Gut Check

From "watch and wait" to resection, determining the best approach for high stakes recurrent rectal cancer cases is no easy task. Join Avery, Biddy, Jon, and Sam as they share their personal stories, perspectives and approaches to recurrent rectal cancer.

CO-HOSTS

Avery Walker, MD, FACS, FASCRS El Paso, TXAvery Walker is dually board-certified in General Surgery and Colorectal Surgery. He earned his medical degree at the University of Illinois in Chicago, his General Surgery residency at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington, and his Fellowship in Colon and Rectal Surgery at The Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans. A former active-duty officer in the United States Army, Dr. Walker served 13 years as a general and colorectal surgeon with his most recent duty station in El Paso, TX at William Beaumont Army Medical Center. While there he was the Chief of Colon and Rectal surgery as well as the Assistant Program Director for the general surgery residency program. He currently practices colon and rectal surgery at The Hospitals of Providence in El Paso, TX. Dr. Avery Walker is married and has two daughters aged 13 and 9.

Biddy Das, MD, FACS Houston, TXDr. Bidhan "Biddy" Das has board certifications for both colon and rectal surgery, and general surgery. His passion for medical education and medical process improvement has resulted in book chapters and publications, and national and regional presentations on those subjects. Highlighting his medical expertise on fecal incontinence, he has been featured on patient education videos and national and international television and radio as a featured expert on these colorectal conditions. Dr Das also has a particular interest in surgeons redefining their careers -- he serves as both a software consultant and private equity consultant in Boston, New York City, and Houston.

Jonathan Abelson, MD, MS Arlington, MADr. Abelson was born and raised in Scarsdale, New York in the suburbs of New York City. He has 2 older brothers and both of his parents are dentists. Dr. Abelson went to college at University Pennsylvania, took 2 years off between college and medical school to work in healthcare consulting. He then went to medical school at University of Virginia, returned to New York for general surgery residency at Weill Cornell on the upper east side of Manhattan. Dr. Abelson then did colorectal fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis and am now at Lahey clinic in Burlington, Massachusetts for my first job after training. He is 2 years into practice and has a wife and two sons. His wife works in wellness consulting and they have a dog named Foster who we adopted in St. Louis.

Sam Eisenstein, MD La Jolla, CA Sam Eisenstein is an Assistant Professor of Colon and rectal surgery and director of Inflammatory Bowel Disease surgery at UC San Diego Health. He has worked there for the past 8 years after graduating both residency and fellowship at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. Sam is best known as the founder and organizer of the IBD-NSQIP collaborative, a large multi institutional data collaborative examining outcomes after IBD surgery, but he also is involved in several clinical trials for perianal Crohn's and has extensive experience with stem cell injections for anal fistulae. He is also on the scientific advisory board for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation for his work on the next big IBD data collaborative, IBD-SIRQC (Surgical Innovation, Research and Quality Collaborative). Sam has a Wife and 3 kids (6,8, and 3) and spends most of his free time running around after them these days, but also enjoys traveling and getting out into nature with his family.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on the Gut Check podcast are those of the individual hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS). This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice or clinical judgment.

Looking for fresh perspectives regarding the personal financial side of being a colorectal surgeon? From medical school loans to financial adivsors, Avery, Biddy, Erin, and Jon share their own stories and perspectives regarding medical school debt and money.

Avery Walker, MD, FACS, FASCRS El Paso, TXAvery Walker is dually board-certified in General Surgery and Colorectal Surgery. He earned his medical degree at the University of Illinois in Chicago, his General Surgery residency at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington, and his Fellowship in Colon and Rectal Surgery at The Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans. A former active-duty officer in the United States Army, Dr. Walker served 13 years as a general and colorectal surgeon with his most recent duty station in El Paso, TX at William Beaumont Army Medical Center. While there he was the Chief of Colon and Rectal surgery as well as the Assistant Program Director for the general surgery residency program. He currently practices colon and rectal surgery at The Hospitals of Providence in El Paso, TX. Dr. Avery Walker is married and has two daughters aged 13 and 9.

