The Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists (SCA) is launching a new podcast series titled Health Equity Awareness and Reflection (H.E.A.R.). This podcast, available through SCA University starting June 2025, aims to provide an audio library of conversations with experts in education, research, patient care, and health policy. The discussions will focus on quality, safety, access to care, and outcomes in peri-procedural care for patients with cardiovascular disorders. The H.E.A.R. Podcast is designed for asynchronous learning and aims to address health equity in peri-operative cardiovascular medicine.
The podcast series will feature national and international leaders in cardiovascular and thoracic anesthesiology, as well as experts from other healthcare specialties. Monthly episodes will be disseminated through SCA University, covering topics such as health disparities, leadership in health equity, innovation in medical education, and strategies for community engagement. Dr. Trevor Sutton, an expert in the area and a member of the Health Equity and Professional Advancement Committee (HEPAC), will host this podcast. The long-term goals include developing a small group of hosts to add variety to the podcast and maintaining international collaboration by interviewing leaders in health equity. The podcast aims to enhance accessibility through features like closed captions and audio transcripts and plans to broaden its reach through social media advertising and public platforms. The H.E.A.R. Podcast is expected to support community building within the SCA and advance health equity in peri-operative cardiovascular medicine globally.
Episode 1 – Professor Palesa Motshabi Chakane Pt. 1
This is Part 1 of a conversation with Professor Palesa Motshabi Chakana, Past President of the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia Society of Southern Africa and Head of the Department of Anesthesiology at Witswaterund School of Medicine in Johannesburg, South Africa. Our conversation examines global health challenges in South Africa and regions of continental Africa, focusing on considerations related to the presentation of cardiovascular illnesses and challenges related to available health care resources and infrastructure.
Episode 2 – Professor Palesa Motshabi Chakane Pt. 2
This is Part 2 of our conversation with Professor Palesa Motshabi Chakane. Today we discuss opportunities in cardiovascular anesthesia training in university settings in Africa.
Episode 3 – Interview with Dr. Bantanyehu Sileshi
Our guest is Dr. Bantanyehu Sileshi, a cardiac anesthesiologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Dr. Sileshi is a co-investigator for IMPACT Africa, an initiative focused on improving anesthesia education capacity in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Tanzania and improving perioperative outcomes in Rwanda. Dr. Sileshi shares the goals, achievements, and future trajectory of IMPACT Africa.