CHP Conversations Sun, 12 Jul 2026 08:12:08 -0400 http://chp.vcu.edu en-us © 2026 VCU College of Health Professions yes College of Health Professions, East Leigh Street, Richmond, VA, USA 4e298bf1-3d26-5ccf-9bc4-9eb2c49d19a5 The VCU College of Health Professions episodic false Welcome to CHP Conversations, a podcast series produced by the VCU College of Health Professions. The College's mission is to create influential leaders in health care who embrace equity and model excellence through inclusive teaching and learning, thoughtful advancement of cross-cultural knowledge, meaningful service to others, innovative technologies, and scientific discoveries that promote health and health equity and eliminate health disparities. This series includes conversations with faculty, students and alumni who exemplify our mission.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) allied health, health professions, healthcare, health education, higher education, VCUCHP The VCU College of Health Professions https://storage.buzzsprout.com/v1fzx3oolmatsjr03cfd52ufb135?.jpg CHP Conversations http://chp.vcu.edu Chelsea S. Gary MPA Jared C. Schultz, Ph.D., CRC IUD Diaries: Are the current methods of pain control for intrauterine device insertion effective for nulliparous women? IUD Diaries: Are the current methods of pain control for intrauterine device insertion effective for nulliparous women? Nina Roberts is a senior nurse anesthesia student at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. Part of her doctoral project titled, “are the current methods of pain control for intrauterine device insertion effective for nulliparous women,” was to create a podcast highlighting the lack of a standardized approach to pain relief for IUD insertion for women. If you're unfamiliar with the term nulliparous, it refers to a woman who has never given birth.

Nina became passionate about this project almost five years ago because of her friend Lizzie's experience with her IUD insertion. Because of Lizzie's story, Nina
began to hear other women's stories about their IUD insertions, many of which mirrored Lizzie's experience.  In this episode, listeners will also hear from Lauren and Callie as they share their personal experiences with this procedure. Additionally, you will hear from doctor, Chailee Moss, a board certified OBGYN.

Please fill out this survey after listening

IUD Diaries script
Evidence Synthesis and references

Thank you to Gianna Salvi for the cover art.

]]> Nina Roberts is a senior nurse anesthesia student at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. Part of her doctoral project titled, “are the current methods of pain control for intrauterine device insertion effective for nulliparous women,” was to create a podcast highlighting the lack of a standardized approach to pain relief for IUD insertion for women. If you're unfamiliar with the term nulliparous, it refers to a woman who has never given birth.

Nina became passionate about this project almost five years ago because of her friend Lizzie's experience with her IUD insertion. Because of Lizzie's story, Nina
began to hear other women's stories about their IUD insertions, many of which mirrored Lizzie's experience.  In this episode, listeners will also hear from Lauren and Callie as they share their personal experiences with this procedure. Additionally, you will hear from doctor, Chailee Moss, a board certified OBGYN.

Please fill out this survey after listening

IUD Diaries script
Evidence Synthesis and references

Thank you to Gianna Salvi for the cover art.

]]> The VCU College of Health Professions Buzzsprout-15883256 Mon, 07 Oct 2024 14:00:00 -0400 2278 full false Maintaining Wellness and Balance as a Health Professions Student Maintaining Wellness and Balance as a Health Professions Student In this episode Dr. Schultz from the Department of Rehabilitation Counseling discusses how to maintain wellness and balance as a student in the College of Health Professions. The conversation is with three graduate students who are currently in the MS in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling program. Ashley Cherry, Sally Johnson, and Shruti Sampath share their experiences in adjusting to graduate school, challenges they have faced, and strategies they have used to get through the difficult times. They also discuss the challenging but rewarding process of personal growth, and the importance of support networks and community in growing as a professional. 

