GW HealthCast: Recent Episodes
George Washington University Hospital and The GW Medical Faculty Associates
GW HealthCast, a series of educational health podcasts, are available for listening or download. Hear the latest health information from medical professionals at the George Washington University Hospital and GW Medical Faculty Associates. For more information, contact us today.
Colon cancer ranks as the second most frequently diagnosed cancer among patients. Over the years, colonoscopies have reduced the overall incidence of colon cancer and rectal cancer. In this episode, Dr. Khalili discusses trends, screening guidelines, preventative measures, and treatments for colorectal cancers.
In this podcast, Mohamad Z Koubeissi, MD, explores exciting new developments in epilepsy surgery, including stereotactic EEG implantation in the brain for identification of seizures.
Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer related deaths for both men and women.
If you are at high risk for developing lung cancer, lung cancer screening at The George Washington University Hospital offers low-dose computerized tomography (CT) scans that can help doctors detect lung cancer in its earliest stages, when it is most treatable.. Listen as Dr. Sora Ely discusses why it is so important to get screened and who is eligible for the screening
Learn More About Lung Cancer Screening at The George Washington University Hospital
Dr. Kat Ogle discusses Point-of-Care ultrasounds and its importance and the benefits in prenatal and emergency care.
Dr. Juliet Lee covers what to expect with minimally invasive thyroid and parathyroid surgery.
Dr. Michael Stempel shares prevention tips and treatment options for foot wounds in diabetic patients.
Dr. Farah Siddiqui and Dr. Nilufar Medhane provide an overview of how to keep your feet healthy in the summer months.
Dr. Julie Rosner and Dr. Zung Le discuss sports-related foot and ankle injuries and treatment options for common painful conditions.
Dr. Michael G. Knight, Patient Safety Officer at The George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates, discusses obesity and its harmful affects.
Dr. Yuan James Rao discusses brachytherapy and what to expect from this type of cancer treatment.
Dr. Sharad Goyal, Chief of the GW Radiation Oncology division at the GW Cancer Center, discusses advances in radiosurgery.
Dr. Arnold Ravick and Dr. Sheldon Laps discuss plantar fasciitis, custom foot orthotics and foot care for athletes.
Dr. Salim Lala walks listeners through peripheral arterial disease, a condition that reduces blood flow to the limbs.
Dr. Salim Lala explains aortic aneurysms, what causes them, associated medical complications, and suggested treatment plans.
Dr. Suzan Song discusses managing stress for high school students and how to balance preparing for college with staying happy.
Urologist Patrick Mufarrij, MD discusses the symptoms of kidney stones and how to prevent them from occurring.
Assistant Professor of Urology Dr. Michael Whalen discusses prostate cancer, specifically hereditary prostate cancer, and dietary changes to lower one's risk of developing this type of cancer.
Gynecologist Maria Victoria Vargas, MD discusses endometriosis and how affected women should respond to this condition.
Cancer of the skin is by far the most common of all cancers with melanoma being the cause of the majority of skin cancer deaths. The incidence of melanoma continues to increase and it has become one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States, especially among young adult women ages 20-39. This year, an estimated 73,000 melanomas will be diagnosed in the U.S. In this panel interview, Dr. Goodman and Dr. Patel discuss prevention, treatment options, and if there's a way to beat skin cancer.
Dr. Hope Jackson discusses the evolution of weight-loss surgery and how qualifying patients can use surgery to achieve a healthier lifestyle.
Dr. Lynt B. Johnson discusses liver cancer, its causes, and treatment options for those afflicted with the disease.
Dr. Gage Parr tells listeners everything they need to know about anesthesia and heart surgery.
Trauma Services Injury Prevention and Outreach Coordinator, Helaina Roisman, and Dr. Christina Prather discuss how to avoid falls and injuries in old age.
Dr. Mardi Gomberg-Maitland discusses pulmonary hypertension and the GW Pulmonary Hypertension Program.
Dr. Rachel Brem discusses recent innovations and improvements in diagnosing and treating breast cancer.
Dr. Rachel Brem discusses how a mammography can save a life and how the technology has evolved.
Dr. William Borden tells listeners how to control their cholesterol to prevent heart disease.
Dr. Scott Cohen discusses how patients can manage glomerulonephritis, a group of kidney diseases.
Dr. Mikhail Kogan breaks down what the terms integrative, holistic and functional medicine mean.
Dr. Keith Mortman updates listeners on everything they should know about lung cancer treatment and research.
Dr. Keith Mortman brings awareness to a lesser known and talked about disease, esophageal cancer.
