ScrubCast: Recent Episodes
Stanford Surgery
On this episode of Scrubcast, we speak with Dr. Fred Dirbas, the John and Ann Doerr Faculty Scholar of Breast Surgery and chair of the breast disease site working group for the Society for Surgical Oncology. Rather than ascribing to a particular set of screening recommendations, Dr. Dirbas advocates for personalized screening strategies, particularly for women with a family history of breast cancerHe discusses his innovative work in FLASH radiotherapy, which aims to minimize side effects typically associated with traditional radiation, and his research on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), focusing on identifying subpopulations of TNBC stem cells through molecular profiling.
Clinical Professor Dr. Janey Pratt shares her passion for working with children and discusses the pressing issue of childhood obesity. As an adolescent bariatric surgeon, Dr. Pratt emphasizes that obesity is a disease. Although GLP1s — like Wegovy and Ozempic — offer some help, Dr. Pratt describes a multitude of evidence indicating surgery is a safe and more effective solution. In addition to surgery, Dr. Pratt also sheds light on Stanford’s comprehensive preoperative process for adolescent bariatric surgery, including necessary testing and evaluations to ensure patient safety as well as diet and exercise education for the whole family.
In this episode of Scrubcast, we sit down with Dr. Arash Momeni, an associate professor at Stanford University’s Department of Surgery, to discuss the latest advancements in reconstructive microsurgery. From his recent clinical trial—an anticoagulant head-to-head—to the integration of augmented reality (AR) technology in surgical practice, he is always looking for new ways to enhance precision, safety, and patient comfort. Dr. Momeni also provides a comprehensive overview of the emotional and logistical complexities faced by patients diagnosed with breast cancer, emphasizing the importance of empathy and education in the surgical process.Additionally, Dr. Momeni discusses his unique path to Stanford (completing residency TWICE) and his experiences with the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgeons (ASRM) as the 2023 Godina Fellow and now Secretary.PRSJournal video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfLv2vogk5AGodina Lecture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_kPPUy7vLMClinical Trial: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40327806/
In this episode of Scrubcast, we sit down with Dr. Nick Leeper, Chief of Vascular Medicine at Stanford University, to explore his groundbreaking research in cardiovascular disease. Dr. Leeper shares his lab's unique "hypothesis-free" methodology, where they analyze the entire genome to uncover genetic variants associated with heart disease. Additionally, Dr. Leeper highlights his collaborations with experts outside the School of Medicine to develop treatments straight out of science fiction. Read Leeper’s Article in Nature Communications: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11399336/Throughout the episode, Dr. Leeper emphasizes the importance of perseverance in research, drawing inspiration from Drs. Norm Shumway and Ron Dalman.
On this episode of Scrubcast, we dive deep into the world of trauma surgery with Dr. Joe Forrester, an associate professor in the Division of General Surgery at Stanford University and the trauma medical director for Stanford Healthcare. In this conversation hosted by Rachel Baker, Dr. Forrester shares his personal journey as both a surgeon and a trauma patient. (He decided professional climbing wasn’t a long-term career strategy at the age of 20 after a serious rock-climbing accident. Read the story here.)Dr. Forrester also serves as the founding director of Stanford’s Chest Wall Injury Center. He talks about bringing new surgical techniques to Stanford including surgical stabilization of sternal and rib fractures (SSRF) and how he shares he knowledge with residents and fellow surgeon (Learn more about RibFest.) all in the hopes of providing patients with the level of care he would want for his family and friends. p.s. Dr. Forrester couldn’t divulge the details of a study that will premier at AAST this September but you can read the precursor paper here: “Ultrasound-guided percutaneous cryoneurolysis of intercostal nerves.” Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:00 Dr. Forrester's journey to trauma surgery05:00 The impact of personal experiences on his career10:00 Lightning round: Surgeons he admires and best advice15:00 Reflections on mentorship and opportunities18:00 Closing thoughts
In this episode of Scrubcast, host Rachel Baker sits down with Dr. Crystal Chang, a clinical assistant professor in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Stanford University. As a hospital dentist, Chang treats medically complex patients who often can't receive care in a traditional private practice. They also discuss the importance of mental health and wellbeing. Chang shares results of a pre-pandemic research study that shows Healthcare Professionals have the highest suicide rates in the country and opens up about her own previous struggles with isolation. Today, as Associate Director of Wellness for the Department, Chang shares the initiatives she’s helping to implement at Stanford to support her colleagues. Key Topics:•Dr. Chang's path to becoming a surgeon and her experiences in healthcare•The significance of self-care and mental health awareness in high-pressure environments•The "Tell Us About It" campaign aimed at improving communication and support among surgical staff•Strategies for fostering empathy and understanding among healthcare professionals•Insights on peer support systems for surgeons after unexpected events•The importance of acknowledging and addressing wellness as a priority in the medical community
