Pathway Healthcare is proud to celebrate our very own Dr. Leslie Cole, MD, who was recently featured on the This Is Nashville podcast in an episode titled “The opioid that’s saving lives in Nashville.”
This powerful conversation centered on buprenorphine — often known by its brand name, Suboxone — and its role in reducing overdose deaths and helping Tennesseans access safer treatment options. Unlike many other opioids, buprenorphine is harder to abuse, less dangerous than synthetic street drugs, and significantly lowers the risk of fatal overdose.
A focus on harm reduction
Dr. Cole joined a panel of experts to discuss the philosophy of harm reduction and how access to treatment medications like buprenorphine has grown rapidly across Tennessee. In fact, the number of Tennesseans prescribed buprenorphine for addiction treatment has increased by more than 40% in just the past five years.
The episode explored the benefits and challenges of making these treatments more accessible, while addressing ongoing stigma around opioid use disorder and medication-assisted recovery.
Why this conversation matters
At Pathway Healthcare, we know that Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) can save lives, restore families, and create hope where it once felt lost. By combining medication with counseling and compassionate support, MAT allows patients to stabilize and build a foundation for long-term recovery.
Dr. Cole’s voice on this podcast highlights the importance of evidence-based treatment and Pathway’s mission to provide care that meets patients where they are — without judgment and with dignity.
Listen to the full episode
You can listen to the full This Is Nashville episode, “The opioid that’s saving lives in Nashville,” on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Media Contact:
Brandon Sopher
281-734-1070
bsopher.dallas@pathwayhealthcare.com
