Mondays at 7pm

Omicron Variant

Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, MHS
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
www.hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles/results/directory/profile/4626291/panagis-galiatsatos

Medicare Open Enrollment Period Ending

Sherry Kolbe
Baltimore County SHIP
https://aging.maryland.gov/Pages/state-health-insurance-program.aspx

Holiday Scams and Wise Giving Tips

Clay Campbell
Director of Marketing, Communications & PR, BBB of Greater Maryland
https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-greater-maryland

Pediatric COVID Vaccination Strategy

Rebecca G. Carter, MD
Pediatrician, University of Maryland Pediatrics at Midtown
https://www.umms.org/

Healthy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving celebrates all the good things in life: family, friends and food—usually lots and lots of food! There are things we can do keep us from feeling the effects of overeating so that we can enjoy the holiday and feel our best…Joining us from the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center are gastroenterologist Dr. Andrew Rosenstein and registered dietitian Katie Davis.

Andrew Rosenstein, MD
University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center
www.umms.org

Katie Davis, RDN, LDN
University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center
www.umms.org

Building A Stronger Future For African American Community 

Diane Bell-McKoy
CEO, Associated Black Charities
www.abc-md.org/

Inflation Soaring

Anirban Basu, Ph.D.
Sage Policy Group
sagepolicy.com

Climate Change Challenges

Hali Kilbourne, Ph.D.
Research Associate Professor, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
www.umces.edu

How Workplaces Changed During the Pandemic

Elliot Lasson, Ph.D.
Professor of the Practice and Director, I/O Psychology Graduate Program, UMBC
https://professionalprograms.umbc.edu/

COVID-19 Pill & Kids Vaccination Debate

Dr. Gregory Branch
Baltimore County Health Officer
https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/hhs/

2022 Health Plans Enrollment

Michele Eberle
Executive Director, Maryland Health Benefit Exchange
https://www.marylandhbe.com/

Build Back Better Plan

Sen. Ben Cardin
(D) Maryland

COVID Vaccine Boosters

Meagan Deming, MD
Instructor of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine
medschool.umaryland.edu

Blue Origin's Second Crewed Mission Success

Audrey Powers
Vice President of Mission & Flight Operations, Blue Origin
blueorigin.com

Medicare Open Enrollment

Sherry Kolbe
Baltimore County SHIP
https://aging.maryland.gov/Pages/state-health-insurance-program.aspx

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Paula Rosenblatt, MD
UM Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center
https://www.umms.org/umgccc

The Health of the Bay

Alice Volpitta
Baltimore Harbor Waterkeeper, Blue Water Baltimore
https://bluewaterbaltimore.org/

National Book Festival

Carla Hayden, PhD
Librarian of Congress
https://www.loc.gov/

School Quarantine Update & COVID-19 Vaccination Latest

Nilesh Kalyanaraman, MD
Anne Arundel County Health Officer
https://www.aahealth.org/

Mail Delivery Slowdown

Paul Steidler
Senior Fellow, Lexington Institute
https://www.lexingtoninstitute.org/

Your Health - COVID-19 Update

David Marcozzi, MD
COVID-19 Incident Commander, University of Maryland Medical System
https://www.umms.org/

Sports Betting In Maryland

John Martin
Director, Maryland Lottery and Gaming
https://msa.maryland.gov/

National Book Festival

Carla Hayden, PhD
Librarian of Congress
https://www.loc.gov/

Your Health: Getting Ready for Asthma and Allergy “Peak Week” 

Kathryn Robinett, MD
University of Maryland Medical Center
https://www.umms.org/ummc

The Health of the Bay

Alice Volpitta
Baltimore Harbor Waterkeeper, Blue Water Baltimore

SCHOOL MASK MANDATE

Del. Haven Shoemaker 
(R) Carroll County

Sen. Malcolm  Augustine
(D) Prince George's County

HBCU Week 2021

Jeff Salkin and WEAA-FM’s Dr. Karsonya “Kaye” Whitehead co-host a one-hour special that takes an in-depth look at the current state of HBCUs in the nation and in our region. Interviews with the region's six HBCU presidents reveal their plans for the future and feature their innovative new programs. For more information, please visit: www.mpt.org/hbcu.

Dr. David Wilson
President, Morgan State University

Dr. Aminta Breaux
President, Bowie State University

Dr. Anthony Jenkins
President, Coppin State University

Dr. Heidi M. Anderson
President, University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Ronald Mason, Jr., JD
President, University of the District of Columbia

Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick
President, Howard University

Dr. Harry Williams
President, Thurgood Marshall College Fund

CIAA Tournament Panel Interview:

Al Hutchinson
CEO, Visit Baltimore

Jacqie McWilliams
Commissioner, CIAA

Dr. Aminta Breaux
President, Bowie State University

Confederate Monument Controversy

Corey Pack
Council President, Talbot County
www.talbotcountymd.gov

Jim Lighthizer
Former MD Transportation Secretary, President Emeritus, American Battlefield Trust
www.battlefields.org

 Your Health: COVID-19 & Back to School

Esther Liu, MD
Chief of Pediatrics, University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center
Umms.org

Vaccines & Mandates

Joseph DeMattos, Jr., MA (JHU)
President, CEO, Health Facilities Association of Maryland

COVID-19 Risk For People With Compromised Immune Systems 

Dr. Katya Prakash, an infectious disease expert at the University of Maryland Institute of Human Virology, will discuss the COVID-19 risk for people with compromised immune systems such as cancer patients and transplant recipients, especially in light of the super spreader Delta variant. She urges patients who may have limited responses to the vaccine to make sure their family members and close circle of friends are vaccinated in order to reduce their own risk of being exposed to the virus. 

Katya Prakash, MD
University of Maryland Institute of Human Virology
https://www.umms.org/

Humans And Space

A look at the boom in commercial spaceflight and the vision of the future commercial space industry in low-Earth orbit. 

