Health on the Map, a new podcast from Mount Marty University, recently launched with an episode expected to be released at least once a month. The University’s president, Dr. Marc Long, is the host of the program, with providers, policymakers, educators, and students to uncover the gaps, challenges, and opportunities rural communities face.
“This podcast is an important place to begin the conversation on how to improve rural healthcare, especially across the Plains,” said Long. “Many academic medical centers and big health systems focus on urban areas, but rural and tribal communities have their own significant health challenges. Health on the Map will explore many of those issues.”
The first episode features nurse practitioner and endocrine specialist Dr. Chris Yedinak on the dynamics of diabetes in rural communities. Yedinak is the endocrinology program director at Mount Marty University. More than 50% of adults in the United States have diabetes or pre-diabetes, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mount Marty launched a post-master’s certificate in endocrinology for nurse practitioners last year, adding to its extensive master’s and doctoral studies in nursing.
Long said that increasing access to healthcare and driving down costs is a driving force behind the conversations in the podcast. “The more we talk about the healthcare problems in our region, the more Mount Marty can develop providers and leaders to care for residents. I am thrilled to be talking with so many accomplished and compassionate people who want to help.”
Health on the Map is available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
