Dr. Salvatore Mangione's med students write plays, visit museums, and even learn to draw. But these humanities classes aren't extras—they're a vital part of how students at the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University cultivate empathy, improve their observational skills, and avoid burnout.Some of his students might think he's old school, but Mangione, an associate professor and physician with Jefferson Health, hopes these innovative courses are actually part of a new wave of medical education, one that imparts wisdom—not just knowledge—to new physicians.In this episode, Andy and Dr. Mangione unpack why the future of medical education actually lies in its past. Get in touch with us at hello@offthechartspodcast.com, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

"Reincorporating humanities into the curriculum is nothing more than going back to the future. Medicine is the most humanistic of all the sciences and clearly the most scientific of the humanities."Dr. Salvatore Mangione's med students write plays, visit museums, and even learn to draw. But these humanities classes aren't extras—they're a vital part of how students at the <a href="http://www.jefferson.edu/university/skmc.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sidney Kimmel Medical College</a> at Thomas Jefferson University cultivate empathy, improve their observational skills, and avoid burnout.Some of his students might think he's old school, but Mangione, an associate professor and physician with <a href="http://www.jefferson.edu/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jefferson Health</a>, hopes these innovative courses are actually part of a new wave of medical education, one that imparts wisdom—not just knowledge—to new physicians.In this episode, Andy and Dr. Mangione unpack why the future of medical education actually lies in its past. Get in touch with us at <a href="mailto:hello@offthechartspodcast.com">hello@offthechartspodcast.com</a>, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

Dr. Salvatore Mangione's med students are also artists

Alan Haber

I find that sharing something personal can level the playing field—but whether people want that or not can be a little harder to say. Lung specialist Dr. Alan Haber may not define himself as a storyteller, but he's certainly found a way of capturing some of the most poignant moments from his years as a physician.He took second place in a storytelling competition hosted by the Annals of Internal Medicine, and he's published columns in prominent medical journals that explore his family history, personal triumphs and tragedies, and the quandary of sharing personal stories with patients.Andy and Emily met with Dr. Haber at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, where he is the Chief of Pulmonary Medicine and the Director of the ICU. Get in touch with us at hello@offthechartspodcast.com, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

I find that sharing something personal can level the playing field—but whether people want that or not can be a little harder to say. Lung specialist Dr. Alan Haber may not define himself as a storyteller, but he's certainly found a way of capturing some of the most poignant moments from his years as a physician.He took second place in a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5W3y2w_3u0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">storytelling competition</a> hosted by the Annals of Internal Medicine, and he's published columns in prominent medical journals that explore his family history, personal triumphs and tragedies, and the quandary of sharing personal stories with patients.Andy and Emily met with Dr. Haber at <a href="https://www.foxchase.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fox Chase Cancer Center</a> in Philadelphia, where he is the Chief of Pulmonary Medicine and the Director of the ICU. Get in touch with us at <a href="mailto:hello@offthechartspodcast.com">hello@offthechartspodcast.com</a>, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

Dr. Alan Haber on how telling stories has helped—and not helped—patients

Andy Smith talks to the people at the heart of modern medicine. Learn what excites, scares and inspires healthcare providers.

"All of us, no matter what we do, need things in our lives that are regenerative and restorative. You need to get your batteries recharged."If you imagine Dr. Bennett Lorber walking the halls of Temple University Hospital in a white coat, you're not seeing the whole picture. Though he's one of the foremost authorities in the world on the listeriosis bacterial infection and he's spent 40 years as a professor and specialist in Infectious Diseases, medicine is just one aspect of his life.When he's not seeing patients or teaching tomorrow's doctors, Dr. Lorber paints (professionally), plays the guitar, reads poetry, and enjoys time with family and friends. This balance between the scientific and the artistic is one of the keys to his success and longevity in a tough field of work.Dr. Lorber met with Andy to discuss the expectations placed on today's med students, the role of observation in medicine, and the infectious disease that worries him the most (hint: it's not ebola).  Get in touch with us at hello@offthechartspodcast.com, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

