Dr. Jeremy Leidenfrost, a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon at St. Luke's, opens up about the extraordinary effort required to maintain a top-ranked cardiothoracic surgery program. Listeners will learn how high surgical volumes are key to sharpening the skills of both surgeons and their teams. Dr. Leidenfrost also discusses the vital roles of specialized anesthesiologists and post-operative care, revealing the meticulous standards based on Medicare data and risk-adjusted mortality rates that contribute to their prestigious ranking. Join us as he shares insights into the demanding world of medical training, where the quest for competence often extends beyond the 80-hour workweek.

The journey of mastering cardiothoracic surgery is not just about hours spent in practice but also about the bonds formed along the way. We reflect on how these connections, akin to those in the military, offer a support system through shared struggles and triumphs. Drawing parallels to Malcolm Gladwell's 10,000-hour rule, we discuss the dedication required to excel in this challenging field. Dr. Leidenfrost provides personal anecdotes from his training days, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie and mentorship in shaping a successful career.

Our conversation with Dr. Leidenfrost wouldn't be complete without recognizing the exceptional quality of nursing care and cardiology collaborations at St. Luke's Hospital, Chesterfield, Missouri. He recounts a memorable story of a loyal patient from rural Missouri, illustrating the program's widespread reputation. Personal and humorous accounts highlight the importance of physical fitness amidst a busy career, inspired by mentors who lead by example. This episode is a testament to the power of a skilled team, where trust and reliability elevate patient care and outcomes.

What if the relentless cycle of news isn't just keeping you informed but also compromising your well-being? Join us as Dr. Jason Edwards sits down with Emily Rosencrans, the insightful director of spiritual care services at St. Luke's, to uncover the profound impact of constant media consumption on our mental and emotional health. Together, we unravel the intricate link between stress and physical conditions like Takotsubo syndrome, highlighting how unchecked anxiety can manifest in unexpected ways. Emily guides us through practical strategies to establish a healthier relationship with the news, suggesting therapeutic activities such as absorbing music or seeking uplifting content. By exploring mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, we explore how staying centered amidst life's chaos can fortify your resilience.

Our conversation deepens with an exploration of emotional healing and vulnerability, drawing on Emily’s rich background in military upbringing and chaplaincy training. We discuss the transformative power of acknowledging and processing emotions, sharing poignant stories that illustrate the delicate balance between suppressing and honoring grief. Enhanced by insights from Brene Brown, we examine how vulnerability can be a conduit for personal growth and the necessity of support systems in navigating complex emotional landscapes. As we turn to hope and resilience, we challenge the misconception that our world is more perilous than ever, reminding ourselves of humanity’s enduring spirit as exemplified by Japan’s post-World War II recovery. Tune in to rediscover the power of hope and a positive outlook as keys to overcoming adversity and envisioning a brighter future.

Discover how the ancient practice of variolation laid the groundwork for one of the greatest medical triumphs in history: vaccination. Join us as we sit down with Dr. Bill Campbell, an infectious disease expert from St. Luke's, to explore the compelling evolution of vaccines from early observations in ancient Asia and Africa to Edward Jenner’s pioneering work with cowpox in the 1790s. Dr. Campbell shares captivating insights into how smallpox shaped societies, the pivotal role vaccines played during the Revolutionary War, and the historical struggles against disease that forever altered the course of human history.

In our conversation, we unravel the ongoing challenge of vaccine hesitancy, shedding light on its deep-rooted history and persistent presence. Dr. Campbell offers a nuanced perspective on public resistance, tracing it back to the mandatory vaccinations ordered by George Washington himself. This episode invites you to reflect on the enduring power of vaccines alongside the societal debate over their acceptance. Don't miss this engaging narrative that combines historical accounts, scientific breakthroughs, and societal perspectives, promising an enlightening look at the balance between public health achievements and individual concerns.

What does it take to break barriers in the world of surgery? Join us for an engaging conversation with Dr. Nanette Wendel, an inspirational figure in the medical field, as she recounts her incredible journey from the University of Michigan to becoming the Medical Director of the Women's Center at St. Luke's. Dr. Wendel offers a candid look at the gender dynamics and rigorous challenges she faced during her surgical residency in the midwest, sharing how her career evolved over two decades, with a special focus on breast cancer treatment. Her insights into the complexities of breast cancer diagnosis and the pivotal role of patient education are not to be missed.

Our discussion doesn't stop there. We shed light on the significance of early detection through mammograms, exploring the nuances of screening guidelines and the life-changing impact of community initiatives like Pink Ribbon Good. Dr. Wendel also elucidates the benefits of comprehensive imaging techniques, including MRIs, while stressing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in cancer management. This episode pays tribute to the relentless dedication of medical professionals who tirelessly work to transform patients' lives. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of breast cancer treatment and the evolving landscape of medical care.

Can you truly balance the demands of being a physician with the unpredictable nature of parenting? Join us as we explore this question with Dr. Pearl Philip, an infectious disease specialist, who shares her heartwarming and often humorous experiences of juggling her medical career and motherhood. From the structured world of medicine to the chaos of raising children, Dr. Philip's stories highlight the importance of letting kids find their own solutions and the humbling life lessons learned from their candid observations.

Prepare to be inspired by tales from the frontlines of global health. Discover how witnessing the life-changing effects of antiretroviral therapy on HIV patients worldwide ignited one physician's passion for medicine. Our discussion reveals the pivotal role of treatment in transforming HIV from a death sentence to a manageable condition, and how mentorship shaped a career focused on infectious diseases and obesity. You'll also hear a lighthearted anecdote about an encounter with Bono that adds a touch of levity to the serious work of combating global health crises.

