Better Edge : A Northwestern Medicine podcast for physicians

In this episode of Better Edge, Channa A. Amarasekera, MD, dives into the creation of the Gay and Bisexual Men’s Urology Program at Northwestern Medicine – the first clinic of its kind. Dr. Amarasekera walks through identifying care gaps with gay and bisexual men, overcoming systematic barriers in LGBTQ+ focused clinics and the future of the Gay and Bisexual Men’s Urology Program at Northwestern Medicine.

In this Better Edge episode, Mohamed Al-Kazaz, MD, and Paul C. Cremer, MD, share insights on how the Northwestern Medicine Pericardial Disease Program at Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute offers comprehensive evaluations. This key offering helps uncover alternative treatment options for high-risk patients past the first-line treatments for acute and recurrent pericarditis. In addition, Dr. Al-Kazaz and Dr. Cremer weigh in on the prevalence of pericardial disease across the U.S. Dr. Al-Kazaz is chief of the section of General Cardiology, and Dr. Cremer is the director of Multi-modality Imaging, both at Northwestern Medicine.

In this episode of BetterEdge, geriatrician Alexandra Petrakos, MD, shares information about the Northwestern Medicine Geriatrics Home Care program.

This episode of Better Edge delves into the critical process of transitioning pediatric patients with complex needs to adult specialists. From continuity of care to setting expectations, a panel of experts shares valuable insights on this pivotal milestone. This episode’s guests are three physicians from Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital: • Anton Dietzen, MD, Pediatric Physiatrist and Rehabilitation Specialist • Mary Keen, MD, Pediatric Physiatrist and Rehabilitation Specialist • Larissa Pavone, MD, Pediatric Physiatrist and Program Director of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Program

Sanjiv J. Shah, MD, and Robert F. Kushner, MD, join a thought-leader panel to share their insights on the connection between diabetes and heart disease, as well as using semaglutide medication for prevention. They discuss the outcomes of their recent clinical trial studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine, SELECT and STEP-HFpEF. These studies aimed to measure the effects of semaglutide in patients with obesity and pre-existing cardiovascular disease, and Dr. Kushner and Dr. Shah explain how the studies’ results complement each other and inform patient care. Dr. Shah is director of Research at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute and Dr. Kushner is professor of Endocrinology at Northwestern Medicine.

Patricia Vassallo, MD, Assistant Professor of Cardiology at Northwestern Medicine, highlights her research investigating the impact of socioeconomic status on readmission rates in patients undergoing acute type A aortic dissection repair. Dr. Vassallo, medical director of Code Aorta, discusses this program, which aims to provide expedited surgical care to patients with life-threatening aortic emergencies.

In this episode of Better Edge, Borna Bonakdarpour, MD, associate professor of Neurology at Northwestern Medicine, discusses the highlights from the 2024 American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting. Several sessions stood out during the meeting, providing valuable insights and spotlighting advances in the field of neurology. Dr. Bonakdarpour discusses leveraging the learnings from the meeting by incorporating the latest research and treatment approaches into patient care.

In this episode of Better Edge, neurologist Danny Bega, MD, and hepatologist Amanda Cheung, MD, from Northwestern Medicine, explore the multifaceted aspects of Wilson disease. They discuss diagnostic challenges and innovative approaches to management. They also highlight the collaborative efforts at the Northwestern Medicine Wilson Disease Clinic and the latest research that is shaping the future of care for this rare condition.

In this episode of Better Edge, Cody L. Nathan, MD, and Stephen A. VanHaerents, MD, of the Northwestern Medicine First Seizure Clinic, delve into the complexities of first-time seizure management. They share their cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment approaches, success stories, and visionary strategies for advancing the field.

In this episode of Parts and Labor, join Angela Chaudhari, MD, chief of Gynecology and Gynecologic Surgery at Northwestern Medicine, and a panel of maternal-fetal medicine physicians from Northwestern Medicine. From referral criteria to effective collaboration with other disciplines, Dr. Chaudhari and her guests dive deep into the world of maternal-fetal medicine and the complexities of high-risk pregnancies. This episode’s panel of guests include: • Kathleen A. Drexler, MD, Assistant Professor of Maternal-Fetal Medicine • LaTasha D. Nelson, MD, MS, Co-director of Northwestern Medicine Placental Accreta Program and Maternal-Fetal Medicine Physician • Bethany T. Stetson, MD, Chief of Obstetrics and Associate Program Director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine

(Yu) Jenny Zhang, MD, assistant professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Northwestern Medicine, discusses the Northwestern Medicine Recovery from Early Psychosis Program (REPP), an initiative for patients 18 to 26 years old who have symptoms of psychosis that significantly impede their ability to lead fulfilling lives. Led by a collaborative team and centered around a ‘whole person’ approach, REPP goes beyond medication management by emphasizing functional assessments, therapy groups and peer support specialists. REPP empowers patients by fostering personal connections, promoting social reconnection and providing resiliency training. As it continues to evolve, the program remains committed to early intervention and comprehensive care to help young adults redefine their experiences and pursue fulfilling lives. Get more information about REPP, or call the program intake number at 312.695.5060.

David A. Ramirez, MD, assistant professor of Pediatric Ophthalmology at Northwestern Medicine, shares his personal journey as an LGBTQ+ physician in this Better Edge episode, highlighting the need for mentorship and support. He discusses the challenges he faced during his medical training and the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in the field of ophthalmology. Dr. Ramirez also delves into the specific eye care needs and concerns of LGBTQ+ patients. He emphasizes the lack of data and research in this area, and he explores the role of physician allies in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion.

Sarah E. Chuzi, MD, of Northwestern Medicine Cardiology, highlights the intersection between burnout, end-of-life issues and team engagement in cardiac care units. Dr. Chuzi offers suggestions on how to mitigate these issues and enhance team cohesion to create meaningful connections within the workspace that foster an environment of resilience for both patients and physicians.

In this episode of Better Edge, Kevin C. Welch, MD, professor of Otolaryngology -Head and Neck Surgery at Northwestern Medicine, delves into cutting-edge research and clinical developments within the field of rhinology for symptoms of chronic sinusitis. Dr. Welch provides a scholarly approach while bridging basic science with practical applications in patient care to discuss topics ranging from diagnosis and treatment of chronic sinusitis to the Northwestern Medicine Sinus and Allergy Center’s innovative multidisciplinary approach to rhinologic patient care.

A recent study from the Bass Lab has revealed how transcription factors within individual cells influence the identity and function of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, according to findings published in Cell Metabolism.

In this episode of Better Edge, Amy E. Krambeck, MD, chief of Endourology and Stone Disease and a professor of Urology at Northwestern Medicine, discusses her experience performing holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) procedures and the evolution of the procedure, including the influence of scope size. Dr. Krambeck explains the results of a study she conducted to assess whether scope size impacts patient outcomes, surgical outcomes or surgical satisfaction. The study found no significant difference in complications or outcomes between larger and smaller scopes, however, patients treated with smaller scopes were more likely to be able to go home the same day with their catheter removed.

In this episode of Better Edge, a Northwestern Medicine podcast for physicians, we are joined by Nirmala Gonsalves, MD, professor of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Northwestern Medicine. She delves into the world of eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders, discussing crucial aspects of diagnosis, treatment and patient care. Dr. Gonsalves shares her extensive experience and research in the field, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, and highlighting the exciting advances and clinical trials in the area.

In this episode of the Better Edge podcast, Douglas R. Johnston, MD, chief of Cardiac Surgery, and Jane E. Wilcox, MD, MSc, associate chief of Cardiology at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, discuss recent developments and innovations within cardiology and cardiac surgery. They go into detail about the latest technology, minimally invasive operations and services offered at Northwestern Medicine to improve patient access, care and outcomes.

In this episode, Better Edge hosts a thought-provoking panel discussion with distinguished Lurie Cancer Center oncologists John Hayes, MD, Sheetal Kircher, MD, and renowned colorectal surgeon, Vitaliy Poylin, MD, on organ preservation approaches for rectal cancer. The conversation between these Northwestern Medicine experts delves into the evolution of treatment modalities, highlighting the shift from a one-size-fits-all approach to a more nuanced, patient-specific strategy. Their insights offer an insightful exploration of the balance between aggressive disease control and improved quality of life.

In this Better Edge podcast, Harris Perlman, PhD, and Arthur Mandelin, MD, PhD, of Northwestern Medicine Rheumatology, discuss their participation and findings from a study that used multi-modal single-cell RNA-sequencing coupled with histology of synovial tissue from 79 donors to build single-cell atlas of rheumatoid arthritis synovial tissue. Dr. Perlman and Dr. Mandelin discuss using the findings of this study to propose a bench to bedside, then back to bench plan to individualize treatments and therapies for patients with RA.