Ashkan Monfared, Associate Professor of Surgery and Neurosurgery at the George Washington School of Medicine & Health Sciences, and Director of Otology and Neurotology at The George Washington Medical Faculty Associates discuss acoustic neuroma and the recent advances in treatment and detection.
Dr. Long discusses HPV vaccination, the importance of Pap smear/HPV screenings and treatment options for cervical dysplasia.
Headaches are extremely common and can occur in one or several regions of your head.
Amanda Tinsley, MD discusses the causes, different types, and treatments of headaches.
John Rothrock, MD discusses the difference between a headache and a migraine, as well as treatment options.
Orthopedic surgeon, Teresa Doerre, MD tells listeners how to prevent and treat common injuries suffered by non-professional athletes.
Dr. Jerry Chao sheds light on gender affirmation and facial feminization surgery for transgender patients.
Lynt Johnson, MD, discusses the prevalence of pancreatic cancer in Western nations as opposed to Eastern countries, specifically the 30,000 diagnoses that arise each year in the United States. While no known risk factor has been identified, unsubstantiated reports suggest an association to poor dietary choices. Dr. Johnson also reviews early- and late-stage symptoms (unexpected weight loss, poor appetite, jaundice, changes in urine and stool coloring, and pain, respectively), survival rates, traditional treatment options based on severity, and a new, innovative surgical procedure with which The George Washington University Hospital has seen success.
Keith Melancon, MD, discusses new technologies designed to address the problematic limited pool of kidney donors in African American and Hispanic populations. Dr. Melancon explains the reasons behind donor/recipient obstacles, the importance of increasing options for minority recipients, the protocols used to reduce transplant rejection (plasma exchange, specific medications), and the success The George Washington University Hospital has seen in utilizing these technologies.
Punam Thakkar, MD, discusses the rising prevalence of oropharyngeal cancer related to HPV (human papillomavirus), including the growing incidence in younger, healthier populations. Dr. Thakkar also explains the warning signs and symptoms of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer, testing and diagnosis processes, treatment options that now feature the benefit of proven, robotic surgical procedures, and finally the prognosis of HPV-related cancer patients.
Kathleen Burger, DO, discusses risk factors for the two major types of stroke (ischemic and hemorrhagic), including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and smoking. Dr. Burger explains these risk factors can be reduced by lifestyle changes and medication if necessary. Dr. Burger also describes the internal differences between the two strokes, despite the external symptoms appearing similar. You will also learn the symptoms to be aware of through the acronym FAST (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time to call emergency services).
Rajeev Pandarinath, MD, discusses the two types of rotator cuff injuries: traumatic rotator cuff tear, where the muscles are torn at once (usually found in younger population) and degenerative rotator cuff tear, where muscles have undergone a gradual wearing away (typical in older individuals). Dr. Pandarinath also explains the symptoms that may indicate degenerative tears and the multitude of treatment options based on age, activity level and severity of degradation (strengthening exercises, physical therapy, surgery). For more information on steps patients can take on their own, visit the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' (AAOS) website, www.orthoinfo.org.
Khashayar Vaziri, MD, discusses the two types of weight-loss surgery offered by GW Hospital (laparoscopic gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy). Both procedures are minimally invasive and allow patients a quick and less painful recovery than past surgical techniques.
Dr. Vaziri also explains the pre- and post-operative protocols, chronic health conditions that can be alleviated by undergoing the procedure (diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, reflux, arthritis), and which individuals are ideal candidates for bariatric surgery.
Dimitri Sigounas, MD, discusses the new technologies surrounding stroke recognition and treatment, including the future development of portable devices that could assess stroke type and severity before the patient even arrives at the hospital.
Dr. Sigounas also explains the two different types of strokes (hemorrhagic and ischemic), stroke symptoms, and why it's crucial for stroke victims to seek care immediately in order to avoid brain cell death and reduced quality of life.
Ashkan Monfared, MD, discusses the advancements of cochlear implants for restoring hearing in patients who have lost the ability to hear naturally. Dr. Monfared explains which individuals are candidates for this surgery, the pre- and post-operative measures taken, and recovery considerations based on the wide spectrum of patients who are eligible for this treatment. He also shares information on the difference between hearing aids and cochlear implants.
Daniel Finn, PT, DPT, OCS, MBA, discusses the outpatient rehabilitation services offered by The George Washington University Hospital, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech language pathology. Finn shares details about the specialized branches that fall under the outpatient umbrella, such as aquatics, dance rehab, hip preservation, lymphedema, oncology, pelvic health, sports medicine, and concussion programs, as well as GW Hospital's expertise in conditional concerns for mid-life and elderly populations.
