Robots in healthcare are having a moment. In the U.S., robotic-assisted surgery now accounts for more than 15% of all general surgeries, and it’s expected to double within the next five years. The future of medicine is here, but will it replace doctors in the operating room?
In this episode of Meaningful Medicine, Dr. Max McCabe, an orthopedic surgeon at Novant Health, will answer some common questions like: Who qualifies for robotic-assisted surgery? What are the benefits and are there any risks? What role does AI play? And will robots eventually replace the need for humans in the operating room?
Pelvic floor health plays a vital role in everything from bladder control to core strength and overall wellness, but its importance is often misunderstood or overlooked. In this episode of Meaningful Medicine, Novant Health urogynecologist and pelvic surgeon Dr. Joseph Malek joins us to demystify pelvic floor disorders, share how therapy can help, and explain when to seek care. Whether you're postpartum, aging, or just looking to better understand your body, this conversation offers essential insights into maintaining pelvic health at every stage of life.
In this episode of Meaningful Medicine with Novant Health, cardiologist Dr. Desiree Dawson joins us to share five natural, evidence-based strategies for managing high blood pressure without medication. From the power of nutrition and movement to the often-overlooked role of sleep and stress, Dr. Dawson breaks down how small lifestyle changes can lead to big improvements in heart health. Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with high blood pressure or simply want to take a more proactive approach to your cardiovascular health, this episode offers practical, science-backed advice you can start using today.
Is joint replacement only for seniors, or are younger patients reshaping the conversation? In this episode, Dr. Dustin Hambright explores the “age-old question” of whether age truly determines the right time for knee or hip replacement. We’ll dive into why more people in their 40s and 50s are opting for surgery, the challenges older adults may face and how advancements in technology are changing the game.
At Novant Health, the care we give extends beyond our medical centers and clinics with several virtual care options. But it’s important for patients to know and understand when it’s appropriate to use them. While they can be a wonderful resource for certain situations, the care provided by your doctor, face to face, is unmatched when it comes to your overall health and wellbeing.
In this episode of Meaningful Medicine, we’re learning more about a topic that’s become increasingly relevant in recent years – virtual care. It’s convenient and accessible, but it raises an important question … Can it truly replace in-person care? Joining us today is Dr. Anitha Lokesh, a family medicine physician at Novant Health, who can speak to how virtual care has enhanced the patient experience – and where its limits lie.
Learn more about Anitha Lokesh, MD
Dr. Jayme Stokes, a bariatric surgeon with Novant Health’s Weight Management & Wellness Clinic, discusses steps we can take to increase our health and wellness.
Join us as we explore how to interpret mammogram results with Dr. Breanna Durbin. Understand what your radiology report means and why further imaging may be needed.
The average American coffee drinker consumes just over three cups of coffee a day. If this is you, you’re not alone. In fact, 7 in 10 Americans drink coffee every week. But is our reliance on coffee or soda/energy drinks healthy? And how much is too much?
In this episode of Meaningful Medicine Dr. John Card, a Internal Medicine Physician at Novant Health, spills the beans on the pros and cons of caffeine. He’ll also share if there are better or healthier options to choose from to help us wake up and get through the day.
Delving into the significance of family medical history in assessing breast cancer risk, Dr. Michelle Fillion explains how understanding this history can inform your health decisions. Dr. Fillion also breaks down the various types of breast cancer and the tailored treatment pathways available.
In this episode of Meaningful Medicine with Novant Health, hosts sit down with Dr. Logan Rhea, a medical oncologist, and Dr. Peter Turk, a surgical oncologist, to talk about one of the most common and preventable forms of cancer: skin cancer. Together, they unpack the most important facts about skin cancer types, warning signs to watch for, and how early detection can make all the difference. They'll also explore genetic predispositions that can lead to skin cancer. You’ll also hear expert tips on sun protection, when to see a specialist, and what to expect from treatment options if a diagnosis is made. Whether you're a lifelong sun lover or just want to take better care of your skin, this conversation offers clear, compassionate guidance rooted in the latest science.
