Kym Mcnicholas On Innovation

This week on The Heart of Innovation, hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips sit down for a powerful, patient-driven holiday special—one that reveals what people living with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) truly wish for this season. PAD is more common than prostate, breast, and colon cancer combined, yet still misunderstood. Our in-studio audience opened up about the physical and emotional toll of this disease—leg pain, cramps, burning, neuropathy, and wounds that won't heal—and the everyday battles most people never see. Their holiday wish list was honest, raw, and deeply human: More doctors trained in advanced limb-saving tools and techniques Fewer preventable amputations related to PAD and diabetes A world where fewer people smoke or vape, as nicotine and cannabis use fuel earlier, more aggressive PAD And a collective wish for patients themselves to enter the new year committed to realistic goals, healthier habits, and becoming active partners in their own care This conversation is heartfelt

Every leg saved has a story behind it — and this week on The Heart of Innovation, you'll meet the nurse practitioners who live those stories every day. Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips chat with four remarkable OhioHealth NPs — Chelsea Jones, Elizabeth Murray, Brittany Byce, and Rebecca Lawler — to share what it's really like to help patients fight peripheral artery disease (PAD) and critical limb ischemia inside a large hospital system. They open up about: The split-second decisions that can mean the difference between amputation and recovery The emotional moments that stay with them long after a shift ends The gaps in care they're constantly trying to close for PAD patients And yes… the hilarious "Nonsense Board" where they log the wild moments that keep them sane It's raw. It's real. It's the life of a limb-saving NP — equal parts heart, grit, urgency, and humor. If you or someone you love is living with PAD, struggling to navigate the system, or wondering what limb-saving care actually looks

This week on The Heart of Innovation, we bring you a true story of grit, muscle, and unwavering determination. Meet Deputy John Dent—20 years on the road in West Virginia law enforcement, a body built for durability, and a diagnosis that threatened it all: peripheral artery disease (PAD). He was the guy who'd outrun everyone in the academy at 275 lbs. He was the guy strides ahead of his peers. Then one day his leg seized up in the cruiser. What seemed like a cramp became a blood-clot. A fasciotomy followed. Then the vascular surgeon told him they might have to amputate. "I said, my leg don't need to be cut off," John says. Instead, he dug in. He changed his life. He stayed active. For over a decade, no further surgery. Just gym work, collateral circulation, and refusal to back down. And here's a twist you'll love: during our conversation, John mentions his work intersecting with a West Virginia documentary spotlighting Appalachian realities. (Think Netflix-style rural exposure.) It's a moment where his law-en

This week, we're featuring someone whose impact on veterans' health spans nearly two decades — John Wordin, a visionary who has transformed how our nation supports wounded warriors, trauma survivors, and veterans living with diabetes, PTSD, and mobility challenges. Wordin's work has been nothing short of groundbreaking. He created Ride 2 Recovery (now Project Hero), helped build more than 300 custom adaptive bikes for injured servicemembers, designed the DoD's Warrior Games, and has personally supported tens of thousands of veterans in their journeys toward physical and emotional recovery. His programs have consistently shown something too often overlooked in traditional care: movement, community, and purpose can change the trajectory of chronic disease, including diabetes — with many veterans reducing or even coming off insulin through structured support and lifestyle change. Recently recognized with the American Exceptionalism Award, Wordin brings a rare combination of innovation, grit, and humanity that ha

In this week's episode, hosts Kym McNicholas and Interventional Cardiologist present Jimontanae "Jae" McBride with the Global PAD Association's  PAD Family Advocate of the Year Award through the Global PAD Impact Awards. This award recognizes Jae's exceptional advocacy journey that began with saving her mother's limbs from amputation. When faced with limited options for her mother's PAD wound care, Jae didn't just accept the status quo—she invented a solution to fill the critical gap in care that threatened her mother's limbs. Her determination led her to contact the Leg Saver Hotline (1-833-PAD-LEGS), pursue multiple medical opinions, and navigate complex healthcare systems with remarkable persistence. Jae's self-education about PAD treatment options enabled her to become an informed, effective advocate who could communicate confidently with healthcare providers. What truly distinguishes Jae is how she transformed her personal experience into a mission to help others. She now shares her knowledge with famili

