Communications: Strategic & Crisis Communications (NP Strategy)

Recorded at SCBIO’s 2023 annual conference, Matthew and Heather chat with Shlomi Uziel of Quai.MD, a start-up that offers an artificial intelligence based clinical pathways platform.

Coming to you from SCBIO’s 2023 annual conference, hosts Matthew and Heather welcome Radiation Oncologist Dr. Amy Curtis of the Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute.

Coming to you from SCBIO’s 2023 annual conference, Matthew and Heather chat with Lou Kennedy, the Owner and CEO of Nephron Pharmaceuticals and a champion of the life sciences industry in South Carolina!

Joining Matthew and Heather for the 2nd time is Peter Leventis, the CEO of Community Integrated Management Services or “CIMS”, an independent practice association made up of 14 federally qualified health clinics (or FQHCs) that provide care to patients across South Carolina.

Coming to you from SCBIO’s 2023 annual conference, Matthew and Heather welcome Steve and John Shanks of Erchonia, a world-leading company in the field of lower-level laser technology.

On this episode, Heather and Matthew welcome Dr. Ehsan Jabbarzadeh, a professor of engineering and the Director of Entrepreneurship at the University of South Carolina and the founder of Obsidio, a medical device company recently purchased by Boston Scientific. 

Joining Matthew and Heather is Jordon Ritchie, the CEO of Aimedica, a healthcare tool automating risk calculation using Electronic Health Records (EHR) data to improve patient care.

Have you heard the exciting news?! Nexsen Pruet has agreed to merge with Maynard Cooper & Gale, effective April 1. Joining Heather and Matthew to discuss the merger is Lauren DeMoss, an award-winning health care attorney based out of Maynard’s Birmingham office and future Taking the Pulse co-host!

Dr. Majorie Jenkins, Dean of the UofSC School of Medicine Greenville and Chief Academic Officer for Prisma Health-Upstate, joins hosts Matthew and Heather for an exciting conversation on health care in the Upstate of South Carolina.

Hear about how MUSC Health has fostered excellence across many practice areas, the provider’s rapid growth and expanded reach in rural communities, and its notable programs such as organ transplants and opioid treatment.

After the medical diagnostic lab served in a major role during the height of the pandemic, MAKO is currently addressing the surges in flu, RSV, and COVID variants. 

Kevin shares how Roper St. Francis Healthcare system’s strategic plan will improve the care of patients by optimizing their footprint, addressing the clinical needs of the future, and more.

Heather and Matthew welcome Juana Slade of the South Carolina based hospital AnMed for an insightful discussion on diversity, inclusion, and equity in health care. 

North Carolina’s epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore joins Heather and Matthew for a timely discussion on public health matters impacting North Carolina residents.

On episode 122 we welcome back Sam Konduros, an experienced life sciences and health care consultant and executive. Sam is the founder of SK Strategies, LLC and also serves as a Senior Advisor to United States Performance Center. Tune in to hear Sam discuss how U.S. Performance Center is working to create the most advanced sports and human performance training complex in America with their innovative methods and laboratory!

Heather and Matthew welcome Kevin Sills of Asterra Labs, which develops and manufactures pharmaceutical-grade, quality cannabinoid products. As a leader in the industry, Kevin offers his insights on products, dosing, regulation, research, and much more as CBD and hemp continue to explode on the market.

SCBIO leader Erin Ford joins Heather and Darra to discuss life sciences in South Carolina as well as SCBIO’s recent programs and successes as an economic development association. Tune in to hear Erin discuss the impressive expansion of the life sciences industry in the state and its growing transformation on education, jobs, and economic growth!

Joining Matthew and Tina this week is Emily Suski of USC School of Law’s CHAMPS, as well as Kirby Mitchell of Greenville’s Medical Legal Partnership, both organizations that directly assist people with legal health issues. Tune in to hear them describe the great needs of their clients and the collaboration between providers, non-profits, and social workers to help those in tough legal medical situations.

Hosts Matthew Roberts, Darra Coleman, and Tina Emerson sit down together for a compelling conversation about health care hot topics currently impacting the industry. They discuss everything from behavioral health issues and pharmaceutical costs to access to care. Tune in now for their insights on the state of health care and life sciences in the Carolinas and beyond!

Chris Severn of Turquoise Health joins Matthew and Tina for the 2nd time on Taking the Pulse to give us an update on all things price transparency. Chris provides insight on the market’s reaction to the price transparency requirement of hospitals, how his software company helps clients navigate pricing, and much more!

Matthew and Amanda chat with Michael Carlin of TrialCard, a life sciences company that provides digital solutions to pharmaceutical companies, connecting them to health care providers and patients while also simplifying access to prescription medications. Tune in to hear Michael share how TrialCard uniquely solves challenges and serves as a resource to clients as well as his work in the company's Health Care Provider (HCP) Engagement and Education efforts.

Matthew and Amanda welcome Dr. Michael Havig, HealthMe founder and CEO, to episode 115. Michael is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist who created HealthMe to help patients find the best health care and save money while also helping providers grow revenues and simplify pricing. Tune in to hear Dr. Havig discuss how his engagement platform is a leader in the price transparency trend and his insights on the No Surprises Act!

