Modern Gastric Cancer Care: Staging, Multimodality Treatment, and When to Refer

For patients with gastric cancer, the goal is not to reach surgery as quickly as possible, but to get the staging and sequence of treatment right. Annabelle Fonseca, M.D., explains how determining whether the cancer is very early, localized, or metastatic guides the course of care. She also discusses how surgery fits into multimodal treatment and why referral to a multidisciplinary cancer team should occur before treatment begins. 

Assessing infection risk in autoimmune disease means looking at the disease and its treatment together. Infectious diseases specialists Jeremey Walker, M.D., and Julia Schroeder, M.D., explain how the medications, dose, and duration of treatment affect risk. They explore why infection can resemble a flare and how histoplasmosis can behave like tuberculosis. Learn how screening for infections, vaccination, and collaboration with infectious diseases specialists can help providers manage infection risk.

For patients with cancer, “immunocompromised” is not a complete assessment of infection risk. Jeremey Walker, M.D., and Emily Wong, M.D., explain why risk must be assessed individually – based on the malignancy, treatment, timing of therapy, and parts of the immune system affected. They discuss how those factors guide diagnosis, referral, and prevention. 

Is this mole something to worry about? Surgical oncologist, Taranjit Arora, M.D., explains how clinicians use the ABCDEs and “evolution” to flag suspicious lesions. She discusses symptoms that raise concern (itching, spontaneous bleeding), common biopsy methods (punch and shave), the role of dermatology and pathology in diagnosis, and why a changing lesion deserves prompt evaluation.

As demand for donor hearts continues to outpace supply, donation after circulatory death (DCD) is helping expand access for patients on the waitlist. UAB heart transplant experts Rajamiyer Venkateswaran, M.D., and Jose Tallaj, M.D., discuss the growing use of DCD hearts, patient outcomes, ethical considerations, and preservation advances making more transplants possible.

Sepsis remains a leading cause of hospital mortality in preterm infants, but treating suspected cases as medical emergencies can help. Colm Travers, M.D., discusses what makes preterm infants particularly vulnerable to sepsis and why it can be difficult to recognize using current screening methods. Learn how UAB’s Code Sepsis reduced the time to administer antibiotics to less than 30 minutes after orders were placed and how its emergency approach halved deaths due to sepsis among extremely preterm infants.

Although essential for some patients, central lines create an ongoing risk of infection. Senior Director of Infection Prevention Mary Duncan and Rachael Lee, M.D., explain that central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) prevention begins with proper insertion technique and continues throughout the life of the line. They also discuss how daily interdisciplinary rounds and shared accountability support consistent prevention.

OR delays may never be eliminated, but many can be prevented. Napoleon Player, DNP, associate vice president of perioperative services and procedures, compares the operating room to an airport – a complex system that requires constant coordination. He explains how UAB analyzes delays and uses data to pinpoint where better preparation and communication can reduce them.

Early recognition of progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF) is critical because further lung damage cannot be reversed. Teja Kulkarni, M.D., discusses the criteria for diagnosing PPF, the importance of multidisciplinary evaluation, and the expanding antifibrotic treatment options.

Maximizing surgical safety takes more than a static checklist. UAB surgeons Melanie Morris, M.D., Helen Krontiras, M.D., and Adam Beck, M.D., discuss how they approach safety as a continuous improvement process spanning the patient experience. Learn how UAB standardizes care, empowers team members to speak up, and uses registry data to benchmark outcomes and target improvements. The panel also considers how emerging technologies could further advance surgical safety.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) was developed as a targeted, adjustable therapy for movement disorders to improve earlier hard-to-control procedures. Victor Sung, M.D., discusses how UAB began performing DBS in 1997 and built one of the nation’s highest-volume programs, now performing six surgeries a week. Learn how advances such as directional stimulation, brain-sensing devices, and remote programming are shaping care, and how DBS plays an important role in the future of UAB’s Movement Disorders Division.

High reliability organizations (HROs) reduce patient harm through frontline input, shared accountability, and collaboration in high-stakes clinical settings. Anand Iyer, M.D., associate chief medical officer, explains how he helped UAB meet HRO principles via a multidisciplinary titration task force focused on ICU medication safety. Learn how frontline feedback, simulation testing, EMR enhancements, and shared mental models helped reduce variability.

Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) allows transplant teams to assess the function of donor kidneys that may have otherwise been declined. Jacqueline Garonzik Wang, M.D., Ph.D., explains how this pump-based assessment “wakes up” the donor kidney and provides real-time data to guide transplant decisions. With unused kidneys numbering in the thousands each year, it may help shorten wait times and allow earlier transplantation for some patients.

Chronic rhinitis, often mistaken for a cold or seasonal allergies, is marked by common nasal symptoms such as a runny nose and post-nasal drip lasting around three months. Do-Yeon Cho, M.D., explains how chronic rhinitis may be allergic, non-allergic, or mixed, and how the diagnosis affects management. He reviews treatment options including antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays, saline rinses, prescription anticholinergic sprays, and a new nerve ablation procedure for persistent symptoms. Learn how avoiding triggers and practicing nasal hygiene are important parts of long-term symptom control.

UAB Medicine developed the “Golden Week” program to standardize care for extremely preterm infants in their first days of life. Colm Travers, M.D., explains how a dedicated team using bundled, evidence-based practices and program-specific order sets has reduced variability in care. Learn how this structured approach has lowered mortality and severe intracranial hemorrhage in the first week after birth.

Standardizing care is often possible and can reduce delays that keep patients in the hospital longer than necessary. Kierstin Kennedy, M.D., chief medical and quality officer at UAB Medicine, discusses how unnecessary variation shows up in care delivery and what teams can do to address it. Learn how focusing on the 80% of care that can be standardized strengthens care for complex cases as well.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive lung disease that is often misdiagnosed, delaying treatment that can slow its course. Mridul Gupta, M.D., provides an overview of who is most affected, how to recognize and diagnose IPF, and what treatment approaches are available. Learn how clinicians and patients weigh the risks and benefits of treatment options (especially with older patients) and how more personalized therapies may be on the horizon. 

Entrepreneurship in academic medicine often means scaling solutions developed in your own clinic so that others can benefit. Ashish Shah, M.D., shares lessons from launching multiple startups while practicing at UAB. Learn how physicians can vet ideas, find mentors, pursue grant support, and work with university innovation programs to bring new solutions to market.

Menopause care has shifted from a one-size-fits-all approach to a more individualized, risk-based model. Dr. Minakshi Shukla discusses updated guidance on hormone therapy timing and formulation; the role of non-hormonal treatment options; and strategies for midlife weight and cardiometabolic management. Learn how to routinely discuss menopause care with your patients.

Treatment for atrial fibrillation (A-fib) is becoming safer and more efficient with the addition of pulsed field ablation (PFA). Cardiac electrophysiologist William Maddox, M.D., explains how PFA targets cardiac tissue while sparing nearby structures and how it can be combined with radiofrequency ablation when needed.

Trabecular bone score (TBS) adds insight beyond bone mineral density to better assess fracture risk and guide treatment decisions. Basma Abdulhadi, M.D., discusses how TBS complements DEXA and refines FRAX estimates, especially in patients with osteopenia who are near the treatment threshold. Learn how Type 2 diabetes can mask fracture risk and who may benefit from TBS as part of their initial assessment.

Brachytherapy is an inside-out radiation approach to treating tumors that may offer advantages over external beam radiation in some situations. Samuel Marcrom, M.D., a radiation oncologist, discusses how brachytherapy differs from external beam radiation including its situational advantages and challenges, as well as common uses. He explains patient selection, treatment logistics, and the UAB patient experience.

In this episode, we join Steven Russell, M.D., as he outlines ways to enhance bedside interactions and improve patient outcomes. With technology playing a significant role in medicine today, it’s crucial to find a balance that keeps patients at the center of care. Tune in to learn about effective strategies that ensure a valuable and compassionate patient experience.