]]> In this episode Dr. Schultz from the Department of Rehabilitation Counseling discusses how to maintain wellness and balance as a student in the College of Health Professions. The conversation is with three graduate students who are currently in the MS in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling program. Ashley Cherry, Sally Johnson, and Shruti Sampath share their experiences in adjusting to graduate school, challenges they have faced, and strategies they have used to get through the difficult times. They also discuss the challenging but rewarding process of personal growth, and the importance of support networks and community in growing as a professional. 

]]> Ashley Cherry, Sally Johnson, Shruti Sampath Buzzsprout-14556223 Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400 3229 wellness, maintaining balance, rehabilitation counseling, VCU, Health Professions 2 19 full false Becoming a Working Academic Becoming a Working Academic In this episode we interview Lauren Mortensen, Senior Program Specialist for the Ph.D. in Health Related Sciences program at VCU and a Ph.D. student herself. Lauren shares her insights into pursuing an academic degree while already engaged in a career as well as how to strike a balance between each of these major obligations. 

]]> In this episode we interview Lauren Mortensen, Senior Program Specialist for the Ph.D. in Health Related Sciences program at VCU and a Ph.D. student herself. Lauren shares her insights into pursuing an academic degree while already engaged in a career as well as how to strike a balance between each of these major obligations. 

]]> Guest: Lauren Mortensen, M.Ed. Buzzsprout-14502008 Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500 1200 higher education, work-life balance, working academic, VCU 2 18 full false Honoring our mentors: A conversation with Dr. Ann Dunbar Honoring our mentors: A conversation with Dr. Ann Dunbar In this episode we talk to Dr. Ann Dunbar, alumni of the physical therapy program and founder of the 'Honoring Our Mentors Physical Therapy Scholarship'. Dr. Dunbar shares her experience with the College of Health Professions and what motivated her to establish this fund to support the students of today while remembering the contributions of those helping students reach their professional goals. 

]]> In this episode we talk to Dr. Ann Dunbar, alumni of the physical therapy program and founder of the 'Honoring Our Mentors Physical Therapy Scholarship'. Dr. Dunbar shares her experience with the College of Health Professions and what motivated her to establish this fund to support the students of today while remembering the contributions of those helping students reach their professional goals. 

]]> The VCU College of Health Professions Buzzsprout-13491184 Mon, 08 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500 1026 physical therapy, health professions, allied health, mentorship, scholarship, VCU 2 17 full false Getting Involved: The CHiPper Experience as a Graduate Student Getting Involved: The CHiPper Experience as a Graduate Student
Whether you're a student, a faculty member, an administrator, or simply someone who's passionate about health sciences, this episode is here to highlight exactly how one of our graduate students connect, collaborate, and create lasting change right here on campus and within her community.

So whether you are affiliated with the College of Health Professions, VCU or another institution, we hope this serves as encouragement for our listeners to explore engagement opportunities and see the value in connecting.

]]>
Whether you're a student, a faculty member, an administrator, or simply someone who's passionate about health sciences, this episode is here to highlight exactly how one of our graduate students connect, collaborate, and create lasting change right here on campus and within her community.

So whether you are affiliated with the College of Health Professions, VCU or another institution, we hope this serves as encouragement for our listeners to explore engagement opportunities and see the value in connecting.

]]> Guest: Shruti Sampath, 2nd Year, M.S. in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling Buzzsprout-14056145 Tue, 05 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500 2276 health sciences, loneliness, student participation, student engagement 2 16 full false Getting Involved: The CHiPper Experience Getting Involved: The CHiPper Experience The college experience is what you make of it. This saying could not be more true for Cam Mattox, a student in the College of Health Professions' Bachelor's in Health Services program. In this episode, Chelsea Gary sits down with Cam to learn about her undergraduate experience as an actively engaged student and how her involvement with different organizations has helped her grow personally, professionally, and academically. 

]]> The college experience is what you make of it. This saying could not be more true for Cam Mattox, a student in the College of Health Professions' Bachelor's in Health Services program. In this episode, Chelsea Gary sits down with Cam to learn about her undergraduate experience as an actively engaged student and how her involvement with different organizations has helped her grow personally, professionally, and academically. 

