HSS Presents

In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Melody Hrubes, the medical director of the HSS Performing Arts Collaborative, speaks with physical therapist Alyson Mackay about specialized assessment and treatment for dancers. They utilize DARI (Dynamic Athlete Research Institute), a marker-free 3D motion capture analysis, to assess strength and movement patterns in functional and dance-specific movements. Other specialized tools include force plates for measuring even weight-bearing during jumps and the Kinvent dynamometer for objective strength assessments like the hamstring-to-quadriceps ratio. The episode highlights injury prevention, the value of cross-training (like Pilates), and specialized concussion goggles to guide return-to-turn and dance after injury.

In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Josh Bram speaks with orthopedic surgeons Dr. Peter Fabricant and Dr. Daniel Green about ACL reconstruction in skeletally immature athletes. They explain why traditional techniques risk growth plate injury and discuss specialized physeal-sparing procedures, including the modified MacIntosh IT band technique and all-epiphyseal reconstructions. The conversation highlights patient selection, imaging strategies, and graft choices that reduce re-injury rates while protecting long-term knee health. With insights from large multicenter studies and decades of pediatric sports medicine experience, the experts share best practices for safely returning young athletes to play.

In this episode of HSS Presents, orthopedic resident Dr. Austin Kaidi speaks with sports medicine physician Dr. Jordan Metzl about using social media to authentically market a medical practice. Dr. Metzl traces his journey from early digital outreach to building the IronStrength community and offers insights on developing a credible online presence, engaging patients responsibly, and balancing traditional and digital media. The discussion covers professionalism, authenticity, and the risks of oversharing or product endorsement. Listeners will learn how young physicians can use social platforms to share evidence-based messages, build community, and strengthen their personal and professional brands.

In this episode of HSS Presents, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Elizabeth Gausden joins host Dr. Joshua Bram to discuss navigating work–life balance as a young attending. Drawing from her own experiences balancing an active surgical practice and raising two young children, Dr. Gausden shares candid insights on boundary-setting, time management, and the importance of supportive teams both at work and home. She also reflects on timing family life during training, integrating travel and professional development, and redefining “balance” as a dynamic process rather than a fixed goal. This conversation offers realistic, encouraging advice for early-career surgeons and trainees building sustainable practices.

In this episode of HSS Presents, anesthesiologist Dr. Jeffrey Ciccone speaks with physiatrist and pain management specialist Dr. Faye Rim about preventing the transition from acute to chronic pain after surgery. They explore risk factors such as inflammation, central sensitization, opioid tolerance, and psychosocial influences, while highlighting the importance of proactive screening and multimodal pain strategies. Dr. Rim shares how HSS’s transitional pain service identifies high-risk patients, coordinates perioperative care, and incorporates novel therapies—including ketamine infusions, nerve catheters, and new sodium channel blockers. The conversation emphasizes early intervention, individualized treatment, and system-level changes to improve recovery and reduce long-term disability.

In this episode of HSS Presents, rheumatologist Dr. Anne Bass is joined by Dr. Deanna Jannat-Khah of HSS and Dr. Michael Postow of Memorial Sloan Kettering to explore immune checkpoint inhibitor–induced arthritis. They discuss how life-saving immunotherapies for cancer can trigger inflammatory joint disease, the challenges of balancing tumor control with autoimmune toxicity, and the latest evidence on safe use of steroids and biologics. The panel also highlights ongoing research into mechanisms, phenotypes, and long-term outcomes, underscoring the importance of multidisciplinary care for cancer patients who develop musculoskeletal complications from immunotherapy.

In this episode of HSS Presents, rheumatologist Dr. Genna Braverman hosts a conversation with Dr. Arthur Yee and cardiologists Dr. Evelyn Horn and Dr. Irina Sobol on the interplay between the heart and rheumatic diseases. They discuss how conditions like sarcoidosis and scleroderma can affect the myocardium, valves, conduction system, and pulmonary vasculature—leading to heart failure, arrhythmias, and pulmonary hypertension. The panel highlights advances in imaging, from cardiac MRI to PET scans, and evolving treatments that combine immunosuppression, device therapy, and guideline-directed cardiac care. With insights into the new Cardio-Rheumatology Program at HSS and Weill Cornell, listeners will hear how collaboration between specialties is improving outcomes for patients with autoimmune diseases that affect the heart.

In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Jessica Heyer is joined by Drs. Shevaun Doyle and Emily Dodwell to explore the diagnosis and management of pediatric physeal and transitional ankle fractures. The team unpacks the unique growth plate closure patterns that give rise to triplane and Tillaux fractures, emphasizing the importance of advanced imaging and early intervention. They discuss surgical approaches, fixation strategies, and the nuances of treating medial malleolar involvement while balancing risks such as growth disturbances and long-term joint health. Packed with clinical insights and practical pearls, this episode is a must-listen for pediatric orthopedic surgeons navigating the complexities of adolescent ankle injuries.

In this episode of HSS Presents, physical therapist Joe Molony is joined by pediatric orthopedic surgeon Dr. Peter D. Fabricant, MD, MPH to discuss the diagnosis and treatment of common knee injuries in young athletes, including osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), tibial spine avulsion fractures, and ACL injuries. Dr. Fabricant shares insights into the nuances of managing OCD—from early symptom recognition and non-operative strategies to surgical decision-making and long-term outcomes. The conversation also covers the evolving approach to pediatric ACL reconstruction, including growth-sparing techniques, lateral augmentation, and the role of biologics. With practical takeaways for clinicians and families alike, this episode sheds light on how to best support recovery and safeguard joint health in growing athletes.

In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Samuel A. Taylor leads a dynamic roundtable with Drs. Christopher Brusalis, Michael Fu, and Chris Wilhelm, diving into the complex world of massive rotator cuff tears. The panel examines the nuances of diagnosing and treating these injuries, stressing the importance of patient-specific goals over blanket surgical approaches. From evaluating pseudo-paralysis to choosing between SCR, balloon spacers, and reverse arthroplasty, the discussion highlights cutting-edge strategies in rotator cuff management. With clinical anecdotes and lively debate, this episode offers practical pearls and a thoughtful approach to treating one of shoulder surgery's most debated challenges.