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In this episode, we’re breaking down one of the most misunderstood medications in healthcare today: fentanyl.

Often associated with alarming headlines and the dangers of illicit drug use, fentanyl can sound intimidating to patients. But in a hospital setting, it plays a very different role; one that is carefully controlled, highly effective, and essential for managing pain in certain medical situations.

We are joined by Dr. Jeff Jolliff, the Director of Pharmacy Programs and Residency Program Director for the Department of Pharmacy at Kern Medical, to help separate fact from fiction. We discuss what fentanyl is, why it’s used in hospitals, how it’s safely administered, and what patients should know if it’s part of their care.

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Weight loss shots are everywhere right now — semaglutide, tirzepatide, peptides… but what’s actually safe and what should you avoid? 👀
In this episode of Health for Life, endocrinologist Dr. Sangeeta Chandramahanti explains how these medications work, who they’re for, and how they can even help conditions like PCOS. She also discusses side effects, why some patients regain weight after stopping the injections, what sustainable and realistic weight-loss goals actually look like, and the real risks of buying them online. Before you try one, this is an episode you’ll want to hear.

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In this episode of Health for Life, we’re diving into all things thyroid with Dr. Sangeeta Chandramahanti, a board-certified endocrinologist specializing in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism. Dr. Chandra explains what the thyroid does, the key differences between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, and what symptoms can look like at different ages — from young adults to older patients.

We also discuss how thyroid conditions can impact fertility, pregnancy, and overall hormonal balance, plus when it’s important to seek care.

Whether you’re managing a thyroid condition, thinking about starting a family, or simply want to better understand how your hormones affect your overall health, this episode is packed with practical, easy-to-understand insights.

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This month, we’re joined by Dr. Najib Ussef, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with expertise in sports medicine and general orthopedics. With a deep understanding of joint health and injury prevention, Dr. Ussef works with patients of all ages to help them stay active, recover from injuries, and avoid common pitfalls that come with jumping back into fitness — especially at the start of a new year.

Dr. Ussef shares his journey into orthopedic sports medicine and offers practical, evidence-based advice for anyone looking to build a sustainable, injury-free workout routine. We talk about the most common mistakes people make when returning to exercise, how to recognize early warning signs of overuse or strain, and how joint health evolves with age.

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In this December episode of Health for Life, we’re joined by Dr. Ranjani Panithi, a highly experienced pediatrician at Kern Medical, to talk about Respiratory Syncytial Virus — better known as RSV. As cases tend to spike in the winter months, Dr. Panithi helps us understand what RSV is, how it spreads, and which children are most at risk for severe illness.

We discuss the latest prevention tools, including new immunizations and maternal vaccines, how to care for children with RSV at home, and when it’s time to seek medical attention. Whether you're a new parent, caregiver, or just want to stay informed this cold and flu season, this episode offers expert insight to help keep your little ones safe and healthy.

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In this episode of Health for Life, we’re joined by a pediatric endocrinologist to explore the fascinating world of hormones and how they impact children’s health. From growth and puberty to diabetes and gender-affirming care, the endocrine system plays a critical role in many aspects of childhood development.

We’ll break down what endocrinology is, the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and how early signs of hormone imbalances can affect a child’s physical and emotional well-being. Our guest also sheds light on growth hormone therapy, and puberty challenges.

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or just curious about how hormones shape our health, this episode is full of valuable insights and practical takeaways.

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In this episode of Health for Life, we’re joined by Dr. Tung Trang, Chief of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Oncology at Kern Medical. As the only head and neck cancer surgeon in Kern County and the physician behind the county’s first implantable hearing aid, Dr. Trang brings unmatched expertise to the table.

We explore the growing concern of hearing loss in the age of earbuds and constant audio exposure — especially among younger populations. Dr. Trang breaks down how modern listening habits are impacting our ears, how to recognize early signs of damage, and what you can do to protect your hearing for the long haul.

Plus, we dive into the do’s and don’ts of ear cleaning (spoiler: step away from the cotton swabs) and hear about some of the most unusual objects Dr. Trang has found lodged in patients’ ears — you won’t want to miss it!

Whether you're a daily earbud user or just curious about your ear health, this episode is full of practical tips, surprising stories, and expert insight from one of the nation’s top ENT surgeons.

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Have you ever wondered what it really takes to become a doctor? In this episode of Health for Life, we sit down with Dr. Amir Berjis to break down the journey to becoming a physician—from the first spark of interest in high school to medical school, residency, and beyond. Whether you're a student considering a career in medicine or just curious about the process, Dr. Berjis offers insight into every stage, including how to prepare, what challenges to expect, and how to stay motivated.

We also dive into the unique opportunities available at Kern Medical, including our robust residency and fellowship programs that are shaping the next generation of physicians right here in the Central Valley.

Read more: https://www.kernmedical.com/academics/medical-student-education/