In this episode of Scrubcast, host Rachel Baker sits down with Dr. Tom Pham, a clinical associate professor in the Division of Abdominal Transplantation at Stanford University. Dr. Pham discusses his recent work in Lusaka, Zambia, where he has been instrumental in developing the kidney transplant program. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration and training in improving surgical practices in underserved regions.Dr. Pham also shares his inspiring journey into the world of transplant surgery, highlighting the pivotal role of mentorship in his career. He pays it forward as the Clerkship Director at Stanford. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and share with your friends!Music by Midnight RoundsProduced by Stanford University's Department of SurgeryChair: Dr. Mary Hawn
We dive into the fascinating world of plastic and reconstructive surgery with Dr. Anita Mohan, a clinical assistant professor at Stanford University's Department of Surgery. Join host Rachel Baker as they traverse Dr. Mohan's journey from her initial training in England through her PhD and MBA to her current role at Stanford and the VA.Dr. Mohan, who specializes in breast reconstruction, shares insights into gender-affirming top surgeries and the unique challenges they present. She also discusses her dedication to improving clinical outcomes for patients, particularly those who have undergone significant weight loss or suffer from lymphedema.Tune in to learn about Dr. Mohan's advice for aspiring surgeons and her vision for the future of plastic surgery. Episode Highlights:• Dr. Mohan's journey into plastic surgery• The role of creativity and problem-solving in the specialty• Insights into gender-affirming surgeries• The importance of research and collaboration in advancing patient careProduced by: Rachel BakerMusic by: Midnight RoundsChair: Dr. Mary HawnSubscribe for more episodes exploring the latest in surgical research and practice!
In this episode, host Rachel Baker sits down with Dr. Teodor Grantcharov, a professor in the Division of General Surgery at Stanford University. They explore Dr. Grantcharov's journey across the globe from his early days doing surgical residency in Copenhagen to Toronto and now Silicon Valley and how each country’s unique healthcare system impacts patient care and research.The inventor of the OR Black Box, Dr. Grantcharov shares insights on the importance of continuous learning, the role of entrepreneurship in medicine, and his passion for improving surgical practices through innovative technologies. He also emphasizes the need for surgeons to find balance outside of their demanding careers, highlighting the importance of hobbies and personal growth.
In this episode of Scrubcast, we delve into the fascinating world of digital health and its implications in surgery with Dr. Oliver Aalami, a clinical professor at Stanford Surgery. Discover how Dr. Aalami's passion for innovation led him to specialize in vascular surgery and to create VascTrac-the world's first peripheral artery disease (PAD) study powered by a smartphone.Dr. Aalami shares how his experience led him to create educational programs that bridge the gap between healthcare and technology. Learn about the challenges and opportunities in digital health projects and how researchers can effectively use technology for patient monitoring while still emphasizing the importance of data privacy and secure systems.Learn about Spezi (formerly CardinalKit), Stanford’s free, open-source framework for developing health applications here: https://spezi.stanford.edu/
In this episode, host Rachel Baker interviews Dr. James Dunn, chief of the Division of Pediatric Surgery at Stanford University. Dr. Dunn is the inventor of a device that uses extraction enterogenesis to lengthen the small intestine. Join us as we delve into Dr. Dunn's innovative work on short bowel syndrome and his inspiring journey to bring new devices from bench to bedside.
Welcome to Scrubcast! In this episode, host Rachel Baker speaks with Dr. Brooke Gurland, a Clinical Professor specializing in colorectal surgery at Stanford University. Together, they explore the world of rectal prolapse and the importance of pelvic floor health.🩺 What You’ll Learn:•0:00 - Introduction: Meet Dr. Brooke Gurland•1:15 - Dr. Gurland's Journey: Her transition from general surgery to colorectal surgery•2:45 - Understanding Rectal Prolapse: Subtypes and prevalence among women•4:30 - The Role of the Pelvic Floor: Anatomy explained•6:00 - Treatment Options: Non-surgical interventions and surgical techniques•8:15 - Importance of Patient Education: Creating animated videos for better understanding•10:30 - Research and Leadership: Dr. Gurland’s role in the Pelvic Floor Disorders Consortium•12:45 - Mentorship and Mindfulness: Insights from her mentor and personal philosophyJoin us for an informative discussion that sheds light on an often-overlooked aspect of health. Dr. Gurland’s expertise and innovative approach to patient education are making waves in the colorectal community!🔗 For more information about Dr. Gurland’s work on Patient Education Videos, click here:https://journals.lww.com/dcrjournal/fulltext/2024/08000/identifying_current_barriers_in_patient.15.aspx🔗 For more information on the Pelvic Floor Disorders Consortium, click here:https://fascrs.org/healthcare-providers/education/pelvic-floor-disorders-consortium🔔 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insights from the Stanford Department of Surgery.
