In this episode of the Brown Women Health Podcast, host Ritika sits down with Dr. Sarvani Uppati, a radiology resident whose path to medicine is anything but conventional. From studying neuroscience to community service and pageantry, Dr. Uppati brings a multidimensional perspective to what it means to build a meaningful and balanced career in healthcare.
Together, they dive into what drew her to radiology, a specialty often misunderstood and underrepresented by women—especially women of color. Dr. Uppati breaks down the unique appeal of radiology, its evolving role in patient care, and why visibility and mentorship are essential to increasing diversity in the field.
Topics discussed include:
The real story behind choosing radiology as a specialty
How anatomy, problem-solving, and flexibility all come together in radiology
Breaking down myths: radiologists aren’t just behind-the-scenes
The importance of women in leadership within male-dominated fields
Building confidence through pageantry and community engagement
Strategies for responsibly sharing medical content online
Her current interests in breast imaging and neuroradiology
If you’re a student navigating specialty decisions, a woman exploring less traditional paths in medicine, or simply curious about what radiology actually entails—this episode offers thoughtful insights, advice, and inspiration.
Follow Dr. Uppati on Instagram at @simplysarv
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
To stay in the loop, follow us on Instagram @brownwomenhealth and X (Twitter) @brownwomenhlth.
In this episode of the Brown Women Health Podcast, host Ritika sit down with Dr. Sameena Rahman (@gynogirl)—board-certified OB/GYN, menopause expert, and sexual health specialist—to uncover the often-overlooked aspects of women’s healthcare. From tackling taboo topics like sexual dysfunction and menopause to discussing the challenges of the healthcare system, Dr. Rahman shares her journey from being a student at Duke University to founding her own practice.
We explore:
✨ What inspired Dr. Rahman to specialize in women's health
✨ Misconceptions about menopause and sexual wellness
✨ The importance of a multidisciplinary approach to treating women's health issues
✨ Her new podcast, "Gyno Girl Presents: Sex, Drugs & Hormones"
✨ Advice for aspiring medical professionals in gynecology & sexual medicine
Join us for this insightful conversation as we break down barriers in women’s health and provide the education women truly deserve.
Follow @brownwomenhealth for more empowering content, and connect with @gynogirl to learn more about sexual health, menopause, and gynecology!
Do you wake up feeling rested? For many South Asians, the answer is “rarely.” Sleep issues like apnea, poor sleep quality, and cultural pressures to deprioritize rest are common but often ignored.
In this episode, we explore these challenges through the lens of the 2023 paper “Sleep disparities in Asian Americans: a comprehensive review” by Nandagiri et al. (J Clin Sleep Med, 19(2):393-402), and share practical, research-backed tips to improve your sleep.
Ready to boost your rest and focus? Try Magic Mind with 45% off using my link: magicmind.com/bwhpodjan. #magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance
Tune in to reclaim your rest—your health depends on it!
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Nisha Patel, a Licensed Professional Counselor, Sobriety Coach, and the owner of TheNishe. Nisha is a dedicated professional passionate about guiding individuals toward healing and purpose. With a holistic and compassionate approach, she empowers her clients to create meaningful, lasting change in their lives.
In this episode, we explore:
Nisha’s journey into counseling and sobriety coaching. The essence of "sober curiosity" and how it can foster personal growth. Practical tools and insights to navigate sobriety and build a fulfilling life. The importance of community, creativity, and representation in the sober movement.Whether you’re considering sobriety, curious about the sober movement, or looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with transformative stories and actionable advice.
Discover how sobriety can unlock new possibilities and help you thrive beyond recovery.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, visit www.samhsa.gov for resources, support, and confidential assistance.
Join Ritika and Esha in this powerful episode in honor of Epilepsy Awareness Month (sorry we are a little late, but desi standard time?) as they sit down with Dr. Amee Shah, a successful dentist, mother, and wife living with epilepsy. Dr. Shah shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with a seizure disorder and navigating life with invisible challenges. Together, they explore how she works to combat the stigma surrounding epilepsy in the South Asian community.
