Ever wonder what it’s like to search the ENTIRE country for the right doctor while dealing with excruciating leg pain and diabetes that won’t quit? Our guest Pat is sharing his wild journey finding help for his advanced Peripheral Artery Disease and Type 2 Diabetes.

Pat was determined not to let PAD stop him from traveling and living life on his terms. He’ll reveal how the Global PAD Association’s leg saver hotline and our very own podcast became his roadmap through the medical maze!

You’ll learn: • The surprising differences between vascular medicine specialists, vascular surgeons, interventional cardiologists, and interventional radiologists • Red flags that told Pat when a doctor WASN’T right for his case • The critical questions every PAD patient should ask before treatment

Plus, there’s a MAJOR PLOT TWIST about which doctor Pat ultimately chose (hint: it’s someone pretttty familiar to our listeners 😉)

If you or someone you love is dealing with leg pain, circulation issues, or diabetes complications, this episode is a must-listen!

Remember: The Global PAD Association is always just a call away at 1-833-PAD-LEGS for anyone needing guidance. #peripheralarterydisease #padsupport #paddoctor #vasculardoctor #bestpaddoctor #bestvasculardoctor #padsupportgroup

Ever wonder what it’s like to search the ENTIRE country for the right doctor while dealing with excruciating leg pain and diabetes that won’t quit? Our guest Pat is sharing his wild journey finding help for his advanced Peripheral Artery Disease and Type 2 Diabetes. Pat was determined not to let PAD stop him from traveling and living life on his terms. He’ll reveal how the Global PAD Association’s leg saver hotline and our very own podcast became his roadmap through the medical maze! You’ll learn: • The surprising differences between vascular medicine specialists, vascular surgeons, interventional cardiologists, and interventional radiologists • Red flags that told Pat when a doctor WASN’T right for his case • The critical questions every PAD patient should ask before treatment Plus, there’s a MAJOR PLOT TWIST about which doctor Pat ultimately chose (hint: it’s someone pretttty familiar to our listeners 😉) If you or someone you love is dealing with leg pain, circulation issues, or diabetes complications, this episode is a must-listen! Remember: The Global PAD Association is always just a call away at 1-833-PAD-LEGS for anyone needing guidance. #peripheralarterydisease #padsupport #paddoctor #vasculardoctor #bestpaddoctor #bestvasculardoctor #padsupportgroup

All of us have the power to create change. The advances in technology are now such that if you have an idea, it’s easier than ever to execute on it. “Kym McNicholas On Innovation” shares the journeys of successful entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors from around the world who will inspire you to create your own financial independence. The show also features some of the most advanced technologies you’ve never heard of that could be have an impact on your life, your business, and your career. 

Regular featured segments include “The Edge” which highlights businesses that are game-changing in the enterprise. Plus, each week in “HealthTech”, you’ll hear about a company that’s creating better, safer, faster, and cheaper technologies that will improve patient care and lower costs. And in our “Female Seeking Startup” series hear the success stories of some of the most powerful women who are creating game-changing technologies.

Produced and Published by The Innovators Network (http://TheInnovators.Network)

The Heart of Innovation with Kym McNicholas

The Heart of Innovation is 60 minutes with life and limb saving potential. Emmy Award-winning Journalist and Patient Navigator Kym McNicholas and Interventional Cardiologist Dr. John Phillips discuss new exciting ideas and innovation in healthcare. They tackle some of the greatest barriers to timely, effective patient care and discuss solutions with physicians, clinicians, policy makers, and most importantly, patients.

The Heart of Innovation is 60 minutes with life and limb saving potential. Emmy Award-winning Journalist and Patient Navigator Kym McNicholas and Interventional Cardiologist Dr. John Phillips discuss new exciting ideas and innovation in healthcare. They tackle some of the greatest barriers to timely, effective patient care and discuss solutions with physicians, clinicians, policy makers, and most importantly, patients.

The Heart of Innovation

Ever wonder what it’s like to search the ENTIRE country for the right doctor while dealing with excruciating leg pain and diabetes that won’t quit? Our guest Pat is sharing his wild journey finding help for his advanced Peripheral Artery Disease...

Pat's Nationwide Search For A PAD Doctor To Save His Leg

Peripheral Artery Disease is more prevalent than most cancers — and often deadlier when missed. Yet it is still underdiagnosed, misunderstood, and too often treated in silos.

