In honor of APP Week, September 21-25, April and Alicia give us a closer look at what they do as—and what they went through to become—advanced practice providers (APPs). As a physician assistant (PA) and nurse practitioner (NP) respectively, our hosts tackle questions about the education, training, certifications, collaboration, and ongoing learning that supports their work as caregivers and leaders. Whether you've worked alongside an APP, received care from one, or just always wondered what all these acronyms mean, tune in and celebrate APP Week with On Call.

What's an APP, anyway?

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and in this episode, April and Alicia are putting a spotlight on the second-most common female reproductive cancer. How can someone find out if they have ovarian cancer? Do symptoms give a full picture? And just what exactly is a pap smear? Tune in for an important conversation that just might help you spot the difference between what's normal for you and what deserves a closer look.

Know your normal: Understanding ovarian cancer

After a summer hiatus, On Call is officially back in session! April and Alicia kick off the school year by putting each other to the test with a back-to-school edition of Fact or Fiction. Can a heavy backpack really cause scoliosis? Does skipping breakfast hurt academic performance? And are energy drinks helping young athletes or hurting them? Class is in session, and these medical myths are about to get graded.

On Call: Back in session

After a brief hibernation, On Call is back--just in time for Spring! After a long, cold winter, April and Alicia are thrilled to catch up by putting one another in the hot seat for a new seasonal fact or fiction. Does pollen exposure do more than make you sneeze? Could daylight savings impact more than just your sleep? And why haven't they put out a vaccine for Spring Fever yet? A fresh season deserves fresh answers--let's dive back in!

Back in bloom | Spring fact or fiction

Don't get left out in the cold—April and Alicia are closing out 2025 with one last fact or fiction all about the winter weather! Does your head really let off the most heat? Could going limp prevent a broken wrist on the slopes? And will standing outside in the cold be the next weight loss fad? Put on your coziest socks and tune in for frosty fun!

Fireside facts and frosty fictions

Happy Thanksgiving! April and Alicia are serving up a brand-new fact or fiction in honor of our favorite food-centered holiday. Is your turkey dinner the reason for your post-dinner food coma? Was the wishbone once used for divination? And just how long should you expect to wait at the emergency room if someone at the table takes a tumble? Tune in--you just might learn something between your laughs.

Pass the facts, hold the fiction

The holidays are approaching fast, and we at On Call are getting in the spirit of togetherness with a brand new guest! April and Alicia are joined by long-time colleague and friend Saira Ayub, Senior Director for Staffing Services at Sound Physicians. After nine years at Sound, Saira has learned a thing or two about what makes a great clinical team. Tune in to hear her career and leadership journey, hospital staffing philosophy, and even a few holiday hot takes.

Solving the staffing puzzle Ft. Saira Ayub

Patients may hear their clinician, but do they really understand them? In this episode, April and Alicia tackle the myths and misunderstandings surrounding health literacy. From mixed messages to medical jargon, they test each other's knowledge on the facts, fictions, and ways clearer communication can transform care.

Health literacy: Making sense of medicine

April and Alicia diving back into the headlines with a chilling twist! This episode, hear some of the latest healthcare news (and personal encounters) about all things creepy, crawly, and cutting-edge. From new-age cadaver labs to advancements in freeze-dried blood, these innovations are as fascinating as they are frightening. Spoiler alert: maybe skip this one if you're scared of bugs!

Healthcare headlines - Spooky edition

It's our favorite time of the year here at On Call: National APP Week! Sept. 22-27 is dedicated to recognizing advanced practice providers for the expertise, compassion, and care they bring to patients every day. To celebrate, April and Alicia—APPs themselves—are adding a little friendly competition into the mix with a fact or fiction all about their beloved profession. If you're an APP out there listening, we hope you play along with us and feel celebrated this week!

Happy APP Week!

Sound Physicians (@sound_physicians) · Zencastr

Sound Physicians (@sound_physicians)

Welcome to On Call, the insightful and engaging podcast hosted by April Burke and Alicia Scheffer two seasoned Sound advanced practice providers with over 15 years of combined experience in healthcare. Join them as they delve into the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, exploring trending topics that shape the future of medicine, patient care, and the healthcare workforce. On Call serves as an indispensable resource for healthcare practitioners, administrators, and anyone passionate about transforming the healthcare system for the better. Whether you're a medical professional looking to stay on top of industry trends or a patient seeking to understand the dynamics shaping your care, this podcast promises thought-provoking conversations and valuable takeaways.

On Call with April and Alicia