Treating Meth-Associated PAH Without Judgment Dr. Brandon Jakubowski takes us into the underrecognized world of stimulant-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension. From misdiagnoses to under-prescribing life-saving therapies, he lays out the systemic gaps and stigmas preventing patients from getting the care they need.

This Special Edition Episode Sponsored by:  Johnson & Johnson [https://innovativemedicine.jnj.com/our-innovation/focus-areas/cardiopulmonary/pulmonary] Learn more about pulmonary hypertension trials at www.phaware.global/clinicaltrials [http://www.phaware.global/clinicaltrials]. Follow us on social @phaware Engage for a cure: www.phaware.global/donate [https://www.phaware.global/donate] #phaware Share your story: info@phaware.com #phawareMD @JNJInnovMed [https://x.com/JNJInnovMed] @UTSWMedCenter [https://x.com/UTSWMedCenter]

Episode 542 - Brandon Jakubowski, MD

The Face of Addiction Isn’t Who You Think It Is Once thought to be a West Coast issue, methamphetamine-associated pulmonary hypertension is now a nationwide and global crisis. Dr. Nicholas Kolaitis reveals how building trust with meth associated-PAH patients can lead to incredible turnarounds, including sobriety, trial participation, and successful transplant.

This Special Edition Episode Sponsored by: Johnson & Johnson [https://innovativemedicine.jnj.com/our-innovation/focus-areas/cardiopulmonary/pulmonary] Learn more about pulmonary hypertension trials at www.phaware.global/clinicaltrials [http://www.phaware.global/clinicaltrials]. Follow us on social @phaware Engage for a cure: www.phaware.global/donate [https://www.phaware.global/donate] #phaware Share your story: info@phaware.com [info@phaware.com#phawareMD] @JNJInnovMed [https://x.com/JNJInnovMed] #PHawareMD @UCSFHospitals [https://x.com/UCSFHospitals] @LungTxptMD [https://x.com/LungTxptMD]

Episode 541 - Nicholas Kolaitis, MD

How Stigma Blocks Meth-PAH Treatment and How to Stop It Patients with methamphetamine-associated-PAH often arrive at clinics already carrying heavy shame. But shame shouldn’t be part of their medical history. In this compelling episode, Dr. Peter Leary explains how stigma—from both society and providers—can delay life-saving care. Learn how a change in mindset, language, and compassion can transform outcomes for a neglected and growing patient population. This Special Edition Episode Sponsored by: Johnson & Johnson [https://innovativemedicine.jnj.com/our-innovation/focus-areas/cardiopulmonary/pulmonary] Learn more about pulmonary hypertension trials at www.phaware.global/clinicaltrials [http://www.phaware.global/clinicaltrials]. Follow us on social @phaware Engage for a cure: www.phaware.global/donate [https://www.phaware.global/donate] #phaware Share your story: info@phaware.com #phawareMD @uwepidemiology  [https://twitter.com/uwepidemiology/] @JNJInnovMed [https://x.com/JNJInnovMed]

Episode 540 - Peter J. Leary, MD

The Hidden Epidemic: Meth and PHMeth-Associated PAH is on the rise across the United States, yet many patients are not receiving the treatment they need. Dr. Vinicio de Jesus Perez discusses the shifting demographics of meth users, the challenges of treating addiction in cardiopulmonary care, and the need for compassionate, stigma-free screening.

This Special Edition Episode Sponsored by: Johnson & Johnson [https://innovativemedicine.jnj.com/our-innovation/focus-areas/cardiopulmonary/pulmonary] Learn more about pulmonary hypertension trials at www.phaware.global/clinicaltrials [http://www.phaware.global/clinicaltrials]. Follow us on social @phaware Engage for a cure: www.phaware.global/donate [https://www.phaware.global/donate] #phaware Share your story: info@phaware.com #phawareMD @PHatStanford  [https://twitter.com/PHatStanford] @Viniciodjperez  [https://twitter.com/Viniciodjperez] @JNJInnovMed [https://x.com/JNJInnovMed]

Episode 539 - Vinicio de Jesus Perez, MD

Dr. John Kingrey exposes the rising crisis of meth-associated pulmonary hypertension, a condition spreading fast across the U.S. He challenges misconceptions, highlights urgent research, and stresses the need for compassion in treating both PAH and addiction.

This Special Edition Episode Sponsored by: Johnson & Johnson [https://innovativemedicine.jnj.com/our-innovation/focus-areas/cardiopulmonary/pulmonary]

Learn more about pulmonary hypertension trials at www.phaware.global/clinicaltrials [https://www.phaware.global/clinicaltrials]. Engage for a cure: www.phaware.global/donate [https://www.phaware.global/donate] #phaware Share your story: info@phaware.com Like, Subscribe and Follow us: www.phawarepodcast.com [https://www.phawarepodcast.com]. @integrishealth [https://x.com/integrishealth] @teamphhope [https://x.com/teamphhope] @JNJInnovMed [https://x.com/JNJInnovMed] #phawareMD

Episode 538 - John Kingrey, MD

Delays in diagnosing and treating pulmonary hypertension (PH) can have life-altering consequences. In this episode, Dr. Kari Gillmeyer, discusses her groundbreaking study on PH care networks. She explores why so many patients experience delays, how geography and provider access play a role, and what can be done to improve timeliness of care.