On this episode of The Heart of Innovation, hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips, Interventional Cardiologist, sit down with Dr. David Dexter, Vascular Surgeon at Sentara Health, who was named the Global PAD Association's Multidisciplinary Team Leader of the Year through the Global PAD Impact Awards.

This PAD Awareness Day — observed the third Saturday of every February during American Heart Month — we are talking about why leg health is heart health.

PAD is not just a leg problem. Blocked leg arteries are a warning sign for heart attack and stroke. And patients deserve a coordinated vascular care team — not fragmented care.

In this conversation, we break down:

• Why PAD is more common than many cancers — yet still diagnosed too late • The danger of treating patients in silos • What a true multidisciplinary vascular care team looks like • How cardiology, vascular surgery, podiatry, wound care, and primary care must work together • Why "Sock It to PAD" and Red Sock Day matter during American Heart Month • What patients should demand from their care teams

Too many amputations are preventable. Too many heart attacks have warning signs in the legs first.

It is time to connect the dots.

If you or someone you love has leg pain when walking, numbness, wounds that won't heal, diabetes, kidney disease, or a history of smoking — this conversation could save a limb and a life.

📞 Call the Global PAD Association Leg Saver Hotline with questions about PAD.1-833-PAD-LEGS 🔔 Subscribe to @TheWayToMyHeart for more conversations that challenge the status quo in cardiovascular care. 👍 Like, comment, and share to raise awareness this PAD Awareness Day.

Because saving legs saves lives.

#PADAwarenessDay #SockItToPAD #PeripheralArteryDisease #VascularCare #HeartHealth #AmericanHeartMonth #PreventAmputation #LegHealthIsHeartHealth #PAD

Peripheral Artery Disease is more prevalent than most cancers — and often deadlier when missed. Yet it is still underdiagnosed, misunderstood, and too often treated in silos. On this episode of The Heart of Innovation, hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips, Interventional Cardiologist, sit down with Dr. David Dexter, Vascular Surgeon at Sentara Health, who was named the Global PAD Association's Multidisciplinary Team Leader of the Year through the Global PAD Impact Awards. This PAD Awareness Day — observed the third Saturday of every February during American Heart Month — we are talking about why leg health is heart health. PAD is not just a leg problem. Blocked leg arteries are a warning sign for heart attack and stroke. And patients deserve a coordinated vascular care team — not fragmented care. In this conversation, we break down: • Why PAD is more common than many cancers — yet still diagnosed too late • The danger of treating patients in silos • What a true multidisciplinary vascular care team looks like • How cardiology, vascular surgery, podiatry, wound care, and primary care must work together • Why "Sock It to PAD" and Red Sock Day matter during American Heart Month • What patients should demand from their care teams Too many amputations are preventable. Too many heart attacks have warning signs in the legs first. It is time to connect the dots. If you or someone you love has leg pain when walking, numbness, wounds that won't heal, diabetes, kidney disease, or a history of smoking — this conversation could save a limb and a life. 📞 Call the Global PAD Association Leg Saver Hotline with questions about PAD.1-833-PAD-LEGS 🔔 Subscribe to @TheWayToMyHeart for more conversations that challenge the status quo in cardiovascular care. 👍 Like, comment, and share to raise awareness this PAD Awareness Day. Because saving legs saves lives. #PADAwarenessDay #SockItToPAD #PeripheralArteryDisease #VascularCare #HeartHealth #AmericanHeartMonth #PreventAmputation #LegHealthIsHeartHealth #PAD

PAD Awareness Day - Creating The Ultimate Vascular Care Team

Peripheral Artery Disease impacts 10M+ Americans — and nearly 70% don't know they have it.

Congress has relaunched the PAD Caucus to address preventable amputations and gaps in screening and care.

On The Heart of Innovation, Dr. John Phillips and I debrief with Dr. Bob Tahara, Dr. Andrew Klein, Dr. David Alper, patient advocate Dawn-Marie Hernandez, and Harlem Globetrotter Larry "Shorty" Coleman, who lost a leg to PAD.

PAD is the leading cause of preventable limb loss and a major predictor of heart attack and stroke.

Early detection saves limbs — and lives.

