Global Health Pursuit

Did you know that only 3% of children in low income countries have access to surgery, while 85% of children in high income countries like the US have access? This means that easily treatable conditions like appendicitis or long bone fractures could result in death or lifelong disability for children in low and middle income countries. On the bright side, there are organizations like World Pediatric Project that are working to provide access to specialty medical care for children in Latin America and the Caribbean.The episode features an interview with Vafa Akhavan, the CEO of World Pediatric Project, a nonprofit organization that provides access to specialty medical care for children in Latin America and the Caribbean. The conversation covers Vafa's background and career path, as well as the mission and unique model of World Pediatric Project. Vafa emphasizes the importance of access to healthcare for children in low and middle income countries and discusses the extreme cases that World Pediatric Project focuses on. This organization has amazingly developed a network of pediatricians, hospitals, and donors over the past 20 years, which allows them to care for children around the world.Check out the shownotes to learn more!Takeaways: Access to surgery for children in low-income countries is critically low, at only 3%. The World Pediatric Project aims to provide specialized medical care for underserved children. Unique surgical cases require tailored approaches, as each child's needs significantly differ. Building partnerships with local healthcare providers enhances the capacity of pediatric care systems. Children represent 30% of the population and are essential for a better future. The ripple effects of surgery can transform not only a child's life but entire communities. ______Support the Podcast: Click here to send in a one-time or monthly donationSubmit a Question: Click here to send in a question!Join the Podcast Mailing list: https://www.globalhealthpursuit.com/mailing-listMake sure to follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook!Email me at hetal@globalhealthpursuit.com______Thank you to our partners at CHIMUK: A sustainable and ethical handmade fashion brand transforming women's lives through knitting. Purchase one of a kind, high quality baby alpaca, and cotton handmade scarves, hats, and more! Each product comes with a special QR code linking you to a photo/bio of the artisan who handmade your product! Click here to see the impact you can make by shopping with Chimuk. >>Use the code GHP10 for 10% off at checkout!<<

What unique challenges do refugee and migrant youth face during resettlement, and how can educational systems best support their integration and mental health? Ilana Seff, a Research Assistant Professor at the Brown School at Washington University, and Jeremy Aldrich, Director of Teaching and Learning in Harrisonburg City Public Schools, delve into this crucial topic in this episode. Ilana highlights her work on mental health support for displaced women and adolescents in the U.S., particularly through the 'SALaMA Study,' while Jeremy discusses the significance of language and cultural belonging through his experience as an ESL teacher and leader in the Virginia Dual Language Educators Network. They discuss the vital role of schools in creating inclusive environments, the importance of family engagement, and the effectiveness of peer support in aiding integration and fostering resilience among refugee and migrant adolescents.Check out the shownotes to learn more!Takeaways: Refugee and migrant youth face significant emotional challenges while resettling in new environments. Schools play a critical role in providing support and fostering a sense of belonging for these students. Language acquisition is vital for social integration and academic success among refugee adolescents. Family involvement is crucial in helping students adjust and navigate the school system effectively. Peer mentoring can greatly assist refugee youth in understanding school norms and making connections. Mental health support is essential, as many adolescents experience heightened levels of distress and isolation. ______Support the Podcast: Click here to send in a one-time or monthly donationSubmit a Question: Click here to send in a question!Join the Podcast Mailing list: https://www.globalhealthpursuit.com/mailing-listMake sure to follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook!Email me at hetal@globalhealthpursuit.com______Thank you to our partners at CHIMUK: A sustainable and ethical handmade fashion brand transforming women's lives through knitting. Purchase one of a kind, high quality baby alpaca, and cotton handmade scarves, hats, and more! Each product comes with a special QR code linking you to a photo/bio of the artisan who handmade your product! Click here to see the impact you can make by shopping with Chimuk. >>Use the code GHP10 for 10% off at checkout!<<______ Make sure to check out the Planet People Podcast if you love this podcast! :)

