In this episode, Dr. Jessica Fowler shares her journey into medicine, her experiences in pediatric critical care, and the emotional challenges faced by healthcare professionals. She emphasizes the importance of support systems, diversity in medicine, and the impact of representation on patient care. Dr. Fowler also discusses her personal experiences with discrimination and offers insights on how to navigate these challenges while maintaining a compassionate approach to patient care.

Biography:

Dr. Jessica Fowler is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Anesthesiology & Critical Care and Pediatrics in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, and an attending physician in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Fowler completed undergraduate education at The University of Virginia where she studied Political & Social Thought. She completed her medical education at Duke University School of Medicine where she earned her MD, and during that time also received her MPH from the Gillings School of Public Health at UNC-Chapel Hill with a focus in Public Health Leadership. She moved to Philadelphia to do her pediatrics training at CHOP which has included her pediatric residency, a chief resident year, and pediatric critical care fellowship. Following her fellowship, Dr. Fowler joined the faculty of the Perelman School of Medicine. Dr. Fowler’s work focuses on issues of diversity and inclusion, with a particular interest in diversifying the physician workforce.

She is the Faculty Co-Lead for the Penn Medicine-CHOP Alliance of Minority Physicians, the Director of the Penn Visiting Clerkship Program, and the Associate DIO of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for CHOP Graduate Medical Education. Additionally, Dr. Fowler serves as the Associate Medical Director of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at CHOP and does research in pediatric post-cardiac arrest care. She is a native of St. Louis, MO where her pediatrician first inspired her to pursue medicine.

Humanity Rx is created, written and produced by: Jenny Opalinski, Tovah Feehan and Jonathan Waller.

Audio and Music Engineering by Drew Allsbrook and The People's Music Studio

In this episode, Dr. William Novick shares his journey as a pediatric cardiac surgeon and humanitarian. He discusses the mission of the Global Cardiac Alliance, which focuses on building sustainable pediatric cardiac care programs in underserved countries. Dr. Novick recounts his experiences in conflict zones, the challenges faced, and the profound impact of his work on children and families. He emphasizes the importance of healthcare professionals recognizing their role as caregivers and advocates for those in need, urging them to 'stoop to help' others.

Biography: Dr. Bill Novick began his career in 1993. Bill saw a disparity in heart health between kids in lower-income countries and kids in the USA. And he didn’t like what he saw. Too many children were dying and Bill knew many more could be saved. But he also knew he needed a team to make it happen. So he recruited some of the best clinicians in pediatric care who shared his passion for eradicating congenital heart disease in low to middle-income countries.

In 2014 they undertook their first mission as Novick Cardiac Alliance – now Global Cardiac Alliance. More than 2,800 hearts later they’re still going, training teams in other countries to deliver world-class heart health care to every child.

For more information about Dr. William Novick:

Global Cardiac Alliance: www.cardiac-alliance.org

Tiny Hearts Documentary: https://tinyheartsfilm.com/

Social Media:

Instagram: @cardiac_alliance

LinkedIn: @gloabal-cardiac-alliance

Humanity Rx is created, written and produced by: Jenny Opalinski, Tovah Feehan and Jonathan Waller.

Audio and Music Engineering by Drew Allsbrook and The People's Music Studio

In this conversation, Hannah Hoekstra shares her journey from a career in media to becoming a nurse, emphasizing the importance of self-care in the demanding field of healthcare. She discusses her experiences as a forensic nurse, the challenges faced in that role, and her advocacy for mental health resources for healthcare workers. Hannah also recounts her time at Burning Man, where she identified gaps in support for assault victims, and her current work in outpatient oncology while navigating motherhood. Throughout the discussion, she offers valuable insights on resilience, vulnerability, and the importance of community support.

When we asked Hannah to provide a biography, she left us with one of her favorite quotes:

"I slept & dreamt life was joy. I woke & saw that life was service. I served & found service was joy."

-Rabindranath Tagore

Humanity Rx is created, written and produced by: Jenny Opalinski, Tovah Feehan and Jonathan Waller.

Audio and Music Engineering by Drew Allsbrook and The People's Music Studio

In this conversation, Dr. John Parente shares his experiences as an emergency room physician, discussing the emotional challenges and rewards of working in healthcare. He reflects on a life-changing incident that shaped his perspective on patient care, the importance of balancing compassion with detachment, and the impact of parenthood on his professional life. Dr. Parente also addresses the growing mistrust in healthcare, the burden of patient care, and the need for coping mechanisms among healthcare workers. He concludes with a powerful prescription for humanity, emphasizing the importance of perspective in overcoming challenges.

Biography: Dr. John Parente is a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician with over 20 years of experience on the front lines of healthcare. Known On his social media platforms as @DRJPARENTE, he’s built a following by blending medical education with sharp humor, using real-life cases to teach, inform, and call attention to the realities of modern medicine. He’s also the host of the podcast Emergency Minute, where he dives deeper into these themes with insight, honesty, and a dose of wit.

For more information about Dr. John Parente:

Website: https://www.drjparente.com/

Humanity Rx is created, written and produced by: Jenny Opalinski, Tovah Feehan and Jonathan Waller.

Audio and Music Engineering by Drew Allsbrook and The People's Music Studio

Welcome to Humanity Rx—a podcast that shares the human side of healthcare and brings you life lessons from the bedside . In Season One, you'll hear moving, first-hand accounts from clinicians, patients, and caregivers navigating some of healthcare’s most profound moments. From the bedside to the waiting room, these conversations uncover the emotions, insights, and quiet victories that shape the way we care for others—and ourselves. If you're seeking compassion, connection, and meaning in medicine, this is the podcast for you.

Humanity Rx is created, written and produced by: Jenny Opalinski, Tovah Feehan and Jonathan Waller.

Audio and Music Engineering by Drew Allsbrook and The People's Music Studio