Aortic aneurysms are complex and often asymptomatic, making swift monitoring and mitigation crucial. Kyle Eudailey, MD, an expert in aortic surgery, discusses the guidelines that he considers when weighing the patient-specific risks of surgery vs. surveillance. He emphasizes the importance of consistent imaging and measurement over time by specialists to improve physician recommendations and patient outcomes. Learn about behavioral interventions that may reduce the risk of aortic aneurysm rupture and need for surgery in some patients.

The most common male infertility procedures are varicocele ligation, vasectomy reversal, and sperm retrieval for IVF. Peter Kolettis, M.D., a urologist, explains the purposes and steps of each procedure. He discusses working with colleagues in reproductive endocrinology to support each couple’s goals. Learn how urologists counsel patients to understand the factors that influence success with fertility procedures.

UAB has one of the few clinics in North America that coordinates care for adults with spina bifida. Jeffrey Blount, M.D., Daniel Harmon, M.D., and Betsy Hopson, MSHA, explain how the adult clinic builds on a continuum of care that includes maternal-fetal medicine and pediatric services at Children’s of Alabama. Learn how they’ve used evidence-based programming and a multidisciplinary approach to improve care for this growing population.

Justin Kirk, DPT, highlights identifying and reducing risk factors for ACL injuries. He shares who is most likely to sustain an ACL injury, the movements or position that increases an athlete’s risk for injury and the importance of limb symmetry and single leg training for preventing ACL injuries. Additionally, he offers recommendations for providers, when working with athletes at high risk, on how to reduce their risk for an ACL injury and the changes he has seen in management of ACL tears over the past 5 years.

Epilepsy affects up to 2% of people, and for some patients, medications are not effective. Adeel Ilyas, M.D., a neurosurgeon, explains how referral to a Level 4 epilepsy center offers hope to patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Learn how UAB’s multidisciplinary team, including neurologists, neurosurgeons, and neuropsychologists, uses both surgical and neuromodulatory approaches to manage seizures.

Liver transplantation can extend survival for some patients whose colorectal cancer has spread only to the liver. Robert Cannon, M.D., surgical director of UAB’s Liver Transplant Program, explains the selection criteria that determine whether these patients — until recently considered ineligible for transplant — may benefit. He also outlines the treatment progression and how physicians care for patients while they are on the transplant waiting list. Learn how the RAPID graft technique and UAB’s new living-donor program could make this option available to more patients.

Surgeons in kidney transplantation are expanding their use of robotics, beginning with donor nephrectomy. Michael Hanaway, M.D., explains why robotic surgery will soon become the standard of care for donor nephrectomy and is expected to become common for kidney transplants within the next 10-15 years. Learn more about new capabilities on the horizon for robotic surgery.

Neurofibromatosis (NF) and Schwannomatosis can involve skin changes, hearing loss, vision issues, and nerve tumors, but may go unrecognized for years. Neuro-oncologists Katie Metrock, M.D., and Rebecca Brown, M.D., discuss how these two distinct genetic conditions are classified, how they typically present, and how newly approved MEK inhibitors are shaping treatment.

Tracheostomy complications can be dramatically reduced with structured follow-up care. Harishanker Jeyarajan, M.D., explains how a pandemic-era surge in tracheostomies prompted UAB to launch a quality improvement initiative to systematize post-placement care — leading to the only dedicated tracheostomy management clinic in Alabama. Learn from Maddie Golden, CRNP, and Jennifer Faulkner, PA-C, how their protocols and education efforts helped reduce tracheostomy-related visits by 43%.

Thyroid nodules are common and usually benign, but deciding when and how to intervene is complex. Endocrine surgeons Andrea Gillis, M.D., and Sophie Dream, M.D., along with CRNP Kelly Lovell, explain how they distinguish low-risk cases from those needing treatment. Learn how they help patients choose between monitoring, thermal ablation, and surgery.

Primary care sports medicine has more tools than ever to keep athletes out of the operating room. Steven Brown, M.D., explains how this evolving field treats injuries, supports recovery, and helps prevent sport-specific injuries through whole-person care. Learn how ultrasound, orthobiologics, and training strategies are shaping nonsurgical treatment. 

Learn more about Steven Brown, MD

UAB’s adult ECMO program, which offers advanced heart and lung support, continues to expand in both reach and capability. Keith Wille, M.D., medical director of the ECMO and Advanced Lung Diseases Program, discusses technology that improves patient mobility, new referral partnerships, and the multidisciplinary care model behind each case. Learn how ECMO is used as a bridge to recovery, transplant, or decision. 

Learn more about Keith Wille, MD, MSPH 

Explore the collaborative efforts at UAB Medicine that make National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC) accreditation successful. Robert Hollis, M.D., MSPH, and Ridley Brown, BSN, RN, explain how teamwork among surgeons, oncologists, and nurses streamlines patient navigation and care, ensuring that every aspect of a patient’s journey is coordinated and efficient.

Managing pancreatitis often involves complex decisions about drainage, best made by a multidisciplinary team. Sushant Reddy, M.D., a pancreatic surgeon, joins Andrew Gunn, M.D., an interventional radiologist, and Ali Ahmed, M.D., an interventional gastroenterologist, to explain how their unified protocol helps avoid surgical drainage in most cases. They discuss acute vs. chronic cases, pseudocyst management, and evolving strategies for pain control and follow-up care.

Male infertility contributes to nearly half of all infertility cases. Peter Kolettis, M.D., a urologist, explains how detailed evaluations such as semen analysis and hormone testing help identify treatable causes. He discusses the latest procedures for sperm retrieval and vasectomy reversal, and how lifestyle choices can impact fertility.

Partial breast radiation has become even safer and more precise for select patients with early-stage breast cancer. Hunter Boggs, M.D., a radiation oncologist, explains how modern partial breast radiation techniques reduce side effects without compromising outcomes. He also shares updated eligibility criteria for treatment.

When uveal melanoma spreads to the liver, it’s difficult to treat with systemic therapies, but percutaneous hepatic perfusion (PHP) offers an alternative. In this panel discussion, Venkatesh Krishnasamy, M.D., kristy Broman, M.D., and John Dubay, M.D., explain how PHP delivers high-dose chemotherapy directly to the liver while minimizing toxicity. They walk through candidacy, recovery, and how this approach compares to surgery or immunotherapy. Learn how coordination across specialties makes this liver-directed therapy possible.

Not every patient is a candidate for traditional dental implants. Michael Case, D.M.D., and Jay Ponto, D.M.D., explain how today’s subperiosteal implants offer a custom alternative for patients with reduced bone volume, past tumor resection, or congenital conditions. Learn about the new subperiosteal implant approach, which uses a custom titanium framework that is preplanned, fixed in place, and can be fitted with teeth immediately after surgery.

Neuroendocrine tumors are rare and can present with a confusing range of symptoms, which leads to frequent misattribution. Jay Bart Rose, M.D., explains how they’re also complex to treat, often requiring multiple modalities based on tumor location and hormone activity. He discusses surgery, systemic therapies, and PRRT, a targeted treatment that uses the same receptor pathway as specialized imaging. Learn how UAB’s multidisciplinary neuroendocrine tumor clinic brings specialists together for long-term management.

Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer is common, recurrent, and often misunderstood. Urologist Jed Ferguson, M.D., and urologic oncologist Chas Peyton, M.D., explain how it differs from muscle invasive disease, why recurrence increases the risk of progression, and the complex factors that determine treatment sequencing. Learn about UAB’s clinical trials and emerging therapies that aim to preserve the bladder without compromising care.

Radiation therapy for oral cancer requires both precise targeting and multidisciplinary coordination. Christopher Willey, M.D., and Michael Case, D.M.D., explain how close collaboration between radiation oncology and dental care helps prevent complications such as osteoradionecrosis and also minimizes treatment delays. They describe how pretreatment dental evaluations, oral hygiene protocols, and coordinated planning improve outcomes.

