Chronic School Absenteeism: Why Attendance Is a Vital Sign

Just in time for the back-to-school season, join Deb Friesen, MD, for a timely conversation with Elizabeth Cook, Vice President for State Impact at Attendance Works, and Aria Lee, Director of Youth, Schools, and Specialized Engagement for Kaiser Permanente’s Thriving Schools initiative. Together, they explore how attendance serves as an early indicator of student, family, and community health, and why Kaiser Permanente, Attendance Works, and Johns Hopkins Center for School Health are collaborating to address the root health causes through Attendance as a Vital Sign.

Military and veteran caregivers are the invisible backbone of our health system. In this episode, Dr. Deb speaks with Steve Schwab, CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, and Helen Perry, nurse practitioner, and veteran advocate, about the realities of military caregiving. Through personal stories and policy insights, they examine the realities of military caregiving and what health systems, employers, and policymakers can do to better support America’s hidden heroes.

Kick off 2026 with a Health Views episode featuring Sam Glick, executive vice president of enterprise strategy and business development for Kaiser Permanente. Sam shares his expertise in health care strategy and emphasizes the importance of accessible, high-quality, and affordable care. Enjoy the discussion! Kaiser Permanente is composed of the nonprofit Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc.; the nonprofit Kaiser Foundation Hospitals; and the for-profit Permanente Medical Groups.

This Health Views episode features Brandon Cuevas, executive vice president, national health plan, for Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. and Hospitals. With extensive experience across the health care industry, Brandon shares insights from his work at the intersection of strategy, customer relationships, and the evolving market landscape. Tune in to gain perspective on the trends and opportunities shaping the future of health care. 

In this episode, neuroscientist Eti Ben Simon, PhD from The Center for Human Sleep Science at the University of California, Berkeley shares how sleep—or the lack of it affects our emotions, relationships, and work life. Drawing on her research, Dr. Ben Simon offers practical insights for anyone looking to improve their sleep and well-being.

In our June Health Views episode, Dr. Deb speaks with Karen Eber, bestselling author of The Perfect Story: How to Tell Stories That Inform, Influence, and Inspire. Karen shares how storytelling engages our brains, builds trust, strengthens relationships, and inspires action in our work and daily lives. Don’t miss her insights on how stories can make a real impact. 

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re joined by Dr. Karen R. Stewart, Chief of Behavioral Health for The Southeast Permanente Medical Group. Tune in to hear about her dedication to advancing equitable, high-quality mental health care. Dr. Stewart also discusses the rising stress among parents, offering insights on how employers and care providers can help.

In honor of Black Maternal Health Week, our April guest, Dr. Ericka Gibson, Kaiser Permanente ob-gyn discusses maternal health equity. Explore how disparities and social factors impact care outcomes and discover how culturally responsive care can help ensure all women and their babies achieve their full health potential.

The Health Views with Deb Friesen, MD podcast series continues with Sean Seitzinger, Vice President of Brand and Consumer Marketing at Kaiser Permanente. In this episode, Sean explores brand marketing’s role in health care, the impact of trust, digital health, AI, and how Kaiser Permanente connects with key audiences including the next generation of consumers.

Kick off 2025 with a new Health Views episode featuring Dr. Daniel Yang, Kaiser Permanente’s Vice President of AI and Emerging Technologies. During their conversation, Dr. Yang explores the expanding role of AI in health care, including its current impact, potential advancements, and the importance of its responsible use.