BackTable Urology

In this episode of the BackTable Urology, Dr. Lindsay Hampson (UCSF), Dr. Gina Badalato (Columbia), and Dr. Max Bowman (UCSF) delve into leadership development during urology residency.

First, Dr. Bowman shares his journey towards leadership, starting from his junior residency years and leading up to his current chief resident role and soon-to-be faculty position at UCSF. Max discusses the importance of setting clear expectations, direct communication, and maintaining friendships despite hierarchical differences in residency. The conversation also highlights the benefits of proactive mentorship, the persistent pursuit of leadership opportunities, and the value of leading by example. The urologists then summarize intentional leadership development in medical training and offer advice for residents and early career faculty aiming to enhance their leadership skills.

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SHOW NOTES

00:00 - Introduction

07:37 - Intentional Leadership Development

17:51 - Balancing Friendship and Authority

20:42 - Crafting a Culture of Leadership

32:44 - Seeking and Embracing Leadership Opportunities

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RESOURCES

Episode 145 - Urology Training: From Intern to Expert with Dr. Gina Badalato and Dr. Lindsay Hampson

https://www.backtable.com/shows/urology/podcasts/145/urology-training-from-intern-to-expert

This week on BackTable Urology, Dr. Suzette Sutherland (University of Washington) and Dr. Drew Peterson (Duke University) explore the psychological and clinical challenges faced by genitourinary cancer survivors dealing with the urological consequences of cystectomy and urinary diversion.

First, they delve into the “Terrible Urological Five”, a set of criteria indicating when it might be necessary to consider cystectomy and urinary diversion. Dr. Peterson shares his insights on patient care, emphasizing how long-term follow-up and comprehensive care can transform survivors’ quality of life. He also addresses the psychological aspects of major urological surgery, highlighting the importance of acceptance and adjustment for patients and their families. Alongside specific medical considerations, the surgeons underscore surgical advancements that enhance safety and outcomes, reaffirming the potential for patients to regain a fulfilling life post-surgery.

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EARN CME

Reflect on how this Podcast applies to your day-to-day and earn free AMA PRA Category 1 CMEs: https://earnc.me/wEWNiy

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SHOW NOTES

00:00 - Introduction to Cancer Survivorship

08:06 - The Terrible Urological Five: When to Consider Cystectomy

23:09 - The Journey to Accepting a Cystectomy and Urinary Diversion

35:03 - Support Networks and Postoperative Quality of Life

38:53 - Concluding Thoughts and the Importance of Moving Forward

This week on BackTable Urology, Dr. Seth Lerner (Baylor College of Medicine) discusses the intricacies of lymph node dissection in bladder cancer management, including an overview of patterns of metastasis, genomic classifiers, and recent clinical trials.

The discussion highlights the evolution of bladder cancer treatment, from the use of cytotoxic chemotherapy to the current practice of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radical cystectomy. Dr. Lerner and Dr. Bagrodia further explore diagnostic and treatment strategies, including the role of Decipher Prostate Genomic Classifier in tailoring patient treatment plans. The podcast delves into the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach to bladder cancer, the benefits of multimodal therapy, and the integration of circulating tumor DNA in management plans. Dr. Lerner then discusses clinical trials assessing the impact of extended lymph node dissection during cystectomies and emphasizes the importance of surgical quality and adherence to established protocols in bladder cancer treatment.

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CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR

Veracyte

https://www.veracyte.com/decipher

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SHOW NOTES

00:00 - Introduction

06:17 - The Role of Imaging in Bladder Cancer Staging

08:00 - Exploring the Potential of Genomic Classifiers

16:55 - Debating the Efficacy of Extended Lymph Node Dissection

27:47 - Update on Bladder Cancer Clinical Trials

48:54 - Final Thoughts and the Future of Bladder Cancer Treatment

This week on BackTable Urology, Dr. Aditya Bagrodia speaks with Dr. Ganesh Palapattu, Chair of Urology at the University of Michigan about the evolving role of a surgeon scientist, the balance between clinical work and research, and the importance of mentorship and positivity.

