Medical Breakthroughs from Penn Medicine: Recent Episodes
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Medical Breakthroughs features the newest medical advancements in the areas of oncology, cardiology, neurosciences, orthopedics, and genetics featuring America’s leading physicians and medical researchers from Penn Medicine. In Partnership with
Host: Jennifer Caudle, DO
Guest: Roy Rosin, MBA
Guest: Shivan Mehta, MD, MBA, MSHP
From home care to cancer screening, what are some of the top initiatives in patient care at Penn Medicine’s new Acceleration Lab? Mr. Roy Rosin and Dr. Shivan Mehta sit down with Dr. Jennifer Caudle to share the latest updates from the Acceleration Lab.
Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP
Guest: Kirstin Leitner, MD
Current screening tools for postpartum depression may have limitations, but a new texting service as part of the Healing at Home program may help clinicians detect postpartum depression earlier. Dr. Charles Turck is joined by Dr. Kirstin Leitner to take a look at this program and its impacts.
Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP
Guest: Elise Chong, MD
Patients with follicular lymphoma who relapse or don’t respond to treatment don’t have many therapeutic options, but a recently FDA-approved CAR T-cell therapy may help change that. Dr. Charles Turck is joined by Dr. Elise Chong from Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center to explore this new treatment option.
Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP
Guest: Janos L. Tanyi, MD, PhD
Recently the FDA approved a “Glowing Tumor” imaging drug to help oncologists better identify ovarian cancer cells using an approach pioneered by surgeons at Penn Medicine. Joining Dr. Charles Turck to discuss this recent approval and fluorescence-guided, intraoperative imaging is Dr. Janos Tanyi, Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
Host: John J. Russell, MD
Guest: Drew Weissman, MD, PhD
Guest: Katalin Karikó, PhD
As mRNA technology continues to emerge and evolve, Penn Researchers Dr. Drew Weissman and Dr. Katalin Karikó join Dr. John Russell to take a deep dive into the future of mRNA technology.
Host: John J. Russell, MD
Guest: Joseph E. Bavaria, MD
Featuring a wide range of disciplines and a new approach to comprehensive care, what do we need to know about the Aorta Center at Penn Medicine? Dr. John Russell is joined by Dr. Joseph E. Bavaria to dive into this aortic program and discuss a new approach to comprehensive care.
Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP
Guest: Kathryn Gallagher, MS, RN, BSN
Guest: Kate Newcomb-DeSanto, MSN, RN, MSW
What does Penn Medicine’s newly-opened patient room facility have to offer? Dr. Charles Turck is joined by Penn Medicine Clinical Advisors Kathy Gallagher and Kate Newcomb-DeSanto to discuss the new pavilion and how it's revolutionizing patient care.
Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP
Guest: Drew Weissman, MD, PhD
Dr. Drew Weissman, Professor of Medicine at Penn Medicine joins Dr. Turck to discuss his new COVID-19 vaccine technology and how RNA and mRNA are being used to provoke an immune response in order to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Host: Jennifer Caudle, DO
Guest: Kathleen E. O'Neill, MD, MTR
Guest: Nawar Abdul Latif, MD, MPH, MSCE
Patients with uterine factor infertility, or UFI, only had two options if they wanted to achieve parenthood: using a gestational carrier or adoption. Until now.
Joining Dr. Jennifer Caudle to talk about the opportunities of uterine transplants and key information about the UNTIL trial are lead investigators Drs. Kathleen O’Neill and Nawar Latif from Penn Medicine.
Host: Jennifer Caudle, DO
Guest: Amit Bar-Or, MD, FRCP, FAAN, FANA
Joining Dr. Jennifer Caudle to discuss the latest research furthering our understanding and treatment of multiple sclerosis is Dr. Amit Bar-Or, Chief of the Multiple Sclerosis Division and Director for the Center of Neuroinflammation and Neurotherapeutics at Penn Medicine. Could these recent findings finally help us solve some of the unanswered questions of multiple sclerosis?
Host: Jennifer Caudle, DO
Guest: Anjali Owens, MD
Without any targeted therapies available for inherited cardiomyopathy, how can we treat our patients coping with its debilitating symptoms? Here to share her diagnostic and management strategies along with key data from a recent study is Dr. Anjali Owens, Medical Director at the Center for Inherited Heart Disease at Penn Medicine.
Host: Jennifer Caudle, DO
Guest: William Levin, MD
To explore the complementary approaches to care that are making an impact in the oncology field, Dr. William Levin joins Dr. Jennifer Caudle to discuss how integrative therapy can help reduce stress and anxiety in cancer patients and their caregivers.
Host: Matt Birnholz, MD
Guest: Howard C. Herrmann, MD
Twelve years after performing the first transcatheter aortic valve replacement, Penn Medicine continues to gain momentum in the transformation of cardiovascular transcatheter therapies. Dr. Howard Herrmann recounts the evolution in alternative technologies to improve patient safety and outcomes and the role these advancements have in shaping how we approach treatment.
Host: Jennifer Caudle, DO
Guest: Suhail K. Kanchwala, MD
Improving his patients’ post-surgical experience was Dr. Suhail Kanchwala's goal when he sought to develop a new method for autologous breast reconstruction. The result of his search has brought a new technique to the field, along with an array of benefits for patients, including reduction of post-surgical pain and opioid use.
Host: Jennifer Caudle, DO
Guest: Jean Bennett, MD, PhD
Guest: Albert Maguire, MD
Power couple Drs. Jean Bennett and Albert Maguire discuss how their new therapy for the RPE65 gene, which causes retinal blindness, was recently approved by the FDA to become the first gene therapy treatment for a genetic disease in the United States and the first worldwide treatment for inherited blindness. Not only do they delve into the mechanics of the corrected gene injection, but they also explain what this milestone means for patient eligibility and how their marriage has played a role in the success of their research partnership.
Dr. Jean Bennett is the F.M. Kirby Professor of Ophthalmology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, and Dr. Albert Maguire is a Professor of Ophthalmology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Attending Physician in the Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Host: Barnett Mennen, MD
Guest: Comron Saifi, MD
Spinal deformity places strain on the vertebrae and supporting muscles, tendons, ligaments, and tissues supporting the spinal column. The treatment and management of this condition becomes centrally important to maintain patient quality of life through functional mobility and activity levels.
Host, Dr. Barry Mennen and Dr. Comron Saifi discuss the leading assessment and treatment options for spinal deformity. Dr. Saifi is an Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery in the Division of Spine Surgery at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
Host: Shira Johnson, MD
Guest: Ronald DeMatteo, MD, FACS
A Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) is a rare sarcoma that begins in the digestive tract or stomach, with an incident rate in the United States of approximately 4,000 to 6,000 cases per year. Since these tumors behave differently from other gastrointestinal cancers, they require a specialized treatment plan.