In this episode, host Rachel Baker sits down with Dr. Kim Stone, a clinical associate professor in the surgical oncology breast section at Stanford University. Together, they discuss Dr. Stone’s journey into breast surgery, the importance of early mammograms, and an exciting new project utilizing virtual reality for patient rehabilitation.⏰ Episode Highlights:•[00:00:00] Introduction to Dr. Kim Stone•[00:01:00] Dr. Stone’s passion for breast surgery•[00:02:00] Mammogram guidelines—When should you start? •[00:06:00] The impact of breast cancer surgery on upper extremity function•[00:10:00] Using Virtual Reality for patient rehab—How did it start?•[00:12:00] Assessing the feasibility of VR in rehabilitation•[00:15:00] Celebrating women in surgery: Dr. Laura Esserman•[00:16:00] Wisdom for life: "Don’t try to make a happy kid happier"🔗 Useful Links:•Seed Grant Grand Rounds: Virtual Reality for Surgical Prehabilitation and Rehabilitation by Dr. Cindy Kin https://youtu.be/KmEMhgsUs3I?si=5H8B2SJQH9-kb2Sq)💬 Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us a comment below with your questions or experiences related to breast surgery, rehabilitation, or virtual health innovations.📅 Subscribe for more episodes on surgical research and innovative medical practices at Stanford University!
In this special 'Women in Medicine Month' episode of Scrubcast, host Rachel Baker sits down with Dr. Mary Hawn, the Chair of Stanford University's Department of Surgery. Dr. Hawn discusses her multifaceted role overseeing research, education, and clinical care, while still practicing minimally invasive foregut surgery. She shares her journey from basic science research to becoming an acclaimed health services researcher, her thoughts on surgical training reforms, and the complexities of achieving work-life balance in medicine. The episode also highlights her insights into supporting future surgeon-scientists and celebrates her accomplishments, including the dedication of the Wangensteen Scientific Forum to her at the upcoming American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress.00:00 Introduction to Scrubcast00:19 Meet Dr. Mary Han: Chair of the Department of Surgery00:46 The Role and Responsibilities of a Chair01:22 Balancing Surgery and Leadership01:50 Specializing in Minimally Invasive Foregut Surgery02:36 Transition from Basic Science to Health Services Research04:15 Insights on Surgical Training and Education09:49 Equity in Pay and Work-Life Balance for Surgeons15:07 Maintaining Humility and Team Spirit15:52 Mentors and Best Advice19:16 Looking to the Future: ACS Annual Clinical Congress20:26 Conclusion and Farewell
Join host Rachel Baker on Scrubcast as she chats with Dr. Stephanie Chao, an associate professor in Stanford’s Division of Pediatric Surgery. In this episode, Dr. Chao shares her circuitous journey to becoming a pediatric surgeon (through transplant and HPB). She also delves into a few of her innovations such as the use of virtual reality in managing children's anxiety during procedures and the development of 3D optical scanning for chest wall evaluations. Dr. Chao also discusses her work on the PLEDGE campaign to reduce gun violence affecting children and her recent experience as a Presidential Leadership Scholar. 00:00 Introduction to Scrubcast and Guest Dr. Stephanie Chao00:34 Dr. Chao's Journey to Pediatric Surgery03:11 Innovative Use of VR in Pediatric Surgery06:24 3D Light Scanners for Chest Wall Evaluation08:53 Mentorship and Professional Development11:17 The Pledge Campaign Against Gun Violence15:01 Presidential Leadership Scholars Experience18:46 Final Thoughts and Advice23:53 Conclusion and Credits
In this episode of Scrubcast, host Rachel Baker interviews Dr. Morad Hameed, who recently joined Stanford as the chief of acute care surgery. They discuss Dr. Hameed's transition to Stanford, differences between Canadian and U.S. healthcare systems, and what drew Dr. Hameed to trauma surgery. Dr. Hameed shares an exciting trauma case and explains the nuances of trauma, emergency general surgery, and surgical critical care. The conversation also touches on Dr. Hamid's experiences in leadership roles, global surgery projects, and advice from mentors.00:00 Introduction to Scrubcast and Guest Dr. Morad Hameed00:24 Dr. Hameed's Journey to Stanford01:41 Comparing U.S. and Canadian Healthcare Systems03:29 The Fascination with Trauma Surgery05:03 Memorable Trauma Cases07:37 Understanding Acute Care Surgery10:06 Leadership and Administrative Roles in Surgery12:15 Global Surgery and Public Health14:23 Inspirational Figures and Advice18:41 What's Next for Dr. Hameed?19:29 Conclusion and Credits
