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The Heart and Mouth Connection Every Woman Needs to Know

January 9, 2026 | Women in Leadership, Women in healthcare, podcast 

For decades, modern medicine has treated the mouth and the body as separate entities. But for Dr. Nieca Goldberg, a renowned cardiologist, and Dr. Maria Ryan, Chief Clinical Officer at Colgate-Palmolive, this “siloed” approach is a barrier to true wellness—especially for women.

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Listen to the full episode here.

In this episode of Hear From Her, these two leaders—and fellow Barnard alumnae—reunite to discuss how systemic inflammation serves as the “common thread” between gum disease and heart disease.

Key Discussion Points:

  • The Heart-Mouth Connection: Why untreated periodontal disease can increase the risk of cardiovascular events and diabetes.
  • Women Are Not “Small Men”: A deep dive into why women experience healthcare differently and why clinical research must account for female physiology.
  • The Hormone Factor: How life stages—from pregnancy to menopause—create unique vulnerabilities in a woman’s oral and systemic health.
  • Leading with Purpose: Navigating the “leaky pipeline” in medical leadership and the power of finding a sponsor who will advocate for you in rooms you haven’t entered yet.

Listen to the full episode here.

Why You Should Listen: This conversation isn’t just clinical; it’s a masterclass in self-advocacy. You’ll learn why your next dental check-up might be the most important heart health screening you have this year. As Dr. Goldberg notes, “Women make more doctor visits, yet are often the least satisfied with their care.” This episode gives you the tools to change that narrative.

“Infection and inflammation, which drive most oral diseases, need to be addressed whether it’s in the mouth or anywhere else in the body.” — Dr. Maria Ryan

Listen to the full episode here.

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For more information, please contact Jelena Spyropoulos.

About Medscape Education

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