Host Dr. Shira Johnson chats with Ronald DeMatteo, MD, FACS, Chair of the Department of Surgery and a surgical oncologist at Penn Medicine. They discuss the diagnosis, treatment and current clinical research of GIST. Dr. DeMatteo is a world-renowned surgical expert and researcher for the rare GIST. His research breakthroughs helped develop the new standard of care for GIST.
Host: Jennifer Caudle, DO
Guest: Gordon Baltuch, MD, PhD
Essential Tremor is one of the most common movement disorder, affecting an estimated 3% of the population or approximately 10 million individuals in the United States. A new technology, Focused Ultrasound offers an alternative to traditional surgery that requires no incision or opening of the skull.
Host Dr. Jennifer Caudle is joined by Dr. Gordon Baltuch a professor of Neurosurgery and director of the Penn Center for Functional and Restorative Neurosurgery, to talk about how Focused Ultrasound is an effective treatment for Essential Tremor.
Host: Shira Johnson, MD
Guest: Robert Vonderheide, MD
For years, the foundations of cancer treatment, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy were utilized with the objective of weakening cancer.
But over the past several years, immunotherapy – therapies that enlist and strengthen the power of a patient’s immune system to attack tumors - has emerged as a new tool for fighting cancer. In August 2017, one such treatment approach, called Chimeric Antigen Receptor or CAR T-cell Therapy, received FDA approval for the treatment of children and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Additionally, research is continuing to look at CAR-T therapy’s effectiveness for treating solid tumors as well.
Host Dr. Shira Johnson sits down with Dr. Robert Vonderheide, Director of the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania and the John H. Glick, MD, Abramson Cancer Center Director’s Professor, to talk about the potential of CAR-T therapy alongside other emerging immunotherapies in fighting cancer.
Host: Barnett Mennen, MD
Guest: Grace Wang, MD, FACS
Unclogging patient arteries is a key step to preventing stroke in patients with arterial disease. Whether it be preventing the operative stage, or surgery itself, advances in treatment at Penn Medicine are seeking to lessen the effects of arterial disease.
Host Dr. Barry Mennen welcomes Dr. Grace Wang, vascular surgeon and Director of the Vascular Laboratory at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Wang highlights the importance of early detection in arterial disease, as well as the symptoms and risk factors of the disease. She will also discuss the current and upcoming surgical intervention options at Penn Medicine.
Host: Jennifer Caudle, DO
Guest: Major Kenneth Lee, IV, MD, PhD
Though a relatively rare disease, pancreatic cancer remains at the forefront of clinical discussion due to its highly aggressive nature. Dr. Major Kenneth Lee, Assistant Professor of Surgery at Penn Medicine, estimates that pancreatic cancer will become the number 2 cause of cancer death by the year 2020. This projected rise in mortality is largely due to the need for better advancement in treatment options.
Join host Dr. Jennifer Caudle and guest, Dr. Major Kenneth Lee, as they discuss major signs and symptoms associated with a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, risk factors, and treatment options.
Host: Jennifer Caudle, DO
Guest: Vincent Lo Re, MD, MSCE
In 2014, the CDC estimated a total of 2,194 cases of acute hepatitis across 40 states and estimates that 2.7-3.9 million people in the United States have chronic hepatitis C. Of every 100 persons affected by the disease, 75 to 85 will go on to develop chronic infection, 60 to 70 will go on to develop chronic liver disease, 5 to 20 will go on to develop cirrhosis over a period of 20–30 years, and 1 to 5 will die from the consequences of chronic infection (liver cancer or cirrhosis).
Joining our host, Dr. Jennifer Caudle, is Dr. Vincent Lo Re, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology at Penn Medicine. Dr. Lo Re discusses the current screening guidelines and recommendations regarding hepatitis C, long-term patient care, and the current landscape of treatment options.
Host: Matt Birnholz, MD
Guest: Patrick J. Connolly, MD
Back and neck pain is extremely common, with 80-90% of people experiencing some pain within their lifetime. About 90% of cases resolve within six weeks, but for those patients whose pain persists, questions arise as to who should be referred next for further consultation. While patients often see a spine specialist at first, the care journey sometimes leads to a neurosurgeon or orthopaedic spine surgeon. Can this pathway from primary care to neurosurgery or orthopaedic surgery ever be expedited?
Dr. Patrick Connolly, neurosurgeon at Penn Medicine joins host Dr. Matt Birnholz to discuss when primary care physicians should consider referring patients to neurosurgeons for neck and back pain. Dr. Connolly will also discuss the different types of surgical options for patients seeking prolonged back and neck pain relief.
Host: Matt Birnholz, MD
Guest: Ari Brooks, MD
Guest: Brian Englander, MD
Host Dr. Matt Birnholz is joined by Dr. Ari Brooks, Director of Endocrine and Oncology Surgery and Director of the Integrated Breast Center at Pennsylvania Hospital, and Dr. Brian Englander, Clinical Assistant Professor and Chair of the Department of Radiology at Pennsylvania Hospital. Drs. Brooks and Englander discuss the hot topics within breast cancer innovations. They touch upon the increase in involvement of genetics and genomic research that is impacting breast cancer treatment options, new breast imaging modalities, and continuity of care.
Host: Matt Birnholz, MD
Guest: Robert H. Debbs, DO
Joining Dr. Matt Birnholz to discuss counseling methods for patients who are trying to conceive is Dr. Robert Debbs, Director of the Pennsylvania Hospital Maternal Fetal Medicine Network in New Jersey and Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Penn Medicine. Dr. Debbs will discuss pre-conceptual counseling on a range of topics such as obesity, congenital heart disease, depression, and conceiving after a miscarriage.
Host: Matt Birnholz, MD
Guest: Taine Pechet, MD
Dr. Taine Pechet, chief of surgery at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and associate professor of clinical surgery at Penn Medicine joins host Dr. Matt Birnholz to discuss his thoughts on who should be regularly screen for lung cancer and the various diagnostic techniques from his perspective as a thoracic surgeon. Dr. Pechet also discusses the surgical outcomes for these patient and his thoughts on what is on the horizon for the lung cancer field.
Host: Matt Birnholz, MD
Guest: Paris D. Butler, MD, MPH
Host Dr. Matt Birnholz welcomes Dr. Paris D. Butler, who will be discussing breast reduction surgery for women who suffer from chronic back pain and breast cancer patients undergoing reconstructive surgery following a diagnosis. Dr. Butler will go into detail about the pros and cons of taking an immediate versus a delayed reconstruction approach and the various techniques associated.
Host: Shira Johnson, MD
Guest: Jean Bennett, MD, PhD
There are 39 million people worldwide who are in total blindness and another 246 million with very low vision. The most frequent forms of visual impairment are caused by problems that can be corrected. Dr. Shira Johnson welcomes Dr. Jean Bennett, Professor of Ophthalmology and Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of Pennsylvania and researcher at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Bennett discusses her innovative work and research in curing blindness through gene therapy.
Host: Matt Birnholz, MD
Guest: John Y.K. Lee, MD
Guest: Jason G. Newman, MD, FACS
Joining Dr. Matt Birnholz to discuss innovative surgical approaches to cranial base disorders are Doctors John Y. K. Lee and Jason G. Newman. Dr. Lee is Medical Director of the Gamma Knife Center and Associate Professor of Neurosurgery and Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the Pennsylvania Hospital. Dr. Newman is Associate Professor of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the Center for Cranial Base Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania.
Host: Jennifer Caudle, DO
Guest: Michael Mullen, MD
Every second counts for stroke patients. During a stroke, two-million brain cells die every minute, making the urgent administration of therapies and treatment vital to ensure a positive outcome.
Host Dr. Jennifer Caudle is joined by Dr. Michael Mullen, Assistant Professor of Neurology at Penn Medicine. They discuss the clinical hallmarks and priority treatment consideration for stroke.
Host: Jennifer Caudle, DO
Guest: Joseph Berger, MD, FACP, FAAN, FANA
Multiple sclerosis is a notoriously difficult disease to diagnose early on. With no singular confirmatory tests yet available, physicians often become reluctant to identify MS in their patients, leading to years of diagnostic and treatment uncertainty. But new innovations are helping doctors establish earlier diagnoses and start more targeted treatments for MS patients.
Dr. Jennifer Caudle welcomes Dr. Joseph Berger, Professor of Neurology at Penn Medicine, to explore some of these innovations advancing MS diagnosis and treatment.
Host: Jennifer Caudle, DO
Guest: Kathryn Davis, MD, MTR
Guest: Timothy Lucas, MD, PhD
According to the epilepsy foundation, epilepsy is the 4th most common neurological problem in the U.S. – only migraine, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease occur more frequently. The average incidence of epilepsy each year in the U. S is estimated at 150,000, or 48 for every 100,000 people.
Host Dr. Jennifer Caudle talks with Doctors Kathryn Davis and Timothy Lucas about advances in treatment for epilepsy at Penn Medicine. Dr. Davis is Assistant Professor of Neurology and Medical Director of the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit and Epilepsy Surgical Program. Dr. Timothy Lucas is Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery, Surgical Director at the Penn Epilepsy Center, and Director of the Penn Center for Laser Neurosurgery.
Host: Shira Johnson, MD
For the first time, Penn Medicine surgeons were able to complete a bilateral hand transplant on a child. The surgical team successfully transplanted donor hands and forearms onto 8-year-old Zion Harvey who, several years earlier, had undergone amputation of his hands and feet and a kidney transplant following a serious infection.
Host Dr. Shira Johnson sits down with Dr. Scott Levin, who led the surgical team and is Chairman of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Penn Medicine. They discuss this remarkable, groundbreaking surgery.
Host: Jennifer Caudle, DO
Guest: K. Akaya Smith, MD
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH): Who is at greatest risk for developing it? What do practitioners need to know about diagnosing, treatment and the overall prognosis? Host Dr. Jennifer Caudle welcomes Dr. Akaya Smith, Medical Director for Pulmonary Hypertension Program and Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Hospital of the University Pennsylvania. Dr. Smith answers these questions, as well as, the Penn Center of Excellence for Pulmonary Hypertension.
Host: Jennifer Caudle, DO
Guest: Francis Marchlinski, MD
Host Dr. Jennifer Caudle welcomes Dr. Francis E. Marchlinski, Richard T. and Angela Clark President's Distinguished Professor and Director of the Electrophysiology Laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Marchlinski will review the epidemiology of PVCs, the kinds of problems that PVCs can cause, and how these problems manifest as symptoms in patients. He will also review the effectiveness of catheter ablation as a current treatment option for ventricular tachycardia (VT), a potenially serious complication of PVC's.
Host: Barnett Mennen, MD
Guest: Deepak Sudheendra, MD, FSIR, RPVI
Host Dr. Barry Mennen joins Dr. Deepak Sudheendra, Assistant Professor of Clinical Radiology & Surgery at the Hospital of the University Of Pennsylvania Perelman School Of Medicine. Dr. Sudheendra will explain the difference between acute, subacute, and chronic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and their complications. He will also discuss the scope of post thrombotic syndrome (PTS) and why it is so important to treat quickly and effectively.
Host: Jennifer Caudle, DO
Guest: Timothy W.I. Clark, MD
Host Dr. Jennifer Caudle welcomes Dr. Timothy Clark, Associate Professor of Clinical Radiology and the Director of Interventional Radiology at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. Dr. Clark will review the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the U.S., the central risk factors, and how PAD is properly diagnosed and managed. He will also review advanced endovascular procedures for PAD and other therapies that make a difference in patient care and outcomes.
Host: Jennifer Caudle, DO
Guest: Yuli Kim, MD
Advancements in cardiac surgery and medical care for pediatric patients over the past decades have produced a sizeable population of adults living with congenital heart disease. These adults and their unique health care needs expose an emerging gap in expertise for the cardiology community, where training in congenital heart disease management has traditionally been the provence of pediatric subspecialists. How can these adult patients find cardiologists familiar with their particular anatomy and problems, and what special care strategies must cardiologists be familiar with to provide optimal care?
Dr. Jennifer Caudle will discuss the selective health care needs and personalized management strategies for adults with congenital heart disease with Dr. Yuli Kim, Medical Director of the Philadelphia Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center and Assistant Professor of Medicine & Pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Host: Barnett Mennen, MD
Guest: Angela DeMichele, MD, MSCE
Penn Medicine’s Breast Cancer Translational Center of Excellence (TCE), known as the 2-PREVENT TCE is led by Drs. Lewis Chodosh and Angela DeMichele. 2-PREVENT TCE aims to address one of the greatest challenges in breast cancer treatment: the high rate of relapse and late treatment effects among breast cancer survivors.
Host Dr. Barry Mennen welcomes Dr. Angela DeMichele, the Alan and Jill Miller Endowed Chair in Breast Cancer Excellence, Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology, and Co-Leader of the Breast Cancer Research Program at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania School Of Medicine.
Host: Jennifer Caudle, DO
Guest: Nimesh Desai, MD
Complex aortic diseases, feared by clinicians and the general public alike, are often labeled "silent killers" due to their unnerving pattern for developing insideously prior to presenting as acute crises. Even more concerning, the symptoms of aortic diseases are typically vague and difficult to diagnose without a high degree of clinical suspicion. For these reasons, the speed of diagnosis and treatment can determine whether patients live or die from aortic disease. Host Dr. Jennifer Caudle welcomes Dr. Nimesh Desai, attending cardiac surgeon and Director of the Thoracic Research Program at the University of Pennsylvania, to discuss innovative medical and surgical approaches to complex aortic diseases. The two categorize these disease states specifically, examine which patient populations are at highest risk, and review methods to help clinicians reach faster life-saving diagnoses.
Host: Shira Johnson, MD
Guest: Joseph M. Serletti MD
Reconstructive microsurgery, where specialized operating microscopes and precision instrumentation are utilized to perform intricate operations in very small fields, is a rapidly evolving specialty. Dr. Joseph Serletti, Chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, oversees the largest reconstructive microsurgery program by volume in the country, performing over 700 free tissue transfers for breast, head & neck, and extremity reconstructions. Dr. Serletti joins host Dr. Ashira Johnson discusses the nuances of these complex procedures, as well as updates on the next horizons in reconstructive microsurgery such as facial and hand tranplants and replants.
Host: Shira Johnson, MD
Guest: Sunil Singhal, MD
The clinical ramifications for adding special fluorescent features to tumors at various stages of malignancy and penetration are enormous. But how do surgical, oncologic, and radiological specialists create these glowing tumors, what impacts do such markers have on clinical care, and which patient populations benefit most from this approach? Host Dr. Ashira Johnson welcomes Dr. Sunil Singhal, Director of the Thoracic Surgery Research Laboratory and Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Singhal reviews the use of fluorescence in tumors, articulating how new and emerging applications for this technology will advance the field of oncologic surgery.
Host: Barnett Mennen, MD
Guest: Maarouf Hoteit, MD
Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the top ten causes of cancer death in the United States, and is the most rapidly increasing cause of cancer death in men. What's more, incidence rates are on the rise. For these reasons, understanding the nuances of early liver cancer detection, and treating underlying liver diseases prior to cancer development, have been more urgently needed.
Joining Dr. Barry Mennen to discuss diagnostic, medical, and surgical priorities for managing hepatocellular carcinoma is Dr. Maarouf Hoteit, Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, Director of the Multidisciplinary Liver Tumor Clinic, and Program Director of the Transplant Hepatology Fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine.
Host: Jennifer Caudle, DO
Guest: G. Russell Huffman, MD, MPH
Host Dr. Jennifer Caudle welcomes Dr. G. Russell Huffman, Associate Professor and Director of the Shoulder and Elbow Fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Huffman provides an overview of the various types of elbow injuries, treatment options for athletes at all levels, and special considerations for those who require surgery. Dr. Huffman focuses in particular on updated techniques in ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, otherwise known as the Tommy John surgery.
Host: Jennifer Caudle, DO
Guest: James L. Carey, MD, MPH
What happens when articular cartilage is damaged? And what are the differences between focal cartilage defects and arthritis? Joining Dr. Jennifer Caudle to discuss current mechanistic understandings of articular cartilage is Dr. James Carey, Director of the Penn Center for Cartilage Repair and Osteochodritis Dissecans Treatment; and, Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Penn Medicine
Host: Brian P. McDonough, MD, FAAFP
Guest: Samir Mehta, MD
Patients of all ages can be affected by a traumatic injury. These injuries can be complex to treat and may involve multiple parts of the body. And, in traumatic situations, decisions need to be made quickly. Host Dr. Brian McDonough welcomes Dr. Samir Mehta, Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Perelman School of Medicine; and, Chief of the Orthopaedic Trauma and Fracture Service at the University of Pennsylvania.
Host: Jennifer Caudle, DO
Guest: Christian A. Bermudez, MD
Christian A. Bermudez, MD is the Surgical Director of Lung Transplantation and ECMO, Director of Thoracic Transplantation, and Associate Professor of Surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Bermudez discusses current technologies used in lung transplantation, including mechanical support as a bridge to oxygenation during the procedures themselves. He also reviews the role of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) in lung transplantation.
Host: Jennifer Caudle, DO
Guest: Scott O. Trerotola, MD, FACR, FSIR
Is there a way to predict complex removal of inferior vena cava filters, and if so, what is the success rate? Dr. Scott Trerotola adresses these and other questions in details. Dr. Trerotola is Stanley Baum Professor at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Chief of Vascular and Interventional Radiology and Vice Chair for Quality of the Department of Radiology at the University Of Pennsylvania Medical Center.
Host: Jennifer Caudle, DO
Guest: Gary M. Freedman, MD
Proton therapy is currently used to treat brain, spinal and prostate cancers, as well as many other tumors. Another potentially significant application is the treatment of breast cancer. Dr. Gary Freedman, Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, discusses advances in proton therapy in breast cancer in association with a national study currently underway at Penn Medicine.
Click here for more information about the active trials on proton for breast cancer, or you can visit clinicaltrials.gov for enrollment information.
Host: Jennifer Caudle, DO
Guest: Pavan Atluri, MD
What are the latest advances in minimally invasive & robotic operations? And, which patients are candidates for robotic procedures? Host Dr. Jennifer Caudle welcomes Dr. Pavan Atluri, Assistant Professor of Surgery; Director of the Cardiac Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Assist Program; and, Director of the Minimally Invasive and Robotic Cardiac Surgery Program in the Division of Cardiovascular Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Atluri will discuss the latest advancements at Penn Medicine where he and his colleagues have been working for several years to perfect the robotic, minimally invasive, mitral valve repair procedure.
And, don't forget to view some of the additional content below.
Host: Frank Russomano
There are far too many diseases that do not have proven means of prevention or effective treatments. As such, health care providers must gain better insights into the biology of these diseases to make a difference for the millions of patients who suffer from them. Precision medicine is an emerging approach for treatment and prevention that accounts for individual variability in genes, environment, and lifestyle. Host Frank Russomano welcomes Brian Wells, Associate Vice President of Health Technology and Academic Computing at Penn Medicine, to discuss how Penn Medicine contributes to the precision medicine initiative, from technological developments to supportive infrastructures.
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
When a patient's facial structures are severely impacted by trauma or disease, the physical and psychological tolls are devastating. What are some of the latest advances in facial reconstruction? Joining Dr. Lee Freedman are Dr. Steven Cannady, Assistant Professor of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery, and Dr. Oren Friedman, Director of Facial Plastic Surgery and Associate Professor of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery, both at Penn Medicine.
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Given the multitude of concerns a male patient with cancer must deal with, sexual dysfunction and infertility are two such concerns that often gets bypassed by clinicians addressing more "priority" issues. What kinds of challenges do these patients deal with, and how can physicians better assess and manage them? Joining Dr. Freedman to discuss sexual health and fertility in male cancer survivors is Dr. Puneet Masson, Director of the Male Infertility Program and Assistant Professor of Urology at Penn Medicine.
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Osteosarcoma is a relatively rare but feared disease. What exactly is an osteosarcoma and how should it be worked up and treated? Host Dr. Lee Freedman discusses this diagnosis with Dr. Kristy Weber, Abramson Family Professor in Sarcoma Care Excellence and Professor, Vice-Chair of Faculty Affairs, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery; Director of the Sarcoma Program, Abramson Cancer Center; Chief, Orthopaedic Oncology.
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Oropharyngeal cancer is part of a growing proportion of head and neck malignancies. This has also been associated with the increase in infection of the oropharynx by oncogenic strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). And, transoral robotic surgery, or TORS, has allowed for minimally invasive surgery for HPV-related and non-HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer. To discuss this topic and much more, host Dr. Lee Freedman welcomes Dr. Gregory Weinstein, Professor and Vice Chair and the Director of the Division of Head and Neck Surgery. He is also the Co-Director of The Center for Head and Neck Cancer in The Department of Otorhinolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Cerebrovascular Neurosurgery is the highly specialized care for all aspects of cerebrovascular disease. What are the most common diseases treated by a cerebrovascular neurosurgeon? What are the latest treatment options and advances in this field? Host Dr. Lee Freedman welcomes Dr. Michelle Smith, Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, to discuss these questions and much more.
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Patients with ulcerative colitis often need to take multiple medications to achieve and sustain remission. But there is a pionering surgical approach, the laparoscopic J-pouch procedure, that can not only cure patients from this disease, but also eliminate risk of future colorectal cancer. Dr. Najia Mahmoud, Chief of the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery and Associate Professor of Surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, joins Dr. Lee Freedman to discuss the risks and benefits of this procedure for patients with ulcerative colitis.
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Host Dr. Lee Freedman is joined by Francis Marchlinski, MD, Director of Electrophysiology at the University of Pennsylvania Health System; and, the Director of Electrophysiology Laboratory, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. In this segment, Dr. Marchlinski discusses premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), when to consider catheter ablation, the use of catheter ablation as primary therapy before medication and epicardial ablation.
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Heated/Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is one of the most innovative treatments available today for complex abdominal cancers. What is it? Who is a candidate? And, what are the expected outcomes for our patients? Host Dr. Lee Freedman welcomes Dr. Giorgos Karakousis, Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania to discuss HIPEC.
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
How does surgery and stenting for carotid lesions help prevent stroke? What are the latest approaches, clinical trials, and philosophy for dialysis access for patients? Host Dr. Lee Freedman welcomes Dr. Benjamin Jackson to answer these questions and the latest innovations in vascular surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital. Dr. Jackson is an Assistant Professor of Surgery in Radiology at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital.
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Joining host Dr. Lee Freedman is William C. Welch, MD, FACS, FICS, Professor of Neurosurgery and Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, and Vice Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at Pennsylvania Hospitall. Dr. Welch will discuss the surgical treatment options for both lumbar spinal stenosis and cervical stenosis. He will also explore the causes and treatment options for lower back pain.
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Hip pain can be a major roadblock to an active lifestyle, and even effect activies of daily living. This is sometimes even more profound when seen in younger patients. How can we preserve hip function in younger patients, for whom replacement is not an option? In this segment, Dr. Lee Freedman speaks to Dr. Atul Kamath, Director, Center for Hip Preservation and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
According to the American Cancer Society, about 10,000 pituitary tumors are diagnosed each year in the United States. What is the state of the art approach to the diagnosis and treatment of these tumors? Dr. Lee Freedman talks to Dr. Sean Grady, Chairman, Department of Neurosurgery Charles Harrison Frazier Professor of Neurosurgery Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Presentation of lumps and bumps are common in the primary care setting, but the appropriate approach is vital to determine whether there may be a deeper problem. A better understanding can lead to more effective treatment. Expert guest Dr. Kristy Weber discusses musculoskeletal tumors during her discussion with host Dr. Lee Freedman. Dr. Weber is the Abramson Family Professor in Sarcoma Care Excellence as well as Professor, Vice-Chair of Faculty Affairs, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery; and Director of the Sarcoma Program, Abramson Cancer Center; and Chief, Orthopaedic Oncology.
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
What are the new advances in Head and Neck Cancer? What are the new trials in sparing patients' voice box? To answer these questions and more, host Dr. Lee Freedman is joined by radiation-oncologist Alexander Lin, MD, Assistant Chief, Head and Neck Service, University of Pennsylvania Department of Radiation Oncology and Director of Clinical Proton Operations, University of Pennsylvania, Department of Radiation Oncology at the Roberts Proton Therapy Center at the University of Pennsylvania.
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
The Philadelphia Chromosome provided the first evidence that genetic abnormalities were linked to cancer. This discovery at Penn Medicine more than 50 years ago ushered in the modern period of cytogenetics. Now, the Center for Personalized Diagnostics (CPD) builds on this legacy and is set to pave the way for a new era of genomic and therapeutic pathology. The Center is a joint initiative with the Abramson Cancer Center and integrates molecular genetics, pathology informatics and genomic pathology to empower physicians and patients to truly customize their treatment options accordingly. Host Dr. Lee Freedman welcomes Dr. David Roth, Chair of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Simon Flexner Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Penn Medicine to discuss the unique Center and offerings for patients.
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Guest: Jean Bennett, MD, PhD
Host Dr. Lee Freedman and Dr. Jean Bennett, the FM Kirby Professor of Epistemology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, explore how the study of molecular genetics of inherited retinal degenerations can help develop treatments for congenital eye disorders, as well as adult-onset diseases and possibly disorders that affect the body outside the eye.
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Guest: Neil Malhotra, MD
How much do quality improvement efforts improve quality of life for neurosurgical patients? Host Dr. Lee Freedman talks to Dr. Neil Malhotra, assistant professor of neurosurgery at the University of Pennsylvania and the Penn Neurological Institute of the Pennsylvania Hospital, about new efforts to improve outcomes in this area. They also look at latest treatments and techniques in Dr. Malhotra's area of surgical expertise, the treatment of degenerative disc disease.
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Guest: Grace Wang, MD, FACS
Dr. Grace Wang, vascular surgeon in the division of vascular and endovascular surgery at Penn Medicine, discusses aortic disease from a surgeon's perspective, with host Dr. Lee Freedman. Among the topics they explore are the importance of history and physical exams, imaging modalities, genetic components, management of anneurisms, surveillance, outpatient and inpatient care.
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Guest: Thomas Guzzo, MD, MPH
With 70,000 new cases each year in the US, bladder cancer is more common than many Americans may realize. As many as half of cases are caused by smoking, and many others are caused by environmental or occupational exposure. In determining appropriate treatment, staging and diagnosis are critical. Dr. Thomas Guzzo discusses the various treatment options with host Lee Freedman, with the overall goal to preserve quality of life. As a surgeon trained in a wide variety of surgical options, Dr. Guzzo discusses the advantages of each. He also discusses urinary diversions, including the neobladder.
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Guest: Michael Ruckenstein, MD
In this week's Medical Breakthroughs from Penn Medicine, Dr. Michael Ruckenstein, director of the Center for Implantable Hearing Devices at Penn Medicine, discusses with host Dr. Lee Freedman the only human sense for which total loss can be medically restored: hearing. They talk about which patients with hearing loss might benefit from a cochlear implant instead of a hearing aid. And they'll explore what we know so far about personal music players' role in hearing loss.
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Guest: Erica Thaler, MD
Sleep apnea is becoming more prevalent in the population, and there are many treatment options. Host Dr. Lee Freedman talks with Dr. Erica Thaler, director of the division of otorhinolaryngology: head and neck surgery at Penn Medicine. Many patients are not willing to be treated, or not treated adequately, with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). This conversation focuses on Trans-Oral Robotic Surgery (TORS) as a treatment option, including effectiveness, how to evaluate potential candidates, and when the procedure is contraindicated.
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Guest: John Y.K. Lee, MD
3-D technology is making its way from the movies, into the operating room. How is this technology enhancing brain surgeries? Dr. John Y.K. Lee, medical director of the Penn Gamma Knife Center and assistant professor of neurosurgery at Penn Medicine, describes the advantages of using 3-D technology for removing various types of ventral skull-based tumors, and says the stereoscopic views provided by a 3-D endoscope help neurosurgeons preserve critical areas of the brain. Will 3-D endoscopes replace their 2-D predecessors? Dr. Lee Freedman hosts.
Produced in Cooperation with
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Guest: Patricia Ford, MD
Patients may choose bloodless medicine for either medical or ethical reasons. How safe and effective are bloodless procedures, compared to more traditional approaches? Dr. Patricia Ford, clinical associate professor of medicine, medical director of the Center for Bloodless Medicine and Surgery and director of the peripheral stem cell program at Penn Medicine, says that while bloodless medicine began as a way to meet the medical needs of Jehovah's Witnesses patients, the science also has broader implications. As many as 30% of blood transfusions may be unnecessary. What alternatives and strategies can healthcare providers use to ensure best patient blood management, and perhaps reduce the need for blood transfusions? Furthermore, what are the specific implications of bloodless medicine for stem cell transplants in particular? Dr. Lee Freedman hosts.
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Guest: Suleena Kalra, MD
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Primary and secondary amenorrhea can have various underlying causes among adolescents, including polycystic ovarian syndrome (or PCOS), thyroid disease, and atypical body weight. What types of behavior and lifestyle modifications should be the first steps for adolescent patients with irregular menstruation? Dr. Suleena Kalra, assistant professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Penn Medicine, discusses ways to regulate periods among adolescent patients and protect their future fertility. How significant a role might stress play in amenorrhea among these patients? Dr. Lee Freedman hosts.
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Guest: Gary Falk, MD
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Millions of Americans have esophageal disorders, ranging in severity from gastroesophogeal reflux (or GERD) to eosinophilic esophagitis to esophageal cancer. A diet rich in acidic or fatty foods can be to blame, but there are a number of other factors that may contribute to the development of GI disorders. When can physicians rely on empirical use of proton pump inhibitors, and when is endoscopy warranted? Dr. Gary Falk, professor of medicine in the division of gastroenterology at Penn Medicine, discusses some of the reasons for the increasing incidence of esophageal cancer and Barrett's esophagus in the U.S. What latest developments can help physicians optimally manage patients with these GI disorders? Dr. Falk also discusses the role of motility in acid reflux, and reviews current medication options for the condition. Dr. Lee Freedman hosts.
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Guest: Nazanin Moghbeli, MD, MPH
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
How can physicians assess and minimize the risk for women with existing heart disease prior to pregnancy? As many women are waiting longer to become pregnant, is the spectrum of cardiovascular disease among pregnant women changing as well? Dr. Nazanin Moghbeli, founder and director of the Women's Cardiovascular Center at Penn Medicine, joins host Dr. Lee Freedman to discuss ways to optimize outcomes for pregnant women with structural heart disease, as well as how to minimize the risks of complications that can arise during pregnancy for these patients. Dr. Moghbeli specifically talks about recommendations for women with peripartum cardiomyopathy, pulmonary hypertension, preeclampsia and congenital heart disease.
Produced in Cooperation with
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Guest: Nuzhat Ahmad, MD
Although capsule endoscopy has been used since the start of the new millennium, the technology is still evolving and improving. Capsule endoscopy can help gastroenterologists visualize abnormalities in the small bowel, and offers many advantages over a traditional endoscopy, including less arduous preparation time. What are the common indications for capsule endoscopy, other than for obscure GI bleeding? Dr. Nuzhat Ahmad, assistant professor of medicine in the department of medicine and associate director of endoscopic services at Penn Medicine, also discusses the future of capsule endoscopy, and predicts that the next uses for the technology will allow the capsules to perform biopsies and provide injection therapies. Dr. Lee Freedman hosts.
Guest: Joseph Serletti, MD
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
How are the latest advances in autogenous breast reconstruction changing the landscape of options available to women after mastectomy? Dr. Joseph Serletti, the Henry Royster - William Maul Measey professor of surgery and chief of the division of plastic surgery at Penn Medicine, discusses the history and evolution of breast reconstruction surgery, as well as the various types of free flap breast reconstruction that offer better cosmetic results for patients. How can the risk of thrombosis be minimized for patients undergoing these procedures? Dr. Lee Freedman hosts.
Produced in Cooperation with
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Guest: James Palmer, MD
Sinusitis can be debilitating. Complex frontal sinus disease may be categorized as infectious, or due to tumors or trauma. When frontal sinus disease is refractory to medical management, what types of surgery should we consider? Dr. James Palmer, associate professor and director of the division of rhinology in the department of otorhinolaryngology: head and neck surgery, at Penn Medicine, discusses advances in endoscopic surgical techniques for complex frontal sinus disease. Dr. Lee Freedman hosts.
Guest: Michal Elovitz, MD
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
The preterm birth rate in the United States is increasing, despite efforts to expand research and studies in this area. What are some of the risk factors for preterm birth, and are there any ways we can prevent preterm birth? Dr. Michal Elovitz, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology, and director of the Maternal and Child Health Research Program, in the department of obstetrics and gynecology, at Penn Medicine, examines results of completed and ongoing trials aimed at preventing premature delivery among high-risk women with a history of prior preterm birth. What are future directions for research in this area? Tune in to hear host Dr. Lee Freedman explore these questions and more about preterm birth.
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Guest: Scott Levin, MD
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Trauma patients with injury to one or more limb often have additional systemic injuries that need to be considered during treatment. One approach to limb salvage is the ortho-plastic technique, which involves integrated soft tissue and bone. This conversation covers some of the latest advances in limb salvage techniques that might benefit trauma patients, as well as those with diabetes or peripheral vascular disease. Dr. Scott Levin, professor and chair of orthopaedic surgery and professor of plastic surgery at Penn Medicine, discusses strategies for avoiding amputation. Dr. Lee Freedman hosts.
Produced in Cooperation with
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Guest: Anuja Dokras, MD, PhD
In what situations do couples consider preimplantation genetic diagnosis, or PGD, and should all of these couples undergo genetic counseling prior to PGD? What is the process for PGD? How accurate has PGD testing become, and what are its remaining limitations? How does preimplantation genetic screening differ from PGD? Host Dr. Lee Freedman addresses these questions and more with Dr. Anuja Dokras, medical director of the in vitro fertilization program at Penn Fertility Care and associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Penn Medicine.
Guest: James Metz, MD
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Proton therapy has existed for decades, but it's only recently begun to be clinically adopted. Rather than being a stand-alone treatment, this therapy is often best used in conjunction with surgery or chemotherapy. Outside of oncology, what other conditions might proton therapy be used to treat? Join host Dr. Lee Freedman and his guest, Dr. James Metz, vice chair of the department of radiation oncology at Penn Medicine, to learn more about future directions of proton therapy.
Guest: Michelle Alonso-Basanta, MD, PhD
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
What are the limitations of conventional treatment for primary bone cancer and spinal metastasis? How can proton therapy be particularly beneficial for treating primary bone tumors, which are found more often in pediatric patients? And what role can proton therapy play for patients with spinal metastasis? Dr. Michelle Alonso-Basanta, the Helene Blum Assistant Professor in the department of radiation oncology at Penn Medicine, discusses some of the advantages of proton therapy, including precise targeting and reduced toxicity. Dr. Lee Freedman hosts.
Guest: Robert Lustig, MD
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
What advantages are there to using proton therapy to treat brain tumors? Is proton therapy most effective when used alone or when it is integrated with conventional radiation therapy? What patients might benefit the most from proton therapy for treating their brain tumors? Dr. Robert Lustig, professor of clinical radiation oncology and director of clinical operations in the department of radiation oncology at Penn Medicine, describes this exciting new therapy. Hosted by Dr. Lee Freedman.
Produced in Cooperation with
Guest: David Porter, MD
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
The conventional bone marrow transplant procedure can have many side effects, and the traditional procedure can be especially risky for older patients or other patients with comorbidities. How are novel approaches of bone marrow and stem cell transplantation attempting to limit the toxicity and improve the safety of the procedure? Our guest, Dr. David Porter, professor of medicine and director of stem cell transplantation at Penn Medicine, discusses how using an immunosuppresive approach to the bone marrow transplant procedure may benefit a greater number of patients. Hosted by Dr. Lee Freedman.
Produced in Cooperation with
Guest: David Metz, MD
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Although gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, or GEP-NETs, are relatively common, they are often indolent. However, GEP-NETs can metastasize in a small portion of the population, so physicians should be aware of symptoms and screening tools. The two most common types of GEP-NETs are categorized as carcinoids and pancreatic endocrine tumors. What distinguishes the two? Host Dr. Lee Freedman welcomes Dr. David Metz, professor of medicine and associate chief for clinical affairs in the division of gastroenterology at Penn Medicine, to discuss characteristics and diagnosis of GEP-NETs.
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Guest: Donald O'Rourke, MD
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Awake craniotomy offers many advantages to brain tumor surgery, since it allows neurosurgeons to maximize surgical resection, while minimizing neurologic risks. Is this procedure well tolerated by most patients? What role does MRI mapping play in awake craniotomy? Dr. Donald O'Rourke, associate professor of neurosurgery at the University of Pennsylvania Neurological Institute and the Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine, discusses the exciting advances being made with awake craniotomy with host Dr. Lee Freedman.
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Guest: Don Siegel, MD, PhD
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
What are cellular vaccines and how do they differ from what we think of as conventional vaccines? What are the various types of approaches that we can potentially use for inducing anti-cancer immunity? Dr. Don Siegel, vice chair and professor of pathology and laboratory medicine at Penn Medicine, talks with host Dr. Lee Freedman about the exciting potential of cellular vaccines as cancer therapy.
Guest: Joel Gelfand, MD
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Are patients with psoriasis more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, and what mechanisms might link these two conditions? Do the severity of psoriasis and the agents used to treat this condition factor in to determining a patient's cardiovascular risk? Host Dr. Lee Freedman asks Dr. Joel Gelfand, assistant professor of dermatology and medical director of the clinical studies unit in the department of dermatology at Penn Medicine, to describe what physicians should be aware of with patients who have psoriasis. Should these patients be screened more regularly for cardiovascular disease?
Produced in Cooperation with
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Guest: Frederick Vivino, MD
Sjogren's syndrome is a commonly overlooked autoimmune disorder. Dry eyes and whole-body dryness are just two of the symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome that can suggest other conditions as well. How does Sjogren's present itself beyond dry eyes, and how severe is the condition? Dr. Frederick Vivino, clinical associate professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, describes some of the tests and therapies available for Sjogren's syndrome to host Dr. Lee Freedman.
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Guest: Andrew Haas, MD, PhD
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Until recently, bronchoscopy has involved using cameras with CT guidance to determine abnormalities along the airway and lymph nodes. How is ultrasound now being used for bronchoscopic needle biopsies? What are other novel therapeutic applications for endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration? Dr. Andrew Haas, assistant professor of medicine in the pulmonary, allergy and critical care division at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, discusses the diagnostic and therapeutic uses of ultrasound-guided bronchoscopy. Dr. Lee Freedman hosts.
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Guest: David I. Lee, MD
Newer options for treating prostate cancer include cryosurgery and robotic prostatectomy. What does each of these methods involve and how can we determine the best treatment for our patients? Dr. David I. Lee, assistant professor of surgery at Penn Medicine, explores the advantages, risks, and outcomes. Dr. Lee Freedman hosts.
Guest: Joseph Gorman III, MD
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Many cardiovascular researchers consider the heart from a biochemical or genetic standpoint, but what are the advantages to a biomechanical approach? Dr. Joseph Gorman, associate professor of surgery at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, considers assessment of the pathogenesis of heart disease and heart failure at the organ level with host Dr. Lee Freedman. How are catheter-based techniques proving effective for treating structural heart failure?
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Guest: Jason G. Newman, MD, FACS
Minimally-invasive surgery is generally an attractive option, but how reliable and effective is brain surgery performed through the nose? Dr. Jason Newman, assistant professor of otolaryngology - head and neck surgery at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, explores the rapidly evolving field of incisionless brain surgery with host Dr. Lee Freedman. What are the obstacles to approaching brain surgery through the nose, and could there be a robotic component in the next few years?
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Guest: Samir Mehta, MD
Dr. Samir Mehta, chief of orthopedic trauma at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, discusses the role of the orthopedic traumatologist. What does this designation mean? What kind of special care or expertise do these specialists bring to the care of the patient? In what situations might an orthopedic traumatologist be called in for consultation? If you were in an accident, wouldn't you want this specialist called in to assist in your care? Dr. Lee Freedman hosts.
Guest: Joseph Harryhill, MD
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Dr. Joseph Harryhill, assistant clinical professor of surgery at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, outlines procedural considerations for men with benign prostatic hyperplasiawith host Dr. Lee Freedman. Dr. Harryhill provides a contrast between more traditional approaches and newer therapies, including the GreenLight laser. Should you be referring your patients for laser therapy? If so, what might be the expected outcome?
