In this conversation, Amanda and Dr. Abbasi delve into the complexities of the nervous system, exploring its connection to stress, the biological impact of proteins, and the effects of chronic stress on human health. They discuss the role of the GI tract's nervous system, the science behind laughter therapy, and the importance of nature in regulating our nervous system. The conversation also touches on the evolutionary perspective of stress relief, the biological basis of anger, and the consequences of a dysregulated nervous system. Finally, they emphasize the need for conscious regulation and new experiences to maintain a healthy nervous system.

Nervous System - Essence of Science

Dr. Abbasi and Amanda delve into the topic of anemia, exploring its origins, definitions, and the biological mechanisms behind it. They discuss the role of iron and red blood cells in the body, the implications of a vegetarian diet on iron levels, and the various causes and symptoms of anemia. The conversation also covers treatment options, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual health needs and the body's ability to adapt to chronic low hemoglobin levels.

ANEMIA - Essence of Medicine

Dr. Abbasi and Amanda delve into the fascinating world of pollination, focusing on the critical role of bees in our ecosystem. They discuss personal anecdotes related to bees and pollination, the co-evolution of flowers and bees, and the importance of pollination in food production. The conversation also touches on the consequences of monoculture, the mutual benefits between pollinators and plants, and the interconnectedness of life. The episode concludes with insights into the craftiness of bees and their products.

Pollination - Essence of Science

This conversation explores the multifaceted aspects of life in Iran, focusing on demographics, education, women's roles, cultural identity, and the impact of the Islamic Revolution. The discussion highlights the resilience of the Iranian people, their national pride, and the challenges they face, particularly regarding women's rights and education. It also addresses the Iranian diaspora and the potential for future growth and development in Iran, emphasizing the importance of separating the government from the people in understanding the true essence of Iranian culture.

LIFE IN IRAN - Essence of LIfe

Join us as we discuss various medical myths and facts, ranging from the effects of air conditioning on colds to the necessity of sunscreen on cloudy days. Explore common misconceptions about mosquito bites, hydration, tanning, and the safety of natural versus organic sunscreens. The conversation is both informative and entertaining, providing listeners with valuable insights into health and wellness.

Medical Myth or Fact - Essence of Medicine

In this episode, Dr. Abbasi and Amanda delve into the fascinating world of penguins. They explore various aspects of penguin life, including their social behaviors, mating rituals, parenting techniques, feeding adaptations, and emotional bonds. The conversation highlights the unique characteristics of penguins, their survival strategies in harsh environments, and their playful nature, while also addressing misconceptions about their behavior and habitat.

Penguins - Essence of Science

This conversation explores the multifaceted significance of ice, from its cultural importance and historical refrigeration techniques to its impact on food preservation and societal development. The discussion highlights how ice has shaped civilizations, influenced population growth, and continues to be a valued resource in modern life.

The Science of Ice - Essence of Science

In this conversation, Amanda shares her experiences and insights on gardening, discussing the joys and challenges of growing plants, the impact of wildlife, and the importance of understanding soil and plant needs. She explores budget gardening techniques, the benefits of heirloom seeds, and innovative methods like hydroponics. The discussion also highlights companion gardening practices inspired by Native American traditions and emphasizes the significance of biodiversity and sustainable practices in gardening.

Garden - Essence of Life

In this episode, Dr. Abbasi sits down with Dr. Devashi Sharma, an orthopedic spine surgeon from India, for a candid conversation about the realities of their profession. They explore the high prevalence of spine problems, the different training pathways for surgeons, and the public's perception of spine surgery.

Dr. Sharma and Dr. Abbasi discuss the "taboo" surrounding spine surgery in many cultures, often fueled by fear of paralysis and stories of poor outcomes from decades past. They contrast this with modern advancements and the importance of meticulous patient selection for successful surgeries. Both surgeons share deeply personal stories from their careers—from a miraculous sixth surgery that finally relieved a patient's pain to a life-changing procedure on a morbidly obese man who had been told to lose weight first. They also touch on the tragic cases and complications that weigh heavily on a surgeon's conscience. The episode concludes with a raw look at the high-pressure environment of the operating room, analyzing a viral video of a surgeon's outburst and discussing why clear, direct communication is critical when a patient's life is at stake.

Key Takeaways
Spine problems are almost universal. As we age, the likelihood of developing a spine issue increases dramatically. By age 70, there's only a 1-2% chance of not having a spine problem.

A surgeon's experience matters more than their specialty. Whether a spine surgeon trained in orthopedics (focusing on bone) or neurosurgery (focusing on nerves), what's most important is their specific experience and high volume of success with the procedure you need.

Patient selection is the key to successful surgery. Many negative perceptions of spine surgery stem from procedures performed on patients who were not ideal candidates. A thorough evaluation to pinpoint the exact cause of pain is crucial for a good outcome.

Surgeons carry the weight of every outcome. While successful surgeries are rewarding, surgeons are often haunted by the cases where things went wrong. These experiences, though difficult, are critical for learning and improving.

The operating room is a high-stakes, high-stress environment. The OR requires intense focus and precision. Communication must be clear, direct, and efficient to ensure patient safety. What might seem like rudeness to an outsider is often a necessary protocol to prevent catastrophic errors in critical moments.

Fear of litigation can harm patients. An overly complex medical-legal system can make surgeons risk-averse, leading them to turn down high-risk patients who desperately need help. This can result in those patients suffering from other health consequences and a declining quality of life.

Stories from Spine Surgery - Essence of Medicine

Erosion of Care and Fairness. 

Disclaimer: This audio was generated using AI voice technology. The content is based on this research paper  "Focused Professional Practice Evaluation and the Weaponization of Anonymous Reporting: Erosion of Care and Fairness" by Dr. Hamid Abbasi and may have been adapted for clarity.

Focused Professional Practice Evaluation and the Weaponization of Anonymous Reporting

Dr. Abbasi explores the science behind rainbows, discussing the conditions necessary for their formation, the role of light and color, and the fascinating phenomena of double rainbows. The discussion delves into the physics of light, refraction, and reflection, as well as how our perception of color and vision works. The conversation concludes with insights into the nature of light and its interaction with different mediums.

The Rainbow - Essence of Science

Welcome to Essence Of! Here you will learn about medicine, science, history, and life, all by our favorite neurosurgeon, Dr. Hamid Abbasi.