In this episode of the Voices of Experience podcast, host Amber Washington speaks with Dr. Anthony Watkins, a transplant surgeon at Tampa General Hospital. They discuss the critical role of patient voices in healthcare, the importance of kidney transplants, and the impact of chronic kidney disease. Dr. Watkins shares his journey in transplant surgery, the demographics of patients he serves, and the significance of patient advocacy in the healthcare system. The conversation highlights the need for health literacy and the responsibilities of patients post-transplant, emphasizing the importance of individualized care.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Patient-Centered Care
01:19 Meet Dr. Anthony Watkins
03:27 The Importance of Kidney Transplants
06:17 Impactful Patient Stories
08:34 Understanding Patient Demographics
11:41 Advocating for Kidney Health
14:19 Post-Transplant Care and Responsibilities
16:56 The Role of Patient Advocacy
22:04 Conclusion and Future Conversations

🚀 Get involved here: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/patient-and-family-advisory-council-pfac

Takeaways
-The patient's voice is critical in healthcare situations.
-Tampa General Hospital has achieved record transplant volumes.
-Kidney transplants significantly improve patients' quality of life.
-Chronic kidney disease is often caused by high blood pressure and diabetes.
-Health literacy is essential for patients to advocate for themselves.
-Patients must adhere to medication regimens post-transplant.
-Every patient has unique needs that must be addressed.
-Access to quality healthcare is vital for managing chronic diseases.
-Patient stories remind healthcare providers of their impact.
-Building trust between patients and providers is crucial for effective care.

🚀 Get involved here: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/patient-and-family-advisory-council-pfac

"Health literacy is crucial for patient advocacy." "Every patient is different and has unique needs."

Share your TGH Patient Experience story:
https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/recognition-compliments-and-stories

Follow on social media @voicesofexperiencepfac

In this episode of the Voices of Experience podcast, host Amber Washington engages with Dr. Asa Oxner and Sandra Genao to discuss the critical role of patient voices in healthcare innovation, particularly through the Think Ambulatory First initiative. They explore how this initiative addresses capacity challenges in hospitals by providing care in ambulatory settings, enhancing patient experiences, and fostering collaboration with the Patient Family Advisory Council (PFAC). The conversation highlights the importance of education, patient advocacy, and the use of simulations to better understand patient journeys and improve healthcare delivery.

Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Patient Voices
02:49 Think Ambulatory First Initiative
05:55 Patient Experience and Feedback
09:09 Education and Team Engagement
12:08 Patient Advocacy and Self-Advocacy
14:48 Collaboration with PFAC
18:03 Simulations and Understanding Patient Journeys
27:05 The Value of Patient Perspectives

🚀 Get involved here: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/patient-and-family-advisory-council-pfac

Takeaways
-The patient voice is essential for effective healthcare innovation.
-Think Ambulatory First addresses hospital capacity challenges.
-Patient feedback is crucial for improving healthcare programs.
-Education for healthcare teams is vital for program success.
-Patients should be empowered to advocate for their own care.
-Collaboration with PFAC enhances program development.
-Simulations help staff understand patient experiences better.
-Realistic patient scenarios improve healthcare delivery.
-Engaging patients in program design leads to better outcomes.
-Continuous communication is key to patient-centered care.

🚀 Get involved here: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/patient-and-family-advisory-council-pfac

"You are your best advocate." "Having PFAC helps us be realistic."

Share your TGH Patient Experience story:
https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/recognition-compliments-and-stories

Follow on social media @voicesofexperiencepfac

In this compelling episode of Voices of Experience, host Amber Washington, speaks with Advisor Carlos Brito, a Sergeant with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, as he shares his real-life trauma story after being struck by a car while on duty.

Carlos opens up about the moment that changed everything, the challenges of recovery, and how this experience shaped his outlook on life, service, and resilience. His story is a powerful reminder of the risks first responders face, and the strength it takes to heal, both physically and mentally.

Share your TGH Patient Experience story:
https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/recognition-compliments-and-stories

Follow on social media @voicesofexperiencepfac

In honor of Lipedema Awareness Month, this episode of Voices of Experience features advocate and patient Julie Quinn, who shares her personal journey living with lipedema—a misunderstood and often misdiagnosed condition.