]]> The VCU College of Health Professions Buzzsprout-13852400 Wed, 01 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0400 1935 College of Health Professions, undergraduate, student engagement, involvement, VCU 2 15 full false How Psychological Safety Impacts Student Clinicians and Patient Safety How Psychological Safety Impacts Student Clinicians and Patient Safety In this special guest episode, Danielle Duffy, graduate student in the College of Health Professions Department of Nurse Anesthesia, shares reflections on her doctoral project. Danielle explores the concept of psychological safety, what it is, how it presents itself in the clinical setting, and how it can influence actions taken by student clinicians. She also looks at the impact of these decisions and psychological safety in general on patients and patient safety.

Research references



For more information on the DNAP program at VCU visit the Department of Nurse Anesthesia website.

]]> In this special guest episode, Danielle Duffy, graduate student in the College of Health Professions Department of Nurse Anesthesia, shares reflections on her doctoral project. Danielle explores the concept of psychological safety, what it is, how it presents itself in the clinical setting, and how it can influence actions taken by student clinicians. She also looks at the impact of these decisions and psychological safety in general on patients and patient safety.

Research references



For more information on the DNAP program at VCU visit the Department of Nurse Anesthesia website.

]]> Guest Host: Danielle Duffy Buzzsprout-13625904 Mon, 02 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400 1949 DNAP, CRNA, Psychological Safety, Student Clinician, Nurse Anesthesia, Anesthesia, SRNA, Patient Safety 2 14 full false A Journey Through the DNAP Program: One International Student's Story A Journey Through the DNAP Program: One International Student's Story Dr. Meena Verma did not arrive in the United States from India with a background in medical education. However, equipped with the inspiration of her grandfather and a calling to improve the lives of others she took on the challenges that lead to becoming a nurse anesthetist and proud alumna of the VCU Nurse Anesthesia department. In this episode, she shares her story as a learner and how mentorship of new students plays an important role in her professional practice.

Featured Guests:
Meena Verma - DNAP, CRNA

]]> Dr. Meena Verma did not arrive in the United States from India with a background in medical education. However, equipped with the inspiration of her grandfather and a calling to improve the lives of others she took on the challenges that lead to becoming a nurse anesthetist and proud alumna of the VCU Nurse Anesthesia department. In this episode, she shares her story as a learner and how mentorship of new students plays an important role in her professional practice.

Featured Guests:
Meena Verma - DNAP, CRNA

]]> The VCU College of Health Professions Buzzsprout-13338267 Mon, 04 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400 1553 Nurse anesthesia, health professions, allied health, DNAP, CRNA, VCU 2 13 full false U:Create - Not Your Typical Interns U:Create - Not Your Typical Interns VCU’s U:CREATE internship provides collaboration and clinical research opportunities for undergraduate students.

Featured Guests:
Nada Youssef - VCU Physical Therapy Student
Deema Ballout - VCU Physical Therapy Student

]]> VCU’s U:CREATE internship provides collaboration and clinical research opportunities for undergraduate students.

Featured Guests:
Nada Youssef - VCU Physical Therapy Student
Deema Ballout - VCU Physical Therapy Student

]]> The VCU College of Health Professions Buzzsprout-12676321 Mon, 05 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400 1167 physical therapy, applied practice, internship, health professions 1 12 full false Making the Capstone Experience Matter Making the Capstone Experience Matter Sportable has created opportunities and transformed the lives of individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments through sport since 2005. Take a listen to how Natalie Slemp, a 3rd year student in the Occupational Therapy Doctoral program, embarked on her capstone journey and plans to leave an impact along the way.


Featured guest
Natalie Slemp - VCU Occupational Therapy Student


]]> Sportable has created opportunities and transformed the lives of individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments through sport since 2005. Take a listen to how Natalie Slemp, a 3rd year student in the Occupational Therapy Doctoral program, embarked on her capstone journey and plans to leave an impact along the way.


