Dr. Jillian Woodruff

Breast cancer is a complex and wide-ranging class of cancer, with many different types, treatments, and detection methods, but as with any cancer, it’s best to catch it as early as possible. October is breast-cancer awareness month, but monitoring for the signs and preventing risk is a year-round job. On this Line One host Dr. Jillian Woodruff and her guest discuss screening for, and treating, breast cancer.

As a new school year begins, students, particularly adolescents face a range of emotions and challenges. Academic pressures, peer pressure, body image and self-esteem issues, performance anxiety and bullying are just a few of the challenges that students can encounter. According to the National Institute for Mental Health approximately 20% of adolescents experience mental health disorders, typically beginning around age 14. On this Line One, host Dr. Jillian Woodruff explores the most common mental health disorders that affect adolescents, the crucial evaluations that help identify these issues, and the diverse range of treatments that can make a positive impact on their lives.

Genetic testing provides valuable information for patients and families about the risk of developing certain cancers, known diseases OR, whether someone is a carrier of a genetic disease. Testing encodes the small traits of our DNA which can help us to prepare for or prevent future health issues. How does this information empower people and What role do genetic counselors play in medical decisions? Join host Dr. Jillian Woodruff as she explores these topics on this episode of Line One.

Emergency Departments are known for management and stabilization of critical patients, but the transition to inpatient hospital care and later discharge are another critical part of the process. Hospitalist and emergency department physicians collaborate to provide 24-hour care to patients in emergency situations. On this Line One, Host Dr. Jillian Woodruff unlocks the secrets of emergency care.

Today’s youth are constantly bombarded with the allure of harmful substances on social media. The highlight reel nature of social media misses the stark impacts that drugs and alcohol can have on us. On the next Line One, host Dr. Jillian Woodruff dives into the struggles that young people experience, with a conversation aimed at seeking compassion, and building trust.

Palliative care serves patients with serious illnesses, focused on maintaining a patient’s best quality of life while managing treatments and supporting the family. In contrast, hospices navigate the care of a person typically with a life expectancy of less than 6 months. They manage pain, unwanted symptoms, and improve the quality of their remaining time. When does one need to make decisions about their medical future? Join host Dr. Jillian Woodruff as she discusses this with her guests on this episode of Line One.

Traumatic brain injuries or TBIs occur with more frequency than we are aware and the lasting effects are also high; not every injury is apparent thus many go undiagnosed and don’t get the services and treatments needed to heal. TBIs bring hundreds of Alaskans to our major medical centers each year and can be the result of accidents or medical conditions such as seizure or stroke. On this episode of Line One, Dr. Jillian Woodruff MD explores how to prevent and treat TBIs.

Approximately 1 in 5 heterosexual couples struggle to achieve pregnancy after 1 year of trying to conceive in the U.S. Only 12% of women use fertility services to receive help conceiving a child. In Alaska we have not had access to specialized assisted reproductive procedures that are now available. What are the causes of infertility? When should you see an infertility specialist? What help is available to achieve pregnancy? Dr. Jillian Woodruff and her guest share these answers with you to help achieve a healthy pregnancy.

HIV/AIDS diagnoses have decreased by 8% in the US. In Alaska there are approximately 700 people living with this disease. By decreasing the associated stigma and shame we can better serve those living with the disease while continuing to decrease and eliminate its incidence.

Hormones are messages that travel through the bloodstream to relay instructions to the body that control many functions. They are often prescribed in situations where our bodies are not providing enough for us to function at our best. Hormones also naturally decline as we age which may poorly affect our overall quality of life and health. Men also experience a decline in testosterone and other hormones, and replacement is just as important for them as it is for women.

Children in Alaska are sometimes affected by unique pediatric endocrine disorders like rickets, precocious or delayed puberty, short stature, thyroid dysfunction and pituitary gland disorders.

Since the landmark women’s hormone study of 2002, even some doctors are intimidated by the prescription hormones used to balance levels and resolve these symptoms.

What is the key to nutrition and fitness that eludes us? Does one specific diet exist that is guaranteed to lead to health and wellness?

In Alaska, patients must travel out of state for advanced infertility treatment. Fortunately, there are infertility services to bridge this gap and provide much needed evaluation and treatment options within the state.

In the Black, Indigenous and People of Color community, mistrust of the COVID-19 vaccine is deeply rooted and extends to vaccines, medical treatments and even hospitals.

The field of functional medicine works to find and treat the root cause of diagnoses and not just the diagnoses themselves. Is it the key to a long and healthy life?

Diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety and addiction are unfortunately common problems that threaten healthy pregnancies.

In 1978, Black males made up a little over 3% of medical school enrollments, but in 2019 that number was even smaller. Does this disparity contribute to healthcare inequities in minority communities?

Some cancers may have significant symptoms, while others may have none. Let Every Woman Know is a group spreading the word about the signs and symptoms of gynecologic female cancers like ovarian, cervical and vaginal.

There are many exciting clinical careers aside from Doctors and Nurses. If blood and guts are not for you, you can still enjoy a blood-free clinical career in healthcare.