Drs. Jean Bismuth, Jonathan Cardella, and Benjamin Pearce present Episode 13 - Born to Lead

David A. Cole is a seasoned healthcare industry professional with broad expertise in generalist roles, currently serving with Proxdis. He has a wide-ranging skill set that spans strategic planning, operational leadership, and cross‐functional collaboration in health & care.

Over the course of his career, David has developed a reputation as a versatile advisor and problem solver, helping organizations navigate complex clinical, operational and administrative challenges. His ability to speak fluently across multiple domains—clinical, business, regulatory—makes him a valuable partner to health systems, payers, and other stakeholders.

At Proxdis, David brings this fluency to bear by advising clients on growth strategies, efficiencies, and transformation initiatives. His approach is rooted in leveraging data, aligning stakeholders, and driving practical execution to ensure meaningful outcomes.

Prior to joining Proxdis, David built his foundation in healthcare leadership roles, where he sharpened his capacity to bridge the “care delivery” and “business” sides of the sector—translating clinical imperatives into operational models and vice versa.

Outside of his formal roles, David is a connector—someone who fosters networks, encourages interdisciplinary thinking, and helps bring new perspectives into health & care debates. He holds a strong belief in the value of collaborative leadership, continuous improvement, and setting up systems that empower high-performing teams.

The aim of 'The Missing Needle' podcast is to discuss a variety of provoking, and at times uncomfortable, topics within healthcare. Intended audience are medical professionals, friends and family of practicing physicians, and anyone else who might enjoy learning about what it is like to be a physician outside the hospital.

Viewer discretion is advised, recommended for mature audience only.

Produced by Andrew Matar.

DISCLAIMER

The views, information, or opinions expressed during The Missing Needle podcast are solely those of the individuals involved, and do not necessarily represent those of University of South Florida, Tampa General Hospital, Yale University, The University of Alabama-Birmingham, or any professional organizations which the hosts represent. USF, TGH, UAB, and Yale are not responsible for, and do not verify accuracy of any information contained in the podcast series available for listening on this site. The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services. This podcast is available for private, non-commercial use only.

Advertising, which is incorporated into, placed in association with, or targeted toward the content of this podcast without the expressed approval and knowledge of developers, is forbidden. You may not edit, modify, or redistribute this podcast. The developers of The Missing Needle podcast series assume no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast. Any use of this podcast with any other Web site, computer, or playing device is prohibited. Listener discretion is advised.

Drs. Jean Bismuth, Jonathan Cardella, and Benjamin Pearce present Episode 12 - Nickels and Dimes.

Dr. Christopher DuCoin, MD, MPH, FACS, FSAGES, FASMBS, is a board-certified general surgeon and Professor of Surgery at the University of South Florida. He serves as Vice Chair of Surgery and Chief of the Division of GI & General Surgery, and leads the GERD & Esophageal Program. At Tampa General Hospital he is Chief of the Digestive Diseases Institute and leads the hospital’s robotics program.

Dr. DuCoin is recognized nationally for his expertise in foregut (esophageal and stomach) surgery, advanced endoscopy, bariatric surgery, and the interface between obesity and gastroesophageal reflux. He is a leader in minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques and has contributed over 100 peer-reviewed publications.

Before joining USF, Dr. DuCoin served as Division Chief at Tulane University, where he founded bariatric programs—one tailored to underserved Medicaid populations—with national recognition. He holds an MD from St. George’s University, an MPH and undergraduate degree from Tulane University, and completed his surgical training and fellowships in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery. Beyond his clinical and academic roles, he plays leadership roles in professional societies, including the American College of Surgeons, SAGES, and ASMBS.

The aim of 'The Missing Needle' podcast is to discuss a variety of provoking, and at times uncomfortable, topics within healthcare. Intended audience are medical professionals, friends and family of practicing physicians, and anyone else who might enjoy learning about what it is like to be a physician outside the hospital.

Viewer discretion is advised, recommended for mature audience only.

Produced by Andrew Matar.

DISCLAIMER

The views, information, or opinions expressed during The Missing Needle podcast are solely those of the individuals involved, and do not necessarily represent those of University of South Florida, Tampa General Hospital, Yale University, The University of Alabama-Birmingham, or any professional organizations which the hosts represent. USF, TGH, UAB, and Yale are not responsible for, and do not verify accuracy of any information contained in the podcast series available for listening on this site. The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services. This podcast is available for private, non-commercial use only.