Marian Sherman, MD, discusses the unique approach GW Hospital takes in addressing both acute pain and chronic pain (lasting more than six months). Dr. Sherman explains various opioid alternatives, such as nerve block injections, ketamine infusions, and a combination of small doses of OTC pain relievers. She also explains the important role that each patient can play in their own pain management plan.
Rachel F. Brem, MD, FACR, FSBI, discusses the various breast cancer screening options (mammography, ultrasound, MR, molecular breast imaging) and clears up some of the confusion surrounding the current mammography recommendations. Dr. Brem also explains the advances in biopsy procedures, as well as why early detection is crucial in preserving women's lives.
Praful Ramineni, MD, discusses the vast arena of plastic surgery, which expands beyond what one typically connotes with the field (breast enhancement, nose jobs, face lifts, etc.) and includes procedures such as complex hernia surgeries, wound care, cancer reconstruction, removing excess skin in patients who have lost massive amounts of weight, and breast reduction. Dr. Ramineni also explains how many of these procedures are covered by insurance, and the process by which criteria is approved.
Nancy D. Gaba, MD, FACOG, and Whitney Pinger, CNM, FACNM, discuss the importance of preparing for childbirth with a solid birth plan in place. Dr. Gaba and Whitney advise expectant mothers to seek information and guidance from friends and medical professionals to tailor a plan that best fits their desires and family preferences. They also explain the differences between medicated vs. non-medicated birth, and normal vaginal birth vs. operative birth (whether vaginal or abdominal).
Keith D. Mortman, MD, FACS, FCCP, discusses hyperhidrosis, a condition often referred to as excessive sweating. The impact it can have on someone's quality of life is often negative and can limit their social life or career. Dr. Mortman shares details about the minimally invasive surgical treatment that can immediately and permanently cure the condition for the majority of patients.
Keith D. Mortman, MD, FACS, FCCP, discusses the option for lung cancer screenings of those at high risk of developing the disease, including people who are 55 to 77 years old, have smoked at least a pack of cigarettes a day for the last 30 years, have quit smoking within the past 15 years, and have a family history of the disease. Since it often has few symptoms until the late stages, this screening can provide critical time for treatment.
Vincent Obias, MD, FACS, FASCRS, describes the benefits of minimally invasive colorectal surgery, whether laparoscopic or robotic. As the first surgeon in the region to use robotics for colorectal procedures, Dr. Obias encourages patients to consider the benefits the approach can bring, including less pain, fewer days spent in the hospital, and a quicker return to daily life. He also explains which patients might not be candidates for this approach, such as those who have scar tissue from previous surgeries or who have been diagnosed with a complex cancer involving many organ systems.
Babak Sarani, MD, FACS, FCCM, explains what the designation of a Level I Trauma Center means to patients in need of emergency care. He discusses the staffing, equipment and procedures that go into providing care for the most critically injured patients.
Scott C. Faucett, MD, MS, discusses the top three injuries seen in non-professional athletes (shoulder, knee, hip). He shares important prevention tips, such as easing into a sport after any period of hiatus, daily stretching, and recognizing the difference between good and bad pain.
Dr. Faucett also explains when you should seek medical attention for pain, whether from a sports medicine doctor, physical therapist or orthopedic surgeon.
Michael J. Whalen, MD, discusses the newly updated prostate screening guidelines set forth by the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force. The new recommendations advise a shared decision making process between patients and their providers, based on developments in screening and improved knowledge of the slow-growing nature of prostate cancer.
Dr. Whalen also explains why the traditional methods of screening, diagnosing and treating prostate cancer were reevaluated, particularly in terms of preserving men's quality of life.
Gaby Moawad, MD, FACOG, explains the most common minimally invasive gynecologic surgeries, including hysterectomy, removal of fibroids and ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and prolapse correction, as well as the benefits (fewer complications, faster recovery). Dr. Moawad also discusses why it's important for women considering these types of procedures to feel empowered to ask questions about the surgeon's experience and success rates, to help ensure the best possible outcomes.
Mohamad Z. Koubeissi, MD, explains the advancements in epilepsy diagnosis and successful treatment, including medications and surgical options. Dr. Koubeissi also discusses the difference between focal and generalized seizures, potential triggers, and the impact an epilepsy diagnosis may have on an individual's career, relationships, lifestyle and/or cognition.