The BAMF Health Podcast

Your Theranostics Questions Answered – Access, Safety, & What to Expect

In this special Ask Us Anything episode, host Christine VanTimmeren and Dr. Brandon Mancini, Medical Director at BAMF Health, answer questions submitted by listeners about theranostics and radiopharmaceutical therapy. How accessible are these treatments? Are they covered by insurance? What cancers can be treated today—and what’s coming next? How much radiation are patients and caregivers actually exposed to? And what can patients expect during a treatment visit? Dr. Mancini provides straightforward answers to some of the most common questions he hears from patients and families, including: *  The biggest barriers to expanding access to theranostics  *  Insurance coverage and affordability of FDA-approved treatments  *  The future of radiopharmaceutical therapy and ongoing clinical trials  *  Alpha vs. beta therapies explained  *  Radiation safety for patients, caregivers, children, and pets  *  What to expect during Pluvicto® and Lutathera® treatment appointments  Whether you're considering treatment yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about the future of precision medicine, this episode offers practical answers to help you better understand theranostics and the role it's playing in cancer care. Chapters 00:00 Introduction & Listener Q&A  00:59 What Limits Access to Theranostics?  03:48 Why Demand Exceeds Capacity  04:02 Is Theranostics Covered by Insurance?  06:11 Accessibility vs. Self-Pay Treatments  08:16 What's Next for Theranostics?  09:30 One Drug, Multiple Cancer Types  10:35 The Future of Combination Therapies  12:45 Alpha vs. Beta Radiopharmaceuticals Explained  14:57 Radiation Safety for Patients & Caregivers  18:55 Why BAMF Compares Radiation to Bananas 🍌  20:47 Radiation Exposure From Flying vs. Treatment  21:33 What to Expect During a Pluvicto® Treatment  24:05 How Lutathera® Treatment Is Different  25:57 Preparing Patients for Therapy  26:34 Education, Safety & Setting Expectations  27:12 Release Criteria & Going Home Safely  28:32 Closing Thoughts & Future Q&A Episodes Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn Dr. Brandon Mancini [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-mancini-md-mba-facro-44646758/] Christine VanTimmeren [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinevt/] Connect with BAMF Health Our Website [https://www.bamfhealth.com/] Our Podcast [https://www.bamfhealth.com/podcast/]

Personalized healthcare: A combination of biology, provider insight, and patient choice

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Jeremiah Johns, Vice President of Medical Affairs at BAMF Health, and Dr. Simin Beg, Chief of Hospice and Palliative Care at Corewell Health, for a conversation about what it truly means to personalize healthcare. When most people hear the term personalized medicine, they think about advanced diagnostics, molecular imaging, genetic testing, and targeted therapies. While those innovations are transforming medicine, personalized care is about more than biology—it’s also about understanding a patient’s values, goals, and individual definition of what matters most. Together, we explore: • The difference between precision medicine and personalized care • Why healthcare is a partnership between providers, patients, and families • The importance of health literacy and informed decision-making • How personalized care applies to cancer treatment and Alzheimer’s disease • The role of palliative care alongside advanced therapies • Why patient values should guide treatment decisions • End-of-life planning, quality of life, and patient autonomy This episode is an important reminder that while medicine is becoming increasingly precise—especially at BAMF Health—the most meaningful healthcare decisions remain deeply human. Chapters 00:58 How Dr. Beg & Dr. Johns First Met in the ICU 02:04 Career Paths: Emergency Medicine, Palliative Care & Leadership 04:03 Personalized Care as a Two-Way Street 05:57 How BAMF Health Personalizes Cancer & Alzheimer’s Care 07:15 Precision Medicine vs. Personal Values 09:04 When Treatment Decisions Become Personal 10:08 Health Literacy: The Hidden Challenge in Healthcare 12:25 Why Healthcare Systems Must Improve Communication 13:49 Personalized Care in Alzheimer’s Disease 16:20 Palliative Care’s Role in Alzheimer’s Treatment 18:59 Reassessing Treatment Goals Throughout the Journey 20:16 Clinical Trials, Advanced Therapies & Personal Choice 21:32 Understanding Patient Values Without Judgment 22:40 End-of-Life Care & Maintaining Control 23:06 Hospice Care, Quality of Life & Living Well 24:43 There Is No “Wrong” Decision 25:39 Patient Autonomy & Shared Decision-Making 28:06 Final Reflections on Personalized Care Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn Dr. Brandon Mancini [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-mancini-md-mba-facro-44646758/] Christine VanTimmeren [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinevt/] Connect with BAMF Health Our Website [https://www.bamfhealth.com/] Our Podcast [https://www.bamfhealth.com/podcast/]

