The GROklahoma Podcast Show

The GROklahoma Podcast Show | The Obesity Pandemic & Other Stories – The One with Dr. Sarah Borengasser: Episode 11 (2024)

In this episode, we spoke with Dr. Sarah Borengasser, an Associate Professor specializing in endocrinology and diabetes at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Dr. Borengasser shared her journey from being adopted from Korea and growing up in Mason City to becoming a distinguished researcher in obesity, nutrition, and exercise science, driven by her passion for running and exercise. Her research, supported by consistent NIH funding, employs advanced multiomics techniques to identify molecular biomarkers affected by environmental exposures, particularly in epigenetics. Dr. Borengasser explained her research in accessible terms, emphasizing her mission to promote public health through improved nutrition and physical activity. She discussed combating the global obesity pandemic with personalized lifestyle approaches and we explored topics such as GLP-1 agonists and epigenetic age acceleration, considering how diet and exercise can potentially reverse aging processes. She also highlighted the evolving role of artificial intelligence in obesity research, emphasizing the fusion of biological and behavioral sciences.
On a personal note, Dr. Borengasser discussed her family's transition to Oklahoma and the strategies they've adopted to balance her professional and personal life effectively. Her dedication to mentoring emerged as she reflected on the rewarding experiences of guiding young scientists and shared strategies for maintaining resilience in her career. Beyond research, Dr. Borengasser contributes to enhancing communication among researchers through a TED-like talk series, advocating for effective scientific communication.
In conclusion, Dr. Borengasser envisioned precision lifestyle research as transformative for public health, showcasing her groundbreaking contributions to clinical and translational research. We thank Dr. Borengasser for sharing her expertise and look forward to future conversations with her and other inspiring researchers and those who support them.

The GROklahoma Podcast Show | Putting People First – The One with Ms. Margaret Robinson: Episode 10 (2024)

In this episode of the GROklahoma podcast, we're thrilled to have Margaret Robinson, the Senior Associate Director for the OUHSC Office of Interdisciplinary Programs, as our guest. Margaret's journey from rural Los Angeles, CA to Oklahoma is extraordinary, and she brings a wealth of expertise in fostering interdisciplinary learning experiences and facilitating faculty development. With a keen focus on student engagement and community partnerships, she tirelessly works to break down barriers to healthcare access for Oklahoma's medically underserved populations. Holding a Master of Education in adult education, Margaret is a beacon for diversity and collaboration, advocating strongly for the scholarship of teaching and learning.
Margaret's journey is not only marked by professional accomplishments but also by her resilience in handling life's unexpected twists and turns. From pivoting her career path to accommodate caregiving responsibilities to navigating the challenges of pursuing education in different fields, Margaret's story is a testament to the power of adaptability and perseverance
During our conversation, Margaret also shared her deep appreciation for Oklahoma, highlighting its beauty, diverse culture, and warm-hearted people. In her leisure time, she enjoys road trips with her family and exploring Oklahoma's state parks.
Join us as we explore Margaret's insights on interdisciplinary collaboration, community engagement, and her remarkable journey through life's pivots.

The GROklahoma Podcast Show | The Revolutionary Geriatrician – The One with Dr. James W. Mold: Episode 9 (2024)

