Can you teach an old drug new tricks? 

In this episode, we interview Dr. Nazish Sayed, an assistant professor in the Division of Vascular Surgery and the Cardiovascular Institute at Stanford University. Dr. Sayed has a unique role as a research faculty in the Department of Surgery and his expertise in vascular disease. We talk about the beneficial effects of statins on vascular function (in addition to their well-known cholesterol control function) and how statins can prevent cardiovascular diseases. Dr. Sayed et al published a paper in Nature Cardiovascular Research in May 2023 on statins at the molecular level (https://www.nature.com/articles/s44161-023-00267-1), and we discuss the challenges faced in getting the paper published (four years!). The episode concludes with a discussion of Dr. Joseph Wu, Dr. Joseph Woo, and Dr. Sayed's future research plans.

A Closer Look at Statins with Dr. Nazish Sayed

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

🩺 What You’ll Learn:
•	0:00 - Introduction: Meet Dr. Brooke Gurland
•	1:15 - Dr. Gurland's Journey: Her transition from general surgery to colorectal surgery
•	2:45 - Understanding Rectal Prolapse: Subtypes and prevalence among women
•	4:30 - The Role of the Pelvic Floor: Anatomy explained
•	6:00 - Treatment Options: Non-surgical interventions and surgical techniques
•	8:15 - Importance of Patient Education: Creating animated videos for better understanding
•	10:30 - Research and Leadership: Dr. Gurland’s role in the Pelvic Floor Disorders Consortium
•	12:45 - Mentorship and Mindfulness: Insights from her mentor and personal philosophy

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

🔗 For more information about Dr. Gurland’s work on Patient Education Videos, click here:
https://journals.lww.com/dcrjournal/fulltext/2024/08000/identifying_current_barriers_in_patient.15.aspx

🔗 For more information on the Pelvic Floor Disorders Consortium, click here:
https://fascrs.org/healthcare-providers/education/pelvic-floor-disorders-consortium

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


Understanding Pelvic Floor Health and Rectal Prolapse with Dr. Brooke Gurland

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

Revolutionizing Treatment for Short Bowel Syndrome with Dr. James Dunn

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

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

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


How to Navigate the Digital Health Ecosystem with Dr. Oliver Aalami

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

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

The OR Black Box and Improving Surgery with Dr. Teodor Grantcharov

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

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

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

Episode Highlights:
• Dr. Mohan's journey into plastic surgery
• The role of creativity and problem-solving in the specialty
• Insights into gender-affirming surgeries
• The importance of research and collaboration in advancing patient care

Produced by: Rachel Baker
Music by: Midnight Rounds
Chair: Dr. Mary Hawn

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


Pushing the Envelope of Reconstruction with Dr. Anita Mohan

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

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

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

Music by Midnight Rounds
Produced by Stanford University's Department of Surgery
Chair: Dr. Mary Hawn


Transplant Surgery and Global Health with Dr. Tom Pham

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

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

Key Topics:
•	Dr. Chang's path to becoming a surgeon and her experiences in healthcare
•	The significance of self-care and mental health awareness in high-pressure environments
•	The "Tell Us About It" campaign aimed at improving communication and support among surgical staff
•	Strategies for fostering empathy and understanding among healthcare professionals
•	Insights on peer support systems for surgeons after unexpected events
•	The importance of acknowledging and addressing wellness as a priority in the medical community

Navigating Dentistry and Wellness in Surgery with Dr. Crystal Chang

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

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

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

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:00 Dr. Forrester's journey to trauma surgery
05:00 The impact of personal experiences on his career
10:00 Lightning round: Surgeons he admires and best advice
15:00 Reflections on mentorship and opportunities
18:00 Closing thoughts


Advances in the Treatment of Chest Wall Injury with Dr. Joe Forrester

In this episode of Scrubcast, we sit down with Dr. Nick Leeper, Chief of Vascular Medicine at Stanford University, to explore his groundbreaking research in cardiovascular disease. 

Dr. Leeper shares his lab's unique "hypothesis-free" methodology, where they analyze the entire genome to uncover genetic variants associated with heart disease. Additionally, Dr. Leeper highlights his collaborations with experts outside the School of Medicine to develop treatments straight out of science fiction.  Read Leeper’s Article in Nature Communications: 
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11399336/

Throughout the episode, Dr. Leeper emphasizes the importance of perseverance in research, drawing inspiration from Drs. Norm Shumway and Ron Dalman.

Revolutionizing Vascular Health with Dr. Nick Leeper

In this episode of Scrubcast, we sit down with Dr. Arash Momeni, an associate professor at Stanford University’s Department of Surgery, to discuss the latest advancements in reconstructive microsurgery.  From his recent clinical trial—an anticoagulant head-to-head—to the integration of augmented reality (AR) technology in surgical practice, he is always looking for new ways to enhance precision, safety, and patient comfort. Dr. Momeni also provides a comprehensive overview of the emotional and logistical complexities faced by patients diagnosed with breast cancer, emphasizing the importance of empathy and education in the surgical process.

Additionally, Dr. Momeni discusses his unique path to Stanford (completing residency TWICE) and his experiences with the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgeons (ASRM) as the 2023 Godina Fellow and now Secretary.

PRSJournal video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfLv2vogk5A
Godina Lecture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_kPPUy7vLM
Clinical Trial: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40327806/


Empathy and Innovation in Microsurgery with Dr. Arash Momeni

The Department of Surgery at Stanford University

A Closer Look at Statins with Dr. Nazish Sayed

StanfordSurgery