On episode 113, Amanda Loveday and Darra James Colman sit down with the Managing Director of AMB Wealth, Ryan Loehr. They discuss his experience advising private equity firms and public companies across the health care and life sciences industries, the investment banking opportunities for health care and life sciences businesses, and much more. Tune in now!

StartUp Health is uniting entrepreneurs and investing in transformative innovation in the health care sector. On this episode, we're joined by their Chief Content Officer, Logan Plaster, who tells us about his work, StartUp Health's unique practices, and how the health care industry is evolving. Tune in!

On this episode we're joined by Will Britt, Chief Counsel for Public Health for the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. He offers up his perspective on how people's perception of public health has changed in the wake of a pandemic, what exactly his role is at the agency, and more.

On this episode we're joined by Meg Kinnard, a journalist with the Associated Press, and Vickie Eslinger, Nexsen Pruet attorney, to discuss their health care experiences.

On this episode we're joined by Kelly Calabria, President and CEO of Foundation for Health Leadership & Innovation based in Cary, NC. Kelly dives into her work at FHLI and how the organization's innovative, community-driven partnerships aim to build a healthier North Carolina.

Cosmetic procedures are on the rise across the nation, and there are a number of factors that could be contributing to that. We're joined by Dr. Donen Davis, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon based in Columbia, SC...

We're joined by Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives, Murrell Smith. Speaker Smith breaks down some of the latest legislative hot topics in health care and beyond and talks to us a bit about his new leadership role. 

we're joined by two doctors who, at first glance, may seem to be at cross-purposes. In reality, Dr. James McElligott, Medical Director of the Center for Telehealth at MUSC and Dr. Shawn Stinson, Senior VP of Healthcare Innovation and Improvement at BlueCross BlueShield of SC are actually both working to expand access to health care while serving as stewards of health care resources.

We welcome Sara Goldsby, Director of DAODAS. She answers questions about how the pandemic has impacted substance abuse disorders and their treatment and offers insight into some of the troubling trends experts are seeing in the illicit drugs that are coming into our country. 

We're joined by Dr. Nicholas Vafai, Founder and President of Viro Research. Dr. Vafai tells us about the innovative work he and his father, Dr. Abbas Vafai, are doing at their company, along with some of the unique challenges that come with the complex FDA approval process.

Federally Qualified Health Centers, or FQHCs, are different from your typical healthcare facility in many ways. Joining us to talk about these differences is Pam Davis, CEO of Little River Medical Center— an FQHC based in Horry County, South Carolina. 

We're joined by President and CEO of Self Regional Healthcare, Dr. Matt Logan. He breaks down what it's like to run a hospital as we emerge from a pandemic, and touches on everything from initiatives to boost staff morale to the lessons they learned during that difficult time. 

We're joined by Lara Hewitt, Vice President of Workforce and Member Engagement at the South Carolina Hospital Association, and Russell Baxley, President, and CEO of Beaufort Memorial Hospital. 

For this very special 100th episode of Taking the Pulse, we're joined by Nexsen Pruet attorney Marguerite Willis. Marguerite is a highly experienced litigator, and was featured on the cover of the latest Super Lawyers Magazine. 

We are joined for episode 99 by David Stefanich, Co-founder and CEO of Rymedi, a healthcare technology company based in Greenville, SC.

Nexsen Pruet attorneys Ralph Barbier and Jennifer Hollingsworth dive in to the history and the tentative future of Certificate of Need programs across the nation and in South Carolina. 

Ashley Shaw, Executive Clinical Director of 3C Wellness, tells us about her work making mental health care more accessible and approachable for her clients.

We are joined by Dr. Les Hall, Dean of the University of South Carolina School of Medicine who talks with us about his role and weighs in on health care and life sciences topics.

Host Matthew Roberts and Heather Matthews are joined by Edward Bender, General Counsel and Executive Director of Regulatory Affairs for the South Carolina Hospital Association.

Tina is joined by Nexsen Pruet Health Care attorneys Alice Harris and Matthew Roberts. Alice and Matthew talk about Nexsen Pruet's reimbursement practice and audit predictions and trends for 2022. Tune in! 

ina and Matthew are joined by Dr. Melodie Hunnicutt, Executive Director of the James R. Clark Memorial Sickle Cell Foundation, a non-profit organization headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina. Dr. Hunnicutt explains the work of the Foundation in education and treatment, and the prevalence of Sickle Cell Disease in South Carolina. Tune in!

Tina and Mathew are joined by Joel Lourie, former South Carolina State Senator and current CEO of Lourie Life and Health. He shares his expert insight on the health insurance marketplace, Medicare, and the challenges consumers face when navigating the options available to them. Tune in!

Tina and Mathew are joined by Matt Walsh, CFO of Blue Sky Pharmacy, a specialty pharmacy headquartered in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. We dive deep into how Blue Sky Pharmacy dares to be different by transforming the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry, the growth they have seen as a company, and patient experience with prescription drugs. Tune in! 