Advertising, which is incorporated into, placed in association with, or targeted toward the content of this podcast without the expressed approval and knowledge of developers, is forbidden. You may not edit, modify, or redistribute this podcast. The developers of The Missing Needle podcast series assume no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast. Any use of this podcast with any other Web site, computer, or playing device is prohibited. Listener discretion is advised.

Drs. Jean Bismuth, Jonathan Cardella, and Benjamin Pearce present Episode 11 - Havana Oh Nana - Part 2

Dr. Ricardo “Rick” Gonzalez, MD, is a surgical oncologist at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, where he serves as Chair of the Sarcoma Department and Chief of Surgery Service, as well as an Associate Professor at the University of South Florida College of Medicine. A graduate of USF with surgical training at the University of Colorado and a fellowship in surgical oncology at MD Anderson, he specializes in treating complex cancers such as soft tissue and retroperitoneal sarcomas, desmoid tumors, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and melanoma. Widely recognized for his expertise, he has earned multiple awards for teaching, research, safety, and patient care, and is an active member of leading oncology societies including the NCCN Sarcoma Panel and the Society of Surgical Oncology. Known for his compassionate, patient-centered approach, Dr. Gonzalez emphasizes trust and shared decision-making, describing his work as a calling to help patients navigate cancer with courage and dignity.

The aim of 'The Missing Needle' podcast is to discuss a variety of provoking, and at times uncomfortable, topics within healthcare. Intended audience are medical professionals, friends and family of practicing physicians, and anyone else who might enjoy learning about what it is like to be a physician outside the hospital.

Viewer discretion is advised, recommended for mature audience only.

Produced by Andrew Matar.

DISCLAIMER

The views, information, or opinions expressed during The Missing Needle podcast are solely those of the individuals involved, and do not necessarily represent those of University of South Florida, Tampa General Hospital, Yale University, The University of Alabama-Birmingham, or any professional organizations which the hosts represent. USF, TGH, UAB, and Yale are not responsible for, and do not verify accuracy of any information contained in the podcast series available for listening on this site. The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services. This podcast is available for private, non-commercial use only.

Advertising, which is incorporated into, placed in association with, or targeted toward the content of this podcast without the expressed approval and knowledge of developers, is forbidden. You may not edit, modify, or redistribute this podcast. The developers of The Missing Needle podcast series assume no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast. Any use of this podcast with any other Web site, computer, or playing device is prohibited. Listener discretion is advised.

Drs. Jean Bismuth, Jonathan Cardella, and Benjamin Pearce present Episode 10 - Havana Oh Nana - Part 1

Dr. Ricardo “Rick” Gonzalez, MD, is a surgical oncologist at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, where he serves as Chair of the Sarcoma Department and Chief of Surgery Service, as well as an Associate Professor at the University of South Florida College of Medicine. A graduate of USF with surgical training at the University of Colorado and a fellowship in surgical oncology at MD Anderson, he specializes in treating complex cancers such as soft tissue and retroperitoneal sarcomas, desmoid tumors, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and melanoma. Widely recognized for his expertise, he has earned multiple awards for teaching, research, safety, and patient care, and is an active member of leading oncology societies including the NCCN Sarcoma Panel and the Society of Surgical Oncology. Known for his compassionate, patient-centered approach, Dr. Gonzalez emphasizes trust and shared decision-making, describing his work as a calling to help patients navigate cancer with courage and dignity.

The aim of 'The Missing Needle' podcast is to discuss a variety of provoking, and at times uncomfortable, topics within healthcare. Intended audience are medical professionals, friends and family of practicing physicians, and anyone else who might enjoy learning about what it is like to be a physician outside the hospital.

Viewer discretion is advised, recommended for mature audience only.

Produced by Andrew Matar.

DISCLAIMER

The views, information, or opinions expressed during The Missing Needle podcast are solely those of the individuals involved, and do not necessarily represent those of University of South Florida, Tampa General Hospital, Yale University, The University of Alabama-Birmingham, or any professional organizations which the hosts represent. USF, TGH, UAB, and Yale are not responsible for, and do not verify accuracy of any information contained in the podcast series available for listening on this site. The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services. This podcast is available for private, non-commercial use only.

