Patients Educating Patients
Below is our media library for PEP Talk — our virtual patient educational webinar series recorded live on the second Tuesday of every month, and our Mini PEP Talk webinar series, which are shorter, pre-recorded sessions.
PEP Talk provides much needed and valuable support, resources, and recovery guidance for individuals who have been impacted by blood clots.
PEP Talk should not be considered as medical advice. Please consult directly with your healthcare provider for medical advice.
PEP Talk Live Webinars
Upcoming Sessions
- Third Annual Compression Discussion: July 8, 2025 Register
- Age and Blood Clots: Understanding the Connection: Aug, 12, 2025 Register
- Navigating a New Blood Clot Diagnosis: Sept. 9, 2025 Register
- Understanding Blood Clots in Children: Oct. 14, 2025 Register
- Thrombophilia Testing While on Blood Thinners: Nov. 11, 2025 Register
- Navigating a New Blood Clot Diagnosis: Dec. 9, 2025 Register
Navigating a New Blood Clot Diagnosis (quarterly event)
Finding your way forward after a blood clot diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but guidance is here. Nurse practitioner Diane Wirth, a member of our Medical and Scientific Advisory Board, answers your questions.
Women and Blood Clots
Dr. Anna Parks of the University of Utah joins us to discuss the blood clot risks that women face. We also hear from Heather, who describes being diagnosed with a blood clot in the brain after giving birth and later a pulmonary embolism.
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Weight, Blood Clots, and GLP-1 Drugs
Dr. Rushad Patell of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston discusses his research into GLP-1 drugs and blood clots.
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Medical Procedures and Blood Clots
Dr. Jacob Cogan of the University of Minnesota explains how medical procedures can be risk factors for blood clots.
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Uncovering Your Family History: A Lifesaving Conversation About Blood Clots
Dr. Jordan Schaefer and Dr. Karl Desch, both of the University of Michigan, share their expertise on the genetics of blood clots.
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Understanding Bleeding Risks for Patients on Anticoagulants
Dr. Jacob Cogan, hematologist at the University of Minnesota, shares insights on anticoagulants and bleeding.
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Navigating Post-Thrombotic Syndrome, CTEPH and CTED
Dr. Timothy Fernandes, pulmonologist at UC San Diego Health, joins us to discuss post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), CTEPH and CTED.
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Preventing Hospital-Associated Blood Clots and Protect Your Post-Procedure Health
Dr. Elliott Haut of Johns Hopkins Medicine discusses hospital-associated blood clots, who is at risk, and how patients can protect themselves.
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The Role of Primary Care Physicians in Blood Clot Diagnosis, Treatment and Care
Dr. Paul Lewis of Baycare Health in Clearwater, Florida explains how PCPs are involved in blood clot patients’ care.
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Compression
Dr. Suman Wasan of UNC Chapel Hill gives a updated overview of how, when and why to use compression after a DVT.
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Unpacking the Male Blood Clot Experience
Dr. Rushad Patell explains the risk factors that men face and blood clot survivor Ted Mason tells his story.
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Blood Clot Risk Factors Unique to Women
Dr. Anna Parks of the University of Utah Health explains why women have unique risk factors for blood clots and how women can protect themselves.
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Decoding the Link Between Autoimmune Disease and Blood Clots
Dr. Jordan Schaefer and Dr. Jason Knight, both of University of Michigan Health, discuss the connection between autoimmune conditions and blood clots.
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Ask the Expert Rapid-Fire Q&A
Dr. Sam Berkman, clinical professor of medicine at UCLA and a member of our Medical and Scientific Advisory Board, joins us for a rapid-fire Q&A session on all things blood clots.
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Exercise, Anticoagulation and Weight Loss After Blood Clots
Dr. Jean Connors, hematologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, leads our discussion on the connection between obesity and blood clots and how to prevent them.
Orthopedic Surgery and Blood Clots
Dr. Sam Berkman, clinical professor of medicine at UCLA, explains why orthopedic surgery is a risk factor for blood clots and how patients can protect themselves from this potentially fatal complication.
Anticoagulation and Reversal Agents
Anticoagulants play a vital role in preventing blood clots. However, it’s equally important to be aware of anticoagulant reversal agents, especially in case of emergencies or surgery. Learn more about anticoagulant reversal agents, their importance, and when and how they might be needed.
Will Mechanical Thrombectomy Change the Standard of Care for Blood Clot Patients?
Learn more about this innovative treatment, its evolving applications, and its impact on the blood clot community. Our esteemed speaker, Dr. Carin Gonsalves, MD, FSIR, will provide detailed insights into the procedure, the pros and cons of mechanical thrombectomy, and its future implications.