Key Topics Discussed:
Tune in to hear Dr. Shah's inspiring story of resilience and advocacy. Learn how she uses her platform to educate and support the community while breaking down barriers and misconceptions about neurological disorders.
Join the Conversation: Follow us on Instagram @brownwomenhealth and on Twitter @brownwomenhlth to stay updated on our latest content, learn more about health topics, and engage with our community. Don't forget to subscribe and share this episode with your friends and family to help spread awareness!
In this eye-opening episode of Brown Women Health, anchor Ameek explores a groundbreaking study that links birth weight to the risk of developing diabetes later in life. The research, Exploring the Relationship Between Birth Weight and Diabetes Among South Asian American Women, authored by Anisa Amiji, Dr. Nitasha Nagaraj, and Dr. Amita Vyas, uncovers startling statistics about how early-life factors shape long-term health outcomes.
We dive deep into the science, discuss its implications for South Asian American women—who face disproportionately high diabetes rates—and share actionable insights to improve maternal and community health. Plus, a shoutout to Dr. Nagaraj for sharing this important work with us!
Study Citation:
Amiji, Anisa; Nagaraj, Nitasha; Vyas, Amita. Exploring the Relationship Between Birth Weight and Diabetes Among South Asian-American Women. Medical Research Archives, [S.l.], v. 12, n. 11, Nov. 2024. ISSN 2375-1924. Available at: https://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/5907. Accessed: 23 Dec. 2024. doi: https://doi.org/10.18103/mra.v12i11.5907.
In this episode of Brown Women Health, Anchor Ritika Jhawar sits down with Neha Shah, a Registered Dietitian with nearly 20 years of experience specializing in gastroenterology, IBD, and nutrition for South Asian communities. Neha shares her insights on the unique challenges faced by South Asian patients with GI disorders like IBD, celiac disease, and IBS. She emphasizes the importance of keeping cultural foods in the diet—yes, dosa, khichdi, and dahi can fit into a gut-friendly plan!
Neha also discusses the stigma surrounding GI diagnoses in South Asian communities, where patients often hesitate to share their condition due to societal pressure. As the winter holidays approach, she gives practical advice on how to navigate traditional celebrations and food choices while managing GI symptoms.
With a strong background in public health nutrition and a wealth of experience in both clinical care and advocacy, Neha is also a co-founder of the South Asian IBD Alliance and serves on several professional committees dedicated to improving cultural competence in GI nutrition.
Links & Resources:
In this episode of Brown Women Health, we dive into two fascinating papers that highlight critical health issues for South Asian women and infants. First, we discuss the Nurture Early for Optimal Nutrition (NEON) pilot study, which explores the impact of participatory learning and action women's groups on improving infant feeding practices in South Asia. Next, we explore a qualitative synthesis of South Asian women's perspectives on maternity care services, shedding light on their unique experiences and challenges in accessing care.
Join us as we break down these insightful studies and discuss their implications for improving maternal and infant health outcomes in South Asian communities.
Papers Discussed:
Nurture Early for Optimal Nutrition (NEON) Participatory Learning and Action Women's Groups to Improve Infant Feeding and Practices in South Asian Infants: Pilot Randomised Trial Study Protocol
Manikam L, Allaham S, Patil P, et al. BMJ Open 2023;13:e063885.
Read the paper here
Exploring South Asian Women's Perspectives and Experiences of Maternity Care Services: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis
Nagesh N, Ip CHL, Li J, et al. Women Birth 2024;37(2):259-277.
Read the paper here
Special Offer: This episode is brought to you by Magic Mind! If you're looking to improve focus and reduce stress, try Magic Mind and use our code BWHPOD20 for up to 48% off a subscription or 20% off a one-time purchase at magicmind.com/bwhpod
In this compelling episode, we sit down with Dr. Preeti Kalra, PharmD, MHA, a clinical pharmacist from suburban Chicago, preterm birth survivor, and passionate advocate for maternal and infant health. Dr. Kalra shares her deeply personal story of being born three months premature, navigating the challenges of neurodiversity, and growing up in a South Asian community that often emphasizes conformity over individuality.
