The Specialists: Recent Episodes
The Scope Radio, University of Utah Health
Dr. Tom Miller, Chief Medical Officer and Internal Medicine at University of Utah Hospital, talks to medical experts about a wide array of health topics.
Your coach says you might have a pulled groin while running or playing sports. But is that what it really is? Contrary to what people hear, groin pulls are not common. Multiple groin pulls are even less common. Dr. Tom Miller talks to Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Travis Maak about what really could be causing the repeated pain in your groin, and how surgery could stop it for good.
It’s your New Year’s resolution to be healthier, but have you ever paused to consider what that means – to be healthier? Dr. Tom Miller says it’s not that complicated. It’s just about doing, and avoiding, a few things. Take sixty seconds to find out, and you might actually keep your resolution this year – and feel better too.
It can be scary when your doctor says she found something on your mammogram. Does this mean breast cancer? Dr. Tom Miller and Dr. Nicole Winkler discuss what it means when you get the call to come back for more tests. They also talk about what the findings might mean and the realistic chances of developing cancer.
Just a few years ago, treating critical aortic stenosis required surgery. Now, there’s transcatheter aortic valve replacement, which allows for treatment of the heart’s blocked valve without actual surgery. Dr. Tom Miller talks to cardiologist, Dr. Jim Fang about this new procedure, how it’s actually done, and who the potential candidates are.
A jammed finger can be a common sports injury, and it's usually nothing to worry about. But, if pain in your finger lingers, you probably should have a physician check it out. Dr. Tom Miller speaks with Dr. Nikolas Kazmers, a hand surgery specialist, who says fingers that are actually broken or dislocated are more easily treated early rather than later. Learn how to tell when your jammed finger may require a doctor's visit.
If you have a painful but minor injury such as a sprain or fracture, it might be faster to go to an urgent care office instead of the emergency room. Dr. Tom Miller talks to emergency room surgeon Dr. Robert Stephen about how to decide where to go when you have a minor emergency injury.
The same risk factors that cause stroke can make you susceptible for repeat occurrences. Stroke specialist Dr. Dana Dewitt and Dr. Tom Miller talk about the importance of knowing the risk factors. They also discuss how to reduce your risk for stroke.
If you’re experiencing severe rectal pain, you might think it’s hemorrhoids, but it could be something worse. Dr. Tom Miller and Dr. Bartley Pickron talk about how to distinguish between common hemorrhoids and more serious conditions. They also discuss treatments and relief for pain, as well as when to see a doctor.
Ankle sprains are the most common injury in the United States. Sometimes they go hand-in-hand with a fracture. So how can you tell if your ankle is sprained and fractured? Dr. Tom Miller talks to orthopedic specialist Dr. Alexej Barg about the signs of an ankle fracture.
Walking is something many of us take for granted. For a stroke survivor, walking is a crucial component to their recovery and lifetime health. Dr. Tom Miller talks to the Director of Stroke Rehabilitation at the University of Utah and stroke survivor Dr. Steven R. Edgley about the importance of walking. They discuss how fast a stroke survivor should be able to walk, what obstacles they might face, and why it’s so crucial for quality life after a stroke.
If your heart murmur turns out to be a narrowing of the heart valve, or aortic stenosis, you might be surprised. Many patients with aortic stenosis don’t notice symptoms. What does this diagnosis mean for you? Dr. Tom Miller and Dr. James Fang discuss the treatment options.
Hip pain without an injury isn’t always a sign of arthritis, or a pulled groin, if you’re young. Sometimes the pain is caused by a misshapen hip joint. Dr. Tom Miller talks to Dr. Stephen Aoki about why and how a hip joint can be misshaped, and what can be done to relieve and treat the hip pain.
Headaches are a major public health issue. Everything from your daily caffeine intake to the amount of sleep you get can contribute to headaches. Dr. Tom Miller and nurse practitioner Susan Baggaley, M.S.N., discuss the differences between daily headaches and migraines and offer advice on when a headache is severe enough for a visit to the doctor. They also talk about treatment and recovery options for a throbbing headache.