Tina and Matthew are joined by Laura Gunter, President of North Carolina BioSciences Organization (NCBio), a state trade association with members across the pharmaceutical, medical device, diagnostic, clinical research and agricultural biotechnology sectors. We dive deep into how NCBio bridges the gap between policy and science, their progressive business model, and the importance of intellectual property in the life sciences industry. Tune in!

This week, Tina and Matthew welcome Shawn Regan, CEO and co-founder of Rhythmlink International, an organization that champions innovative engineering solutions to improve patient care. Shawn shares his insight on how his company reduces medical costs, the type of products they manufacture, and how Rhythmlink has pivoted amid the ongoing pandemic. Listen now!

Tina and Darra chat with Dr. Emily Touloukian this week, President of Coastal Cancer Center and a leader in cancer care. They discuss how Coastal Cancer Center alleviates the stress that a cancer diagnosis brings on, how telehealth has enhanced the quality of cancer care, and the future of oncology services in South Carolina. Listen now!

This week, Heather and Matthew are joined by Amy Splittgerber, the Executive Director of Healthy Learners, an organization that Matthew has championed as a multi-term board member and Chair. They discuss how Healthy Learners connects school-aged children to health care providers to help remove barriers to school success, how health access affects education performance, and how the organization successfully serves 148 schools in South Carolina. Listen now!

Heather and Matthew are joined by Chris Severn, an advocate for price transparency in health care and Co-Founder and CEO of Turquoise Health, a software solution where patients can compare prices and physicians as well as a tool for providers. We dive deep into how the No Surprises Act is transforming health care, including provider compliance, consumerism, and Turquoise Health’s products and business model. Tune in now!

For episode 84, Heather and Matthew welcome family medicine specialist Dr. Saria Saccocio, who has more than 15 years of experience as a primary care physician and health care executive in South Carolina. Dr. Saccocio shares her insight on the role of physicians in health care reform, public health, concierge medicine, and more. Tune in now to hear Dr. Saccocio share her unique knowledge gained from her impressive career!

This week, Heather sits down with co-hosts and attorneys Matthew and Darra for a deep dive into 2022 trends impacting the health care industry in the Carolinas and beyond. They share their insights on important topics like the No Surprises Act, provider consolidation, CON, vaccine policies, and much more. Tune in now for their forecast of the health care landscape for the coming year!

Heather and Mathew are joined by special co-host Nexsen Pruet attorney Tushar Chikhliker for a crossover episode with The Buzz to introduce SCBIO’s new leader, James Chappell. After a nationwide search, James has been named as SCBIO’s new President & CEO to lead the organization’s great work in directing the flourishing life sciences industry in South Carolina. Tune in for this special episode to learn about James Chappell, the future of life sciences in the state and SCBIO’s development efforts at www.thepulsehealthcast.com 

Dr. Elizabeth Mack, Chief of Pediatric Critical Care at MUSC, joins Heather and Matthew to share her experience treating COVID-19 in children over the last 20 months and discusses the long-term impacts of COVID in children as well as vaccinations. Tune in now for Dr. Mack’s expert insight and to learn about her impressive career!

On episode 80, Darra and Heather welcome back South Carolina epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell to discuss the status of the pandemic. They dive into the omicron variant, vaccination rates in children, and the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and increased overdoses. Tune in now for her expert insight!

Matthew and Heather welcome Brian Argo of Conway Medical Center, a non-profit, full-service hospital serving the needs of Horry County, South Carolina, and the surrounding communities. We discuss how he has helped lead the medical center through the pandemic, the challenges and opportunities around the growth of the Grand Strand area, and hot health care topics. Tune in now!

On episode 78, Bart Strickland, VP of Provider Services and Health Systems, and Shannon Hudson, Director of Health Care Regulation, join Matthew and Heather for a deep dive into the No Surprises Act. We cover implementation, what plans are included and excluded, the details on covered services, and much more. Tune in now for everything you need to about the No Surprises Act!

Joining us again is Representative Murrell Smith, an attorney and Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, for an update on COVID-19’s continued impact on the Statehouse. We discuss the State’s 2022 legislative outlook, including the DHEC restructuring bill, the Affordable Care Act, and hospital consolidation. Tune in now for Murrell’s insights on health care law in South Carolina!

Nexsen Pruet employment and health care lawyers Nikole Mergo and Jennie Cluverius join Matthew and Heather to navigate the whirlwind of new issues and changes in State and Federal laws affecting employers since the pandemic began. We dive into managing risk, requiring tests, the vaccinate mandate, and exemptions. Listen now for their insights for employers on all things vaccines and more.

*This episode was recorded on 11/5/21 and some information may have changed as the laws continue to shift. If you would like recent updates regarding these topics, visit www.nexsenpruet.com.*

On episode 75, Heather and Matthew are joined by the South Carolina Hospital Association’s Vice President of Engagement, Rozalynn Goodwin. Rozalynn has been a force in the community advocating for quality and accessible health care with SCHA for years, and shares her insights on the Affordable Care Act and rural health care and as well as her personal story of loss with COVID-19. Tune in to hear from a South Carolina health care leader now!

