Every year, millions of people are diagnosed with skin cancer, yet many of the earliest warning signs are easy to overlook. In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, dermatologist and physician assistant Julie Silver from East Valley Dermatology explains how to recognize suspicious moles, separate sunscreen myths from facts, and build simple habits that can dramatically reduce your risk.

You'll learn why skin cancer is becoming more common in younger adults, how daily sun exposure adds up over time, what the ABCDE rule for melanoma means, and why early detection can save lives. Julie also shares practical advice on choosing sunscreen, protecting your skin during everyday activities, and performing monthly skin checks at home.

Beyond prevention, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at a dermatology practice and highlights the essential role medical assistants play in patient care, from documenting skin exams and assisting with biopsies to helping detect changes that could lead to an early diagnosis.

• How to recognize the warning signs of skin cancer
• The ABCDE guide for spotting melanoma
• Common sunscreen myths and what really works
• Why tanning beds dramatically increase your risk
• How often you should check your skin
• Tips for protecting children from sun damage
• The surprising role medical assistants play in detecting skin cancer
• What happens during a professional skin exam

Whether you're protecting your own health, caring for your family, or exploring a career in healthcare, this conversation delivers practical advice that could make a lifelong difference.

Subscribe to Voices of Vital Care for expert conversations on healthcare careers, patient education, disease prevention, and the professionals making a difference every day.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

#SkinCancer #SkinCancerAwareness #SkinCancerPrevention #Dermatology #Melanoma #SunSafety #Sunscreen #SkinHealth #EarlyDetection #Healthcare #MedicalAssistant #VoicesOfVitalCare #HealthEducation #PatientCare #summersafety

What makes someone an athlete?

A physical therapist assistant instructor and the founder of a competitive wheelchair soccer program say it's not what you'd expect.

In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, host Nohelani Graf sits down with Jim Irvin, Lead Instructor in the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Pima Medical Institute, and Tony Jackson, founder of Ability360's Power Soccer program, a competitive team sport played entirely in power wheelchairs.

Tony is also a player, head coach, and advocate who just returned from the 2026 US Power Soccer Association Nationals in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Together they unpack what physical therapy looks like day to day, why "mobility" means something completely different on the Power Soccer pitch than it does in a clinic, and how a sport most people have never heard of is pushing toward the Paralympics.

In this episode:

- What physical therapy really involves, beyond exercise and pain management

- Why Tony describes Power Soccer as total freedom

- The moment in 2009 that turned Tony from a patient into an athlete

- A physical therapy patient's story of learning to walk again in the pool

- What separates elite athletes from everyday patients, in training, discipline, and drive

- The overlooked skill every Power Soccer player needs (hint: it's not what you think)

- How Tony founded the Ability360 Power Soccer program in 2012

- Inside the 2026 US Power Soccer Nationals: 44 teams, one gym, in Fort Wayne, Indiana

- The moment from Nationals Tony is most proud of

- Why the Paralympics is the next frontier for Power Soccer

- Advice for anyone considering a career as a physical therapist assistant

Whether you're interested in physical therapy, allied health careers, adaptive sports, disability advocacy, rehabilitation, mobility, Paralympic sports, or sports performance, this conversation offers a powerful perspective on movement, resilience, and human potential.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

Voices of Vital Care is a podcast exploring the people and stories behind healthcare, from physical therapy and adaptive sports to the professionals who help others reach their full potential.

Guests:

Jim Irvin, Lead Instructor, Physical Therapist Assistant Program, Pima Medical Institute

Tony Jackson, Founder, Ability360 Power Soccer Program | Ability360 Phoenix Rising Player | Ability360 United Head Coach

#PowerSoccer #PhysicalTherapy #AdaptiveSports #WheelchairSports #Paralympics #Ability360 #PTA #VoicesOfVitalCare #WorldCup

Smoke-filled skies. Wildfire smoke. Dust storms. Ozone alerts. High pollen. If you've looked outside lately and wondered whether it's safe to be outside, you're not alone.

