Episodes

  • The Digital Divide is a Care Divide: Inside the Fight for Latino Health Equity

    The Digital Divide is a Care Divide: Inside the Fight for Latino Health Equity
    Nov 18 2025
    In a digital-first healthcare world, who gets left behind? The answer is often the same communities that have always been marginalized. But what if the solution wasn't just to build better apps, but to empower the very people from these communities to become the navigators, the mentors, and the doctors of tomorrow? In this inspiring and urgent episode of HIT Like a Girl, recorded at HLTH 2025, Joy Rios sits down with Dr. Jhaimy Fernandez and Dr. Yimdriuska (Gigi) Magan, the powerhouse founders of the nonprofit Alma First. They pull back the curtain on the silent crises in healthcare: the dangerous gap for Spanish-speaking patients, the systemic barriers for Latino students, and the chilling reality for patients facing immigration threats. This isn't just a conversation about mentorship; it's a blueprint for building a more equitable and culturally competent, and safe healthcare system from the ground up. Drs. Fernandez and Magan reveal: When the Clinic is No Longer a Sanctuary: The emergency protocols they've enacted to protect patients during ICE raids. The Digital Divide is a Care Divide: Why translating an app isn't enough and the critical need for "digital navigators." Telehealth as a Shield: How digital access becomes a lifeline when patients are too afraid to visit a clinic. The Alma First Model: Training Latino pre-health students in digital health literacy to bridge the gap between their communities and the healthcare system. AI's Invisible Bias: The urgent need for diverse clinicians to help build unbiased AI models and prevent perpetuating healthcare disparities. This conversation is a powerful antidote to healthcare despair and a living example of how to code compassion directly into the future of medicine. Listen now to meet the leaders who are not just dreaming of a more inclusive future—they are building it, one student at a time. Episode Chapters:00:00 | The Alma First Mission02:30 | Personal Journeys05:39 | Student Success Stories08:34 | Digital Navigators11:25 | AI, Bias, and Diverse Clinicians14:05 | Protecting Patients17:03 | The Future of Alma First 👉 Learn, Partner, and Donate: Visit their website: Alma First Follow Dr. Fernandez’ journey on Instagram | LinkedIn Follow Dr. Magan’s journey on Instagram | LinkedIn 🎧 This episode was recorded at the HLTH 2025. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities. Stay connected with HIT Like a Girl Pod: HITLikeaGirlPod.com LinkedIn Instagram TikTok
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    22 mins
  • Dr. Aditi Joshi on AI, XR, and Unlearning American Healthcare to Build the Future of Medicine

    Dr. Aditi Joshi on AI, XR, and Unlearning American Healthcare to Build the Future of Medicine
    Nov 11 2025
    In a world where healthcare is simultaneously global and deeply local, how do we build technology that truly serves humanity? From the conference floors of HLTH 2025 to the cobblestone streets of Paris, Dr. Aditi Joshi has been on the front lines of this question for over a decade. A pioneer who helped architect the very framework of American telemedicine, she now reveals why the biggest innovations require us to first unlearn what we think we know. In this expansive and forward-thinking episode of HIT Like a Girl, host Joy Rios sits down with Dr. Joshi for a live recording at HLTH 2025. They dive into her bold move to France and the launch of her new AI startup, exploring the cultural shocks and profound insights that are shaping the next generation of global health tech. Dr. Joshi argues that the future of medicine isn't just about smarter algorithms, but about building "cognitive off-ramps" for clinicians and creating immersive training worlds where doctors can gain a lifetime of experience without risking a single patient. Dr. Aditi Joshi shares: The "Unlearning" Curve: Why her biggest professional challenge wasn't learning European medicine, but actively unlearning the U.S. system's obsession with billing codes and prior authorizations