During this episode, The Global PAD Association recognizes Spectrum Antimicrobials as the recipient of the 2025-26 Breakthrough in CLI Wound Care Award! Their stabilized HOCl-based formula has proven transformative for patients with critical limb ischemia whose wounds refused to heal—even after blood flow was restored. Through science grounded in compassion, Spectrum Antimicrobials has demonstrated how targeted wound chemistry can help patients move from limb threat to limb salvage. Join us for this episode of The Heart of Innovation for a live virtual presentation and interview with CEO Hoji Alimi and Co-founder Bill Watson as we explore the patient stories, the science, and the hope driving this breakthrough in wound care. This innovation is redefining what's possible when vascular and wound care work together. #CLI #WoundCare #PAD #LimbSalvage #HOCl #SpectrumAntimicrobials #BreakthroughAward #GlobalPAD #PatientImpact #peripheralarterydiseaes #criticallimbischemia #woundcare #globalpadassociation

In this episode of The Heart of Innovation, host Kym McNicholas sits down with Dr. Sid Rao, one of the nation’s pioneers in transarterial embolization (TAE) — a minimally invasive procedure offering new hope for patients with osteoarthritis. Dr. Rao explains how TAE targets abnormal blood vessels that drive chronic inflammation in the joints, sparing healthy tissue while reducing pain and improving mobility. The discussion explores the procedure’s evolution from treating knee arthritis to now addressing hand osteoarthritis, with early data showing up to 70% of patients achieving complete pain relief within six months. Kym also shares her father’s experience undergoing the procedure at Vascular Solutions of North Carolina, highlighting the real-world impact of restored function, better sleep, and renewed independence. Together, they discuss patient selection, long-term outcomes, and the growing need for physician training to expand access to this innovative therapy. Keywords: transarterial embolization, osteoa

When Coach Prime, Deion Sanders, left a recent Colorado game in pain from another blood clot, headlines focused on his toes and his comeback. But few understood what his story actually exposes: the difference between arterial and venous clots — and why that distinction can mean the difference between life, limb, and legacy. On this week’s Heart of Innovation, I sat down with Dr. Esteban Henao of Albuquerque, NM, and Dr. John Phillips, interventional cardiologist and co-host, to unpack the science, the stories, and the stakes behind blood clots — timed to World Thrombosis Day. We discuss: – Why Deion’s “perfect storm” of diabetes, aneurysmal disease, and hereditary hypercoagulability makes his case so complex – How arterial clots (often linked to PAD and plaque buildup) differ from venous clots that can cause deadly pulmonary embolisms – What warning signs too many patients and clinicians still miss – Why who you are can determine how quickly you’re treated — and how equity in vascular care could save thousand

This week on The Heart of Innovation, our Save My Piggies series features a powerful story of courage, compassion, and cutting-edge care. Meet Benny, a Dallas patient who nearly lost his leg to advanced Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) — and the physician who helped him reclaim his life. Dr. Marc Salhanick, a vascular specialist in Dallas, shares how a minimally invasive procedure using a new, retractable stent helped restore blood flow in the small vessels below the knee, giving Benny a second chance to walk and to live without fear of amputation. Benny opens up about the emotional toll of PAD, the frustration of delayed diagnosis, and the moment he finally found a care team that listened and acted. His journey highlights both the devastating gaps in PAD care and the hope that exists when awareness and access come together.