Join host Rachel Baker as she dives into the groundbreaking research in Stanford University's Department of Surgery. In this episode, Dr. Amanda Kirane, an assistant professor and specialist in complex general surgical oncology, shares her unconventional journey into melanoma research. Discover the latest advancements in immunotherapy for skin cancer, including Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TIL) therapy, and the science behind creating patient avatars with organoid models. Dr. Kirane also shares her admiration for influential surgeons in her life and offers insightful advice.00:00 Introduction to Scrubcast00:39 Dr. Amanda Kirane Describes her Journey into Melanoma Research02:38 Understanding Skin Cancer03:49 Advancements in Immunotherapy06:58 Innovative Tumor Research08:40 Discovering New Immune Cells10:57 Inspiring Mentors and Advice14:34 Closing Remarks and Credits
This episode of Scrubcast features Dr. Benjamin Levi, our honored guest at the 2024 Emile F. Holman Lecture. He shares insights on his motivation for merging plastic surgery with critical care, emphasizing the holistic care of burn patients from acute treatment to long-term reconstructive surgery. Levi’s primary research focus is on heterotopic ossification. He explains how injuries can lead to bone formation in unintended locations and the implications for patient care. He highlights how each of the places he’s lived, worked, and studied contributed uniquely to his research and clinical practice.00:00 Welcome to Scrubcast: A Deep Dive into Surgery Research00:19 A Unique Path: From Plastic Surgery to Critical Care04:18 Exploring the Impact of Geographic Diversity on Medical Research08:38 Unraveling the Mysteries of Heterotopic Ossification15:04 Personal Reflections: Influential Surgeons and Life Advice17:07 Engaging the Next Generation: What Makes an Exceptional PresentationRegister for Holman Day here: https://surgery.stanford.edu/holman/2024.html A recording of the podium presentations including Dr. Levi’s lecture will be posted after the event.
In this episode of Scrubcast, host Rachel Baker interviews Dr. HyeRan Choo, a clinical associate professor in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Stanford University. Dr. Choo discusses her journey into dentistry and orthodontics, which began in Korea.Dr. Choo is doing innovative work treating Pierre Robin Sequence—a rare congenital condition—using a non-surgical method. This novel approach, developed to alleviate the condition's characteristic symptoms without surgery, scoops the tongue out of the airway, allowing immediate relief for affected babies. So far, Dr. Choo has treated 25 babies with the Orthodontic Airway Plate.The episode concludes with Dr. Choo sharing valuable advice and acknowledging her mentor, Dr. Park.00:00 Welcome to Scrubcast00:11 Meet Dr. HyeRan Choo01:09 The Journey to a Non-Surgical Breakthrough for Pierre Robin's Sequence03:57 The Revolutionary Orthodontic Airway Plate: A Game-Changer for Babies07:43 Expanding the Horizon: Future Steps and Challenges11:37 Reflections and Advice: Learning from a Mentor13:07 Wrapping Up
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month! In this episode of Scrubcast, host Rachel Baker interviews Dr. Cindy Kin, an associate professor in Stanford University's Department of Surgery. Dr. Kin delves into her choice to specialize in colorectal surgery and shares insights on the increasing trend of colon cancer in younger patients. She discusses the importance of early detection and elaborates on her research to improve patient outcomes post abdominal surgery through 'prehabilitation.' Dr. Kin also talks about her role as the Director of Wellness at Stanford and her efforts to improve the well-being and work-life balance of fellow physicians. Only a few months in, she has already kicked off several new projects. She explains “Tell Us About It;” a new program developed in conjunction with our Quality Improvement team.