ACL tears are on the rise as more people remain active throughout their lives. Amit Momaya, M.D., chief of sports medicine, explains how today’s treatment approaches balance repair and reconstruction, with an emphasis on prehab, rehab, and psychological readiness. Learn about prevention strategies, retear risk factors, and surgical innovations being studied at UAB.

Are airbag vests protecting young equestrians or putting them at risk? Sports medicine physician Sarah Gould, M.D., and engineering research scientist Kevin Schrum discuss unexpected injuries linked to equestrian air vests. They explain how the vests function, why pediatric riders may be especially vulnerable to related injuries, and why stronger data is needed to determine whether these devices should be used.

Kidney stones are often more than a one-time painful event: they’re a chronic disease linked to other health issues. Kyle Wood, M.D., discusses how stone disease often coexists with conditions like hypertension, dietary imbalance, and primary hyperparathyroidism. He explains that reviewing patient history, taking bloodwork, and ordering urine testing can help providers understand a patient’s overall risk for stone recurrence and related chronic conditions. Learn how UAB uses genetic testing to identify heritable causes of stone disease in patients with early onset, recurrence, or other red flags.

Sasha Still, M.D., explains how delayed diagnosis of aortic disease among women — who often present later and experience atypical symptoms — contributes to more complications and a higher mortality rate. She also discusses what clinicians can do to improve diagnosis, monitoring, and surgical decision-making.

For many patients, it takes time to regain full consciousness after a brain injury, and some develop a disorder of consciousness (DOC). Rachel Teranishi, M.D., a brain injury specialist, explains why up to 40% of DOC cases are misdiagnosed and outlines what providers need to know about assessment, treatment, and long-term recovery. Learn which therapies are showing promise and how to support families through uncertain outcomes.

Spinal cord injuries can have life-changing effects, from neurogenic bowel and bladder dysfunction to paralysis. Radhika Sharma, M.D., discusses the causes, complications, and rehabilitation approaches to spinal cord injury. She explains how a multidisciplinary approach helps patients recover function and rejoin communities.

Limb salvage can prevent amputation in patients with complex lower extremity conditions, including diabetes and peripheral arterial disease. Kyle Mauk, DPM, discusses how UAB’s limb salvage program integrates podiatry with vascular surgery to improve coordination of care. He also explains podiatry’s evolving role in surgical treatment.

Advances in imaging and molecular testing are changing how thyroid diseases are diagnosed and treated. Otolaryngologists and head and neck endocrine surgeons Andrew R. Fuson, M.D., and Daniel J. Rocke, M.D., discuss the latest approaches to managing thyroid nodules, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid cancer. They explain how better risk stratification allows them to be more selective about recommending surgery. Learn how this has led to a broader shift toward less aggressive, more individualized treatment.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) occurs when blood vessels and nerves in the upper chest become compressed, leading to pain, numbness, swelling, or circulation problems in the arms. Jarrad Rowse, M.D., a vascular surgeon, explains the three types of TOS — neurogenic, venous, and arterial — why they develop, and how they are diagnosed. He discusses multidisciplinary treatment approaches, including physical therapy, pain management, and surgery when needed.

Non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) disease is a chronic lung infection that’s becoming more common, yet diagnosis and treatment remain challenging. Infectious disease specialist German Henostroza, M.D., and pulmonologist Bryan Garcia, M.D., discuss what’s known about NTM’s rise; the latest in diagnostic tools; and the complexities of treatment. Learn why effective management requires a team-based approach that goes beyond antibiotics.

Rehabilitation psychologists help patients with disabilities and chronic health conditions maximize their health and holistic well-being. Casey Azuero, Ph.D., explains these psychologists’ unique qualifications and how they function on interdisciplinary teams to address the full context of a patient’s recovery. This work includes helping patients navigate emotional challenges, improve coping strategies, and stay engaged in their social lives.

Functional neurological disorder (FND) results in fluctuating control of voluntary activities. Victor Mark, M.D., explains why FND has only recently begun to be acknowledged as a neurological rather than purely psychological disorder. He discusses conditions related to FND and effective rehabilitation coordinated between neurologists, psychologists, physical therapists, and others to moderate symptoms. Learn more about the persistent misunderstandings regarding FND within the medical community, which have often created a stigma for those living with it.

What is the best approach to treating substance use disorders? In part two of their discussion on substance use disorders within the health care provider population, Christopher Godlewski, M.D., and Sudheer Potru, D.O., explore the often-complementary effects of medication-assisted therapy and psychotherapeutic approaches. They urge education and empathy among providers to break down the stigma around seeking help.

Just as many health care providers face substance use disorder (SUD) as the general population, yet they are more likely to conceal it due to a professional stigma. Christopher Godlewski, M.D., and Sudheer Potru, D.O., discuss how burnout and demanding work environments contribute to SUD, and how colleagues’ reluctance to intervene can delay help. Learn how peer support, resilience training, and tailored recovery plans help providers save their lives and careers.

For patients with AFib, left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion should now be part of any non-emergency cardiac operation, and surgical ablation should also be considered. Panayotis Vardas, M.D., discusses how he and colleagues from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons arrived at stronger recommendations for these procedures in their 2023 guidelines. Learn more about related surgical procedures for AFib and the directions of future research.

Interventional endoscopic ultrasound, once a purely diagnostic tool, has given GI specialists a minimally invasive approach to a wide range of procedures. Ramzi Mulki, M.D., guides us through the evolution of the endoscope since the 1980s; various current uses of interventional endoscopy such as pancreas, gallbladder, bile duct, and bariatric procedures; and how AI may soon expand what multidisciplinary teams can do with endoscopic ultrasound.

A new type of catheter ablation called pulsed field ablation (PA) allows for a more precise and non-heated way to treat many cases of atrial fibrillation (A-fib). Tom McElderry, M.D., discusses the advantages of PA ablation as an alternative to radio frequency and cryotherapy ablation, the most common types. Dr. McElderry was involved with clinical trials which demonstrated that PA was faster and eliminated the risk of both phrenic nerve injury and esophageal fistula. Learn more about what this technique means for the future of A-fib treatment.

Almost everyone with spinal stenosis will see decreased pain and other symptoms following treatment, no matter their age. Thomas Staner, M.D., a neurosurgeon, discusses how improved imaging and a multidisciplinary approach has enhanced care for those with pain and other symptoms caused by spinal stenosis. Learn how treatments can progress from physical therapy and NSAIDs (for mild pain) to nerve blocks and lumbar laminectomy (for more severe pain).

Telehealth coupled with patient-collected data is allowing doctors to manage diabetes more effectively. Anish Patel, M.D., an endocrinologist, discusses how telehealth reduces hospitalizations and readmissions, and allows doctors to personalize treatment plans based on a stream of real-time data. Learn more about how easy it can be for patients to collect their own data, which doctors are able to access remotely. Dr. Patel shares advice for physicians looking to start a telehealth practice.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a new, more precise name for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Fernando Bril, M.D., an endocrinologist, explains how this name precisely describes the way in which fatty acids build up in the liver of patients who have insulin resistance. Learn more about the close relationship of MASLD, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Dr. Bril reviews current screening recommendations, effective interventions, and the first approved drug for the condition.

How is care improving for the three percent of U.S. children who have type 1 diabetes? Jessica Schmitt, M.D., a pediatric endocrinologist, shares encouraging developments in medical diabetes management as well as insights about accurate diagnosis and helpful lifestyle habits. Learn about new treatments on the horizon, including one medication that may delay the onset of type 1 diabetes.

The prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is surging due to cases related to diabetes. Benjamin Pearce, M.D., a vascular surgeon, discusses management of PAD by highlighting three non-operative advancements, including exercise therapy. Learn how PAD can be diagnosed using an ankle-brachial index. Dr. Pierce explains how a multi-disciplinary team manages this condition and how they intervene early to prevent chronic limb-threatening ischemia.

85% of all non-melanoma skin cancers occur in the head and neck, which includes high-risk sub-units. Skin cancer is especially prevalent in the South. Harishanker Jayarajan, M.D., a head and neck surgeon, discusses the types and locations of skin lesions which warrant referral to an expert. He explains the general approach to treating head-and-neck skin cancers, as well as the modern usage of immunotherapy to shrink those lesions too dangerous to remove right away.

Patients who have surgery where there is an enhanced recovery program (ERP) recover faster and more effectively. Daniel Chu, M.D., a GI surgeon, discusses the many steps included in an ERP protocol and what it takes to establish the program. He explains how a multidisciplinary team of champions progresses through four phases of implementation. Learn how an ERP also helps patients rely less on opioids during recovery.

Pediatric and adolescent gynecology spans the gap between general pediatric care and adult gynecologic care. Janeen Arbuckle, M.D., speaks on her specialty in pediatric and adolescent gynecology, describing first the common conditions that warrant a visit for young women before and during adolescence. She highlights differences between the care grown women and adolescents receive, with special focus on the HPV vaccine and brith control (for managing special conditions). Dr. Arbuckle explains why creating a safe, confidential space for her young patients is so important.

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a deadly disease that can affect anyone — even doctors. But certain social determinants of health and psychological trauma make some more vulnerable than others. In part 2 of their discussion on SUD treatment and recovery,Christopher Godlewski, M.D., and Sudheer Potru, D.O., discuss how doctors can account for the particular challenges in a patient’s life. Find out why telehealth may be a game changer for those lacking access to addiction recovery specialists.

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a deadly disease that can affect anyone — even doctors. Christopher Godlewski, M.D., an anesthesiologist, and Sudheer Potru, D.O., an addiction medicine specialist, discuss the barriers to effective treatment of SUDs, both inside and outside of health care. They review the standard pharmacologic and behavioral therapy treatments as well as cutting edge medicines and neurosurgical approaches being used in the field.

Behavioral and mental health is part of every serious medical condition. According to Christina Pierpaoli Parker, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist, behavioral medicine belongs closer to patients in primary and specialty care clinics. She explains why many patients are not getting the mental health care they need and how integrated care models can help. Learn about UAB’s integrated care model normalizes mental health as part of routine care.

Bone disorders such as osteoporosis are silent diseases that most often affect women. Basma Abdulhadi, M.D., explains the importance of screening women over 65 (as well as those with other risk factors) to identify bone density loss and take steps to prevent dangerous fractures. Learn more about the DEXA scan, which helps doctors establish a patient’s degree of bone loss and determine the best interventions. Dr. Abdulhadi details the multiple approaches an interdisciplinary team uses to keep patients safe and mobile.

Maria Helena Lima, M.D., discusses the latest breast reconstruction options, including implants, autologous tissue flaps, and oncoplastic reconstruction. She also addresses patient safety concerns and the efficacy of silicone implants compared their saline counterparts.

Severe orthostatic headaches could indicate a serious condition called spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). Neurologist Will Meador, M.D., and interventional neuroradiologist Jesse Jones, M.D., discuss how they interpret a combination of symptoms and imaging to make diagnoses and the common first-line treatments for cases that do not resolve with conservative lifestyle interventions. Learn details about a complex surgery to address severe cases.

Learn why robotic-assisted CABG is a groundbreaking technique for many with coronary artery disease. Sasha Still, M.D., a cardiothoracic surgeon, describes the advantages of performing robotic-assisted coronary artery bypass — a minimally invasive version of the traditional CABG procedure that can further be performed on a beating heart. She discusses the complexity level and characteristics of patients who are most likely to benefit. Discover why Dr. Still and her colleagues felt it was important to offer this highly technical procedure at UAB.

Two devices for preventing blood clots are allowing many patients to stop taking blood thinners completely. The Amulet and the Watchman are both devices that allow doctors to perform left atrial appendage occlusion more safely than ever before. Tom McElderry, M.D., co-director of the Heart & Vascular Center, explains what has made these devices easier and faster to install, with complication rates well below 1%. He also discusses imaging technology that makes same-day procedures possible. Learn more about clinical trials related to these devices underway at UAB.

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary liver cancer. It is a complex disease that requires a multidisciplinary team — for patients, that can mean a drawn-out array of appointments. Robert Cannon, M.D., surgical director of the UAB Liver Transplant Program, discusses the new Hepatocellular Carcinoma Clinic (HCC), which brings together relevant specialists for the benefit of patients. As he explains, patients can now leave one appointment with a diagnosis and a care plan built by the entire team. Learn more about exciting clinic trails offered through the HCC.

Head and neck cancers have always been some of the most difficult to treat, but advancements in robotic surgery, advanced imaging, and multidisciplinary recovery approaches are improving the outlook for many patients. Benjamin Greene, M.D.; Harishanker Jeyarajan, M.D.; and Carissa Thomas, M.D., share new insights and techniques in the field.

Learn more about the connection between HPV and oropharyngeal cancer; new tools allowing more accurate diagnoses and monitoring for recurrence; and the surgical precision made possible by robotic surgery alongside intraoperative fluorescence imaging.

Degenerative mitral valve disease is the most common heart valve abnormality. Panayotis Vardas, M.D., a cardiothoracic surgeon, reviews the distinctions between primary and secondary mitral regurgitation. He describes categories of patients who would be candidates for mitral valve repair, which is the standard-of-care treatment, versus those who might undergo mitral valve replacement. Learn more about the dramatic success rates of mitral valve repair and clinical trials underway that explore new techniques for complex cases.

Some people struggle with symptoms for years and never receive a clear answer on what condition they have. UAB Medicine is part of the National Institutes of Health Undiagnosed Disease Network (UDN), which means they are committed to applying the latest technology to make diagnoses for their regional community. Bruce Korf, M.D., associate dean for Genomic Medicine, explains the various tools the undiagnosed disease team uses, including radiologic imaging, neurological testing, and genomic sequencing. Learn how patients from all demographics may gain access and be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team. He also explains how new diagnoses can help doctors understand the less common ways diseases present.

Mechanical thrombectomy is an effective new procedure for ischemic stroke management that lowers the possibility of damage to brain tissue. Select hospitals designated as thrombectomy-capable stroke centers, such as UAB, are equipped to perform this time-sensitive procedure 24/7. Michael Lyerly, M.D., a vascular neurologist, and Elizabeth Liptrap, M.D., a vascular neurosurgeon, explain how improved coordination with first responders and other hospitals using telemedicine and triage allows UAB to treat more regional patients who might benefit. They describe their multidisciplinary approach to choosing a specific combination of other tools and techniques alongside mechanical thrombectomy

Telehealth is impacting nearly every aspect of health care. Zain Hashmi, M.D., a trauma surgeon, discusses the potential of telehealth for improving access to comprehensive trauma care among rural patients. He explains how finding ways for EMS teams to consult trauma experts virtually and closer to emergencies could reduce transfer rates and improve patient care. Dr. Hashmi outlines the challenges of implementing telehealth for trauma care, emphasizing the need for 360-degree stakeholder engagement.

Around 80% of adults experience low back pain, and most are not candidates for surgery. Prentiss Lawson, Jr., M.D., and Christopher Paul, M.D., both anesthesiologists who specialize in pain medicine, discuss a promising new durable therapy for low back pain called restorative neurostimulation. Unlike existing low back pain management options, neurostimulation addresses a root cause, a weak or inactive multifidus muscle. The doctors explain the minimally invasive procedure, which involves sending electric pulses to the multifidus nerves. Learn how this treatment uniquely restores patents’ spinal stability and thereby reduces chronic pain.

