🎶 What happens when a vascular surgeon decides to walk away from practice… to pursue music? This week on The Heart of Innovation, Dr. John Phillips and I sit down with a surgeon whose passion for rhythm has always been intertwined with healing — and now he's daring to follow that rhythm into a whole new career.

Our guest is not just a gifted clinician. He's a songwriter, producer, and vascular surgeon at Oregon Health & Science University, currently earning his Master's in Songwriting at Berklee College of Music. And yes — he's officially taking the leap into music full-time.

Why now? What did he discover in the OR, at the bedside, and in his own creative process that made this moment the right one?

He shares: 🎵 How music unexpectedly deepened his relationships with patients 🎵 Why rhythm matters more in vascular care than you might think 🎵 The parallels between restoring blood flow… and writing a song that moves people 🎵 What he's learned about courage, identity, and choosing a path that truly aligns with your purpose

This episode is heartfelt, surprising, and full of wisdom for anyone standing at a crossroads — in medicine, in creativity, or in life.

👉 Don't miss this one. It's a rare look at what it really means to heal… and be human.

Listen on KDOW, our podcast platforms, or watch the full episode on YouTube. Leg Saver Hotline: 1-877-FIX-LEGZ Learn more: PADHelp.org | TheWayToMyHeart.org

#TheHeartOfInnovation #VascularSurgery #PeripheralArteryDisease #PADAwareness #MusicHeals #Songwriting #BerkleeCollegeOfMusic #CareerJourney #PhysicianStories #HealingThroughMusic #InnovationInMedicine #LegSaverHotline #KymMcNicholas #DrJohnPhillips

🎶 What happens when a vascular surgeon decides to walk away from practice… to pursue music? This week on The Heart of Innovation, Dr. John Phillips and I sit down with a surgeon whose passion for rhythm has always been intertwined with healing — and now he's daring to follow that rhythm into a whole new career. Our guest is not just a gifted clinician. He's a songwriter, producer, and vascular surgeon at Oregon Health & Science University, currently earning his Master's in Songwriting at Berklee College of Music. And yes — he's officially taking the leap into music full-time. Why now? What did he discover in the OR, at the bedside, and in his own creative process that made this moment the right one? He shares: 🎵 How music unexpectedly deepened his relationships with patients 🎵 Why rhythm matters more in vascular care than you might think 🎵 The parallels between restoring blood flow… and writing a song that moves people 🎵 What he's learned about courage, identity, and choosing a path that truly aligns with your purpose This episode is heartfelt, surprising, and full of wisdom for anyone standing at a crossroads — in medicine, in creativity, or in life. 👉 Don't miss this one. It's a rare look at what it really means to heal… and be human. Listen on KDOW, our podcast platforms, or watch the full episode on YouTube. Leg Saver Hotline: 1-877-FIX-LEGZ Learn more: PADHelp.org | TheWayToMyHeart.org #TheHeartOfInnovation #VascularSurgery #PeripheralArteryDisease #PADAwareness #MusicHeals #Songwriting #BerkleeCollegeOfMusic #CareerJourney #PhysicianStories #HealingThroughMusic #InnovationInMedicine #LegSaverHotline #KymMcNicholas #DrJohnPhillips

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

Why A Vascular Surgeon Leaves Medicine To Pursue Music

Travel should be memorable for the right reasons — not stressful health surprises.

In this upcoming episode of The Heart of Innovation, cohosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips dive into why planning ahead is critical when you're traveling with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), cardiovascular disease, mobility challenges, or strict dietary needs.

📍 Broadcasting live from a Princess Cruise ship in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Kym shares firsthand how Princess Cruises goes above and beyond to accommodate her and her father's gluten-free, dairy-free, low-salt, low-sugar diet, while still making it possible to stay active and keep daily steps moving — even at sea.

Dr. Phillips breaks down essential medical travel prep, including:


How to organize and pack medications properly


Why you should identify pharmacies and urgent care locations before you arrive


The importance of carrying physician documentation and imaging CDs


What to have ready in case of a medical emergency away from home

Whether you love cruising, traveling internationally, or just planning a weekend getaway, this episode offers practical, real-world guidance to help you travel smarter, safer, and with confidence.

