The Vertically Integrated Trainee Program (VITP): Continued Progress Connecting Undergraduate and Medical Students
Release Date: 03/15/2025
From Pyelonephritis to Obstructing Stone: POCUS Uncovers the Truth
Southern Medicine Podcast
In this episode, Tatiana Havryliuk, MD, and Randy Glick, BSB/PM, MCP discuss a case in which a patient presents with symptoms of simple pyelonephritis, but point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) reveals something more urgent: an obstructing stone. They explore how POCUS in primary care changed the diagnosis and led to timely intervention and provide insight into how renal POCUS can improve safety, reduce delays, and guide better clinical decisions.
info_outline
A Conversation with Dr. Lary Robinson
Southern Medicine Podcast
In this episode of the Southern Medicine Podcast, Loretta Loftus, MD, MBA, Vice Chair, Department of Breast Oncology at Moffitt Cancer Center, speaks with Lary Robinson, MD, a thoracic surgeon at Moffitt Cancer Center. Dr. Robinson reflects on his path to thoracic surgery, how the field has evolved, and key advances in lung cancer treatment—including the promise of immunotherapy and the importance of early screening. The conversation also touches on multidisciplinary care, as well as advice for primary care providers.
info_outline
Scan First, Cut Less: Soft-Tissue POCUS for Everyday Lumps
Southern Medicine Podcast
In this episode, Tatiana Havryliuk, MD, and Randy Glick, BSB/PM, MCP discuss how point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) helped avoid an unnecessary procedure in a young athlete with axillary swelling. They walk through the case findings—including the classic “cobblestone” appearance on ultrasound—highlighting how POCUS distinguishes cellulitis from abscess at the bedside. Tune in to learn how this tool enhances care while minimizing disruption for both patients and providers.
info_outline
AAA Diagnosis at the Bedside: How Primary Care Can Use POCUS for Life-Saving Screening
Southern Medicine Podcast
In this episode, Tatiana Havryliuk, MD, and Randy Glick, BSB/PM, MCP explore how point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) enables primary care providers to screen for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) during routine office visits. A real-world case highlights how a brief scan identified a large aneurysm in a patient who might not have followed through with imaging. They cover scanning technique, diagnostic criteria, and the strong evidence supporting this quick, high-value application of POCUS. This discussion shows how integrating POCUS into preventive care can streamline workflows and save...
info_outline
Forget Fundoscopy: How Ocular POCUS Can Detect Elevated ICP in Headache Patients
Southern Medicine Podcast
In this episode, Tatiana Havryliuk, MD, and Randy Glick, BSB/PM, MCP, explore how point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) can play a critical role in evaluating patients with headaches, particularly when increased intracranial pressure is suspected. Through a real-world case of a 42-year-old woman with persistent headaches, we highlight how ocular POCUS—specifically measurement of the optic nerve sheath diameter—can aid in the timely diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. They also review additional ocular conditions detectable by POCUS, current evidence supporting its use, and...
info_outline
Writing Therapy - Work Life Balance for Clinicians
Southern Medicine Podcast
In this episode of Writing Therapy, SMA Education Committee Vice Chair Dr. Richard Leggett sits down with Dr. Carey Robinson, a retired ophthalmologist whose creative journey has taken him well beyond the exam room. Known by his pen name “Dr. Crawdaddy,” a nod to his Louisiana roots and LSU background, Dr. Robinson shares how writing has become a meaningful outlet in retirement. From a children’s book (Yes! That's What I Do Best!) and a collection of life lessons (The Last Sip of Coffee) to an Advent devotional and two upcoming works-in-progress, his projects illustrate his passion for...
info_outline
3 Tips to Save Time Charting
Southern Medicine Podcast
In this episode, Randy Glick, BSB/PM, MCP, speaks with Erica D., MSN, FNP-BC, a full-time nurse practitioner and founder of The Nurse Practitioner Charting School. Erica's mission is to help clinicians reduce charting time and reclaim their personal lives, offering practical tips to combat burnout and improve work-life balance. She'll share insights on the impact of charting at home, three time-saving strategies for busy providers, and the potential role of AI medical scribes.
info_outline
POCUS at the Bedside: Rapidly Differentiating CHF from COPD Exacerbations
Southern Medicine Podcast
In this episode, Tatiana Havryliuk, MD, and Randy Glick, BSB/PM, MCP, examine how point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) can help primary care providers differentiate between congestive heart failure (CHF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations in real-time. They discuss a compelling case that highlights how POCUS led to rapid diagnosis and appropriate treatment, avoiding unnecessary delays and hospitalizations. Dr. Tatiana Havryliuk is an emergency physician and founder of Hello Sono. With 15 years of experience using POCUS in diverse settings, from urban EDs to Everest Base...
info_outline
The Vertically Integrated Trainee Program (VITP): Continued Progress Connecting Undergraduate and Medical Students
Southern Medicine Podcast
The Vertically Integrated Trainee Program (VITP), now rebranded as MedConnect, at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine - Columbia, is transforming the pathway for premedical students by fostering mentorship, reducing disparities, and creating sustainable opportunities for those without traditional connections to the field. This episode of SMA’s Physicians-in-Training Podcast explores the program’s mission, vision, and guiding principles, as well as the unique aspects that set it apart. Moderated by Donald DiPette, MD, FACP, FAHA, Logan Hitchcock, BS; Greyson Fox...
info_outline
Introduction to Landmark Hypertension Studies during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Practical Clinical Implications
Southern Medicine Podcast
During SMA's 2023 Annual Scientific Assembly, Donald DiPette, MD, FACP, FAHA, discussed the current unsatisfactory hypertension control rates and the need for a new management and treatment approach, as well as barriers to achieving hypertension control with a particular focus on patient-related barriers. He also detailed the the importance of including the patient as part of the management and treatment “team” and presented approaches to include the patient in their hypertension treatment plan.
info_outlineThe Vertically Integrated Trainee Program (VITP), now rebranded as MedConnect, at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine - Columbia, is transforming the pathway for premedical students by fostering mentorship, reducing disparities, and creating sustainable opportunities for those without traditional connections to the field.
This episode of SMA’s Physicians-in-Training Podcast explores the program’s mission, vision, and guiding principles, as well as the unique aspects that set it apart. Moderated by Donald DiPette, MD, FACP, FAHA, Logan Hitchcock, BS; Greyson Fox Tran, BS; Buckley McCall, BS, MD; and Jaron Pettis, MD, share insights on the origins of VITP, the role of mentorship in preventing burnout, and the evolving direction of MedConnect as it expands into new academic and clinical spaces. Listen as they discuss the challenges facing today’s premedical students, the program’s long-term sustainability, and the impact it has had on aspiring physicians.
About the Guests
Logan Hitchcock, BS
MD Candidate/Class of 2027
University of South Carolina School of Medicine - Columbia
Greyson Fox Tran, BS
MD Candidate/Class of 2026
University of South Carolina School of Medicine - Columbia
Buckley McCall, BS, MD
PRISMA Health - Upstate
Chair, SMA's Physicians-in-Training Committee
Jaron Pettis, MD
Northwest Health General Surgery
Donald DiPette, MD, FACP, FAHA
University Of South Carolina School of Medicine - Columbia
SMA President, 2017-2018