In this episode of the Patient Innovations Podcast, Rashmi Kandwal and Mary MacCarthy explore one of the most complex and underrecognized conditions affecting millions of women: chronic pelvic pain. Defined as pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis lasting longer than six months, chronic pelvic pain can stem from a wide range of causes — from uterine dysfunction and neuropathic pain to hormonal and mood-related conditions. Because the condition is multifaceted, effective treatment almost always requires an integrated, multidisciplinary approach.

The conversation begins with patient guest Kaleigh Karlen, a high school science teacher from Denver whose personal journey highlights the day-to-day realities of navigating symptoms, stigma, delayed diagnosis, and fragmented care. Kaleigh shares what has helped her most — including pelvic floor therapy, electrical therapy, and lifestyle changes talks about Beating Endo, a book that helped her understand the link between endometriosis, inflammation, and diet. Her story offers a candid look at how CPP affects mental health, work, relationships, and identity, and the hope that emerges when patients finally feel heard.

The clinical perspective comes from Dr. Kaitlin Baily, a Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in pelvic health. Dr. Baily explains why chronic pelvic pain is so difficult to treat and underscores how many of her patients experience meaningful improvement through evidence-based pelvic rehab. She dispels common misconceptions, emphasizes the role of consistent PT, and outlines why multidisciplinary care is essential for long-term recovery.

The episode closes with an innovation-forward discussion featuring Dr. Yingchun Zhang, Co-founder and President of HillMed and Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Miami. Dr. Zhang introduces HillMed’s EMG imaging system, which produces a clear and comprehensive map of muscles and nerves to pinpoint optimal treatment and injection sites. This precision mapping is designed to support better outcomes, faster recovery, and more comfortable patient experiences, and reflects how patient feedback continues to shape HillMed’s research and design.

Together, these three perspectives paint a comprehensive picture of a condition that is too often misunderstood and undertreated — and they spotlight the hope, progress, and innovation emerging in this space.

#ChronicPelvicPain #PatientInnovations #HealthcareMN #PelvicPain #PublicHealth #ChronicIllness #HealthEquity #PatientStories #HealthcareInnovation #Resilience

What is Long COVID—and why does it persist for some people but not others? Why do symptoms vary so widely—from fatigue and brain fog to shortness of breath and heart palpitations? And how are clinicians and public health leaders working to better understand and support those affected?

In this episode of Patient Innovations, Rashmi and Mary kick off the new season diving into one of the most complex health challenges to emerge in recent years—Long COVID, a condition with no known standard of care and a growing need for awareness, research, and compassion.

Our guests bring deeply personal and professional perspectives to this evolving condition:

• Senator Lindsey Port, Minnesota State Senator, shares her lived experience navigating life, work, and treatment with Long COVID—and the struggles she’s faced with insurance coverage and care access.
• Dr. Ruby Tam, physician with the ME/CFS Clinic, runs a free clinic that offers a clinical perspective on what she’s seeing among patients, how her team helps them manage symptoms, and why treating Long COVID remains such a challenge.
• Kate Murray, from the Minnesota Department of Health, discusses one of the nation’s first statewide public health initiatives focused on Long COVID research and awareness—and the power of collaboration in driving progress.

Long COVID is real—and it’s life-altering for many.

While symptoms vary, the most common include fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, and post-exertional malaise. For some, recovery is slow and unpredictable.

Be your own champion.

Patients often face skepticism or delayed diagnosis. Listen to your body, document your symptoms, and connect with clinicians who understand post-viral conditions. If one provider isn’t listening—find another, and then another.

Find your community.

Join care and support groups to learn, connect, and navigate insurance or access challenges. Long COVID remains widely misunderstood and under diagnosed—but community can help bridge those gaps.

Certain groups are more affected.

Women, Hispanic and Latino communities, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions are at higher risk. Stressful living conditions can also worsen symptoms, as stress often manifests as inflammation.

Innovation and collaboration are key.

Minnesota’s public health initiatives and clinical partnerships are leading the way in building awareness, research, and resources for those living with Long COVID. There’s a long road ahead, but progress is happening—join the movement and access available support.

• Minnesota Department of Health — Long COVID Resources: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/longcovid
• CDC Long COVID Overview: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/long-term-effects
• ME/CFS Clinic Information: https://www.mecfsclinicmn.org

#LongCOVID #PatientInnovations #HealthcareMN #PostCOVIDCare #PublicHealth #ChronicIllness #HealthEquity #PatientStories #HealthcareInnovation #Resilience

In this episode of Patient Innovations, co-hosts Mary MacCarthy and Rashmi Kandwal explore Multiple Sclerosis (MS)—a complex neurological disease that affects nearly 3 million people globally, including over 1 million Americans. MS disproportionately impacts women, and studies show higher prevalence in northern states like Minnesota, which has the highest rates in the country.

Guests include:

• Mary Johnson, MS patient and advocate
• Dr. Jessica Stulc, Director of MS Treatment & Research, Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology
• Kathleen O’Donnell, President, Upper Midwest Chapter, National MS Society

Together, they shed light on early symptoms, lived experiences, the current state of MS research, and the power of advocacy, partnerships, and community in creating hope for those impacted by MS.