On this episode of Scrubcast, we dive deep into the world of trauma surgery with Dr. Joe Forrester, an associate professor in the Division of General Surgery at Stanford University and the trauma medical director for Stanford Healthcare. In this conversation hosted by Rachel Baker, Dr. Forrester shares his personal journey as both a surgeon and a trauma patient. (He decided professional climbing wasn’t a long-term career strategy at the age of 20 after a serious rock-climbing accident. Read the story here.)

Dr. Forrester also serves as the founding director of Stanford’s Chest Wall Injury Center. He talks about bringing new surgical techniques to Stanford including surgical stabilization of sternal and rib fractures (SSRF) and how he shares he knowledge with residents and fellow surgeon (Learn more about RibFest.) all in the hopes of providing patients with the level of care he would want for his family and friends.

p.s. Dr. Forrester couldn’t divulge the details of a study that will premier at AAST this September but you can read the precursor paper here: “Ultrasound-guided percutaneous cryoneurolysis of intercostal nerves.”

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:00 Dr. Forrester's journey to trauma surgery

05:00 The impact of personal experiences on his career

10:00 Lightning round: Surgeons he admires and best advice

15:00 Reflections on mentorship and opportunities

18:00 Closing thoughts

In this episode of Scrubcast, host Rachel Baker sits down with Dr. Crystal Chang, a clinical assistant professor in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Stanford University. As a hospital dentist, Chang treats medically complex patients who often can't receive care in a traditional private practice.

They also discuss the importance of mental health and wellbeing. Chang shares results of a pre-pandemic research study that shows Healthcare Professionals have the highest suicide rates in the country and opens up about her own previous struggles with isolation. Today, as Associate Director of Wellness for the Department, Chang shares the initiatives she’s helping to implement at Stanford to support her colleagues.

Key Topics:

• Dr. Chang's path to becoming a surgeon and her experiences in healthcare

• The significance of self-care and mental health awareness in high-pressure environments

• The "Tell Us About It" campaign aimed at improving communication and support among surgical staff

• Strategies for fostering empathy and understanding among healthcare professionals

• Insights on peer support systems for surgeons after unexpected events

• The importance of acknowledging and addressing wellness as a priority in the medical community

In this episode of Scrubcast, host Rachel Baker sits down with Dr. Tom Pham, a clinical associate professor in the Division of Abdominal Transplantation at Stanford University. Dr. Pham discusses his recent work in Lusaka, Zambia, where he has been instrumental in developing the kidney transplant program. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration and training in improving surgical practices in underserved regions.

Dr. Pham also shares his inspiring journey into the world of transplant surgery, highlighting the pivotal role of mentorship in his career. He pays it forward as the Clerkship Director at Stanford.

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and share with your friends!

Music by Midnight Rounds

Produced by Stanford University's Department of Surgery

Chair: Dr. Mary Hawn

We dive into the fascinating world of plastic and reconstructive surgery with Dr. Anita Mohan, a clinical assistant professor at Stanford University's Department of Surgery. Join host Rachel Baker as they traverse Dr. Mohan's journey from her initial training in England through her PhD and MBA to her current role at Stanford and the VA.

Dr. Mohan, who specializes in breast reconstruction, shares insights into gender-affirming top surgeries and the unique challenges they present. She also discusses her dedication to improving clinical outcomes for patients, particularly those who have undergone significant weight loss or suffer from lymphedema.

Tune in to learn about Dr. Mohan's advice for aspiring surgeons and her vision for the future of plastic surgery.

Episode Highlights:

• Dr. Mohan's journey into plastic surgery

• The role of creativity and problem-solving in the specialty

• Insights into gender-affirming surgeries

• The importance of research and collaboration in advancing patient care

Produced by: Rachel Baker

Music by: Midnight Rounds

Chair: Dr. Mary Hawn

Subscribe for more episodes exploring the latest in surgical research and practice!

In this episode, host Rachel Baker sits down with Dr. Teodor Grantcharov, a professor in the Division of General Surgery at Stanford University. They explore Dr. Grantcharov's journey across the globe from his early days doing surgical residency in Copenhagen to Toronto and now Silicon Valley and how each country’s unique healthcare system impacts patient care and research.

The inventor of the OR Black Box, Dr. Grantcharov shares insights on the importance of continuous learning, the role of entrepreneurship in medicine, and his passion for improving surgical practices through innovative technologies. He also emphasizes the need for surgeons to find balance outside of their demanding careers, highlighting the importance of hobbies and personal growth.

In this episode of Scrubcast, we delve into the fascinating world of digital health and its implications in surgery with Dr. Oliver Aalami, a clinical professor at Stanford Surgery. Discover how Dr. Aalami's passion for innovation led him to specialize in vascular surgery and to create VascTrac-the world's first peripheral artery disease (PAD) study powered by a smartphone.

