The Exam Room with Nurse Alice: Season 2, Episode 10
Pandemic Life, Health on the Front Lines, and The Power of the Written Word
In this episode of The Exam Room, Nurse Alice hosts a panel featuring a front-line physician, a television nurse, and an innovative entrepreneur, tackling everything from COVID-19 to finding ways to connect during a time of separation.
Segment 1: Health & Science — Dr. Mauricio Gonzales
Internal Medicine and Emergency Medicine Resident Dr. Mauricio Gonzales provides an update from the front lines in New York, which saw encouragingly low positivity rates at the time [07:16].
- COVID-19 & Flu: He discusses the avoided “twindemic” and credits safety precautions (masking, distancing) for suppressing flu cases [08:28].
- The Vaccine: Dr. Gonzales is optimistic about the new COVID-19 vaccines, highlighting their high efficacy and safe development process [10:08], while also advocating for health professionals to actively combat misinformation [13:12].
- Vegan Philosophy: As a vegan, he clarifies that a plant-rich diet’s goal is to preserve the immune system by reducing chronic inflammation, not just “boosting” it [15:20].
Segment 2: Heroes of the Hospital — Jordan Johnson Hinds
Actor Jordan Johnson Hinds joins the show to discuss the premiere of the NBC medical drama Nurses, in which he stars as Keon Colby.
- The Year of the Nurse: Hinds acknowledges the pressure and honor of representing nurses in 2020 (the Year of the Nurse), drawing inspiration from their real-life heroism and humanity [25:57].
- The Nurse’s Dose: He shares a moving anecdote about the “nurse’s dose,” a term describing a nurse’s professional judgment to adjust a patient’s treatment based on a deep, human connection and empathy [31:24].
- Advocacy: He draws attention to the Play On Foundation, dedicated to raising awareness about brain aneurysms, a silent killer [32:16].
Segment 3: Entrepreneurship & Sentiment — Rhonda Flynn
Creative brand marketing extraordinaire and CEO Rhonda Flynn talks about launching her company, Sas Notecards (“Cards that say it and mean it”), during the pandemic [39:08].
- Connecting Through Mail: Flynn discusses the sentimental value of sending physical cards, which can boost mood and morale, especially during social isolation [41:14].
- Overcoming Challenges: She shares her personal journey of faith and resilience, having launched the business after overcoming significant health challenges, including endometriosis and early menopause [43:26].
- Exclusive Offer: Rhonda offers a 15% discount on all notecards to viewers using the code NURSEALICE on her website [49:06].