Carotid stenosis, caused by a buildup of plaque in the carotid artery, accounts for around 20% of all ischemic strokes. Mark Harrigan, M.D., and Elizabeth Liptrap, M.D., both neurosurgeons, discuss key aspects of medical management and interventions for carotid stenosis. Learn about two new alternatives to the (still-effective) endarterectomy procedure. The doctors explain how their approach to management and intervention varies by patient.

The Birmingham region grew around heavy industry, including coal mining and steel production. These industries, which still employ thousands today, can pose hazards to workers’ health and others in the community. The UAB Environmental Lung Disease Clinic provides comprehensive evaluations for patients with respiratory conditions related to work exposure or environmental hazards. Kevin Dsouza, M.D., and Crystal Stephens, CRNP, helped found and lead the clinic. They discuss the scope of their work, when providers should refer patients, and how patients can also self-refer.

Over one million people in the U.S. grapple with HIV. Although life expectancy has increased, end-stage organ diseases have a relatively high mortality rate for these patients. Learn about HIV-to-HIV kidney transplants from Shikha Mehta, M.D., director of the UAB HIV and Hepatitis C Transplant Program. She explains how her interdisciplinary team has made successful kidney transplants for over decade despite numerous challenges and comorbidities of those with HIV.

While nonpulsatile tinnitus (constant buzzing sound) is a common condition many people learn to live with, pulsatile tinnitus (sound that occurs with each heartbeat) may indicate dangerous otological or vascular conditions. Erika McCarty Walsh, M.D., a neurotologist, and Jesse Jones, M.D., a neuroradiologist, discuss the complex process of determining whether patients have pulsatile tinnitus, what the causes are, and which treatments might be considered necessary. Drs. Walsh and Jones describe their collaborative approach to making sure that patients address any dangerous conditions and otherwise learn to manage their pulsatile tinnitus.

Around 15% of people in the U.S. have a form of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is often related to diabetes and hypertension. Claretha Lyas, M.D., a nephrologist, discusses the interdisciplinary approach to treating CKD alongside its root causes. Learn about two new classes of medicine that are slowing the progression of CKD. Find out the best time to refer a patient to a nephrologist, who can manage disease progression and provide a seamless transition to transplant evaluation services if needed.

Many women who have typical symptoms of coronary artery disease actually have coronary microvascular disease (MVD). Gretchen Wells, M.D., a cardiologist, explains why it is important for physicians to proceed with tests for MVD when cardiac catheterization does not indicate coronary artery disease. She explores the common symptoms, proven and potential interventions, and the serious risks posed by MVD. Dr. Wells recommends patients explore multidisciplinary cardiac rehabilitation programs if they are diagnosed with MVD.

Only 60% of age-eligible adults are up to date on their colorectal cancer screenings. Drew Gunnells, Jr., M.D., and Shajan Peter, M.D., discuss why the colonoscopy is still their preferred first-line screening and polyp removal method, while newer at-home screening methods are useful in regions with limited access to care. The doctors discuss advancements in A.I. that they use to improve the detection of polyps during a colonoscopy. Learn more about a local partnership to provide free colonoscopies to residents despite insurance status or other barriers.

As the prevalence of diabetes increases, so does the variety of treatment and management tools available to endocrinologists. Alexandra Dodd, M.D., an endocrinologist, discusses advancements including continuous glucose monitoring, new types of long-acting insulin, and medicines that help patients control both blood sugar and weight. She describes the common health conditions that result from advanced diabetes and the corresponding specialists she works with to treat those.

Molecular diagnostics teams help physicians implement precision medicine that results in better outcomes for patients with a variety of conditions. Craig Mackinnon, M.D., director of the Division of Genomics Diagnostics and Bioinformatics, discusses how molecular pathologists work hand-in-hand with oncologists and pathologists to develop treatment strategies from patients’ molecular profiles (i.e., identifying meaningful mutations). Learn how in-house molecular diagnostics labs allow institutions to deliver care more efficiently.

Exercise is a medicine that many people neglect, even more so if they have a physical disability: 50% of those with a physical disability do not exercise regularly. Johan Latorre, MD, a specialist in sports medicine and former collegiate wheelchair tennis coach, shares the myriad benefits of adaptive sports – those sports made accessible to people with physical disabilities. He discusses some common inherited and acquired disabilities and the pathways for helping patients with those conditions find their sport.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is one of the common forms of interstitial lung disease (those that affect the tissues between airways); it results in scarring and fibroblasts. Early diagnosis is critical to the management of this dangerous condition. Carla Copeland, MD, explains the challenge of diagnosing IPF due to its generic symptoms, which usually indicate more common breathing issues. She discusses recent innovations in how CT scans are categorized to better diagnose IPF and to help recommend patients for biopsies. Learn why Dr. Copeland works with a multidisciplinary discussion team (MDT) to diagnose this condition accurately and to begin treatment as soon as possible.

Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare genetic disease that results in severe sinus and pulmonary infections and is particularly difficult to treat; however, as George Solomon, MD, explains, researchers have recently made important steps in understanding and treating PCD. He explains the critical link they have established between genotype and phenotype of observed PCD cases, which will lead to genetic-based therapies in the future. Equally important, he says, are the strides made in treating symptoms PCD that can help patients right now: UAB is currently conducting clinical trials exploring treatments that help patients clear mucus from their lungs in order to limit damage throughout the body.

Even for those diagnosed with a seizure disorder (e.g., epilepsy), seizure events are unpredictable and dangerous; worse still, they often occur in clusters. Adeel Ilyas, MD, discusses his new research paper that demonstrates how seizure clusters may be predicted based on brain activity. He describes the methods his team used to refine a definition for seizure clusters and to develop an algorithm for predicting them in the pilot study. Learn more about the promising implications of this groundbreaking work for treatment and patient quality of life.

Hematologic cancer patients have the benefit of many new oral medications to manage their conditions; however, those medications may create or worsen cardiovascular comorbidities. Nurse Practitioners Courtney Estes (Cardio-Oncology Program) and Ellen Lazarre (Hematology Oncology Division) discuss the balancing act of managing risks while attacking cancer, which is only possible with an interdisciplinary team. They discuss the most common cardiovascular comorbidities (e.g., AFib, hypertension) and alternative treatments that may address them without interfering with effective cancer treatments.

Around 3 million Americans suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Daniel Chu, MD, a colorectal surgeon, and Kirk Russ, MD, a gastroenterologist, discuss the trends in occurrence, diagnosis, and treatment of IBD (including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis). Dr. Russ emphasizes that biologic and small molecule medicinal options have changed the approach of specialists. Meanwhile, Dr. Chu explains that surgeons have begun to focus on patient recovery and using minimally invasive techniques. As their understanding of the complex disease has increased and the treatment options available have expanded, the doctors agree that psychologists and nutritionists are an important part of their interdisciplinary colorectal team.

Any injury or illness that affects the spinal cord can cause spasticity, an increase in muscle stiffness that can lead to immobility. Bobby Brunner, M.D., discusses some common disorders that result in spasticity and the wide spectrum of its severity. He walks us through the considerations a physiatrist would make in determining how to address spasticity. Dr. Brunner discusses a progression of treatment options for spasticity: physical therapy, injection therapies, pump system implantation, and surgery.

Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) is a severe form of peripheral arterial disease that results in constant pain, usually in the extremities. Danielle Sutzko, MD, program director for the Vascular Surgery Residency at UAB, discusses the importance of classifying claudication (arterial pain) along a spectrum and treating it appropriately.

Many patients with mild peripheral arterial disease may simply manage their condition with cholesterol agents, smoking cessation, and exercise programs – if the condition is identified early and monitored accurately. She explains the factors that determine the type of interventions for those with CLTI. She also discusses how new research works to include vulnerable populations in broad treatment guidelines for peripheral arterial disease.

