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Maria Aviles on Bulding Trust Through Diversity

Here for Good.

Release Date: 08/22/2024

From Helping Hands to a Forever Family show art From Helping Hands to a Forever Family

Here for Good.

For Jamie Hubble, a physical therapist in the Virtua early intervention program, working with children aged zero to three isn't just a job—it's a calling. In this role, she visits families in their homes, empowering parents with strategies to help their little ones learn to crawl, walk, and explore their world.   But one little girl, Penny, captured not just Jamie's professional expertise, but her heart. Penny's diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) presented unique challenges. Undeterred, Jamie and her husband, Kyle, embarked on a mission to find alternative ways to support...

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The Passion, Purpose, and Perseverance of Dr. Angela Bess show art The Passion, Purpose, and Perseverance of Dr. Angela Bess

Here for Good.

Dr. Angela Bess, OB-GYN, is a force for change—delivering access, advocacy, and hope to a community that needs it most. In this episode, she shares what it means for patients to finally receive long-overdue care—and how she’s confronting the maternal health crisis head-on with urgency and heart. But Dr. Bess’s impact extends far beyond the clinic. When she’s not advocating for women’s health—locally and globally, she chases adventure, from running marathons and completing triathlons to reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

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From Teacher to Nurse Leader: Jen Hyland’s Journey show art From Teacher to Nurse Leader: Jen Hyland’s Journey

Here for Good.

From the classroom to cardiac unit, Jen Hyland's story is a testament to the power of family legacy. Inspired by her mother and grandmother (both nurses), she traded teaching for patient care, now leading a bustling 48-bed unit and championing neurodiversity within Virtua. Jen's journey underscores Virtua's commitment to providing exceptional care and personal connection.

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From Paper Trails to Patient Tales show art From Paper Trails to Patient Tales

Here for Good.

Get to know Brandon Elliott, a practice manager who's seen it all — from the paper-chart era to the digital revolution with Epic. Beyond the tech, Brandon's a true people person, a "patient whisperer" who understands the power of empathy. He's the one who goes beyond the call, making sure every patient feels heard and valued. When he's not championing patient well-being, Brandon is a passionate Philly sports fan, boasting a collection that includes a prized three-foot Gritty bobblehead.

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Making Childhood Dreams a Lifesaving Reality show art Making Childhood Dreams a Lifesaving Reality

Here for Good.

Ever wondered what drives someone to run toward emergencies, to be the calm in the face of chaos? Dr. Lea Rowson, ED physician at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes, shares how her childhood dreams of caring for others became a reality. From trying to sneak onto her EMT parents' ambulance as a 10-year-old, Dr. Rowson now helps patients get through their most challenging moments. For Dr. Rowson, being Here for Good is a way of life. Click to view the full episode.

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All in the Family at Virtua Health show art All in the Family at Virtua Health

Here for Good.

What's it like to work alongside your family? Dennis Pullin sat down with Reggie and Naomi Riggs, a father-daughter duo at the Virtua Access Center, to find out. Reggie, who began scheduling primary care appointments, now works in training and development.  Naomi navigates the complexities of patient care with a "high-touch" approach. Both believe in the power of compassionate connection—with patients, their own family unit, and fellow colleagues who they consider extended family. The conversation takes a touching turn when Naomi recounts the very personal story of Reggie's role in her...

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James Baliko and The Ride That Changed Everything show art James Baliko and The Ride That Changed Everything

Here for Good.

Virtua I.T. project manager James Baliko's story is one of resilience and a renewed dedication to helping others. In this conversation with President and CEO Dennis Pullin, James—a dedicated triathlete—shares how his life took an unexpected turn after experiencing a heart event and collapsing during a cycling ride. Thanks to the quick actions of a passing nurse and Virtua’s first responders, his life was saved. Doctors then discovered a 95% artery blockage, despite his peak fitness. Now, James champions for preventative health, urging everyone to get regular stress tests and listen to...

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Guiding Families and Inspiring the Next Generation show art Guiding Families and Inspiring the Next Generation

Here for Good.

For more than 22 years, Dr. Shailen Shah has guided countless expectant families through their journey. In this episode of Here for Good: Inside Edition, President and CEO Dennis Pullin explores Dr. Shah’s remarkable path from attending physician to medical director of maternal-fetal medicine and section chief of perinatology. Also, Virtua’s recent affiliation with Rowan University has rekindled his passion for teaching, allowing him to mentor the next generation of clinicians. A champion of Practicing Excellence, Dr. Shah encourages everyone to continuously learn and grow. He inspires his...

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Caring for Those Who Care show art Caring for Those Who Care

Here for Good.

Nicole McNeal, director of well-being at Virtua, sat down with President and CEO Dennis Pullin to share her journey into workplace well-being. Witnessing the challenges and rewards of caregiving first-hand, she found her passion in supporting those who help others. At Virtua, Nicole fosters a culture of care, creating positive energy with initiatives like Refuel Rooms, peer support programs, and wellness events. Nicole credits her parents and her own role as a mother for inspiring her work and commitment to creating a supportive environment for our colleagues.

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Meet Virtua’s Power Couple, Jeff and Anna Porch show art Meet Virtua’s Power Couple, Jeff and Anna Porch

Here for Good.

For the record, Anna Porch, manager of rehab services, and Jeff Porch, manager of respiratory, are in a league of their own. In this special episode of "Here for Good: Inside Edition," Dennis Pullin chats with the podcast's first-ever couple! Discover how their shared passions—both at Virtua and on the softball field—make Anna and Jeff the ultimate team!

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More Episodes

At Virtua, we see language as a bridge rather than a barrier.  We are steadfast in our commitment to ensuring every patient feels heard, respected, and cared for – no matter what language they speak.

 

And Maria Aviles, community outreach supervisor, is essential to driving this mission forward.

 

In this episode of "Here for Good: Inside Edition," Dennis chats with Maria about Virtua's services for the underinsured, her inspiring upbringing, and the importance of building trust with our diverse, multilingual neighbors.