to focus purely on patient need. AI as the Ultimate Intern: The critical shift from seeing AI as a replacement for doctors to viewing it as a tireless, hyper-literate co-pilot that handles the cognitive grunt work. The XR Training Ground: How Extended Reality is creating a "time machine" for medical education, allowing a surgeon to practice a complex, rare procedure dozens of times before ever touching a scalpel. Chaos as a Catalyst: Instead of being overwhelmed by the rapid pace of change, how providers and leaders can see this moment as a unique opportunity to rebuild healthcare from the ground up. A Global Prescription: Her frank diagnosis of what the American system can learn from Europe's focus on access, and what Europe can learn from America's culture of innovation. This conversation is a powerful reminder that the best technology doesn't replace us—it makes us better. Dr. Joshi gives us a hopeful, practical vision for a future where tech actually serves the people on the front lines, instead of just adding to their burden. Listen now to learn how to turn global insights into local impact and build a more resilient, human-centered healthcare system. 00:00 | From Chicago to Paris: A Pioneer's Pivot Introducing Dr. Aditi Joshi and her journey from building US telemedicine to launching an AI startup in Europe. 00:46 | Architecting Access: The Telemedicine Blueprint The real story of scaling telemedicine: less about tech, more about battling policy and redefining "the visit." 03:03 | The Art of Unlearning: Healthcare Culture Shock "The first question in France is 'What does the patient need?' not 'Is it covered?'" – Dr. Joshi on shedding the US healthcare mindset. 07:10 | Beyond the Hype: Building AI That Clinicians Actually Trust Why the next breakthrough won't be a flashy demo, but AI that seamlessly integrates into the clinical workflow as a trusted assistant. 09:44 | The Time Machine for Surgeons: XR in Medical Education How Virtual and Augmented Reality are creating risk-free simulation worlds to build true procedural muscle memory. 13:48 | Conclusion: The Infrastructure of Hope Dr. Joshi's final take on balancing relentless innovation with compassionate, practical implementation. Stay Connected & Dive Deeper: 👉 Learn more about Dr. Joshi’s work at ardexia.io 👉 Follow Aditi: LinkedIn or Instagram 🎧 This episode was recorded live at HLTH 2025. Learn about sponsorship opportunities. Stay connected with HIT Like a Girl Pod: HITLikeaGirlPod.com LinkedIn Instagram TikTok
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    16 mins
  • Beyond the Before & After: Hilary Phelps on the Messy, Courageous Work of Long-Term Recovery

    Beyond the Before & After: Hilary Phelps on the Messy, Courageous Work of Long-Term Recovery
    Oct 28 2025
    What does it really take to rebuild a life after addiction? For Hilary Phelps, the journey wasn't a linear path to a happy ending — it was a daily practice of peeling back layers, navigating severe depression, and redefining self-care as a single mother. In a world quick to judge and glamorize, she argues that the heart of recovery lies in the messy middle. In this deeply personal episode of HIT Like A Girl, guest host Dana Trampas, MPH, sits down with Hilary Phelps — speaker, wellness coach, and woman in long-term recovery — recorded live at the Power and Women in Medicine Summit. Hilary pulls back the curtain on what happens after the initial victory, sharing the hard-won wisdom from her 18-year journey. Hilary reveals: The myth of the "perfect" recovery: Why the real work begins years after getting sober, and how she faced a diagnosis of severe depression with a recovery toolkit already in hand. Motherhood in the messy middle: How becoming a single mom forced her to reframe "self-care" as "self-respect" — and why putting her own oxygen mask on first is the only way she can show up for her son. The stigma that silences women: The unique challenges women face in addiction and recovery, a topic she’s exploring in her upcoming book with Dr. Lipi Roy, which combines raw personal narrative with scientific insight. Building "The Right Room": How her platform creates a vital