#PeripheralArteryDisease#PAD#AmputationPrevention#HealthPolicy#HeartHealth

Peripheral Artery Disease impacts 10M+ Americans — and nearly 70% don't know they have it. Congress has relaunched the PAD Caucus to address preventable amputations and gaps in screening and care. On The Heart of Innovation, Dr. John Phillips and I debrief with Dr. Bob Tahara, Dr. Andrew Klein, Dr. David Alper, patient advocate Dawn-Marie Hernandez, and Harlem Globetrotter Larry "Shorty" Coleman, who lost a leg to PAD. PAD is the leading cause of preventable limb loss and a major predictor of heart attack and stroke. Early detection saves limbs — and lives. <a class="yt-core-attributed-string__link yt-core-attributed-string__link--call-to-action-color" tabindex="0" href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/peripheralarterydisease" target="">#PeripheralArteryDisease</a> <a class="yt-core-attributed-string__link yt-core-attributed-string__link--call-to-action-color" tabindex="0" href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/pad" target="">#PAD</a> <a class="yt-core-attributed-string__link yt-core-attributed-string__link--call-to-action-color" tabindex="0" href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/amputationprevention" target="">#AmputationPrevention</a> <a class="yt-core-attributed-string__link yt-core-attributed-string__link--call-to-action-color" tabindex="0" href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/healthpolicy" target="">#HealthPolicy</a> <a class="yt-core-attributed-string__link yt-core-attributed-string__link--call-to-action-color" tabindex="0" href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/hearthealth" target="">#HeartHealth</a>

PAD Caucus - Spreading Awareness

In this episode of The Heart of Innovation, cohosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips feature multiple patients courageously sharing their lived experiences with Peripheral Artery Disease, including rare and often misunderstood cases that challenge what patients are told is "possible."

Pamela's story highlights a critical gap in PAD care. After being told by a large hospital system that amputation was inevitable, she reached out to the Global PAD Association's Leg Saver Hotline. Through patient advocacy and care coordination, the underlying contributors to her disease were identified, including the role climate played in worsening her symptoms. Her decision to relocate to a warmer environment helped stabilize her condition and avoid limb loss, proving that earlier intervention and individualized care matter.

Francine's journey offers another rare perspective. Diagnosed at just 48 despite being a runner, personal trainer, and fitness instructor, she was found to have a full occlusion in her left leg and intermittent blockages in her right. After undergoing a femoral-popliteal bypass, multiple stents, and angioplasty procedures, Francine transformed her lifestyle through the Dean Ornish program and a low-fat vegan diet. She has since completed four half marathons and continues teaching group fitness, yoga, and Reiki.

Theresa's story exposes how often PAD is dismissed, even when the warning signs are clear. With a family history of PAD, Theresa recognized the symptoms early. At 46, she sought help after developing walking pain, only to be told repeatedly that it was a back problem and that she was "too young" to have PAD. A Doppler study was performed but interpreted as normal. For five years, as her symptoms worsened and her walking distance shrank to less than ten metres, she continued to advocate for herself before finally insisting on a vascular referral.

Within minutes of meeting a vascular consultant, Theresa was diagnosed with severe PAD. Imaging revealed a 100 percent blockage in her right leg and 80 percent in her left. Angioplasty provided temporary relief, but restenosis occurred quickly. A second procedure resulted in arterial injury, requiring placement of a 30-centimetre stent in her right thigh. Despite ongoing pain, Theresa developed remarkable collateral circulation, so robust that it complicated intervention attempts. Today, she remains closely monitored by a responsive vascular specialist and manages her condition with vigilance, pacing, and rest. She also notes a meaningful improvement in walking pain after starting Wegovy, an observation she continues to discuss with her care team.

Equally important, Theresa speaks candidly about the emotional toll of PAD. A special education teacher who loves to travel, she feared the disease would take away the life she loved, as it had for her father. After a period of isolation, she made a conscious decision that PAD would be part of her story, but not the author of it. She now works full time, travels when she can, adapts when needed, and lives by a powerful truth: she controls PAD, not the other way around.

Together, these stories reinforce a message too many patients never hear in time: Leg pain, cramping, and difficulty walking are not normal aging. They are warnings. 👉 Tune in to hear these powerful patient stories and learn why early diagnosis, self-advocacy, and conservative options like structured walking can change outcomes and save lives.Calls to Action 

📞 In the U.S.? Call the Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS to talk with someone about possible circulation issues in your legs.

🌐 Learn more about PAD and conservative treatment options Visit padhelp.org to understand PAD, early symptoms, and access our free proprietary structured walking program, available to everyone.

👥 Join our PAD Facebook Support Community Connect with patients and caregivers at padsupportgroup.org.

👍 Support the show Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications at youtube.com/@thewaytomyheart so you never miss an episode.