In this episode of GROklahoma podcast, we are honored to host Dr. James Mold, the George Lynn Cross Emeritus Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at OUHSC. Dr. Mold's journey from rural Ghana to Oklahoma is nothing short of extraordinary. His dedication to healthcare, particularly in geriatrics, has left an indelible mark on the field.
The episode explores Dr. Mold's upbringing, early medical experiences, and pivotal career moments. From his formative years in Durham and the University of Michigan to transformative experiences as a physician in Ghana, listeners gain insight into the motivations driving Dr. Mold's medical journey. Transitioning to the US, his career ranged from private practice to academia at OUHSC. His focus on geriatric care led to the establishment of the Oklahoma Geriatric Education Center and the Oklahoma Center on Aging, reflecting his commitment to improving healthcare for the aging population.
Throughout, Dr. Mold shares invaluable insights drawn from his extensive career, emphasizing person-centered care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community involvement in healthcare. His advocacy for goal-oriented care underscores his dedication to making healthcare more humane and effective.
Reflecting on retirement, Dr. Mold's enduring optimism and fervor for healthcare advancement inspire listeners. His vision, integrating emerging technologies with patient-centric approaches, serves as a guiding light for aspiring healthcare professionals.
In his leisure, Dr. Mold enjoys quality time with family, walks with his dog, consulting, writing, studying Spanish, and playing the banjo.

The GROklahoma Podcast Show | Invisible Battles, Visible Strength: A 5-Year-Old's Courageous Journey Through Intestinal Malrotation: Episode 8 (2024)

In our previous episode, we delved into an insightful conversation with Dr. Sydney Martinez and Dr. Corcoran, exploring their impactful work in community-engaged research inspired by their children’s battle with intestinal malrotation. For those just joining us or needing a refresher, we highly recommend revisiting that enlightening discussion as it perfectly sets the stage for today's exploration.
In this episode, we reconnect with Dr. Martinez to discover the latest developments since our last session. Excitingly, we introduce a new and spirited voice to the podcast—Amelia, the very heart of Dr. Martinez's motivation and passion for her work. Amelia, the vibrant and brave 5-year-old, joins us too! She's here alongside her mom to share her own journey and how she's been advocating for herself and others, even at her young age. Together, they embody the spirit of community-engaged research and advocacy, showcasing the power of resilience and collective support in facing health challenges.
We hope that this episode has provided valuable insights, particularly in shedding light on the patient's perspective regarding intestinal malrotation, as exemplified by the experiences of a young child like Amelia. Her resilience and perseverance are truly inspiring. We also hope to continue amplifying the voices of those facing invisible illnesses, acknowledging that each story possesses the power to create a meaningful impact.
 
Connect with their malrotation community below:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552410669693&mibextid=dGKdO6
Email: intestinalmalrotation@ouhsc.edu
IMPOWER paper: https://rdcu.be/dBLbV

The GROklahoma Podcast Show | Navigating Intestinal Malrotation Together with Scientific Expertise and Maternal Compassion – The One with Dr. Martinez and Dr. Corcoran: Episode 7 (2024)

Being a new mom is tough but imagine having a newborn with health challenges beyond the ordinary. Today, we introduce you to Dr. Sydney Martinez and Dr. Katie Corcoran, two moms and researchers deeply immersed in unraveling the complexities of intestinal malrotation. Dr. Sydney Martinez, an Assistant Professor in Epidemiology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, and Dr. Katie Corcoran, a prolific researcher and professor of sociology at West Virginia University, share their tales of resilience, determination, and the power of community in tackling this condition.
Intestinal malrotation, a rare condition diagnosed within two weeks of birth in both their newborns, involves the intestines failing to rotate correctly during development, leading to severe gastrointestinal issues.
In this riveting episode, they recount their journey of resilience and community-driven research through the Intestinal Malrotation Patient Outcomes and Wellness Registry (IMPOWER). Through their unique blend of scientific expertise and maternal compassion, they challenge the medical community's assumptions about how surgical outcomes do not always translate to positive patient experiences, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to understanding and addressing malrotation.
In this episode, discover how community support has been pivotal in driving meaningful, patient-driven research through IMPOWER, and explore the potential of emerging technology in uncovering patterns related to intestinal malrotation.
Connect with their malrotation community below:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552410669693&mibextid=dGKdO6
Email: intestinalmalrotation@ouhsc.edu
IMPOWER paper: https://rdcu.be/dBLbV

The GROklahoma Podcast Show | Resilience in Life & Research – The One with Dr. Amanda Janitz: Episode 6 (2024)