Through her work with March of Dimes and WE ARE SAATH, Dr. Kalra sheds light on the long-term effects of premature birth, the stigma surrounding neurodivergence in South Asian culture, and the importance of advocating for mental health. This episode explores the intersection of medicine, personal experience, and cultural expectations, offering a unique perspective on the struggles and triumphs of living as a preemie.
Tune in to hear Dr. Kalra's inspiring journey of resilience and her mission to break toxic generational cycles, redefine traditional narratives, and pave the way for future generations to embrace their authentic selves.
Follow Dr. Kalra on Instagram @pkalra33 and join the movement at @wearesaath and @wearesaath_chicago.
🎙️ November is Prematurity Awareness Month — let’s start the conversation!
In this powerful episode of "Let's Talk About Sex, Beta... The Convo We Never Have at Home," Dr. Alopi Patel, a double board-certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain physician, joins us to explore the often unspoken relationship between sexual health, trauma, and pain in the South Asian community. Dr. Patel, who is also certified in lifestyle medicine, shares her experiences working with patients who struggle with conditions such as low libido, painful intercourse, and postpartum recovery, all while navigating cultural expectations and stigma around sex.
We dive into the importance of addressing pelvic floor health, the role of pelvic physical therapy, and how sexual trauma can impact pelvic function. Dr. Patel provides practical advice on how individuals can advocate for their sexual health, reclaim safety, and seek help despite barriers like shame or trauma. She emphasizes the significance of self-awareness and self-care, offering a compassionate, non-judgmental space for healing.
Whether you’re dealing with the effects of sexual trauma, seeking to understand more about pelvic health, or just want to break the silence around these topics in the South Asian context, this episode offers invaluable insights.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
In this episode of the Brown Women Health podcast, Mariam and Ritika dive into a candid conversation with Dr. Pallavi Mhaskar, a resident physician at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker School of Medicine. Dr. Mhaskar shares her insights and experiences on sexual health, addressing the unique challenges faced by South Asian women when it comes to discussing sexual health and trauma. Together, they explore sensitive topics such as sexual trauma, postpartum recovery, and cultural stigmas surrounding sexual health in immigrant and refugee communities.
This episode provides a safe space to reflect on how sexual health is discussed (or not) in South Asian households and the importance of breaking down cultural barriers to create more open conversations. Dr. Mhaskar also offers advice on overcoming shame and trauma, advocating for one’s sexual safety, and addressing issues like low libido and painful sex in a compassionate and supportive way.
Whether you’re listening with a cup of tea or journaling to reflect, this episode aims to foster healing, understanding, and empowerment.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
Join us and stay connected with the Brown Women Health community on Instagram @brownwomenhealth and Twitter @brownwomenhlth for more discussions and content!
In the first episode of our mini-series "Let's Talk About Sex, Beta... The Convo We Never Have at Home," Mariam and Ritika sit down with Ektha Aggarwal, a South Asian therapist and founder of JIVA Mental Health and Shakti Therapy & Healing Services. Ektha specializes in South Asian mental health and brings her expertise to this deeply important conversation on sexual trauma and healing within the diaspora.
In this episode, we explore how cultural stigmas, shame, and trauma affect sexual health in the South Asian community. Ektha shares insights on navigating cultural expectations around sex, the disconnect many South Asian women feel with their bodies, and the physical impact of repressed trauma. We also discuss how to heal from sexual trauma and reclaim sexual safety through therapy and self-awareness.
