Yesterday marked International Podcast Day and the announcement from  Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System’s CEO David Verinder about a new podcast series for the health system’s digital following – SMH HealthCasts. He hopes the new podcast will make a meaningful impact on the tech generation in the Tampa Bay region and beyond. “Typically, people don’t come to a hospital until they suffer a serious health issue,” Verinder said. “But in today’s digital world, we can deliver potentially life-saving information and advice to people in a way that is convenient, compelling and uncomplicated. Hopefully, it encourages them to be aware, be informed and be well.” Hosted by veteran medical journalist Heidi Godman, the series’ kickoff episode featured a Q&A with Verinder that explores the evolution of Sarasota’s public health system, its community mission and the CEO’s vision for the future. New episodes – available in both audio and video formats – will be released twice a month and feature interviews with SMH experts covering a wide range of topics, from technological advancements and medical milestones to the latest health risks and screening guidelines.  Each podcast will last about 20 minutes.

SMH HealthCasts is available on all major podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify, and online at www.smh.com/podcast. To submit a health topic you’d like our experts to address in a future HealthCast episode, simply email your health questions or topic ideas to askanexpert@smh.com.