#PeripheralArteryDisease #PADawareness #HeartHealth #AmericanHeartMonth #LegPainIsNotNormal #CirculationMatters #VascularHealth #StructuredWalking #PatientStories #PreventAmputation #StrokePrevention #HeartDiseaseAwareness #TheHeartOfInnovation #TheWayToMyHeart

In this episode of The Heart of Innovation, cohosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips feature multiple patients courageously sharing their lived experiences with Peripheral Artery Disease, including rare and often misunderstood cases that challenge what patients are told is "possible." Pamela's story highlights a critical gap in PAD care. After being told by a large hospital system that amputation was inevitable, she reached out to the Global PAD Association's Leg Saver Hotline. Through patient advocacy and care coordination, the underlying contributors to her disease were identified, including the role climate played in worsening her symptoms. Her decision to relocate to a warmer environment helped stabilize her condition and avoid limb loss, proving that earlier intervention and individualized care matter. Francine's journey offers another rare perspective. Diagnosed at just 48 despite being a runner, personal trainer, and fitness instructor, she was found to have a full occlusion in her left leg and intermittent blockages in her right. After undergoing a femoral-popliteal bypass, multiple stents, and angioplasty procedures, Francine transformed her lifestyle through the Dean Ornish program and a low-fat vegan diet. She has since completed four half marathons and continues teaching group fitness, yoga, and Reiki. Theresa's story exposes how often PAD is dismissed, even when the warning signs are clear. With a family history of PAD, Theresa recognized the symptoms early. At 46, she sought help after developing walking pain, only to be told repeatedly that it was a back problem and that she was "too young" to have PAD. A Doppler study was performed but interpreted as normal. For five years, as her symptoms worsened and her walking distance shrank to less than ten metres, she continued to advocate for herself before finally insisting on a vascular referral. Within minutes of meeting a vascular consultant, Theresa was diagnosed with severe PAD. Imaging revealed a 100 percent blockage in her right leg and 80 percent in her left. Angioplasty provided temporary relief, but restenosis occurred quickly. A second procedure resulted in arterial injury, requiring placement of a 30-centimetre stent in her right thigh. Despite ongoing pain, Theresa developed remarkable collateral circulation, so robust that it complicated intervention attempts. Today, she remains closely monitored by a responsive vascular specialist and manages her condition with vigilance, pacing, and rest. She also notes a meaningful improvement in walking pain after starting Wegovy, an observation she continues to discuss with her care team. Equally important, Theresa speaks candidly about the emotional toll of PAD. A special education teacher who loves to travel, she feared the disease would take away the life she loved, as it had for her father. After a period of isolation, she made a conscious decision that PAD would be part of her story, but not the author of it. She now works full time, travels when she can, adapts when needed, and lives by a powerful truth: she controls PAD, not the other way around. Together, these stories reinforce a message too many patients never hear in time: Leg pain, cramping, and difficulty walking are not normal aging. They are warnings. 👉 Tune in to hear these powerful patient stories and learn why early diagnosis, self-advocacy, and conservative options like structured walking can change outcomes and save lives.Calls to Action 📞 In the U.S.? Call the Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS to talk with someone about possible circulation issues in your legs. 🌐 Learn more about PAD and conservative treatment options Visit <a title="https://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpadhelp.org&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1770856740000000&usg=AOvVaw2W0sbrvs6EYcFoNHegDFYU" href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpadhelp.org&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1770856740000000&usg=AOvVaw2W0sbrvs6EYcFoNHegDFYU" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1">padhelp.org</a> to understand PAD, early symptoms, and access our free proprietary structured walking program, available to everyone. 👥 Join our PAD Facebook Support Community Connect with patients and caregivers at <a title="https://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpadsupportgroup.org&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1770856740000000&usg=AOvVaw34gXWVbNcXZEG2fiKN4nWH" href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpadsupportgroup.org&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1770856740000000&usg=AOvVaw34gXWVbNcXZEG2fiKN4nWH" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="2">padsupportgroup.org</a>. 👍 Support the show Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications at <a title="http://youtube.com/@thewaytomyheart" href="http://youtube.com/@thewaytomyheart" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="3">youtube.com/@thewaytomyheart</a> so you never miss an episode. #PeripheralArteryDisease #PADawareness #HeartHealth #AmericanHeartMonth #LegPainIsNotNormal #CirculationMatters #VascularHealth #StructuredWalking #PatientStories #PreventAmputation #StrokePrevention #HeartDiseaseAwareness #TheHeartOfInnovation #TheWayToMyHeart

Pat's Nationwide Search For A PAD Doctor To Save His Leg

In 1 playlist(s)

The Heart of Innovation

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips