show episodes
 
Why are infants dying for preventable reasons? Is it really safe to 3D print organs and medical devices? Is Poverty Porn still a thing? What is Voluntourism and is it really that bad? What does storytelling have to do with taking a vaccine? The realm of Global Health is vast. The amount of challenges seems overwhelming. Where do we start? What does it take to be a humanitarian? Where do we donate our time and money to create the biggest impact? Hosted by engineer turned social impact storyte ...
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show series
 
The Global Health Pursuit is closing its first season. Make sure to subscribe to be the first to know when the second season launches. You won't want to miss it. Email me at hetal@globalhealthpursuit.com to get in touch in the meantime! :) __________________ Support the Podcast Click here to send in a one-time or monthly donation Thank you to our p…
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Today, I'm setting aside the usual guest interview format to share my own experiences and insights as a global health podcaster. I announce a brief hiatus for my upcoming wedding (yay!) and tease the exciting lineup for the next season of the podcast! Reflecting on my travels and work in the medical device industry, I discuss the inequities in heal…
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A simple glass of water can change lives. Sean Kappauf is the inspirational figure behind the non-profit 'One ATTA Time', dedicated to tackling the global water crisis. Venturing from a place of personal apathy to launching a life-changing initiative, Sean takes us through his deeply personal journey that transformed his mission to care into action…
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March is National Nutrition Month. Created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, an annual nutrition education and information campaign is celebrated to focus on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. Since is it National Nutrition Month, I thought I'd rewind back to an eye-open…
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War. bombings. Terror. Is history repeating itself? We see it happening all around the world. And today's episode is about resilience in the face of war. In this episode Dr. Amani Ballour, a Syrian pediatrician and activist discusses Her upbringing in a conservative Syrian community Her path to becoming a doctor against societal expectations and he…
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The Western healthcare system is full of rack rage, moral injury, and ethical crises. How can we redefine how physicians deliver healthcare to stay true to morality? In this episode, Dr. Marc-David Munk, an emergency medicine physician, shares his transformative experiences working with the Flying Doctors of East Africa. In this episode, Dr. Munk d…
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Can engineering create sustainable change in the world? In this episode of the Global Health Pursuit podcast, we speak with Abe Wright, co-founder and CTO of Design Outreach. We discuss Abe's transition from an engineer at J&J to leading a nonprofit focused on global health. Abe shares the story of the Life Pump, a reliable and sustainable water pu…
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Can breaking the glass ceiling of education shatter the cycle of poverty? Amidst the complex tapestry of global health and humanitarian efforts, this episode is a reflection of my conversation with Ajit George, Chief Operations Officer at Shanti Bhavan, and just my general thoughts and opinions about how poverty can be alleviated. Listen to the epi…
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Imagine stepping into a world where education is the key that unlocks the shackles of generational poverty. Such is the reality for the students at Shanti Bhavan, where Ajit George, the Chief Operating Officer, has taken his father’s vision and helped turn it into a beacon of hope in rural India. Our conversation peels back the layers of this extra…
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What does it mean to be internally displaced? Internally displaced persons and citizens of last mile communities often have to travel miles to receive the healthcare they need. After a mothers long trek to a medical center in Cameroon, Elvis Ndansi untied a dead baby from the mothers back. A baby who had passed due to preventable and treatable cond…
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How do you change behavior in people who have lived in a system where healthcare is built on the idea of being sick? In this episode, co-founder and executive director of Hands on Peru, Katie Baric, steps into the spotlight to share her story from growing up in North Carolina to bringing a positive public health change to Peruvian communities. We s…
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Did you know that only 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly? This is a micro episode to shed light on some shocking facts about blood demand and the need for donations. With statistics sourced from the World Health Organization and the American Red Cross, we unpack the gravity of the situation while also shining a light on the global dispa…
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If you needed blood, but there was no blood in the hospital blood bank, what do you do? Today, we speak with inventor and mechanical engineer, Gillian Henker, who unravels the story behind Hemafuse, a revolutionary autotransfusion device that addresses the dire need for donor blood worldwide. This episode illuminates not only the inception and evol…
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Reflecting on the journey from burnout to breakthrough, I share the intimate details of my personal transformation that began with a wish for courage, motivation, and perseverance. This isn't just my story, but an invitation to you, to find strength in your own dreams as we navigate the new year together. This episode is a reminder that change can …
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Exactly 2 years ago, I decided to quit my engineering job. This conversation reveals the conflict between corporate success and seeking a place where one's soul feels at home. The journey wasn't just about leaving a job; it was a journey for fulfillment that challenged me to confront deep-set fears and societal pressures. So, for the last episode o…
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Can you imagine a world without Obstetric Fistula? Brooke Sulahian and Cara Brooks, the driving forces behind Hope for Our Sisters, share their inspiring stories, fervor, and dedication in advocating for and providing support to women battling with this condition. This episode is not just about shedding light on Obstetric Fistula; it’s about humani…
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Fistula repair surgery originated in the late 19th century. Yet, at least one million women today suffer for want of this surgery that can transform their lives. In this episode, Jesse Chu, the senior program manager at Fistula Foundation, shares her personal quest in encountering the world of obstetric fistula. We dive into the tireless work of Fi…
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Though childbirth injuries are practically eradicated in the developed world, they still hold a devastating grip on the lives of countless women in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Obstetric fistula, a result of prolonged, obstructed labor, leaves women socially ostracized and emotionally shattered, with many enduring the consequences for an aver…
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How did Giving Tuesday begin? Who founded the movement, and why is it so important to nonprofits today? In this episode, we uncover the story of Giving Tuesday, a global philanthropic movement born in 2012 as a counterpoint to the rampant consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. I share some research into how this occasion has become a springb…
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Why is epilepsy highly stigmatized, particularly in low and middle-income countries? Join me as we learn together. We revisit our previous discussion in episodes 34 and 35, we attempt to answer the following questions that will take us further into understanding this often misunderstood condition: What are the changes in language or terminology whe…
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Can a cup of coffee help destigmatize how the world looks at epilepsy? What if we looked at brain health as something that affects us all? Our guest, Teguo is not only making strides toward enhanced epilepsy awareness but also championing an innovative approach to sustainable healthcare delivery through his fair-profit company. As you listen, you'l…
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Can you imagine the ripple effects of epilepsy stigma in a remote village in Cameroon? Our guest, Teguo Daniel Djoyum, a neurotechnologist and social entrepreneur, knows all too well. His personal journey began with his brother's epilepsy diagnosis, sparking a fierce passion for neurodiagnostics within him. Today, he's assisting people in countries…
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Today, amongst the crisis that is happening between Palestine and Israel, I needed some time to decompress, reflect, and continue to dig deeper into the history of these two nations. That's why I'm re-releasing one of my favorite and most relevant episodes to shed a little bit of light and faith for those who feel hopeless in times like these: "Why…
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Ever noticed an unsettling change in your outlook after you return from a service or volunteer trip? That, my friend, is what we call reverse culture shock, and it's what we're diving into today. Fresh from a journey with Extra Mile Pediatrics to El Salvador, I've been struck by the stark differences in lifestyle, attitude, and particularly, patien…
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Have you imagined how a medical service trip to El Salvador might look like? Strap in for a journey with Extra Mile Pediatrics, a non-profit organization transforming the lives of communities in need. Our guests, Kris , Dr. Mapp, Dr. Shah, Shyam, and Lilly, share their moving experiences in Hacienda San Diego, El Jobo, La Presa, and La Red. These c…
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What would it be like to venture into uncharted territories and stretch the limitations of pediatric healthcare and bring it to those most in need? Picture the aroma of foreign spices, the sound of children's laughter, and the heartfelt gratitude in new mothers' eyes. These are just glimpses into the extraordinary journey of Dr. Jeff Mapp, co-found…
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Why do some children end up in orphanages? Callie Himsl, an advocate for social justice, education, and healthcare in Haiti, joins us for a riveting discussion on this and much more. Having transitioned from corporate America to work with La Pointe Foundation in Haiti, Callie offers unique insights into the realities of life there. We delve into th…
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The Vietnam War has created lasting effects that people are still experiencing to this day. Join me as we journey into the heart of Southeast Asia with Susan Hammond, founder of the War Legacies Project, whose experience and knowledge of the Vietnam War's aftermath is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Her decades-long dedication to understanding the …
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Meet our exceptional guest, Rachel Svetanoff, my friend who's making waves in the sphere of social entrepreneurship and activism. Rachel's work predominantly revolves around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and she brings a unique fresh perspective to these critical objectives aimed at nurturing people, planet, and wildlife.…
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Have you ever wondered about the intersections of poverty, colonialism, and access to healthcare? Join us for a rich conversation with Dr. Eric Wetzel, a professor of biology at Wabash College and a dedicated parasitologist, as he unravels these complex issues through his lens of neglected tropical diseases. With a unique teaching approach that ill…
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Here's a celebration you don't want to miss! On my birthday, I'm turning the spotlight on three phenomenal women leading global health nonprofits that are changing lives around the world. Listen as we explore the transformative work of Jb Dondolo, led by the inspiring Lumbie Mlambo, which is making a real difference in underserved communities throu…
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Dr Eric Nelson and Molly Klarman are bridging health access gaps in Haiti through their revolutionary pediatric telemedicine and medication delivery service. Born out of their fiery dedication to making a difference, they share their inspiring journey, their motivations, and the personal experiences that fuel their passion. Unpack the logistics of …
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What if you could be part of a mission that brings essential healthcare to those who need it most, but are often overlooked? Today, we open the door to the world of telehealth with none other than Sharon Allen, the dynamic CEO behind the World Telehealth Initiative. Sharon’s passion for travel and smart business savvy has led her to create an organ…
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Ever wondered why drug prices are soaring? Come join me and Dr. Neda Ashtari as we dig into the tangled web of high drug costs. Our journey starts with the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, a step toward making meds more affordable for folks on Medicare. We'll also chat about how each of us can pitch in to make healthcare less of a wallet drain. But…
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Have you ever wondered about the hidden truths of the pharmaceutical industry? Well, you're not alone. Today, I had a powerful conversation with Dr. Neda Ashtari, a dedicated resident at Yale New Haven Hospital, who is bravely challenging the Big Pharma. We plunged into the depths of the system and its practices, shedding light on how the drugs are…
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Curious about how culture and social determinants shape our food choices? Get ready to shift your perspective on nutrition as we chat with Dr. Lora Iannotti, professor of public health and the pioneering director of the E3 nutrition lab. Our conversation uncovers the sobering reality of global malnutrition issues, from child wasting and stunted gro…
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Have you ever acted on an impulse, hoping to make a difference, but ended up questioning whether your actions did more harm than good? In this deeply personal episode of the Global Health Pursuit, I unpack my experiences from a service trip to India with International Volunteer Headquarters (IVHQ). As a naive grad student, I was drawn to the allure…
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Are you prepared to delve into the comprehensive world of evidence-based public health? Join us as we unravel this complex topic with the distinguished Dr. Ross Brownson, a seasoned professor of public health at Washington University in St. Louis. He imparts his rich experience from his time teaching a unique course designed to equip mid-level publ…
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Imagine having to create an infant incubator in the midst of a chilling hospital with nothing but a mere candle during the Gulf War. That's the reality that Dr. Wisam Breegi, founder and CEO of Breegi Scientific, faced in a compelling story that showcases survival, innovation, and sheer determination. His inspirational journey from fleeing Iraq to …
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Approximately 1.3 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes. More than half of all road traffic deaths are among vulnerable road users: pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Between 20 and 50 million more people suffer non-fatal injuries, with many incurring a disability as a result of their injury. This is where SIGN com…
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Ever heard of a nonprofit medical device orthopedic company? Enter Sign Fracture Care - a nonprofit medical device company that designs and manufactures implants/instrumentation while also providing education to local surgeons in developing countries. In this episode, we speak with Jeanne Dillner, CEO of Sign Fracture Care, who shares the most valu…
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What happens when the breadwinner of a family living under the poverty line in a low or middle income country gets into an accident breaking bones and eliminating his or her ability to walk, eliminating their ability to go to work and make money for their family? This is what made Dr. Lewis Zirkle, the President and Founder of SIGN Fracture Care, s…
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What you think of Global Health, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Healthcare, nutrition, education? In this episode, I introduce the topic of global health and provide different definitions. I challenge listeners to think about global health beyond just healthcare and consider the various factors that contribute to it, such as culture, e…
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Each year, about 2 million people die due to waterborne diseases. And most of these deaths happen to children under the age of 5. What does it take to serve communities that are desperately in need of clean water? How do we find clean water? What factors do we need to take into consideration? How difficult could it be? In this episode, I speak with…
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The podcast episode discusses the recent decriminalization of cannabis in Thailand and its potential impact on public health. Lee Hawker-Lecesne, the lead therapist and addiction counselor at The Cabin, a rehab center in Thailand, shares his personal story of experiencing trauma and seeking therapy, which led him to pursue a career in addiction cou…
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“The culture of a people is their identity as it affords them due recognition….there is no denial of the fact that what makes any human society is its culture; a Latin word which was derived from “colore” meaning to practice or cherish. For a society to be societal it must be cultural; therefore, society and culture are also intertwined.” The podca…
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Did you know that only 3% of children in low income countries have access to surgery, while 85% of children in high income countries like the US have access? This means that easily treatable conditions like appendicitis or long bone fractures could result in death or lifelong disability for children in low and middle income countries. On the bright…
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Have you ever wondered how health statistics are taken in the most rural parts of the world? Journal articles discuss how hundreds of thousands of women are diagnosed with and dying from cervical cancer, but just how accurate are these statistics? In this episode, Marissa Fayer and I chat about women's health in low and middle income countries, spe…
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Imagine what your life would be like if you had to walk miles to and from your water source every single day. Wine to Water is an organization focused on bringing water equity to parts of the world where this is the reality. In this episode, we’re joined by Richard Vanderburg, Wine to Waters very own Chief Program Officer. Vanderburg experienced fi…
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Have you ever tried to approach your parents about the prospect of going to therapy? Sometimes, our readiness to break generational cycles can look like a threat to our parents. Today, we're going to dive into an incredibly important topic that is often overlooked in the South Asian community - intergenerational trauma. I'm joined by Anjali Badrina…
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