space for women navigating life’s transitions, moving beyond "cheerleaders" to find the "mirrors" we truly need. A simple, powerful grounding practice: The one question she asks herself with her hand on her heart to find calm on the toughest days. This conversation is a testament to the power of vulnerability, the importance of community, and the ongoing courage required to choose recovery every single day. It’s a must-listen for anyone who has ever felt "not good enough," struggled with their mental health, or is supporting a loved one on their own path. Listen now for a raw and hopeful look at how we heal, one day at a time. 00:00 Introducing Hilary Phelps: From Hopelessness to 18 Years Sober 02:45 The Messy Middle: Why Recovery is a Lifelong Unpacking 04:30 Motherhood, Self-Care, and Breaking Generational Cycles 09:39 The Right Room: Why Women Need Mirrors, Not Just Cheerleaders 12:42 Lightning Round: Treatment Access, Debunking Myths, and Mood-Lifting Songs 15:46 Finding Hope in Humanity and a Call to Listen Stay Connected: 👉 Learn more about Hilary and her work at HilaryPhelps.com (remember: it's one "L" in Hillary) 👉 Follow her on Instagram for daily insights on recovery and wellness 👉 Explore supportive communities for women at The Right Room (or wherever you listen to her podcast) 👉 Connect with Guest Host, Dana Trampas on Instagram TikTok 🎧 This episode was recorded live at the Power of Women in Medicine Summit and brought to you by Chirpy Bird Health IT. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities. Stay connected with HIT Like a Girl Pod: HITLikeaGirlPod.com LinkedIn Instagram TikTok
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    19 mins
  • Are We Failing Our Athletes? A Sports Medicine Doctor on Healing the Whole Person, Not Just the Player

    Are We Failing Our Athletes? A Sports Medicine Doctor on Healing the Whole Person, Not Just the Player
    Oct 14 2025
    We celebrate athletes as superheroes, but what happens when the pressure to perform ignores their basic humanity? From social media noise to the dangerous myth of the "normal" missing period, Dr. Marcia “Marcy” Faustin reveals the systemic gaps in sports care — and how a "Fuel Your Soul" model could revolutionize athlete health. In this compelling episode of HIT Like A Girl, guest host Dana Trampas, MPH, sits down with Dr. Marcy Faustin — a former Division I track star turned family and sports medicine physician for the US Women’s Gymnastics team. Recorded live at the Power of Women in Medicine Summit, Dr. Marcy challenges the "gladiator" mentality, arguing that true performance comes from treating the whole human, not just the injury. Dr. Marcy shares: The "Biospychosocial" Playbook: Why treating an athlete’s mental health and social environment (like food insecurity) is as critical as treating a sprained ankle. The Social Media Sideline Hazard: Her strategy for helping athletes set boundaries — including a crucial 15-minute rule after competition — to protect their mental space from the noise of public opinion. Busting a Dangerous Health Myth: Why losing your period as a female athlete is a major red flag, not a badge of honor, and why birth control pills are often a misguided "solution." Body Image Off the Field: How to shift the conversation from "what you look like" to "what your amazing body can do," and why men must be part of this conversation. A Vision for 2050: How equity, diverse leadership, and a "Fuel Your Soul" center at the Olympic Village can create a future where every athlete sees themselves in the system. Whether you’re a coach, a parent, a weekend warrior, or simply someone who cares about the well-being of the people we put on pedestals, this conversation is an urgent call to see the person behind the performance. Listen now to learn how we can champion a healthier, more humane sports culture. 