In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, host Nohelani Graf sits down with Dr. Cindy Bauer, Division Chief and Medical Director of Allergy & Immunology at Phoenix Children's, to explain what poor air quality is actually doing to your lungs and why children, older adults, and anyone with asthma or allergies are at greater risk.

Dr. Bauer explains why ozone has been compared to "sunburning your lungs," how wildfire smoke travels hundreds of miles, why dust storms and pollen can trigger serious breathing problems, and the warning signs parents should never ignore. She also shares practical advice for protecting your family during Air Quality Alert days, including when to stay indoors, whether HEPA air purifiers are worth it, and how to reduce exposure at home.

Whether you're dealing with wildfire smoke in the West, ozone alerts in major cities, seasonal allergies, or simply wondering what the Air Quality Index (AQI) means, this conversation provides practical, evidence-based guidance that can help you breathe easier.

You'll also learn how Medical Assistants, Respiratory Therapists, nurses, pediatricians, pulmonologists, and allergy specialists work together to care for children with asthma and other respiratory conditions and why these healthcare careers play such a critical role in keeping families healthy.

In this episode:

• What wildfire smoke does to your lungs
• Why ozone pollution is so dangerous
• Air Quality Index (AQI) explained
• How poor air quality affects children differently
• Asthma warning signs every parent should know
• Wildfire smoke vs. pollen vs. dust storms
• Are HEPA air purifiers worth buying?
• How to protect your family during Air Quality Alerts
• The role of Respiratory Therapists and Medical Assistants in respiratory care
• Why clean air matters for long-term lung health

If this episode helped you better understand today's air quality challenges, subscribe to Voices of Vital Care for conversations with healthcare professionals who are improving lives every day.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

#AirQuality #WildfireSmoke #Asthma #RespiratoryHealth #AirPollution #Ozone #AQI #Allergies #PhoenixChildrens #RespiratoryTherapist #MedicalAssistant #HealthcareCareers #VoicesOfVitalCare #Wildfires #DustStorms #LungHealth #ChildHealth #PediatricHealth

June is Pride Month, but this conversation is about something much bigger than a single month.

It's about belonging, mentorship, and why healthcare is stronger when everyone feels seen.

On this episode of Voices of Vital Care, Nohelani Graf sits down with Dominic Flores, healthcare educator, researcher, LGBTQIA+ advocate, and Career Prep Instructor at Pima Medical Institute.

Dominic shares his journey from uncertain high school graduate to healthcare leader, researcher, nonprofit founder, and mentor helping shape the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Together, they explore:

• What it means to create belonging in healthcare

• LGBTQ+ representation and the impact of visibility

• Dominic's research on mentorship and early career gay men in healthcare

• Why inclusive workplaces improve patient care and healthcare outcomes

• The role mentors play in changing lives and careers

• How future healthcare professionals can build confidence and resilience

• Why compassion, professionalism, and authenticity matter in patient care

Whether you're a healthcare student, educator, employer, LGBTQIA+ ally, or someone searching for your place in the world, this episode offers a powerful reminder: you belong, and your voice can make a difference.

Featuring Dominic Flores, healthcare educator, researcher, LGBTQ+ advocate, and Career Prep Instructor at Pima Medical Institute.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

#PrideMonth #LGBTQHealthcare #HealthcareCareers #Mentorship #HealthcareLeadership #PimaMedicalInstitute #VoicesOfVitalCare #LGBTQIA #AlliedHealth #HealthcareEducation

When you think about surgery, you probably picture the surgeon.

But what about the professionals who make sure every instrument is sterile, every safeguard is in place, and every patient is protected before the operation even begins?

In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, host Nohelani Graf sits down with Kendria Stevens-Hulsinger, FAST, CST, Senior Program Director of Surgical Technology at Pima Medical Institute, to uncover the critical role surgical technologists and sterile processing professionals play in patient safety.