Whether you're struggling with shame, trauma, or are simply looking to understand more about sexual health within the South Asian context, this episode offers a compassionate space to start the conversation.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
1. JiVA Mental Health: https://www.jivamentalhealth.com/
2. Shakti Therapy: https://www.shaktitherapyhealing.com/
Welcome to the Brown Women Health Podcast, where we dive deep into wellness, lifestyle medicine, and women's health. In this episode, your host Ritika, a prospective medical student, sits down with Dr. Supriya Rao, a quadruple board-certified physician in internal medicine, gastroenterology, obesity medicine, and lifestyle medicine. Dr. Rao brings her wealth of knowledge as a managing partner at Integrated Gastroenterology Consultants, Director of Medical Weight Loss at Lowell General Hospital, and clinical adjunct professor at Tufts University. Together, they explore the essentials of gut health, the six pillars of lifestyle medicine, and the importance of supporting women in the medical field.
From Dr. Rao's inspiring medical journey to breaking down diet myths, and highlighting the small daily habits that make a big impact, this episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to improve their health. They also discuss challenges women face in medicine, particularly in gastroenterology, and how Dr. Rao balances her demanding career with personal wellness.
Stay tuned until the end for practical advice for aspiring medical students and insights into how Dr. Rao keeps everything balanced in her life. Don’t miss this enlightening and empowering conversation!
Follow us on Instagram (@brownwomenhealth) and Twitter (@brownwomenhlth) to join the Brown Women Health community and stay up to date with future episodes!
Welcome to the Brown Women Health Podcast. Join hosts Esha and Ameek as they engage in a soulful conversation with Harman Kaur, the talented author behind Phulkari. Phulkari is a collection of poetry and prose that intricately weaves together themes of grief, identity, love, spirituality, and healing, reflecting the experiences of a Panjabi Sikh woman.
In this episode, Harman Kaur shares the profound symbolism of lungs within Phulkari, exploring themes of breath, life, and the complexities of cultural and personal identity. Discover the inspiration behind her work, her unique writing process, and the deep-rooted connections that shape her storytelling.
Explore more about Harman Kaur's work and sign up for book notifications for her upcoming release in early 2025 on her Linktree: linktr.ee/harmank.aur
Don't miss this enriching conversation on the beauty and depth of Phulkari. Tune in to deepen your understanding of her literary journey and the profound messages embedded in her writing.
Welcome to the Brown Women Health Podcast! In our first episode of 2024, join Priya Sanghvi and Ritika Jhawar as they dive into a crucial conversation surrounding mental health awareness within the South Asian community. Joined by esteemed psychiatrist, Dr. Harkirat Kaur, this episode explores the importance of breaking cultural stigmas and advocating for mental well-being.
Discover Dr. Kaur's journey into psychiatry and what stood out was her unwavering confidence despite the prevalent stigmas in the South Asian community. She shares her commitment to the growth of the psychiatric field and her dedication to creating more awareness.
Gain insights into the evolving landscape of psychiatry and the shift towards more holistic interventions, beyond traditional medication.
Explore common misconceptions surrounding seeking help for mental health issues within South Asian communities, and learn practical steps for erasing stigma and overcoming barriers to access care.
Delve into Dr. Kaur's personal experiences as a South Asian woman in the field of psychiatry, uncovering the challenges she's faced and the strategies she's employed to overcome them.
Tune in to this enlightening episode and join the movement towards destigmatizing mental health in South Asian communities!
Welcome to the latest episode of the Brown Women Health Podcast, hosted by anchor Ritika Jhawar. In this engaging episode, Ritika welcomes a very special guest, Marissa McKool, a certified life coach on a mission to empower women in public health to reduce stress and find balance in their lives. Marissa's impressive background includes earning her Masters in Public Health at Emory University, completing a prestigious CDC fellowship, and holding influential leadership positions at UC Berkeley. But what truly distinguishes Marissa is her unwavering commitment to challenging the toxic hustle culture and championing the importance of rest and self-care.
Marissa's personal journey led her to establish McKool Coaching, where she provides personalized support and offers courses dedicated to women dealing with stress and striving to reach their personal goals. In this episode, Ritika and Marissa delve deep into the concept of rest, exploring its various forms and how we can all carve out space for it in our hectic lives.