"All of us, no matter what we do, need things in our lives that are regenerative and restorative. You need to get your batteries recharged."If you imagine <a href="https://medicine.temple.edu/bennett-lorber" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Bennett Lorber</a> walking the halls of Temple University Hospital in a white coat, you're not seeing the whole picture. Though he's one of the foremost authorities in the world on the listeriosis bacterial infection and he's spent 40 years as a professor and specialist in Infectious Diseases, medicine is just one aspect of his life.When he's not seeing patients or teaching tomorrow's doctors, Dr. Lorber paints (<a href="http://bennettlorber.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">professionally)</a>, plays the guitar, reads poetry, and enjoys time with family and friends. This balance between the scientific and the artistic is one of the keys to his success and longevity in a tough field of work.Dr. Lorber met with Andy to discuss the expectations placed on today's med students, the role of observation in medicine, and the infectious disease that worries him the most (hint: it's not ebola).  Get in touch with us at <a href="mailto:hello@offthechartspodcast.com">hello@offthechartspodcast.com</a>, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

Dr. Bennett Lorber on how doctors can develop better observational skills

Scott Charles

"We've abandoned kids to these concrete islands, and they're writing their own social codes without the help of the knowledge and wisdom that existed before them. It's no wonder they're making terrible mistakes."Scott Charles is the co-creator and director of an award-winning program at Philadelphia's Temple University Hospital called Cradle To Grave.It's an innovative violence prevention initiative that gives students and adjudicated young people a concrete look at the harsh realities of gun violence.He's the perfect person for this work as Temple's Trauma Outreach Coordinator: Scott has lost close friends and even family to gun violence and is passionate about impacting at-risk people of all walks of life. In this powerful episode, Scott shares his story of growing up in Sacramento and discusses how mass incarceration and lax gun laws perpetuate violence—despite the citywide and national drop in gun violence. Get in touch with us at hello@offthechartspodcast.com, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

"We've abandoned kids to these concrete islands, and they're writing their own social codes without the help of the knowledge and wisdom that existed before them. It's no wonder they're making terrible mistakes."<a href="http://www.cradletograveprogram.com/content/profiles.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Scott Charles</a> is the co-creator and director of an award-winning program at Philadelphia's Temple University Hospital called <a href="http://www.cradletograveprogram.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cradle To Grave</a>.It's an innovative violence prevention initiative that gives students and adjudicated young people a concrete look at the harsh realities of gun violence.He's the perfect person for this work as Temple's Trauma Outreach Coordinator: Scott has lost close friends and even family to gun violence and is passionate about impacting at-risk people of all walks of life. In this powerful episode, Scott shares his story of growing up in Sacramento and discusses how mass incarceration and lax gun laws perpetuate violence—despite the citywide and national drop in gun violence. Get in touch with us at <a href="mailto:hello@offthechartspodcast.com">hello@offthechartspodcast.com</a>, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

Scott Charles unpacks gun violence and reaching at-risk youth

Bruce Herdman, PhD, MBA, spent much of his career improving how things work within complex health systems.So perhaps it's no surprise that he's found meaningful work as Chief Medical Officer for the Philadelphia Prison System, which houses (and provides medical care) for about the same number of people as all of Philadelphia's academic medical centers combined. In this episode, Bruce talks with Andy about the unusual and often complex needs of those who pass through Philadelphia's prison system. He details a few recent improvements to the Philadelphia Prison System's healthcare and and explains why giving inmates access to good medical care is vital—to them, and to society as a whole.Learn more:Healthcare Behind Bars - The Pennsylvania Gazette Get in touch with us at hello@offthechartspodcast.com, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