📞 Need help right now? PAD Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS

🌐 Trusted resources:


https://padhelp.org


https://padsupportgroup.org (Facebook Support Group)

Plan ahead. Protect your legs. And don't let PAD stop you from seeing the world.

Travel should be memorable for the right reasons — not stressful health surprises. In this upcoming episode of The Heart of Innovation, cohosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips dive into why planning ahead is critical when you're traveling with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), cardiovascular disease, mobility challenges, or strict dietary needs. 📍 Broadcasting live from a Princess Cruise ship in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Kym shares firsthand how Princess Cruises goes above and beyond to accommodate her and her father's gluten-free, dairy-free, low-salt, low-sugar diet, while still making it possible to stay active and keep daily steps moving — even at sea. Dr. Phillips breaks down essential medical travel prep, including: <ul> <li> How to organize and pack medications properly </li> <li> Why you should identify pharmacies and urgent care locations before you arrive </li> <li> The importance of carrying physician documentation and imaging CDs </li> <li> What to have ready in case of a medical emergency away from home </li> </ul> Whether you love cruising, traveling internationally, or just planning a weekend getaway, this episode offers practical, real-world guidance to help you travel smarter, safer, and with confidence. 📞 Need help right now? PAD Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS 🌐 Trusted resources: <ul> <li> <a title="https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fpadhelp.org&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1766359260000000&usg=AOvVaw2VwumKM3nj37tWG4HXN-Ht" href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fpadhelp.org&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1766359260000000&usg=AOvVaw2VwumKM3nj37tWG4HXN-Ht" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1">https://padhelp.org</a> </li> <li> <a title="https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fpadsupportgroup.org&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1766359260000000&usg=AOvVaw0RJcRaDqkeswW_6PIhqVbP" href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fpadsupportgroup.org&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1766359260000000&usg=AOvVaw0RJcRaDqkeswW_6PIhqVbP" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="2">https://padsupportgroup.org</a> (Facebook Support Group) </li> </ul> Plan ahead. Protect your legs. And don't let PAD stop you from seeing the world.

How To Travel Smart When Health Needs Come With You

This week on The Heart of Innovation, hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips sit down for a powerful, patient-driven holiday special—one that reveals what people living with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) truly wish for this season.

PAD is more common than prostate, breast, and colon cancer combined, yet still misunderstood. Our in-studio audience opened up about the physical and emotional toll of this disease—leg pain, cramps, burning, neuropathy, and wounds that won't heal—and the everyday battles most people never see.

Their holiday wish list was honest, raw, and deeply human:


More doctors trained in advanced limb-saving tools and techniques


Fewer preventable amputations related to PAD and diabetes


A world where fewer people smoke or vape, as nicotine and cannabis use fuel earlier, more aggressive PAD


And a collective wish for patients themselves to enter the new year committed to realistic goals, healthier habits, and becoming active partners in their own care

This conversation is heartfelt, unfiltered, and filled with the courage of people who refuse to give up hope. If you or someone you love is living with PAD, you won't want to miss this episode. To learn more about PAD and advanced limb saving treatment options, call the Global PAD Association's Leg Saver Hotline at 1-833-PAD-LEGS.

#PeripheralArteryDisease #PADAwareness #TheHeartOfInnovation #LimbSalvage #AmputationPrevention #VascularHealth #PatientStories #ChronicPainCommunity #HolidayHealth #CirculationMatters #PADWarriors #DiabeticFoot #NeuropathySupport #StopSmokingSaveLimbs #HealthEquity 

