The Long Shadow: Traumatic Brain Injury in America’s Veterans Secrets of Survival (S.O.S.) Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is often called the signature injury of America’s post-9/11 wars—but its imprint stretches far beyond the battlefield. In this episode of Secrets of Survival, Dr. Susan Rashid examines the enduring consequences of TBI in veterans, weaving together insights from neuroscience, clinical medicine, and public health. From the blast overpressure of improvised explosive devices to the subtle shearing of axons invisible on routine scans, the episode traces how TBI alters the brain in ways that reverberate for decades. Listeners will hear how chronic pain, psychiatric comorbidities like PTSD, and long-term risks of dementia, epilepsy, and suicide shape the lives of those who served. The discussion expands beyond the clinic to confront social realities, including the heightened risk of homelessness among veterans with TBI—underscoring the injury’s profound impact on both individual and societal health. Grounded in leading scientific research and policy guidelines, this episode outlines the clinical imperatives: screen with rigor, treat pain and psychiatric illness comprehensively, guard against opioid misuse, and plan for the long horizon of neurological and social outcomes. Just as importantly, it highlights the structural responsibilities—ensuring that veterans have access to housing, rehabilitation, and mental health services as essential components of recovery. The Long Shadow: Traumatic Brain Injury in America’s Veterans is not simply about injury—it is about responsibility. With science that is precise, medicine that is integrated, and care that honors dignity and resilience, the shadow of TBI of our veterans can be transformed into a pathway of survival and strength.

Episode Summary: In this transformative episode of Secrets of Survival, Dr. Susan Rashid unpacks the intersection of clinical care and the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) through the lens of the CMS Accountable Health Communities Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) Screening Tool. Amid the pressures of time-limited visits and documentation burdens, this episode argues for a paradigm shift—one where asking the right questions becomes a form of clinical justice. Segment by segment, Dr. Rashid walks listeners through the five core domains—housing instability, food insecurity, transportation barriers, utility needs, and interpersonal safety—and introduces supplemental domains including financial strain, employment, community support, education, physical activity, substance use, mental health, and disability. With clarity and compassion, she demonstrates how these structured questions serve as clinical windows into hidden vulnerabilities—revealing the context behind medication non-adherence, chronic illness exacerbation, and missed appointments. The episode emphasizes that screening is not merely data collection—it is clinical witnessing. The ability to ask, listen, and respond with actionable referrals is presented not as a luxury, but as a clinical imperative. Citing national guidelines and landmark evidence from CMS, the National Academies, and leading scholars, Dr. Rashid reframes SDOH as the modern foundation of primary care. From medical education to healthcare system design, listeners are called to envision a future where healing is not confined to prescriptions, but extended through structurally aware care, community partnerships, and institutional accountability. This episode is both a masterclass in clinical application and a compelling call to action for medical educators, health system leaders, and frontline clinicians. 📩 Thoughts or reflections? We welcome your insights, questions, and feedback. Email us: rashidmediaproductions@gmail.com 🎧 Subscribe to Secrets of Survival (S.O.S.) for future episodes exploring the intersections of medicine, society, and the diverse forces that shape our health.

🎙️ Podcast Title: Secrets of Survival (S.O.S.) 🎧 Episode Title: The Blueprint of Wellbeing: Public Health and the Social Determinants of Health – Part I 🩺 Written and Narrated by: Dr. Susan Rashid 📍 Runtime: Approx. 31 minutes 🎓 Tone: Scholarly | Informed | Direct | Authoritative Episode Summary: What determines health—genes or geography, biology or infrastructure? In this powerful and data-driven opening to The Blueprint of Wellbeing, Dr. Susan Rashid unpacks the foundational framework of public health and the social determinants of health (SDOH)—those upstream, non-medical forces that shape how long and how well we live. Drawing from decades of public health research and field data, this episode moves beyond clinical models to examine how income, housing, education, transportation, and community conditions create measurable health outcomes. From under-resourced neighborhoods in New York City to isolated rural counties in Appalachia and long-neglected Indigenous communities across the United States, Dr. Rashid explores the systemic roots of health disparities with clarity, compassion, and scholarly precision. Listeners will gain an in-depth understanding of the five key domains of the SDOH, learn how inequity is patterned across geography and generations, and be invited to rethink what medicine can truly achieve when it moves beyond the exam room. This is Part I of a two-part series. Part II will focus on the clinical implications of SDOH—highlighting validated screening tools, best practices in patient-centered care, and what must change in healthcare systems and medical education to close the gap between knowledge and action. Topics Covered: The definition and purpose of public health The five domains of the social determinants of health Case studies: Urban inequality in NYC, rural isolation in Appalachia, structural neglect in Indigenous communities Intergenerational impact of systemic disparities The importance of reframing health through a structural and environmental lens Quotable Insight: "Where you live tells us more about how long you’ll live than any genetic test ever could." — Dr. Susan Rashid Listen now to begin reshaping how we define, teach, and deliver health in the 21st century. 📩 Thoughts or reflections? We welcome your insights, questions, and feedback. Email us: rashidmediaproductions@gmail.com 🎧 Subscribe to Secrets of Survival (S.O.S.) for future episodes exploring the intersections of medicine, society, and the unseen forces that shape our health.

