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PQI PODCAST

The PQI Podcast, presented by NCODA, Inc., hosts clinical and administrative experts in oncology providing insight on important industry topics and how they value the Positive Quality Intervention (PQI) resource for their practice. In addition, the podcast highlights patient stories of hope, determination and how patient-centered care has impacted their cancer journey. 

Hosted by:

Ginger Blackmon, PharmD

Associate Director of Clinical Initiatives

SEASON 8

NEW EPISODE!

Ep. 6: Empowering Cancer Survivors & Caregivers with Manta Cares

This week, we welcome Samira Daswani, founder of Manta Cares, who turned her own cancer journey into a mission to support patients and caregivers. We’ll explore the tools she’s created, like the Manta Planner and subway-style care maps, and how her podcast, Patient from Hell, is amplifying patient voices in a powerful way.
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As a cancer survivor, Samira knows firsthand the challenges of navigating the cancer journey. Driven by her own experience, she created Manta Cares to provide survivors and caregivers with tools that offer both practical support and peace of mind.

We’ll talk about how her personal story shaped the mission behind Manta Cares, including innovative resources like the Manta Planner and the unique subway-style maps that guide patients through the often-overwhelming process of cancer care.

Samira is also the host of Patient from Hell, a top-ranked podcast on Spotify, where she shares powerful stories from the frontlines of patient advocacy, reminding us of all of the strength it takes to face the challenges of healthcare.

Join us as we explore the intersection of personal experience, healthcare innovation, and the emotional challenges of cancer care

Learn more at: MantaCares.com

Ep. 5: Cancer Care Beyond Walls with Jen Hunze

For many cancer patients, the journey to treatment can be just as challenging as the treatment itself. What if that journey could be shortened—by bringing care directly to their homes? In this episode of the podcast, we’re joined by Jennifer Hunsey, BSN, RN, from Mayo Clinic Florida, to explore the innovative Cancer Care Beyond Walls initiative – a groundbreaking program bringing oncology treatments directly to patients, minimizing barriers to care, and reducing the burden of travel.
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In this episode of the podcast, we’re joined by Jennifer Hunsey, BSN, RN, Nursing Program Coordinator at Mayo Clinic Florida, to explore the innovative Cancer Care Beyond Walls initiative. This groundbreaking program is bringing oncology treatments directly to patients, minimizing barriers to care, and reducing the burden of travel. Jennifer discusses how the Mayo Clinic uses technology and a patient-centered approach to deliver chemotherapy and supportive care in the comfort of patients’ homes.

We learn the inspiration behind this initiative, the role of virtual oversight and home health nursing, as well as the challenges faced and the patient experiences that have shaped the program. Jennifer also shares exciting insights into future expansion plans that could reshape how cancer care is delivered.

This episode offers a powerful look at the future of oncology care—listen now to discover the Cancer Care Beyond Walls program’s impact on patients and the importance of expanding care beyond traditional settings.

Jennifer Hunze, BSN, RN, the RN Program Coordinator for Mayo Clinic’s Cancer Care Beyond Walls program. With over 20 years of nursing experience—17 of those in oncology—Jen has worked in various roles, including inpatient hematology, infusion nursing, and cancer treatment management. She now leads efforts to develop innovative cancer care delivery models aimed at improving access and the overall patient experience.

Ep. 4: International Women's Day with Chara Reid-Reed, PharmD

In this special International Women’s Day episode, Chara Reed, Senior Director of National Sales, shares her 30+ years of experience in pharmacy and healthcare. From starting as a pharmacy technician to leading in the specialty medication space, Chara talks about the importance of mentorship, leadership, and empowering women in pharmacy.
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From her start as a pharmacy technician to leading in the infusion space, Chara has built a career centered on leadership, mentorship, and advocating for women in the field. As the founder of the Pharmacist Women Networking Association, she’s dedicated to fostering connections and empowering the next generation of female leaders. Listen in as Chara shares insights on career growth, leadership, and the value of building a supportive professional network.

Disclaimer: The views expressed by Chara Reed in this episode are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of her employer.

Ep. 3: Connecting Care: How CareFlash Communities Support Patients & Families with Jay Drayer and Steven Paulson, MD

Cancer care goes beyond treatment—it’s about building emotional and informational support systems for patients and their families. In this episode, Jay Drayer, founder of CareFlash, and Steven Paulson, MD, President and Chair of Texas Oncology, discuss how CareFlash communities are empowering patients and caregivers to stay connected, share updates, and navigate the emotional challenges of caregiving together.
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Jay founded CareFlash in 2005, inspired by his personal caregiving experiences. He brings a unique blend of financial expertise, strategic vision, and a deep passion for innovation to his work. Through platforms like Careopolis, Kiddopolis, and Petopolis, CareFlash helps families and loved ones navigate caregiving with empathy and connection.

Dr. Paulson, a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist, leads Texas Oncology, one of the largest cancer treatment organizations in the country. With a distinguished career spanning decades, he has been instrumental in advancing oncology care and ensuring patients receive cutting-edge treatments in a compassionate, community-based setting.

Together, Jay and Dr. Paulson share insights into the role of connection in patient care, how CareFlash enhances communication among caregivers, and what excites Dr. Paulson about the future of oncology.

For more information on CareFlash, visit CareFlash.com.

Ep. 2: Leveraging Mobile Health to Improve Adherence with Ilana Graetz

What if mobile health technology could improve cancer treatment adherence and foster better communication between patients and providers? In this episode of The PQI Podcast, Dr. Ilana Graetz from Emory University explores her innovative research on using digital tools to enhance capecitabine adherence in women with breast cancer. She also discusses the role of remote monitoring and health tech in improving oncology care.

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Ilana Graetz, PhD, is an Associate Professor at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health and leader of the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Program at the Winship Cancer Institute. Dr. Graetz’s research centers on leveraging health information technology to transform care delivery and improve patient outcomes. As the principal investigator and co-investigator on numerous federally and institutionally funded studies, her work encompasses a wide range of topics, including data analytics, the use of electronic health records and patient portals to enhance care quality and coordination, telehealth innovations, remote monitoring, and patient-reported outcomes. She also leads efforts to design and evaluate mobile health interventions that strengthen patient-provider communication, support treatment adherence, and improve health outcomes.

Ep. 1: Addressing Drug Shortages with Jessica White, PharmD

Season 8 of the PQI Podcast is here, and we’re kicking things off with a crucial topic that’s impacting healthcare systems everywhere: drug shortages. In this premiere episode, Jessica White, PharmD, VP of Speciality Portfolio & Programs at McKesson, shares her unique insights into the strategies that can help navigate drug shortages and ensure continuity in patient care.

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In this premiere episode, Jessica White, PharmD, VP of Speciality Portfolio & Programs at McKesson, brings over 20 years of experience to the table. From managing oncology’s generics portfolio to fostering manufacturer relationships, Jessica shares her unique insights into the strategies that can help navigate drug shortages and ensure continuity in patient care.

Tune in as Jessica emphasizes the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to maintain supply chain stability and deliver exceptional care.

Check out Jessica’s article, Stakeholders Collaborate to Ensure Supply Chain Continuity, where she discusses how effective collaboration can help prevent drug shortages and maintain continuous patient care.

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