Season 5: Good health in today’s world
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—when it comes to our health, the systems around us are, in many ways, constructed against us.
This season, we’re exploring ways to achieve good health in today’s complex world—with guests who have expertise in technology, communication, health care, and more.
"Good Health, Better World" is available wherever you enjoy podcasts.
Episodes
Rethinking health care: Preventive health and social needs
Dr. Tracey Conti joins us to discuss the complexity of the U.S. health care system and the importance of social support and preventive care. She explores the connections between providers, insurance, and community support, and how integrated systems like UPMC can make a big difference.
The power of community: Case studies from Erie and Pittsburgh
Community health is built through trust developed over time. In this episode, UPMC community leaders from Erie and Pittsburgh share the lessons they’ve learned building relationships in their communities. They discuss how they built trust to create partnerships that reflect the voices of those they serve.
The future of AI in health care
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing health care—from earlier diagnosis to personalized treatment. Dr. Shandong Wu explains how AI analyzes complex data to improve patient outcomes, while also addressing challenges around trust, transparency, and data quality.
How to navigate the food system for healthy eating
Diet plays a huge role in our well-being, but the food industry can make choosing natural foods instead of processed ones a challenge. To discuss how people can overcome the obstacles to enjoying a healthy diet, Dr. Ellen Beckjord spoke to Steve Downs from Building H, a nonprofit dedicated to making everyday life healthier by design.
Sustainable habits for your health and the planet
When you think about sustainability, you might not consider health care’s effect on the environment. But about 10 percent of greenhouse gas emissions come from delivering health care, and the UPMC Center for Sustainability was established to address these serious and sometimes hidden hazards. Listen as Holly Vogt and Dr. Noe Woods explain how th...
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.”