Patient Innovations

In this episode of the Patient Innovations Podcast, hosts Rashmi Kandwal and Colleen Rogers explore breastfeeding from three perspectives: lived experience, clinical medicine, and maternal health innovation.New mom and content creator Brittany Runck opens up about her fertility journey, a NICU stay with her son Briggs, and what she calls the "middle ground" that doesn't get talked about enough. Dr. Michelle Haggerty, DO, MPH, IBCLC — founder of Fourth Trimester Doc — brings clinical precision to the question of why postpartum care in America is failing mothers, and what it looks like to actually fix it. And Ashley Mooneyham, PhD, co-founder and CEO of Momease Solutions, shares the research behind a 97% dissatisfaction rate with breast pumps — and the startup she built to do something about it.Every feeding path is real. Every mother deserves support.Top Learnings From This EpisodeWhat the "fourth trimester" is and why it matters for maternal healthMatrescence: the birth of a mother, and why it deserves the same attention as adolescenceWhy 60% of maternal deaths happen postpartum — and 85% are considered preventableThe connection between lactation and maternal mental healthWhy breastfeeding reduces long-term risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancersNew clinical data: 10-20% of mothers physiologically cannot fully breastfeedNew treatment guidelines for mastitis (it's inflammatory — not always bacterial)What's wrong with the standard six-week postpartum visit, and what better care looks likeWhy 97% of mothers surveyed were dissatisfied with their breast pump experienceSupporting pumping moms in the workplace: rights, tools, and what employers can doThe NICU experience and the unique breastfeeding challenges NICU families faceFeatured GuestsBrittany Runck — Content creator and new mom sharing her fertility journey, NICU experience with her son Briggs, and the realities of early motherhood. Instagram and TikTok: @BrittanyRunckDr. Michelle Haggerty, DO, MPH, IBCLC of Fourth Trimester Doc — Physician board-certified in family medicine, integrative medicine, and lactation, providing in-home postpartum medical care for mothers and newborns. Currently in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield.Ashley Mooneyham, PhD of Momease Solutions — Co-founder and CEO of a maternal health startup built on the voices of over 2,000 mothers. 2024 Minnesota Cup Grand Prize winner and 2025 HealthcareMN Startup of the Year.Hosted ByRashmi KandwalColleen RogersConnect With Our GuestsBrittany Runck on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittanyrunckFourth Trimester Doc: https://fourthtrimesterdoc.comMomease Solutions: https://momease.comPetal Soft Breast Flange on IndieGoGo (launching summer 2026): https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/momeaseResources From This EpisodeFind Lactation SupportILCA Lactation Consultant Directory: https://www.ilca.org/why-ibclc/falcLa Leche League International: https://www.llli.orgLa Leche League of MN and the Dakotas: https://www.lllofmndas.orgMinnesota WIC Breastfeeding Hotline (free): 1-800-708-9010 | https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/wic/bf/index.htmlMaternal Mental HealthPostpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.netPSI Helpline: 1-800-944-4773 | Text: 503-894-9453PSI Minnesota Chapter: https://psichapters.com/mnMothers on Edge: https://www.mothersonedge.orgMaternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance: https://www.mmhla.orgNICU Family SupportRonald McDonald House Upper Midwest: https://rmhc-uppermidwest.orgEveryday Miracles (MN): https://www.everyday-miracles.orgWorkplace PumpingPUMP Act / FLSA Break Time for Nursing Mothers: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/73-flsa-break-time-nursing-mothersBusiness Case for Breastfeeding (employer toolkit): https://womenshealth.govMamava: https://www.mamava.comMilkMate: https://milkmate.comFeeding Equity and AdvocacyFed Is Best Foundation: https://www.fedisbest.orgBlack Mamas Matter Alliance: https://blackmamasmatter.orgMinnesota Perinatal Network: https://www.mnperinatal.orgFind a DoulaDONA International: https://www.dona.org/find-a-doulaAbout the Patient Innovations Podcast The Patient Innovations Podcast brings together patients, clinicians, innovators, and healthcare leaders to explore how lived experience and human-centered innovation are reshaping healthcare.Listen and subscribe: https://healthcare.mn/podcast Contact: hello@healthcare.mn#PatientInnovations #Breastfeeding #MaternalHealth #FourthTrimester #BreastfeedingSupport #NICU #PostpartumCare #WomensHealth #HealthcareInnovation #HealthcareMN