Featured guest
Natalie Slemp - VCU Occupational Therapy Student


]]> The VCU College of Health Professions Buzzsprout-12675292 Mon, 01 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400 1316 occupational therapy, adaptive athletics, sportable, capstone 1 11 full false Understanding Health Policy Understanding Health Policy Dr. Paige Powell Buzzsprout-12492702 Mon, 03 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400 1965 healthcare, health administration, health systems, equity, access, healthcare access, health equity, leadership 1 10 full false A Community Approach to Trauma in Ethiopia A Community Approach to Trauma in Ethiopia In this episode Dr. Waganesh Zeleke discusses the focus of her Fullbright Scholarship, which is addressing trauma with individuals living in Ethiopia. She discusses the impact of war trauma, in all of its forms, on the people of Ethiopia, and the need for intervention. Dr. Zeleke also introduces the concept of a community approach to treating trauma. She discusses this approach in the context of the cultural values of the communities in Ethiopia, and how communities there provide support and healing.

]]> In this episode Dr. Waganesh Zeleke discusses the focus of her Fullbright Scholarship, which is addressing trauma with individuals living in Ethiopia. She discusses the impact of war trauma, in all of its forms, on the people of Ethiopia, and the need for intervention. Dr. Zeleke also introduces the concept of a community approach to treating trauma. She discusses this approach in the context of the cultural values of the communities in Ethiopia, and how communities there provide support and healing.

]]> The VCU College of Health Professions Buzzsprout-12305132 Mon, 06 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500 3175 trauma, rehabilitation counseling, VCU 1 9 full false Medical Laboratory Sciences: Heroes Behind the Scenes Part 3 Medical Laboratory Sciences: Heroes Behind the Scenes Part 3 What do brain-eating amoeba, blood transfusions and COVID-19 tests have in common? Medical Laboratory Scientists, that’s what. In this 3-part series, hear from faculty and students in the Medical Laboratory Sciences program at VCU as they explain their unlikely journeys in this field. Historically a “behind the scenes” role, Medical Laboratory Science is one of the most under-recognized healthcare careers; however, MLS professionals provide answers to life-saving decisions every day. They do everything from providing cancer testing results, to predicting the correct antibiotic to prescribe, to typing the correct blood for surgery.

Featured guest
Stephen Friedrichs - VCU MLS Student

Program links
Explore more about the Medical Laboratory Sciences program at VCU
To learn more about the profession
Application information
What to hear from us? Sign up here!

]]> What do brain-eating amoeba, blood transfusions and COVID-19 tests have in common? Medical Laboratory Scientists, that’s what. In this 3-part series, hear from faculty and students in the Medical Laboratory Sciences program at VCU as they explain their unlikely journeys in this field. Historically a “behind the scenes” role, Medical Laboratory Science is one of the most under-recognized healthcare careers; however, MLS professionals provide answers to life-saving decisions every day. They do everything from providing cancer testing results, to predicting the correct antibiotic to prescribe, to typing the correct blood for surgery.

Featured guest
Stephen Friedrichs - VCU MLS Student

Program links
Explore more about the Medical Laboratory Sciences program at VCU
To learn more about the profession
Application information
What to hear from us? Sign up here!

]]> The VCU College of Health Professions Buzzsprout-12261344 Mon, 20 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500 1855 MLS, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Lab Sciences 1 8 full false Medical Laboratory Sciences: Heroes Behind the Scenes Part 2 Medical Laboratory Sciences: Heroes Behind the Scenes Part 2 What do brain-eating amoeba, blood transfusions and COVID-19 tests have in common? Medical Laboratory Scientists, that’s what. In this 3-part series, hear from faculty and students in the Medical Laboratory Sciences program at VCU as they explain their unlikely journeys in this field. Historically a “behind the scenes” role, Medical Laboratory Science is one of the most under-recognized healthcare careers; however, MLS professionals provide answers to life-saving decisions every day. They do everything from providing cancer testing results, to predicting the correct antibiotic to prescribe, to typing the correct blood for surgery.