Biddy Das, MD, FACS Houston, TXDr. Bidhan "Biddy" Das has board certifications for both colon and rectal surgery, and general surgery. His passion for medical education and medical process improvement has resulted in book chapters and publications, and national and regional presentations on those subjects. Highlighting his medical expertise on fecal incontinence, he has been featured on patient education videos and national and international television and radio as a featured expert on these colorectal conditions. Dr Das also has a particular interest in surgeons redefining their careers -- he serves as both a software consultant and private equity consultant in Boston, New York City, and Houston.

Erin King-Mullins, MD, FACS, FASCRS Atlanta, GADr. Erin King-Mullins is a double board-certified general and colorectal surgeon. She graduated summa cum laude from Xavier University of Louisiana. After obtaining her medical degree at Emory University in Atlanta, she completed her internship and residency in general surgery at the Orlando Regional Medical Center in Florida. Her fellowship training in colorectal surgery at Georgia Colon & Rectal Surgical Associates concluded with her joining the practice and serving as Faculty/Research Director for the fellowship program until her transition into private practice with Colorectal Wellness Center. She has a husband with whom she shares an amazing, blended family of 4 daughters. The kids keep them pretty busy, but their favorite times are spent on warm sunny beaches.

Jonathan Abelson, MD, MS Arlington, MADr. Abelson was born and raised in Scarsdale, New York in the suburbs of New York City. He has 2 older brothers and both of his parents are dentists. Dr. Abelson went to college at University Pennsylvania, took 2 years off between college and medical school to work in healthcare consulting. He then went to medical school at University of Virginia, returned to New York for general surgery residency at Weill Cornell on the upper east side of Manhattan. Dr. Abelson then did colorectal fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis and am now at Lahey clinic in Burlington, Massachusetts for my first job after training. He is 2 years into practice and has a wife and two sons. His wife works in wellness consulting and they have a dog named Foster who we adopted in St. Louis.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on the Gut Check podcast are those of the individual hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS). This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice or clinical judgment.

Do you wonder what it's really like for your patients to live long term with a stoma? Join Avery, Biddy, Erin, and Jon as they meet long term ostomy patient Vanessa DiMaio to hear about her difficult yet inspiring journey and discuss what it's really like to live with a stoma.

SPECIAL GUEST

Vanessa DiMaio

Avery Walker, MD, FACS, FASCRS El Paso, TXAvery Walker is dually board-certified in General Surgery and Colorectal Surgery. He earned his medical degree at the University of Illinois in Chicago, his General Surgery residency at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington, and his Fellowship in Colon and Rectal Surgery at The Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans. A former active-duty officer in the United States Army, Dr. Walker served 13 years as a general and colorectal surgeon with his most recent duty station in El Paso, TX at William Beaumont Army Medical Center. While there he was the Chief of Colon and Rectal surgery as well as the Assistant Program Director for the general surgery residency program. He currently practices colon and rectal surgery at The Hospitals of Providence in El Paso, TX. Dr. Avery Walker is married and has two daughters aged 13 and 9.

Biddy Das, MD, FACS Houston, TXDr. Bidhan "Biddy" Das has board certifications for both colon and rectal surgery, and general surgery. His passion for medical education and medical process improvement has resulted in book chapters and publications, and national and regional presentations on those subjects. Highlighting his medical expertise on fecal incontinence, he has been featured on patient education videos and national and international television and radio as a featured expert on these colorectal conditions. Dr Das also has a particular interest in surgeons redefining their careers -- he serves as both a software consultant and private equity consultant in Boston, New York City, and Houston.

Erin King-Mullins, MD, FACS, FASCRS Atlanta, GADr. Erin King-Mullins is a double board-certified general and colorectal surgeon. She graduated summa cum laude from Xavier University of Louisiana. After obtaining her medical degree at Emory University in Atlanta, she completed her internship and residency in general surgery at the Orlando Regional Medical Center in Florida. Her fellowship training in colorectal surgery at Georgia Colon & Rectal Surgical Associates concluded with her joining the practice and serving as Faculty/Research Director for the fellowship program until her transition into private practice with Colorectal Wellness Center. She has a husband with whom she shares an amazing, blended family of 4 daughters. The kids keep them pretty busy, but their favorite times are spent on warm sunny beaches.