In this episode, we explore the journey of organ transplantation—what it takes to make transplants possible, the latest advancements in the field, and the powerful stories of those whose lives have been forever changed.Our guests include:Ben Williams – Kidney transplant recipient, NFL Players Association Chapter President, and former US NFL football player (including the Minnesota Vikings) who transitioned to the NFL Europe/World Football League. Ben Williams Foundation is on a mission to educate on kidney disease: https://benwilliamsfoundation.org/Dr. Vanessa Humphreville, MD, FACS – Liver, kidney, and pancreas transplant surgeon and associate professor at the University of Minnesota School of Medicine.Kate Kishish – Transplant coordinator at LifeSource, one of 56 Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) in the country. LifeSource serves the second-largest geographical region, covering Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and parts of western Wisconsin, with a mission to save and heal lives through organ donation and transplantation.Organ transplantation is a life-saving procedure in which a donor’s organ is surgically placed into a recipient whose own organ has failed or been damaged. While thousands of lives are transformed each year through organ donation, the need for organs continues to far exceed the available supply. Join us as we explore the science, the human impact, and the critical need for awareness and action in organ transplantation. Learn more about how to become a donor at LifeSource.

In this episode, we explore Multiple Myeloma, a rare and complex blood cancer, with insights from experts and a patient navigating the journey firsthand. Together, they share the challenges of diagnosis, advancements in treatment, and hope through innovative care.Ron Thiessen – A patient sharing his courageous story of resilience.Dr. Joseph Maakaron – A leading oncologist, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Minnesota, and Clinical Investigator in the Bone Marrow Transplant Division and Stem Cell Institute.Jeff Liter – CEO of Luminary Therapeutics, a clinical-stage company transforming care with allogeneic cellular therapies.This conversation highlights the strength of the Multiple Myeloma community and the transformative impact of cutting-edge research and personalized care.#MultipleMyeloma #BloodCancerAwareness #PatientInnovations #HealthcareAdvancesAdditional Resources:The MMRF | Multiple Myeloma Research FoundationLeukemia & Lymphoma Society | Blood Cancer Leaders | LLSLymphoma Research Foundation | Research. Community. Cure

In this episode of Patient Innovations, we explore the complexities of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) through the lens of personal experience, medical expertise, and community advocacy. Our guests include Dennik McBride, a courageous sickle cell warrior, who shares her personal journey living with the condition. Dr. Ashish Gupta from the University of Minnesota,  Dr.Gupta largely cares for children and young adults with sickle cell disease who need transplant based therapies. In the episode he provides insight into the latest research and treatment advancements;This episode highlights that there are many challenges, including the implementation of standard guidelines, for adults with sickle cell disease. These include, but not limited to, access to primary and specialty care, transition of care as well as comprehensive sickle cell care. We also have Rae Blaylark, Executive Director of the Sickle Cell Foundation of MN, who highlights the importance of community support, advocacy, and resources for those affected by SCD. Together, they discuss the challenges patients face in navigating healthcare, the impact of SCD on marginalized communities, and the promising future of treatments like gene therapy and bone marrow transplants. For resources and support, The Sickle Cell Foundation can be accessed at  www.sicklecellmn.org . You can calso follow them @sicklecellmn on LinkedIn, FB, IG and Twitter (X).#SickleCellAwareness #HealthcareEquity #PatientAdvocacy #PatientInnovationsPodcast #SickleCellFoundationMN #GeneTherapy #HealthDisparities

In this episode, hosts Rashmi and Mary dive deep into the critical issues of addiction and substance abuse, exploring various aspects of mental health. They are joined by three distinguished guests:Duffy FallonA person in recovery, Duffy shares his personal journey and insights into how his experiences have shaped his work in the mental health field.Sue AbderholdenThe Executive Director of NAMI Minnesota , Sue brings her extensive expertise and advocacy experience to discuss the broader impact of mental health issues on communities and the importance of support systems.  NAMI MN offers both online and in-person support groups for adults living with Mental health and their families.Dr. Jungjin KimMental Health and Addiction Service Line Chief at the   University of Minnesota Medical School , Dr. Kim provides a clinical perspective on addiction, discussing treatment options, research advancements, and the challenges faced by healthcare providers.

Dive into a discussion on Colorectal Cancer, the 3rd most common cancer in the US and worldwide.In this episode of Patient Innovations, Rashmi and Mary speak with three remarkable guests:Meghan Wallace: A recent survivor, Meghan shares her journey from diagnosis to treatment and being cancer-free.Dr. Subree Subramanian: Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Minnesota and co-founder/CSO at EV Therapeutics Inc. Dr. Subramanian discusses cutting-edge immunotherapies to boost the patient’s own immune system.Dr. Ajay Prakash: An award-winning medical oncologist trained at NYU. Dr. Prakash sheds light on existing therapeutic pathways, patient experiences, and the future of colorectal cancer research.Tune in to explore the latest innovations and research in colorectal cancer treatment.#colorectal cancer #healthcareMN #cancerdrugs #patientjourney #Immunotherapy #innovations #UniversityofMN #early screening #devinefoxproductions