With the advent of GLP1s like Ozempic, aren’t Bariatric Surgeons out of a job? We take a deep dive into obesity treatments with Dr. Dan Azagury, an Associate Professor in the Division of General Surgery and Chief of Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery at Stanford University's Department of Surgery. We discuss topics such as how GLP1s were discovered and the benefits and risks of GLP-1 agonists. We also touch on the importance of holistic treatment for obesity and how medication and surgery are just two of the mechanisms for weight loss in their arsenal. To close out the show, Dr. Azagury shares his admiration for Dr. Claude LeCoultre, who was Head of the Department of Pediatric Surgery at the University of Geneva from 1991 to 2004, and—of course—the best advice he’s received in 10 words or less. You can learn more about Stanford Medical Weight Loss program here: https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-clinics/bariatric-surgery/medical-weight-loss-program.html
In this extended episode of Scrubcast, host Rachel Baker interviews Dr. Varya Kirchner, an associate professor in the Division of Abdominal Transplantation at Stanford University. They discuss the latest advancements in medicine, with a focus on autologous islet cell transplant, a new procedure being done at Stanford. The conversation explores the process, recovery, and potential for the procedure, as well as the meaningful collaboration between the various specialties involved. HPB Surgeon Dr. Brendan Visser along with Interventional Radiologists Drs. Avnexh Thakor and Alex Vexeridis describe their contributions to the transplant process.Dr. Kirchner also recognizes the contributions of significant mentors in her career, shares advice she received, and discusses plans for developing a pediatric transplantation program.00:02 Introduction to Scrubcast and Guest00:22 Dr. Kirchner's Journey into Transplant Surgery01:29 Understanding Islet Cells and Their Importance02:21 The Process of Autologous Islet Cell Transplant03:10 Challenges and Impact of Chronic Pancreatitis07:40 Bringing the Procedure to Stanford08:51 The Role of General Surgery in Transplantation with Dr. Brfendan Visser16:07 The Role of Interventional Radiology in Transplantation with Drs. Avnesh Thakor and Alex Vezeridis23:10 The Future of Autologous Islet Cell Transplant26:11 Identifying Candidates for Autologous Islet Cell Transplant31:12 Conclusion and Future Plans
Can you teach an old drug new tricks? In this episode, we interview Dr. Nazish Sayed, an assistant professor in the Division of Vascular Surgery and the Cardiovascular Institute at Stanford University. Dr. Sayed has a unique role as a research faculty in the Department of Surgery and his expertise in vascular disease. We talk about the beneficial effects of statins on vascular function (in addition to their well-known cholesterol control function) and how statins can prevent cardiovascular diseases. Dr. Sayed et al published a paper in Nature Cardiovascular Research in May 2023 on statins at the molecular level (https://www.nature.com/articles/s44161-023-00267-1), and we discuss the challenges faced in getting the paper published (four years!). The episode concludes with a discussion of Dr. Joseph Wu, Dr. Joseph Woo, and Dr. Sayed's future research plans.
Dr. Varvara Kirchner, an associate professor in the Division of Abdominal Transplantation, explains autologous islet cell transplant. In addition to the procedure, its benefits, and its ideal candidates, she and host, Rachel Baker, also discuss the history of the procedure, Dr. Kirchner's mentors, and her future plans for the program.
Dr. Thomas Weiser attempted to take the politics out of the gun control topic buy looks at the dollars and cents of firearm injuries. After a first study showed that hundreds of millions of dollars of taxpayer money was being used to pay for hospitalizations, he dug deeper and looked at the impact of firearm legislation and the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). To read the paper published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, click here: https://www-sciencedirect-com.laneproxy.stanford.edu/science/article/pii/S0749379723003227?via%3DihubLearn more about the Gabby Giffords Gun Law Scorecard here:https://giffords.org/lawcenter/resources/scorecard/Dr. Weiser is a Clinical Professor in the Division of General Surgery at Stanford University. He is a general, emergency, and trauma surgeon, and surgical intensivist. He is also the Director of Global Engagement for Stanford’s Department of Surgery.
What does it take to become a surgeon scientist? Professor Emeritus Dr. Jeffrey Norton, who has been operating and conducting basic science experiments for more than 40 years, says the key is fun. As he looks toward retirement, we take an opportunity to examine his legacy including his contributions to gene-directed surgery. We also talk about mentorship: his mentors Drs. Murray Brennan and Watts Webb, his mentees, and his mentorship philosophy.If you want to learn more about the research Dr. Norton has inspired, please join us at his festschrift on Friday, October 13 at Stanford’s Center for Academic Medicine. RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf04Fl3H__kD2p0C9ohrHWI1WZdAzaU_tD8eKvGMVibLNLvvw/viewform?usp=sf_linkYou can also watch his grand rounds presentation on hereditary diffused gastric cancer (CDH1 mutation) here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFL7hJiWtwE
DYK that one-quarter to one-half of all hospital waste is generated by the OR? Dr. Paige Fox, an Associate Professor in our Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is trying to change that. She talks to us about her endeavor to green the OR using a method that she has shown works in different hospital settings and for different types of operations.