The conversation kicks off with a thought-provoking discussion on whether rest is a privilege, particularly for those in demanding professions such as public health. Marissa generously shares the initial steps to shift our mindset and experience mental rest, even in high-pressure jobs. They explore the unique challenges of balancing time-consuming careers that often revolve around serving others, and they offer valuable insights on different approaches for individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
Marissa also takes a deep dive into the two theories of rest she outlined, shedding light on the distinction between giving ourselves rest when our body craves it versus when we feel we "deserve" it. Their conversation delves into the critical issue of trusting ourselves not to take advantage of rest, and they provide practical strategies to regain focus after taking a well-deserved break.
Motivation to resume work after rest is another key topic explored, especially in a world where constant adrenaline often drives productivity. As future healthcare professionals, Ritika and Marissa contemplate how to effectively educate the new generation about the vital role of rest and self-care in their careers.
The conversation takes an intriguing turn when Ritika introduces a thought-provoking statement by motivational speaker @thewizardliz, who suggests that "laziness is a privilege." Marissa and Ritika engage in a thoughtful discussion about whether rest and laziness are distinct concepts and share their unique perspectives on this statement.
Throughout the episode, Marissa generously shares her expertise on the four types of rest - physiological, physical, mental, and emotional. She emphasizes that rest is a fluid concept, unique to each individual, and underscores the importance of attuning ourselves to our mind and body. They empower listeners to recognize how rest can be integrated into even the smallest moments of their lives, highlighting that shifting our mindset toward rest is a gradual process.
In conclusion, Ritika expresses her heartfelt gratitude to Marissa for her invaluable insights into the crucial topic of rest and for shedding light on how we can prioritize ourselves without sacrificing our career aspirations.
Now, to connect with Marissa McKool and explore more of her work, be sure to visit her social media links and website:
Don't miss this enlightening conversation on the Brown Women Health Podcast, and be sure to subscribe for more insightful discussions on women's health and well-being.
Welcome to the Brown Women Health Podcast, where we explore vital health issues faced by South Asian women. In this episode, anchors Priya Sanghvi and Mariam Khan discuss the stigma around disabilities in the South Asian community with their guest, Anna Samson, who has firsthand experience navigating life with a disability.
They delve into Anna's journey with disability advocacy, influenced by personal experiences and academic knowledge. Anna shares her diagnoses, the impact they had on her worldview, and the changes she noticed after receiving them.
The conversation touches on the specific issues South Asians with disabilities face, including difficulties in accessing medical help. They also explore the Spoon theory and its relevance in understanding chronic conditions.
Throughout the episode, they highlight the intersections between South Asian culture and disability culture, emphasizing the significance of community support. They discuss how the stigma around disabilities affects social interactions within and outside the community, including friendships and dating.
Anna defines "disability" and "disability justice" and shares a powerful message for South Asians to challenge assumptions and reimagine disability positively.
Join them in breaking the stigma, promoting awareness, and fostering a compassionate society for individuals with disabilities in the South Asian community.
Did you know that South Asians have a higher risk of kidney disease due to elevated rates of diabetes and high blood pressure?
.
.
.
Welcome to the Brown Women Health Podcast, where we bring you insightful conversations on various aspects of South Asian health. In this episode, your hosts Ameek Bindra and Pooja Velury, student doctors, sit down with Dr. Priyanka Gogte, a renowned nephrologist, to discuss the critical topic of kidney health. This episode is co-produced by Mrinal Gokhale and Tanushri Akula.
Dr. Priyanka Gogte, an expert in kidney health, joins us to provide valuable advice on optimizing kidney health and recognizing warning signs before it's too late. As we dive into the conversation, we explore the factors that contribute to the increased risk of kidney disease among South Asians, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Together with Dr. Gogte, we discuss her job title and function, as well as what sparked her interest in kidney health. Discover why kidneys are crucial organs for overall health and gain a deeper understanding of common kidney disorders and their warning signs. Dr. Gogte generously shares proactive lifestyle measures that can be taken to ensure optimal kidney health.