You may have heard about gout in history class, but it’s still around today. In fact, if anyone in your family has suffered from the condition, you may be at risk. Dr. Tom Miller explains what causes gout, how to prevent it, and the potential treatments available for this painful disease.
Ever had a very large, inflamed insect bite and freaked out? Dr. Tom Miller talks to Dr. Mark Eliason about the body’s defenses when it comes to bug bites, how you can treat most bites safely at home, and when you should seek treatment from a physician.
Scoliosis is common and usually isn't progressive, and, fortunately, those with the condition often can live without much trouble. For some, however, scoliosis can cause pain and even impair function if left untreated. Dr. Tom Miller talks to orthopedic surgeon and spine specialist, Dr. Darrel Brodke, about when you should visit your physician for scoliosis and ways to lessen the pain
Most people with hand arthritis just live with it. However, there are two types of surgery that can effectively eliminate arthritis pain and improve your quality of life. Dr. Tom Miller talks to orthopedic surgeon and hand expert Dr. Douglas Hutchinson about these operations and what conservative methods you might want to consider for hand arthritis.
If you have rectal bleeding, it could be due to a hemorrhoid. But first you should see a health care professional to rule out other more serious causes, including rectal cancer—especially if bleeding is persistent. If you know for sure it’s hemorrhoids, there are some things you can do at home to find relief. Dr. Tom Miller asks Dr. Molly Gross what she recommends to her patients. She also talks about some procedures, including surgery, which can help with hemorrhoids.
Itchy eyes. Runny nose. Difficulty breathing. Allergies can make you miserable. Dr. Tom Miller discusses everything you need to know about allergies. Learn how to prevent your symptoms, relieve the discomfort, and what treatment options are best for you.
Parkinson’s disease isn’t easy to continually treat, but deep brain stimulation can help with tremors and slowness of movement. Dr. Tom Miller speaks with Dr. Lauren Schrock about the procedure and the benefits of deep brain stimulation for patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Sciatica is a pain that originates from the back but shoots down the legs to the foot. It’s often described as an electrical sensation accompanied by sharp pain. Sciatica can affect patients of all ages and often comes on suddenly with no apparent trauma. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ryan Spiker talks about sciatica, how to identify it, and when it’s time to go to a doctor for imaging.
Should you go to the doctor for the cold? It’s a pretty common question. After all, colds can be miserable and who wouldn’t want to feel better. Find out if a trip to your physician's office is worh it. Dr. Tom Miller talks about things you can do to make a cold more bearable and if antibiotics can help make you feel better.
When you start sneezing and your nose starts running, is it allergies or a sinus infection? It can be difficult to distinguish the two, especially during the colder months. Dr. Tom Miller talks to otolaryngologist, Dr. Jeremiah Alt, about the differences between allergic rhinitis versus the common cold. Though the symptoms for both may overlap, it might surprise you that the treatments are not the same.
Do you find yourself short of breath, even from a slow walk with the dog? Do you have to catch your breath at the top of a short staircase? Pulmonary hypertension might be the cause. It can limit your quality of life and, untreated, eventually, lead to heart failure. Dr. Nathan Hatton says, unlike hypertension (high blood pressure,) it can be difficult to detect and determine the root cause of pulmonary hypertension.
Have a cough that just won’t seem to go away? Has it lasted longer than eight weeks? You should go to your doctor. Any coughs lasting more than eight weeks is considered chronic and is not likely to go away on its own, and the cause of the cough might surprise you. Dr. Tom Miller shares the most common, and not so common, causes of a chronic cough and how doctors treat them.
One of the more common home remedies for a sore throat is gargling salt water. Is this actually true? Dr. Tom Miller discusses whether or not this folk remedy is useful and examines a few other possible ways to alleviate the symptoms of a sore throat.
Do you have trouble breathing from one, or both sides of your nose? Some might be born with it, or it could be a result caused by an accident to the nose. It’s a deviated septum—a destruction of the nasal bone—and it’s not something you can see just from looking at the nose. Dr. Tom Miller talks to rhinologist Dr. Jeremiah Alt about the symptoms to figuring out if you have a deviated septum, and the different correction options.