Join hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips as they go LIVE from Vascular Solutions of North Carolina's 1st Annual Multidisciplinary Conference with Patient Pro Marketing CEO Justin Lesh. Discover how interventional specialists and orthopedic doctors are collaborating to offer groundbreaking minimally invasive treatments for knee, foot, hand, and shoulder osteoarthritis. Learn about new pain relief options for patients who aren't candidates for surgery but deserve life-changing care. Don't miss this inside look at the future of osteoarthritis treatment and how Patient Pro Marketing is helping connect patients with these innovative solutions. #OsteoarthritisInnovation #PatientCare #MinimallyInvasive

Join us THIS SATURDAY, September 27th, on "The Heart of Innovation" as we honor Dr. Sara Rose-Sauld, DPM, of MGH, Boston, MA with our U.S. PAD Podiatrist of the Year Award! Hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips, along with special guest world-renowned Podiatrist Dr. David Alper, will interview Dr. Rose-Sauld about her extraordinary contributions to PAD care. Selected by patients themselves, Dr. Rose-Sauld has demonstrated exceptional dedication to improving the lives of those with Peripheral Artery Disease. Patients consistently praise her ability to explain complex PAD issues in understandable terms while providing compassionate care that addresses both physical and emotional needs. What truly sets Dr. Rose-Sauld apart is her remarkable success in healing complex wounds and preventing amputations, all while ensuring patients feel respected, heard, and empowered throughout their treatment journey. Don't miss this special episode showcasing a healthcare provider who's saving limbs and changing lives! W

Congratulations to the exceptional Kaiser Permanente vascular research team in Northern California led by Dr. Gaurav Sharma and Dr. Robert Chang for receiving this prestigious honor as “Walking As Therapy Research Team of the Year” through the Global PAD Impact Awards, presented by the Global PAD Association! Walking As Therapy Research Team members Dr. Robert Chang, Dr. Gaurav Sharma, Dr. Joy Garg, Crystal Short, Noelle Blick, and Hanan Krayem are transforming PAD management and proving that sometimes the most powerful medicine is simply putting one foot in front of the other. This innovative team is pioneering groundbreaking research on remote Supervised Exercise Therapy (SET) for Walking, using a novel app with a “Peloton Style” experience designed specifically for patients with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). What also sets their program apart is the comprehensive follow-up support that extends beyond the initial three-month, 36-session program. This extended care significantly improves patient compli

Join us for an interview with Dr. Grigorios Korosoglou, our 2025 Global PAD Interventional Angiologist of the Year, on the Heart of Innovation Radio Show!

On this episode of The Heart of Innovation, we are continuing we are joining the Global PAD Association in honoring a pioneer in treatment for a disease more prevalent and deadlier than most cancers combined. It's Peripheral Artery Disease, poor circulation in the legs that if left undiagnosed and untreated early can lead to amputation.  We are presenting the “Lifetime Achievement Award” in PAD care to Dr. Marco Manzi, the pioneering interventional radiologist from Padua, Italy, whose groundbreaking techniques have revolutionized limb salvage worldwide! For over two decades, Dr. Manzi has been at the forefront of developing and teaching distal revascularization techniques that have transformed “amputation cases” into limb salvage success stories. His work at Policlinico Abano Terme has become a global beacon for physicians seeking to master advanced endovascular techniques. What truly distinguishes Dr. Manzi is his unwavering philosophy: “Why not try?” When others see amputation as inevitable, he sees an oppo

In this episode of The Heart of Innovation with hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips, we are kicking off PAD Awareness Month to raise awareness of peripheral artery disease (PAD), a disease more prevalent and deadlier than most cancers combined. Leg pain, leg cramps, and neuropathy are all indications of poor circulation that could signal PAD. We begin our celebration with the first of 40 Global PAD Impact Awards, honoring the most impactful contributors in the space. The Global PAD Association proudly recognizes “Amputation Nation” by Even Keel Productions with this year’s Best PAD Awareness Video Award! Producers Chris Wooley and Wayne Dickmann have created a powerful visual narrative that exposes the hidden epidemic of preventable amputations in America. Through compelling storytelling and expert testimonials, their documentary shines a crucial light on peripheral artery disease and its devastating consequences when left undiagnosed or undertreated. “Amputation Nation” stands out for its emotional im