What is the vaginal microbiome, and why is it crucial for women's health? How does bacterial vaginosis (BV) and its treatments impact women's lives? Dr. Craig Cohen, a leading expert in obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at UCSF, explains the importance of the vaginal microbiome and its role in women's health. Drawing from years of experience and extensive research, including his work in Kenya, Dr. Cohen discusses the challenges of treating BV, the necessity of innovative treatments like live biotherapeutics, and the urgent need for better diagnostics and widespread education. He emphasizes the importance of advocacy for research and funding to improve women's reproductive health outcomes.Check out the shownotes to learn more!Takeaways: Understanding the vaginal microbiome is essential for women's reproductive and overall health. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common condition that many women may not be aware of. BV can increase the risk of preterm birth, HIV, and other sexually transmitted infections. Proper education and awareness about BV can help women take proactive steps for their health. Routine testing for the vaginal microbiome is not standard but can be requested from healthcare providers. Advocacy for better diagnostics and treatments for BV is crucial to improve women's health outcomes. The vaginal microbiome plays a significant role in maintaining optimal health and preventing infections. ______Support the Podcast: Click here to send in a one-time or monthly donationSubmit a Question: Click here to send in a question!Join the Podcast Mailing list: https://www.globalhealthpursuit.com/mailing-listMake sure to follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook!Email me at hetal@globalhealthpursuit.com______Thank you to our partners at CHIMUK: A sustainable and ethical handmade fashion brand transforming women's lives through knitting. Purchase one of a kind, high quality baby alpaca, and cotton handmade scarves, hats, and more! Each product comes with a special QR code linking you to a photo/bio of the artisan who handmade your product! Click here to see the impact you can make by shopping with Chimuk. >>Use the code GHP10 for 10% off at checkout!<<______ A huge thank you to Evvy for sponsoring this episode! Evvy is a women's health company that is unlocking precision healthcare for women & people with vaginas. Their mission is to close the gender health gap by discovering and leveraging overlooked female biomarkers — starting with the vaginal microbiome. Learn more about them at Evvy.com.A portion of today's...

What if men could share the responsibility for contraception? How could this reshape relationships and economic landscapes globally? Could this reduce global poverty?Heather Vahdat, Executive Director at Male Contraceptive Initiative, talks passionately about the groundbreaking journey towards safe, reversible male contraceptive options. The discussion covers her intriguing career shift from zoology to public health, the pressing need for funding, and the transformative potential of male contraception in reducing global poverty. Learn about the exciting advancements in clinical trials and the crucial role of youth in advocating for reproductive autonomy in this eye-opening interview.Check out the shownotes to learn more!International Market Research: https://www.malecontraceptive.org/international-market-research.htmlListen to MCI's podcast which explores the past, present, and future of male contraception: "Intended"______Support the Podcast: Click here to send in a one-time or monthly donationSubmit a Question: Click here to send in a question!Join the Podcast Mailing list: https://www.globalhealthpursuit.com/mailing-listMake sure to follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook!Email me at hetal@globalhealthpursuit.com______ This episode is proudly supported by Male Contractive Initiative. The mission at MCI is to empower men, and couples, to fully contribute to family planning goals by providing them the resources they need for reproductive autonomy. Thank you to our partners at CHIMUK: A sustainable and ethical handmade fashion brand transforming women's lives through knitting. Purchase one of a kind, high quality baby alpaca, and cotton handmade scarves, hats, and more! Each product comes with a special QR code linking you to a photo/bio of the artisan who handmade your product! Click here to see the impact you can make by shopping with Chimuk. >>Use the code GHP10 for 10% off at checkout!<<

How do forest fires link to climate change? Why does climate pose a national security threat? How can businesses mitigate their carbon footprints? Mike Smith, co-founder and CEO of Aclymate, joined me to discuss his journey from a Navy career to founding a company focused on helping small-to-medium sized businesses achieve carbon neutrality. The conversation delves into the personal experiences that influenced Mike's transition, the importance of reforestation and carbon markets, the concept of fatal heat, and how climate change acts as a non-traditional threat to national security. Mike also explains decarbonization, offers practical advice for individuals and companies to reduce their carbon footprints, and highlights Aclymate's mission to educate and empower businesses for a sustainable future.Check out the shownotes to learn more!If you liked this episode listen to these too:5. How Do Internally Displaced Persons Access Healthcare? w/ Elvis Ndansi27. Exploring the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals w/Rachel Svetanoff57. The Life of a Refugee: Economic Integration and Forced Migration w/ Dr. Mitra Naseh______Support the Podcast: Click here to send in a one-time or monthly donationSubmit a Question: Click here to send in a question!Join the Podcast Mailing list: https://www.globalhealthpursuit.com/mailing-listMake sure to follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook!Email me at hetal@globalhealthpursuit.com______Thank you to our partners at CHIMUK: A sustainable and ethical handmade fashion brand transforming women's lives through knitting. Purchase one of a kind, high quality baby alpaca, and cotton handmade scarves, hats, and more! Each product comes with a special QR code linking you to a photo/bio of the artisan who handmade your product! Click here to see the impact you can make by shopping with Chimuk. >>Use the code GHP10 for 10% off at checkout!<<

