Behind The Knife: The Surgery Podcast
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Clinical Challenges in Surgical Oncology: Melanoma
11 juni 2026 · 35 min
Join the Behind the Knife Surgical Oncology Team as we discuss clinical challenges through case-based examples including the diagnosis, workup, and management of patients with cutaneous melanoma. Lees meer
Learning Objectives:
In this episode, we review the workup and management of patients with cutaneous melanoma and both microscopic and macroscopic nodal disease.References used in the making of this episode:
Reijers, I.L.M., Menzies, A.M., van Akkooi, A.C.J. et al. Personalized response-directed surgery and adjuvant therapy after neoadjuvant ipilimumab and nivolumab in high-risk stage III melanoma: the PRADO trial. Nat Med 28, 1178–1188 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-022-01851-x
Christian U. Blank et al. Neoadjuvant nivolumab plus ipilimumab versus adjuvant nivolumab in macroscopic, resectable stage III melanoma: The phase 3 NADINA trial.. J Clin Oncol 42, LBA2-LBA2(2024). DOI:10.1200/JCO.2024.42.17_suppl.LBA2
Faries MB, Thompson JF, Cochran AJ, et al. Completion Dissection or Observation for Sentinel-Node Metastasis in Melanoma. N Engl J Med. 2017;376(23):2211-2222. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1613210 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28591523/
National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Cutaneous Melanoma. Version 1.2026. Accessed April 8, 2026. NCCN Guidelines PDF
Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.
If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listen
Behind the Knife Premium: https://behindtheknife.org/premium
Oral Board Review: https://behindtheknife.org/oral-board
Oral Board Simulator: https://behindtheknife.org/oral-board/simulator
General Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-review
Trauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlas
Dominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://be… -
Clinical Challenges in Vascular Surgery: Phlegmasia in Pregnancy
8 juni 2026 · 38 min
A 25-year-old pregnant woman presents with a 1-day history of progressive pain and swelling. The foot is cold, pulseless and neurologic function is deteriorating by the hour. Imaging shows a massive iliofemoral DVT. Now both the limb and the pregnancy are threatened. Do you anticoagulate, thrombolyse or operate? Join us as we break down the management and decision making behind this rare but devastating case. Lees meer
Hosts:
· Christian Hadeed -PGY 4 General Surgery, Brookdale Hospital Medical Center
· Paul Haser -Division Chief, Vascular Surgery, Brookdale Hospital Medical Center
· Andrew Harrington, Vascular surgery, Brookdale Hospital Medical Center
· Lucio Flores, Vascular surgery, Brookdale Hospital Medical CenterLearning objectives:
- Recognize the clinical presentation and pathophysiology of phlegmasia cerulea dolens
- Describe how pregnancy affects decision making in patients with phlegmasia and venous thromboembolic disease
- Discuss the goals of treatment for patients with DVT’s and identify when operative intervention is indicated
- Describe the sequelae of DVT’s and how this relates to post thrombotic syndrome
- Review the indications, risks, and limitations of anticoagulation, catheter-directed thrombolysis, thrombectomy, and fasciotomy in the management of DVT and phlegmasia.
- Explain the role of IVUS in managing venous thromboembolic disease and May Thurner syndromeReferences:
- Vedantham, S., Goldhaber, S. Z., Julian, J. A., Kahn, S. R., Jaff, M. R., Cohen, D. J., Magnuson, E., Razavi, M. K., Comerota, A. J., Gornik, H. L., Murphy, T. P., Lewis, L., Duncan, J. R., Nieters, P., Derfler, M. C., Filion, M., Gu, C.-S., Kee, S., Schneider, J., … Kearon, C. (2017). Pharmacomechanical catheter-directed thrombolysis for deep-vein thrombosis. New England Journal of Medicine, 377(23), 2240–2252. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1615066
- Gomes, M. S., Guimarães, M., & Montenegro, N. (2019). Thrombolysis in pregnancy: A literature review. Journal of Maternal-Fetal…
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Bad Day on Call: Live Case Discussion from ASGBI Conference
4 juni 2026 · 33 min
Get a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most anticipated sessions from the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland Annual Conference: “Bad Day on Call.” Lees meer
In this session, expert surgeons from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada work through challenging real-world acute care and trauma cases. As each case unfolds, the panel explores key decision points while highlighting both the similarities and differences in surgical management across healthcare systems.
This year’s panel featured an outstanding group of acute care and trauma surgeons, including Dr. Rob Lim, Dr. Courtney Collins, Dr. Michael Cripps, Dr. Caroline Reinke, Dr. Chris Schlachta, Mr. Christian Macutkiewicz, Mr. Adam Peckham-Cooper, Miss Kate Hancorn, and Mr. Dimitrios Damaskos.
Hope you enjoy this engaging discussion filled with practical insights and international perspectives!
Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.
