The “Good Health, Better World” podcast series brings experts together to discuss some of health care’s most important (and often challenging) topics.
You’ll hear independent viewpoints from community and government stakeholders, as well as the expertise of UPMC Health Plan clinicians and subject matter experts.
“Good Health, Better World” is available wherever you enjoy podcasts.
Listen on:
Seasons
Season 1
Stronger communities begin with good health — for everyone.
But how can we get there? Some people are more likely to develop chronic health conditions, simply because of where they live, their economic status, their level of education, and even access to grocery stores. These factors — and underlying inequities — influence the decis...
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Season 2
Stronger communities begin with good health—for everyone.
Good health means caring for both the mind and body. We can improve our overall health when we uncover, deliver, and destigmatize the support needed to manage emotions, handle stress, and build healthy relationships.
Taking care of our mental health is key to res...
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Season 3
Stronger communities begin with good health — for everyone.
Women have a way of prioritizing others’ health ahead of their own. They successfully balance many important roles in families, communities, and society but don’t always have access to the care and information they need. And when they do, systemic challenges often stand in ...
Season 4
Stronger communities begin with good health—for everyone
From the moment we are born, we begin to age. And what we need to maintain good health can evolve over our lifespans—whether it’s medical or technological interventions, health-related programs and policies, social support, or positive lifestyle behaviors.
In this...
Season 5
Stronger communities begin with good health—for everyone.
From the physical environments that include the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the infrastructure that surrounds us, to social environments that influence the way we interact and behave, to physiological environments that manage the functions of our brains and bodies—...
About the host
Dr. Ellen Beckjord
Vice President, Clinical Strategy and Program Optimization
UPMC Health Plan
Dr. Ellen Beckjord, MPH, is host of the “Good Health, Better World” podcast.
Ellen is a behavioral scientist, epidemiologist, and licensed clinical psychologist working at the intersection of population and digital health.
Her work focuses on promoting health, wellness, and health behavior change. She is vice president of clinical strategy and program optimization for UPMC Health Plan based in Pittsburgh.
Ellen trained at the University of Vermont, where she worked with cancer survivors and their families, at Vanderbilt University, and at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
She completed post-doctoral research at the National Cancer Institute in the Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch within the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences. She spent nearly five years in academic medicine at the University of Pittsburgh and Hillman Cancer Center.
Ellen also is the co-author of “Porchtraits” in which she interviewed people in Pittsburgh during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic about what they were learning, missing, enjoying, what surprised them, and what they felt hopeful about. A long-time member of the Society of Behavioral Medicine, Ellen currently serves on the Board of Directors as President-Elect.
Ellen’s guiding principle: “Lead with love.”