Season 2

Episode 7 - Rare Disease Day 2023 with Lisa Sarfaty

For this episode of Karger’s The Waiting Room Podcast on Rare Disease Day 2023, which is held on February 28, we spoke with Lisa Sarfaty from the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). Lisa currently serves as the Vice President of Community Engagement, and particularly focuses on advocacy, education, and capacity building.

While addressing the 40th anniversary of the Orphan Drug Act (ODA) and of the foundation of NORD as an organization, we specifically tried to answer the question: “What does equity mean for people living with a rare disease?” We also looked at what should be done to actually achieve this equity in education, the workplace, and everyday life. Last but not least, we had a closer look at NORD’s plans for Rare Disease Day 2023.

Episode 6 - Zero Suicide Alliance with Jade Corbridge

For this episode of Karger’s The Waiting Room Podcast, we spoke with Jade Corbridge from the Zero Suicide Alliance. It seems that the word “suicide” alone is a taboo and should not be mentioned. Naturally, this makes it difficult or even impossible to initiate a conversation with someone who might be feeling suicidal. How do you best approach them? How can you help them? However, Jade is familiar with these questions, and luckily agreed to be our guest.

For further information, you can also go to the 24/7 Helpline of the Samaritans or find a suitable helpline.

Episode 5 - Waldenström macroglobulinemia with Shirley D’Sa

Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare blood cancer that usually progresses slowly. WM can be diagnosed by blood tests, bone marrow biopsy, and scans, and there are a range of treatment options available.

In this episode of Karger’s The Waiting Room Podcast, we spoke with Dr Shirley D’Sa to learn more about WM. She is a Consultant Haematologist and Honorary Associate Professor at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in London, UK. Furthermore, she is the author of the booklet Fast Facts for Patients: Waldenström macroglobulinemia, which is freely available online.

This is the second interview of our two-part special on Waldenström macroglobulinemia. Find the interview with Bob Perry, Patient Support Manager at Waldenström Macroglobulinaemia UK.

Episode 4 - Waldenström Macroglobulinemia with Bob Perry

Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare blood cancer that usually progresses slowly. WM can be diagnosed by blood tests, bone marrow biopsy, and scans, and there are a range of treatment options available.

In this episode of Karger’s The Waiting Room Podcast, we talk with Bob Perry. He was diagnosed with Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) in 2015 and treated with chemotherapy. Since then, he set up a support group, the Bournemouth and District WM Support Group aka the BAD WMers. He is also Patient Support Manager at the UK charity Waldenström Macroglobulinaemia UK (WMUK).

This is the first interview of our two-part special on Waldenström macroglobulinemia. The second part, focusing on symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of WM, features Dr Shirley D’Sa. She is a Consultant Haematologist and Honorary Associate Professor at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in London, UK, as well as the author of the booklet Fast Facts for Patients: Waldenström Macroglobulinemia, which is freely available online.

Episode 3 - Health Literacy with Catherine Richards Golini

In this episode of Karger’s The Waiting Room Podcast, we talk with Catherine Richards Golini, who works as a Healthcare Publications Editor at Karger Publishers, about health literacy. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health literacy as “the cognitive and social skills which determine the motivation and ability of individuals to gain access to, understand and use information in ways which promote and maintain good health”.

While we can’t influence the level of knowledge or personal skills of an individual, we can make sure the information we as a publisher offer is relevant and easy to understand. Thus, we support patients and their supporters in their efforts to make informed decisions and be on a level playing field with all actors of the health care system.

Episode 2 - Diversity and Ability (D&A) with Brian Lutchmiah and Piers Wilkinson

In this episode of Karger’s The Waiting Room Podcast, we talk with Brian Lutchmiah and Piers Wilkinson about the work and achievements of their organization Diversity and Ability (D&A) and the upcoming inaugural congress in December.
D&A is a UK-based social enterprise led by and for disabled people, i.e., 85% of their team self-identify as disabled or neurodiverse. Their aim is to support individuals, organisations and social justice projects to create inclusive cultures.
This is the second interview of our two-part special featuring D&A. The first part focuses on UK Disability History Month, which runs from November 16 until December 16, 2022.

Episode 1 - UK Disability History Month 2022 with Piers Wilkinson

In this episode of Karger’s The Waiting Room Podcast, we talk with Piers Wilkinson from Diversity and Ability (D&A) about UK Disability History Month, which runs from November 16 to December 16, 2022, and features the theme “Disability, Health and Wellbeing”.
D&A is a UK-based social enterprise led by and for disabled people, i.e., 85% of their team self-identify as disabled or neurodiverse. Their aim is to support individuals, organisations and social justice projects to create inclusive cultures.
This is the first interview of a two-part special featuring D&A. The second part focuses on the work of the organization and its upcoming inaugural congress in December. It will feature Piers Wilkinson and Brian Lutchmiah.