When states implement evidence-based sepsis protocols, they achieve remarkable results: one state saw a 21% reduction in adult sepsis deaths and 40% reduction in pediatric deaths, saving over 16,000 lives. In this episode, Novant Health's sepsis care director Dr. Daniel Feinstein and public policy leader Elizabeth Outten share groundbreaking research on successful state-level interventions that align medical expertise with insurance coverage. They explore proven policy solutions and the tremendous opportunity for the Carolinas and other states to adopt life-saving sepsis protocols that benefit patients and providers and our system more broadly.
OBGYN Dr. Sarah Beebe explains the potential causes of chronic pelvic pain, the importance of timely medical consultation, and how assessments and imaging can help pinpoint the cause.
Between the ages of 18 months to 3 years, children experience rapid development across all areas, including physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and language skills. This period is characterized by increased independence, the expansion of their vocabulary, and the beginning of pretend play.
In this episode of Meaningful Medicine, Dr. Ryan Aubuchon, a pediatrician with Novant Health, walks us through this important time of development to help parents understand what’s typical. With years of experience and young children of his own, he’s supporting families through these foundational years with compassion and a practical perspective on what to look for during this time of rapid development.
Ever wondered if that smartwatch on your wrist can do more than just count steps? Dr. Bazemore discusses how modern technology, like smartwatches, can assist in monitoring your heart rhythm and the importance of verifying alerts with medical professionals.
Dr. Austin Sherman shares some of the ways a primary care physician can support your overall health and wellness, including coordinating medical care and ensuring preventative screenings.
Many older adults living with memory and cognition issues, an unsteady gait and bladder control problems might wonder if they’re signs of dementia or Parkinson’s disease. But these common symptoms of aging could actually be pointing to another condition called normal pressure hydrocephalus.
The Hydrocephalus Association found that nearly 700,000 people have NPH, which stems from an undetected fluid in the brain. However, less than 20% of cases are properly diagnosed.
In this episode of Meaningful Medicine, Dr. Elizabeth Kuhn, a neurosurgeon at Novant Health, explains how NHP is diagnosed and treated with a simple procedure.
Interventional cardiologist Dr. Lance Lewis explains the complexities of structural heart disease. Discover how advancements in minimally invasive procedures are transforming the treatment landscape for heart valve issues.
Approximately two out of three Americans experience some degree of cognitive impairment by the time they reach their 70s. This sobering statistic can also influence an individual’s ability to perform activities of daily living. Down the road, this can include everything from driving a car to living independently. But is cognitive decline inevitable? Or are there steps we can take now to feel better and think more clearly as we age?
In this episode of Meaningful Medicine, Dr. Mark Guido, an endocrinologist and board-certified lifestyle medicine physician at Novant Health, provides some helpful tips to improve your future health.
Every parent finds themselves wondering... "is that normal?" In this episode of Meaningful Medicine from Novant Health, pediatrician Dr. Shaoleen Daly joins us to talk about what behaviors, habits, and health concerns are considered typical during the important developmental window between the ages of 6 and 8, and when parents might want to dig a little deeper. From mood swings and picky eating to sleep patterns, bathroom habits, and attention spans, Dr. Daly offers expert insight to help caregivers feel more confident and informed. Whether you're navigating elementary school challenges or just wondering if your child’s quirks are normal, this episode offers the clarity and reassurance every parent needs.
Sudden cardiac arrest is rare, but when it strikes a young athlete, it’s often unexpected and devastating. In this episode of Meaningful Medicine, pediatric cardiologist Dr. Bill Hammill joins us to shed light on the warning signs, screening tools, and life-saving measures every parent, coach, and teammate should know. We explore what causes sudden cardiac arrest in otherwise healthy kids and teens, how Novant Health is helping families stay informed and prepared, and why access to AEDs and trained responders on the field can mean the difference between life and death. Because when seconds matter, preparation saves lives, and knowledge is powerful medicine.