Living with a chronic disease that affects so many aspects of one’s life is a tough pill to swallow – every day. When it comes to lymphedema sufferers, the reality of their edematous limbs weighs heavily on their self-esteem and imposes a monumental encumbrance on their lifestyle. Abnormal physical appearance, pain, and issues with mobility are only the beginning. Feelings of isolation and shame strain relationships and hinder social opportunities. One might argue that the only thing as difficult as living with Lymphedema (and related Lymph disorders such as Lipedema, Phlebolymphedema, and Dercum’s disease) is the feeling of being ignored, mis-led, mis-diagnosed and somehow, at fault. As real as this disease is in their lives, it is still relatively poorly understood not only in the vascular surgical and vascular medicine communities, but in the medical community at large.

Like any concerning problem or dilemma, the first step to its resolution is to have a conversation. Meaningful discussion is powerful when it involves all who are touched by the disease: those who suffer, the physicians who treat, the researchers who study, and other professionals dedicated to its awareness. Such a collaboration would have the power and reach well beyond the sum of its parts to bring awareness and understanding to these otherwise elusive conditions.

Enter LymphCast, an audio and visual broadcast that brings hope and greater possibilities to the affected community and beyond.

Co-founded by John A. Chuback, M.D., co-founder of VitasupportMD and a board-certified general and cardiovascular surgeon who has been active in the subspecialty of venous disease since 2005, the LymphCast program was created to contend with the need for greater understanding of lymphatic diseases.

“We felt that podcasting created the perfect landscape and opportunity for better defining these conditions and discussing new advancements to improve quality of life”, says Dr. Chuback.  “This golden age of technology is a gift when we can use it to create a supportive community.” Today, podcasts allow audiences to feel a greater personal connection to the hosts and their guests because of the intimate nature of conversation and the continuity of programming week after week.

LymphCast co-founder and Executive Producer, Diane Chuback, PhD, MBA and CEO of Chuback Vein Center says, “We have been so fortunate to join forces with some of the world’s leading experts in these areas to serve as permanent panel members on the show. We have effectively created an A team that lends their diverse insights and perspectives to the educational process and discussion.”

Along with Dr. Chuback, the episodes will feature
Monika Gloviczki, M.D., Ph.D. who has brought to light the clinical value of MPFF in Lymphatic disorders through her extensive research. Dr. Gloviczki hopes that the information disseminated through this podcast could lead to physicians recognizing veno-lymphatic disorders in the early stages.  “This will allow for better efficacy of all treatments including pharmacotherapy”, says Gloviczki.

Mark Melin, MD, FACS, RPVI, FACCWS, surgeon and Medical Director of the M Health Fairview Wound Healing Center also represents LymphCast as a permanent panel member and brings to the discussion insights on the importance of the glycocalyx in understanding lymphatic function.  “It represents a paradigm shift”, says Dr. Melin. “Discussing new perspectives is of prime importance to innovation, and improving lymphatic function is so crucial in patients with wounds.”

Another LymphCast member joining the team from her Santa Monica clinic, Lymphedema Center, Emily Iker, MD feels that physicians need more education because Lymphology is not well covered in medical studies.  “Proper diagnosis is everything.  Patients are so relieved to know that it’s not their fault”, says Dr. Iker.

Deborah Waitley, Ph.D., psychologist and author, represents LymphCast from her home in San Diego and lends insights into the management of the psychosocial and emotional burdens of chronic disease.

Finally, LymphCast moderator Paul Reeves, Ed. D., founder of Impact Radio USA, provides his podcast technical expertise and facilitates compelling and productive conversations between all participants.  Dr. Paul adds, “The wealth of information that is freely accessible through podcasts like this can really make waves in healthcare. The combined expertise of this team, along with their guests, will really make an impact.”

The episode topics and content of LymphCast will be brought to life through the show’s guests.  Each episode will welcome one of many categories of guests that may include a patient, a healthcare professional, a scholar or researcher, a CEO, a CLT, a physical therapist and even an activist/influencer – among many others.  Their unique perspectives and stories will flavor each show and build a rich narrative for discussion.

“Our guest line-up is essentially filled into 2023”, says LymphCast Production Manager, Maria Hughes, CCS-P, MBA, and COO of Chuback Vein Center.  “We have seen so much excitement about the show, and the guests are really enthusiastic about their opportunity to share and contribute.”

LymphCast episodes can be streamed in audio podcast format on podcast.co/lymphcast and in video “vodcast” format on the LymphCast Podcast YouTube channel, .