Jonathan Abelson, MD, MS Arlington, MADr. Abelson was born and raised in Scarsdale, New York in the suburbs of New York City. He has 2 older brothers and both of his parents are dentists. Dr. Abelson went to college at University Pennsylvania, took 2 years off between college and medical school to work in healthcare consulting. He then went to medical school at University of Virginia, returned to New York for general surgery residency at Weill Cornell on the upper east side of Manhattan. Dr. Abelson then did colorectal fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis and am now at Lahey clinic in Burlington, Massachusetts for my first job after training. He is 2 years into practice and has a wife and two sons. His wife works in wellness consulting and they have a dog named Foster who we adopted in St. Louis.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on the Gut Check podcast are those of the individual hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS). This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice or clinical judgment.

Finding more personal time as a busy surgeon is possible when you ask yourself the right questions. Join Biddy, Erin, Jon, and Sam for those questions and an interesting conversation filled with unexpected insights that will put you on the right track toward finding more time for yourself.

OUR CO-HOSTS

Biddy Das, MD, FACS Houston, TXDr. Bidhan "Biddy" Das has board certifications for both colon and rectal surgery, and general surgery. His passion for medical education and medical process improvement has resulted in book chapters and publications, and national and regional presentations on those subjects. Highlighting his medical expertise on fecal incontinence, he has been featured on patient education videos and national and international television and radio as a featured expert on these colorectal conditions. Dr Das also has a particular interest in surgeons redefining their careers -- he serves as both a software consultant and private equity consultant in Boston, New York City, and Houston.

Erin King-Mullins, MD, FACS, FASCRS Atlanta, GADr. Erin King-Mullins is a double board-certified general and colorectal surgeon. She graduated summa cum laude from Xavier University of Louisiana. After obtaining her medical degree at Emory University in Atlanta, she completed her internship and residency in general surgery at the Orlando Regional Medical Center in Florida. Her fellowship training in colorectal surgery at Georgia Colon & Rectal Surgical Associates concluded with her joining the practice and serving as Faculty/Research Director for the fellowship program until her transition into private practice with Colorectal Wellness Center. She has a husband with whom she shares an amazing, blended family of 4 daughters. The kids keep them pretty busy, but their favorite times are spent on warm sunny beaches.

Jonathan Abelson, MD, MS Arlington, MADr. Abelson was born and raised in Scarsdale, New York in the suburbs of New York City. He has 2 older brothers and both of his parents are dentists. Dr. Abelson went to college at University Pennsylvania, took 2 years off between college and medical school to work in healthcare consulting. He then went to medical school at University of Virginia, returned to New York for general surgery residency at Weill Cornell on the upper east side of Manhattan. Dr. Abelson then did colorectal fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis and am now at Lahey clinic in Burlington, Massachusetts for my first job after training. He is 2 years into practice and has a wife and two sons. His wife works in wellness consulting and they have a dog named Foster who we adopted in St. Louis.

Sam Eisenstein, MD La Jolla, CA Sam Eisenstein is an Assistant Professor of Colon and rectal surgery and director of Inflammatory Bowel Disease surgery at UC San Diego Health. He has worked there for the past 8 years after graduating both residency and fellowship at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. Sam is best known as the founder and organizer of the IBD-NSQIP collaborative, a large multi institutional data collaborative examining outcomes after IBD surgery, but he also is involved in several clinical trials for perianal Crohn's and has extensive experience with stem cell injections for anal fistulae. He is also on the scientific advisory board for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation for his work on the next big IBD data collaborative, IBD-SIRQC (Surgical Innovation, Research and Quality Collaborative). Sam has a Wife and 3 kids (6,8, and 3) and spends most of his free time running around after them these days, but also enjoys traveling and getting out into nature with his family.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on the Gut Check podcast are those of the individual hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS). This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice or clinical judgment.