This week, Heather and Matthew speak with Dr. Patel and Dr. Naidu, practitioners and leaders of Carolina Blood and Cancer Care Associates, a medical practice that promotes both physical and emotional wellbeing for patients diagnosed with cancer. Dr. Kashyap and Dr. Naidu share their deep knowledge of cancer care, explain their holistic approach, and discuss their dedication to positioning patients at the forefront of their battle against cancer. Tune in to learn about Carolina Blood and Cancer Care’s unique practice now!

For episode 73, our hosts chat with Dr. Sarah Allen, the founder, CEO and Chief Clinical Officer of The Skin Clique, a growing company comprised of physicians and nurse practitioners who see patients from the comfort of their own home. Dr. Allen describes her innovative medical group and how they help patients look and feel their best, their effective business model, trends in aesthetic medicine, and more! Tune in now.

Joining us again is Mako Medical COO Josh Arant, who first sat down on Taking the Pulse at the beginning of the pandemic. Josh and our hosts discuss how the diagnostic lab has continued to rapidly expand and innovate to meet the demands of COVID-19 testing, what the Mako team has accomplished over the past 1.5 years, and what they will continue to do to help serve countless communities and schools. Tune in to episode 72 now!

On this week’s episode, Heather and Matthew welcome Foster Jordan of Charles River Laboratories, which provides products and services to help expedite the discovery, early-stage development and safe manufacture of novel drugs and therapeutics. We have a lively conversation about health care and patient safety – including how horseshoe crabs right here in South Carolina contribute to keeping injectable pharmaceuticals and medical implants safe. Tune in now!

What does a medical practice that operates without the constraints of insurance look like? Dr. Cory Annis, the founder of Unorthodoc, sits down with Heather and Matthew to discuss how her practice provides patients with affordable, relationship-driven health care through the Direct Primary Care model. Dr. Annis explains her improved physician-patient relationships, monthly membership fees, and the future of the DPC model. Tune in now to learn more about this game-changing health care trend!

Bon Secours St. Francis President Matt Caldwell joins Heather and Matthew for episode 68 to discuss how the Upstate of South Carolina is battling the Delta Variant, a low vaccine rate, and burnout in medical professionals. A veteran of hospital leadership, Matt also dives into trending health care issues such as Certificate of Need, value-based care, and hospital provider consolidations. Tune in now!

On episode 67, Heather and Darra are joined by Stuart Barber, the Director of Senior Living at Charleston based architecture firm McMillan Pazdan Smith. Stuart focuses his work on environments for seniors and discusses the relationship between design and the quality of life for adults residing in senior living facilities. We also dive into how COVID has affected senior care, the future of design for senior facilities, and more. Tune in now!

South Carolina criminal defense lawyer and former federal prosecutor Debbie Barbier joins Heather and Matthew to discuss her 25 years of experience in both state and federal courtrooms. She shares her thoughts on cases and legislation impacting the health care industry including COVID relief fraud, her methods when working on health care related cases, and much more. Tune in to episode 66 now!

Joining Heather and Darra from Prisma Health, Dr. Kevin Walker, a pain medicine specialist and anesthesiologist, and Doug Furmanek, Clinical Director of Pharmacy Services, dive deep in to the opioid epidemic gripping the United States. They share first-hand accounts of how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the incidence of opioid misuses in South Carolina, ways the medical community can reduce opioid reliance, and much more. 

On episode 64, Heather and Nexsen Pruet health care attorneys Matthew Roberts and Nikole Mergo sit down with Tod Augsburger, the President and CEO of Lexington Medical Center, a 557 bed nonprofit hospital in West Columbia, South Carolina. As the delta variant surges throughout the nation, Tod shares his insights on how Lexington Medical Center and the Lexington community has battled COVID since 2020, as well as health care trends like consolidation, pricing, and certificate of need. Tune in now for Tod’s first-hand account of leading a health care system during a global pandemic.

Matthew and Heather welcome back Sam Konduros to discuss his new role as President and CEO of KOR Medical. KOR Medical is a recently launched health innovation company that plans to set the standard in the arena of personalized, clinical cannabis to benefit patients suffering from diseases like epilepsy and cancer and to help alleviate the nationwide opioid crisis. Tune in now and learn more about this exciting South Carolina based company!

Dr. Ada Stewart, a physician at Eua Claire Cooperative Health Center, returns a year after first joining Heather and Darra on the podcast to give us an update on how the pandemic has impacted her work and patients. Dr. Stewart shares the details of her experience as President of the American Academy of Family Physicians during a tumultuous time, her service to underserved communities in South Carolina, and the rise of the Delta variant. Tune in now!

South Carolina Representative Kambrell Garvin of District 77 joins Heather and Darra to discuss Legislative initiatives helping the Palmetto State recover and thrive post-pandemic. Representative Garvin also provides insights on the health care issues impacting his District, challenges in the education system, and vaccinations in SC. 

For our 60th episode, political journalist Meg Kinnard of the Associated Press joins us to share her fierce and focused fight against stage 3 inflammatory breast cancer. Meg discusses the personal details of her journey, including what she has learned about the health care system, how she continues to work, stay active, and spend time with her family, as well as her important story of detection. Tune in now for this informative conversation about self-examination, self-advocacy, and more.

Our guest this week, Dr. Caughman Taylor, has spent nearly 4 decades dedicated to improving the lives of children in South Carolina. As the senior medical director at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital and Chair of the Palmetto Health-USC Medical Group Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Taylor shares his insights with Tina and Matthew on the benefits of a freestanding Children’s hospital and what sets Prisma Children’s hospital apart. Tune in now!

On episode 58, Allendale County Hospital CEO Lari Gooding joins Tina and Matthew to discuss the county-owned, non-profit hospital that has been serving Allendale and Hampton counties for nearly 70 years. We dive into the difficulties of rural health care, strategic partnerships and that help provide and expand health care services, and vaccinations in rural communities. Listen now!

This week, Tina and Darra welcome Dr. Graham Adams, CEO of the South Carolina Office of Rural Health, a statewide non-profit dedicated to improving health care in rural and under-served communities. They chat about the challenge of health care providers remaining viable while serving rural communities, how the SCORH addressed the pandemic, and the future of rural hospitals. Tune in now!

Randy Covington, award winning television news journalist and Director of Special Projects and Newsplex at the University of South Carolina School of Journalism and Mass Communications, joins Heather and Matthew for episode 56 of Taking the Pulse. As a television veteran with nearly 30 years of experience, Randy shares his thoughts on the unparalleled media coverage during the pandemic and the dramatic changes taking place in the industry. Tune in now!

Did you know that colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death in men and women in the United States? To get some insight into colon cancer’s widespread impact on Americans and other digestive issues, Heather and Darra welcome renowned Gastroenterologist Dr. March Seabrook. He shares important information about colon cancer, including brand new screening recommendations, as well as discusses reflux, indigestion and heartburn and what lifestyle and genetic factors can impact these conditions. Tune in now!

For episode 54, Heather and Darra chat with Hope Barber, the owner of one of South Carolina’s favorite restaurants, Bowens Island. They dive into how COVID has drastically changed the restaurant industry, including shut downs, staffing shortages, masking, vaccinations, and much more! Tune in now to hear from this long running, family-owned restaurant.

Current trends in the health care industry could soon create dramatic changes in how health care is provided and delivered. Matthew and Heather welcome this week’s guest, PYA Principal Orlando Alvarez, to get his insight on pressing issues like consolidation, value-based care, downside risk, consumerism, tech use with rural providers, and much more. Listen now!

For international nurse’s week, Heather and Darra sat down with two health care heroes who have been serving on the frontlines of the pandemic in rural South Carolina at McLeod-Loris Hospital. Layla Soles and Kaila Bonnett share their challenges, successes, and overall experience of caring for COVID-19 patients during the pandemic. Tune in now for their first-hand accounts.

The rapid changes and complexities of the healthcare industry can be difficult to follow. This week’s guest, Kevin Locke, leads a national health care consulting practice with decades of experience advising his clients on evolving trends in the industry. Tune in to hear Kevin, Matthew, and Heather take a deep dive into the most important trends impacting healthcare such as provider consolidation, the shift from volume based care to value based care, and much more. Listen now!

For our 50th episode, Heather and Darra sat down with Reverend Stacy Lawton, an unsung COVID hero who serves as a Clinical Staff Chaplain at MUSC. Reverend Lawton shares the details of how COVID has drastically changed her job, the challenges of administering support to patients under COVID protocols, and how hospital chaplains are maintaining their own energy and mental health. Tune in now!

With heart disease causing nearly 655,000 deaths in the United States each year, cardiovascular health has never been more important. Dr. Brent McLaurin, a skilled cardiologist and Medical Director of an internationally acclaimed research program, joins Heather and Darra to talk all things heart health. Tune in to episode 48 to learn about Anderson Heart, cardiac trends, and how COVID-19 infections may impact a patient’s cardiac health in the long term.

For this week’s episode, Heather and Matthew chat with Carl Humphries and Dr. Heather Leisy from HopeHealth, a Federally-Qualified Health Center providing care to patients across multiple South Carolina counties. We discuss HopeHealth’s unique structure, the range of services they provide to more than 50,000 patients, and the future of community health centers post-COVID. Listen now!

On episode 46, Heather and Matthew welcome back South Carolina’s epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell to discuss the vaccine rollout in South Carolina. They dive into vaccine phases, efficacy, safety, strains and much more. Tune in now to hear from an expert in all things regarding the pandemic!

This week, Heather is joined by co-hosts and attorneys Matthew and Darra for a deep dive into the most important topics impacting the health care industry in the Carolinas and beyond. Listen now for their insights on pressing issues that providers and health care professionals need to know, from shifts to value-based care and price transparency to the continued growth of telehealth.

On our latest episode, Heather and Darra welcome Dr. Hugh Durrence, a physician who has been working non-stop to help his community fight COVID-19. We dive into his greatest challenges over the past year, how Liberty is providing the vaccine as a family practice, and his designation by the Board of Medical Examiners to help develop the Protocol for Administration of Vaccines by Pharmacists. Tune in now for Dr. Durrence’s insightful perspective!

On episode 43, Heather and Matthew welcome AnnMargaret McCraw to the studio, a health care reform advocate and CEO of Midlands Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery. AnnMargaret shares her passion for creating meaningful health care reform as well as her insights on cost transparency, ensuring quality care, and telehealth services. Listen now!

Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster joins Heather and Matthew on episode 42 to discuss the ongoing struggles of his personal fight with COVID and the many challenges of leading a department during the pandemic. Tune in to hear Sheriff Foster’s insights and the details of his ordeal now.

This week, Heather and Matthew are joined by a leader in the infectious disease community, Dr. Krutika Kuppalli of MUSC. Dr. Kuppalli, a COVID-19 expert witness to the United States Congress, provides her perspective and shares her vast knowledge on vaccine timelines and effectiveness, new COVID variants, super spreader events like the super bowl, and much more. Tune in now!

On episode 40, Heather and Darra are joined by Dr. Kyle Guyton, a Pediatrics Specialist and Co-Owner of SouthernMed. We dive in to how his practice has changed during the pandemic, his participation in a COVID vaccine trial, and his views on in-person and virtual learning as a Lexington School District One board member. Tune in now!

Joining Heather and Matthew for episode 39 is John Carrington, the Founder and CEO of ZVerse, a South Carolina 3D printing company taking the PPE industry by storm. John discusses how he quickly pivoted ZVerse to meet the demands of the pandemic and became a critical supplier of face shields. Tune in now to hear ZVerse's success story, the latest on PPE and more!

For episode 38, Heather and Matthew welcome back our first ever guest: Thornton Kirby of the South Carolina Hospital Association. As President & CEO of SCHA, Thornton has been helping lead the health care industry and SC during the pandemic. Tune in to hear his unique insights on everything from supplies and hospital capacity to the possible salvation on the top of everyone’s mind- the vaccine. Listen now!

On this week’s episode, Heather and Matthew welcome Jed Suddeth of Suddeth Health Care Solutions and Dr. Mac Knight of the Coker Group. As heads of numerous health care businesses throughout their careers, Jed and Dr. Knight have been at the forefront of creating innovative health care reform to decrease costs and build a more value based care delivery platform. Tune in to learn about their important efforts to help patients by improving the health care system now!

Joining Heather and Darra to kick off season 2 of Taking the Pulse is Mako Medical VP of Operations Steve Hoover. We dive in to how the diagnostic lab has rapidly expanded to meet the demands of COVID-19 testing since we last spoke to Mako in July, news on the new COVID variant in the United States, the current vaccine roll out, and much more. Tune in now!

On episode 35, Heather and Matthew chat with Lauren Sausser, an award winning health care journalist and features editor for The Post and Courier. They discuss how COVID-19 has impacted journalism, Lauren’s recent COVID coverage, and the role of the media during the pandemic and ongoing vaccination roll outs. Tune in now for more!

This week, Heather and Matthew are joined by the Free Medical Clinic Executive Director Freddie Strange, a life-long health care worker known for his hands-on care and leadership. We discuss how the Free Medical Clinic provides high quality health care to South Carolina’s working poor as well as the pandemic’s impact on the non-profit and those they serve. Listen now!

On episode 33, Heather and Darra welcome back South Carolina Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman to discuss how the Palmetto State has met the challenge of maintaining instruction during the fall semester as the pandemic continues. We dive into case numbers, testing strategies within schools, rural broadband services, and much more. Tune in now!

Heather and Darra welcome back South Carolina’s epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell to discuss the pandemic’s continued stronghold within South Carolina. They cover rising COVID cases throughout the state, virtual and in person schools, vaccine timelines and distributions, and more. Tune in to hear from an expert in all things regarding the pandemic now!

On this week’s episode, Heather and Matthew welcome Lara Hewitt of the South Carolina Hospital Association and Andy Hartung of Self-Regional Healthcare. As heads of a state-wide healthcare association and a medical center, Andy and Lara have been on the frontlines of ensuring that SC healthcare systems have been safe and prepared during the pandemic. Tune in to hear about the impact of unexpected healthcare partnerships, PPP procurement, the future of the vaccine in the palmetto state, and much more!

This week, Tina and Matthew are joined by Brian Morris, President of Fulcrum Risk Solutions, a full service brokerage firm dedicated to providing holistic risk management and insurance strategies to their clients. We discuss how Fulcrum assists medical practices and other employers as well as COVID-19’s impact on risk management, insurance, benefits and more- listen now!  

On episode 29, Tina and Darra speak with Dr. Addison Livingston,  the owner of Hawthorne Pharmacy and Medical Equipment, a local drugstore that has been serving the midlands for nearly 70 years. We dive in to how the pharmacy sector has evolved in response to COVID-19, the clinical care side of the industry, emerging trends, and much more. Listen now!

This week, Tina and Matthew sit down with South Carolina BlueCross BlueShield executives Matt Shaffer and Dr. Shawn Stinson to discuss how the state’s largest health insurance provider has weathered the pandemic. We cover long-term changes to the industry, innovative strategies to assist the community, and much more- tune in now!

On Episode 27, Heather and Matthew are joined by Deputy Chief Legal Officer Brandon Neal and Assistant General Counsel Mindy Staley of Novant Health. They dive into how the award winning integrated network of hospitals has continued to succeed during the pandemic, the consolidation of hospital systems, and working in the legal department of a healthcare provider. Tune in now!

For episode 26, Heather and Matthew welcome South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Director Josh Baker to discuss how the agency oversees health care benefits for the state and COVID-19’s impact on their services. Tune in now to hear about telehealth, the CARES Act, and more!

Heather and Darra chat with Dr. Anne Cook of AnMed Health, an internal medicine physician with nearly 40 years of experience and a member of the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners. Dr. Cook walks us through what it’s like to work on the frontlines of the pandemic, how medical workers are protecting their mental health, the expansion of telemedicine, and regulatory challenges during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Tune in now!

On episode 24, Heather and Darra welcome back Representative Murrell Smith to discuss the most recent South Carolina legislative session. We dive into how the Statehouse addressed CARES Act funding, the absentee voting process, rural broadband access, the budget for 2021, and much more – listen now!

For episode 23, Heather and Matthew are joined by Bobby Williams, the co-founder and CEO of Lizard’s Thicket, a local restaurant chain known for its southern home-style food and hospitality. We discuss how the family owned business has adapted to the pandemic, the future of the restaurant industry amid COVID-19, and Bobby’s role as Chair of the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association. Listen now!

Heather and Matthew sit down with Community Integrated Management Services CEO Peter Leventis to discuss how the independent association, which is made up of 14 federally qualified health clinics, provides care to more than 350,000 patients across South Carolina. We dive into what CIMS is doing to adjust their services during the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of community health centers in health care systems, and more. Listen now to episode 22 of Taking the Pulse!

On this episode, Heather and Matthew dive into the valuation sector with guest Will Hamilton, a health care valuation consultant with BuckheadFMV. We discuss the importance of fair market valuation in the health care industry and how it has exploded in growth, the financial impact COVID-19 has had on health care providers and how it affects valuations, and more. Listen now!

For episode 20, Heather and Matthew are joined by special guests Angela O’Neal, attorney and Director of Nextra Solutions, along with the legendary Dawn Staley, Coach of the University of South Carolina Women’s Basketball team. We discuss how COVID-19 has dramatically altered the sports industry, what leagues at the college and professional levels are doing to safely bring back games, and how the pandemic and recent social justice movement has impacted athletes. Tune in for all that and more!

For episode 19, Heather and Matthew sit down with Dr. Bill Massey, the Chief Scientific Officer of Vikor Scientific, to learn about the specifics of COVID-19 testing and how the pandemic has forced the life science company to quickly pivot their business. Dr. Massey, a world renowned neuropharmacologist and pharmacogeneticist, discusses how Vikor has dramatically increased their workforce and equipment capacity, recent developments in the types of tests and their efficiency, and the state of testing and tracing in South Carolina. Tune in now!

Heather & Darra dive in with South Carolina Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman to discuss the challenge of operating schools and maintaining instruction during the pandemic. Tune in as we cover strategies for reopening, the delivery of broadband services for virtual learning, how educators and administrators are adjusting, and much more. Listen now!

Heather and Darra sit down with South Carolina Senator and Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey to discuss how the pandemic is impacting the Statehouse- from reopening procedures for schools and plans for absentee voting, to creating a new budget for the state and much more. Hear Shane provide insight on what the South Carolina legislature plans to address during their September session as the COVID-19 pandemic continues – listen now!

On this episode, Heather, Matthew and Darra dive into the current landscape of the health care industry and the trends and changes Matthew and Darra are seeing as they serve clients amid the pandemic. They provide insight on how COVID-19 has forced organizations outside of the health care system into participating in major health care decisions, the upward trend in employers closely monitoring employee’s health, the consolidation of providers, and what organizations are doing to stay innovative and agile. Listen now!

For episode 15, we’re joined by Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina President Tom Keith. Tom and hosts Heather and Matthew discuss how the non-profit world has reacted to COVID-19 and what the Sisters of Charity Foundation is currently doing to support organizations throughout South Carolina. Tom gives insight into how the pandemic has altered how the Foundation assists communities, including the formation of new partnerships and quickly awarding nearly 30 grants to address COVID-19 related problems. Listen now to hear how Sisters of Charity has adjusted, it’s rich history, the future of non-profit and public health partnerships, plus much more.

Heather + Darra sat down with South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services Executive Director Sara Goldsby to discuss how the stress and isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on mental health and exacerbated substance abuse issues in individuals throughout the state. We discuss exactly what DAODAS is and their resources for SC citizens, how they've used telehealth to maintain their services and social media to track alcohol and drug abuse trends, and demographic changes in overdoses since the pandemic began. Stream the full episode now. 