00:00 | Introducing Dr. Marcia “Marcy” Faustin: From Track Star to Team Physician 01:05 | The Holistic Approach: Treating the Whole Athlete, Not Just the Injury 03:40 | The Unseen Struggles: Athletes are Human, Not Superheroes 05:25 | Managing the Noise: Social Media Boundaries for Athletes 09:11 | Redefining Body Image: From Aesthetics to Performance 11:04 | The Future of Sports Medicine: Equity and "Fuel Your Soul" 12:26 | Lightning Round: Warm-Up Anthems, Health Myths, and Dream Mentors 15:47 | Call to Action: Put Your Health First & Get Checked Stay Connected: 👉🏾 Follow Dr. Faustin on Twitter: @FaustinMarcia 👉🏾 Learn more about her work on the UC Davis Health website 👉🏾 Follow USA Women’s Gymnastics for 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles 👉🏾 Connect with Guest Host, Dana Trampas on Instagram TikTok 🎧 This episode was recorded live at the Power of Women in Medicine Summit and brought to you by Chirpy Bird Health IT. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities. Stay connected with HIT Like a Girl Pod: HITLikeaGirlPod.com LinkedIn Instagram TikTok
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    20 mins
  • Hope is an 18-Hour Drive: Inside Planned Parenthood’s Fight Against a "Backdoor Abortion Ban"

    Hope is an 18-Hour Drive: Inside Planned Parenthood’s Fight Against a "Backdoor Abortion Ban"
    Oct 7 2025
    In a post-Roe America, the attacks on reproductive healthcare are becoming more insidious. Planned Parenthood CEO Alexis McGill Johnson reveals how a recent "big, beautiful" bill contains a provision designed to bankrupt providers — and why she sees this moment not as a defeat, but as a call to build an "infrastructure of hope." In this powerful and essential episode of HIT Like a Girl, guest host Dana Trampas, MPH, sits down with Alexis McGill Johnson, the President and CEO of Planned Parenthood, recorded live at the Power of Women in Medicine Summit. Amidst what she calls a "betrayal of unimaginable cruelty," Alexis pulls back the curtain on the deliberate strategy of chaos aimed at destabilizing providers and patients. She explains why separating abortion from other healthcare is a dangerous mistake and makes a compelling case for why hope is not a feeling, but a form of active, defiant resistance. Alexis McGill Johnson shares: The "Big Betrayal" Bill: How a recently passed provision is a targeted, backdoor abortion ban designed to strip Medicaid funding from providers like Planned Parenthood, devastating low-income communities. Chaos as a Strategy: Why the constant whiplash of policy and litigation is a deliberate tactic to confuse patients and overwhelm the healthcare system. The Truth About Planned Parenthood: Beyond the headlines, she reveals why these health centers are often the first point of entry into the healthcare system for millions, providing everything from contraception to gender-affirming care with dignity. Leading with Compassion in Crisis: How the courage of providers walking past protesters every day fuels her leadership — and why "hopelessness is a luxury" we can't afford. A Generational Reckoning: Her frank assessment of how her generation (Gen X) "dropped the ball" and the critical role millennials and Gen Z must play in the long-game fight for codified rights. A Call to Action: The one thing anyone can do right now to join the movement and help build a future where reproductive freedom is a reality for all. This conversation is a masterclass in resilient leadership and a vital roadmap for anyone who believes in bodily autonomy. It’s a reminder that rights are never guaranteed — they are won and protected through relentless, compassionate action. Listen now for an unflinching look at the current battle for reproductive justice and learn how to turn hope into a strategy. 00:00 | Introducing Alexis McGill Johnson: On the Frontlines of Reproductive Justice 00:44 | The "Backdoor Abortion Ban": Decoding the Policy Designed to Defund Care 05:10 | Planned Parenthood's True Role: More Than Abortion, It's a Lifeline 07:00 | Leading Through Whiplash: Why Compassion is a Strategic Asset 11:16 | A Generational Fight: From "Dropping the Ball" to Building the Future 12:52 | Lightning Round: Myths, Micro-Joys, and the Victory Playlist 15:21 | How to Build an Infrastructure of Hope: Your Call to Action Stay Connected & Take Action: 👉🏾 Join the movement and get involved at IAmForPP.org 👉🏾 Follow Planned Parenthood on Instagram TikTok and 👉🏾 Follow Alexis McGill Johnson on Instagram 👉🏾 Connect with Guest Host, Dana Trampas on Instagram TikTok 🎧 This episode was recorded live at the Power of Women in Medicine Summit and brought to you by Chirpy Bird Health IT. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities. Stay connected with HIT Like a Girl Pod: HITLikeaGirlPod.com LinkedIn Instagram TikTok