Let's talk about ostomies. Have you ever struggled with the decision to divert or not divert? You're not alone. From risk tolerance to patient pleas, join Biddy, Erin, Jon and Sam as they share their own patient ostomy stories, experiences, and approaches.

OUR CO-HOSTS

Biddy Das, MD, FACS Houston, TXDr. Bidhan "Biddy" Das has board certifications for both colon and rectal surgery, and general surgery. His passion for medical education and medical process improvement has resulted in book chapters and publications, and national and regional presentations on those subjects. Highlighting his medical expertise on fecal incontinence, he has been featured on patient education videos and national and international television and radio as a featured expert on these colorectal conditions. Dr Das also has a particular interest in surgeons redefining their careers -- he serves as both a software consultant and private equity consultant in Boston, New York City, and Houston.

Erin King-Mullins, MD, FACS, FASCRS Atlanta, GADr. Erin King-Mullins is a double board-certified general and colorectal surgeon. She graduated summa cum laude from Xavier University of Louisiana. After obtaining her medical degree at Emory University in Atlanta, she completed her internship and residency in general surgery at the Orlando Regional Medical Center in Florida. Her fellowship training in colorectal surgery at Georgia Colon & Rectal Surgical Associates concluded with her joining the practice and serving as Faculty/Research Director for the fellowship program until her transition into private practice with Colorectal Wellness Center. She has a husband with whom she shares an amazing, blended family of 4 daughters. The kids keep them pretty busy, but their favorite times are spent on warm sunny beaches.

Jonathan Abelson, MD, MS Arlington, MADr. Abelson was born and raised in Scarsdale, New York in the suburbs of New York City. He has 2 older brothers and both of his parents are dentists. Dr. Abelson went to college at University Pennsylvania, took 2 years off between college and medical school to work in healthcare consulting. He then went to medical school at University of Virginia, returned to New York for general surgery residency at Weill Cornell on the upper east side of Manhattan. Dr. Abelson then did colorectal fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis and am now at Lahey clinic in Burlington, Massachusetts for my first job after training. He is 2 years into practice and has a wife and two sons. His wife works in wellness consulting and they have a dog named Foster who we adopted in St. Louis.

Sam Eisenstein, MD La Jolla, CA Sam Eisenstein is an Assistant Professor of Colon and rectal surgery and director of Inflammatory Bowel Disease surgery at UC San Diego Health. He has worked there for the past 8 years after graduating both residency and fellowship at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. Sam is best known as the founder and organizer of the IBD-NSQIP collaborative, a large multi institutional data collaborative examining outcomes after IBD surgery, but he also is involved in several clinical trials for perianal Crohn's and has extensive experience with stem cell injections for anal fistulae. He is also on the scientific advisory board for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation for his work on the next big IBD data collaborative, IBD-SIRQC (Surgical Innovation, Research and Quality Collaborative). Sam has a Wife and 3 kids (6,8, and 3) and spends most of his free time running around after them these days, but also enjoys traveling and getting out into nature with his family.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on the Gut Check podcast are those of the individual hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS). This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice or clinical judgment.

From choosing the right practice to referral strategies and liability insurance, Alex, Avery, Biddy, Erin, and Sam share all the things they wish they had known their first year out of training.

OUR CO-HOSTS

Alex Jenny Ky, MD, FACS, FASCRS New York, NY Dr. Ky has been in practice for 22 years and is one of the busiest surgeons in her hospital. She is a former president of the New York Colon and Rectal Society and currently serves as president-elect of the Chinese American Medical Society. Married for 29 years, she is the proud mom of 3 children and in her spare time she enjoys playing golf and squash.

Avery Walker, MD, FACS, FASCRS El Paso, TXAvery Walker is dually board-certified in General Surgery and Colorectal Surgery. He earned his medical degree at the University of Illinois in Chicago, his General Surgery residency at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington, and his Fellowship in Colon and Rectal Surgery at The Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans. A former active-duty officer in the United States Army, Dr. Walker served 13 years as a general and colorectal surgeon with his most recent duty station in El Paso, TX at William Beaumont Army Medical Center. While there he was the Chief of Colon and Rectal surgery as well as the Assistant Program Director for the general surgery residency program. He currently practices colon and rectal surgery at The Hospitals of Providence in El Paso, TX. Dr. Avery Walker is married and has two daughters aged 13 and 9.