Phil McAlister
Director of Commercial Spaceflight, NASA
NASA.gov

Crisis In Afghanistan

Sen. Will Smith
(D) Montgomery County
willsmithformaryland.com

Delta Variant Spreading

Letitia Dzirasa
Baltimore City Health Commissioner
https://health.baltimorecity.gov/

Eviction Crisis

Nichole Battle
CEO, GEDCO
http://gedco.org/

Confederate Monument Controversy

Corey Pack
Council President, Talbot County
www.talbotcountymd.gov

Jim Lighthizer
Former MD Transportation Secretary, President Emeritus, American Battlefield Trust
www.battlefields.org

Employer-Mandated Vaccinations

Julie Janofsky
Fedder & Janofsky LLC

Postal Service Delays

Rep. Dutch C.A. Ruppersberger
(D) Maryland

COVID-19 Delta Variant

Matthew Laurens, MD
University of Maryland School of Medicine

Parks See Surge In Visitors

Nita Settina
Park Service Superintendent

What's Next For Baltimore City

Brandon Scott
Baltimore City Mayor

Your Health: New Children And Psychiatric Adolescent Unit

Jill RachBeisel, MD
Chief of Psychiatry, University of Maryland Medical Center

Post-Pandemic Summer

Governor Larry Hogan announced that starting July 1st the Covid-19 restrictions and state of emergency in Maryland will be lifted. A look at what rules, if any, still apply and how to best enjoy this post-pandemic summer.

Joshua Sharfstein, MD
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Groundbreaking LGBTQ Advancements

A look at the LGBTQ community advancements over the past two decades. 

Christopher Pepin-Neff, Ph.D.
LGBTQ Researcher, Senior Lecturer in Public Policy at the University of Sydney
Author, LGBTQ Lobbying In The United States

Novavax And Related Vaccine News

Matt Frieman, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine

Severe Blood Shortages

Misty Bruce 
Executive Director, American Red Cross of Central Maryland
https://www.redcross.org/

Post-Pandemic Summer

Governor Larry Hogan announced that starting July 1st the Covid-19 restrictions and state of emergency in Maryland will be lifted. A look at what rules, if any, still apply and how to best enjoy this post-pandemic summer.

Joshua Sharfstein, MD
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Groundbreaking LGBTQ Advancements

A look at the LGBTQ community advancements over the past two decades. 

Christopher Pepin-Neff, Ph.D.
LGBTQ Researcher, Senior Lecturer in Public Policy at the University of Sydney
Author, LGBTQ Lobbying In The United States

Your Health: First FDA-Approved Drug for Alzheimer’s Disease in 18 years

Julia Biernot, MD
Neurologist, University of Maryland Medical Center

(Post) Pandemic Housing Market

Creig Northrop
Northrop Realty, A Long & Foster Company
https://www.northroprealty.com/

John Moore
Senior Mortgage Consultant, Prosperity Home Mortgage
https://johnmoore.phmloans.com

This Summer In Ocean City

Rick Meehan
Mayor, Ocean City
https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/

County With Lowest Vaccination Rate

Danielle Weber
Somerset County Health Officer
https://somersethealth.org/

The Kirwan Commission

William Brit Kirwan, PhD
Chancellor Emeritus, University System of Maryland 
https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/26excom/defunct/html/13edinnov.html

Life Expectancy Declining

Georges Benjamin, MD
Executive Director, American Public Health Association
https://www.apha.org/

2021 Cicadas (Airs at 7pm)

After seventeen years underground, the Brood X periodical cicadas have emerged. But will these insects manage to survive and perpetuate their curious species?

Mike Raupp
Professor of Entomology, University of Maryland
http://www.bugoftheweek.com
https://cicadacrewumd.weebly.com

Calls for National Standards to Address Police Misconduct
Sen. Ben Cardin
(D) Maryland

What's Next For Racial Justice (Airs at 8pm)

Ray Winbush, Ph.D.
Director, Institute for Urban Research, Morgan State University

Abdul Salaam
Activist & Co-Founder, KEYS Development

Michael Harrison
Baltimore Police Commissioner

Brandon Scott
Mayor of Baltimore City

Erricka Bridgeford
Activist and organizer of Baltimore "Ceasefire" weekends

Sean Yoes
Baltimore editor of the AFRO American Newspaper

Tré Murphy
Director of Programs and Strategy, Organizing Black

Ashiah Parker
Executive Director of No Boundaries Coalition

Kwame Rose
Social activist born and raised in Baltimore 

New CDC Guidelines on Masks Wearing

Jinlene Chan, MD
Deputy Secretary, Maryland Department of Health
https://health.maryland.gov/pages/home.aspx

Smell Retraining After Loss Due To COVID-19

Andrea Hebert, MD
Assistant Professor of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Maryland School of Medicine
https://www.medschool.umaryland.edu/

An Update on COVID-19 Vaccines and Clinical Trials

As more and more Marylanders reach full COVID-19 vaccination, and 14 months into the global pandemic, there are still questions that the public has. Greg Schrank, MD, MPH, is an expert in infectious diseases and hospital epidemiology who has been working on the frontlines of COVID-19 response.

Greg Schrank, MD, MPH
University of Maryland Medical Center

NASA Set To Launch Rocket From The Eastern Shore

Keith Koehler
NASA Wallops News Chief
https://www.nasa.gov/centers/wallops/home

What Can Vaccinated People Do?

Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman 
Anne Arundel County Health Officer
https://aahealth.org/

Vaccine Hesitancy 

Dylan Selterman, Ph.D. 
University of Maryland, College Park

Employer Mandated Vaccines

Can employers order workers to be vaccinated?

