CommonHealth

All doctors have an impact on their patients. How many doctors have an impact on every patient in their state? Delegate Mark Downey is the only physician in the Virginia House of Delegates. A practicing pediatrician, Del. Downey joins CommonHealth to discuss why he ran for office and the value of his unique perspective on legislative issues. Hear more from behind the scenes of Virginia's legislature on addressing the challenges families face in accessing affordable healthcare and the importance of evidence-based decision-making in shaping policies that benefit the community - all in the latest episode of CommonHealth! With special guest: Dr. Mark Downey, Delegate, 69th District   Hosted by: Phillip Noel

Physician, attorney, leader. These are just a few of the ways to describe Virginia's newest State Health Commissioner, Dr. B. Cameron Webb. This week, Dr. Webb joins Phillip on CommonHealth to share his journey from medicine to law to public health. He discusses the current state of wellness in Virginia as well as his vision and goals for the next three and a half years, from the critical role of local leadership to the importance of building institutional trust. Get to know our Commissioner - listen now! With special guest: B. Cameron Webb, MD, JD, State Health Commissioner, Virginia Department of Health   Hosted by: Phillip Noel

What do you really know about vaping? In this episode of CommonHealth, Dr. Michelle Peace, an expert in forensic toxicology, explains what the science really says about electronic cigarettes and their impact on health and public safety. From the hidden dangers of vaping to the misconceptions many consumers hold, Dr. Peace sheds light on the evolving landscape of these products. For consumers, parents, and policymakers, this is a must-listen to understand the science behind vaping to empower informed choices. With special guest: Dr. Michelle Peace, Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University Hosted by: Phillip Noel

Over the next decade, experts are predicting healthcare provider shortages in the tens of thousands, from primary care and nursing to behavioral health and dentistry. Through the Community Health Scholarship, the Virginia Community Healthcare Association is doing something about it. In this episode of CommonHealth, Kate speaks with Eve Gilles and April Thomas, Community Health Scholarship recipients pursuing advanced degrees in social work and nursing. Their insights on the barriers faced by students and the impact of scholarships and funding are essential in understanding how we can best support the next generation of healthcare professionals and close the care gap that lies ahead. With special guests: Eve Gilles, Masters Student, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work and April Thomas, PhD Student, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing Hosted by: Kate McCarthy

This week's guest is especially close to host Tracy's heart: her mother, Susan Douglas. In the mid-sixties, Susan left the comfort and familiarity of her hometown to go to Alabama during a time of enormous racial tension to help Black residents register to vote. That decision would change her life. It's where she met Tracy's father, a man from Montgomery, doing the same courageous work. Her journey is a story about risk, conviction and following a moral compass, even when it points you to the hardest places. With special guest: Susan Douglas Hosted by: Tracy Douglas, CEO, Virginia Community Healthcare Association