Radiopharmaceutical Clinical Trials: The Myths, The Facts, and the Impact

In this episode, we're joined by Dan Rogers, Vice President of Clinical Trials at BAMF Health, for an inside look at the world of clinical trials and their critical role in advancing cancer care. Clinical trials are often misunderstood. Are patients treated like guinea pigs? What happens if you receive a placebo? How do clinical trials actually lead to new therapies becoming available to patients? And why are more cancer patients considering clinical trials earlier in their treatment journey? Dan breaks down the clinical trial process—from Phase I first-in-human studies through FDA approval—and explains why BAMF Health has become a national leader in radiopharmaceutical clinical research. The team also discusses BAMF’s growing RadioNexus network, investigator-initiated studies, pediatric research opportunities, and the unique infrastructure required to bring innovative therapies to patients faster. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Clinical Trials  00:26 How Dan Rogers Entered Clinical Research  02:21 Clinical Trials 101: What Are They?  04:33 Why Clinical Trials Matter for Patients  05:40 How BAMF Health Accesses Leading Clinical Trials  08:19 Expanding Access Through RadioNexus  10:12 The Infrastructure Behind Radiopharmaceutical Trials  11:53 Shaping Clinical Trial Design & Innovation  13:26 Why Being First-in-Human Matters  14:45 Who Participates in Clinical Trials?  17:13 How Patients Find Clinical Trials  18:01 Why Clinical Trials Are Becoming Earlier Treatment Options  20:46 The Challenge of Finding the Right Trial  22:49 Investigator-Initiated Trials at BAMF Health  26:05 Pediatric Theranostics & the Future of Research  27:31 Clinical Trial Myths & Misconceptions  28:00 Myth: “I’m Just a Guinea Pig”  29:21 Myth: “I Might Get a Placebo Instead of Treatment”  30:39 Myth: “Once I Join, I Can’t Leave”  31:14 Myth: “Clinical Trials Take Too Much Time”  32:45 Imaging Trials vs. Therapy Trials  33:48 The Future Impact of Clinical Research Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn Dr. Brandon Mancini [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-mancini-md-mba-facro-44646758/] Christine VanTimmeren [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinevt/] Connect with BAMF Health Our Website [https://www.bamfhealth.com/] Our Podcast [https://www.bamfhealth.com/podcast/]

The wearable healthcare data you should actually pay attention to

In this episode, host Christine VanTimmeren is joined by Dr. Brandon Mancini and Ben Boudro, VP of Enterprise Partnerships at COYA, to discuss how wearable technology, sleep, stress management, and recovery are reshaping the way we think about health and performance. From Apple Watches and Oura Rings to Whoop straps and HRV tracking, this conversation breaks down what the data actually means—and how people can use it to make meaningful, sustainable improvements in their health. Ben shares how COYA works with: Professional and collegiate athletes Executives and high-stress professionals First responders and law enforcement Everyday people trying to improve their quality of life Together, the group explores: • Why sleep may be the ultimate performance enhancer • What HRV (Heart Rate Variability) actually measures • Why “small habits” outperform quick fixes • The relationship between stress, recovery, and longevity • How wearables can help—or hurt—your mental health • Why relationships and community are critical to long-term wellness If you’ve ever wondered whether your wearable data matters—or how to actually use it—this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately. 00:00 Introduction & National Physical Fitness Month 00:47 What Is COYA? 00:56 The Police Officer Story: Stress, Sleep & Transformation 04:24 Using Wearable Data to Build Better Habits 05:44 Why Most People Don’t Know What To Do With Their Data 06:36 Wearables, HRV & What Actually Matters 07:47 What Is Heart Rate Variability (HRV)? 08:50 Sleep, Stress & Recovery Explained 09:40 The “Four Pillars” of Health & Cancer Care 10:53 Why Recovery Matters More Than Performance 12:01 Lifespan vs Healthspan 13:18 The Central Nervous System & Chronic Stress 14:11 VO2 Max Testing & Overtraining 16:09 The “Gray Area” of Feeling Fine But Not Optimal 17:39 Small Daily Habits That Improve Health 19:10 COYA & Professional / College Athletes 20:36 Why Sleep Is the Ultimate Performance Tool 21:21 The Downsides of Wearables & Overanalyzing Data 22:32 Relationships, Community & Longevity 23:14 Why Consistency Beats Perfection 24:38 How To Start Improving Your Health Today 25:37 The 3-2-1 Rule for Better Sleep 27:11 Journaling, Reflection & Sleep Quality 28:24 Circadian Rhythm & Why Timing Matters 31:06 Final Thoughts on Wellness & Wearables Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn Brandon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-mancini-md-mba-facro-44646758/  Christine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinevt/ Connect with BAMF Health Website: https://www.bamfhealth.com/ Our Podcast: https://www.bamfhealth.com/podcast/ Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn Dr. Brandon Mancini [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-mancini-md-mba-facro-44646758/] Christine VanTimmeren [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinevt/] Connect with BAMF Health Our Website [https://www.bamfhealth.com/] Our Podcast [https://www.bamfhealth.com/podcast/]

What it's like to be a nurse in theranostics and clinical trials

In this special National Nurses Month episode, we are joined by two BAMF Health nursing leaders: Christina DeVries, BSN, RN and Clay McNamara, BSN, RN. Together, they share what it’s like to help build one of the nation’s first comprehensive theranostics centers from the ground up, how nursing at BAMF differs from traditional healthcare environments, and why patient advocacy remains at the center of everything they do. You’ll also hear incredible patient stories—involving hallway concerts and potatoes—and learn how BAMF nurses are helping shape the future of personalized medicine. Whether you’re a nurse, healthcare professional, student, or patient, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people helping drive innovation in cancer care and beyond. 00:40 Meet Christina DeVries & Clay McNamara 01:03 What Inspired Christina to Become a Nurse 02:20 Clay’s Path Into Nursing & Travel Nursing Experience 04:18 What They Love Most About Nursing 05:46 Building BAMF Health From the Beginning 09:22 Patient Advocacy & Nurse Navigation at BAMF 10:56 Opening BAMF’s Doors for the First Time 12:36 Theranostics Nursing vs Traditional Oncology Nursing 14:57 Radiation Safety & Working Around Radiopharmaceuticals 17:51 The Most Rewarding & Challenging Parts of Nursing 20:09 What People Don’t Understand About Nursing 23:13 Favorite Patient Stories at BAMF 26:48 What BAMF Looks for in Nurses 30:43 Final Thoughts & Celebrating Nurses Month Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn Dr. Brandon Mancini [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-mancini-md-mba-facro-44646758/] Christine VanTimmeren [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinevt/] Connect with BAMF Health Our Website [https://www.bamfhealth.com/] Our Podcast [https://www.bamfhealth.com/podcast/]