In this episode, Robert Rowe speaks with Dr. Samantha Meltzer-Brody—psychiatrist, internationally recognized perinatal mental health expert and the new Executive Dean of the UNC School of Medicine. The two discuss how an interest in community and personal stories led Dr. Meltzer-Brody down a path leading to medicine, psychiatry, and women’s mental health, building something from the ground up in medicine to benefit patients and how UNC supported her dreams.

Dr. Meltzer Brody then explains postpartum depression and why trainees may be at increased risk, as well as how to identify, treat, and possibly prevent it.

Lastly, the two explore the growing presence of physician mental health care that led to her creation of the Taking Care of Our Own Program here at UNC.

Don’t miss Part 2, where Dr. Meltzer-Brody discusses the UNC Women’s Center for Mood Disorders, her new role of Executive Dean, advice for success in residency, and a personal story from her own training.

New Webpage! https://www.uncmedicalcenter.org/uncmc/professional-education-and-services/office-of-graduate-medical-education/tarheal-wellness-podcast/

In part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Ntiense Inyang, Preventive Medicine Co-Chief Resident and future CDC Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) Officer, she and host Robert Rowe discuss careers transitions. The two then explore Ntiense’s global health work and open up about the seldom discussed topic of the challenges of personal relationships as a busy medical trainee, something that can greatly add to the stress of an already stressful work-life balancing act.

Check out part 1, where we Ntiense discusses how disappointment in her career turned out to be a wonderful gift that led to her medical calling, and learning on the job as a resident.

New Webpage! https://www.uncmedicalcenter.org/uncmc/professional-education-and-services/office-of-graduate-medical-education/tarheal-wellness-podcast/

In this episode, Robert Rowe speaks with Dr. Ntiense Inyang, Preventive Medicine Co-Chief Resident and future CDC Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) Officer, about how her pursuit to follow a generations-long family tradition of practicing medicine wasn’t without unique challenges, finding her medical calling, learning on the job as a resident, and how rejection, redirection, and disappointment in her career became the gift she didn’t know she needed.

Don’t miss Part 2, where we further dive into transitions in one’s medical career, her global health work, and touch on the seldom discussed topic of the challenges of personal relationships as a busy medical trainee.

New Webpage! https://www.uncmedicalcenter.org/uncmc/professional-education-and-services/office-of-graduate-medical-education/tarheal-wellness-podcast/

In this episode, Dr. Rui Ariyapala sits down with Dr. Amit Algotar — a physician, educator, and researcher working at the forefront of lifestyle and preventive medicine. Dr. Algotar is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Arizona’s Department of Family and Community Medicine and a practicing physician at Banner University Medical Center in Tucson.

He is board certified in Preventive Medicine, Obesity Medicine, and Lifestyle Medicine — and is recognized as a Fellow of both the American College of Preventive Medicine and the Obesity Medicine Association. Through both his clinical practice and research, Dr. Algotar is helping to redefine how we approach chronic disease, cancer survivorship, and provider wellness.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Amit Algotar, we take a deeper look at how preventive and lifestyle medicine set themselves apart from traditional internal or family medicine. Dr. Algotar walks us through the unique frameworks of these specialties and why they matter more than ever in today’s healthcare landscape.

We also discuss the future of lifestyle medicine — not just as a clinical tool, but as a foundational shift in how we train the next generation of physicians. From early implementation in medical school curricula to the urgent need to move from a disease-based to a prevention-based model, this episode challenges the way we think about the role of healthcare in long-term wellness.New Webpage! https://www.uncmedicalcenter.org/uncmc/professional-education-and-services/office-of-graduate-medical-education/tarheal-wellness-podcast/

In this episode, Dr. Rui Ariyapala sits down with Dr. Amit Algotar — a physician, educator, and researcher working at the forefront of lifestyle and preventive medicine. Dr. Algotar is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Arizona’s Department of Family and Community Medicine and a practicing physician at Banner University Medical Center in Tucson.