Patients present with facial pain for a whole host of reasons. One of the most widely known facial pain diagnosis is trigeminal neuralgia, but a whole host of other diagnosis must be considered as treatment is driven by diagnosis. In this podcast, Marshall Holland MD talks about the approach to a facial pain patient, neurosurgical options for different facial pain syndromes, the importance of listening to the patient’s story fully, and the need for good relationships with other providers that may be called upon for the treatment of the patient

Vascular malformations in the face are lesions with potential psychosocial and functional consequences to the patient. Jesse Jones, MD—an interventional neuroradiologist—and Anthony Morlandt, MD, DDS, FACS—an  oral and maxillofacial surgeon—discuss their interdisciplinary approach to diagnosing and treating these complex lesions. They highlight the importance of accounting for and controlling blood flow in a vascular malformation during surgery to preserve facial function and appearance.

Three in 10 teens will become pregnant before they are 20 years old. Amy Boone, MD, a specialist in pediatric and adolescent gynecology, discusses the multifaceted topics of teen sexual health, including pregnancies and STI infections, digital influences on teens, access to contraceptives, and public policy on sex education. She discusses statistical trends and how those trends relate to what we now know about effective sex education. Boone shares expertise in navigating the provider-patient relationship with teens and gives advice for balancing assurances of confidentiality while encouraging open communication between teens and their parents when practical.

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a life-threatening arrhythmia that requires a comprehensive treatment approach unique to a patient’s comorbidities and heart condition. As electrophysiologist William Maddox, MD, explains, patients with a structurally normal heart can often manage VT with various medications, while those with myopathies also require defibrillator (ICD) implantation and catheter ablation. He explains the advances in catheter ablation technology that have resulted in success rates as high as 90%, depending on the patient’s substrate metabolism. Research has shown that early referral for catheter ablation reduces a patient’s number of ICD shocks and improves outcomes.

Women who exercise during pregnancy have better outcomes for prenatal and neonatal health, but ACOG exercise guidelines can be confusing for patients who either have not previously exercised or have high-risk conditions. Sara Gould, MD, and Chase Cawyer, MD, discuss the UAB Exercise in Pregnancy Clinic, which guides women through healthy exercise regimens with appropriate intensities informed by ultrasound technology. Learn more about how the multidisciplinary clinic, as well as the doctors own research, reduces women’s hesitancy to stay active or become active, safely, during pregnancy.

Surgery has often been known as the ‘neglected stepchild of global health,’ says Lily Gutnik, MD, during this primer on the emergence of academic global surgery. The field of global academic surgery has only begun to cohere over the past 6-to 7 years in order to address the diverse needs that stand in the way of access to surgical care across the world. She explains the challenges of collecting meaningful data in such a cross-cutting field. Because the organization of health care varies greatly by region, Gutnik recommends a collaborative approach that begins with listening and understanding the needs of local administrators and providers.

Gynecologic care evolves with patients throughout their lives and depending on risk factors. Ashley Wright, MD, provides an overview of the turning points in routine care by age range. She discusses the major changes in recommendations over the past decade for cervical and breast cancer screening—which depends more on genetic testing than before. Learn more about why the provider-patient relationship in gynecology is uniquely personalized.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and the second most common malignancy in both men and women. Aline Zouk, MD, explains that many of these deaths are preventable via early low-dose CT scan screening among smokers and early-stage treatment. Because survival rates increase dramatically with earlier detection, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has updated its guidelines for screening—now, around 14 million Americans are recommended to receive yearly screenings. Dr. Zouk explains how the guidelines account for pack-years and age. The challenge for physicians, notes Zouk, is to encourage screening for patients before they exhibit any symptoms.

Women living in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) diagnosed with breast cancer are more than four times as likely to die from the disease (48% mortality rate) as women from wealthier countries. Lily Gutnik, MD, explains the interrelated factors—biological, social, and systemic—that lead to later diagnoses and worse outcomes for breast cancer in SSA. She shares her own research experiences in Malawi that explored ways to make screening and detection more likely, such as training laypersons in low-resource areas to conduct clinical breast exams.

Spinal vascular lesions are rare yet treatable. Good patient outcomes depend on quick recognition of stepwise symptoms and referral to specialists who can use advanced imaging and other tests. That is where Jesse Jones, MD, and Will Meador, MD, come in, with the most advanced diagnostic, treatment, and recovery techniques in neurosurgery. They discuss the pathologies of vascular lesions and closely related disorders, as well as the relative severity of these diagnoses. After explaining diagnostic methods, from simplest to most complex (i.e., spinal angiogram) methods, they describe surgical and endovascular approaches to treatment. Learn more about the urgency of treating these often-complex diagnoses and the recovery outlooks for patients who receive them.

Anthony Morlandt, MD, DDS, FACS discusses what makes oral and head and neck cancer unique. He shares what signs and symptoms of oral cancer should concern a provider, the types of treatment options that are available for oral cancer patients and how medicine and dentistry has changed in recent years to improve outcomes and help patients live longer, better lives. 

Hip arthroscopy is a relatively new and expanding field to treat hip impingement and groin pain in young active individuals. The hip labrum can tear, causing significant pinching pain with deep flexion, prolonged running, or prolonged sitting. Aaron Casp, MD discusses the goal to intervene before degenerative changes and hip arthritis begin set in, and prolong the health of the joint.

Rotator cuff tears are painful and limiting for patients; larger tears have had poor outcomes in general and have often been deemed irreparable. But a new procedure using a subacromial balloon spacer offers hope to patients with large tears, a way of relieving their pain and restoring range of motion—and without the tissue grafts of capsular reconstruction. Amit Momaya, MD; Aaron Casp, MD; and Eugene W. Brabston, III, MD, of the UAB Medicine Sports Medicine program, have led research and early implementation of this procedure. They discuss the function of a biocompatible, saline-filled balloon in keeping the humeral head centered during shoulder movements, explore possible explanations for why this procedure is so effective, and explain its advantages for recovery. Find out which of your patients may now have an option for restoring shoulder mobility.

Dental implants (or their absence) change an oral cancer patient’s quality of life forever—socially, psychologically, and nutritionally. Michael Kase, DMD, and Anthony Morlandt, MD, DDS, FACS, discuss the complexity of modern titanium implants and the special coordination that goes into successful implants for an oral cancer patient. Learn how the comprehensive care model has changed the perception of dental implants, from an afterthought to now being considered a standard of the oral cancer treatment plan.

Thyroid disease is one of the most common found in general practice, though many people never know they have it. For primary care physicians, keeping your patient’s condition manageable is often as simple as doing the right blood work, that is, a TSH level test, and knowing when to make a referral. Endocrinologist Richard Rosenthal, MD, discusses the steps of diagnosing and treating both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Join him to learn more about identifying nodules, the proper use of different imaging techniques, common medications, surgical options, and special considerations for pregnant women with thyroid disease.

Due to its two-dimensional (2D) nature and the high radiation exposure associated with its use, fluoroscopy is an imperfect solution to endovascular surgery’s need for intraoperative imaging. Adam Beck, MD discusses non-fluoroscopic imaging for endovascular surgery

Due to advances in anesthesiology, pain management, and physical therapy, total joint replacement is becoming popular as an outpatient surgery. Scott Mabry, MD, explains these interdisciplinary improvements that have made same-day total joint replacement preferable for many patients. Learn about the importance of proper patient selection, the kind of team that successfully coordinates this outpatient procedure, and how your patients might benefit.

Hitesh Batra, MD, discusses how UAB Medicine is the first in the state to use the Intuitive robotic bronchoscopy system. Batra shares the limitations of traditional bronchoscopy and how robotic bronchoscopy has changed the landscape for detection of lung nodules.

Douglas Anderson MD discusses how UAB is expanding the pancreas transplant program so more type 2 diabetes patients have access to this option. He shares how results have been very good in a select group of candidates and how it will improve the patient journey and patient outcomes.

