What's Right With Healthcare

38 Episodes
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By: Laura Fralich, MD

The U.S. healthcare system is often criticized as broken.  However, there are people, programs, and technologies making a positive impact on our lives every day influencing both the quality of care we receive and the manner in which we receive it.  The purpose of this podcast is to educate and inspire listeners by focusing on what's right with healthcare.  

Direct Specialty Care
#8
Last Sunday at 8:00 AM

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Public Health
#7
03/29/2026

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In this episode, I visit with author, speaker, and professor Dr. Robin Pickering about Public Health and the important role it plays in our lives. Public Health focuses on disease prevention, promotes wellness, and works to create healthier communities through education, policy, and advocacy. From local initiatives to global impact, discover how Public Health touches every part of our daily lives, and why it matters more than ever. Join us to find out why Public Health is another example of What's Right With Healthcare.

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Beyond the Clinic Series: Healing Through Service Spotlight on Partnering for Progress
#6
03/22/2026

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This episode is part of a series highlighting organizations that impact the health and wellness of communities worldwide.  Partnering for Progress (P4P) is dedicated to creating sustainable change in the Kopanga community of Kenya. With a mission rooted in empowerment rather than dependency, P4P focuses on providing a “hand-up,” not just a “hand-out.” Through strategic initiatives in education, healthcare, clean water access, and economic development, P4P is addressing foundational needs that allow individuals and families to thrive. By equipping community members with resources, knowledge, and opportunities, their work promotes...


Naturopathic Medicine
#5
03/15/2026

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Naturopathic medicine focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating both acute and chronic illness by tapping into the body’s natural ability to heal. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Alycia Policani about how naturopathic doctors work with patients to restore and maintain optimal health by developing personalized treatment plans that support the body’s inherent self-healing process.

Visit Dr. Alycia Policani's website: evergreennaturopathic.com

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The Rheumatologist
#4
03/08/2026

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On this episode of What's Right With Healthcare, I sit down with Rheumatologist Dr. Anne Lee to discuss her career and specialty, which is focused on diagnosing and treating autoimmune and inflammatory conditions that affect joints, muscles, and connective tissues. These diseases can be complex and life-altering, but advances in research, medications, and patient care are helping people live healthier, more active lives. Join us to learn what rheumatologists do, the conditions they treat, and how this field is making a meaningful difference for patients every day. Rheumatologists like Dr. Lee at Sage...


Women's Health Part 2
#3
03/01/2026

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This is a continuation of our conversation about Women's Health.  On this episode of What's Right With Healthcare: Women's Health Part 2, we are joined again by Tamara Brining at She Can Women's Wellness and Nadine Young at Move Nourish Breathe to discuss everything from periods to nutrition, libido, and the importance of understanding how hormones impact women at different stages of life.  Join us to find out why talking about Women's Health is what's right with healthcare!

Check out these websites for more information about our guests:

Tamara Brining: sh...


The Service Animal
#2
02/22/2026

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You’ve probably seen a service animal in public and felt both curious and impressed by the important role they play. Service animals are far more than companions—they are highly trained partners that help people live safer, more independent lives. In this episode, we visit with Dr. Shannon Dunn to discuss service animal roles, their training, and the meaningful impact they have on the individuals and families they support. Join us as we learn more about these remarkable animals and the powerful human–animal partnerships that help make everyday life possible.

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The Pediatric Oncologist
#1
02/15/2026

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In this episode, we visit with a pediatric oncologist—a physician dedicated to diagnosing and treating cancer in children and adolescents. Pediatric oncologists specialize in conditions such as leukemia, brain tumors, and solid tumors, guiding families through some of the most challenging moments of their lives with expertise and compassion. Whether you're interested in medicine, healthcare careers, or simply want to better understand how doctors care for children facing cancer, this episode offers insight into a profession where science, resilience, and heart intersect every day. Listen and find out why the pediatric oncologist is...


Women's Health
#15
12/21/2025

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From menstruation and fertility to pregnancy, menopause, bone health, heart health, and mental well-being, women’s health is complex — and often misunderstood.  Listen to women's health experts Nadine Young and Tamara Brining, PA as we discuss some of the complex health issues facing women, and discover why conversations about women's health are what's right with, and improving, healthcare for all. 

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Check out Northwest Sports & Exercise Medicine's website HERE!


Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
#14
12/14/2025

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In the world of medicine, musculoskeletal ultrasound is an invaluable tool both for diagnosis and treatment of many orthopedics conditions.  In this episode of What's Right With Healthcare, sonographer and educator Bill Medford shares his expertise and insight about how musculoskeletal ultrasound has evolved since the mid-1970s.  Join us to learn more about this amazing technology, its appliations in musculoskeletal medicine, and why its another example of what's right with healthcare.

If interested in the book referenced in this podcast episode, here are the details: Fundamentals of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound by Jo...


Rural Medicine
#13
12/07/2025

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People in rural areas live and work where resources are often limited and access to healthcare can be challenging-but is essential. Join us as we explore how professionals in rural medicine support their neighbors, strengthen their communities, and deliver high-quality medical care. 

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Check out Northwest Sports & Exercise Medicine's website HERE!


The Dermatologist
#12
11/30/2025

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Skin is the largest body organ and can tell us a lot about our health. On this episode of What’s Right With Healthcare, we are joined by Dermatologist Dr. William Wray to talk about his medical specialty and the amazing impact experts in skin, hair, nail and mucous membrane diseases can have on patients’ lives. Join us to find out why The Dermatologist is another example of what’s right with healthcare. 

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Ski Patrol
#11
11/23/2025

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Most skiers and snowboarders enjoy their day on the mountain without incident—and Ski Patrol plays a big role in making that possible. Before anyone clips in, patrollers are out marking hazards, setting up signage and boundary ropes, determining trail closures, and monitoring conditions to keep safety information up to date. Just as importantly, Ski Patrol members are trained first responders who provide emergency medical care, transport injured guests, assess avalanche risk, and carry out rescues when needed. Listen and learn how the Ski Patrol keeps us safe and is another example of wh...


The Nephrologist
#10
11/16/2025

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Nephrologists are some of the smartest physicians on the planet. From diagnosing and treating complex kidney diseases to assisting their patients on dialysis, Nephrologists play a critical role in healthcare. In this episode, we sit down with Nephrologist Dr. Vijay Reddy to discuss what Nephrologists actually do, why their work is so impactful, and how they help patients navigate some of the toughest health challenges we see in medicine. 

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Check out Northwest Sports & Exercise Medicine's website HERE!


The Chaplain
#9
11/09/2025

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On this episode of What's Right With Healthcare we visit with two Chaplains to discuss their role in healthcare as well as understand what drives and sustains them.  In the quiet corners of hospitals, during conflict, and in the heart of communities, chaplains stand beside patients, their families, friends, as well as healthcare workers in their most vulnerable moments. Join us to find out why Chaplains are another example of what's right with healthcare. 

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Lifestyle Medicine
#8
11/02/2025

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Physical activity. Optimal nutrition. Stress management. Restorative sleep. Avoiding risky substances. Connectedness. These are the 6 pillars of Lifestyle Medicine.  In this episode, we sit down with dual board-certified physician Dr. Parvita Panchal to discuss how Lifestyle Medicine is changing lives.

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Check out Northwest Sports & Exercise Medicine's website HERE!


The Dietitian
#7
10/26/2025

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In this episode, we explore the essential role of the Dietitian in today’s healthcare system. From hospitals to community clinics and private practice, Dietitians are the experts who bridge the gap between nutrition science and practical, everyday eating. Our guest, Amy Yeoman, is a registered dietitian with years of clinical and community experience.  She explains how Dietitians help patients understand how food choices impact health and performance, as well as aid in the management of chronic conditions.  Join us to gain a deeper appreciation for how nutrition professionals like Dietitians contribute to bett...


Rewind: Price Transparency in Healthcare
#6
10/12/2025

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Time for a rewind. We are revisiting one of our most popular Season 1 episodes! Do you know how much you’re paying for your healthcare every year…like the actual dollar amount? Monthly premiums…copays…an urgent care or ER visit…a surgery…the birth of a child? Paying for medical care can feel like an expensive and confusing guessing game. But it doesn’t have to be. Price transparency gives patients the power to understand what they’re paying for—and why. In this episode, Dr. Fralich and Erin LaHonta, DPT, explore how transparent pr...