Advertising, which is incorporated into, placed in association with, or targeted toward the content of this podcast without the expressed approval and knowledge of developers, is forbidden. You may not edit, modify, or redistribute this podcast. The developers of The Missing Needle podcast series assume no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast. Any use of this podcast with any other Web site, computer, or playing device is prohibited. Listener discretion is advised.

Drs. Jean Bismuth, Jonathan Cardella, and Benjamin Pearce present Episode 9 - FUPA (Florida Urology Partners and Associates) and Go Devils.

Our guest on this episode is Raviender Bukkapatnam, MD.

Dr. Raviender Bukkapatnam is a highly esteemed, board-certified, and fellowship-trained urologist whose leadership and clinical expertise have made him a pillar of urologic care in Tampa Bay. With a rare specialization in female urology and reconstruction, multilingual communication, and a patient-centered approach, he continues to make significant contributions both in clinical excellence and to the broader medical community.

The aim of 'The Missing Needle' podcast is to discuss a variety of provoking, and at times uncomfortable, topics within healthcare. Intended audience are medical professionals, friends and family of practicing physicians, and anyone else who might enjoy learning about what it is like to be a physician outside the hospital.

Viewer discretion is advised, recommended for mature audience only.

Produced by Andrew Matar.

DISCLAIMER

The views, information, or opinions expressed during The Missing Needle podcast are solely those of the individuals involved, and do not necessarily represent those of University of South Florida, Tampa General Hospital, Yale University, The University of Alabama-Birmingham, or any professional organizations which the hosts represent. USF, TGH, UAB, and Yale are not responsible for, and do not verify accuracy of any information contained in the podcast series available for listening on this site. The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services. This podcast is available for private, non-commercial use only.

Advertising, which is incorporated into, placed in association with, or targeted toward the content of this podcast without the expressed approval and knowledge of developers, is forbidden. You may not edit, modify, or redistribute this podcast. The developers of The Missing Needle podcast series assume no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast. Any use of this podcast with any other Web site, computer, or playing device is prohibited. Listener discretion is advised.

Drs. Jean Bismuth, Jonathan Cardella, and Benjamin Pearce present Episode 8 - From the Heart - Part 2

Arvind Bhimaraj is an advanced heart failure cardiologist who claims no titles other than an aspirant of being a good human being, research scientist, an advocate for what’s right, and for changing what’s not right.

The aim of 'The Missing Needle' podcast is to discuss a variety of provoking, and at times uncomfortable, topics within healthcare. Intended audience are medical professionals, friends and family of practicing physicians, and anyone else who might enjoy learning about what it is like to be a physician outside the hospital.

Viewer discretion is advised, recommended for mature audience only.

Produced by Andrew Matar.

DISCLAIMER

The views, information, or opinions expressed during The Missing Needle podcast are solely those of the individuals involved, and do not necessarily represent those of University of South Florida, Tampa General Hospital, Yale University, The University of Alabama-Birmingham, or any professional organizations which the hosts represent. USF, TGH, UAB, and Yale are not responsible for, and do not verify accuracy of any information contained in the podcast series available for listening on this site. The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services. This podcast is available for private, non-commercial use only.

Advertising, which is incorporated into, placed in association with, or targeted toward the content of this podcast without the expressed approval and knowledge of developers, is forbidden. You may not edit, modify, or redistribute this podcast. The developers of The Missing Needle podcast series assume no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast. Any use of this podcast with any other Web site, computer, or playing device is prohibited. Listener discretion is advised.

Drs. Jean Bismuth, Jonathan Cardella, and Benjamin Pearce present Episode 7 - Laissez les bon temps rouler.

Dr. Malachi G. Sheahan III, MD, FACS is a distinguished vascular and endovascular surgeon based in New Orleans, currently Professor and Chair of Surgery at LSU Health Sciences Center and Program Director of both the integrated Vascular Surgery Residency and Fellowship Programs.

He earned his medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine (1994), completed a general surgery residency at New York Medical College, and pursued fellowships in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery at Tufts and in vascular surgery at Harvard’s Beth Israel . Board-certified in vascular surgery, Dr. Sheahan joined LSU in 2004 and became Chief of the Division of Vascular Surgery in 2012.