Michael Wiederman, PhD discusses the psychology of vaccine hesitancy and how to beat compassion fatigue. He shares some reasons for vaccine refusal or hesitancy, from a psychological perspective, some biases we hold and how these biases play into hesitancy.

He offers his advice and specific tips for these difficult conversations for providers who want to talk with vaccine-hesitant patients or who are fighting compassion fatigue.

Jessica Fazendin MD, Brenessa Lindeman, MD and John Porterfield, MD give us an update on hyperthyroidism and the latest treatment options available at UAB Medicine

Brenessa Lindeman, MD, John Porterfield, Jr., MD and Jessica Fazendin MD offer an update in adrenal evaluation and treatment, as adrenal nodules are being increasingly identified on imaging studies obtained for other reasons. They describe how all identified adrenal nodules should be evaluated to determine whether they lead to over-production of hormones or might harbor a malignancy such as adrenocortical carcinoma. Listen for the latest updates and to find out more about what to do if a nodule is found, including when surgery might be indicated.

Claire McDonald MS, MPH, CGC discusses the main types of genetic testing in oncology. She shares somatic/tumor testing for treatment versus germline testing for hereditary cancer risk. She examines the question of whether people should consider direct-to-consumer testing if they are concerned about hereditary cancer risk and how the field of cancer genetics and genetic counseling is evolving.

Jesse Jones MD and Theresa Caridi MD discuss hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. In this physician round table, they explore diagnosis and treatment of this genetic disease that can result in nosebleeds, breathing difficulties, and stroke.

In this panel, Adam Beck M.D.and Kyle Eudailey M.D discuss ascending aortic arch repair & endovascular treatments at UAB Medicine. They share details of complex aortic surgery, endovascular and interventional techniques, and the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach for managing these challenging patients.

Kathryn Lalor M.D. discuss the inequalities and disparities in pediatric epilepsy. She shares the factors contributing to health care disparities in children with epilepsy and the things that we can do on a systems level to try to rectify these disparities.

As myopia cases are on the rise, researchers are trying to find ways to prevent and slow the progression of myopia through cutting-edge technology,

Elise Agostinelli OD discusses myopia control and the current treatments available.

In part 1 of this series on skull based surgery, Winfield Fisher MD and Erika Walsh MD lead a discussion of the complexity of lateral skull base surgery and the benefit of a team approach. Including discussion of disease processes treated, types of preoperative evaluations, surgical techniques and referral process

Monisha Goyal MD discusses pediatric epilepsy syndromes. She examines the difference between benign & catastrophic epilepsy syndromes and she shares the role of genetic testing in for these conditions. She offers the latest treatment options available and when it is important to refer to the experts at UAB Medicine.

Nathaniel Robin MD, FACMG discusses the indications for a genetics referral and what type of patients can be seen by the specialists at UAB Medicine. He shares the benefits of a genetic evaluation, the different types of genetics testing and some of the exciting future directions for genetics.

Cancer treatment can be lifesaving, but it can also impact a patient’s future fertility. Sukhkamal Campbell, M.D., director of Fertility Preservation Services at UAB Medicine, discusses why early fertility preservation conversations are critical for patients of all ages. She reviews current and emerging preservation options, the oncologist’s role in initiating these discussions, considerations for pediatric and adult patients, and how a multidisciplinary approach can reduce regret and improve long-term quality of life for cancer survivors.

Lung transplantation for patients with interstitial lung disease including Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Connective Tissue Disease.

Victoria Rusanov MD discusses lung transplantation for patients with interstitial lung disease including Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Connective Tissue Disease. She shares the importance of objectively assessing clinical decline and early referrals to transplant center. She offers information on the management of the patient during a flare and advanced life support like ECLS as bridge to transplant.

Mark Hadley MD highlights a comprehensive and compassionate approach to patient evaluation and assessment of patients with spinal disorders. He offers his thoughts on aggressive medical management as many won't need surgery and what that might include with an emphasis on follow-up with a variety of imaging.

Chronic pain is relatively common after groin hernia surgery, and can affect up to 10% of patients following repair. Abhisek Parmar MD discusses how physicians manage chronic pain following surgery, the multimodal treatment options available at UAB Medicine and why it is so important for physicians to pay special attention to the amount of opioid medications they are prescribing patients.

Marissa Locy OD, Dawn DeCarlo OD and Jason Vice MS, OTR/L, SCLV discuss low-vision awareness month. They share some of the challenges patients have faced, how delays getting patients in for treatment can impact their vision and how mental health and depression within the low vision population has increased during the pandemic.

Sam Windham, III, MD discusses catastrophic brain injury guidelines & organ donor management. He shares what has been instrumental in increasing organ recovery rates at Legacy of Hope, directly impacting the number of transplants UAB Medicine has been able to perform.

Chas Peyton MD discusses testicular cancer. He explains testicular cancer staging after orchiectomy and the most common sites for metastasis of testicular cancer. He examines the role of chemotherapy and surgery for testicular cancer and new developments in the detection or treatment of testicular cancer available at UAB Medicine.

Sean Hollis PhD discusses concussion and mild TBI. He shares the frequency of post-concussion syndrome, what factors may play a role in symptom presentation and recovery and why it is important to educate patients and set expectations for recover.

Thersa Caridi, MD and Salei Aiaksei, MD discuss prostate artery embolization. They examine this as an alternative to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). They share the criteria for careful patient selection and the advantages and challenges of this procedure.

Kevin Williams MD Knee Pain in Adolescents. He shares how in the adolescent knee pain can range from simple issues such as apophysitis, abnormal synovial folds, or ligament sprains, to internal derangements such as meniscal tears, ligament tears, or even serious hip problems. In this podcast he explores the various possible etiologies of knee pain and briefly reviews causes and treatment for some of the more common problems

Jesse Jones MD, Mark Harrigan MD and Elizabeth Liptrap MD discuss the latest treatment options for intracranial aneurysms. They share diagnostic criteria, important factors to be considered when deciding whether to repair an unruptured intracranial aneurysm and when to refer to the specialists at UAB Medicine.

Meagan Gray, MD, and Robert Cannon, MD discuss early liver transplant for severe acute alcoholic hepatitis. They share the data behind early liver transplant for severe acute alcoholic hepatitis, including selection criteria, patient and graft survival, and addiction medicine support.

Brandon Rocque MD, Betsy Hopson MSHA and Jeffrey Blount MD discuss transitional and adult care in Spina Bifida. They share some of the challenges teens and young adults face when transitioning to adult health care, why it is important to have a coordinated transition of care plan for these patients and some of the perceptions and best practices for the care of adult spina bifida patients.

Brandon Rocque MD, Erin Ransom MD and  Drew Davis MD discuss the  Multi-disciplinary brachial plexus/peripheral nerve program at UAB Medicine. This UAB-COA team approach offers the best care for children with brachial plexus and peripheral nerve disorders. They discuss their approach and how it can benefit patients.

Mindfulness practices have been shown to result in multiple benefits, including stress reduction and increased well-being. A common myth is that practicing mindfulness equates to formal meditation.

In this episode Michael Wiederman, PhD, explains mindfulness, its benefits, and how to incorporate practice into one's daily routine.

Until recently, patients with HIV were ineligible to receive a liver transplant.  Robert Cannon, MD discusses how new breakthroughs in antiretroviral drugs can give HIV patients the ability to manage and live with the virus. The success of this breakthrough has created a new pathway for HIV-positive patients to receive life-saving organ transplants.

Herbert Chen, MD discusses what UAB is doing to make operating rooms safe during COVID-19. He tells us the current recommendations regarding CMS adult elective surgery and procedures, PPE initiatives and how they are assessing the risk of aerosol spread during intubation. He shares how they are minimizing exposure during intubation and how the dedicated PACU Spots ORs and pathways are determined.