Julie opens up about the emotional and physical challenges she faced before finally receiving the diagnosis, and how that moment of clarity empowered her to become an advocate for others. This episodes explores the key differences between lipedema and lymphedema, common signs and symptoms, and the importance of provider awareness and compassionate care.

Share your TGH Patient Experience story:
https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/recognition-compliments-and-stories

Follow on social media @voicesofexperiencepfac

In this special recap episode of Voices of Experience, guest host Vincent A. Lanci returns to reflect on the first half of Season 2, offering key takeaways and personal insights from Episodes 1 through 5. From the power of storytelling to the impact of high-quality, compassionate care, this conversation revisits the voices and moments that have shaped this season so far.

Catch up on the episodes featured in this recap:

🔹 Life as Kidney Transplant Donors with Michael and Debbie Lundberg
In honor of National Donate Life Month, advisors Michael and Debbie share their moving story as living kidney donors.

🔹 The Impact of Quality and High Reliability in Healthcare with Dr. Peggy Duggan and Dr. Laura Haubner
Tampa General Hospital leaders discuss how a commitment to safety and reliability drives better outcomes.

🔹 Navigating Life as NICU and Twin Parents with Justin and Kim Park
A heartfelt look at parenting through the NICU and beyond, with twin parents Justin and Kim Park.

🔹 Compassion in Healthcare with Tiffany Brown and Megan Lenahan
Inspired by Compassionomics, this episode explores how empathy and human connection improve care.

🔹 The Importance of Primary Care and How It Saved My Life with Kyle Pukylo
PFAC advisor Kyle Pukylo shares how a primary care visit led to a life-saving diagnosis.

Whether you're joining mid-season or looking to reflect on past episodes, this recap highlights the stories, themes, and voices that continue to shape a more compassionate, patient-centered healthcare experience at Tampa General Hospital.

Share your TGH Patient Experience story:
https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/recognition-compliments-and-stories

Follow on social media @voicesofexperiencepfac

In this deeply personal episode of the Voices of Experience podcast, host Amber Washington sits down with Advisor Kyle Pukylo, a dedicated Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) advisor at Tampa General Hospital, who shares how a routine primary care visit turned into a life-saving encounter.

What began as a standard appointment quickly escalated when his primary care provider urged him to go to the emergency department, leading to a life-altering diagnosis that might have otherwise gone undetected. Kyle’s story powerfully illustrates the critical role of primary care in early detection, prevention, and guiding patients toward the right care at the right time.

This episode is a heartfelt reminder that primary care is more than just routine, it’s a trusted relationship that can truly save lives.

Share your TGH Patient Experience story:
https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/recognition-compliments-and-stories

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In this powerful episode of Voices of Experience podcast, host Amber Washington sits down with leaders Tiffany Brown and Megan Lenahan from Tampa General Hospital to explore the topic of compassion in healthcare.

Inspired by the groundbreaking book Compassionomics by Dr. Stephen Trzeciak and Dr. Anthony Mazzarelli, this conversation explores how compassion is a critical component of delivering high-quality care. Tiffany and Megan share personal stories and insights from the TGH ambulatory setting, highlighting how small, intentional acts of compassion can lead to better patient outcomes, stronger teams, and a more meaningful healthcare experience for everyone involved.

Whether you’re a clinician, leader, or patient, this episode will leave you reflecting on how compassion can be a powerful driver of healing, connection, and resilience in healthcare.

Share your TGH Patient Experience story:
https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/recognition-compliments-and-stories

Follow on social media @voicesofexperiencepfac

In this heartfelt episode of the Voices of Experience podcast, host Amber Washington sits down with Justin and Kim Park, who share their powerful journey of navigating life as parents of a son who spent time in the Jennifer Leigh Muma Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Tampa General Hospital (TGH), followed by the joy of welcoming twin daughters. Their story is one of resilience, hope, and the unwavering support of the TGH NICU team.

From the initial uncertainty of their son's NICU stay to the life-changing moments of growing their family with twin daughters, Justin and Kim open up about the emotional highs and lows of being NICU and twin parents. Their experience sheds light on the importance of compassionate care, clear communication, and a supportive community for families facing similar challenges.

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or healthcare advocate, this episode is a testament to the strength of family, the impact of dedicated healthcare professionals, and the power of sharing your story.

Share your TGH Patient Experience story:
https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/recognition-compliments-and-stories

Follow on social media @voicesofexperiencepfac