Finally, we draw thought-provoking parallels between the early HIV/AIDS epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the evolution of scientific understanding and the essential role of vaccines. Despite the political divisiveness surrounding COVID-19, there's a silver lining in the collaborative efforts of healthcare workers. In a more personal segment, we traverse the opioid crisis through the lens of Barbara Kingsolver's "Demon Copperhead" and cultural references like John Prine's music, illuminating the far-reaching impacts of this ongoing epidemic. This episode is a testament to the multifaceted lives of medical professionals and the broader societal issues they navigate daily.

Are you ready to uncover the secrets behind managing respiratory health in today's challenging environment? Join us as we engage in a compelling conversation with Dr. Bobby Shah, a distinguished pulmonologist at St. Luke's. Dr. Shah provides an invaluable look into his daily practice, balancing hospital duties, patient consultations, and high-stakes procedures like lung biopsies. We delve into the dynamic nature of pulmonary medicine and the profound impact COVID-19 has had on respiratory health, highlighting the crucial role pulmonologists play in managing these increasingly common issues. 

In our second segment, we explore the concept of resilience through the fascinating narratives in Michael Lewis's books, reflecting on how these stories of underdogs can inspire our approach to health and wellness. Tackling the persistent presence of COVID-19, we underscore the importance of healthy living, including pulmonary rehabilitation and cardiovascular exercises, as essential tools for building strength and mental fortitude. Finally, we address the complex topic of forgiveness, particularly towards smokers, and the necessity of self-compassion in overcoming past mistakes. This episode is jam-packed with insights that will leave you better equipped to navigate both personal and global health challenges.

Discover the inspiring journey of Dr. Matthew Ricks as he shares his path from rural roots to transforming lives through weight loss surgeries. In this episode, Dr. Ricks walks us through the intricacies of sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and duodenal switch, detailing how these procedures help patients achieve true satiety and effective weight loss. Learn about the strict criteria for candidates, including the pivotal roles of BMI and comorbidities such as diabetes and heart disease, and understand the profound impact these surgeries have on patients who have exhausted traditional methods.

Join us as we delve into Dr. Ricks' vast experience, performing over 5,000 surgeries alongside his esteemed colleague, Dr. Darin Minkin. We explore the robust support system they offer, featuring dieticians, psychologists, and nurses, as well as insights into the debated effectiveness of medications like Ozempic. Beyond the operating room, get a glimpse into Dr. Ricks' personal life, from his love of football and occasional golf to his devotion as a father of five. We also touch on the vibrant regional sports loyalties in Utah and the burgeoning community of St. George, underscoring the dedication of medical professionals in enhancing community health. Don't miss this heartfelt conversation highlighting the life-changing work of bariatric surgeons.

Discover the revolutionary advancements in blood cancer treatment with Dr. Mark Fesler, a leading hematologist and oncologist at St. Luke's. We promise you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the intricate phases of clinical trials, from safety assessments to efficacy evaluations. Dr. Fesler sheds light on the transformative shift from traditional cytotoxic drugs to cutting-edge immunotherapies, including checkpoint inhibitors, chimeric antigen T cells, and the promising bispecific antibodies that are changing the landscape of cancer care.

Navigate the complexities of clinical trials through the lens of Nassim Nicholas Taleb's "Black Swan" concept, appreciating the delicate balance of risk and benefit in drug development. We'll uncover the significant breakthroughs in bispecific antibodies for blood cancers and discuss the ethical considerations of fast-tracking treatments for patients facing limited life expectancy. Additionally, we tackle the reproducibility crisis in clinical trials, highlighting the importance of reliable and robust findings in ensuring patient safety and treatment efficacy.

Look to the future as we explore the expanding potential of bispecific therapies beyond blood cancers to solid tumors like breast, prostate, and lung cancer. Dr. Fesler shares insights on ongoing clinical trials at St. Luke's and emphasizes the move towards outpatient treatments and earlier lines of therapy. Learn about the specific immune-related cancers that show promising responses to these therapies and find out how patients can get involved in these groundbreaking studies. Join us in celebrating the relentless efforts of healthcare professionals and researchers driving innovation and improving patient outcomes in hematology and oncology.

Ever wondered how screen time is impacting your child's development? Join us as we chat with Dr. Lisa Ryan, a pediatrician and former immunology researcher, who explains the hidden dangers of excessive screen use and offers practical tips for parents to strike a healthy balance. As the school year begins, she shares invaluable advice for ensuring your children engage in essential activities like social interaction, problem-solving, and physical exercise, without getting lost in the digital world.

Concerned about the impact of social media on your child's mental health? Dr. Ryan dives deep into this pressing issue, referencing Jonathan Haidt's "Anxious Generation" and discussing the alarming rise in youth suicide rates. She highlights the toxic effects of online comparison and immersive video games while advocating for community-based initiatives like "Wait Until Eighth." Learn how to foster resilience and real-world interactions for your children, helping them build the coping skills they need to navigate life's challenges.

Can resilience and music truly transform lives? Join us in this compelling episode as we sit down with Jason Edwards, MD, an expert in physiology and radiation oncology, to explore the multifaceted journey of improving life’s quality and length. We'll discuss the life and passing of beloved musician Jimmy Buffett due to Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive skin cancer. Jason provides in-depth insights into the complexities of diagnosing and treating this disease, underlining the critical importance of early detection and consulting specialists for any suspicious skin lesions.

Prepare to be moved by the poignant story of how Jimmy Buffett’s iconic song "Come Monday" became a beacon of hope during his darkest days. Through his candid interview with David Letterman, Buffett revealed the emotional struggles he faced while working at Howard Johnson's and how this song marked a pivotal turning point in his life. This episode not only highlights Jason’s medical knowledge but also shines a light on the profound influence of resilience and music on our lives. Tune in for an enriching conversation that bridges the worlds of medicine, art, and personal triumph.