Jeffrey Simmons MD discusses perioperative medicine and specifically preoperative optimization.

He shares best practices and the several modifiable preoperative conditions that if improved upon increase a patients chance of having a better outcome. He shares how UAB is equipped to manage preoperative optimization.

Anthony Morlandt, MD, DDS, FACS discusses the challenges of delicate facial reconstruction after oral cancers and how Transoral Minimally Invasive Microsurgical Facial Reconstruction can assist physicians and improve outcomes and quality of life for the daily lives of patients.

Anthony Morlandt, MD, DDS, FACS discusses the latest technology and advancements in oral oncology.

Anthony Morlandt, MD, DDS, FACS examines the trends & oral cancer survival in Alabama and how the experts at UAB Medicine are raising awareness and making strides in the treatment or oral cancers.

Hernias represent extremely common surgical problems but the minimally invasive treatment of hernias is relatively new. In this podcast Abhisek Parmar, MD discusses the benefits of minimally invasive surgery including the application to inguinal, hiatal, and large abdominal wall hernias that require complex abdominal wall reconstruction.

Recent work has uncovered important links between activation of the immune system and the progression of Parkinson's Disease. UAB is launching a new NIH funded Center which seeks to define the specific immune mechanisms involved, and develop new treatments to slow or stop the advance of the disease.

David Standaert, MD, PhD is here to discuss the role of the immune system in the development and management of Parkinson's disease.

Sweat is a function of the small peripheral nerves that is under complex control from multiple systems including the central nervous system and the endocrine glands.

Mohammed Kazamel, MD examines TST as an important tool in assessing the entire pathway that controls sweat functions to see that different patterns of sweat or lack of sweat helps to delineate the diagnosis in a variety of central and peripheral nervous system disorders.

Approximately 800,000 patients suffer a stroke each year in the United States, and Alabama has one of the highest stroke rates in the country. Unfortunately, only 30% of stroke survivors receive any outpatient stroke rehabilitation, which results in suboptimal recovery.

Chen Lin, MD, examines how The Stroke Recovery Clinic at UAB hopes to address this serious issue. With an array of therapists including speech, occupational, and physical therapy along with neuropsychology and social work, patients will be evaluated by multiple important services all in one visit. In addition, the clinic will be focused on improving quality of care and outcomes after stroke.

Management of patients with Central Airway Obstruction can be difficult, but new therapeutic and diagnostic tools are now available that are beneficial to most patients and almost all airway obstruction can be relieved expeditiously.

Hitesh Batra, MD examines how the most comprehensive approach to treatment is offered at UAB and that the management of complex airway disorders is enhanced by the availability of highly advanced endoscopic and surgical options.

James Davies Jr., MD, director of the UAB Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, is the first surgeon in the Southeast to implant the new Edwards Inspiris heart valve.

He joins the podcast to discuss how since it was developed for patients with aortic valve disease, the Inspiris valve is made of specially treated bovine tissue that may help it last longer and has an expandable frame to allow future valve-in-valve procedures.

After UAB’s first ERAS surgery in 2015, the health system saw improvements in lengths of stay and pain scores for colorectal surgery patients. The initiative won a UAB Health System Innovation Award in 2016, and the positive results have prompted other surgical service lines to begin coordinating their own ERAS pathways. UAB aims to grow the success of its ERAS program through a new partnership.

Daniel I. Chu MD discusses how UAB Medicine has partnered with SeamlessMD, becoming the first health system in Alabama to leverage patient engagement technology to improve patients’ recovery from major surgery.

Vasectomy can sometimes, but not always, be reversed. Reversal is a more complex operation with greater success rates if performed less than 10 years after the original surgery.

Peter Kolettis, MD discusses the certain criteria in which vasectomy reversal is possible and when to refer to the specialists at UAB Medicine.

Our parathyroid glands usually do a great job of controlling our body’s calcium levels, but one or more can begin to hyperfunction and lead to high levels of calcium in the blood.

Herbert Chen, MD, discusses who is most at risk for parathyroid disease, the associated symptoms, how to treat it, and when to refer to the specialists at UAB Medicine.

UAB’s Histocompatibility Lab is one of approximately 200 such laboratories in the United States, and the only one in Alabama. The lab tests and monitors every solid organ, bone marrow and stem cell transplant patient from Children’s of Alabama, the Birmingham VA Medical Center and UAB. The lab performs testing on every recipient after transplant to monitor for rejection. Prior to transplant, the technologists in the lab run pre-transplant risk assessment for patients and donors to test for compatibility and make sure there are no problems with early rejection.

In this fascinating segment, Vera Hauptfeld PhD, and Zhuo Tao MD, discuss the exciting work being done at the Histocompatability Lab at UAB and when to refer to this specialized Lab.

As central Alabama's premier comprehensive vein center, the UAB Vein Clinic provides state-of-the-art cosmetic, minimally invasive, and surgical treatments for vein conditions and diseases. Our specialty-trained surgeons and physicians are leaders in their field and have excellent track records in treating some of the most complex vascular cases.

In this segment, Clinic Director Marc Passman, MD, discusses the latest in minimally invasive treatments for venous disease available at UAB Medicine and when to refer to a specialist. For providers looking to refer their patients for spider or varicose veins or more complex vein problems, the UAB Vein Clinic offers comprehensive evaluation, the most advanced procedures, and compassionate care.

Adoptive cell transfer (ACT) is an emerging approach to immunotherapy by which patients' own immune cells are collected and used to treat their cancer. There are several types of ACT, but the one that seems to be closest to producing an FDA-approved treatment is chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy.

Leading this panel discussion regarding the risks and benefits of CAR T-cell therapy are UAB Medicine hematology/oncology physicians Amitkumar N. Mehta, MD, and Luciano J. Costa, MD.

UAB Sports Medicine specializes in evaluating, managing, rehabilitating, and preventing the injuries and physical problems that are common among athletes of all ages. From the weekend warrior to the professional athlete, physicians at UAB Sports Medicine provide care designed to enable patients to return to their active lifestyles safely and as soon as possible. The clinic is comprised of physicians, care coordinators, certified athletic trainers, physical therapists, radiologists, and a certified pedorthist, all of whom work together closely to treat athletes in a comprehensive fashion.

In this segment, Amit Mukesh Momaya, MD, joins the show to discuss the broad range of services designed to treat sports medicine injuries and when to refer to a specialist at UAB Medicine.

The UAB Medicine Breast Cancer Survivorship Program offers specialized follow-up care focused on the unique needs of breast cancer patients. The goal of the program is to help each survivor stay as healthy as possible and to prevent problems from happening or catch them early, when they are most easily treat.

In this segment Smita Bhatia, MD, discusses breast cancer survivorship, the future of cancer survivorship and how UAB is leading the way in care and research.

The UAB Interventional Pulmonology program, the first and only such program in Alabama, offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to a wide range of pulmonary and pleural diseases.

In this segment, Hitesh Batra, MD, discusses the only program in Alabama with the expertise to perform the full range of Interventional Pulmonology procedures, including Medical Thoracoscopy.

Autonomic function testing is the category of electrodiagnostic and clinical neurophysiology testing that is employed in the evaluation of sympathetic and parasympathetic neural pathways. Examining the integrity of these pathways is necessary in objectively evaluating many neurologic and cardiac conditions like orthostatic hypotension, recurrent syncopal episodes, and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Neurologists often time need to evaluate the functions of the thinly myelinated and non-myelinated small nerve fibers. These population of fibers cannot be assessed by routine nerve conduction studies or electromyography. The presence of autonomic dysfunction is a key criterion for the diagnosis of a life threatening condition like multiple system atrophy that distinguishes it from other more benign parkinsonian syndromes.

Listen in as Mohamed Kazamel, MD, discusses the new autonomic function testing offered at UAB and why it is important for a differential diagnoses.