Hospice Care
#5
10/05/2025

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Talking about death and dying can be difficult for many people—but it’s an important conversation. In this episode of What’s Right With Healthcare, we sit down with Jessica Winston, RN, to explore the role of hospice care and how it supports patients and families during the end of life. Whether you’re considering hospice for yourself or a loved one, or simply want to understand the compassionate and comprehensive care it offers, this episode sheds light on the incredible people and services that make hospice a vital part of our healthca...


The Pediatrician
#4
09/28/2025

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In this episode of What’s Right With Healthcare, we sit down with two experienced pediatricians and explore what it takes to care for children and adolescents. They break down the unique training, skills, and perspective required in pediatrics—and explain why kids aren’t just small adults. Discover how this vital specialty supports young patients and their families through every stage of growth and development, from the well child exam to complex medical conditions.  Listen to find out why the pediatrician is another example of what's right with healthcare.  

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Women in Medicine Part 2
#3
09/21/2025

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This is the 2nd of two episodes dedicated to exploring the vital role of women in medicine. We continue our conversation with Dr. Radha Nandagopal and Dr. Michelle Drobny about why representation matters, how gender equity improves patient care, and what the future looks like when more women in white coats lead. We also dig deeper into how women in medicine approach success at work and home, find connection, manage expectations, and set boundaries. Whether you're a medical professional, a student, or just someone who cares about building a better healthcare system—this co...


Wilderness Medicine
#2
09/14/2025

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What would you do if you were deep in the wilderness — no cell service, no hospital — and someone was seriously ill or injured? In our latest episode of What's Right With Healthcare, we explore the evolving world of Wilderness Medicine — the art and science of providing medical care in the most remote, extreme, and unpredictable environments. From high altitudes to open oceans, scorching heat to freezing cold, we’ll dive into how medical professionals and others are trained to respond in challenging conditions without luxuries like X-rays, labs, or even a working phone. Whether...


The Physiatrist
#1
09/07/2025

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Whether it's helping a patient walk again after a spinal cord injury, managing chronic pain, or guiding stroke survivors back to independence, Physiatrists are at the intersection of medicine, therapy, and innovation.  In this episode, we’ll hear from two Physiatrists who discuss what they do and why their patient-centered approach is changing lives every day.  So, whether you're in the medical field, a patient navigating recovery, or just curious about the incredible ways our bodies heal — stick around. You’re in for an inspiring journey.

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The Orthopedic Surgeon
#15
05/25/2025

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In this episode, we’re joined by two accomplished orthopedic surgeons to explore the rigorous training and specialized skills required to succeed in this demanding field.  We discuss the wide range of orthopedic surgical specialties and touch on the evolving technologies used by orthopedists to improve outcomes. You might be surprised by what orthopedic surgeons actually do, and how their work helps patients of all ages regain mobility, independence, and quality of life after injury.  Whether you're a curious listener or a healthcare professional, this conversation highlights why the orthopedic surgeon is another exam...


Women in Medicine Part 1
#14
05/18/2025

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This is Part 1 of 2 episodes dedicated to exploring the vital role of women in medicine.  We sit down with Dr. Radha Nandagopal and Dr. Michelle Drobny to discuss why representation matters, how gender equity improves patient care, and what the future looks like when more women in white coats lead. Whether you're a medical professional, a student, or just someone who cares about building a better healthcare system—this conversation is for you.

Click HERE check out the book mentioned! (Likeable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve)

Fol...


Price Transparency in Healthcare
#13
05/04/2025

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Paying for medical care can feel like an expensive and confusing guessing game. But it doesn’t have to be. Price transparency gives patients the power to understand what they’re paying for—and why. In this episode, Dr. Fralich and Erin LaHonta, DPT, explore how transparent pricing empowers both patients and healthcare providers, helps lower costs, and improves access to quality care. Join us for an insightful conversation on why price transparency, although not yet mainstream but gaining momentum, is what's right with healthcare. 

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The Mental Health Therapist for Athletes
#12
04/27/2025

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Behind every record broken and game won or lost, there’s a human being navigating pressure, expectations, and often, silence. From the locker room to the podium, mental health is as important as physical fitness and skill — yet it's often overlooked. In our latest podcast episode of What's Right With Healthcare, we sit down with licensed mental health counselor Max Manix MA, LMHC, NCC to explore why prioritizing mental well-being isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. Whether you're an elite competitor, a coach, or a fan, join us to learn why the mental...