Joyce Smithey
Employment & Labor Attorney, Smithey Law Group LLC

Exercising After COVID-19

Scott Jerome, D.O.
Director of Ambulatory Services and Outreach
Co-Director of Sports Cardiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine

Your Health: An Update on Monoclonal Antibody (mAb) Treatment for COVID-19

The University of Maryland Medical System is using all available tools to fight COVID-19 and provide our patients with the best possible care as we navigate the evolving nature of this pandemic. While the COVID-19 vaccines are critical to ending the pandemic, monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatment is the only therapy option currently available for certain high-risk individuals who have mild-to-moderate COVID-19. When given within the recommended timeframe, mAb therapy has been shown to reduce progression of severe COVID-19, the need for hospitalization and even death.

Michelle Gourdine, MD, UMMS interim Chief Medical Officer, and Mary Ghaffari, Pharm.D., BCPS, DPLA, UMMS Director of Clinical Pharmacy Services, are leading efforts across UMMS to expand access to this valuable treatment option.  They will be guests on Maryland Public Television’s Direct Connection “Your Health” segment on Monday, April 19 at 7pm discussing monoclonal antibody treatment.

Michelle Gourdine, MD
University of Maryland Medical System

Mary Ghaffari, Pharm.D.
University of Maryland Medical System

Chesapeake Bay Week

New efforts look at designating the Chesapeake Bay region as a national recreation area.

Reed Perry
Manager of External Affairs, Chesapeake Conservancy

Sine Die 2021

Gov. Larry Hogan
(R) Maryland

Barry Glassman
Harford County Executive

Calvin Ball
Howard County Executive

Future Of The Baltimore Orioles

John Angelos
Baltimore Orioles Chairman & CEO

Vaccine Distribution

Dennis Schrader
Secretary, MD Department of Health
coronavirus.maryland.gov

Maryland Covid-19 Cases Up

Travis Gayles, M.D.
Montgomery County Health Officer
montgomerycountymd.gov

State Health Insurance Enrollment Extension

Michele Eberle
Executive Director MD Health Benefit Exchange
marylandhealthconnection.gov/

Black Women's Suffrage Preview

A look at the upcoming screening and panel discussion honoring Black women suffragists and their impact on the leaders of today.

Karsonya (Kaye) Wise Whitehead, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Communication and African & African American Studies, Loyola University
Host of "Today With Dr. Kaye" on WEAA
https://www.mpt.org/outreach/conversations/

Maryland Vaccine Equity Task Force

Brigadier General Janeen  Birckhead
Assistant Adjutant General - Army
https://military.maryland.gov/

Your Health -  Covid-19 and Schools Reopening

Andrea Berry, MD
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine
https://www.medschool.umaryland.edu/

Sharon Hoover, Ph.D
Professor of Psychiatry at University of Maryland School of Medicine and Co-Director, National Center for School Mental Health
https://www.medschool.umaryland.edu/

Vaccine Hunters

Elliot Hazzard
Vaccine Hunters Facebook Group

Cindy Childs
Vaccine Hunters Facebook Group
covidvax.maryland.gov 

What You Need To Know About COVID-19 Vaccines

Andrew Pekosz, Ph.D.
Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health
https://www.jhsph.edu/

Your Health: Year of COVID

Amit Chandra, MD
Chief of Emergency Medicine at University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus

Nicole Beeson, RN
Senior Vice President, Patient Care Services & Chief Nursing Officer at University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center
umms.org

Covid-19: Maryland Hospitals On The Frontline

Bob Atlas
President & CEO, Maryland Hospital Association
https://www.mhaonline.org/

The Kirwan Commission

William Brit Kirwan, PhD
Chancellor Emeritus, University System of Maryland 
https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/26excom/defunct/html/13edinnov.html

Life Expectancy Declining

Georges Benjamin, MD
Executive Director, American Public Health Association
https://www.apha.org/

Your Health -  Vaccine Trials

James  Campbell, MD
Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist
University of Maryland School of Medicine
www.medschool.umaryland.edu

Future Of The Baltimore Sun

Jim Brady
Media Consultant

Ted Venetoulis
Former Publisher

Overcoming COVID-19 Vaccine Fear

Dr. Blair Eig
MD Patient Safety Center

Dr. Nicole Rochester 
MD Patient Safety Center
marylandpatientsafety.org

"The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song"

Stacey Holman
Producer/Director
https://www.pbs.org/show/black-church/

Vaccine Advice

Jinlene Chan, M.D.
Acting Deputy Secretary, MD Health Dept
https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/
https://health.maryland.gov/

Your Health - COVID-19 myths and Facts

Nearly one year in to the COVID-19 response, there is still misinformation circulating among the public about the disease. Vinisha Amin, MD, a Hospital Medicine physician at the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health who has treated COVID-positive patients, will discuss COVID-19 myths and provide facts.

Vinisha Amin, MD
Hospital Medicine Physician, University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health
https://www.umms.org/coronavirus

Dental Visits Recommendations During Pandemic

A look at the new World Health Organization guidance recommending that people should avoid routine dental cleanings and all non-urgent visits to the dentist's office during the pandemic.

Dr. Nicole Forel
Light Street Dental

Eating Right During The Pandemic

Behavioral health during the pandemic, whether it’s eating disorders or mood and anxiety disorders are all on the rise.

Steven Crawford, MD
Managing Director, Medical at Eating Recovery Center

https://www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/recovery-centers/baltimore/our-team

Maryland 2021 Jobs & Economic Outlook

Daraius Irani, Ph.D
VP, Strategic Partnerships & Applied Research, Towson University
https://www.towson.edu/

Teen Mental Health and COVID-19

It’s tough enough being a teenager without having to navigate adolescence during a global pandemic. Teens are struggling with depression and anxiety as they cope with virtual learning and isolation, cut off from friends and social life that typically help ease growing pains.

Sarah M. Edwards, DO, a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist who is Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and Medical Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Services at the University of Maryland Medical Center, will discuss some of the issues confronting teenagers during the COVID-19 pandemic and what parents can do to help them.