How does a pharmaceutical scientist end up spearheading an initiative to combat neglected global diseases? What drives a tenured professor to shift focus from profitable pharmaceutical ventures to humanitarian efforts? This interview with Dr. Kishor Wasan explores the unexpected journey from a traditional pharmaceutical scientist to the founder of the Neglected Global Diseases Initiative (NGDI) at the University of British Columbia. It covers his significant work on Amphotericin B, insights into developing an oral formulation, and the pivotal moments that shifted his focus to global health disparities. The interview discusses the challenges of raising awareness and funding for neglected diseases, success stories from NGDI, and advice for young researchers aiming to make an impact in global health. Dr. Wasan emphasizes the importance of partnerships and collaboration in addressing global health issues.Check out the shownotes to learn more!______Support the Podcast: Click here to send in a one-time or monthly donationSubmit a Question: Click here to send in a question!Join the Podcast Mailing list: https://www.globalhealthpursuit.com/mailing-listMake sure to follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook!Email me at hetal@globalhealthpursuit.com______Thank you to our partners at CHIMUK: A sustainable and ethical handmade fashion brand transforming women's lives through knitting. Purchase one of a kind, high quality baby alpaca, and cotton handmade scarves, hats, and more! Each product comes with a special QR code linking you to a photo/bio of the artisan who handmade your product! Click here to see the impact you can make by shopping with Chimuk. >>Use the code GHP10 for 10% off at checkout!<<

Should immigration be a political or humanitarian issue? How do policies hinder or help the lives of displaced individuals? What challenges do forcibly displaced people face? How can economic integration be measured? Why is getting a visa for highly educated individuals based on a lottery system? Dr. Mitra Naseh, an Assistant Professor and Co-Founder and Research Director of the Initiative on Social Work and Forced Migration at the Brown School, shares her personal journey from Iran to the U.S., highlighting her shift from computer engineering to working with Afghan refugees. The conversation covers the intersection of social work and refugee wellbeing, the challenges of economic integration, and the emotional resilience required in this demanding field. Dr. Naseh also discusses global migration policies, their impact on refugees, and the broader issues of forced migration in today's world.Check out the shownotes to learn more!How the US Immigration System Works______Support the Podcast: Click here to send in a one-time or monthly donationSubmit a Question: Click here to send in a question!Join the Podcast Mailing list: https://www.globalhealthpursuit.com/mailing-listMake sure to follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook!Email me at hetal@globalhealthpursuit.com______Thank you to our partners at CHIMUK: A sustainable and ethical handmade fashion brand transforming women's lives through knitting. Purchase one of a kind, high quality baby alpaca, and cotton handmade scarves, hats, and more! Each product comes with a special QR code linking you to a photo/bio of the artisan who handmade your product! Click here to see the impact you can make by shopping with Chimuk. >>Use the code GHP10 for 10% off at checkout!<<

After taking 6 months off (to get married and enjoy life), the Global Health Pursuit Podcast is back again for a brand new season!This season, we'll be exploring topics like refugees and forced migration, fatal heat and how it affects national security, and the controversial (or maybe not so controversial) topic of male contraception! It'll be a blast!Make sure you're subscribed and I can't wait for you to hear these amazing stories.______Support the Podcast: Click here to send in a one-time or monthly donationSubmit a Question: Click here to send in a question!Join the Podcast Mailing list: https://www.globalhealthpursuit.com/mailing-listMake sure to follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook!Email me at hetal@globalhealthpursuit.com______Thank you to our partners at CHIMUK: A sustainable and ethical handmade fashion brand transforming women's lives through knitting. Purchase one of a kind, high quality baby alpaca, and cotton handmade scarves, hats, and more! Each product comes with a special QR code linking you to a photo/bio of the artisan who handmade your product! Click here to see the impact you can make by shopping with Chimuk. >>Use the code GHP10 for 10% off at checkout!<<

