MIT - Conversations with MIT Health

Who would make medical decisions for you if you couldn’t? In this episode of Conversations with MIT Health, Jessica Senesi, ANP-BC, and Lydia Barlow, MD, explain why healthcare proxies matter, how to choose one, and the key conversations to have. They’ll also clear up misconceptions and discuss how proxies interact with advance directives. Whether planning for yourself or a loved one, this discussion will help you make informed decisions with confidence.

“Conversations with MIT Health” presents “Nutrition Tips for Managing Hypertension or Diabetes,” featuring Dr. David Podradchik, clinical pharmacist at MIT Health. Dr. Podradchik offers practical guidance on making sustainable dietary changes to better manage blood pressure and blood sugar. He discusses common nutrition challenges, simple adjustments that can have a big impact, and how diet interacts with medications. Listeners will gain insight into working with their care team to develop a personalized plan for long-term health.

In this episode of Conversations with MIT Health, we discuss the importance of colorectal cancer screening with Nicole Napier, Population Health Manager at MIT Health. Nicole shares why early detection is critical, explains the different screening options available, and addresses common concerns that may cause hesitation. We also explore why screening guidelines have changed, when to start testing, and how MIT Health supports prevention efforts. Tune in to learn how you can take proactive steps toward better health and early detection.

Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the US. There are over 40 types of HPV, 13 of which can lead cancer. In this episode, Jennifer Shark, CNM, explains need to know information for protecting yourself against HPV as well as screening and treatment options.

Monisha Rajinikanth, OD provides us with an overview of Optometry services at MIT Health. She also talks about when you should plan to see an eye doctor (and how), when you shouldn’t – as well as common eye concerns seen in the MIT community.

MIT Health offers a variety of treatments to support conditions related to allergies. Treatments include allergy shots, environmental changes, antihistamines and other medications – as well as initial diagnoses support.

Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine used to treat chronic pain, as well as an array of other conditions. Abram Ojure, founder of New England Integrated Health, Caitlyn McCourt, Director of MIT Health’s Community Wellness department and Katie Choi, Administrative Clinical Operations Supervisor of MIT Health’s Community Wellness join us to talk about the practice and how it may benefit you.

Jennifer Shark, certified midwife provides us with an overview MIT Health’s Obstetrics and Gynecologic practice. In this episode, Jennifer talks about the different community members that MIT Health’s OB/GYN department supports, as well as common services offered for different stages of life and more.

The team at MIT’s Occupational Health Service provides an overview of the unique work-related and environmental support that they offer MIT employees and beyond. More specifically, they discuss their employee-oriented comprehensive consulting, treatment, and health-education support – as well as examinations, vaccinations, and immunity certifications for Institute employees and affiliated groups like Draper Laboratory.

Travel Health is a unique clinical service and benefit for the MIT community. MIT Health’s Travel Nurse Advisor Program Manager Pauline Lee gives us an overview of how the service can help students, faculty, staff – family members, and retirees develop a safe travel plan before traveling abroad for recreation, study, internships, and more.

MIT Health patients now have access to physical therapy appointments -- on campus -- thanks to our new partnership with Bay State Physical Therapy. Shawn Ferullo, MIT Health Associate Medical Director, speaks with Ben Rose, Bay State Physical Therapy’s Managing Partner and Physical Therapist and Alexandra Leon, Clinic Manager about the treatments and services available through this partnership.

Jonathan Pelletier, Medical Laboratory Manager walks us through how patients can utilize laboratory services at MIT Health, and the range of services offered to patients for laboratory needs. MIT Health’s laboratory is committed to accurately, efficiently and conveniently providing test results for patients.

The Sports Medicine and Orthopedics practice at MIT Health provides an array of progressive treatment options for both athletes and non-athletic community members. Dr. Shawn Ferullo, Dr. Angelene Elliott, and Dr. Christian Rose talk about the practice’s approach to comprehensive, coordinated musculoskeletal and orthopedic support for MIT students, employees, retirees and beyond.

Lead Mammo Technologist Rachel Winn walks us through what to expect as part of a mammogram at MIT Health.

Research shows that on average LGBTQ+ patients typically rate their healthcare experiences as less satisfying than individuals who do not identify as LGBTQ+. In this episode, we talk about LGBTQ+ services offered at MIT Health, specific challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face when seeking healthcare and how MIT Health works to mitigate those challenges.

MIT Health offers care for even the youngest members of the MIT community. Pediatricians Rosemarie Roqué Gordon and Ed Levy join us to talk about overall pediatric services available at MIT Health – how they work with parents to keep children healthy and thriving, types of appointments offered and more!

MIT Health’s Urgent Care service can provides same-day care for urgent but non-life-threatening emergencies, for students, employees, family members and retires. Practice Manager Lauren Condon and Dr. Justyna Notargiacomo talk about the conditions which can be supported at MIT Health’s Urgent Care.

MIT Health is accepting new patients. As annual employee open enrollment is happening, remember to sign up for an MIT-sponsored health insurance plan so you and your family can use MIT Health services such as Primary Care, Urgent Care, and nearly 20 different types of specialty care. In this podcast, Primary Care Clinical Director Jessica Senesi, Medical Specialties Manager Kate Derr and Family/Sports Medicine Physician Chukwueloka Obionwu talk about the benefits of managing your care at MIT Health.

During routine or “well-child” visits, your child's healthcare provider will check their growth and development in order to find or prevent problems. Well-child visits also provide an opportunity for parents or guardians to ask questions and share concerns. Listen as Dr. Edward Levy discusses scheduling routine visits for your child, how to prepare for their appointments, and what to do if you have questions between visits.

Medical testing is done to detect potential health conditions, and we know that early detection can reduce the risk of some serious health disorders and help clinicians to treat diseases more effectively. Screening tests, however, can also cause harm in certain situations. Listen as MIT Health primary care provider Dr. Kamau Karanja discusses medical testing and the risks and benefits that clinicians consider when deciding which tests to perform.