Sarah M. Edwards, DO
University of Maryland School of Medicine
www.medschool.umaryland.edu

Impeachment & Inauguration

Sen. Chris Van Hollen
(D) Maryland
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/

Heightened Security

Tyrone Powers
Former FBI Agent, Founder, Powers Consulting Group

MLK Day

Del. Darryl Barnes
(D) Prince George's County

The 25th Amendment

Mark Graber
Professor, University of MD, Carey School Of Law
www.law.umaryland.edu

Long Range COVID Symptoms

Doctors treating COVID-19 patients are now seeing a range of symptoms that continue in some patients well after they have recovered from their initial COVID-19 infection.

Andrea Levine, MD
Assistant Professor, University of Maryland School of Medicine
University of Maryland Medical Center
www.medschool.umaryland.edu

Dental Visits Recommendations During Pandemic

A look at the new World Health Organization guidance recommending that people should avoid routine dental cleanings and all non-urgent visits to the dentist's office during the pandemic.

Dr. Nicole Forel
Light Street Dental

Eating Right During The Pandemic

Behavioral health during the pandemic, whether it’s eating disorders or mood and anxiety disorders are all on the rise.

Steven Crawford, MD
Managing Director, Medical at Eating Recovery Center

https://www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/recovery-centers/baltimore/our-team

Women In Politics

Sarah Oliver
Assistant Professor, Political Science, Towson University

Breast Cancer Treatment Advances

Erin Rada, MD
University of Maryland Medical Center, University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center

Your Health: An Update on COVID-19 Vaccines

The University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) faculty and staff are experts in the field of global health and vaccinology, and they are dedicated to improving global health by conducting innovative, world-leading research in Baltimore and around the world. UMSOM researchers and scientists are among hundreds of experts across the world working around the clock testing potential vaccines and engaging in clinical trials for COVID-19.

Dr. Karen Kotloff is Head of the Division of Infectious Disease and Tropical Pediatrics and Associate Director of Clinical Studies at the UMSOM’s Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health (CVD). She is board certified in Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Disease and cares for children with a wide range of infectious diseases on the inpatient and outpatient service at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC).

Dr. Kotloff's research focuses on the epidemiology of infectious diseases and their prevention with the use of vaccines in both the U.S. and developing countries. She is Principal Investigator (PI) of the Vaccine Treatment and Evaluation Unit at the UMSOM's Center for Vaccine Development funded by NIH. This contract funds vaccines and treatments against infectious diseases of public health importance.

Karen Kotloff, MD
Professor of Medicine, Epidemiology & Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine
Associate Director of Clinical Studies, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health

Holiday Giving During COVID-19

Brian Schafer
Youth Pastor, Gaithersburg Church of the Nazarene

Alexandria Warrick Adams
Executive Director, Elev8 Baltimore

Maryland Public Television will show Marylanders what they can do to stay safe during the autumn spike in COVID-19 infections during Direct Connection: Staying Safe During COVID-19, a special one-hour episode premiering Monday, December 14.

More info >>

COVID Fatigue

Gregory Branch, MD
Baltimore County Health Officer

Travis Gayles, MD, Ph.D.
Montgomery County Health Officer

Testing

Letitia Dzirasa, MD
Baltimore City Health Commissioner

Vaccines Outlook

Daniel Salmon, Ph.D. 
Professor & Director, Institute for Vaccine Safety, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Health Disparities

Sherita Hill Golden, MD
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Understanding Contact Tracing

Dr. Katherine Feldman
MDH Contact Tracing Unit Director
covidlink.maryland.gov/mdcovidalert

Your Health - COVID-19 Latest

Where do we stand in the fight against the virus?

David Marcozzi, MD
COVID-19 Incident Commander, University of Maryland Medical System

MPT HBCU Week Initiative

A look at how historically black colleges and universities can help address the root causes of systemic racism.

Dr. David Wilson
President, Morgan State University

Protecting Yourself During COVID Outbreak

Clifford Mitchell, MS, MD, MPH
Director, Environmental Health Bureau, Maryland Department of Health

COVID-19 Surge

Joshua Sharfstein, MD
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Holiday Traveling During COVID-19

Ricky Smith
Executive Director/CEO, BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport

Covid-19 Surge And Keeping Thanksgiving Safe

A look at the latest Covid-19 numbers in Maryland and the impact on our holiday plans.

Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman
Anne Arundel County Health Officer

Dr. Letitia Dzirasa
Baltimore City Health Commissioner

Your Health: What Is Autism And How Is It Treated Throughout The Lifespan

Autism is a complex neurobehavioral disorder that affects children and persists into adulthood characterized by variable deficits in social interactions, emotional repertoire, and language development. Autistic individuals are "neuro-atypical" in that their responses, behaviors, communications, and actions may not fit with their environmental setting versus individuals who are neuro-typical who can easily interface with their environments.

Peter Crino, MD
University of Maryland School of Medicine

New US Vice President Makes History

Sarah Oliver
Assistant Professor, Political Science Department, Towson University and Author, "Who Runs? The Masculine Advantage in Candidate Emergence."
https://www.towson.edu/

An Update on COVID-19 Vaccines and Clinical Trials

University of Maryland School of Medicine faculty and staff are experts in the field of global health and vaccinology, and they are dedicated to improving global health by conducting innovative, world-leading research in Baltimore and around the world. UMSOM researchers and scientists are among hundreds of experts across the world working around the clock testing potential vaccines and engaging in clinical trials for COVID-19.

Kathy Neuzil, MD, is one of the world’s most influential research scientists and advocates in the area of vaccine development and policy and an international vaccine expert. Dr. Neuzil will be a guest on Maryland Public Television’s Direct Connection “Your Health” program on Monday, November 9th at 7 pm discussing updates on COVID-19 vaccines and clinical trials.