I want your no-nonsense, genuine, feedback on this podcast!Schedule some time to chat with me by clicking this link: Hetal's CalendarOR email me at hetal@globalhealthpursuit.com to share your insights or schedule a time to grab coffee!Can't wait to chat!

The Global Health Pursuit is closing its first season. Make sure to subscribe to be the first to know when the second season launches. You won't want to miss it.Email me at hetal@globalhealthpursuit.com to get in touch in the meantime! :)__________________Support the PodcastClick here to send in a one-time or monthly donationThank you to our partners at CHIMUK: A sustainable and ethical handmade fashion brand transforming women's lives through knitting. Purchase one of a kind, high quality baby alpaca, and cotton handmade scarves, hats, and more! Each product comes with a special QR code linking you to a photo/bio of the artisan who handmade your product! Click here to see the impact you can make by shopping with Chimuk. >>Use the code GHP10 for 10% off at checkout!<<Submit a QuestionClick here to send in a question!Join the Podcast Mailing list: https://www.globalhealthpursuit.com/mailing-list Make sure to follow Hetal on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook!Email her at hetal@globalhealthpursuit.com.

Today, I'm setting aside the usual guest interview format to share my own experiences and insights as a global health podcaster. I announce a brief hiatus for my upcoming wedding (yay!) and tease the exciting lineup for the next season of the podcast! Reflecting on my travels and work in the medical device industry, I discuss the inequities in healthcare access and my drive to explore global health solutions. Through interviews with over 40 individuals, I've learned that passion and listening are key, not necessarily a health background. Stories of guests like Sean Kappauf and Brooke Sulahian highlight how small moments can inspire significant work in global health. Emphasizing the value of partnerships, I underscore the collaborative nature of the field. __________________Support the PodcastClick here to send in a one-time or monthly donationThank you to our partners at CHIMUK: A sustainable and ethical handmade fashion brand transforming women's lives through knitting. Purchase one of a kind, high quality baby alpaca, and cotton handmade scarves, hats, and more! Each product comes with a special QR code linking you to a photo/bio of the artisan who handmade your product! Click here to see the impact you can make by shopping with Chimuk. >>Use the code GHP10 for 10% off at checkout!<<Submit a QuestionClick here to send in a question!Join the Podcast Mailing list: https://www.globalhealthpursuit.com/mailing-list Make sure to follow Hetal on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook!Email her at hetal@globalhealthpursuit.com.

A simple glass of water can change lives.Sean Kappauf is the inspirational figure behind the non-profit 'One ATTA Time', dedicated to tackling the global water crisis. Venturing from a place of personal apathy to launching a life-changing initiative, Sean takes us through his deeply personal journey that transformed his mission to care into actionable compassion. Sean shares how a heartwarming connection with a 3-year-old boy named Bryan in El Salvador set the stage for a remarkable transformation, not just in Bryan’s community but in numerous countries across the world. With a focus on the importance of clean water access, Sean explains the innovative use of GIS technology and the life-saving impact of their water filtration systems, proven by comprehensive scientific data and heartfelt community engagement. This episode is not just about water; it's about finding purpose, the power of kindness and competency in leadership, and the magic of serendipity in spreading hope one family at a time. __________________Support the PodcastClick here to send in a one-time or monthly donationThank you to our partners at CHIMUK: A sustainable and ethical handmade fashion brand transforming women's lives through knitting. Purchase one of a kind, high quality baby alpaca, and cotton handmade scarves, hats, and more! Each product comes with a special QR code linking you to a photo/bio of the artisan who handmade your product! Click here to see the impact you can make by shopping with Chimuk. >>Use the code GHP10 for 10% off at checkout!<<Submit a QuestionClick here to send in a question!Join the Podcast Mailing list: https://www.globalhealthpursuit.com/mailing-list Make sure to follow Hetal on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook!Email her at hetal@globalhealthpursuit.com.