Dr. Palapattu shares his personal journey from being inspired by mentors like Dr. Don Coffey to becoming Chief of Urologic Oncologist at Houston Methodist and his focus on fostering the next generation of medical professionals. The episode emphasizes the need for self-reflection, understanding one’s motivations, and the importance of maintaining relationships outside of the professional sphere. Additionally, the doctors discuss financial pressures on surgeon scientists and the importance of a supportive environment, along with the unique position of urologists in driving significant scientific and clinical advancements.

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SHOW NOTES

00:00 - Introduction

07:30 - The Challenges and Importance of Being a Surgeon Scientist

13:36 - The Impact of Clinical Practice on Scientific Research

18:40 - Structuring Success in Academic Medicine

25:41 - Reflecting on the Culture of Collaboration and Support

27:24 - The Importance of Time and Resources in Academic Medicine

43:40 - Advice for Aspiring Surgeon Scientists

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RESOURCES

Dr. Ganesh Palapattu’s Faculty Profile

https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/urology/ganesh-s-palapattu-md-facs

This week on BackTable Urology, Dr. Ramon Virasoro, a reconstructive urologist in Eastern Colorado, interviews his mentor, Dr. Gerald Jordan, Professor Emeritus of Urology at Eastern Virginia Medical School.

First, they explore Dr. Jordan’s multifaceted career, starting from his upbringing in El Paso and his military career, which eventually led him to medicine and urology. Dr. Jordan shares anecdotes from his time as a Navy fighter pilot and how his service influenced his medical path. He eventually chose to focus on reconstructive urology and played a pivotal role in the formation of the Society of Genitourinary Reconstructive Surgeons (GURS). Significant emphasis is placed on global surgical education and Dr. Jordan’s involvement in establishing and contributing to key nonprofits aimed at improving urological care worldwide. The podcast also delves into Dr. Jordan’s tenure at the American Board of Urology, and the urologists also discuss the evolving landscape of urology education and certification. Finally, Dr. Jordan reflects on the importance of mentorship, the joy of lifelong learning, and the future of urology as a fulfilling specialty.

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SHOW NOTES

00:00 - From Fighter Pilot to Urologist

07:32 - Transitioning from the Military to a Medical Career

14:21 - The Evolution of Reconstructive Urology and Global Surgical Education

22:01 - Dr. Jordan’s Role in the American Board of Urology

26:31 - Reflecting on a Distinguished Career and Looking Ahead

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RESOURCES

Society of Genitourinary Reconstructive Surgeons

https://societygurs.org/

BackTable Urology Episode 52- Legends in Urology: Dr. Jack McAninch

https://open.spotify.com/episode/46wrxyhB2XCwERp4Z2ySc0?si=fe62e35cff934e74

Disclaimer: This podcast episode contains occasional profanity. While we strive to maintain a respectful and professional tone in our content, there may be instances where language is used to emphasize points or express strong emotions. Listener discretion is advised.

This week on BackTable Urology, Dr. Ruchika Talwar interviews Emmy nominated writer and comedian, Nimesh Patel, about his personal experience with testicular cancer.

Sharing about his diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, Nimesh describes how he processed his cancer and used it as a source of comedic material for his 2023 comedy special, “Lucky Lefty”. His story has contributed to testicular cancer awareness by encouraging men to do self-checks and seek medical attention. Nimesh also underlines the importance of swift medical attention, open communication with medical professionals, and finding a healthy outlet for processing the fear and stress that can accompany a cancer diagnosis. Finally, he emphasizes the importance of the patient-physician relationship, as his anxiety about his diagnosis was eased his physician’s calm demeanor and reassurance.

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SHOW NOTES

00:00 - Introduction

02:06 - The Testicular Cancer Diagnosis and Personal Reflections

11:39 - Sharing His Cancer Journey through Comedy

19:56 - Advice for Physicians and Physicians

25:11 - Advice for Men Facing Testicular Cancer

27:36 - The Importance of Not Making Cancer Your Personality

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RESOURCES

Nimesh Patel’s “Lucky Lefty” Comedy Special

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2Rdh82XGrY

Episode 91- When Providers Become Patients: Testicular Cancer and Beyond with Dr. William Flanary aka. Dr. Glaucomflecken

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4JSXDRJ8BwzFhBBpCymCU3?si=8c58881f9b274cd0

In this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. James Eastham, chief of urology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, discusses evolving approaches and treatments in prostate cancer.