We all know smoking cigarettes is bad for you. It cause significant health problems including lung cancer and COPD. Lung tissue, once damaged, cannot repair itself. So if you quit smoking, will it really help you live longer? Tom Miller, MD, talks to Nate Hatton, MD, pulmonary specialist at University of Utah Health, about whether or not quitting smoking can lead to a better quality of life, regardless of your age.
Pertussis is commonly known as whooping cough. It is an extremely infectious bacteria that can lead to a violent, nasty cough that just will not seem to go away. Luckily, the DTaP vaccine has successfully eradicated most cases in children. However, according Dr. Tom Miller, as we get older, our immunity to the disease wanes and we can become susceptible in adulthood. Dr. Miller talks about pertussis, how you can catch it and how important it is to make sure you get your adult booster shots.
Most household spiders don't pose much of a threat to humans, but some bigger spiders can have poisonous fangs. Dr. Tom Miller and dermatologist Dr. Mark Eliason discuss how to treat common spider bites and what to do if you get bit by one that's more dangerous. Find out how to react to bites from black widows, hobo spiders, brown recluse spiders, and those big hairy spiders that may be living in your basement.
Some doctors will want to take blood or urine tests at your yearly checkup for a number of reasons. Dr. Tom Miller talks to Dr. Jerry Hussong, a pathologist who often processes those tests, about their value. Learn how to prepare for these types of tests and whether it’s worth it to continue getting them even if you feel perfectly healthy.
A broken collarbone, or clavical, is a common sports injury and, traditionally, people let the break heal naturally. But, sometimes, surgery is best to maintain shoulder functionality and avoid later discomfort. Dr. Tom Miller speaks with Dr. Bruce Thomas, an orthopedic surgeon, about what scenarios might warrant surgery to help heal a broken clavical.
Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your health. But sometimes it can feel impossible to fall asleep at night. Dr. Tom Miller shares a few simple tips to help you fall asleep—and stay asleep—and discusses when your insomnia may need to be treated by a professional.
Shingles is the reactivation of chickenpox—a virus most people get during childhood—and older people are at a higher risk of getting the infection. Should you receive the new shingles shot even if you’ve already been vaccinated? If you're over 50 years of age, probably. Dr. Tom Miller weights the pros and cons of the new shingles vaccine.
The occasional “knuckle rub” to an itching eye can feel relieving, especially as allergy season starts. But according to Dr. Mark Mifflin, professor of ophthalmology, chronic eye itching can lead to serious, irreparable damage to your eyes. Dr. Tom Miller talks to Dr. Mifflin about what can cause constant eye irritation and the risks you take by rubbing your eyes too often or too hard.
Dizziness is one of the most common complaints primary care physicians treat. There are many different types of dizziness, each with its causes and treatments. Dr. Tom Miller shares how to figure out what kind of dizziness you're experiencing.
In recent years, fatty liver disease has become the most common chronic liver disease, affecting as many as 80 million Americans—many who don’t even know they have the disease. Dr. Tom Miller explains the causes, and how you can best prevent fatty liver disease.
If you get itchy bumps on your skin, it’s usually because of bug bites or allergies. But some people get hives spontaneously and aren’t sure what’s causing them. Dr. Tom Miller and Dr. Mark Eliason, a dermatologist, talk about hives and why we get them. Dr. Eliason describes how to treat minor hives at home, when to see doctor about them, and when you should run to the ER because of hives.
Broken bones can occasionally heal in the wrong position, forming a “malunion” or “malalignment” after treatment. These misaligned bones can cause further problems and pain in the body. Dr. Tom Miller talks to orthopedic surgeon Dr. Justin Haller about what causes these bones to heal improperly and what can be done to fix it.
What do doctors consider when determining whether to use a CT scan or a MRI for a patient? Radiologist Dr. Ulrich Rassner says there are many factors that go into that decision and it really comes down to what diagnostic information the physician wants to obtain. Learn what issues are involved so you can make sure your doctor recommends the best and safest imaging option for your situation.
Medical experts recommend pregnant women sleep on their side, but what if it makes you so uncomfortable you can’t even fall asleep? Is going to sleep in a different position really going to make a difference? Dr. Tom Miller and Dr. Howard Sharp, OB/GYN, answer common questions pregnant women have regarding bedtime. Dr. Sharp also shares some tips for keeping your baby safe and getting a good night’s rest while you’re at it.
Ribs are like a bicycle helmet. They are made to take the brunt of an impact to keep your delicate organs safe. If they break, doctors can’t just put a cast on them. You’re going to need time to heal. While 85 percent of rib fractures heal on their own, in more extreme cases surgery may be needed. Dr. Thomas Varghese explains what warning signs to look for with more severe rib fractures and when surgical intervention is needed.
Most of us know having high cholesterol is generally a bad thing. But what exactly is cholesterol? It’s not only a major signpost for your overall health, but it can lead to heart attack or stroke. Dr. Tom Miller from University of Utah Health explains what cholesterol is, breaks down the numbers, and tells you why it matters to your and your loved ones’ health.
Even a small slip or fall onto an outstretched hand can injure your wrist, but just how bad is it? Should you ice and elevate the injury? Or go to the doctor for an X-ray? Orthopedic surgeon and hand specialist Dr. Andrew Tyser lends his expertise on this episode of “The Specialists,” and explains what to look out for when it comes to wrist injuries.
This week’s listener question is about colds and flus and whether or not two people can have different symptoms with the same disease. You had a headache and stuffy nose, but your loved one has a fever and upset stomach. Is it from the same bug? Dr. Tom Miller has the answers about individual symptoms and answers whether or not you were really the one who got your loved one sick.
As we age, our bones become weaker, meaning we’re more likely to suffer breaks, sprains and fractures. For some people, a vertebral fracture in the spine, also known as a fragility fracture, can be caused by something as simple as sitting up in bed with particularly weak bones. Dr. Tom Miller talks to Dr. Nick Spina, orthopedic surgeon at University of Utah Health, explains the complications that can arise with osteoporosis and an aging spine, and the different ways specialists can treat it.
Broke a bone and need a cast? Well, forget those big, heavy casts that your friends could write on. Dr. Tom Miller speaks with Dr. Bruce Thomas, an orthopedic surgeon, to discuss how physicians now use lighter, fiberglass casts to help bones heal instead of the heavier Plaster of Paris casts from earlier times.
You got over a cold but still have a nagging cough. Is it something to worry about? Dr. Tom Miller answers this listener question and explains why viral infections can sometimes lead to long-lasting coughs. Find out what you can — or can't do — about it, and whether it's something to be concerned about.
After suffering from a muscular injury such as carpal tunnel or a pinched nerve, your doctor might call for an electromyogram (EMG). The test uses needles and small shocks to test the signaling of your nerves and muscles. It may provide vital information for your diagnosis, but just how bad is it going to hurt? Dr. Tom Miller talks to Dr. Daniel Cushman, sports medicine physician at University of Utah Health, dispels what you may have heard about EMGs and explains how the modern procedure isn’t as painful as some patients may think.
For a major operation like shoulder surgery, it’s not just the operation but what you do after that can make a big difference in the outcome. So, what can you expect with your recovery after surgery? Dr. Tom Miller talks to Dr. Robert Tashjian, orthopedic surgeon at University of Utah Health, talks about the recovery process after shoulder surgery and what steps you’ll be taking before you can get back to your normal routine.
Osteoarthritis—the wearing out of joints, like a hip or knee—can be a debilitating and painful condition affecting certain people. Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep your joints strong and healthy and avoid possible joint replacement. Dr. Tom Miller talks to Dr. David Petron, professor of sports medicine, about why osteoarthritis occurs, how it can be treated and some common exercises you can do to avoid it.
Dupuytrens Contracture is a condition in which a person's fingers bend toward the palm and cannot be fully extended. The condition can make working, and even daily functioning, difficult. Dr. Tom Miller speaks with Dr. Nikolas Kazmers, orthopedic hand surgeon at University of Utah Health, about why Dupuytrens Contracture occurs and some treatment methods for straightening the fingers.
Patients with artificial joints can be at risk for infections, and they can be challenging to treat. Dr. Tom Miller speaks Dr. Jeremy Gililand, professor of orthopedic surgery, about how such unique infections can be caused, how they can be prevented and what measures doctors will commonly take to treat them.
The human spine is meant to bend naturally, but an excessive curving of the spine, or kyphosis, is a condition that is either inherited or develops over time. Dr. Tom Miller speaks with Dr. Nicholas Spina, an orthopedic surgeon, about why kyphosis happens to some people and what is involved with treating it, such as physical therapy. If this condition affects you, learn some tips and activities to keep your spine healthy and strong.
Dr. Tom Miller speaks with Dr. Joy English, professor of orthopedics, who says a growth plate fracture is common among children and teens and may not always be visible on an X-ray. If your child feels pain from an accident even after an X-ray finds no bone fracture, Dr. English says you should seek additional advice. The two also discuss why growth plate fractures occur and why they are sometimes hard for physicians to see.
Chronic tendon injuries affecting shoulders, elbows and knees have long been hard to treat. But, beyond rest, stretching and icing, physicians have developed new treatment techniques in recent years, including ultrasound, stem-cell therapies and specialized needle procedures. Dr. Tom Miller speaks with Dr. Nick Monson, an orthopedics and sports medicine physician, about how these new procedures can help heal tendon injuries.
When injuries occur, patients may have choices for different trauma centers to visit. Dr. Tom Miller speaks with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Justin Haller about what a Level I trauma center is and why he recommends going to a top-level facility if one is nearby. Studies show Level I trauma centers provide better outcomes even for simpler injuries and are often better equipped and more cost-effective when treating sudden injuries.
When you hear the word ultrasound, you may first think of babies, but that’s not all it’s used for. Over the past 20 years, ultrasounds have become a major part of sports medicine procedures. Dr. Tom Miller talks with Dr. Daniel Cushman, a sports medicine physician at University of Utah Health, about the use of ultrasound in orthopedics and how it can lead to better treatment for patients.
An injury to a young athlete can be a serious game changer. It can impact their overall performance and, in some cases, prevent them from ever playing again. Dr. Tom Miller talks to Dr. Travis Maak, an orthopedic surgeon at University of Utah Health Care, about what an athlete can expect for their game play after an ACL tear.
Have you recently injured your knee? You may not need surgery. Dr. Tom Miller talks to orthopedic surgeon Dr. Bruce Thomas about new approaches doctors and patients can take to examine and treat knee injuries before choosing surgery to "scope" a knee. Find out what to do if you have knee pain from an injury.
An ultrasound allows doctors to look at structures beneath the skin. Muscles, tendons and nerves all can be seen in real time to help with a diagnosis. Dr. Tom Miller talks to Dr. Daniel Cushman about how the ultrasound is used in orthopedic work and how the technology is cheaper, faster and often more useful than an MRI.
Frozen shoulder is a type of capsulitis where the ligaments around the shoulder’s ball joint shrink up and restrict movement. For patients, frozen shoulder can be painful and debilitating. Dr. Tom Miller talks to Dr. Bob Burks, an orthopedic specialist at University of Utah Health Care, about the condition and how injections and physical therapy can give patients back their mobility.
A sprain is an injury to a ligament. A strain is an injury to a muscle. A fracture is an injury to a bone. Why is it important to know the differences? Dr. Emily Harold, professor of orthopedics at University of Utah Health Care joins Dr. Tom Miller to discuss the differences in these injuries, how to identify them and what the differences can mean for your treatment and recovery.
When it comes to your health, you should always be careful what you read online. Especially when it comes to a surgery like hip replacement. There are two commonly used surgical approaches for the implant, but which one is best for you? Dr. Jeremy Gililand, professor of orthopedics at the U discusses hip replacement surgery and why you should speak with your surgeon about your surgery rather than trust online articles.
Advancements over the past 20 years have led orthopedic specialists to pursue knee and hip replacement procedures sooner rather than later. Dr. Tom Miller talks with Dr. Chris Peters, professor of orthopedics, about how new prostheses, surgery techniques and rehabilitation have led to adopting this new approach to knee and hip replacement, and why it’s better for your overall recovery.
The rotator cuff is a group of tightly connected muscles that stabilize the shoulder joint. These muscles can be torn in a traumatic injury or simply by age-related wear and tear. According to Dr. Bob Burks, professor of orthopedics, 60 percent to 70 percent of patients will have some sort of tear by age 80. However, not all tears need surgery. Dr. Burks explains what the injury is and when to consider seeking surgical treatment.
Kids and adults can both injure their knees doing the same things. Skiing accidents, overuse with sports, trips and falls. But kids’ bones are still developing well into their late teens, which can make treatment more risky. Dr. Tom Miller sits down with Dr. Stephen Aoki, professor of orthopedic surgery at the U, to talk about the key differences when treating pediatric knee injuries and how the pathology, treatment and recovery is different than with an adult.
Sciatica is a general term for pain related to the legs and issues with spinal nerves. Surprisingly, injury is not the most common cause for this painful condition. Dr. David Petron, a sports medicine physician, talks with Dr. Tom Miller about how chronic sitting is the primary cause for sciatica and what options are available for treatment.
A sprained or torn ACL is pretty common in Utah. Hiking, running, skiing—or as Dr. Patrick Greis describes it, tying long boards to your feet and throwing yourself down a mountain—are good ways to injure a ligament. Dr. Geis, an orthopedic surgeon, talks with Dr. Tom Miller about everything you need to know about an ACL injury—its causes, its symptoms and its treatment.
With the latest techniques and implants, younger people than ever before are replacing their joints with very few restrictions. Dr. Chris Pelt, a University of Utah orthopedic surgeon, talks about what patients can expect after a major joint replacement.
A hip or knee replacement can last 15 years on average, 30 years with newer technology. But sometimes a replacement might not hold that long when implants become loose or develop inflections. This is when you’ll need a revision. Dr. Tom Miller talks to orthopedic specialist Dr. Chris Pelt about when a replacement needs to be revised, what happens during the complex revision surgery and recovery after the operation.
Shoulder instability, also known as a dislocated shoulder, is a common injury among athletes. Typically, the shoulder can be put back into place and treated with mild pain medication and rehabilitation. Yet, after experiencing their first dislocation, many people are more likely to suffer subsequent ones. For athletes, this could mean the end of their competitive season. Dr. Patrick Greis talks about surgical intervention to treat shoulder instability and what sports medicine doctors take into consideration when treating athletes.
Spinal scoliosis is a degenerative spinal disease that can cause extreme pain or weakness in the legs while walking. In some extreme cases it can even lead to a curvature in the spine that causes further complications. For many patients, physical therapy can help, but for others a surgery may be needed to bring relief. The surgery includes installing titanium hardware to assist the spine in healing. Dr. Darrel Brodke, a spine specialist, walks us through this ‘big surgery’ that has an extremely high success rate in patients to help them get walking pain-free again.
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that can put pressure on the nerve roots in the back. It’s caused by age-related wear and tear or congenital factors in younger people. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Darrel Brodke talks about this painful spinal condition and how physical therapy, and sometimes surgery, can be used to bring relief to patients.
Spinal stenosis is a very common condition, especially as we age. It is a sharp, electrical pain in the lower limbs. Many patients also experience a weakness, burning or heaviness in their feet and legs. It’s caused by arthritis and other age-related factors that compress the nerve roots in the spine. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ryan Spiker talks about this common condition and how a physical therapist or surgeon can bring relief to patients suffering from spinal stenosis.