March is National Nutrition Month. Created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, an annual nutrition education and information campaign is celebrated to focus on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.Since is it National Nutrition Month, I thought I'd rewind back to an eye-opening conversation all about food security and nutrition when it comes to populations in low-resource settings all around the world. __Curious about how culture and social determinants shape our food choices? Get ready to shift your perspective on nutrition as we chat with Dr. Lora Iannotti, professor of public health and the pioneering director of the E3 nutrition lab. Our conversation uncovers the sobering reality of global malnutrition issues, from child wasting and stunted growth to obesity. Dr. Iannotti pulls back the curtain, revealing the intricate interplay of socio-cultural factors on our dietary habits and their profound impact on global health. Dive into the world of community-based research and transition from international aid as we spotlight a case study in Kenya. Learn how an ingenious intervention persuaded fishing households to share their catch with young children, striking a balance between improving nutrition and preserving marine ecosystems. Later, we travel to Madagascar to investigate how local wild foods can be a powerful weapon against malnutrition. We also explore the 'hunger season' and its effects on subsistence farming families. This episode is a riveting exploration of how nutrition science, combined with community engagement, can trigger transformative change. Check out the shownotes to learn more!__________________Support the PodcastClick here to send in a one-time or monthly donationThank you to our partners at CHIMUK: A sustainable and ethical handmade fashion brand transforming women's lives through knitting. Purchase one of a kind, high quality baby alpaca, and cotton handmade scarves, hats, and more! Each product comes with a special QR code linking you to a photo/bio of the artisan who handmade your product! Click here to see the impact you can make by shopping with Chimuk. >>Use the code GHP10 for 10% off at checkout!<<Submit a QuestionClick here to send in a question!Join the Podcast Mailing list: https://www.globalhealthpursuit.com/mailing-list Make sure to follow Hetal on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook!Email her at hetal@globalhealthpursuit.com.

War. bombings. Terror. Is history repeating itself? We see it happening all around the world. And today's episode is about resilience in the face of war. In this episode Dr. Amani Ballour, a Syrian pediatrician and activist discussesHer upbringing in a conservative Syrian communityHer path to becoming a doctor against societal expectationsand her intense experiences managing an underground hospital during the Syrian conflict. She details the challenges of treating victims of chemical attacks with limited resources and the normalization of violence in war zones. Dr. Ballour also speaks on the discrimination she faced as a female leader in a war-torn area, emphasizing the importance of women's roles in healthcare and leadership. Her story highlights the resilience of those working under extreme conditions to provide care and hope amidst chaos.Get her book on Amazon: The CaveCheck out the shownotes to learn more!

The Western healthcare system is full of rack rage, moral injury, and ethical crises. How can we redefine how physicians deliver healthcare to stay true to morality?In this episode, Dr. Marc-David Munk, an emergency medicine physician, shares his transformative experiences working with the Flying Doctors of East Africa. In this episode, Dr. Munk discusses:The moral challenges he faced in the Western medical system.His pursuit of meaningful patient care. Reflections on the sacredness of medicineHis return to Africa for business and management trainingHis book's impact on other doctors. Dr. Munk also reveals his current endeavor in hospice and palliative care medicine, emphasizing the importance of career reinvention and personal growth.Get his book on Amazon: Urgent Calls From Distant PlacesCheck out the shownotes to learn more!__________________Support the PodcastClick here to send in a one-time or monthly donationThank you to our partners at CHIMUK: A sustainable and ethical handmade fashion brand transforming women's lives through knitting. Purchase one of a kind, high quality baby alpaca, and cotton handmade scarves, hats, and more! Each product comes with a special QR code linking you to a photo/bio of the artisan who handmade your product! Click here to see the impact you can make by shopping with Chimuk. >>Use the code GHP10 for 10% off at checkout!<<Submit a QuestionClick here to send in a question!Join the Podcast Mailing list: https://www.globalhealthpursuit.com/mailing-listMake sure to follow Hetal on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook!Email her at hetal@globalhealthpursuit.com.