Expert Commentary
What to eat to prevent colon cancer
Kelsey Coulter, RD, CSO, is a registered dietitian and board-certified specialist in oncology at the Inova Saville Cancer Screening and Prevention Center and Survivorship Clinic. Colorectal cancer screenings are the best way to prevent colorectal cancer and diagnose it early. A colonoscopy can detect and remove precancerous polyps and cancerous growths, providing both diagnosis and…
Read MoreIs it time for a colonoscopy?
Colorectal cancer – often called colon cancer – is one of the most preventable cancers when detected early. For many people, however, the idea of screening can feel intimidating. At Inova, our goal is to make screening easier, more accessible, and more comfortable, backed by the expertise of our expanding gastroenterology (GI) team. Early detection…
Read MoreCardiologist Lily Dastmalchi, DO, earns national menopause specialization credential
Lily N. Dastmalchi, DO, MA, FACC, FASPC, MSCP, is board certified in cardiovascular disease, echocardiography and internal medicine. She leads the development of menopause services at Inova Schar Heart and Vascular and is one of the only cardiologists in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area who has earned a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP) credential, affirming…
Read MoreSeven things you didn’t know about cervical cancer screening and prevention
Shawn Davis-Wilensky, MD, MPH, FACOG, is a board-certified OB-GYN. She practices at Inova Saville Cancer Screening and Prevention Center. Cervical cancer used to be among the most common cancer killers of women. But thanks to advances in prevention and screening, the general outlook has improved significantly. Here are seven things that may surprise you about cervical cancer…
Read MoreThe American Heart Association has updated high blood pressure guidelines
In August 2025, the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology (AHA/ACC) published updated high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) guidelines. The guidelines, updated for the first time since 2017, include several new recommendations that patients and their primary care providers should know. “These are the most up-to-date guidelines for treating patients with one of…
Read MoreInova’s commitment to using blood wisely
Alan M. Speir, MD, is Director Emeritus of Cardiac Surgery for Inova and a Senior Associate Director of Inova Schar Heart and Vascular. He is board certified in thoracic and cardiac surgery. Mary Looby, PharmD, BCCCP, is a critical care clinical pharmacy specialist who currently serves as the Director of Quality for Inova Schar Heart…
Read MoreNew year, new goals: reducing your health risks from alcohol and tobacco
John McConnell, MD, is a primary care physician board certified in internal medicine. Dr. McConnell uses evidence-based medicine to provide effective patient-centered care focuses on preventive medicine that is founded in evidence-based practice. His favorite part of practicing primary care medicine is the opportunity to personalize a patient’s health plan. He sees patients in the…
Read MoreHow to create positive and successful new year’s resolutions
Poonam Maru, DO is a primary care physician board certified in internal medicine. Dr. Maru is passionate about primary care, preventive medicine, nutrition and climate health – helping patients live healthier, longer lives in ways that are sustainable and personalized. She sees patients in the Inova 360º Concierge Medicine – Elm St. office. Every year, many people set…
Read MoreFor a healthier mindset in the new year, ditch the pressure
As Jan. 1 approaches each year, the messages seem to crop up everywhere: “new year, new you!” And for some people, the idea of resolving to make a significant life change can offer a burst of inspiration and motivation. For others turning over a new leaf as the calendar flips can be overwhelming – and…
Read MoreRespiratory viruses and vaccines: common questions answered
Sujata H. Ambardar, MD, is an infectious disease specialist at Inova. As cold and flu season ramps up, she shares important information about respiratory viruses and the role of vaccines in safeguarding the community’s health. It’s winter, and ‘tis the season for respiratory illness. The coughs, sniffles, sore throats and fevers seem to be everywhere…
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