When someone you love is in the hospital, the experience can feel overwhelming – filled with unfamiliar faces, complex medical terms, and fast-moving decisions. In this episode, we speak with Ashley Williams, BSN, RN, registered nurse at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, about how patient advocates and clinical coordinators help guide patients through their care journey. From understanding treatment plans and coordinating second opinions to knowing who to call with questions, these professionals can make a difficult time feel more manageable. We also hear from Lauren LaTourette, LCSW, APHSW-C, clinical social worker at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, who shares insight into working with your healthcare team during complex medical situations. If you or a loved one is facing a serious diagnosis, this episode offers guidance on building support and navigating care with confidence.
Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers
Guests: Ashley Williams, BSN, RN; Lauren LaTourette, LCSW, APHSW-C

When someone you love is in the hospital, the experience can feel overwhelming &ndash; filled with unfamiliar faces, complex medical terms, and fast-moving decisions. In this episode, we speak with Ashley Williams, BSN, RN, registered nurse at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, about how <a href="https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/treatment-team">patient advocates and clinical coordinators</a> help guide patients through their care journey. From understanding treatment plans and coordinating <a href="https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/how-to-ask-for-second-opinion">second opinions</a> to knowing who to call with questions, these professionals can make a difficult time feel more manageable. We also hear from Lauren LaTourette, LCSW, APHSW-C, clinical social worker at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, who shares insight into working with your healthcare team during complex medical situations. If you or a loved one is facing a serious diagnosis, this episode offers guidance on building support and navigating care with confidence.
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM</li>
<li aria-level="1">Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Show Notes: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Guests: Ashley Williams, BSN, RN; Lauren LaTourette, LCSW, APHSW-C</li>
</ul>

WebMD Chief Physician Editor Neha Pathak, MD, and Chief Medical Officer, John Whyte, MD, MPH, explore fascinating stories to find the unexpected things that help us understand our health.

Health Discovered

Navigating the Hospital Journey: How Patient Coordinators and Advocates Can Help

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects millions of men – about half of those in their 50s, with prevalence increasing by decade. Yet sexual health is often left out of routine care, not for lack of importance, but because it can feel difficult to discuss. Speaking up matters: ED is frequently an early sign of underlying health conditions. In this episode, board-certified urologist Ashley Winter, MD, explains what’s happening in the body, how lifestyle factors influence ED, and the full range of treatment options. She also addresses the emotional and relational impact of ED – and how individuals and couples can navigate it together with openness and support.

Credits
Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers
Guest: Ashley Winter, MD

<a href="https://www.webmd.com/erectile-dysfunction/understanding-erectile-dysfunction-basics">Erectile dysfunction (ED)</a> affects millions of men &ndash; about half of those in their 50s, with prevalence increasing by decade. Yet sexual health is often left out of routine care, not for lack of importance, but because it can feel difficult to discuss. Speaking up matters: ED is frequently an early sign of underlying health conditions. In this episode, board-certified urologist <a href="https://www.rachelrubinmd.com/drwinter">Ashley Winter, MD</a>, explains what&rsquo;s happening in the body, how lifestyle factors influence ED, and the full range of <a href="https://www.webmd.com/erectile-dysfunction/erectile-dysfunction-treatment">treatment options</a>. She also addresses the emotional and relational impact of ED &ndash; and how individuals and couples can navigate it together with openness and support.
Credits
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM</li>
<li aria-level="1">Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Show Notes: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Guest: Ashley Winter, MD</li>
</ul>

Erectile Dysfunction and Sexual Health: What Your Body Is Telling You 

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., and high cholesterol is a major contributor – yet it often has no symptoms. You can feel healthy and still be at risk for heart attack or stroke. So what should you really know? Is it just about diet, and when should you get tested? In this episode, preventive cardiologist Ann Marie Navar, MD, PhD, breaks down what’s changed in how we understand cholesterol, why knowing your numbers matters, and how to take practical steps to protect your heart. We also address common concerns about statins and why they’re not something to fear. The key: partner with your doctor to build a plan that works for you long term.

Credits
Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers
Guest: Ann Marie Navar, MD, PhD

<a href="https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/understanding-heart-disease-symptoms" data-testid="linkable-text">Heart disease</a> is the leading cause of death in the U.S., and <a href="https://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/lower-cholesterol-risk" data-testid="linkable-text">high cholesterol</a> is a major contributor &ndash; yet it often has no symptoms. You can feel healthy and still be at risk for heart attack or stroke. So what should you really know? Is it just about diet, and when should you get tested? In this episode, preventive cardiologist <a href="https://profiles.utsouthwestern.edu/profile/193161/ann-marie-navar.html" data-testid="linkable-text">Ann Marie Navar, MD, PhD</a>, breaks down what&rsquo;s changed in how we understand cholesterol, why <a href="https://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/understanding-numbers" data-testid="linkable-text">knowing your numbers</a> matters, and how to take practical steps to protect your heart. We also address common concerns about statins and why they&rsquo;re not something to fear. The key: partner with your doctor to build a plan that works for you long term.
Credits
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM</li>
<li aria-level="1">Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Show Notes: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Guest: Ann Marie Navar, MD, PhD</li>
</ul>

The Silent Risk: Cholesterol and the Numbers You Need to Know

GLP-1 medications are changing how we approach weight management – but they’re just one part of a bigger, more compassionate picture. In this episode, we explore why shame and blame have never worked in treating obesity and how shared decision-making can lead to better outcomes. Obesity is a chronic disease, not a personal failure, and effective care must be rooted in respect, science, and realistic expectations. We spoke with Robert Kushner, MD, renowned obesity medicine specialist, who breaks down how GLP-1s work, the different options available – from pills to injections – and how to partner with your doctor to find the approach that’s right for you.

Credits
Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers
Guest: Robert Kushner, MD

<a href="https://www.webmd.com/obesity/listicle-what-to-know-about-glps-1s-for-weight-loss">GLP-1 medications</a> are changing how we approach weight management &ndash; but they&rsquo;re just one part of a bigger, more compassionate picture. In this episode, we explore why shame and blame have never worked in treating obesity and how shared decision-making can lead to better outcomes. Obesity is a chronic disease, not a personal failure, and effective care must be rooted in respect, science, and realistic expectations. We spoke with <a href="https://drrobertkushner.com/">Robert Kushner, MD</a>, renowned obesity medicine specialist, who breaks down how GLP-1s work, the <a href="https://www.webmd.com/obesity/mounjaro-ozempic-wegovy-zepbound-difference">different options available</a> &ndash; from pills to injections &ndash; and how to partner with your doctor to find the approach that&rsquo;s right for you.
Credits
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM</li>
<li aria-level="1">Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Show Notes: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Guest: Robert Kushner, MD</li>
</ul>

Navigating the Hospital Journey: How Patient Coordinators and Advocates Can Help

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