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    18 mins
  • Why Are Kids Dying? A Pediatrician’s Run for Senate to Stop the Normalization of Neglect

    Why Are Kids Dying? A Pediatrician’s Run for Senate to Stop the Normalization of Neglect
    Sep 30 2025
    Gun violence is the leading cause of death for American children. Millions have been plunged back into poverty. A top anti-vaccine activist runs Health and Human Services. Pediatrician Dr. Annie Andrews argues that this isn't a political issue — it's a moral failure. So she left the hospital to run for the U.S. Senate, aiming to become its first pediatrician. In this urgent and inspiring episode of HIT Like A Girl, guest host Dana Trampas, MPH, sits down with Dr. Annie Andrews — a pediatric hospitalist, gun violence researcher, and Democratic candidate for Senate in South Carolina. Recorded live at the Power of Women in Medicine Summit, Dr. Andrews explains why she traded her white coat for a campaign trail, detailing the systemic reasons children’s health is ignored in politics and how she’s building a movement to change it. Dr. Andrews reveals: The Power Vacuum Hurting Kids: Why children, a quarter of the population, have no political voice — and how her PAC, “Their Future PAC”, is designed to fill that void. The Legislative Lifeline We Let Expire: The stunning success and tragic expiration of the expanded Child Tax Credit, and why her number one priority is making it permanent. Confronting a Public Health Crisis: The immediate danger of having RFK Jr. as HHS Secretary, a decision so alarming it propelled her back into a Senate race she hadn't planned to run. The "Sellout" vs. The Advocate: How she plans to resist the corrosive influence of politics and stay true to her oath to "do no harm," contrasting herself with physicians in Congress who voted to confirm RFK Jr. A Prescription for Action: Why now is not the time for healthcare professionals to be quiet, and how anyone — parent, clinician, or concerned citizen—can start making a difference today by turning toward their community. This conversation is a rallying cry for anyone who believes children’s lives should be a non-negotiable priority. It’s a masterclass in translating medical expertise into political power and a testament to the courage required to fight for the most vulnerable. Listen now to understand the crisis facing America’s children — and learn how one doctor is daring to fix a broken system. 00:00 | Introducing Dr. Annie Andrews: Pediatrician, Candidate, & Mom 00:44 | From Exam Room to Campaign Trail: Why Politics is Harder Than Medicine 02:54 | The Shocking Lack of Pediatricians in Congress 03:38 | Building Power for the Powerless: The Mission of “Their Future PAC” 05:16 | The Urgent Priorities: Child Tax Credit, Gun Violence, and Climate 07:33 | The RFK Jr. Appointment: A "Dark Time" for Public Health 10:47 | Staying True to Your Oath in a System That Rewards Compromise 12:08 | A Call to Action: How to Get Involved and Make a Difference Stay Connected & Get Involved: 👉 Learn more about Dr. Andrews' campaign at AnnieAndrews.com 👉 Support the mission to elect kid-first candidates at Their Future PAC 👉 Follow Annie Instagram TikTok X 👉 Connect with Guest Host, Dana Trampas on Instagram TikTok 🎧 This episode was recorded live at the Power of Women in Medicine Summit and brought to you by Chirpy Bird Health IT. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities. Stay connected with HIT Like a Girl Pod: HITLikeaGirlPod.com LinkedIn Instagram TikTok
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    15 mins
  • Breaking the Gender Gap in Healthcare: The Bold Innovations Shaping Women’s Futures

    Breaking the Gender Gap in Healthcare: The Bold Innovations Shaping Women’s Futures
    Aug 19 2025