Biddy Das, MD, FACS Houston, TXDr. Bidhan "Biddy" Das has board certifications for both colon and rectal surgery, and general surgery. His passion for medical education and medical process improvement has resulted in book chapters and publications, and national and regional presentations on those subjects. Highlighting his medical expertise on fecal incontinence, he has been featured on patient education videos and national and international television and radio as a featured expert on these colorectal conditions. Dr Das also has a particular interest in surgeons redefining their careers -- he serves as both a software consultant and private equity consultant in Boston, New York City, and Houston.

Erin King-Mullins, MD, FACS, FASCRS Atlanta, GADr. Erin King-Mullins is a double board-certified general and colorectal surgeon. She graduated summa cum laude from Xavier University of Louisiana. After obtaining her medical degree at Emory University in Atlanta, she completed her internship and residency in general surgery at the Orlando Regional Medical Center in Florida. Her fellowship training in colorectal surgery at Georgia Colon & Rectal Surgical Associates concluded with her joining the practice and serving as Faculty/Research Director for the fellowship program until her transition into private practice with Colorectal Wellness Center. She has a husband with whom she shares an amazing, blended family of 4 daughters. The kids keep them pretty busy, but their favorite times are spent on warm sunny beaches.

Sam Eisenstein, MD La Jolla, CA Sam Eisenstein is an Assistant Professor of Colon and rectal surgery and director of Inflammatory Bowel Disease surgery at UC San Diego Health. He has worked there for the past 8 years after graduating both residency and fellowship at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. Sam is best known as the founder and organizer of the IBD-NSQIP collaborative, a large multi institutional data collaborative examining outcomes after IBD surgery, but he also is involved in several clinical trials for perianal Crohn's and has extensive experience with stem cell injections for anal fistulae. He is also on the scientific advisory board for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation for his work on the next big IBD data collaborative, IBD-SIRQC (Surgical Innovation, Research and Quality Collaborative). Sam has a Wife and 3 kids (6,8, and 3) and spends most of his free time running around after them these days, but also enjoys traveling and getting out into nature with his family.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on the Gut Check podcast are those of the individual hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS). This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice or clinical judgment.

Get ready for a lively debate as Alex, Avery, Biddy, Erin, and Sam share their personal thoughts, experiences, and preferences when it comes to robotic vs. laparoscopic surgery.

OUR CO-HOSTS

Alex Jenny Ky, MD, FACS, FASCRS New York, NY Dr. Ky has been in practice for 22 years and is one of the busiest surgeons in her hospital. She is a former president of the New York Colon and Rectal Society and currently serves as president-elect of the Chinese American Medical Society. Married for 29 years, she is the proud mom of 3 children and in her spare time she enjoys playing golf and squash.

Avery Walker, MD, FACS, FASCRS El Paso, TXAvery Walker is dually board-certified in General Surgery and Colorectal Surgery. He earned his medical degree at the University of Illinois in Chicago, his General Surgery residency at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington, and his Fellowship in Colon and Rectal Surgery at The Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans. A former active-duty officer in the United States Army, Dr. Walker served 13 years as a general and colorectal surgeon with his most recent duty station in El Paso, TX at William Beaumont Army Medical Center. While there he was the Chief of Colon and Rectal surgery as well as the Assistant Program Director for the general surgery residency program. He currently practices colon and rectal surgery at The Hospitals of Providence in El Paso, TX. Dr. Avery Walker is married and has two daughters aged 13 and 9.

Biddy Das, MD, FACS Houston, TXDr. Bidhan "Biddy" Das has board certifications for both colon and rectal surgery, and general surgery. His passion for medical education and medical process improvement has resulted in book chapters and publications, and national and regional presentations on those subjects. Highlighting his medical expertise on fecal incontinence, he has been featured on patient education videos and national and international television and radio as a featured expert on these colorectal conditions. Dr Das also has a particular interest in surgeons redefining their careers -- he serves as both a software consultant and private equity consultant in Boston, New York City, and Houston.