Kathy Neuzil, MD
University of Maryland School of Medicine

Presidential Election 2020

A look at why Pennsylvania is getting all the attention right now and why the presidential race is so competitive there, and what to look for on election night and beyond.

Terry Madonna, Ph.D.
Director, Franklin & Marshall College Poll & Professor of Public Affairs, Franklin & Marshall College

Understanding Grief, Loss and Building Hope During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Donna Jacobs
Senior VP of Government, Regulatory Affairs and Community Health, University of Maryland Medical System

Dr. Connie Noll, CRNP
University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health

EARLY VOTING UNDERWAY

David Garreis
Deputy Director, Anne Arundel County Board of Elections, President of the Maryland Association of Election Officials
https://maeo.net/

VOTING SAFELY IN PERSON

Panagis Galiatsatos, MD
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles/results/directory/profile/4626291/panagis-galiatsatos

COVID IMPACT ON VOTING

Kim Wehle
Author, “What You Need To Know About Voting”
https://www.kimwehle.com

MAJOR ISSUES DISCUSSION

John Bullock, Ph.D.
Baltimore City Council, Political Science Professor
http://www.baltimorecitycouncil.com/john-bullock

Mileah Kromer Ph.D.
Director, Sarah T. Hughes Field Politics Center, Goucher College
https://www.goucher.edu/learn/academic-centers/people-politics-and-markets/faculty/mileah-kromer

Melissa Deckman, Ph.D.
Chair, Political Science Dept., Washington College
https://www.washcoll.edu/people_departments/faculty/deckman-melissa.php

COVID-19 Latest

With Europe seeing an increase in coronavirus cases and the holidays fast approaching, we look at where we're headed in the battle against COVID-19.

Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, MHS
Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

Shred Day

Reducing your risk for identity fraud, especially during these unprecedented times.

Angie Barnett
President & CEO, BBB Greater Maryland

Supreme Court Nomination Hearings

Ronald Weich
Dean, University of Baltimore School of Law

Art for Equity

Christopher Bedford
Baltimore Museum of Art

Pandemic Latest

Dr. Gregory Branch
Baltimore County Health Officer

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Dr. Erin Rada
University of Maryland School of Medicine

PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE PREVIEW

A look at the upcoming presidential debate, top campaign issues and President Trump's SCOTUS nomination.

Rep. Steny Hoyer
(D) Maryland

Rep. Andy Harris
(R) Maryland

Remembering Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Sen. Ben Cardin
(D) Maryland

Your Health: An Update on COVID-19 Vaccines and Clinical Trials

University of Maryland School of Medicine faculty and staff are experts in the field of global health and vaccinology, and they are dedicated to improving global health by conducting innovative, world-leading research in Baltimore and around the world. UMSOM researchers and scientists are among hundreds of experts across the world working around the clock testing potential vaccines and engaging in clinical trials for COVID-19.

Matthew Laurens, MD, MPH is a UMSOM infectious diseases specialist who practices pediatric infectious diseases and conducts clinical trials, including an ongoing Phase 3 trial of Moderna’s mRNA-1273 vaccine. His background is in malaria vaccine development, and he has conducted malaria vaccine trials in Baltimore and in sub-Saharan Africa in adult and pediatric populations.

Dr. Laurens will be a guest on Maryland Public Television’s Direct Connection “Your Health” program on Monday, September 21 at 7 pm discussing updates on COVID-19 vaccines and clinical trials.

Matthew Laurens, MD, MPH
University of Maryland School of Medicine

Voting In Maryland 2020

David Garreis
Maryland Association of Election Officials
elections.maryland.gov/2020

Your Health - Colorectal Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, over the past 20 years, rates of colorectal cancer in people under age 50 have been rising and colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States, with over 104,610 new cases expected to be diagnosed this year. According to the CDC, there are about 50,000 deaths each year from colon cancer in the United States.

African American actor Chadwick Boseman was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2016 and died last month at age 43. Spotting warning signs can help doctors diagnose the cancer early, which can make treatment easier and more likely to save a life, because often people with colon cancer have no initial symptoms. Boseman’s death also underscores the importance of screening.

Dr. Cherif Boutros, chair of Surgical Oncology at the University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center, Medical Director of the Tate Cancer Center at UMBWMC and an Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, will be a guest on Maryland Public Television’s Direct Connection “Your Health” program on Monday, September 14 at 7 pm discussing what individuals need to know regarding colorectal cancer.

Cherif Boutros, MD
UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center

Dental Visits Recommendations During Pandemic

A look at the new World Health Organization guidance recommending that people should avoid routine dental cleanings and all non-urgent visits to the dentist's office during the pandemic.

Dr. Nicole Forel
Light Street Dental

Eating Right During The Pandemic

Behavioral health during the pandemic, whether it’s eating disorders or mood and anxiety disorders are all on the rise.

Steven Crawford, MD
Managing Director, Medical at Eating Recovery Center

https://www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/recovery-centers/baltimore/our-team

Latest on COVID-19

Six months into the COVID-19 response, how children attend school is different than ever before, while Labor Day is nearly upon us marking the traditional end of summer and it’s almost flu season.

Vinisha Amin, MD 
Hospital Medicine Physician, University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health

Reopening Schools Plans

Kyair Butts
Baltimore City Teacher of the Year

Teresa Beilstein
MD Teacher of the Year

Baltimore City Fair Housing Film Festival 
The Baltimore City Office of Equity and Civil Rights presents the Baltimore City Fair Housing Film Festival including panel discussions, feature films and original content.

Cedric McCray
Interim Director, Baltimore City Office of Equity and Civil Rights
https://fairhousingfilmfestival.splashthat.com/

Eating Right During The Pandemic
Behavioral health during the pandemic, whether it’s eating disorders or mood and anxiety disorders are all on the rise.