This week on The Heart of Innovation, hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips sit down for a powerful, patient-driven holiday special—one that reveals what people living with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) truly wish for this season. PAD is more common than prostate, breast, and colon cancer combined, yet still misunderstood. Our in-studio audience opened up about the physical and emotional toll of this disease—leg pain, cramps, burning, neuropathy, and wounds that won't heal—and the everyday battles most people never see. Their holiday wish list was honest, raw, and deeply human: <ul> <li> More doctors trained in advanced limb-saving tools and techniques </li> <li> Fewer preventable amputations related to PAD and diabetes </li> <li> A world where fewer people smoke or vape, as nicotine and cannabis use fuel earlier, more aggressive PAD </li> <li> And a collective wish for patients themselves to enter the new year committed to realistic goals, healthier habits, and becoming active partners in their own care </li> </ul> This conversation is heartfelt, unfiltered, and filled with the courage of people who refuse to give up hope. If you or someone you love is living with PAD, you won't want to miss this episode. To learn more about PAD and advanced limb saving treatment options, call the Global PAD Association's Leg Saver Hotline at 1-833-PAD-LEGS. #PeripheralArteryDisease #PADAwareness #TheHeartOfInnovation #LimbSalvage #AmputationPrevention #VascularHealth #PatientStories #ChronicPainCommunity #HolidayHealth #CirculationMatters #PADWarriors #DiabeticFoot #NeuropathySupport #StopSmokingSaveLimbs #HealthEquity

More Hope For Patients With A Disease Deadlier Than Most Cancers Combined

Every leg saved has a story behind it — and this week on The Heart of Innovation, you'll meet the nurse practitioners who live those stories every day.

Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips chat with four remarkable OhioHealth NPs — Chelsea Jones, Elizabeth Murray, Brittany Byce, and Rebecca Lawler — to share what it's really like to help patients fight peripheral artery disease (PAD) and critical limb ischemia inside a large hospital system.

They open up about:


The split-second decisions that can mean the difference between amputation and recovery


The emotional moments that stay with them long after a shift ends


The gaps in care they're constantly trying to close for PAD patients


And yes… the hilarious "Nonsense Board" where they log the wild moments that keep them sane

It's raw. It's real. It's the life of a limb-saving NP — equal parts heart, grit, urgency, and humor.

If you or someone you love is living with PAD, struggling to navigate the system, or wondering what limb-saving care actually looks like behind the scenes, this episode will give you clarity, encouragement, and a whole new appreciation for the clinicians fighting for patients every single day.

#TheHeartOfInnovation #PAD #LimbSavingCare #PeripheralArteryDisease #NursePractitioner #OhioHealth #VascularHealth #AmputationPrevention #LifeAndLimb #KymMcNicholas #DrJohnPhillips #PatientAdvocacy #ChronicDiseaseCare #FrontlineMedicine #HealthcareHeroes 

Every leg saved has a story behind it — and this week on The Heart of Innovation, you'll meet the nurse practitioners who live those stories every day. Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips chat with four remarkable OhioHealth NPs — Chelsea Jones, Elizabeth Murray, Brittany Byce, and Rebecca Lawler — to share what it's really like to help patients fight peripheral artery disease (PAD) and critical limb ischemia inside a large hospital system. They open up about: <ul> <li> The split-second decisions that can mean the difference between amputation and recovery </li> <li> The emotional moments that stay with them long after a shift ends </li> <li> The gaps in care they're constantly trying to close for PAD patients </li> <li> And yes… the hilarious "Nonsense Board" where they log the wild moments that keep them sane </li> </ul> It's raw. It's real. It's the life of a limb-saving NP — equal parts heart, grit, urgency, and humor. If you or someone you love is living with PAD, struggling to navigate the system, or wondering what limb-saving care actually looks like behind the scenes, this episode will give you clarity, encouragement, and a whole new appreciation for the clinicians fighting for patients every single day. #TheHeartOfInnovation #PAD #LimbSavingCare #PeripheralArteryDisease #NursePractitioner #OhioHealth #VascularHealth #AmputationPrevention #LifeAndLimb #KymMcNicholas #DrJohnPhillips #PatientAdvocacy #ChronicDiseaseCare #FrontlineMedicine #HealthcareHeroes

Why A Vascular Surgeon Leaves Medicine To Pursue Music

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