Dr. Aalami shares how his experience led him to create educational programs that bridge the gap between healthcare and technology. Learn about the challenges and opportunities in digital health projects and how researchers can effectively use technology for patient monitoring while still emphasizing the importance of data privacy and secure systems.

Learn about Spezi (formerly CardinalKit), Stanford’s free, open-source framework for developing health applications here: https://spezi.stanford.edu/

In this episode, host Rachel Baker interviews Dr. James Dunn, chief of the Division of Pediatric Surgery at Stanford University. Dr. Dunn is the inventor of a device that uses extraction enterogenesis to lengthen the small intestine. Join us as we delve into Dr. Dunn's innovative work on short bowel syndrome and his inspiring journey to bring new devices from bench to bedside.

Welcome to Scrubcast! In this episode, host Rachel Baker speaks with Dr. Brooke Gurland, a Clinical Professor specializing in colorectal surgery at Stanford University. Together, they explore the world of rectal prolapse and the importance of pelvic floor health.

🩺 What You’ll Learn:

• 0:00 - Introduction: Meet Dr. Brooke Gurland

• 1:15 - Dr. Gurland's Journey: Her transition from general surgery to colorectal surgery

• 2:45 - Understanding Rectal Prolapse: Subtypes and prevalence among women

• 4:30 - The Role of the Pelvic Floor: Anatomy explained

• 6:00 - Treatment Options: Non-surgical interventions and surgical techniques

• 8:15 - Importance of Patient Education: Creating animated videos for better understanding

• 10:30 - Research and Leadership: Dr. Gurland’s role in the Pelvic Floor Disorders Consortium

• 12:45 - Mentorship and Mindfulness: Insights from her mentor and personal philosophy

Join us for an informative discussion that sheds light on an often-overlooked aspect of health. Dr. Gurland’s expertise and innovative approach to patient education are making waves in the colorectal community!

🔗 For more information about Dr. Gurland’s work on Patient Education Videos, click here:

https://journals.lww.com/dcrjournal/fulltext/2024/08000/identifying_current_barriers_in_patient.15.aspx

🔗 For more information on the Pelvic Floor Disorders Consortium, click here:

https://fascrs.org/healthcare-providers/education/pelvic-floor-disorders-consortium

🔔 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insights from the Stanford Department of Surgery.

In this episode, host Rachel Baker sits down with Dr. Kim Stone, a clinical associate professor in the surgical oncology breast section at Stanford University. Together, they discuss Dr. Stone’s journey into breast surgery, the importance of early mammograms, and an exciting new project utilizing virtual reality for patient rehabilitation.

⏰ Episode Highlights:

• [00:00:00] Introduction to Dr. Kim Stone

• [00:01:00] Dr. Stone’s passion for breast surgery

• [00:02:00] Mammogram guidelines—When should you start?

• [00:06:00] The impact of breast cancer surgery on upper extremity function

• [00:10:00] Using Virtual Reality for patient rehab—How did it start?

• [00:12:00] Assessing the feasibility of VR in rehabilitation

• [00:15:00] Celebrating women in surgery: Dr. Laura Esserman

• [00:16:00] Wisdom for life: "Don’t try to make a happy kid happier"

🔗 Useful Links:

• Seed Grant Grand Rounds: Virtual Reality for Surgical Prehabilitation and Rehabilitation by Dr. Cindy Kin https://youtu.be/KmEMhgsUs3I?si=5H8B2SJQH9-kb2Sq)

💬 Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us a comment below with your questions or experiences related to breast surgery, rehabilitation, or virtual health innovations.

📅 Subscribe for more episodes on surgical research and innovative medical practices at Stanford University!

In this special 'Women in Medicine Month' episode of Scrubcast, host Rachel Baker sits down with Dr. Mary Hawn, the Chair of Stanford University's Department of Surgery. Dr. Hawn discusses her multifaceted role overseeing research, education, and clinical care, while still practicing minimally invasive foregut surgery. She shares her journey from basic science research to becoming an acclaimed health services researcher, her thoughts on surgical training reforms, and the complexities of achieving work-life balance in medicine.

The episode also highlights her insights into supporting future surgeon-scientists and celebrates her accomplishments, including the dedication of the Wangensteen Scientific Forum to her at the upcoming American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress.

00:00 Introduction to Scrubcast

00:19 Meet Dr. Mary Han: Chair of the Department of Surgery

00:46 The Role and Responsibilities of a Chair

01:22 Balancing Surgery and Leadership

01:50 Specializing in Minimally Invasive Foregut Surgery

02:36 Transition from Basic Science to Health Services Research

04:15 Insights on Surgical Training and Education

09:49 Equity in Pay and Work-Life Balance for Surgeons

15:07 Maintaining Humility and Team Spirit

15:52 Mentors and Best Advice

19:16 Looking to the Future: ACS Annual Clinical Congress

20:26 Conclusion and Farewell