Over two decades, he’s built one of the country’s top training programs, mentoring up to a dozen fellows annually and overseeing a team of over 11 vascular surgeons providing care in both academic and community hospitals, including a VA and a pediatric hospital.

A prolific researcher, Dr. Sheahan has published extensively—covering skills assessment, burnout and wellness in surgery, vascular trauma, and innovations in minimally invasive endovascular procedures—while playing key roles in shaping surgical education and physician well-being.

He is an active leader within the Society for Vascular Surgery and other national bodies, contributing to wellness initiatives, training standards, and strategic planning.

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The aim of 'The Missing Needle' podcast is to discuss a variety of provoking, and at times uncomfortable, topics within healthcare. Intended audience are medical professionals, friends and family of practicing physicians, and anyone else who might enjoy learning about what it is like to be a physician outside the hospital.

Viewer discretion is advised, recommended for mature audience only.

Produced by Andrew Matar.

DISCLAIMER

The views, information, or opinions expressed during The Missing Needle podcast are solely those of the individuals involved, and do not necessarily represent those of University of South Florida, Tampa General Hospital, Yale University, The University of Alabama-Birmingham, or any professional organizations which the hosts represent. USF, TGH, UAB, and Yale are not responsible for, and do not verify accuracy of any information contained in the podcast series available for listening on this site. The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services. This podcast is available for private, non-commercial use only.

Advertising, which is incorporated into, placed in association with, or targeted toward the content of this podcast without the expressed approval and knowledge of developers, is forbidden. You may not edit, modify, or redistribute this podcast. The developers of The Missing Needle podcast series assume no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast. Any use of this podcast with any other Web site, computer, or playing device is prohibited. Listener discretion is advised.

Drs. Jean Bismuth, Jonathan Cardella, and Benjamin Pearce present Episode 6: From The Heart - Part 1

Arvind Bhimaraj is an advanced heart failure cardiologist who claims no titles other than an aspirant of being a good human being, research scientist, an advocate for what’s right, and for changing what’s not right.

The aim of 'The Missing Needle' podcast is to discuss a variety of provoking, and at times uncomfortable, topics within healthcare. Intended audience are medical professionals, friends and family of practicing physicians, and anyone else who might enjoy learning about what it is like to be a physician outside the hospital.

Viewer discretion is advised, recommended for mature audience only.

Produced by Andrew Matar.

DISCLAIMER

The views, information, or opinions expressed during The Missing Needle podcast are solely those of the individuals involved, and do not necessarily represent those of University of South Florida, Tampa General Hospital, Yale University, The University of Alabama-Birmingham, or any professional organizations which the hosts represent. USF, TGH, UAB, and Yale are not responsible for, and do not verify accuracy of any information contained in the podcast series available for listening on this site. The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services. This podcast is available for private, non-commercial use only.

Advertising, which is incorporated into, placed in association with, or targeted toward the content of this podcast without the expressed approval and knowledge of developers, is forbidden. You may not edit, modify, or redistribute this podcast. The developers of The Missing Needle podcast series assume no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast. Any use of this podcast with any other Web site, computer, or playing device is prohibited. Listener discretion is advised.

Drs. Jean Bismuth, Jonathan Cardella, and Benjamin Pearce present Episode 5: Lucky Lucky London.

London Guidry, MD is a respected colleague and friend of the Missing Needle Team and is affectionally our BV Needle. London is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and a received her medical degree in General Surgery in 2009 from Louisiana State University Health Science Center in New Orleans (LSUHSC), where she also completed her Vascular Surgery Fellowship in 2011.

She is the Chief of Vascular Surgery at Baton Rouge General and is currently serving as a board member for End Stage Renal Disease Network 13. Dr. Guidry is a Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery at LSUHSC, as well as the Assistant Program Director for Integrated Vascular at LSUHSC. She has won two teaching awards for the LSU Surgery Department in 2019 and 2020, respectively. She is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and holds memberships in the Society for Clinical Vascular Surgery, the Louisiana State Medical Society, Capital Area Medical Society, and the Society for Vascular Surgery.