First, he discusses topics such as patient preparation, pre-treatment discussions, and individualized treatment options based on the patient's risk levels. Dr. Eastham also summarizes crucial advancements in testing and imaging prostate cancers, including the use of genetic and biochemical markers, like PSA levels. Additionally, he emphasizes how advances in radiation therapy have improved treatment outcomes and patient experiences. Finally, Dr. Eastham emphasizes the need for consistent monitoring and communication with patients during and post-treatment.

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CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR

Veracyte

https://www.veracyte.com/decipher

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SHOW NOTES

00:00 - Introduction

06:24 - Treatment Strategies and Patient Preferences

11:30 - Exploring the Role of Imaging in Prostate Cancer Treatment

18:29 - Dealing with Persistently Detectable PSA and Pre-op Staging

27:48 - Understanding Prostate Cancer Recurrence

36:08 - The Role of PSA Doubling Time in Treatment Decisions

43:34 - The Future of Personalized Medicine and Genomic Classifiers in Prostate Cancer

52:42 - The Importance of Patient Education and Preparation

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RESOURCES

Decipher Prostate by Veracyte:

https://www.veracyte.com/decipher-prostate/

In this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. Aditya Begrodia interviews Dr. Mara Holton, a urologist and healthcare policy expert, on the recent healthcare policy changes that have affected the field of urology.

First, Dr. Holton shares her educational journey, which included healthcare policy lobbying even before she started medical school. She eventually became involved in leadership positions within the Maryland Patient Care and Access Coalition and the Large Urology Group Practice Association (LUGPA). The discussion then turns to challenges surrounding health policies, such as the persistent use of fee-for-service reimbursement guidelines despite the benefits of value-based care. Dr. Holton also highlights the critical issue of workforce shortages, particularly the need for urologists within rural areas and the impact of healthcare policy on patient access. She ends the episode by emphasizing the necessity for urologists to participate in policy advocacy efforts.

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SHOW NOTES

00:00 - Introduction

04:58 - The Impact and Complexities of Healthcare Policies

07:27 - Success Stories in Healthcare Policy Advocacy

12:37 - The Impact of Prior Authorization Rules

14:27 - The Role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers in Healthcare

21:18 - The Challenges of Value-Based Care

32:48 - The Importance of Patient Access in Healthcare

41:24 - The Importance of Advocacy in Health Policy

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RESOURCES

LUGPA website

https://www.lugpa.org/

Episode 82: Advocacy Basics for the Urologist: From Your Clinic to Capitol Hill with Dr. Ruchika Talwar

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0hcLrKuf5QU7TZCHSErs4Z?si=f4d06ffe6cff4cc4

In this episode, Dr. Edward Schaeffer, chair of urology at Feinberg School of Medicine, discusses precision medicine in prostate cancer with Dr. Aditya Bagrodia.

First, Dr. Schaeffer introduces the importance of using a defined screening strategy for prostate cancer that includes analyzing a patient’s genomic and germline risk. Then, he summarizes existing and new diagnostic tools for prostate cancer. Additionally, Dr. Schaeffer discusses genomic testing and PSMA testing and explains how he applies them to individual patient cases depending on their cancer stage and grade. Finally, the doctors highlight the ability of future tools, like PET PSMA scans, to advance precision medicine.

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EARN CME

Reflect on how this Podcast applies to your day-to-day and earn free AMA PRA Category 1 CMEs: https://earnc.me/3XO8iL

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SHOW NOTES

00:00 - Introduction

10:32 - Precision Medicine and Prostate Cancer

16:17 - Screening and Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer

29:41 - Personalizing Surveillance and Disease Management

33:11 - The Role of Genomic Testing in Prostate Cancer

45:00 - The Use of PET PSMA Scans in Prostate Cancer Staging

48:08 - The Future of Precision Medicine in Prostate Cancer