Steven Crawford, MD
Managing Director, Medical at Eating Recovery Center

https://www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/recovery-centers/baltimore/our-team

Republican National Convention - The Maryland View

Melissa Deckman, Ph.D.
Professor of Political Science, Washington College

Todd Eberly, Ph.D.
Professor of Political Science, St. Mary's College of Maryland

Dental Visits Recommendations During Pandemic

A look at the new World Health Organization guidance recommending that people should avoid routine dental cleanings and all non-urgent visits to the dentist's office during the pandemic.

Dr. Nicole Forel
Light Street Dental

Democratic National Convention and the Biden/Harris Ticket

Larry Gibson
Professor, University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law

Reopening Schools Plans

Plans and recommendations for starting the new school semester without further disruptions.

Peter Baily
Executive Director, The Association of Independent Maryland & DC Schools

Returning to the Pediatrician's Office

This is usually the time of year when children get their annual physical at the pediatrician’s office – and this year should not be any different. As children develop, it is very important to keep regular well-child visits with their pediatrician to keep up with medical issues, monitor development, and stay up to date with vaccines. But how do you do this during a pandemic?

Rebecca Carter, MD
University of Maryland School of Medicine

Ocean City During the Pandemic

How the coastal resort town is faring this summer, plus some of the new measures meant to keep tourists and locals safe.

Rick Meehan
Ocean City Mayor

Back To College

How area colleges are planning the fall semester during the pandemic.

Kent Devereaux
President, Goucher College
https://www.goucher.edu/

Pregnancy and COVID

What expectant mothers and their families need to know.

Dr. Sarah Crimmins
University of Maryland School of Medicine and the University of Maryland Medical Center

Latest in COVID-19 Trends

A look at the recent spike in COVID-19 cases and new restrictions.

Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman
Anne Arundel County Health Officer

In the aftermath of the death of George Floyd and the ensuing protests nationwide and in our area, this informative and provocative dialogue pulls the curtain back on the issue of racism and its impact on policing.

MPT moderators Jeff Salkin and Charles Robinson discuss with their guests the latest events and trends surrounding these important issues.

DeRay Mckesson
American Civil Rights Activist, Black Lives Matter Movement

Johnetta Elzie
American Civil Rights Activist

Raymond A. Winbush, Ph.D.
Research Professor, Director, Institute for Urban Research, Morgan State University

H. Lovell Smith, Ph.D.
Assistant professor of sociology, Loyola University Maryland

Michael Harrison
Baltimore City Police Commissioner

Melissa Hyatt
Baltimore County Police Chief

WATCH LIVE STREAM

COVID-19 Latest

Peter Olivieri, MD
Pulmonary and Critical Care Physician, University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center

Steve Nicewarner
UMMS' 1000th COVID-Positive Patient (now discharged)

Johnna Nicewarner
Emergency Department Nurse, University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center

Contact Tracing

Victoria K. Fretwell
Special Assistant & Senior Advisor, Office of the Secretary Maryland Department of Health

Racial Disparities

Sherita Hill Golden, M.D., M.H.S.
Vice President & Chief Diversity Officer, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Nursing Homes During Covid-19

A look at how theMaryland Baptist Aged Home, the oldest African-American owned and operated nursing home in the state, reported no deaths from Covid-19 and not a single case of the virus among its residents and staff.

Rev. Derrick DeWitt Sr.
Director and CFO, Maryland Baptist Aged Home

Economic Impact Payments

Susan Francis
Executive Director, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS)

Mental Health During Crisis

Donna Jacobs
Senior Vice President, UMMS

Dr. Dana Cunningham
University of Maryland School of Medicine

Push For Police Accountability Reforms

Sen. Will Smith
(D) Montgomery County

Your Health - Safe Summer Activities

How to safely enjoy beaches and other public outdoor spaces this summer.

Dr. Wilbur Chen
Associate Professor, University of Maryland School of Medicine

A Country Swept By Protests

As the entire nation is grappling with protests sparked by the killing of George Floyd, Maryland lawmakers form a police accountability workgroup.

Del. Vanessa Atterbeary
(D) Howard County

The Need For Political Action

A. Dwight Pettit
Civil Rights Attorney

The George Floyd & Freddie Gray Killings

D. Watkins
Editor At LArge, Salon & Author, The Beast Side

Front Line Healthcare Heroes

A look at what is it like to be at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19.

Amit Chandra, MD
Chief of Emergency Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center - Midtown Campus

Heather Brock, RN
Emergency Department Nurse, University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center

Help For Those Who Lost Their Jobs

Tiffany Robinson
Maryland Labor Secretary
https://www.dllr.state.md.us/

FACEBOOK LIVE Direct Connection: Wednesday, May 13 at 11am on MPT News Facebook Page

Jeff Salkin talks with economist Anirban Basu, and Mary Ann Scully, CEO of Howard Bank about how the economy can rebound from the coronavirus shutdown. Plus a look at the struggling job sector.

Anirban Basu
Sage Policy Group

Mary Ann Scully
CEO, Howard Bank

Coronavirus Latest In Our State

Dr. Clifford Mitchell
Director of Environmental Medicine, Maryland Department of Health

The Outbreak On The Lower Eastern Shore

Dr. Chris Snyder
Chief Quality Officer, Peninsula Regional Medical Center

Your Health: COVID-19 & Cardiovascular Disease

Heart specialists throughout the United States say there’s evidence that fear of catching COVID-19 is prompting some patients with chest pain or other symptoms of a heart attack to delay going to a hospital emergency room for treatment. Those delays may result in sicker patients and potentially bigger, fatal heart attacks than would be the case had they been treated early.

On Monday, May 4, University of Maryland cardiologists Drs. Mark Vesely and Jeremy Pollock discuss symptoms of heart attack & stroke, treatment options and COVID-19 safeguards in the hospital.