Features guest
Celestina Klaye - VCU MLS Student

Program links
Explore more about the Medical Laboratory Sciences program at VCU
To learn more about the profession
Application information
What to hear from us? Sign up here!

]]> What do brain-eating amoeba, blood transfusions and COVID-19 tests have in common? Medical Laboratory Scientists, that’s what. In this 3-part series, hear from faculty and students in the Medical Laboratory Sciences program at VCU as they explain their unlikely journeys in this field. Historically a “behind the scenes” role, Medical Laboratory Science is one of the most under-recognized healthcare careers; however, MLS professionals provide answers to life-saving decisions every day. They do everything from providing cancer testing results, to predicting the correct antibiotic to prescribe, to typing the correct blood for surgery.

Features guest
Celestina Klaye - VCU MLS Student

Program links
Explore more about the Medical Laboratory Sciences program at VCU
To learn more about the profession
Application information
What to hear from us? Sign up here!

]]> The VCU College of Health Professions Buzzsprout-12086890 Mon, 13 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500 1603 MLS, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Lab Sciences 1 7 full false Medical Laboratory Sciences: Heroes Behind the Scenes Part 1 Medical Laboratory Sciences: Heroes Behind the Scenes Part 1 What do brain-eating amoeba, blood transfusions and COVID-19 tests have in common? Medical Laboratory Scientists, that’s what. In this 3-part series, hear from faculty and students in the Medical Laboratory Sciences program at VCU as they explain their unlikely journeys in this field. Historically a “behind the scenes” role, Medical Laboratory Science is one of the most under-recognized healthcare careers; however, MLS professionals provide answers to life-saving decisions every day. They do everything from providing cancer testing results, to predicting the correct antibiotic to prescribe, to typing the correct blood for surgery.

Featured guest
Dr. Melissa Jamerson - Faculty in the VCU Medical Laboratory Sciences program

Program links
Explore more about the Medical Laboratory Sciences program at VCU
To learn more about the profession
Application information
What to hear from us? Sign up here!

]]> What do brain-eating amoeba, blood transfusions and COVID-19 tests have in common? Medical Laboratory Scientists, that’s what. In this 3-part series, hear from faculty and students in the Medical Laboratory Sciences program at VCU as they explain their unlikely journeys in this field. Historically a “behind the scenes” role, Medical Laboratory Science is one of the most under-recognized healthcare careers; however, MLS professionals provide answers to life-saving decisions every day. They do everything from providing cancer testing results, to predicting the correct antibiotic to prescribe, to typing the correct blood for surgery.

Featured guest
Dr. Melissa Jamerson - Faculty in the VCU Medical Laboratory Sciences program

Program links
Explore more about the Medical Laboratory Sciences program at VCU
To learn more about the profession
Application information
What to hear from us? Sign up here!

]]> The VCU College of Health Professions Buzzsprout-11713104 Mon, 06 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500 1604 MLS, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Lab Sciences 1 6 full false Marginal Identity Development Marginal Identity Development Dr. Jared Schultz hosts this episode in which, Dr. Christine Reid and her graduate students Sonia Meyer and Fran Singson discuss a model of marginal identity development they have developed. They have been exploring the ramifications of when individuals belong to more than one identity group, but are not fully developed in any one group. 

]]> Dr. Jared Schultz hosts this episode in which, Dr. Christine Reid and her graduate students Sonia Meyer and Fran Singson discuss a model of marginal identity development they have developed. They have been exploring the ramifications of when individuals belong to more than one identity group, but are not fully developed in any one group. 

]]> The VCU College of Health Professions Buzzsprout-11587789 Mon, 02 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500 2158 identity development, marginalized identities, LBGTQIA, rehabilitation counseling, VCU, health professions 1 4 full false Leadership in the Healthcare Setting Leadership in the Healthcare Setting In this episode Malorie Burkett sits down with Tracy Kemp Stallings. Tracy is a graduate of CHP’s Dept. of Health Administration. She also spent over 30 years in healthcare leadership, and during the last 11 years of her career, she served as COO of Johnston-Willis Hospital. Hear from Tracy about what drove her interest in healthcare leadership. How did she get her start, and who/what inspired her the most? Also - how does she feel VCU Helped prepare her to become a decision-maker at a major health system.