We jumped into the frontlines of health care workers with this episode, where Heather and Matthew interview Dr. Mitch Nimmich about what it's like to treat COVID-19 patients at Lexington Medical Center. We discuss how his team is doing - and what they are doing to make critical care patients feel more comfortable, even in the isolation of the COVID ward. Dr. Nimmich shares how he and the medical staff manage the stress associated with a quarantined unit, plus much more.

Heather and Darra sit down with Dr. Ada Stewart, a physician at Eau Claire Cooperative Health Center around the Midlands, to discuss the impact that COVID-19 has had on her patients and treatment experiences. They discuss Dr. Stewart's service to largely underserved communities around South Carolina, her growing up without a physician or access to health care, and how she came to work become a doctor. Dr. Stewart is driven by a desire to serve others, and we couldn't think of a more inspiring individual who embodies that service. Listen now!

For episode 11, we're joined by Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina CEO Rev. Dr. Franklin Fant, and Nexsen Pruet health care attorney Alice Harris makes her Taking The Pulse debut. Dr. Fant, Heather and Alice discuss COVID19's impact on senior living facilities, especially in a place like Presbyterian Communities, which offers a huge range of services for senior citizens (assisted living, independent living, health care and hospitality services, and more).

For ep. 10 of Taking the Pulse, Heather + Matthew sat down with Representative Murrell Smith to discuss COVID-19's impact at the statehouse - everything from how the legislature has (and will) manage the pandemic, to its impact on the state's budget, Medicaid in S.C., and much more. We discuss a few pieces of legislation that are currently in motion (like liability protection) and the status of S.C. schools returning in the fall. We dive into all that and MUCH more - listen now!

Heather and Matthew sit down with Mako Medical COO Josh Arant to learn about how COVID-19 sparked innovation for an N.C.-based medical manufacturer. Business was booming - then COVID hit, bringing production to a near stand-still. Now, Mako is producing COVID-19 tests in record numbers, and business is booming in ways Josh never could have imagined a year ago. We chat about the process of becoming licensed to produce these tests, what the current virus testing market looks like, as well as a bit more about Mako's work as a stateside medical product manufacturer.

Heather + Darra sat down with South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) Executive Director Bob Quinn to discuss how COVID-19 has sparked innovation among SCRA member companies, and the impact they are having on S.C.'s health and life science industries. We discuss exactly what the SCRA is (and how you can get involved with them), how SCRA start-ups are chosen, and even some several SCRA success stories. Tune in

In this episode, Heather & Darra sit down with Dr. Gerry Harmon, President-Elect of the American Medical Association and Vice President of Medical Affairs at Tidelands Health in Murrells Inlet. They discuss the impact of COVID-19 on health care providers, both locally in South Carolina and nationally. We'll get into how associations like the AMA - and health care systems - are supporting patients and frontline health care workers, the prioritization and allocation of PPE and critical health care devices, and how health inequities have been exasperated by the pandemic.

Matthew & Heather dive in with South Carolina's epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell to discuss COVID-19's stronghold in South Carolina. Tune in as we discuss the upward trend in positive cases, why we've seen that trend, where testing and vaccines stand, and MUCH more. Dr. Bell reinforces best  practices for preventative safety and her recommendations for all South Carolinians. Listen now!

On Episode 5 of Taking the Pulse Podcast, Matthew Roberts & Heather Matthews interview SCBIO President + CEO Sam Konduros about South Carolina's pharmaceutical and life sciences industries - and their current economic impact on the state, as well as their potential impact on the knowledge economy. Sam also shares great stories about how Palmetto State companies in those sectors have stepped up in the battle against COVID-19. Hear that and much more - listen now.

Heather and Darra speak to South Carolina Medical Association's GC & SVP of Advocacy & Communications Richele Taylor about many of the challenges and changes she's seeing throughout South Carolina's health care system as a result of COVID-19. Everything from the telehealth boom to the battle between public health vs. economic  impact. Richele also shares some interesting - and uplifting - stories about physicians introducing innovative practices to comfortably and safely treat patients.

Nexsen Pruet Health Care attorney Darra James Coleman makes her co-host debut, joining Heather Matthews for an interview with Palmetto Care Connections CEO Kathy Schwarting, MHA. The trio discuss the rise of telehealth - as well as its inherent challenges. They also chat about rural healthcare access, and how telehealth can help bridge that divide. Listen for all that, and much more, now.

Heather and Matthew kick off Episode 2 of Taking The Pulse with Charles Williams, President + CEO of Regional Medical Center. Williams has the unique insight as the leader of not only a rural hospital system, but also one of - if not the - largest employer in the region. The trio dive into the impact of COVID-19 on RMC's staff and patients, how RMC is supporting its employees, and even the impact of COVID-19 on rural and minority communities. Hear that, and much more, on this episode of Taking The Pulse: A Health Care Podcast.

In the inaugural episode of Taking The Pulse, hosts Heather Matthews and Matthew Roberts chat with Thornton Kirby, President and CEO of the South Carolina Hospital Association. They talk to Thornton about the impact of COVID-19 on the health care system - everything from supplies and inventory to personnel - and what it will take for the industry to bounce back. Stream the full episode now.