    What if a tampon could diagnose infections—not just absorb them? In this fiery episode of HIT Like A Girl, guest host Demi Radeva sits down with Valentina Milanova, founder and CEO of Daye, live from HLTH Europe. Valentina’s mission? To smash the gender care gap with biotech breakthroughs—starting with diagnostic tampons that could rewrite women’s healthcare. From CBD-infused tampons to cutting-edge diagnostics, Valentina shares her relentless pursuit of innovation—and why Europe could become the epicenter of the women’s health revolution. But progress isn’t just about technology. It’s about listening to women, challenging outdated systems, and proving that investing in femtech isn’t charity—it’s economic genius. 🔥 Why You Should Listen: The shocking gap in women’s health R&D—and how Daye’s diagnostic tampons could change the game. From CBD to biotech: Valentina’s pivot from period pain relief to precision diagnostics—and what customer feedback taught her. "HLTH Europe was a wake-up call": Why Europe is primed to lead the women’s health revolution (and what’s holding it back). The trillion-dollar case for women’s health: How closing the gender care gap could boost economies—and humanity. Valentina doesn’t just diagnose problems—she builds solutions. Tune in to learn how her work could help women and AFAB individuals reclaim their health—and their potential. 📌 Episode Timeline: 00:00 | Welcome to a Healthcare Game-Changer 00:44 | Valentina’s Journey: From Frustration to Founder 02:02 | The Tampon of the Future? Inside Day’s Biotech Leap 03:52 | How Women’s Feedback Shapes Real Innovation 05:01 | Health Europe’s Biggest Lessons (And Missed Opportunities) 06:59 | The Fight for Funding—And Why Femtech Isn’t a “Niche” 08:33 | The Future: Where Daye—And Women’s Health—Go Next 💡 Listen now—and discover how one company is turning tampons into tech—and inequality into action. Stay Connected: 👉 Follow Valentina Milanova on LinkedIn 👉 Learn more about Daye 🎧 This episode was recorded live at #HLTHEurope2025—the world’s most important event on health innovation.
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    11 mins
  • Revolutionizing Women’s Health: The Breakthrough in Continuous Hormone Monitoring

    Revolutionizing Women’s Health: The Breakthrough in Continuous Hormone Monitoring
    Aug 12 2025
    What if women could track their hormones as easily as blood sugar? In this electrifying episode of HIT Like A Girl, guest host Demi Radeva sits down with Anna Luisa Schaffgotsch, founder & CEO of Impli, to discuss a game-changing innovation: real-time, continuous hormone monitoring. From IVF and menopause to PCOS and beyond, Anna Luisa’s work is bridging the gap between data and precision care—finally giving women the insights they deserve. But this isn’t just about technology. It’s about disrupting a system that has long ignored women’s health, challenging biases in funding, and building sustainable solutions that put patients first. 🔥 Key Takeaways You Won’t Want to Miss: Why hormone monitoring is the next frontier in women’s health—and how Impli’s device could change everything. The shocking gaps in women’s healthcare data—and how better tracking can combat inequality. The uphill battle for funding in femtech—and what it takes to build a scalable, mission-driven business. How precision data could revolutionize fertility, menopause care, and chronic conditions—saving time, money, and suffering. Anna Luisa doesn’t just share her vision—she issues a call to action for investors, healthcare leaders, and advocates to demand better for women’s health. 📌 Episode Timestamps: 00:00 | Meet Anna Luisa: The Woman Behind the Innovation 01:06 | From Frustration to Disruption: Why She Built Impli 02:19 | The Stark Reality of Women’s Health Tech (And How to Fix It) 06:15 | Data, Precision Care, and the Future of Hormone Health 09:22 | The Social Fight Hidden in Women’s Healthcare 10:58 | How You Can Be Part of the Change Stay Connected: 👉 Follow Anna Luisa Schaffgotsch on LinkedIn 👉 Learn more about Impli 🎧 This episode was recorded live at #HLTHEurope2025—the world’s most important event on health innovation.
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    14 mins