In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Natasha Bray, the Campus Dean at OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah, OK. Dr. Bray shares her journey from medical student to dean, her passion for health equity, and her leadership in medical education. She discusses her early life in Oklahoma and how her father’s medical practice influenced her commitment to healthcare and community service. Her educational path took her from Montessori school to the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics, and later to the University of Tulsa and Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Dr. Bray talks about the challenges she faced in her career, including transitioning from surgery to internal medicine and overcoming gender biases. She emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives in medical education and shares strategies for creating inclusive learning environments. Dr. Bray highlights her initiatives in health equity research and community health, underscoring the need for systemic changes to support these efforts.

Mentorship and professional development are central to Dr. Bray’s approach. She offers insights on building effective mentoring relationships and encourages young professionals to embrace challenges and opportunities. Dr. Bray also addresses the future of medical education, particularly in the wake of COVID-19, and the importance of adapting to different learning styles. Throughout the episode, listeners are reminded of the value of embracing the messiness of mentorship and personal growth - you don’t want to miss it!

Many thanks to Dr. Mark Doescher for recommending this guest.

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In this episode, we spoke with Dr. Sarah Borengasser, an Associate Professor specializing in endocrinology and diabetes at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Dr. Borengasser shared her journey from being adopted from Korea and growing up in Mason City to becoming a distinguished researcher in obesity, nutrition, and exercise science, driven by her passion for running and exercise. Her research, supported by consistent NIH funding, employs advanced multiomics techniques to identify molecular biomarkers affected by environmental exposures, particularly in epigenetics. Dr. Borengasser explained her research in accessible terms, emphasizing her mission to promote public health through improved nutrition and physical activity. She discussed combating the global obesity pandemic with personalized lifestyle approaches and we explored topics such as GLP-1 agonists and epigenetic age acceleration, considering how diet and exercise can potentially reverse aging processes. She also highlighted the evolving role of artificial intelligence in obesity research, emphasizing the fusion of biological and behavioral sciences.

On a personal note, Dr. Borengasser discussed her family's transition to Oklahoma and the strategies they've adopted to balance her professional and personal life effectively. Her dedication to mentoring emerged as she reflected on the rewarding experiences of guiding young scientists and shared strategies for maintaining resilience in her career. Beyond research, Dr. Borengasser contributes to enhancing communication among researchers through a TED-like talk series, advocating for effective scientific communication.

In conclusion, Dr. Borengasser envisioned precision lifestyle research as transformative for public health, showcasing her groundbreaking contributions to clinical and translational research. We thank Dr. Borengasser for sharing her expertise and look forward to future conversations with her and other inspiring researchers and those who support them.

In this episode of the GROklahoma podcast, we're thrilled to have Margaret Robinson, the Senior Associate Director for the OUHSC Office of Interdisciplinary Programs, as our guest. Margaret's journey from rural Los Angeles, CA to Oklahoma is extraordinary, and she brings a wealth of expertise in fostering interdisciplinary learning experiences and facilitating faculty development. With a keen focus on student engagement and community partnerships, she tirelessly works to break down barriers to healthcare access for Oklahoma's medically underserved populations. Holding a Master of Education in adult education, Margaret is a beacon for diversity and collaboration, advocating strongly for the scholarship of teaching and learning.

Margaret's journey is not only marked by professional accomplishments but also by her resilience in handling life's unexpected twists and turns. From pivoting her career path to accommodate caregiving responsibilities to navigating the challenges of pursuing education in different fields, Margaret's story is a testament to the power of adaptability and perseverance

During our conversation, Margaret also shared her deep appreciation for Oklahoma, highlighting its beauty, diverse culture, and warm-hearted people. In her leisure time, she enjoys road trips with her family and exploring Oklahoma's state parks.

Join us as we explore Margaret's insights on interdisciplinary collaboration, community engagement, and her remarkable journey through life's pivots.