Mark Vesely, MD 
Cardiologist, University of Maryland Medical Center

Jeremy Pollock, MD
Cardiologist, UM St. Joseph Medical Center

National Guard Nursing Homes 'Strike Teams'

Col. (Dr.) Eric Allely
Maryland National Guard State Surgeon

Immunity & COVID-19

Johns Hopkins immunologist, Andrew Pekosz, discusses immunity and COVID-19, and what we've learned so far about the virus.

Andrew Pekosz, Ph.D.
Microbiology & Immunology, JHU Bloomberg School of Public Health

Drive-Through Covid19 Testing At Timonium Fairgrounds

Gregory Branch, MD
Director, Health and Human Services, Baltimore County
https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/

Coronavirus Latest

We'll look at research, timing of potential vaccines and clinical trials, and the latest from the frontline lab.

Matthew Frieman, Ph.D.
University of Maryland School of Medicine

Racial Disparities In Coronavirus Cases

Farin Kamangar, MD, PhD 
Associate Dean & Epidemiologist, Morgan State University

Tools To Help With Anxiety

Lisa Hughes
Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical

Protecting Yourself From The Coronavirus

Rajan Patel, MD
Holy Cross Hospital
https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/

Coronavirus Response

A look at how hospitals are responding to the Coronavirus crisis, plus new monetary efforts to help with COVID-19 research.

Joshua M. Sharfstein, MD 
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/

Maryland's Response To Coronavirus

Larry Hogan
(R) Governor of Maryland

Coronavirus In Maryland

We continue our coverage of the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic with perspective from Dr. Faheem Younus about the need for people to live in a place of preparedness.

Faheem Younus, MD
University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health

Life During The Coronavirus Pandemic

The quick evolution of COVID-19 is changing our daily lives rapidly. We discuss what you need to know and do to stay safe and healthy in the midst of this global outbreak.

Gregory Schrank, MD, MPH
UMMC COVID-19 Response Co-Incident Commander

Coronavirus Outbreak

David Marcozzi, M.D.
Chair, University of Maryland Medical System’s COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Committee

Matthew Frieman, Ph.D.
Virologist & Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at the UM School of Medicine

https://www.umms.org/coronavirus

COVID-19 Outbreak Latest

A look at the risk assessment and illness severity in the U.S., and how to plan for this rapidly evolving disease.

Andrew Pekosz, Ph.D. 
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Coronavirus Impact On Wall Street

Daraius Irani
VP, Strategic Partnerships & Applied Research, Towson University
https://www.towson.edu/

Your Health: Heart Health

A look at minimally invasive surgery and the latest advances in heart health.

Dr. Rawn Selenger 
Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine
Cardiac Surgeon, University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center

Your Health: Organ Transplant

An organ transplant holds the promise of a life saved, health restored, and a future to live. An 11-year-old girl’s own kidney transplant did all that and inspired her to become a kidney transplant surgeon. The transplant worked well for 30 years, long enough for her to realize her dream as a surgeon to help hundreds of patients who also needed an organ transplant, all while sharing her unique insights as a kidney transplant patient and transplant specialist. Then things changed. On Monday, January 20, University of Maryland Medical Center transplant surgeon Silke Niederhaus, MD, discusses her experience and what she learned after that transplanted kidney began to fail, and she, like her patients, had to somehow find a donated kidney to stay alive.

Do you have a general question about transplants? During the show, call 1-800-926-0629 or e-mail your question to livequestions@mpt.org.

Silke V. Niederhaus, MD
University of Maryland School of Medicine

Hacking Your Security Cameras

How to stop thieves from hacking into your home security system.

Rick Forno, Ph.D

Assistant Director, UMBC Center for Cybersecurity, Director, Cybersecurity Graduate Program

https://cybersecurity.umbc.edu/

https://cybersecurity.umbc.edu/richard-forno/

New Hampshire Democratic Primary

What to watch in the New Hampshire Democratic primary.

John Dedie
Political Science, CCBC

Sarah Oliver
Professor, Political Science, Towson
https://www.towson.edu/

Best & Worst Super Bowl Commercials

David Warschawski
CEO, Warschawski Integrated Marketing Communications Agency
https://www.warschawski.com/

Vision For The Medical System

Mohan Suntha, MD, MBA, a physician leader with deep roots across the University of Maryland Medical System including providing exceptional care for cancer patients and leading two of the system’s hospitals, was named President and Chief Executive Officer of UMMS late in 2019. As a physician CEO, Dr. Suntha brings a unique and valuable clinical lens and a focus on ensuring the delivery of compassionate, high-quality patient and family-centered care.

On Monday, February 3, Dr. Suntha will discuss his vision for UMMS, including how the system will transform the way we deliver health care to bring more value to our patients and their communities as well as building upon its tradition of excellence in patient care and innovation.

Dr. Mohan Suntha
President & CEO, University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS)

Harborplace Struggling

Why the centerpiece of Downtown Baltimore, Harborplace, is struggling to survive.

Melody Simmons
Baltimore Business Journal
https://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/

Your Health: HIV and AIDS in our community

Many people remember the early days of HIV when young people were getting sick and dying, and there was no treatment available. The HIV epidemic has changed considerably since then and today HIV is a chronic, but treatable illness, and it can be controlled very well with daily medication.

However, HIV remains more common in Maryland and in Baltimore City than in most areas of the country.

Sarah Schmalzle, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases
Institute of Human Virology , University of Maryland School of Medicine

The McLaughlin Group

A look at current issues with host Tom Rogan, who continues in the footsteps of John McLaughlin, bringing you the latest in politics, policies and personalities.