He is board certified in Preventive Medicine, Obesity Medicine, and Lifestyle Medicine — and is recognized as a Fellow of both the American College of Preventive Medicine and the Obesity Medicine Association. Through both his clinical practice and research, Dr. Algotar is helping to redefine how we approach chronic disease, cancer survivorship, and provider wellness.

In Part 1, we dive into Dr. Algotar’s residency training and what led him to specialize in preventive, obesity, and lifestyle medicine. We explore his research on prostate cancer and how powerful lifestyle modifications can drive better outcomes. But it’s not just about his patients — Dr. Algotar also shares how he applies those same principles to his own life.

We talk about the relationships that sustained him through residency, the importance of reaching out, and the victories and challenges he faced along the way. Our conversation touches on burnout, the signals our mind and body give us, and the importance of replenishing the buckets that drain us.New Webpage! https://www.uncmedicalcenter.org/uncmc/professional-education-and-services/office-of-graduate-medical-education/tarheal-wellness-podcast/

In Part 2 of our inspiring conversation with Dr. Ronald Falk, he and Robert Rowe dive deep into the emotional and cultural core of medicine. Dr. Falk opens up about imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and the myth of having all the answers—even as a world-renowned expert in kidney disease. He reminds us that vulnerability, curiosity, and teamwork are the true foundations of great medical practice.

We also explore his powerful work in medical communication, from the Chair’s Corner podcast to statewide outreach efforts, and discuss how listening, plain language, and cultural humility can rebuild trust with patients and communities. Dr. Falk closes with reflections on what brings him joy—and timeless advice for incoming residents beginning their journey in medicine.

Catch up on Part 1 for Dr. Falk’s journey through UNC, nephrology, and the changing culture of academic medicine.

New Webpage!

https://www.uncmedicalcenter.org/uncmc/professional-education-and-services/office-of-graduate-medical-education/tarheal-wellness-podcast/

(1:42) How physicians can work through imposter syndrome and self-doubt

(6:08) Dr. Falk's program "Chair's Corner" and how doctors can become better medical communicators

(18:16) What brings him Joy

(20:20) Final advice for new residents and trainees

In this episode, Robert Rowe speaks with Dr. Ronald Falk—renowned nephrologist, mentor, and former Chair of Medicine at UNC School of Medicine. Dr. Falk reflects on his journey from aspiring virologist to leader in kidney disease research (2:15), the transformative role of mentorship (5:54), and the enduring magic of UNC’s culture (9:32). From early days as a resident drawing blood and inserting dialysis catheters to helping shape UNC’s supportive, resident-led environment, Dr. Falk shares insights on lifelong learning, leadership, and why he’s remained at UNC for decades.

Don’t miss Part 2, where we dive into imposter syndrome, rebuilding trust in medicine, and the power of listening.

New Webpage!

https://www.uncmedicalcenter.org/uncmc/professional-education-and-services/office-of-graduate-medical-education/tarheal-wellness-podcast/

(2:15) - Dr. Falk's medical journey

(5:54) - The transformative role of mentorship

(9:32) - What makes a career at UNC special

(12:43) - How residency at UNC has changed over time

(17:16) - Creating a balance between specialization and well-roundedness

(21:28) - How patients of this era are different

(23:21) The importance of life-long learning

Match Day is a momentous occasion filled with excitement, relief, and sometimes, disappointment and uncertainty. In this special mini episode of TarHeal Wellness, Dr. Robert Rowe reflects on the emotions of Match Day, offering encouragement and perspective to medical students and trainees as they embark on their careers.

Whether you’re celebrating a match at your dream program or facing unexpected challenges, this episode serves as a reminder that Match Day is just one step in a lifelong journey. Robert shares personal insights from his own experience and advice for navigating the ups and downs of residency and beyond.

The episode concludes with an announcement of a new series coming this summer.