🎙️ Secrets of Survival (S.O.S.) Episode Title: Whispers in the Bone: The Ancient History of Tuberculosis - Part 1 Narrated by: Dr. Susan Rashid Podcast Episode Summary: In this immersive and sweeping episode of Secrets of Survival, Dr. Susan Rashid guides listeners through the haunting and enduring legacy of one of humanity’s oldest afflictions: tuberculosis. Long before microscopes and antibiotics, TB was a sacred mystery—a wasting disease that touched kings and monks, mummies and mystics, shaping the medical, spiritual, and cultural consciousness of civilizations across time. Whispers in the Bone travels across continents and centuries - unearthing TB from the hieroglyphic echoes and spectral spinal remains of ancient Egypt, tracing its presence through the Ayurvedic doctrines of India, and listening for its silence in Buddhist monastic codes. With the precision of a physician and the soul of a storyteller, Dr. Rashid weaves together forensic anthropology, historical medicine, spiritual cosmologies, and the haunting poetics of breath. What emerges is a portrait of tuberculosis not merely as a microbial invader, but as a mirror of human fragility—a shadow that has followed us through time, illuminating our deepest fears, our faith, and our longing to heal. Join us as we exhume the sacred and scientific archives of ancient civilizations: Egypt, India, Europe, Middle East, the Americas, and Asia—discovering how breath, body, and belief have always been entwined in the ancient art of survival.

The human heart is more than a vessel of life; it is a symbol of love, resilience, and the unseen forces that shape our very existence. But could it also hold something far more mysterious—memories of a life it once belonged to? In this thought-provoking episode of Secrets of Survival (S.O.S.), Dr. Susan Rashid delves into the astonishing phenomenon of transplanted memories, where heart transplant recipients report inexplicable personality changes, vivid recollections of places they have never been, and cravings for foods they never liked before. Are these coincidences, or could the heart truly carry the echoes of its past? Exploring compelling real-life cases—including the young girl whose transplant revealed the identity of a murderer—this episode unpacks the scientific theories behind cellular memory and the profound connection between the heart and the brain. We examine groundbreaking research in neurocardiology, the role of the heart’s own neural network, and the possibility that emotions and memories are encoded within the very cells of our organs. With each revelation, we are confronted with deeper questions about consciousness, identity, and the ethics of transplantation. If the heart retains traces of its former owner’s life, what does this mean for the concept of self? And how might this knowledge shape the future of medicine and human understanding? Join Dr. Rashid as she unravels The Heart’s Code—a journey into the unknown, where science, mystery, and the essence of human existence intertwine. 🔗 Listen now and explore the secrets hidden within the heartbeat.

In this groundbreaking episode of Secrets of Survival (S.O.S.), we travel back to December 3, 1967, to explore the historic moment when Dr. Christiaan Barnard performed the first successful human heart transplant at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa. Discover the inspiring story of Barnard's determination, the challenges of operating in apartheid-era South Africa, and the revolutionary impact this achievement had on modern medicine. We delve into the life and legacy of Dr. Barnard, the ethical and medical dilemmas surrounding early transplants, and the technological advancements that made this surgery possible. From the donor's tragic story to the recipient's courageous decision, this episode examines the risks, triumphs, and controversies that forever changed the landscape of cardiology. Join us as we uncover the extraordinary journey of innovation, courage, and perseverance that transformed the impossible into reality and paved the way for countless lives to be saved through heart transplantation.

Dr. Harish Moorjani, Infectious Disease Specialist is currently at the frontline in New York's Epicenter. He shares his personal story in the #medicalwarzone that he is currently facing. He also discusses about the latest evidence on the combination therapy of Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin in treating COVID 19. Does this hold promise for COVID 19? Dr. Moorjani shares his clinical pearls and the latest in the United States Epicenter for COVID 19. For any questions or further contact, please email: SecretsOfSurvivalMedicine@gmail.com.