The OBGYN
#11
04/13/2025

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From delivering babies and performing life-saving surgeries to infertility counseling and treating complex menstrual disorders, Obstetrician-Gynecologists (OBGYNs) are the experts in women’s health.  On this episode of What's Right With Healthcare, we sit down with two experienced OBGYNs to explore the diverse scope of their practice and learn what it's really like to work in this demanding—but deeply rewarding—field. Whether you're considering a career in medicine or just want a better understanding of the OBGYN's role, this conversation offers a powerful look inside one of healthcare’s most impactful specialties.


The Radiologist
#10
04/06/2025

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The world of radiology has seen incredible advancements, from the early days of X-rays to today's cutting-edge 3-D MRIs. As technology has evolved, so too has the role of the radiologist. In this episode, we sit down with three radiologists to explore their work, including how they collaborate with other physicians across various specialties, and their impact on patient care.  We also discuss how emerging technologies and innovations are shaping the future of radiology, and what that means for patients and healthcare providers. 

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The Sports Medicine Physician
#9
03/30/2025

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Hear from four Sports Medicine physicians about their unique professional journeys, responsibilities, and the intersection of sports and medicine. Learn about the role of a team physician as well as the training, broad skillset, and demands of Sports Medicine physicians tasked with caring for athletes of all ages and abilities.

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The Physical Therapist
#8
03/23/2025

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If you have ever had surgery or sustained an injury, chances are you have seen a physical therapist to assist with your recovery. In this episode, we explore what it takes to become a physical therapist and discuss various career path options for those who may be interested in joining this impactful profession. Join us to learn about the training, skills, and mindset of the physical therapist and discover how they are what’s right with healthcare.

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The Medical Student
#7
03/16/2025

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What does it take to become a doctor? On today's episode, we sit down with two medical students to discuss the ins and outs of medical education from their perspective. Whether you're thinking of becoming a doctor, want to know more about the process of preparing for and applying to medical school, or how today's medical students are training to become tomorrow's physicians, you will be inspired by this episode of What's Right With Healthcare.

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The Personal Trainer
#6
03/09/2025

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If you think it's time to get in shape or take your workout routine to the next level, you may want to consider hiring a personal trainer. In this episode, we sit down with an experienced personal trainer to discuss the value of their education and expertise, and how they play an important role in the broader healthcare space. Whether you're a fitness newbie or a seasoned athlete, this conversation will give you new insights into how a personal trainer can influence your fitness journey and overall well being. 

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The Athletic Trainer
#5
03/02/2025

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In honor of National Athletic Training month, we are using this episode to shine a spotlight on an often-overlooked yet essential member of the healthcare team: The Athletic Trainer. Whether on the field or in the gym, it’s the athletic trainer who’s there to keep athletes moving and often help them recover from injury.  Learn from our talented guests about the challenges athletic trainers can face behind the scenes, and how they play a pivotal role in an athlete’s health and career.

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The Direct Primary Care Physician
#4
02/23/2025

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In this episode, we’re joined by three Direct Primary Care (DPC) physicians to explore their innovative healthcare delivery model. Learn how DPC differs from traditional healthcare and how it’s changing the way patients engage with their primary care doctors by prioritizing the doctor-patient relationship, personalized access, convenience, and the highest quality of care.

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Medical Student Leadership Training
#3
02/16/2025

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Leadership skills are essential for physicians not only to excel in their clinical roles but also to effectively navigate the complexities of healthcare systems, work collaboratively with teams, and advocate for their patients and communities. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Sherri Lynch from Gonzaga University's School of Leadership Studies about the importance of leadership training in medical education.

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Check out Northwest Sports & Exercise Medicine's website HERE!


The Chiropractor
#2
02/09/2025

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In this episode, we visit with four chiropractors to explore the evolution of their profession and the important role they play in healthcare. Learn what it takes to become a chiropractor, including the scope of their training, and how they’ve adapted to meet the changing needs of patients over the years. 

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The Hospitalist
#1
02/02/2025

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In this episode, we sit down with two hospitalist physicians to explore their roles in healthcare. We dive into what being a hospitalist is all about, why they chose this career path, and discover what they believe is right with healthcare.

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Check out Northwest Sports & Exercise Medicine's website HERE!