Guest: Howard C. Herrmann, MD
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
We are increasingly able to turn to non-surgical therapies for structural and valvular heart disease. Host Dr. Lee Freedman discusses investigational, catheter-based treatment with Dr. Howard Herrmann, professor of medicine, and director of interventional cardiology and the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories within the University of Pennsylvania Health System. What new devices are making these advances possible? What are the procedural risks?
Guest: Frank Leone, MD
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Smoking-related morbidities and health complications are well-established. Even with social trends impinging on the freedom to smoke in convenient locations, many of our patients still can't kick the habit. Host Dr. Lee Freedman learns more about effective pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic ‘quit smoking' remedies from Dr. Frank Leone, associate professor of medicine and director of the Comprehensive Smoking Treatment Program at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
Guest: Frank Leone, MD
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
The morbidities and health complications from smoking are certainly well established. But even with social trends increasingly making the life of a smoker more difficult, many of our patients still can’t kick the habit. Joining your host Dr. Lee Freedman, to discuss smoking cessation therapies is Dr. Frank Leone, pulmonologist and director of Comprehensive Smoking Treatment Programs at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Leone covers the origins of the habit, nicotine addiction, and how to best approach patients with both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments.
Guest: Gordon Baltuch, MD, PhD
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Known as the ‘pacemaker for the brain,' deep brain stimulation has made noteworthy progress in treating Parkinson's disease. Dr. Gordon Baltuch, associate professor of neurosurgery and director of the Center for Functional and Restorative Neurosurgery at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, joins host Dr. Lee Freedman to explain how deep brain stimulation works, and take a look ahead to its potential treatment applications for other diseases.
Guest: Craig Israelite, MD
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
In surgery, we strive for less invasive procedures that still allow for the greatest precision possible. Developments in image-guided surgery are helping us meet this goal. Dr. Craig Israelite, assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Health System, joins host Dr. Lee Freedman to discuss computer-assisted tools for surgery. How has the field evolved since its inception ten years ago? What are the key risks or drawbacks to consider with this technology?
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Guest: Emile Mohler III, MD
How should we approach vulnerable plaques in the coronaries and how can we calculate more precise risk levels in both high- and average-risk patients? Host Dr. Lee Freedman addresses diagnosis and treatment options with Dr. Emile Mohler III, associate professor of medicine and director of vascular medicine within the University of Pennsylvania Health System.
Dr. Mohler passed away in October 2017. This interview honors his commitment and dedication to medicine.
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Guest: Emile Mohler III, MD
A ruptured vascular plaque with subsequent thrombus often triggers the heart attack that occurs without warning. How do we identify and treat at-risk cardiac patients? Host Dr. Lee Freedman discusses an array of tools to evaluate plaque burden and promote plaque stabilization with Dr. Emile Mohler III, associate professor of medicine and director of vascular medicine within the University of Pennsylvania Health System.
Dr. Mohler passed away in October 2017. This interview honors his commitment and dedication to medicine.
Guest: Christopher Miller, MD
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Dr. Miller reviews basic and newer understandings about melanomas---how do they arise, what are risk factors, how are they recognized and diagnosed?
Guest: William Welch, MD
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Dr. Welch reviews the approach to this common and disabling condition that affects our older patients. He reviews the diagnosis and initial treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis and then discusses how surgical techniques can bring relief to many of our patients.
Guest: William Welch, MD
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Advancing surgical treatments and devices are producing better outcomes for patients with spinal problems. How do these innovations alleviate pain associated with spinal stenosis, spinal metastases and spine trauma? Dr. William Welch, chief of neurosurgery at Pennsylvania Hospital, describes new spinal implants, including the X-STOP device, and motion preservation systems that are replacing traditional fusions.
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Guest: Craig Israelite, MD
Dr. Craig Israelite, assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, discusses a series of approaches to knee osteoarthritis. A brief review of non-surgical treatment is followed by a discussion of image-guided surgery, minimally invasive surgery, partial knee replacements and the post-operative use of multi-modal pain strategies. Dr. Lee Freedman hosts.
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Guest: Craig Israelite, MD
Dr. Israelite intially reviews some basic concepts in the approach to osteoarthritis. He then outlines recent surgical advances in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip that have led to better outcomes for our patients. These include minimally invasive surgery, progress in postoperative rehabilitation and the development of new bearing surfaces that both improve range of motion and extend the life of the hip prosthesis.
Guest: Louis Soslowsky, PhD
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Dr. Louis Soslowsky, from the University of Pennsylvania Health System, outlines how newer understanding of the mechanism of injury in overuse syndromes is leading to new approaches in treatment. Dr. Soslowsky shares his expertise in biomedical engineering to help doctors fine tune their approach to rotator cuff tendinosis, epicondylitis and other common clinical problems caused by overused tendons.
Guest: Louis Soslowsky, PhD
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Dr. Soslowsky discusses how new understandings of the pathophysiology of tendon-to-bone repair are leading to a new therapeutic approach to rotator cuff tears.
Guest: John Trojanowski, MD, PhD
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Dr. Trojanowski discusses the implications of our aging population in terms of the future burden of Alzheimer's disease: financial and human costs. He then reviews newer directions for the prevention and treatment of this possible epidemic.
Guest: John Trojanowski, MD, PhD
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Dr. Trojanowski discusses how to differentiate the types of dementia and how making these distinctions can lead to different approaches in terms of management.
Guest: Mitchell Lazar, MD, PhD
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Dr. Lazar discusses exciting new innovations in our approach to both type I and type II diabetes including Islet cell transplantation, medications for beta cell preservation and new insights into the control of obesity.
Guest: Mitchell Lazar, MD, PhD
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
The CDC has ominously projected that one in three children born in the year 2000 will develop diabetes in his or her lifetime. Mitchell Lazar, MD, PhD, professor of medicine and genetics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and director of the Penn Diabetes Center, discusses the magnitude of the diabetes epidemic. What can we do to prevent the CDC’s prediction from materializing?
Guest: John Y.K. Lee, MD
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Dr. Lee discusses the use of Deep Brain Stimulation as a new option for the treatment of Parkinsonian tremor and other movement disorders.
Guest: John Y.K. Lee, MD
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Dr. John Y.K. Lee, assistant professor of neurosurgery and medical director of the Gamma Knife Center within the University of Pennsylvania Health System, details the neurosurgical utility of the gamma knife with host Dr. Lee Freedman. What are its guiding principles? How does this minimally invasive approach add safety and precision to the current treatment modalities for brain tumors and other diseases?
Discuss On Sermo
Guest: Garret FitzGerald, MD
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Dr. FitzGerald outlines how the collaborative work of multiple disciplines is leading to a brave new world when it comes to the development of medications and how, in the near future, the concepts of drug efficacy and safety will be redefined.
Guest: Garret FitzGerald, MD
Host: Lee Freedman, MD
Dr. FitzGerald discusses how advances in molecular biology and our understanding of the human genome will lead to a paradigm shift in how we approach the development and prescibing of medications for our patients.