Advances in Surgery | Podcast

In this episode of "Keys to Success: Becoming a Surgeon in the U.S.," Dr. Luis Felipe Cabrera Vargas, a vascular surgeon from Bogotá, Colombia, hosts a compelling discussion with Dr. Christian Pérez and Dr. Christian de Virgilio, both accomplished surgeons from Harvard UCLA. They dive deep into the challenges and opportunities faced by international medical graduates aiming to pursue surgical careers in the United States.

The discussion explores critical topics such as the best time for foreign-trained surgeons to transition to the U.S., the importance of building connections through clinical rotations, and the role of observerships. Dr. Pérez and Dr. de Virgilio share personal insights into overcoming obstacles like proving clinical competence and navigating the unfamiliarity of Latin American medical education to U.S. faculty.

The surgeons highlight the importance of mentorship, persistence, and seizing opportunities, stressing that success in the U.S. requires hard work, finding the right mentors and sponsors, and strategically planning your path. Whether you're an aspiring surgeon or a medical student from Latin America, this episode is filled with practical advice and motivational tips for achieving your dreams.

In this podcast episode, Dr. Cabrera engages with Dr. Ulloa, a prominent vascular surgeon, to discuss the essence of innovation in surgical practice. Dr. Ulloa emphasizes that innovation often arises from daily clinical challenges, where surgeons identify deficiencies or opportunities for improvement. He highlights the importance of collaboration between surgeons and engineers to translate clinical needs into practical solutions, fostering a symbiotic relationship that drives innovation. One notable example discussed is the development of the "Bogota Bag" during the 1980s, a creative solution born out of necessity during Colombia's violent conflicts, which has since evolved into a standard medical device. 

Dr. Ulloa also underscores the evolving nature of surgical education, where modern tools like artificial intelligence and digital resources are reshaping learning and teaching methodologies. He advocates for resilience, persistence, and a proactive approach to ideation, encouraging young surgeons to document and develop their innovative thoughts. 

This episode provides valuable insights into the process of surgical innovation, emphasizing the role of interdisciplinary collaboration, the impact of resource constraints, and the continuous evolution of educational practices.

In this podcast, led by Dr. Luis Felipe Cabrera and Dr. Diego Lima, they dive into the nitty-gritty of surgical research, sharing practical tips that surgeons and residents everywhere can benefit from. Dr. Lima's wealth of experience adds depth to the conversation, especially when discussing how to find research opportunities and master the necessary statistical and methodological skills for academic success.

The podcast guides listeners through the journey from starting research to getting published. Dr. Lima stresses the importance of matching research findings with the right journal audience, ensuring that scholarly work gets the attention it deserves.

Ultimately, this podcast is a valuable resource for aspiring surgeons, offering down-to-earth insights from seasoned professionals. It encourages a well-rounded approach to surgical training, emphasizing empathy, ongoing learning, and a strong dedication to pushing the boundaries of surgical knowledge.

In the second episode of the Surgery, Pregnancy, and Parenthood podcast series, Dr. Romina Pena hosts Dr. Barbora Esat, a Czech surgeon specializing in abdominal wall surgery and mother. 

Dr. Esat shares her experiences with the challenges of surgical training and the difficulties faced by female surgeons returning to work after having children. She discusses the lack of standardized training programs, the stress of exams, and the absence of support for surgeon-mothers, highlighting the need for better institutional support to help women balance their careers and family responsibilities.

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jacqueline Van Laarhoven, an accomplished surgeon and mom of three, talks about her journey becoming a mother during her surgical training. Dr. Romina Pena, an experienced surgeon without kids, shares her opinion and inquiries about the experience of being a surgeon and being a mother.

In the second and final episode of these podcast series, Dr. Pena wonder about the essential support Dr. Van Laarhoven received from her surgical team when returning to work after becoming a parent, emphasizing the role of colleagues in her successful reintegration. Meanwhile, Dr. Van Laarhoven discusses her journey as a mother and surgeon, underlining the support from her team and the emotional challenges she faced in the initial days of working, constantly thinking about her children at home.

In this podcast, Dr. Cabrera and Dr. Zundel discuss surgical mentorship and sponsorship, highlighting the importance of nurturing surgeons as skilled professionals and well-rounded individuals.

They stress that mentorship should be about time, not money, and extend beyond surgical skills to include personal and professional growth. The mentors underscore that sponsorship is not limited to academic or surgical success; it's about becoming better human beings. They offer practical insights on guiding mentees to excel in surgery and life. This podcast sheds light on how mentorship can shape future surgeons into not only skilled professionals but

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jacqueline Van Laarhoven, an experienced surgeon and mom of three,

In the first episode of a two-part podcast series, Dr. Pena and Dr. Van Laarhoven opened up

Luis Felipe Cabrera Vargas - MD, MACC, FACS, MACCVA, MFELAC, General surgeon, Fellow in vascular and endovascular surgery of Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, President of the Future surgeons

Dr. Rhea Liang - MBChB, BA(Ed,) MSurgEd, FRACS,  FACS, FFSTEd, FRCSEng(Hon), Clinical Sub Dean for GCHHS, Bond University; Consultant General and Breast surgeon, Robina Hospital, Australia

In this podcast, we delve into the experiences and challenges faced by young surgeons during their residency in Latin America. We explore the importance of non-technical skills, emphasizing the significance of effective patient communication and relationship-building with families and colleagues.

Our guests share their opinions on strategies and activities to maintain control and thrive throughout the demanding academic journey of residency. We discuss the value of finding mentors who offer guidance and structure, as well as the benefits of note-taking and leveraging technology to stay organized.

Delegation of tasks is examined, highlighting the importance of climbing the ladder of experience and fostering a sense of teamwork. We also explore the practicalities of developing presentations and meeting administrative requirements, drawing from real-life experiences.

Moreover, we address the delicate balance between work and personal life, recognizing the relevance of maintaining one's well-being and mental health.

Lastly, we shed light on the challenges posed by resource limitations, such as the lack of access to specialized equipment and imaging resources.

In this podcast, Dr. Luis Felipe Cabrera and Dr. Paula Ferrada discuss various aspects of surgical residency and what it takes to become a successful surgeon. They emphasize the importance of non-surgical technical aspects, such as leaving ego outside of the hospital to take decisions that benefit patients the most.

They also discuss some of the challenges faced during surgical residency, including burnout and long-hour shifts. They provide tips to achieve success during the fifth year of residency and address the importance of learning as “a sponge”, absorbing everything from attitude and technical skills to communication and clinical/non-clinical skills.

The discussion also covers the delegation of tasks, essential for time-managing and leadership. Dr. Cabrera and Dr. Ferrada noted that delegation is a signal of strength and it is crucial to select moments where it is necessary to designate tasks.