]]> In this episode Malorie Burkett sits down with Tracy Kemp Stallings. Tracy is a graduate of CHP’s Dept. of Health Administration. She also spent over 30 years in healthcare leadership, and during the last 11 years of her career, she served as COO of Johnston-Willis Hospital. Hear from Tracy about what drove her interest in healthcare leadership. How did she get her start, and who/what inspired her the most? Also - how does she feel VCU Helped prepare her to become a decision-maker at a major health system.

]]> The VCU College of Health Professions Buzzsprout-11708654 Thu, 01 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500 1590 health professions, allied health, vcu, health administration, health care leadership 1 4 full false Understanding Work Incentives Benefits Counseling Understanding Work Incentives Benefits Counseling Research has shown that many individuals with intellectual disabilities have a strong desire to work in competitive integrated employment. At the same time, many of them are also recipients of benefits from disability supports such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), state or federal workers compensation, and public healthcare programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. Understanding the impact that paid employment will have on a person’s disability benefits is an important factor in the success of the individual.

]]> Research has shown that many individuals with intellectual disabilities have a strong desire to work in competitive integrated employment. At the same time, many of them are also recipients of benefits from disability supports such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), state or federal workers compensation, and public healthcare programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. Understanding the impact that paid employment will have on a person’s disability benefits is an important factor in the success of the individual.

]]> Dr. Kana Iwanaga Buzzsprout-10556976 Tue, 01 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0400 1385 Rehabilitation counseling, health professions, allied health, employee benefits, work benefits, counseling 1 3 full false The Challenge of Ageism in Our Families and Communities The Challenge of Ageism in Our Families and Communities Dr. Gendron, author of Ageism Unmasked, explains the concept of ageism, and discusses the impact that ageism has on our communities and families. She then outlines her thoughts on a healthy approach to aging

]]> Dr. Gendron, author of Ageism Unmasked, explains the concept of ageism, and discusses the impact that ageism has on our communities and families. She then outlines her thoughts on a healthy approach to aging

]]> Dr. Tracey Gendron Buzzsprout-10556960 Mon, 03 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400 1791 ageism, health professions, gerontology, allied health 1 2 full false Exploring gambling addiction in Virginia Exploring gambling addiction in Virginia Guest: Dr. Carolyn Hawley Ph.D., CRC - Associate Professor, Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Rehabilitation Counseling

Dr. Hawley recently was awarded a contract with the state to coordinate the treatment programming for gambling addiction. She is an expert in this topical area, and serves a critical role in developing and ensuring the provision of treatment for those who experience gambling addiction. This is a growing concern as the prevalence of gambling options is rapidly increasing in Virginia and online.

If you would like to contact the Gambling Addiction Hotline that Dr. Hawley mentioned, please call (888) 532-3500.


Music by Gvidon from Pixabay

]]> Guest: Dr. Carolyn Hawley Ph.D., CRC - Associate Professor, Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Rehabilitation Counseling

Dr. Hawley recently was awarded a contract with the state to coordinate the treatment programming for gambling addiction. She is an expert in this topical area, and serves a critical role in developing and ensuring the provision of treatment for those who experience gambling addiction. This is a growing concern as the prevalence of gambling options is rapidly increasing in Virginia and online.

If you would like to contact the Gambling Addiction Hotline that Dr. Hawley mentioned, please call (888) 532-3500.


Music by Gvidon from Pixabay

]]> Dr. Carolyn Hawley Buzzsprout-10348317 Wed, 20 Apr 2022 10:00:00 -0400 1776 allied health, health professions, rehabilitation counseling, gambling, gambling addiction 1 1 full false