This Special Edition Episode Sponsored by: Johnson & Johnson [https://innovativemedicine.jnj.com/our-innovation/focus-areas/cardiopulmonary/pulmonary]

Learn more about pulmonary hypertension trials at www.phaware.global/clinicaltrials [https://www.phaware.global/clinicaltrials]. Engage for a cure: www.phaware.global/donate [https://www.phaware.global/donate] #phaware Share your story: info@phaware.com Like, Subscribe and Follow us: www.phawarepodcast.com [https://www.phawarepodcast.com]. @VABostonHC [https://x.com/VABostonHC] @The_BMC [https://x.com/The_BMC] @JNJInnovMed [https://x.com/JNJInnovMed]

Episode 537 - Kari Gillmeyer, MD, MSC

A 200 Mile Journey from LA to San Diego to Raise Awareness for PH When Eric Borstein collapsed in his bedroom in 2020, doctors gave him just months to live. Instead, he fought back with walking, mental health, and the support of his community. Now, he’s leading a movement, raising hundreds of thousands for pulmonary hypertension research, and walking 200 miles down the California coast to prove hope has no limits. Learn more about the 2nd Annual Where is EB? 5K Walk and Fundraiser [http://whereiseb.org/] September 7, 2025 Learn more about pulmonary hypertension trials at www.phaware.global/clinicaltrials [http://www.phaware.global/clinicaltrials]. Follow us on social @phaware  Engage for a cure: www.phaware.global/donate [https://www.phaware.global/donate] #phaware Share your story: info@phaware.com @teamphhope  [https://x.com/teamphhope] @where_is_eb [https://www.instagram.com/where_is_eb] @DJLisaFoxx [https://x.com/DJLisaFoxx]

 

Episode 536 - Eric Borstein

In this episode, Dr. Akshay Muralidhar, Co-Director of the Pulmonary Hypertension Center of Excellence at Arizona Pulmonary Specialist in Phoenix, discusses the importance of having a specialized center for pulmonary hypertension. Dr. Muralidhar also highlights the challenges of managing patients with substance abuse issues, particularly methamphetamine use. Dr. Muralidhar emphasizes the importance of access to care, particularly for underserved communities, and the need for outreach programs to ensure that all patients have access to treatment options. 

This Special Edition Episode Sponsored by: Johnson & Johnson [https://innovativemedicine.jnj.com/our-innovation/focus-areas/cardiopulmonary/pulmonary]

Learn more about pulmonary hypertension trials at www.phaware.global/clinicaltrials [http://www.phaware.global/clinicaltrials]. Follow us on social @phaware Engage for a cure: www.phaware.global/donate [https://www.phaware.global/donate] #phaware Share your story: info@phaware.com #phawareMD @JNJInnovMed [https://x.com/JNJInnovMed]

Episode 535 - Akshay Muralidhar, MD

Dr. Raj Parikh from Hartford Hospital discusses building on foundational pathways with treatment options for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) patients. He also emphasizes the value of clinical trials as well as the importance of a good doctor/patient relationship. 

This Special Edition Episode Sponsored by: Johnson & Johnson [https://innovativemedicine.jnj.com/our-innovation/focus-areas/cardiopulmonary/pulmonary]

Learn more about pulmonary hypertension trials at www.phaware.global/clinicaltrials [https://www.phaware.global/clinicaltrials]. Engage for a cure: www.phaware.global/donate [https://www.phaware.global/donate] #phaware Share your story: info@phaware.com Like, Subscribe and Follow us: www.phawarepodcast.com [https://www.phawarepodcast.com]. #phawareMD @HartfordHealthC [https://x.com/HartfordHealthC] @JNJInnovMed [https://x.com/JNJInnovMed]

Episode 534 - Raj Parikh, MD, MPH

Dr. Robert Frantz breaks down the key metrics behind risk stratification—functional class, six-minute walk distance, and brain natriuretic peptide levels—and explains how they shape treatment plans. He also explores the role of echocardiography, right heart catheterization, and cutting-edge therapies in improving patient outcomes.

Read the proceedings of the Task Force on Risk Stratification [https://publications.ersnet.org/content/erj/early/2024/08/01/1399300301323-2024] from the Seventh World Symposium on Pulmonary Hypertension. 

This Special Edition Episode Sponsored by: Johnson & Johnson [https://innovativemedicine.jnj.com/our-innovation/focus-areas/cardiopulmonary/pulmonary]

Learn more about pulmonary hypertension trials at www.phaware.global/clinicaltrials [http://www.phaware.global/clinicaltrials]. Follow us on social @phaware Engage for a cure: www.phaware.global/donate [https://www.phaware.global/donate] #phaware Share your story: info@phaware.com #phawareMD #RiskStratification @MayoClinic [https://twitter.com/mayoclinic] @MayoMedEd [https://twitter.com/MayoMedEd] @TeamPHHope [https://x.com/teamphhope/] @JNJInnovMed [https://x.com/JNJInnovMed]

Episode 533 - Robert Frantz, MD

I'm Aware That I'm Rare: the phaware® podcast is devoted to raising global pulmonary hypertension awareness with dynamic stories from PH patients, caregivers and medical professionals from around the world. Through this series of impactful, insightful and, most importantly, hopeful stories from members of the global pulmonary hypertension community, we hope to further the global #phaware conversation as well as to capture, engage and enable misdiagnosed and undiagnosed PH patients because early diagnosis and treatment can mean the difference between life and death. Topics range from the importance of early diagnosis and global PH awareness, to the impact of clinical trials to how patient support and advocacy are paramount to battling this disease. Learn more about PH at www.phaware.global

Steve Van Wormer

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