AHN Med Talks

When tumor position and surrounding anatomy change, radiation treatment can adapt—but which patients stand to gain the most? Lucas Serra, MD, director of MR-Guided Radiation Therapy at AHN, explores how MR-LINAC combines MRI visualization with online adaptive planning to more precisely target tumors while limiting radiation exposure to nearby organs. Hear the evidence behind reduced urinary and bowel toxicity in prostate cancer, explore applications in other GU and GI malignancies, and learn the patient-selection considerations that can inform your next referral. 

Learn more about Lucas Serra, MD, MS 

Could sudden chest or back pain be an aortic dissection? Aortic dissection is the primary concern. Aryan Meknat, MD FACS, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Allegheny Health Network Assistant Professor, Drexel University College of Medicine, outlines typical presentations (severe pain, hemodynamic extremis), CT imaging for diagnosis, immediate “impulse therapy” blood‑pressure and heart‑rate control (esmolol or calcium‑channel drip), and the urgency of rapid transfer to a comprehensive aortic center for definitive care.

For patients with advanced kidney disease, the timing of a transplant referral can shape both access and outcomes. Khaled Nashar, MD, chief of the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension at Allegheny General Hospital, explains when to begin evaluation, why preemptive and living donor transplantation can offer important advantages, and how AHN’s multidisciplinary approach helps more patients move toward transplant. He also discusses integrated obesity treatment, robotic-assisted kidney transplantation, advances in post-transplant care and immunosuppression, and the potential future role of xenotransplantation. 

Learn more about Nashar Khaled, MD, FACP, FASN, FNKF 

When a patient is newly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, deciding where and how quickly to escalate care is critical. AHN electrophysiologist Joshua Silverstein, MD, outlines a standardized approach to identifying patients who require emergency evaluation, initiating rate control and anticoagulation, and accessing expedited electrophysiology care. He also discusses the importance of addressing sleep apnea, obesity and other risk factors, as well as how pulse field ablation is advancing AFib treatment. 

Learn more about Joshua Silverstein, MD, FHRS 

Which symptoms or documented arrhythmias should prompt a specialist referral? Mati Friehling, MD, Director of Electrophysiology at Forbes Hospital, Allegheny Health Network, explains which findings matter most. He discusses symptomatic arrhythmias such as AFib, SVT, ventricular tachycardia, and symptomatic bradycardia, what tests (echo, Holter) referring clinicians can obtain first, and when earlier electrophysiology input can change management or lead to ablation or device therapy. 

Learn more about Mati Friehling, MD 

In this episode of AHN MedTalks, Dorian Kusyk, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery, discusses when referring physicians should consider earlier referral to a movement disorder specialist and deep brain stimulation evaluation for patients with Parkinson’s disease. Learn what DBS can—and cannot—offer, what makes AHN’s DBS workup unique, and how recent advances may help improve care planning for appropriate patients. 

Learn more about Dorian Kusyk, MD 

Learn how modern cath lab techniques and device therapies reduce the need for open surgery and speed recovery for high-risk patients. Dr. Ashish Dua, Medical Director of the Cardiac Cath Lab at Forbes Hospital, describes TAVR, mitral clips, drug-coated balloon angioplasty, carotid stenting, and next-generation device therapies. The discussion covers peripheral interventions, pulmonary embolism treatment, circulatory support including ECMO and percutaneous ventricular assist devices, and how these technologies fit into regional care. Hear how advanced imaging, AI-driven decision support, and coordinated care improve outcomes and access. To refer a patient, call 844-MD-REFER or visit findcare.ahn.org. 

Learn more about Aashish Dua, MD 

This episode explains how Allegheny Health Network delivers individualized spine care—from conservative management to advanced surgery—and why matching the right treatment to the right patient improves recovery and long-term outcomes. Guest Dr. Kyle Holmberg, orthopedic spine surgeon at Allegheny Health Network, discusses shared decision-making and multidisciplinary pathways that support patient-centered outcomes. Listen for practical guidance on referral triggers, how physical therapy and injections fit into care plans, and the role of minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgery in shortening recovery. Keywords: spine surgery, minimally invasive surgery, endoscopic spine surgery, referral triggers, physical therapy. To refer a patient or learn more, call 844-MD-REFER or visit findcare.ahn.org. 

Learn more about Kyle J. Holmberg, DO

A concise guide for referring clinicians on red flags—unexplained cranial neuropathies, clear nasal drainage suggesting CSF leak, or suspicious imaging—and how AHN’s skull base team evaluates these cases promptly and collaboratively. 

Learn more about Jason Crossley, MD