Welcome to another episode of the GROklahoma Podcast! In this edition, we are delighted to host Dr. Amanda Janitz, an Associate Professor of Epidemiology at the Hudson College of Public Health, OUHSC.
Dr. Janitz's journey into epidemiology and public health was profoundly shaped by personal experiences, including the loss of a family member to leukemia and her husband's battle with cancer. Her passion for pediatric oncology led her to pursue a master’s in public health focusing on childhood cancer, setting the stage for her impactful career in cancer research.
Throughout the episode, Dr. Janitz opens up about the highs and lows of her research, from understanding health disparities to tackling the challenges of COVID-19 testing access in Native American communities. Her dedication to partnering with tribes like the Choctaw and Cherokee Nation showcases the power of community engagement in driving impactful research.
But it's not all serious business – Dr. Janitz also shares the nitty-gritty of grant writing and the importance of resilience in the face of rejection. Plus, she gives us a peek into her own balancing act of juggling family life with a thriving research career.
Join us for an episode filled with personal stories, practical advice, and a whole lot of inspiration as we dive into the world of public health and cancer research with Dr. Amanda Janitz. You won't want to miss this!

The GROklahoma Podcast Show | Inclusivity in Academia – The One with Dr. Natasha Mickel: Episode 5 (2024)

In this episode, we're honored to have Dr. Natasha Mickel, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, Assistant Director for Faculty Development, and the Director of the Oklahoma Center for Mentoring Excellence (OCME) at OUHSC, showcasing her adept collaboration skills within diverse learning communities. From a fortuitous encounter with Dr. Valerie Williams to a transformative seven-year mentorship that has defined her professional journey, Dr. Mickel shares insights on effective communication, relaxed events, and the vital sense of belonging in diverse academic environments.
Dr. Mickel provides valuable insights into DEI initiatives in Oklahoma, reflecting on programs like Affirmative Action and addressing cultural stress and codeswitching. Notably, this discussion predates Governor Kevin Stitt's signing of Executive Order 2023-31. Throughout our dialogue, Dr. Mickel emphasizes the essence of creating spaces that embrace diversity and foster the flourishing of all individuals - emphasizing the significance of representation and offering strategies for networking without awkwardness. She offers invaluable insights into navigating hurdles females and Black scholars face in academia, shedding light on the importance of representation and seamless networking.
As an intriguing twist, explore Dr. Mickel's true crime fascination, rooted in her Virginia upbringing—a testament to her multifaceted personality and interests. This episode invites you to immerse yourself in an enriching dialogue with Dr. Mickel, exploring the dynamic interplay of mentorship, diversity, and inclusion in shaping a more welcoming and productive academic environment.
Connect with Dr. Mickel via email Natasha-mickel@ouhsc.edu
Resource: https://facdev.ouhsc.edu/ 

The GROklahoma Podcast Show | Of Peptides and Persistence – The One with Dr. Kelly Standifer: Episode 4 (2023)

Dr. Kelly Standifer, a distinguished neuropharmacology professor at the University of Oklahoma, brings to light her groundbreaking research on neuropeptides, particularly opioid peptides, and their pivotal role in pain management and brain injury recovery. Her passion for this field was sparked by a deeply personal experience—a near tragedy in her family that ignited her path toward studying pain and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Dr. Standifer's focus lies in uncovering innovative approaches to modulate these peptides, aiming to alleviate trauma-induced symptoms and foster rehabilitation for brain injuries. Despite initial funding challenges, her unwavering dedication has led to significant strides in comprehending the impact of neuropeptides on traumatic stress, brain injuries, and pain management, securing over $7.5 million in grants.
 