Level 1 trauma centers treat the most critical injuries that can happen: severe car accidents, falls from high places and other accidents with extreme injuries. These cases require immediate, expert care from multiple disciplines to get the patient stabilized and on the road to recovery. Dr. David Rothberg, orthopedic surgeon at the University of Utah, walks us through what it is like to be a part of a Level 1 trauma center team.
Would you know if you had a pelvic fracture? Commonly confused with a hip injury, a broken pelvis is seen in two primary populations: patients with life-threatening injuries and older patients who suffer a ground-level fall. If you or a loved one is experiencing persistent pain after a fall, get to a radiologist. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. David Rothberg explains how to identify a pelvic fracture and what treatment options are available for those injuries.
Our hands are one of the primary ways we interact with the world. We touch, feel, grab and grasp. It’s pretty common to get them hurt in a lot of different ways. Dr. Andrew Tyser covers the different types of trauma that can happen to your hands and, more importantly, what to do, step-by-step if you ever find yourself separated from one of your fingers.
Believe it or not, a majority of people suffering from tennis elbow do not actually play tennis. It can actually be caused by any overuse of the arm, forearm, and hand muscles. Symptoms usually include severe arm pain even lifting light objects. The condition is actually a degenerative one, meaning ice and anti-inflammatories might not help. Orthopedic specialist Dr. Angela Wang shares her expertise on tennis elbow and how sufferers can get back into the swing of things.
As scary as it might sound, cornea transplant surgery is actually very safe. Advances in the past 10 years have even allowed eye surgeons to shorten recovery time for some procedures from six months to around two weeks. Dr. Mark Mifflin talks about the procedure and the techniques he and other Moran Eye Center surgeons use that result in better vision.
If one of your fingers gets stuck when you make a fist and it’s accompanied with shooting pain and popping, it might be a condition called trigger finger. And you can get it even if you’ve never shot a gun. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Angela Wang describes the condition, explains who tends to be the most susceptible and discusses the possible treatments.
Neuroendocrine pancreatic tumors are dangerous because they might be potentially cancerous but can go relatively unnoticed for a long period of time. Dr. Tom Miller speaks with pancreatic transplant surgeon Dr. Thomas Chaly about these dangerous ninja cancers and how to treat them.
There are many treatment options for pancreatic cancer—from resection to radiology to surgical de-bulking. But for some rare types of cancer, like neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas, more dramatic treatments may be necessary. Surgeon Dr. Thomas Chaly speaks on how a pancreatic transplant can be used as a treatment and potential cure for pancreatic cancers when other treatments have failed.
Even though hundreds of thousands of LASIK procedures are performed safely every year, it can still be scary. Dr. Mark Mifflin at the Moran Eye Center finds that when patients know what’s going to happen, much of that fear goes away. In this podcast, he walks you though the procedure so you know what to expect. He also addresses a few of the common concerns patients have and some of the technology used that make it very safe.
It’s a common question many people have when they find out they need surgery because of colorectal cancer: Will I need a colostomy bag? Dr. Tom Miller asks specialist Dr. Molly Gross how she answers this question and, if they have to, how she helps patients come to terms with it.
Many people improperly self-diagnose wrist pain as carpal tunnel syndrome, according to Dr. Douglas Hutchinson. In this podcast, Dr. Tom Miller asks this hand and wrist specialist to explain the condition and its symptoms, describe who is likely to get it, and clear up some common misconceptions. To learn more about carpal tunnel treatments, listen to this episode of “The Specalists”.
Your primary care physician referred you to a carpal tunnel specialist for treatment. On today’s show, Dr. Tom Miller asks Dr. Douglas Hutchinson, a specialist in hand surgery, what to expect at that appointment. He discusses the diagnosis he’ll use and what non-surgical and surgical treatment is available if you have the condition. He also tells you what to expect if you choose surgery—what the procedure is like, recovery time and its success rate.
When should you consider weight-loss surgery? And is it a good solution for long-term weight loss? If you have a certain BMI and suffer from a weight-related medical problem such as diabetes or sleep apnea, your insurance might cover the procedure. Dr. Tom Miller and bariatric surgeon Dr. Eric Volckmann discuss the surgery and what to consider before you have it.