Blood Clots and Compression: The Do’s, Don’ts and What You Should Know
Did you know that not all compression methods are the same? Learn when compression is effective, when you should use it, and the different types.
Women’s Health and VTE Through the Eyes of Elite Athletes
In recognition of Women’s Health Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, two elite athletes — Paralympic track and field athlete Tatyana McFadden and Olympic swimmer Katie Hoff — and Dr. Rachel Rosovsky of Massachusetts General Hospital will join us to discuss how blood clots have affected their lives; their road to diagnosis; and how they became their own health advocates. All women are invited to join our discussion.
May-Thurner Syndrome (MTS) – What You Need to Know About It
Learn what you need to know about MTS from Dr. Suresh Vedantham, Professor of Radiology & Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine and NBCA Medical and Scientific Advisory Board Member; and Sarah Lemire, Lifestyle Reporter for TODAY.com and MTS patient.
Learn How to Take Action and Advocate to Help Stop the Clot
Learn how to communicate with your state representatives and work with NBCA to support important policy initiatives.
How to Adjust, Overcome, and Lower Risk for Blood Clot Recurrence
Learn from Dr. Amy Rapkiewicz and Dr. Rachel Rosovsky about the role that obesity plays in blood clot occurrence and the importance of living a healthy lifestyle and reducing risk factors to minimize blood clot recurrence rates. Thank you to Cardinal Health for sponsoring this PEP Talk.
Family Health History – Genetic Testing & VTE
Hear from Elizabeth Varga, Director of Clinical Genomics Research and Development at Nationwide Children’s Hospital who has almost 20 years of experience as a genetic counselor and helping families understand how genetic information impacts their lives.
The Emotional Aftermath of Blood Clots – Unpacking the CLUES Study
PTSD after having a blood clot is very normal. Learn how the CLUES survey results are being used to educate healthcare providers , and learn more about mental health after a blood clot diagnosis.
Anticoagulants – The Past, the Present, and the Future
Learn about the history of anticoagulation drugs, how they have evolved, and hear directly from a leading researcher about the next generation of anticoagulants currently being developed.
VTE and HE
Learn why men are at an increased risk for VTE and what those risk factors are, Factor V Leiden, athletes risk for blood clots (especially at higher elevations), and how men can protect themselves from a recurrence.
VTE and SHE
Learn about the unique blood clot risk factors that women have throughout their life cycle.
Mini PEP Talk Webcast Series
Episode 1: Covid-19 Treatment Options for Blood Clot Patients on Anticoagulants
Joined by special guest and NBCA Medical and Scientific Advisory Board Member, Dr. Caroline Cromwell, a hematologist and the Director of Thrombosis Services at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York City.
Episode 2: Post Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS), Causes, Treatments, & The CTRACT Study
Joined by special guest and NBCA Medical and Scientific Advisory Board Member, Dr. Suresh Vedantham, Professor of Radiology & Surgery at the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
Episode 3: Holiday Travel Tips for VTE Prevention
As holidays or vacation time approaches, it is never too early to think about protecting yourself from the risk of blood clots when you travel. Learn travel tips from fellow blood clot patients who think about this every day: Leslie Lake, NBCA President and Todd Robertson, NBCA Board Member and Patient Liaison.
Episode 4: Menstrual Bleeding and Anticoagulation: What Patients Need to Know
PEP Talk Episode 4 features Dr. Bethany Samuelson Bannow, who discusses everything patients need to know about menstrual bleeding on anticoagulants. Learn if anticoagulants contribute to heavy bleeding, when patients should be concerned about heavy bleeding, and what is normal, vs. what is not normal.
Episode 5: Lupus Anticoagulants and the Testing Required for Diagnosis
Learn more about lupus anticoagulants and the testing required for diagnosis from LaShanta Brice who is a scientific engagement and clinical educator at Stago.
Episode 6: Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) and Heart Health
Learn from Dr. Alejandra Gutierrez Bernal about how heart disease and reduced cardiac function increase risk for VTE and how VTE can lead to right heart strain.
Episode 7: Blood Clots and Mental Health
It’s normal for blood clot patients to struggle with their mental health after a pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis diagnosis. That’s why we’re pleased to share our latest Mini PEP Talk, Blood Clots and Mental Health. Our guest is Dr. Deb Elliott-DeSorbo, a licensed clinical psychologist with the St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute and blood clot survivor. This discussion is a must-watch for anyone who has experienced issues around mental health after a blood clot.
Questions? Email: pepquestions@stoptheclot.org