Bruce Herdman, PhD, MBA, spent much of his career improving how things work within complex health systems.So perhaps it's no surprise that he's found meaningful work as Chief Medical Officer for the Philadelphia Prison System, which houses (and provides medical care) for about the same number of people as all of Philadelphia's academic medical centers combined. In this episode, Bruce talks with Andy about the unusual and often complex needs of those who pass through Philadelphia's prison system. He details a few recent improvements to the Philadelphia Prison System's healthcare and and explains why giving inmates access to good medical care is vital—to them, and to society as a whole.Learn more:<ul><li><a href="http://thepenngazette.com/healthcare-behind-bars/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Healthcare Behind Bars</a> - The Pennsylvania Gazette</li></ul> Get in touch with us at <a href="mailto:hello@offthechartspodcast.com">hello@offthechartspodcast.com</a>, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

Bruce Herdman on why improving prison healthcare helps society at large

Lillie Shockney

"Telling stories is one of the best ways we can remember someone. It also gives permission for patients to say, 'I think I have a story to tell.'"Nurse navigator Lillie D. Shockney is intimately familiar with breast cancer. She's directed the Johns Hopkins Breast Center for nearly 20 years and leads their cancer survivorship program. She's also written 14 books and hundreds of articles on the subject.But what truly makes her an expert is the fact that she's a two-time survivor of breast cancer herself.In this episode of Off The Charts, Lillie shares numerous stories—from patients and from her own family—and discusses her work helping cancer patients live their best possible life. Get in touch with us at hello@offthechartspodcast.com, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

"Telling stories is one of the best ways we can remember someone. It also gives permission for patients to say, 'I think I have a story to tell.'"Nurse navigator Lillie D. Shockney is intimately familiar with breast cancer. She's directed the Johns Hopkins Breast Center for nearly 20 years and leads their cancer survivorship program. She's also written 14 books and hundreds of articles on the subject.But what truly makes her an expert is the fact that she's a two-time survivor of breast cancer herself.In this episode of Off The Charts, Lillie shares numerous stories—from patients and from her own family—and discusses her work helping cancer patients live their best possible life. Get in touch with us at <a href="mailto:hello@offthechartspodcast.com">hello@offthechartspodcast.com</a>, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

Nurse navigator Lillie Shockney on surviving breast cancer—twice

"We offer an opportunity to turn a tragedy into something that many families see as the one positive thing that happened outside of the tragedy they faced."Twenty-two people die each day waiting for an organ transplant, and a new person is added to the waiting list every 10 minutes.This is the challenge that Howard Nathan has been up against for his entire career.As President and CEO of Philadelphia's Gift of Life Donor Program, Howard began his tenure in organ procurement as a transplant coordinator in 1978. Since 1984 he has led Gift of Life, the oldest and largest of the United States' 58 organ procurement organizations. In this episode of Off the Charts, Howard talks with Andy about what makes organ procurement challenging and rewarding work, common misconceptions about organ donations, and where the field is headed in the coming years.  Get in touch with us at hello@offthechartspodcast.com, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

"We offer an opportunity to turn a tragedy into something that many families see as the one positive thing that happened outside of the tragedy they faced."Twenty-two people die each day waiting for an organ transplant, and a new person is added to the waiting list every 10 minutes.This is the challenge that Howard Nathan has been up against for his entire career.As President and CEO of Philadelphia's <a href="http://www.donors1.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gift of Life Donor Program</a>, Howard began his tenure in organ procurement as a transplant coordinator in 1978. Since 1984 he has led Gift of Life, the oldest and largest of the United States' 58 organ procurement organizations. In this episode of Off the Charts, Howard talks with Andy about what makes organ procurement challenging and rewarding work, common misconceptions about organ donations, and where the field is headed in the coming years.  Get in touch with us at <a href="mailto:hello@offthechartspodcast.com">hello@offthechartspodcast.com</a>, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