Erin King-Mullins, MD, FACS, FASCRS Atlanta, GADr. Erin King-Mullins is a double board-certified general and colorectal surgeon. She graduated summa cum laude from Xavier University of Louisiana. After obtaining her medical degree at Emory University in Atlanta, she completed her internship and residency in general surgery at the Orlando Regional Medical Center in Florida. Her fellowship training in colorectal surgery at Georgia Colon & Rectal Surgical Associates concluded with her joining the practice and serving as Faculty/Research Director for the fellowship program until her transition into private practice with Colorectal Wellness Center. She has a husband with whom she shares an amazing, blended family of 4 daughters. The kids keep them pretty busy, but their favorite times are spent on warm sunny beaches.

Sam Eisenstein, MD La Jolla, CA Sam Eisenstein is an Assistant Professor of Colon and rectal surgery and director of Inflammatory Bowel Disease surgery at UC San Diego Health. He has worked there for the past 8 years after graduating both residency and fellowship at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. Sam is best known as the founder and organizer of the IBD-NSQIP collaborative, a large multi institutional data collaborative examining outcomes after IBD surgery, but he also is involved in several clinical trials for perianal Crohn's and has extensive experience with stem cell injections for anal fistulae. He is also on the scientific advisory board for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation for his work on the next big IBD data collaborative, IBD-SIRQC (Surgical Innovation, Research and Quality Collaborative). Sam has a Wife and 3 kids (6,8, and 3) and spends most of his free time running around after them these days, but also enjoys traveling and getting out into nature with his family.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on the Gut Check podcast are those of the individual hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS). This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice or clinical judgment.

Feeling burnt out? You're not alone. Take a break and join Alex, Avery, Biddy, and Jon as they share their own stories of burnout as well as proven tips, strategies, and plenty of fresh perspective to help you regain control of your day, your career, and your life outside the operating room.

OUR CO-HOSTS

Alex Jenny Ky, MD, FACS, FASCRS New York, NY Dr. Ky has been in practice for 22 years and is one of the busiest surgeons in her hospital. She is a former president of the New York Colon and Rectal Society and currently serves as president-elect of the Chinese American Medical Society. Married for 29 years, she is the proud mom of 3 children and in her spare time she enjoys playing golf and squash.

Avery Walker, MD, FACS, FASCRS El Paso, TXAvery Walker is dually board-certified in General Surgery and Colorectal Surgery. He earned his medical degree at the University of Illinois in Chicago, his General Surgery residency at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington, and his Fellowship in Colon and Rectal Surgery at The Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans. A former active-duty officer in the United States Army, Dr. Walker served 13 years as a general and colorectal surgeon with his most recent duty station in El Paso, TX at William Beaumont Army Medical Center. While there he was the Chief of Colon and Rectal surgery as well as the Assistant Program Director for the general surgery residency program. He currently practices colon and rectal surgery at The Hospitals of Providence in El Paso, TX. Dr. Avery Walker is married and has two daughters aged 13 and 9.

Biddy Das, MD, FACS Houston, TXDr. Bidhan "Biddy" Das has board certifications for both colon and rectal surgery, and general surgery. His passion for medical education and medical process improvement has resulted in book chapters and publications, and national and regional presentations on those subjects. Highlighting his medical expertise on fecal incontinence, he has been featured on patient education videos and national and international television and radio as a featured expert on these colorectal conditions. Dr Das also has a particular interest in surgeons redefining their careers -- he serves as both a software consultant and private equity consultant in Boston, New York City, and Houston.

Jonathan Abelson, MD, MS Arlington, MADr. Abelson was born and raised in Scarsdale, New York in the suburbs of New York City. He has 2 older brothers and both of his parents are dentists. Dr. Abelson went to college at University Pennsylvania, took 2 years off between college and medical school to work in healthcare consulting. He then went to medical school at University of Virginia, returned to New York for general surgery residency at Weill Cornell on the upper east side of Manhattan. Dr. Abelson then did colorectal fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis and am now at Lahey clinic in Burlington, Massachusetts for my first job after training. He is 2 years into practice and has a wife and two sons. His wife works in wellness consulting and they have a dog named Foster who we adopted in St. Louis.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on the Gut Check podcast are those of the individual hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS). This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice or clinical judgment.