Tom Rogan
Host, The McLaughlin Group

Your Health: Organ Transplant

An organ transplant holds the promise of a life saved, health restored, and a future to live. An 11-year-old girl’s own kidney transplant did all that and inspired her to become a kidney transplant surgeon. The transplant worked well for 30 years, long enough for her to realize her dream as a surgeon to help hundreds of patients who also needed an organ transplant, all while sharing her unique insights as a kidney transplant patient and transplant specialist. Then things changed. On Monday, January 20, University of Maryland Medical Center transplant surgeon Silke Niederhaus, MD, discusses her experience and what she learned after that transplanted kidney began to fail, and she, like her patients, had to somehow find a donated kidney to stay alive.

Do you have a general question about transplants? During the show, call 1-800-926-0629 or e-mail your question to livequestions@mpt.org.

Silke V. Niederhaus, MD
University of Maryland School of Medicine

Hacking Your Security Cameras

How to stop thieves from hacking into your home security system.

Rick Forno, Ph.D

Assistant Director, UMBC Center for Cybersecurity, Director, Cybersecurity Graduate Program

https://cybersecurity.umbc.edu/

https://cybersecurity.umbc.edu/richard-forno/
 

Stunning End To Ravens Season

John Eisenberg

BaltimoreRavens.com

Author, The League

https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/john-eisenberg

Strategies For Stopping Baltimore Crime

Brandon Scott
Baltimore City Council President
http://www.baltimorecitycouncil.com/

Your Health: Mindful Health, with Dr. Mark Saba

It’s a New Year…the time when we resolve to be our best selves. For most of us, that includes being more proactive about our health—eating right, losing weight, staying active and maintaining a healthy mindset that can help you best manage—or avoid—chronic illnesses like diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, and more.

Dr. Mark Saba internal medicine physician at University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center will discuss the best ways to live a healthier life in 2020, providing tips and advice for living a healthier life in the New Year. He’ll introduce us to the concept of “mindful health”—and how being more conscious of your lifestyle choices can affect your overall well-being.

However, HIV remains more common in Maryland and in Baltimore City than in most areas of the country.

Mark Saba, MD
UM St. Joseph Medical Center

The End Of An Era

Rhea Feikin brings down the curtain on her broadcasting career. Call us with your questions and comments for the first lady of MPT.

Rhea Feikin
First Lady of Maryland Public Television

Medicare Open Enrollment

Medicare Open Enrollment starts October 15 and runs through December 7. A look at everything you need to know about changing or keeping your coverage.

Sherry Kolbe
Baltimore County SHIP

Harborplace Struggling

Why the centerpiece of Downtown Baltimore, Harborplace, is struggling to survive.

Melody Simmons
Baltimore Business Journal
https://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/

Your Health: HIV and AIDS in our community

Many people remember the early days of HIV when young people were getting sick and dying, and there was no treatment available. The HIV epidemic has changed considerably since then and today HIV is a chronic, but treatable illness, and it can be controlled very well with daily medication.

However, HIV remains more common in Maryland and in Baltimore City than in most areas of the country.

Sarah Schmalzle, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases
Institute of Human Virology , University of Maryland School of Medicine

Holidays Wish List

We're joining Santa Claus and a bunch of other folks at The Shops at Kenilworth to complete our holiday shopping list. Join us LIVE on Monday!

https://www.theshopsatkenilworth.com/

Jane O'Donoghue
Urban Threads

Lindsey Jacobs
Radcliffe Jewelers

Brittany Parry
Match Made Stores

Tony Zingarelli
The Train Group

President Trump Impeachment Inquiry

A talk with Congressman Ruppersberger about the latest impeachment inquiry developments into President Donald Trump.

Rep. Dutch C.A. Ruppersberger
(D) Maryland

Your Health: Vaping

The Centers for Disease Control is reporting nearly 2,200 cases of lung injury related to e-cigarettes and vaping nationwide, and at least 42 deaths. In simple terms, vaping is the inhaling of a vapor created by an e-cigarette or other vaping device. These battery-powered smoking devices have cartridges filled with a liquid usually containing nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals and metals, but not tobacco. While there is tentative evidence that e-cigarettes may help people quit smoking, they have not been proven more effective than smoking cessation medicine. Since their entrance to the market over 15 years ago, e-cigarette use has risen around the globe with nearly 13% of American high school students using them recreationally at least once in the previous month.

On Monday, December 2nd , University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health hospitalist physicians Dr. Zarana Patel and Dr. Vinisha Amin will discuss the issue of vaping and lung disease on Maryland Public Television’s Direct Connection "Your Health" program on Monday, December 2, at 7 pm

Do you have a general question about vaping? During the show, call 1-800-926-0629 or e-mail your question to livequestions@mpt.org.

Zarana Patel, MD and Vinisha Amin, MD
University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health

Best Deals On Holiday Travel

Tips on when to book the best deals for your holiday travel.

Natalea Scott 
Retail Associate, AAA Mid-Atlantic

Your Health: Pancreatic Cancer

November is National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Each year, more than 56,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer—that’s more than 155 people per day. As we have seen with the diagnosis of Jeopardy! Host Alex Trebek, and, even more recently, Quiet Riot drummer Frankie Banali—and the likes of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg and actor Patrick Swayze, among others—pancreatic cancer does not discriminate, affecting men and women everywhere virtually equally. According to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, pancreatic cancer—now the fourth-leading cause of cancer deaths—is expected to become the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. around the (fast-approaching) year of 2020.

Mark Fraiman, MD
Medical Director, Liver and Pancreas Center, UM St. Joseph Medical Center

Healthcare Enrollment

Michele Eberle
Executive Director, Maryland Health Benefit Exchange
https://www.marylandhealthconnection.gov/GetConnected/

It's Harvest Season!

Join us as we visit a local winery to learn about the wine making process and the journey of the grape from vine to ... can.

Drew Baker
Old Westminster Winery

Al Spoler
Host, WYPR's Cellar Notes & Radio Kitchen

The End Of An Era

Rhea Feikin brings down the curtain on her broadcasting career. Call us with your questions and comments for the first lady of MPT.

Rhea Feikin
First Lady of Maryland Public Television