Common misconceptions about organ donation with Gift of Life's Howard Nathan

Mentioned in this episode:After leap breaks body, a miracle renews spirit - The Philadelphia InquirerA winner, home to heal: Recovering from fall, he says depression didn't defeat him - The Philadelphia InquirerHow to Tell a Mother Her Child Is Dead by Naomi Rosenberg - The New York TimesMike's books, including Great Americans: Stories of Resilience and Joy in Everyday Life "I love immersing myself in somebody's life and telling their story and trying to give dignity and celebrate that journey."  Journalist, author and Pulitzer Prize winner Mike Vitez spent more than three decades at the Philadelphia Inquirer, where he learned how to find and craft a great story.  That experience makes him perfect for his new role as Director of Narrative Medicine at Temple University's Lewis Katz School of Medicine. This job involves working with medical students and doctors at every level to help them find and tell their own stories. He also finds and writes stories for Temple on his own. Andy and Emily visited Mike at Temple to uncover some of his all-time favorite stories, unpack what makes a good story, and learn what Mike hopes to accomplish in the classroom and within Temple's halls.  Get in touch with us at hello@offthechartspodcast.com, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

Mentioned in this episode:<ul><li><a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/news/special_packages/inquirer/inq_AR_Jodan_Burnham1.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">After leap breaks body, a miracle renews spirit</a> - The Philadelphia Inquirer</li><li><a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/news/special_packages/inquirer/inq_AR_Jodan_Burnham2.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A winner, home to heal: Recovering from fall, he says depression didn't defeat him</a> - The Philadelphia Inquirer</li><li><a href="http://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/09/04/opinion/sunday/how-to-tell-a-mother-her-child-is-dead.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How to Tell a Mother Her Child Is Dead</a> by Naomi Rosenberg - The New York Times</li><li>Mike's books, including <a href="http://www.michaelvitez.com/books/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Great Americans: Stories of Resilience and Joy in Everyday Life</a></li></ul> "I love immersing myself in somebody's life and telling their story and trying to give dignity and celebrate that journey."  Journalist, author and Pulitzer Prize winner Mike Vitez spent more than three decades at the Philadelphia Inquirer, where he learned how to find and craft a great story.  That experience makes him perfect for his new role as Director of Narrative Medicine at Temple University's Lewis Katz School of Medicine. This job involves working with medical students and doctors at every level to help them find and tell their own stories. He also finds and <a href="https://medium.com/temples-narrative-medicine-program" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">writes stories for Temple</a> on his own. Andy and Emily visited Mike at Temple to uncover some of his all-time favorite stories, unpack what makes a good story, and learn what Mike hopes to accomplish in the classroom and within Temple's halls.  Get in touch with us at <a href="mailto:hello@offthechartspodcast.com">hello@offthechartspodcast.com</a>, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

Pulitizer Prize-winning writer Mike Vitez on why doctors should be storytellers

"At the end of the day, it's not the millions of dollars of toys and technology and vehicles. It comes down to people who are absolute experts who are at the top of their game and love to do what they do."Dr. David Jaslow—aka the "Master of Disaster"—has been on the ground in some of the worst disasters in US history, including September 11 and Hurricane Katrina. Now he brings his decades of expertise in emergency and disaster medicine to running the emergency department at Lower Bucks Hospital, just outside Philadelphia.In this episode, Andy and Dr. Jaslow discuss how emergency medicine got its start in the US, the challenges of providing medical care to disaster victims, and the public's perception of disaster response (in other words, why disaster specialists laud FEMA's response to Hurricane Katrina despite widespread criticism). Get in touch with us at hello@offthechartspodcast.com, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