In addition to her sustainability work, Dr. Fox also operates a wet lab doing basic science and is the Director of Stanford’s PRS Residency Program. She gives us an update on her biosensor collaboration with Stanford School of Engineering legend Dr. Zhenan Bao (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41928-018-0071-7) and has advice for MS4s entering Match 2024.
What happens when an engineering major goes to medical school? You get someone like Dr. James Wall. Dr. Wall is a pediatric surgeon at Stanford’s Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, but he’s also an innovator focusing on creating devices that solve health challenges faced by children and moms-to-be.
As Wall says during the show, children are 25% of the population, 100% of the future, but only a tiny percentage of medical patents. We talk about his work as a PI for the UCSF-Stanford Pediatric Device Consortium and how one team of innovators made their idea a reality.
We also talk about his work as a Program Director for the Byers Center for Biodesign Fellowship Program and a new opportunity for global health made possible by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
This is a special two-part episode with the poster and podium winners from our annual Holman Day celebration. In part 2 we speak with the winners in the clinical, educational, and health services research science category.
Dr. Vy Ho is a rising Chief Resident in our Vascular Surgery Residency Program. Like her colleague Shaunak, she also looked at aneurysms but from an HSR point of view. She shares her research recommended screening rates and possible barriers to care.
Dr. Kirbi Yelorda is a rising Chief resident in our General Surgery Residency Program. As a future colorectal surgeon, it’s no surprise that her health services research project focused on colorectal cancer and how it is affected by social risk factors.
Holman Day is Stanford Surgery’s celebration of all things science. It is named after Dr. Emile Holman, the founder of academic surgery at Stanford University. Learn more: https://surgery.stanford.edu/holman/2023.html
This is a special two-part episode with the poster and podium winners from our annual Holman Day celebration. In part 1 we speak with the winners in the basic and translational science category.
Dr. Shaunak Adkar is a professional development resident in our Vascular Surgery Residency Program. He shares how he got involved in the Leeper Lab, finding a mentor in new faculty member Dr. Derek Klarin, and how he used a genome-wide association study to reveal shared heritability between intracranial aneurysms with aortic aneurysms and atherosclerosis.
Dr. Deshka Foster joins Scrubcast once again, but this time to talk about a different part of the fibroblast continuum: abdominal adhesions. Her winning presentation “Avoiding a ‘sticky’ situation: Translation of a sustained-release therapeutic to prevent abdominal adhesions” was six years in the making. She talks about her groundbreaking research and the importance of constantly digging deeper into a project.
Holman Day is Stanford Surgery’s celebration of all things science. It is named after Dr. Emile Holman, the founder of academic surgery at Stanford University. Learn more: https://surgery.stanford.edu/holman/2023.html
Dr. Carolyn Dacey Seib’s research focuses on primary hyperparathyroidism. We take a deep dive into some of her recently published papers including “Estimated Effect of Parathyroidectomy on Long-Term Kidney Function in Adults With Primary Hyperparathyroidism” in Annals of Internal Medicine https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M22-2222 and “Risk of Fracture Among Older Adults With Primary Hyperparathyroidism Receiving Parathyroidectomy vs Nonoperative Management” in JAMA Internal Medicine. (Why internal medicine instead of surgery journals? We cover that too!) Dr. Seib also shares her advice on how to position yourself to receive research grants (like the k76 she received from the NIH Institute on Aging) and what it’s like being an academic surgeon and starting a family. Dr. Seib is an Assistant Professor in our Division of General Surgery’s Endocrine Section.
Are vascular surgeons overusing atherectomy? Dr. Elizabeth “Lizzy” George joins the show to talk about modalities for treatment of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and how possible policy changes could disincentivize atherectomy as a first-line treatment for intermittent claudication. Dr. George is also the recipient of one of this year’s seed grants from the Department of Surgery. She shares a bit about her upcoming research endeavors as well as what it’s like to go from resident to faculty at the same institution.