A master surgeon, dedicated educator, quick to laugh and one of the best people you will meet—London Guidry.

The aim of 'The Missing Needle' podcast is to discuss a variety of provoking, and at times uncomfortable, topics within healthcare. Intended audience are medical professionals, friends and family of practicing physicians, and anyone else who might enjoy learning about what it is like to be a physician outside the hospital.

Viewer discretion is advised, recommended for mature audience only.

Produced by Andrew Matar.

DISCLAIMER:

The views, information, or opinions expressed during The Missing Needle podcast are solely those of the individuals involved, and do not necessarily represent those of University of South Florida, Tampa General Hospital, Yale University, The University of Alabama-Birmingham, or any professional organizations which the hosts represent. USF, TGH, UAB, and Yale are not responsible for, and do not verify accuracy of any information contained in the podcast series available for listening on this site. The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services. This podcast is available for private, non-commercial use only.

Advertising, which is incorporated into, placed in association with, or targeted toward the content of this podcast without the expressed approval and knowledge of developers, is forbidden. You may not edit, modify, or redistribute this podcast. The developers of The Missing Needle podcast series assume no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast. Any use of this podcast with any other Web site, computer, or playing device is prohibited. Listener discretion is advised.

Drs. Jean Bismuth, Jonathan Cardella, and Benjamin Pearce present Episode 4 - Hygge Henrik

'Hygge' is Danish for enjoy, describing a cozy, contented mood evoked by comfort and conviviality,

Our guest today is Dr. Henrik Sillesen, MD, DMSc. He is a professor of vascular disease at University of Copenhagen, and former chairman at the department of vascular surgery at Rigshospitalet, Denmark. During Dr Sillesens 23 years as chair, the dept. staff reached appr. 120 in total, incl. 37 MD’s of which 20 were board certified vascular surgeons.

Dr Sillesen was President of the European Society for Vascular surgery (ESVS) 2018-9, Secretary General of ESVS 2004-9, President of the Danish Heart Association (2006-8) and Secretary General Secretary General of the Scandinavian Association for Vascular Surgery 2000-2004. Henrik Sillesen was appointed member of the Danish Medical Research Council 2002.

Dr. Sillesens main research interest is prevention, treatment and non-invasive diagnosis of vascular disease. He has been the project-leader of an EU funded multicenter study 1992-5 and leader of the Danish research center CADUS, funded by the Danish Research Council 1995-2000. Dr. Sillesen has served as member of many scientific steering Committee’s for phase 2 and 3 drug trials.

Dr. Sillesen has published > 275 scientific articles in peer-review journals and presented more than 250 invited lectures worldwide (H-index is 62 and > 22.000 citations (Google Scholar)).

After having served as chair and professor for 23 years, Dr. Sillesen was recruited for the Novo Nordisk Foundation in 2021 to build up a Cardiovascular Research Portfolio within the foundation. Among these projects is the “REACT” study which is testing whether early detection of atherosclerosis can prevent MI, stroke and CVD death, funded by 100M$. In 2023, Dr. Sillesen joined Airfinity Ltd, a London based medical analytics company, to serve as Chief Medical Officer.

The aim of 'The Missing Needle' podcast is to discuss a variety of provoking, and at times uncomfortable, topics within healthcare. Intended audience are medical professionals, friends and family of practicing physicians, and anyone else who might enjoy learning about what it is like to be a physician outside the hospital.

Viewer discretion is advised, recommended for mature audience only.

Produced by Andrew Matar.

DISCLAIMER

The views, information, or opinions expressed during The Missing Needle podcast are solely those of the individuals involved, and do not necessarily represent those of University of South Florida, Tampa General Hospital, Yale University, The University of Alabama-Birmingham, or any professional organizations which the hosts represent. USF, TGH, UAB, and Yale are not responsible for, and do not verify accuracy of any information contained in the podcast series available for listening on this site. The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services. This podcast is available for private, non-commercial use only.

Advertising, which is incorporated into, placed in association with, or targeted toward the content of this podcast without the expressed approval and knowledge of developers, is forbidden. You may not edit, modify, or redistribute this podcast. The developers of The Missing Needle podcast series assume no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast. Any use of this podcast with any other Web site, computer, or playing device is prohibited. Listener discretion is advised.