Don't miss this week's "Heart of Innovation" podcast as hosts Kym McNicholas (Global PAD Association CEO) and Dr. John Phillips (Interventional Cardiologist) welcome an extraordinary guest - Dr. Kevin Morgan (PhD)! At 82, Dr. Morgan isn't just surviving with Peripheral Artery Disease—he's THRIVING as a competitive triathlete, recently placing 3rd in his age group at the 2023 World Ironman Championships! His new book "Peripheral Artery Disease Training Plan For PAD Heroes: From Amputees to Athletes" reveals the 14-week training program that's kept him competing despite 100% blockage in his right popliteal artery.

In this episode, host Kym McNicholas and guest co-host Dr. Michael "Misha" Ginsburg" entertain a discussion on innovative treatments for hand and wrist osteoarthritis, featuring both embolization and orthopedic perspectives. Dr. Yuji Okuno, founder of the Okuno Clinic and pioneer of the “Okuno Method,” will share insights on his groundbreaking approach to treating osteoarthritis pain. Since first reporting his technique in 2012, Dr. Okuno has transformed arthritis management by targeting abnormal blood vessels in pain-producing tissues rather than using conventional approaches. The Okuno Method stands out for its ability to address the root cause of osteoarthritis pain with minimal recurrence, normal tissue repair, and no restrictions on daily activities post-procedure. Dr. Assaf Kadar brings the orthopedic surgeon’s perspective to the conversation. As a clinical and academic leader in hand and wrist biomechanics at the HULC bioengineering lab, Dr. Kadar specializes in developing new suspensionplasty hand and

Blood Work Decoded: Understanding the "Why" Behind Heart Disease and PAD Saturday LIVE on "The Heart of Innovation," Global PAD Association CEO Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips welcome vascular surgeon Dr. Lily Johnston from Scripps La Jolla in California to discuss the root causes of peripheral artery disease and heart conditions. Dr. Johnston brings her extensive background (Princeton, Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins) to explore how advanced blood work can reveal underlying issues that traditional approaches might miss. She'll decode: • What your lipid panel actually means for your vascular health • Key blood cell markers everyone should understand • Why anemia frequently accompanies cardiovascular conditions • Which specialized tests to discuss with your doctor As founder of the Vascular Health Institute, Dr. Johnston takes a metabolic approach to vascular disease, focusing on prevention and addressing underlying causes rather than just managing symptoms. Have questions about PAD diagnosis, treatment option

Ever wonder what it’s like to search the ENTIRE country for the right doctor while dealing with excruciating leg pain and diabetes that won’t quit? Our guest Pat is sharing his wild journey finding help for his advanced Peripheral Artery Disease and Type 2 Diabetes. Pat was determined not to let PAD stop him from traveling and living life on his terms. He’ll reveal how the Global PAD Association’s leg saver hotline and our very own podcast became his roadmap through the medical maze! You’ll learn: • The surprising differences between vascular medicine specialists, vascular surgeons, interventional cardiologists, and interventional radiologists • Red flags that told Pat when a doctor WASN’T right for his case • The critical questions every PAD patient should ask before treatment Plus, there’s a MAJOR PLOT TWIST about which doctor Pat ultimately chose (hint: it’s someone pretttty familiar to our listeners

Hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips talks with world renowned diabetes reversal and vascular expert Dr. Michael Dansinger about a connection most men never consider - what sperm health reveals about heart disease risk and risk of other chronic illnesses Turns out male reproductive issues might be your body's early warning system for cardiovascular problems as well as other chronic health issues. Dr. Dansinger breaks down the science behind this unexpected link and what it means for preventive care. Not the conversation you expected from The Heart of Innovation, but possibly one of our most important.   #menshealth #heartdisease #sperm #healthinsights #healthinnovation #theheartofinnovation #peripheralarterydisease