After growing up in Northern Wisconsin raised by a single mom and riding his snowmobile to school during harsh Winters, Dr. Scott Steele found his medical calling at West Point Academy and developed his passion for colorectal surgery over multiple combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Join Alex, Avery, Biddy, and Jon for a special conversation with Dr. Scott Steele to hear more about his life and career journey.

OUR GUEST

Scott R. Steele, MD, MBA, FACS, FASCRS, FPSCRS (Hon) is the Rupert B. Turnbull MD Endowed Chair in Colorectal Surgery and Chairman of Colorectal Surgery at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, he was an active duty Army officer for over 20 years, serving as the Chief of Colorectal Surgery at Madigan Army Medical Center, Fort Lewis, WA. He has served 4 combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, being awarded the Bronze Star and Combat Medical Badge, amongst others. He is on the editorial board for multiple national surgical journals including Annals of Surgery, Cochrane Collaboration, and had served as the Colon & Rectal Surgery Community Editor for the American College of Surgeons. He is also an Editor for Surgery, Co-Editor for Diseases of the Colon & Rectum, and the Editor-in-Chief for Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery. Additionally, he is a reviewer for over 30 peer-reviewed journals. He has also been appointed to the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery for the last several years, and currently serves as the President. His contributions to the medical literature include over 300 peer-reviewed articles, 110 invited reviews and book chapters, 30 national practice parameters, guest editor for 5 volumes dedicated to colorectal disease, and currently is an editor on 12 textbooks in colorectal surgery. He also received his MBA from Case Western University Weatherhead School of Business and Management in 2018, graduating with honors.

OUR CO-HOSTS

Alex Jenny Ky, MD, FACS, FASCRS New York, NY Dr. Ky has been in practice for 22 years and is one of the busiest surgeons in her hospital. She is a former president of the New York Colon and Rectal Society and currently serves as president-elect of the Chinese American Medical Society. Married for 29 years, she is the proud mom of 3 children and in her spare time she enjoys playing golf and squash.

Avery Walker, MD, FACS, FASCRS El Paso, TXAvery Walker is dually board-certified in General Surgery and Colorectal Surgery. He earned his medical degree at the University of Illinois in Chicago, his General Surgery residency at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington, and his Fellowship in Colon and Rectal Surgery at The Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans. A former active-duty officer in the United States Army, Dr. Walker served 13 years as a general and colorectal surgeon with his most recent duty station in El Paso, TX at William Beaumont Army Medical Center. While there he was the Chief of Colon and Rectal surgery as well as the Assistant Program Director for the general surgery residency program. He currently practices colon and rectal surgery at The Hospitals of Providence in El Paso, TX. Dr. Avery Walker is married and has two daughters aged 13 and 9.

Biddy Das, MD, FACS Houston, TXDr. Bidhan "Biddy" Das has board certifications for both colon and rectal surgery, and general surgery. His passion for medical education and medical process improvement has resulted in book chapters and publications, and national and regional presentations on those subjects. Highlighting his medical expertise on fecal incontinence, he has been featured on patient education videos and national and international television and radio as a featured expert on these colorectal conditions. Dr Das also has a particular interest in surgeons redefining their careers -- he serves as both a software consultant and private equity consultant in Boston, New York City, and Houston.

Jonathan Abelson, MD, MS Arlington, MADr. Abelson was born and raised in Scarsdale, New York in the suburbs of New York City. He has 2 older brothers and both of his parents are dentists. Dr. Abelson went to college at University Pennsylvania, took 2 years off between college and medical school to work in healthcare consulting. He then went to medical school at University of Virginia, returned to New York for general surgery residency at Weill Cornell on the upper east side of Manhattan. Dr. Abelson then did colorectal fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis and am now at Lahey clinic in Burlington, Massachusetts for my first job after training. He is 2 years into practice and has a wife and two sons. His wife works in wellness consulting and they have a dog named Foster who we adopted in St. Louis.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on the Gut Check podcast are those of the individual hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS). This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice or clinical judgment.