How can we make video-based review of surgical procedures more efficient? Members of the Technology Enabled Clinical Improvement Center join the show to talk about their recent article published in the Journal of Surgical Research: “AI-Based Video Segmentation: Procedural Steps or Basic Maneuvers?” https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022480422006916?via%3DihubTo collect the data for this paper, the TECI team set up a booth at the 2019 American College of Surgeon Clinical Congress and asked surgeons of all expert levels to suture bowel while wearing a number of digital sensors. Despite some (hilarious) hiccoughs, they lived to tell their tale AND process mountains of data into an algorithm.In this episode:• Audrey Bowler, Executive Administrative Coordinator• Sindhu Hosakote, Research Operations and Program Manager• Calvin Perumalla, PhD Senior Research Engineer• Brett Wise, Researcher and Fabrication Expert• Su Yang, Research Data Analyst
Dr. Clifford Sheckter joins the show to talk about a paper recently published in JAMA Surgery: “Commercial Price Variation for Breast Reconstruction in the Era of Price Transparency.” https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/article-abstract/2799698 The Price Transparency Act in 2021 allowed Sheckter to gather data from hospitals across the country and compare the pricing of an important but nonemergent procedure. He explains the price differentials and correlations.Dr. Sheckter also talks about his work as a burn surgeon at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center – a Level I burn unit. As the winner of a Travel Fellowship from the American Burn Association he hopes to learn more about treating children who suffer from burn injuries. Dr. Sheckter is an assistant professor in our Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Dr. Deshka Foster joins the show to discuss her recent paper published in Cancer Cell titled “Multinomic analysis reveals conservation of cancer-associated fibroblast phenotypes across species and tissue of origin.” https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1535610822004445?dgcid=coauthorWe also talk about Dr. Foster’s career as a Stanford General Surgery resident. Dr. Foster says she was able to earn her PhD by adding an extra year onto her professional development time thanks to amazing mentorship and the Advanced Residency Training at Stanford (ARTS) Program: https://med.stanford.edu/arts.html Learn how she got interested in bench work, managed her time, got funding, and totally crushed it. p.s. “Desmoplasia” is actually spelled exactly how it sounds!
Dr. Tom Handley has amassed a variety of research during his time at Stanford from the impact of COVID on emergency Medicaid programs to Hep-C on liver donation. But what may seem like a directionless mess to a casual outside observer boils down to one important mission: improving patient access to care. We sit down with the Brit to discuss life as a Knight-Hennessey Scholar, S-SPIRE Center post-doc, and Health Policy Master’s degree candidate.
What happens when two surgeons decide to create a videogame? You get ENTRUST, a serious game-based virtual patient platform to assess entrustable professional activities (EPAs) in surgical education.
But when the COVID19 pandemic derailed their plans for testing, the team found an unlikely ally in the College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Sub-Saharan Africa (COSECSA). Now the platform is expanding beyond testing and into world of teaching with the help of Stanford Surgery Global Engagement and the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) in Rawanda.
On the episode: • ENTRUST Co-Founders Drs. Cara Liebert and Dana Lin • Dr. Barnabas Alayande, a Global Surgery Fellow and Assistant Professor at UGHE • Stanford Surgery Clinical Associate Professor Dr. Martin Bronk • Medical Student Tyler Wilson • Stanford Surgery Global Engagement Programs Manager Mohammed Al Kadhim
Today on the show we have several members from the Consortium on Advancement in Research and Education or CARE. Started in 2020, CARE is comprised of faculty, residents, and medical students across the US. We are joined by: • Founder and Stanford PRS Clinical Assistant Professor Dr. Rahim Nazareli; • CARE Member and Dartmouth Medical Student Priscila Cevallos; and • CARE Member and Medical Student at the Medical College of Georgia Kometh “Tony” Thawanyarat
We discuss forming and operating completely virtual teams and mentorship in addition to the research the group is currently engrossed in.
If you are interested in joining CARE, visit their website: https://www.careprs.org/
Ask a Pediatric Surgeon about Pilonidal Disease, and they likely won’t be too enthused; like most abscesses, they can be filled with stinky pus and—despite medical treatment—they also have a high recurrence rate …until now. Dr. Talha Rafeeqi is the first author on new research published in the Journal of Pediatric Surgery. Rafeeqi details a new treatment protocol for Pilonidal, which led to significantly lower recurrence rates when implemented across surgeons and hospitals within the Stanford system.
Dr. Rafeeqi also talks about his abstract "Use Of Niclosamide Ethanolamide (NEN) As A Mitochondrial Decoupler In Neuroblastoma,” which won an Academic College of Surgeons Excellence in Research Award. We look forward to seeing him receive it at the Clinical Congress in San Diego next month.
Dr. Rafeeqi is a fourth-year surgical resident at the Valley Health System in Las Vegas. He spent his research time working in Stanford’s Division of Pediatric Surgery labs.
