In the Heart of Care
Voices from the frontlines of resuscitation and healthcare
How do high-performing healthcare teams prepare for the most critical moments in care?
In the Heart of Care—presented by RQI Partners—is a podcast for frontline healthcare professionals, nurse educators, and clinical leaders committed to resuscitation training, improving patient outcomes, and building a culture of continuous readiness.
Hosted by Dr. Ash Panchal, emergency physician, educator, and national expert in resuscitation science— each episode explores the systems, strategies, and mindset shifts that help healthcare teams perform under pressure. From high-stakes code events to everyday training challenges, guests share real stories and practical tools to strengthen clinical performance, communication, and team confidence.
This podcast goes beyond theory to spotlight what true preparedness looks like in real-world care environments, because in healthcare, readiness isn’t optional. It’s a shared responsibility and a path to better outcomes for every patient, every time.
Meet Our Host
Ashish “Ash” Panchal, MD, PhD
Ash Panchal, MD, PHD is a professor of Emergency Medicine at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Dr. Panchal is board certified clinician in Emergency Medicine and Emergency Medical Services who is passionate about improving patient outcomes in the unstable prehospital environment. He focuses his work on resuscitation, airway management and evidence-based guideline development.
On a national level, Dr. Panchal is the Chair of the American Heart Association Emergency Cardiovascular Care (AHA/ECC) Committee and Research and Fellowship Director for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, the certifying body of all EMS in the United States.

at The Ohio State University
Wexner Medical Center
EPISODE 4 | Heartbeats Ignored: Women and Cardiac Arrest
Women are less likely than men to receive lifesaving care during a cardiac arrest, a disparity that can mean the difference between life and death. Understanding why this gap exists is the first step toward changing it—and ensuring everyone gets the help they need, when they need it most. In this episode of In the Heart of Care, Heather Baker shares the story of her sudden cardiac arrest: an ordinary workday that turned into a fight for her life. We also hear from Dr. Audrey Blewer, a resuscitation scientist and associate professor at Duke University, whose research sheds light on why women are less likely to receive CPR and what can be done to close that gap.
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Dr. Audrey Blewer
Resuscitation Scientist and
Discover Audrey's 2024Associate Professor at Duke University Gender Disparities Study Learn More on Duke Family Medicine and Community Health |
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Dr. Heather Baker
Principal, Dorothy Simon Elementary School
Explore Heather's 2025 Go Red/ Adjunct Professor, Aurora University for Women Survivor Profile Learn More on Heather's Advocacy Work |