MedLink Health Connections Podcast

Fifty years is more than a number. It represents thousands of patients cared for, challenges faced head-on, and communities supported along the way. In this episode, we sit down with MedLink Georgia CEO Dave Ward to talk about how MedLink grew from a single small clinic into a trusted healthcare network serving thousands of people, while always keeping patients first. 

Tune in for a meaningful look back and an exciting loo...

Many people still hold outdated beliefs about HIV, leading to fear, missed testing, and preventable infections. In this episode, Dr. Wagenbrenner, an internal medicine physician at MedLink, breaks down the essentials—how HIV affects the immune system, how it differs from AIDS, and why accurate information saves lives. We cover national and Georgia-specific stats, real transmission risks, and the common myths science has long dispro...

 Cold and flu season is here, and we’re breaking it all down with Dr. Teresa Jacobs, Clinical Director at the Georgia Primary Care Association. In this episode, Dr. Jacobs explains the key differences between a cold and the flu, what symptoms matter most, and how to know when a fever or body aches signal something more serious. We also cover simple, effective ways to protect yourself—like handwashing, rest, hydration, healthy foods...

Diabetes can feel overwhelming until the pieces click. In this episode, Registered Dietitian Jennifer Wright joins us to break down what diabetes is, how blood sugar and insulin work, and what those numbers like A1C and fasting glucose really mean.

We cover early warning signs, simple lifestyle changes that make a big impact, and how stress, sleep, and even caffeine can affect your blood sugar. Jennifer also shares practical tips fo...

Many parents have questions about childhood vaccines and how the recommended schedule helps protect their children’s health. In this episode, pediatric experts Jennifer Rubner and Dr. Elizabeth Reece discuss how vaccines work, why timing matters, and what parents can expect at each stage of the schedule.

They explain how vaccines help prevent illnesses such as pertussis, polio, pneumococcus, and rotavirus, and share insights about h...

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we’re sitting down with Dona Miller, a mammogram technologist at MedLink Georgia, to talk about the importance of mammograms, what to expect during the process, and how early detection can save lives.

Dona helps clear up common myths, explains when to start screenings, and shares tips to make the experience more comfortable. Whether it’s your first mammogram or a reminder to schedule you...

Have you ever noticed your shoulders tensing up during a stressful moment? Or felt your heart racing before a big presentation? These aren't coincidences—they're powerful examples of the mind-body connection at work in your daily life.

In this enlightening conversation with Jordan Hoffman, Director of Behavioral Health Services at Medlink, we uncover the science behind how our physical and mental health systems c...

Ever felt like you're the only one overthinking every social interaction while everyone else navigates life effortlessly? Our conversation with Patricia Watley, a licensed clinical social worker at MedLink, reveals the truth: we're all just trying to keep our heads above water.

Patricia breaks down anxiety with refreshing clarity, describing it as "an unhealthy hyper-awareness" that creates "uncomf...

Ever wondered why bedtime turns your sweet child into a professional negotiator? Sleep isn’t just rest—it’s the foundation of your child’s growth, learning, and emotional wellbeing.

In this episode, Dr. Kelly Montgomery, pediatrician at MedLink Georgia, explains how sleep fuels physical health, sharpens memory and learning, and helps regulate mood and behavior. She also reveals how lack of sleep can disguise itself as hyperactivity,...

Summer brings outdoor fun—and serious risks for young riders. Pediatrician Dr. Elizabeth Reece and pediatric nurse practitioner Jennifer Rubner from MedLink share essential safety tips to help families avoid ER visits.

They go beyond basic helmet advice, explaining why fit matters, hand-me-downs don’t cut it, and why even short rides need protection. The episode also tackles ATV and dirt bike safety, emphasizing that these are power...

Summer fun comes with hidden risks—but pediatrician Dr. Elizabeth Reece and pediatric nurse practitioner Jennifer Rubner are here to help. In this episode, they share expert tips on sun protection, trampoline safety, and insect bite prevention every parent should know.

Learn why sunscreen matters even on cloudy days, how to apply it effectively, and what to do for babies under six months. Discover why most trampoline injuries happen...

Summertime in Georgia means fun in the water—but it also brings serious safety concerns. Pediatric experts Dr. Elizabeth Reece and Jennifer Rubner, PNP, share life-saving insights on how to keep kids safe around pools, lakes, and boats.

Drowning is often silent, not dramatic. That’s why constant, undistracted supervision is critical—even for strong swimmers. The conversation covers surprising statistics, such as teens being the seco...

Diabetes can silently damage your eyes long before you notice any vision changes. In this episode, ophthalmologist Dr. Evans explains how high blood sugar affects the tiny vessels in your retina—and how early detection can help prevent permanent vision loss.

With clear analogies and expert insight, Dr. Evans walks us through the stages of diabetic eye disease, why the brain might hide signs of vision loss, and how lifestyle changes ...

What if healthcare came to where students already are?
At the Hawks Health Center in Hall County, that's exactly what's happening. Located on the Chicopee Woods Campus, this full-service clinic removes barriers to care by offering checkups, vaccinations, chronic condition management, and behavioral health support—right on campus.

By reducing missed school, minimizing parents' time away from work, and offering tra...

Feeling constantly on edge, like you're waiting for the next shoe to drop? You're not alone. Stress affects everyone—but understanding it and learning to manage it can make a big difference.

Licensed clinical social worker Savannah Smith explains stress as a natural response and how to recognize it through signs like irritability, fatigue, and overwhelm. Awareness, she says, is the crucial first step to addressing it.

Smith...

Struggling with intense emotions or relationship challenges? You’re not alone — and there’s help. In this episode, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Caroline Broom from MedLink Georgia walks us through Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a powerful approach that blends validation with meaningful change.

Caroline breaks down practical DBT tools like mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation — including the life-changing T...

What happens when patients can finally afford the medication they truly need instead of settling for what they can pay for? The answer is transformative healthcare.

Pharmacy Director Dennis Kimbrell shares a surprising revelation from his experience with the 340B drug pricing program at MedLink. When he first joined the organization, he expected to help patients save money on their existing medications. Instead, he discove...

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable yet deadly cancers if left undetected. Dr. Nicole Powell, DNP, a family nurse practitioner at MedLink Winder, shares key facts about this common condition.

She explains how colorectal cancer develops from small polyps that can become cancerous and highlights a critical update: screening now starts at age 45 instead of 50 due to rising cases in younger adults.

Dr. Powell breaks down scr...

Is your child struggling with eczema and allergies? Pediatrician Dr. Elizabeth Reese and nurse practitioner Jennifer Rubner share practical tips to help. Discover gentle soap alternatives, the best post-bath routine, and when to seek medical help for infections. Learn about the link between eczema and allergies, the impact of pets, and the benefits of consistent allergy medication. Get expert advice on when to see an allergist and ...