In addition, we explore how high blood pressure and diabetes specifically increase the likelihood of kidney problems. Dr. Gogte draws from her experiences working with South Asian patients, shedding light on their knowledge of kidney health and the challenges they may face.
Culturally competent care plays a significant role in Dr. Gogte's practice, and we delve into its importance and impact on patient outcomes. Together, we aim to uncover the barriers preventing some individuals in the community from seeking help for kidney-related issues and discuss strategies to overcome them.
Listen in as Dr. Gogte provides insights into early signs that indicate kidney problems, empowering our listeners to be proactive and identify potential concerns at an early stage. By tuning into this episode of the Brown Women Health Podcast, you won't just gain valuable knowledge about kidney health; you'll also be equipped with the tools to take charge of your own well-being. Don't miss out on this informative conversation that has the potential to positively impact your life.
Join podcast anchors Mariam Khan and Tanushri Akula as they delve into the world of pediatric occupational therapy (OT) and developmental disabilities with special guest Asha Rao, OT. In this episode, they explore the unique role of a pediatric OT, the specific disabilities addressed in the pediatric field, and the training differentiations for disability treatment.
Discover Asha's personal journey and the reasons behind her career choice as an OT. Uncover the distinctions between pediatric OT and other branches of OT as Tanushri asks insightful questions. Gain a deeper understanding of how OT can help children with developmental disabilities and the signals that parents should look out for to identify the need for OT intervention.
Mariam raises thought-provoking inquiries about the presence of ableism in OT, including parental beliefs and the healthcare training itself. Explore the challenges faced by disabled children, compared to adults, and how Asha strives to address these issues within her practice. The conversation also touches on disability justice and different models of disability.
Tanushri delves into the reception of Asha's work within the South Asian community. Together, they explore the attitudes and knowledge surrounding pediatric disabilities in the South Asian diaspora and the broader People of Color (POC) community. They also discuss how factors like the model minority myth and immigrant upbringing can hinder proper diagnosis and treatment, along with internalized biases that impede access to necessary care.
Finally, Mariam and Asha discuss the efforts made to reduce obstacles for patients with additional difficulties, be it financial, cultural, or mobility-related. They delve into the necessary flexibility required in the field and how Asha ensures patients receive the treatment they need.
Tune in to this enlightening episode as Mariam, Tanushri, and Asha shed light on the world of pediatric OT and the journey towards inclusive healthcare practices.
Join us for an eye-opening conversation on the Brown Women Health Podcast as we sit down with Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza, a triple Board Certified psychiatrist, social media influencer, and advocate for mental health in South Asian communities. In this episode, we delve into the topic of pill shaming and its impact on these communities, exploring the myths surrounding medications and the importance of proper understanding and support.
Dr. Mirza shares his inspiring journey, from his psychiatry career to becoming a prominent social media influencer in the mental health space. Discover what inspired his passion for pharmaceuticals and medications, and how his unique experiences have shaped his expertise in Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine.
With a keen focus on South Asian communities and communities of color, we delve into the concept of pill shaming. Dr. Mirza provides insightful perspectives on the challenges individuals face when seeking mental health treatment and how cultural factors can contribute to stigma and misconceptions.
We address common myths about psychiatric medications and uncover the truths behind them, shedding light on the signs that may indicate a need for psychiatric medicines. Dr. Mirza offers valuable guidance on effectively managing medications and making informed decisions about the right treatment options.
Dr. Mirza's vast knowledge and experience in the field, coupled with his empathetic approach, make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in mental health awareness and breaking down barriers within South Asian communities.
Tune in to the Brown Women Health Podcast to gain valuable insights from Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza, MD, and his expertise in psychiatry, addiction medicine, and supporting mental health in diverse communities. Together, let's debunk misconceptions, combat pill shaming, and promote a more inclusive approach to mental well-being.