In the newest episode of the miniVHAN podcast, we sit down with Terrell Smith, MSN, RN, the recently retired senior director of Patient and Family Engagement at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. With over five decades of experience, Terrell shares heartfelt anecdotes and insights into the challenges caregivers face daily. We shine a spotlight on these unsung heroes, exploring the emotional and physical toll of caregiving and the vital importance of community support.

This episode addresses caregiving as a significant public health issue, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and examining how caregiving can be integrated into preventive health care practices. As we explore the evolving landscape of caregiving within value-based care models, Terrell shares valuable advice for caregivers on managing their roles and maintaining self-care. This episode is a call to action for health care providers to recognize caregivers' pivotal role and ensure they are equipped with necessary resources and support.

This episode of the miniVHAN spotlights the work of Interfaith Dental, a Middle Tennessee nonprofit that helps vulnerable populations achieve and sustain a healthy smile. Rhonda Switzer-Nadasdi, DMD, the organization's visionary CEO, walks us through Interfaith Dental's modest beginnings in 1995 and evolution into a cornerstone community resource that has rapidly adapted to break down barriers in health care. Our conversation shows how the organization has expanded services to patients of all ages and addressed social determinants of health through innovative solutions like teledentistry, walk-in days and community dental health workers.

In this episode, we explore the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model with our guest, Liz Pierce, MD, pediatric regional medical director for the Vanderbilt Health Affiliated Network. With over 30 years of experience in pediatrics, Dr. Pierce shares her invaluable insights into how this physician-led, team-based care model can enhance patient outcomes.

The PCMH model, rooted in the principles of coordinated and comprehensive care, seeks to centralize the patient's medical journey and make health care more accessible and effective. Because implementing the model can be a challenge, Dr. Pierce discusses the pivotal role of PCMH champions within organizations and highlights state programs that offer financial aid and coaching to ease the transition.

For those eager to embark on the journey toward PCMH designation, Dr. Pierce walks us down the path of achieving and maintaining PCMH certification, a designation granted by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). We also invite listeners to use the resources from this episode to learn more.