Dive beneath the waves into a world where innovation meets sustainability in this episode of Secrets of Survival (S.O.S.). Dr. Susan Rashid explores the groundbreaking realm of underwater farming—a transformative practice reshaping our planet’s approach to food security, environmental sustainability, and global nutrition. From aquaculture’s role in meeting rising protein demands to the promise of kelp as a climate-change ally, and from submerged greenhouses like Nemo’s Garden to the ancient art of seaweed farming, this episode offers a captivating journey through the blue frontier. Discover how underwater farming blends ancient wisdom with cutting-edge technology, offering solutions to humanity’s most pressing challenges. Explore the motivations driving this movement, including its potential to combat climate change, empower coastal communities, and provide sustainable, nutrient-rich foods for a growing population. Learn how this innovative approach creates harmony between humanity and nature, fostering a future where both thrive together. Join Dr. Rashid for an inspiring and thought-provoking journey through the depths of the ocean, where tradition and modernity converge to build a sustainable and hopeful tomorrow. Listen now to uncover the untold story of underwater farming and its profound impact on our world.

In this episode of Secrets of Survival (S.O.S.), Dr. Susan Rashid takes listeners on a scholarly exploration of the diverse healthcare delivery systems that sustain populations worldwide. From the equitable access of the Beveridge Model to the efficiency of the Bismarck Model, from the universal reach of the National Health Insurance Model to the stark realities of out-of-pocket systems, this episode examines the intricate frameworks that define global healthcare. Through thoughtful analysis, Dr. Rashid highlights the strengths and challenges of each model, drawing insights from renowned studies and real-world applications. The episode also delves into the emerging trends shaping the future of healthcare, including telemedicine and universal health coverage initiatives. Concluding with a reflective call to action, the episode underscores the shared responsibility of advancing global health through collaboration, innovation, and equity. This is a must-listen for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and anyone intrigued by the systems that safeguard humanity’s survival. Join us on Secrets of Survival to uncover the profound connections between healthcare delivery, societal values, and the future of global well-being.

In this episode of Secrets of Survival (S.O.S.), Dr. Susan Rashid takes listeners on a scholarly exploration of the diverse healthcare delivery systems that sustain populations worldwide. From the equitable access of the Beveridge Model to the efficiency of the Bismarck Model, from the universal reach of the National Health Insurance Model to the stark realities of out-of-pocket systems, this episode examines the intricate frameworks that define global healthcare. Through thoughtful analysis, Dr. Rashid highlights the strengths and challenges of each model, drawing insights from renowned studies and real-world applications. The episode also delves into the emerging trends shaping the future of healthcare, including telemedicine and universal health coverage initiatives. Concluding with a reflective call to action, the episode underscores the shared responsibility of advancing global health through collaboration, innovation, and equity. This is a must-listen for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and anyone intrigued by the systems that safeguard humanity’s survival. Join us on Secrets of Survival to uncover the profound connections between healthcare delivery, societal values, and the future of global well-being.

Interview about the beginning stages of testing for the novel Coronavirus 2019 with Dr. Jack Michel, Founder of Larkin Health System and Larkin University WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020 Originally recorded on March 21, 2020. Remastered and published on November 7, 2023 as part of the Historical Medicine Series

The first podcast interview experience - the birth of Secrets of Survival (S.O.S.) - Where It All Began Interview about the beginning stages of the novel Coronavirus 2019 with Infectious Disease specialist - Dr. Moorjani Discussion about the Ebola virus outbreak in 2014, Tuberculosis and HIV in the prison setting Originally recorded on February 23, 2020. Originally published on February 25, 2020 Remastered and published on October 22, 2023 as part of the Historical Medicine Series

-Historical Medicine Podcast Episode Sneak Peek with Dr. Jack Michel - Founder of Larkin Health System and Larkin University sharing his plan of action and insight about the novel COVID-19 pandemic in South Florida during the year of 2020.

-Sneak Peek to Dr. Moorjani - Infectious Disease specialist from Westchester County discussing about the novel COVID-19 virus outbreak.

Welcome to the Secrets of Survival (S.O.S.) podcast. Secrets Of Survival (S.O.S.) Podcast is a gripping and informative series that takes listeners on a journey into the heart of some of the most pressing medical issues faced in the field of medicine throughout the globe during the modern 21st century. I'm your host, Dr. Susan Rashid. I will be sharing with you a set of podcast episodes from the past as well as podcast episodes from the present with the hope of weaving the threads of history and the present together. The past podcast episodes will take you back in time to the fateful years of 2020 and 2021 exploring the global pandemic and social unrest. The present podcast episodes will be delving into topics shaping our world today. Through personal interviews with our healthcare providers who face challenging moments with unwavering courage, we will gain insight into their bravery and fortitude in the face of uncharted territory.

Secrets Of Survival (S.O.S.) Podcast is a gripping and informative series that takes listeners on a journey into the heart of some of the most pressing medical issues faced in the field of medicine throughout the globe during the modern 21st century.