Archived Episodes

Population health looks beyond the treatment of individual patients to understand the community, regional and system-level forces shaping health outcomes. That includes inequities driven by race, socioeconomic status, geography, and structural barriers that influence how people live, work, and access care. Host Allison Brashear, MD, MBA, welcomes two guests who are leading this work nationally and here at UB, helping define the future of population health in our region: Leonard E. Egede, MD, and Rebekah J. Walker, PhD.

Aging science is one of the most important areas of medical research. Alzheimer’s disease — affecting more than 6 million Americans — remains one of the most pressing challenges facing older adults and their families, and a key driver of innovation in prevention, diagnosis and care. Listen to guests Ralph H. Benedict, PhD, and Kinga Szigeti, MD, PhD, to learn about UB’s meaningful history in Alzheimer’s research and patient care. And see how UB researchers and clinicians are advancing early detection, expanding access to innovative therapies, and strengthening dementia care across Western New York.

Rare diseases — more than 7,000 conditions affecting 30 million people in the U.S. — are often misdiagnosed or misunderstood because of low prevalence and complex presentations. Listen to a discussion with guests Mark D. Hicar, MD, PhD, and Meagan Collins Hutchinson to find out how the Jacobs School is nurturing a culture that centers on awareness, advocacy, research and community partnership around rare diseases.

Behind high-contact sports, there’s an important story about player safety and the science of brain health. The NFL reported more than 90 concussions during the 2025 season. Countless more were sustained by athletes at all levels around the world, and that's a cause for concern due to potential long-term damage that can occur from a brain injury. Allison Brashear, MD, MBA, is joined by two UB experts whose groundbreaking research is transforming how we diagnose and treat concussions: John J. Leddy, MD, and Nadir Haider, MD, PhD.

Explore the evolving landscape of medical education and the Jacobs School’s commitment to preparing future physicians through innovation, mentorship and holistic support! Allison Brashear, MD, MBA, interviews Alan J. Lesse, MD, and Jennifer A. Meka, PhD.

Artificial intelligence is changing the game in medical research, from modeling molecules to predicting disease risk. Listen to an exciting episode exploring how AI is shaping the future of health care in Western New York. Allison Brashear, MD, MBA, interviews two Jacobs School faculty members: Thomas D. Grant, PhD, and Vincent M. Tutino, PhD!

Listen for a compassionate look at how individuals and communities navigate emotional wellness during the holiday season. Allison Brashear , MD, MBA, hosts a heartfelt conversation with Beth A. Smith, MD, and Susan M. Orrange, MEd, PhD. They explore the intersection of grief, mental health and resilience, highlighting the Jacobs School’s commitment to fostering a culture of compassion and supporting caregivers, students and health care professionals through challenging times.

Tear into the newest frontiers of neurology with two of the Jacobs School’s clinical and research leaders — Daniel Woo, MD, and Melissa L. Rayhill, MD! Together with host Allison Brashear, MD, MBA, these neurology experts break down innovations in stroke prevention and recovery, push into the evolving science of migraines, and spotlight how interdisciplinary collaboration and fearless mentorship are reshaping the future of neurology.

Ready to dive into the momentum of the Jacobs School’s biomedical research scene? Through our biomedical research enterprise, faculty, learners and partners are turning big ideas into breakthroughs. Host Allison Brashear, MD, MBA, and her guest, Marc Halterman, MD, PhD, sit down for an unfiltered look at how research is driving discovery, advancing education, and raising the bar for health across Western New York.

Host Allison Brashear, MD, MBA, and her guests — David A. Milling, MD, and Nancy H. Nielsen, MD, PhD — highlight the need for primary care investment in Buffalo and the Jacobs School’s response through curriculum redesign, policy leadership and strategic partnerships.

These aren’t your average doctors. Host Allison Brashear, MD, MBA, and her guests fire up the mic with unexpected insights as they introduce the podcast, explore where the Jacobs School is headed, and delve into how the school helps address health disparities in the Buffalo and greater Western New York area. Guests are Heather M. Gardiner, PhD, and Timothy F. Murphy.