Have you ever had that moment when a patient or colleague said something subtly or not-so-subtly offensive that you weren't sure how to respond? Join Avery, Biddy, Erin, Jon and Sam as they share their own stories, insights, and approaches to confronting bias in surgery.

CO-HOSTS

Avery Walker, MD, FACS, FASCRS El Paso, TXAvery Walker is dually board-certified in General Surgery and Colorectal Surgery. He earned his medical degree at the University of Illinois in Chicago, his General Surgery residency at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington, and his Fellowship in Colon and Rectal Surgery at The Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans. A former active-duty officer in the United States Army, Dr. Walker served 13 years as a general and colorectal surgeon with his most recent duty station in El Paso, TX at William Beaumont Army Medical Center. While there he was the Chief of Colon and Rectal surgery as well as the Assistant Program Director for the general surgery residency program. He currently practices colon and rectal surgery at The Hospitals of Providence in El Paso, TX. Dr. Avery Walker is married and has two daughters aged 13 and 9.

Biddy Das, MD, FACS Houston, TXDr. Bidhan "Biddy" Das has board certifications for both colon and rectal surgery, and general surgery. His passion for medical education and medical process improvement has resulted in book chapters and publications, and national and regional presentations on those subjects. Highlighting his medical expertise on fecal incontinence, he has been featured on patient education videos and national and international television and radio as a featured expert on these colorectal conditions. Dr Das also has a particular interest in surgeons redefining their careers -- he serves as both a software consultant and private equity consultant in Boston, New York City, and Houston.

Erin King-Mullins, MD, FACS, FASCRS Atlanta, GADr. Erin King-Mullins is a double board-certified general and colorectal surgeon. She graduated summa cum laude from Xavier University of Louisiana. After obtaining her medical degree at Emory University in Atlanta, she completed her internship and residency in general surgery at the Orlando Regional Medical Center in Florida. Her fellowship training in colorectal surgery at Georgia Colon & Rectal Surgical Associates concluded with her joining the practice and serving as Faculty/Research Director for the fellowship program until her transition into private practice with Colorectal Wellness Center. She has a husband with whom she shares an amazing, blended family of 4 daughters. The kids keep them pretty busy, but their favorite times are spent on warm sunny beaches.

Jonathan Abelson, MD, MS Arlington, MADr. Abelson was born and raised in Scarsdale, New York in the suburbs of New York City. He has 2 older brothers and both of his parents are dentists. Dr. Abelson went to college at University Pennsylvania, took 2 years off between college and medical school to work in healthcare consulting. He then went to medical school at University of Virginia, returned to New York for general surgery residency at Weill Cornell on the upper east side of Manhattan. Dr. Abelson then did colorectal fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis and am now at Lahey clinic in Burlington, Massachusetts for my first job after training. He is 2 years into practice and has a wife and two sons. His wife works in wellness consulting and they have a dog named Foster who we adopted in St. Louis.

Sam Eisenstein, MD La Jolla, CA Sam Eisenstein is an Assistant Professor of Colon and rectal surgery and director of Inflammatory Bowel Disease surgery at UC San Diego Health. He has worked there for the past 8 years after graduating both residency and fellowship at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. Sam is best known as the founder and organizer of the IBD-NSQIP collaborative, a large multi institutional data collaborative examining outcomes after IBD surgery, but he also is involved in several clinical trials for perianal Crohn's and has extensive experience with stem cell injections for anal fistulae. He is also on the scientific advisory board for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation for his work on the next big IBD data collaborative, IBD-SIRQC (Surgical Innovation, Research and Quality Collaborative). Sam has a Wife and 3 kids (6,8, and 3) and spends most of his free time running around after them these days, but also enjoys traveling and getting out into nature with his family.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on the Gut Check podcast are those of the individual hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS). This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice or clinical judgment.