Much like type 2 diabetes, your coronary heart disease can be managed in a number of ways. With this condition, it’s especially true that if you take care of your body, it will take care of you. Dr. Tom Miller and cardiologist Dr. James Fang sit down to discuss some simple things you can do to effectively manage your coronary disease, and even try to prevent yourself from getting it in the first place.
Negative test results can bring a sigh of relief, but positive results can also give you peace of mind in knowing what’s wrong. If you think you’re coming down with the flu, is it worth it to ask your doctor to test you for the flu virus? In this podcast, Dr. Tom Miller has the answer as well as some tips for knowing whether your sniffles are due to the flu or just a common cold.
Dr. Dan Vargo is a surgeon who advocates for what’s known as “prehabilitation,” which means taking measures before a surgery to help improve your outcome and recovery. Research has shown that quitting smoking or starting a basic exercise regimen a few weeks before your surgery will make a huge difference in how your body heals afterward. In this podcast, Dr. Vargo and Dr. Tom Miller discuss benefits of “prehab” and some tips to get you started.
You might be embarrassed to talk about your leaking bowels with anyone, even a doctor. But there are ways to improve the function of the rectal muscles. In this podcast, Dr. Tom Miller and colorectal surgeon Dr. Bartley Pickron discuss what can cause fecal incontinence and a few of the treatment options.
Do you have cysts or cancer in your pancreas? Your doctor might have mentioned a Whipple procedure to you. In this podcast, Dr. Courtney Scaife and Dr. Tom Miller discuss the ins and outs of the Whipple surgery and what it means for your pancreas, the cancer and your ability to recover and live a full life afterward.
Emergency room doctor Robert Stephen wants you to know that once you walk into the ER, you will not be turned away, no matter what. But there are times when the emergency room gets so full that special measures are taken. In this podcast, Dr. Tom Miller questions Dr. Stephen about how he continues to treat patients in the ER even when he runs out of room.
As the weather gets colder, many of us get runny and stuffy noses. But if it’s happening more than three times a year and lasts for weeks at a time, it could be something more serious than just a cold. Jeremiah Alt is an ear, nose and throat surgeon. In this podcast, he talks with Dr. Tom Miller about chronic sinusitis and how you can get treated for your perpetually stuffy nose.
You probably manage your Barrett’s Esophagus with medications and visits to a gastroenterologist. But if the condition starts to worsen or cancer develops, you may need surgery to stop or reverse the problem. In this podcast Dr. Tom Miller discusses surgical and non-surgical treatment options for Barrett’s Esophagus with Dr. Courtney Scaife, an esophageal surgery specialist.
When you think of a lens, you probably think of the glass window on the front of a camera. But your eyes are a little bit different. Dr. Tom Miller talks with ophthalmologist Dr. Bala Ambati about the particulars of eye focusing, protection and irritation. Listen to learn more about the inner and outer workings of your eyes.
Neck and back pain are common, but if you have recurring pain, you might wonder if there’s something going that’s contributing to your chronic cricks. Spinal surgeon Erica Bisson, MD, says surgery should be a last resort, but in this podcast she talks about some questions you should ask yourself before considering surgery. In this podcast she talks with Dr. Tom Miller about some ways to treat neck and back pain at home before making an appointment with your doctor.
Are you noticing a combination of neck or upper back pain and a tingling or slowing in the reaction time of your arms and legs? It could be a compression of your spinal cord, also known as cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). In this podcast, Dr. Erica Bisson, a neurosurgeon and spinal surgeon, talks with Dr. Tom Miller about CSM. Listen to learn more about what a diagnosis means for you, as well as symptoms and treatment options.
Abdominal pain, bloating and gas can be caused by any number of problems, but diverticulitis is a common source of those symptoms. It’s an infection of the large intestine that can cause mild to severe pain, particularly in the lower left part of the abdomen. In this podcast, Dr. Tom Miller and Dr. Bartley Pickron discuss when you should see your physician and what they can do to treat the infection and alleviate your pain.