This episode also explores her formative postdoctoral training at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in NYC under the esteemed guidance of Dr. Gavril Pasternak. Furthermore, the discussion delves into her involvement in WiSDMH, a pivotal group dedicated to empowering female faculty members at the university by addressing academic disparities through mentorship, CV reviews, and tailored developmental events. Encouraging women to embrace this supportive network, the conversation navigates through various challenges faced in academia, including handling grant rejections, managing the delicate balance between professional commitments and family life, exploring the integration of AI in education, and advocating for the amplification of diverse voices within academic circles.
 
Stay stubborn and curious and have a happy holiday!

The GROklahoma Podcast Show | From Lahore, Pakistan to Oklahoma – A Journey in Psychiatry and Public Health with Dr. Noeen Sarfraz: Episode 3 (2023)

In this episode, Dr. Noeen Sarfraz, a psychiatrist and public health professional, leads us through a captivating journey, embracing her cultural roots from Lahore, Pakistan. From her beginnings at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center to clinical practice across Springfield, IL, and Tulsa, OK, Dr. Noeen shares invaluable insights into her current role at the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, focusing on mental health at The Tulsa Center for Behavioral Health.
Throughout our conversation, she elegantly intertwines her cultural heritage with her public health and psychiatry expertise. Delving into the intricacies of new roles and cultural nuances, Dr. Noeen navigates the complexities of Serious Mental Illness (SMI) with a compassionate understanding shaped by her background. Her perspective offers nuanced insights into addressing mental health stigmas while balancing cultural considerations.
Seamlessly blending personal anecdotes, including endearing tales of hedgehogs as pets, she explores self-care, therapy, and the impact of chronic stress on mental well-being, drawing from her unique cultural upbringing.
Join us for a conversation that beautifully weaves personal stories, professional insights, and reflections on mental health, cultural harmony, and the convergence of psychiatry and public health, all rooted in Dr. Noeen's cultural experiences from Lahore, Pakistan.
 
If you'd like to feature on the podcast, send us an email on GROklahomapodcast@ouhsc.edu 
 

The GROklahoma Podcast Show | From Modest Beginnings to Scientific Excellence – The One with Dr. Tim VanWagoner: Episode 2 (2023)

This episode features our very own, Dr. Tim VanWagoner, the Associate Director of the Oklahoma Clinical and Translational Science Institute (OCTSI). Originating from the scenic landscapes of Montana, Dr. VanWagoner paints a vivid picture of his upbringing and how it laid the foundation for his remarkable career in research. His narrative showcases the profound impact of environment and passion in shaping a scientific career, highlighting his transition from modest beginnings to becoming a prominent scientist.
However, our exploration doesn't stop there. This episode delves into a multitude of captivating topics, from his research on Haemophilus influenzae to the intricacies of establishing robust research infrastructure. We gain insights into the National Institutes of Health IDEA program and its transformative influence, as well as the unique opportunities that emerged during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing the resilience of the scientific community.
We navigate the significance of a clinical coordinator training network and its pivotal role in advancing research. Dr. VanWagoner shares his wisdom on overcoming grant submission hurdles and strategies for career growth in the research field. We also explore the constraints faced in primary care settings and innovative solutions for efficient time management.
As our conversation unfolds, we delve into the profound impact of clinical research on Oklahoma's healthcare landscape. Moreover, we glimpse into the future, where Dr. VanWagoner sheds light on the potential of AI in biomedical research. He emphasizes AI's ability to sift through vast data sets, identifying previously unknown health patterns that could revolutionize healthcare outcomes, particularly in diagnosing and treating rare diseases. With an eye on responsible data handling and privacy protection, Dr. VanWagoner acknowledges the exciting possibilities AI brings while also voicing caution about the risks associated with biased or inaccurate data. This episode offers a compelling exploration of the intersection between AI and biomedical research, and the importance of meticulous data curation in this transformative field.
Join us in this enlightening conversation, which underscores the pivotal role of research in our community, and discover the remarkable journey of Dr. Tim VanWagoner as he continues to push the boundaries of knowledge in the heart of Oklahoma.