Stanford Hospital recently implemented a new clinical pathway for geriatric trauma patients. Dr. Kristan Staudenmayer joins us to discuss the new pathway and how it led to lower rates of delirium in older adults with traumatic injury. Her findings were recently published in JAMA Surgery: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/article-abstract/2792936
Dr. Staudenmayer is an Associate Professor in our Trauma and Clinical Care section and Associate Surgical ICU Medical Director. She is also a member of the American College of Surgeons’ Committee on Trauma.
Can medical mission trips make a lasting impact? Dr. Anna Luan’s new research shows that it can. She talks about her paper published in the March edition of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery titled “Expansion of Reconstructive Surgery Capacity in Vietnam” and ReSurge International’s visiting educator program.
Dr. Luan is a Chief resident in Stanford’s Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Residency Program and was the Laub Fellow during her Professional Development years.
Dr. Ron Dalman discusses a new clinical trial that has just started recruiting patients. LIMIT stands for Limiting AAA With Metformin. The popular diabetes drug has been shown to be negatively associated with the progression of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) disease. Now with over population studies spanning two decades and several continents, the team at Stanford is ready to explore whether the same results can be achieved proactively.
Dr. Dalman is the Chidester Professor and Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs at Stanford Surgery. He is also a past president of the Society for Vascular Surgery.
For more information on the Clinical Trial, click here: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04500756
If you would like to enroll in the study, contact Study Research Coordinator Lori McDonnell at lorimcd2@stanford.edu
On this episode of Scrubcast, Dr. Elsie Ross discusses artificial intelligence in vascular surgery. Dr. Ross is now an assistant professor but started her work with bioinformatics during her residency professional development years. We take a deep dive into one of her papers published in The Journal of The American Heart Association titled “Unsupervised Learning for Automated Detection of Coronary Artery Disease Subgroups.” She talks about receiving mentorship from Drs. Nick Leeper and Nigam Shah, providing mentorship to then medical student Dr. Alyssa Flores, as well as what’s next in her research plan.
In this special edition of Scrubcast, we interview two of our winners from our annual Holman Day celebration.
Dr. Jeff Choi, a general surgery resident just finishing his professional development years, won the award for best podium presentation in the clinical and health services research category. His abstract was titled “Tackling the Bedside Artificial Intelligence Barrier: Natural Language Processing to Extract Injury ICD10 Diagnosis Codes Real-Time from Electronic Medical Records.”
Dr. Cinita Kimura, is a postdoc hailing all the way from Brazil. She won the award for best poster presentation in the clinical and health services research category with her abstract titled "Effect of an online home-based prehabilitation program on outcomes after colorectal surgery."
Drs. Liam Rose and Todd Wagner join this episode to talk about their paper published in JAMA Network Open: "Association of Expanded Health Care Networks With Utilization Among Veterans Affairs Enrollees.” The two authors describe the process of taking a project from idea to award-winning research.
Dr. Rose is a Health Economist who works at the VA Palo Alto’s Health Economics Resource Center and our own S-SPIRE Center. Dr. Wagner Directs the Health Economics Resource Center at the Palo Alto VA and is a Professor at S-SPIRE.
In this episode, we focus on a paper published in the journal Anesthesiology titled "Labeled Surgical Caps: A Tool to Improve Perioperative Communication.” I'm joined by one of the authors, Dr. Ausama Nassar.
Originally known as the #theatrecapchallenge in Australia, Dr. Nassar talks about how the idea of scrub caps with names and positions took off at Stanford.
Dr. Nassar is a Clinical Assistant Professor in our Division of General Surgery. He is Director of our Surgical Critical Care Fellowship Program, and Director of Stanford Health Care’s Surgery Coaching Program.
The topic of Episode 2 spans surgical oncology, reconstructive surgery, and innovation as we look at a recent paper published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery titled "Creating a Biological Breast Implant with an Omental Fat-Augmented Free Flap."
Dr. Dung Nguyen describes how she and her team faced a unique breast cancer and reconstruction challenge that led to an innovative new technique.
Dr. Nguyen is a Clinical Professor in Stanford’s Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the Director of Breast Reconstruction at the Stanford Women’s Cancer Center. She is also the Director of the Adult Plastics Clinic at Stanford Healthcare.
This episode focused on an original investigation published in JAMA Network Open titled "Trends in US Surgical Procedures and Health Care System Response to Policies Curtailing Elective Surgical Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Dr. Wren tells the story of how she arrived at this topic from the POV of a global surgeon and assembled a varied team of specialists. She also talks about what she’s learned in the process and plans for further research looking at disparities and the impacts of the delta and omicron variants.