"At the end of the day, it's not the millions of dollars of toys and technology and vehicles. It comes down to people who are absolute experts who are at the top of their game and love to do what they do."Dr. David Jaslow—aka the "Master of Disaster"—has been on the ground in some of the worst disasters in US history, including September 11 and Hurricane Katrina. Now he brings his decades of expertise in emergency and disaster medicine to running the emergency department at <a href="http://www.lowerbuckshosp.com/Services/Emergency-Services.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lower Bucks Hospital</a>, just outside Philadelphia.In this episode, Andy and Dr. Jaslow discuss how emergency medicine got its start in the US, the challenges of providing medical care to disaster victims, and the public's perception of disaster response (in other words, why disaster specialists laud FEMA's response to Hurricane Katrina despite widespread criticism). Get in touch with us at <a href="mailto:hello@offthechartspodcast.com">hello@offthechartspodcast.com</a>, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

Dr. David Jaslow on what you don't know about disaster response

Jennifer Simmons

"The vast majority of my patients live, and they live changed—a lot of them for the better."Dr. Jennifer Simmons is the chief of breast surgery at Einstein Medical Center Montgomery, outside of Philadelphia. Andy met her because of her work with breast cancer, a disease that touched her family at a very young age and continues to occupy much of her work life. In this episode, Andy and Dr. Simmons discuss the public relations machine behind breast cancer, how she balances her work and home lives, and the challenges of facing one of the most common cancers in existence.  Get in touch with us at hello@offthechartspodcast.com, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

"The vast majority of my patients live, and they live changed—a lot of them for the better."Dr. Jennifer Simmons is the chief of breast surgery at Einstein Medical Center Montgomery, outside of Philadelphia. Andy met her because of her work with breast cancer, a disease that touched her family at a very young age and continues to occupy much of her work life. In this episode, Andy and Dr. Simmons discuss the public relations machine behind breast cancer, how she balances her work and home lives, and the challenges of facing one of the most common cancers in existence.  Get in touch with us at <a href="mailto:hello@offthechartspodcast.com">hello@offthechartspodcast.com</a>, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

Dr. Jennifer Simmons unpacks breast cancer's PR machine

John Kelly

 "Humor is a gift of God, and it should be used to build people up." Dr. John Kelly specializes in shoulder surgery at Penn Medicine in Philadelphia. Andy knows him from his days at Temple University Hospital, where Dr. Kelly earned a reputation as both a compassionate doctor and a hilarious stand-up comedian. In this episode, he talks with Andy about humor's impact on healing, the importance of mindfulness, and how practicing medicine improves with age.Get in touch with us at hello@offthechartspodcast.com, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

"Humor is a gift of God, and it should be used to build people up." Dr. John Kelly specializes in shoulder surgery at Penn Medicine in Philadelphia. Andy knows him from his days at Temple University Hospital, where Dr. Kelly earned a reputation as both a compassionate doctor and a hilarious stand-up comedian. In this episode, he talks with Andy about humor's impact on healing, the importance of mindfulness, and how practicing medicine improves with age.Get in touch with us at <a href="mailto:hello@offthechartspodcast.com">hello@offthechartspodcast.com</a>, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

Dr. John Kelly explains why healing needs humor

Amy Goldberg

"It won't be the hours that chase me from trauma surgery. It will be that I can't tell another family member that their loved one has died."Dr. Amy Goldberg is the head of surgery at Temple University Hospital, but Andy knows her from her years running the hospital's trauma department.In this episode, Amy talks with Andy about how loved ones respond to tragedy after a patient dies, her perception of how gun violence has changed over the years, and how she manages the daily stresses of her job.  Get in touch with us at hello@offthechartspodcast.com, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

"It won't be the hours that chase me from trauma surgery. It will be that I can't tell another family member that their loved one has died."Dr. Amy Goldberg is the head of surgery at Temple University Hospital, but Andy knows her from her years running the hospital's trauma department.In this episode, Amy talks with Andy about how loved ones respond to tragedy after a patient dies, her perception of how gun violence has changed over the years, and how she manages the daily stresses of her job.  Get in touch with us at <a href="mailto:hello@offthechartspodcast.com">hello@offthechartspodcast.com</a>, and don't forget to rate/review us in your go-to podcast app!

Dr. Amy Goldberg on God, guns, and surviving in Emergency Medicine

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