You'll discover:

• What a surgical technologist actually does

• How sterile processing prevents surgical site infections

• Why operating room teamwork is essential for patient outcomes

• The growing demand for surgical technologists and sterile processing careers

• Why certification and continuing education matter

• How robotics and advancing technology are changing the profession

• What hospitals look for when hiring new healthcare professionals

• Career paths, salary potential, and leadership opportunities in allied health

Kendria also shares her personal journey into healthcare, earning one of the profession's highest honors as a Fellow of the Association of Surgical Technologists (FAST), and why advocacy and education are shaping the future of patient care.

Whether you're exploring a career in allied health, considering surgical technology school, interested in sterile processing certification, or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes in the operating room, this conversation offers an inside look at one of healthcare's most important—and often overlooked—professions.

🔹 Learn how surgical technologists protect patients.

🔹 Discover why sterile processing is the foundation of safe surgery.

🔹 Explore one of the fastest-growing careers in allied health.

Subscribe to Voices of Vital Care for conversations with the healthcare professionals shaping the future of patient care.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

#SurgicalTechnologist #SterileProcessing #AlliedHealth #HealthcareCareers #OperatingRoom #PatientSafety #SurgicalTech #HealthcareEducation #VoicesOfVitalCare #PimaMedicalInstitute

What does a pharmacy technician really do? Most people think of counting pills and filling prescriptions, but the reality is far more critical. In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, certified pharmacy technician and instructor Ben Montoya shares how pharmacy technicians help prevent medication errors, protect patient safety, prepare life-saving IV medications, and support healthcare teams every day.

With more than 30 years of pharmacy experience and nearly two decades educating future healthcare professionals, Ben pulls back the curtain on one of healthcare's most overlooked careers. He explains the difference between certification and licensure, the importance of pharmacy technician training, how technology is transforming the field, and why pharmacy technicians are becoming indispensable partners in modern healthcare.

Whether you're exploring healthcare careers, considering pharmacy technician certification, or simply curious about what happens behind the pharmacy counter, this conversation offers an inside look at a profession that impacts millions of patients every day.

In this episode:

• What pharmacy technicians really do behind the scenes

• How medication errors are prevented

• The role of pharmacy technicians in patient safety

• Retail pharmacy vs. hospital pharmacy careers

• Pharmacy technician certification and the PTCB exam

• Externships, hands-on training, and career readiness

• Future opportunities in pharmacy technology

• The skills that lead to success in healthcare careers

• Why pharmacy technicians are the backbone of modern pharmacies

Subscribe to Voices of Vital Care for conversations with healthcare professionals, educators, and industry leaders helping shape the future of patient care.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

Ahead of Men’s Health Month, Voices of Vital Care sits down with Aiden Bender and Maurice Gabriel to talk about why more men are needed in healthcare, the realities of stepping into female dominated medical fields, and how empathy, confidence, and human connection can change lives.

From medical assisting and dental assisting to conversations around men avoiding checkups, colon cancer awareness, patient trust, and breaking stereotypes in allied health careers, this episode explores the future of healthcare through the eyes of two students preparing to make an impact.

Whether you’re considering a career in healthcare, exploring accelerated allied health programs, or looking for an honest conversation about men’s health, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

What does it really take to work in veterinary care beyond the exam room?

In this powerful episode of Voices of Vital Care, Veterinary Assistant graduate Berenice Lucero shares the emotional reality of animal rescue, shelter medicine, community outreach, and affordable veterinary care in Phoenix, Arizona.

From helping families avoid surrendering their pets to working with the Arizona Animal Welfare League during overcrowded shelter crises, Berenice reveals the unseen side of veterinary assistant careers, preventive pet care, animal advocacy, and the growing demand for compassionate professionals in veterinary medicine.

If you're interested in becoming a veterinary assistant, working with animals, animal shelters, pet rescue, veterinary school, or learning how hands on training can lead to a meaningful healthcare career, this episode offers an honest look inside the field.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.