If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listen
Behind the Knife Premium: https://behindtheknife.org/premium
Oral Board Review: https://behindtheknife.org/oral-board
Oral Board Simulator: https://behindtheknife.org/oral-board/simulator
General Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-review
Trauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlas
Dominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkship
Dominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotation
Vascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-review
Colorectal Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknif… -
Clinical Challenges in Emergency General Surgery: C Diff - When to Pull the Operative Trigger
1 juni 2026 · 33 min
It’s hospital day five. The patient looked better yesterday… but now she’s hypotensive, on vasopressors, acidotic, and spiraling toward multi-organ failure. The CT scan doesn’t show perforation or megacolon, but your gut tells you this is going south. Do you keep pushing medical therapy… or is it time to operate? Lees meer
Join Drs. Rushabh Dev, Jeffrey Coughenour, Kevin Bartow, Raymond Okeke, and Desra Fletcher from the Emergency General Surgery team in Tiger Country at Mizzou as they tackle one of the deadliest and most challenging diseases acute care surgeons face: fulminant Clostridioides difficile infection.
In this Clinical Challenges episode, the panel discusses diagnostic stewardship, ASCRS recommendations, timing of operative intervention and technique, subtotal colectomy versus diverting loop ileostomy with lavage, and physiology that should push surgeons toward definitive source control.
Through a real-world high-risk case vignette, the team explores the hardest question in emergency general surgery: when to stop hoping medical therapy will work and pull the operative trigger.
Hosts
Dr. Rushabh Dev FACS (Moderator, Surgical Attending) – Assistant Professor of Surgery, Associate PD ACS & SCCM Fellowship, SICU Medical Director, Lieutenant Commander United States Navy Reserve
Dr. Jeffery Coughenour FACS (Surgical Attending) – Professor of Surgery and Emergency Medicine, Trauma Medical Director at the University of Missouri SOM
Dr. Kevin Bartow FACS (Surgical Attending) –Professor of Surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgeon and General Surgery. Department of General Surgery at the University of Missouri SOM
Raymond Okeke – Acute Care Surgery/Surgical Critical Care Fellow, University of Missouri School of Medicine
Desra Fletcher – PGY 3 General Surgery Resident, University of Missouri School of Medicine
Learning Objectives
By the end of this episode, listeners should be able to:Define the spectrum of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), including non-severe…
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BIG T Trauma Ep. 28: Retained Ballistic Fragments: What We Were Never Taught
28 mei 2026 · 27 min
The majority of non-fatal gunshot wound survivors walk away with a bullet still inside them. Most are discharged without a removal attempt, without a surveillance plan, and without a conversation about what comes next. This episode fills that gap.
Dr. Patrick Georgoff is joined by BIG T co-host Dr. Teddy Puzio (UT Houston), gun violence survivor and trauma surgeon Dr. Madhu Subramanian (Duke), and Dr. Tyler Simpson (Duke ACS Fellow) for a practical, honest conversation about one of trauma's most overlooked topics. Lees meerWhat we cover:
Epidemiology: how common retained fragments really are, and why the downstream burden is underappreciated
When to remove (and when not to): a framework for both index hospitalization and delayed removal
Forensic evidence: how to handle bullets in the OR without destroying their evidentiary value — and who to call when you don't know
Lead toxicity: the rare but real complication that can surface a decade later, which blood lead levels should prompt action, and when to call hematology or toxicology
The psychology: retained bullets are independently associated with depression and reduced return to work — and that belongs in the risk-benefit conversation
DOMINATE THE DAY
BIG T Trauma Full Series: https://behindtheknife.org/podcast-series/big-t-trauma
This episode of Big T Trauma was sponsored by Teleflex, a global provider of medical devices. Learn more at teleflex.com and at the Teleflex Trauma and Emergency Medicine LinkedIn page.
Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.
If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listen
Behind the Knife Premium: https://behindtheknife.org/premium
Oral Board Review: https://behindtheknife.org/oral-board
Oral Board Simulator: https://behindtheknife.org/oral-board/simulator
General Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-review
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Journal Review in Surgical Education: What We Can Learn From America’s Literacy Crisis
25 mei 2026 · 25 min
In this episode, hosts Drs. Maya Hunt, Nicole Santucci, Bryanna Stukes and Zoe Zhou explore the parallels between the literacy crisis in America and current challenges in surgical education, drawing insights from the podcast "Sold a Story." They discuss how both systems advance learners without true competency, blame struggling students rather than examining flawed teaching methods, and look to the promise of competency-based education as a path forward. Beyond surgical training, they examine how declining literacy rates will directly impact how we communicate with and care for our future patients. Lees meer
Episode Hosts:
–Dr. Maya Hunt, Indiana University
mayahunt@iu.edu-Dr. Nicole Santucci, Washington University in St. Louis
snicole@wustl.edu-Dr. Bryanna Stukes, UT Southwestern
bryanna.stukes@UTSouthwestern.edu-Dr. Nanruoyi (Zoe) Zhou, Weill Cornell Medicine
zhoun1@mskcc.org–CoSEF: @surgedfellows, cosef.org
References:
1. Sold A Story: How teaching kids to read went so wrong | podcast. Accessed February 22, 2026. https://features.apmreports.org/sold-a-story/.2. 2024-2025 Literacy Statistics. National Literacy Institute. Accessed February 22, 2026. https://www.thenationalliteracyinstitute.com/2024-2025-literacy-statistics.
3. Purdy AC, Smith BR, Amersi F, et al. Characteristics Associated With Outstanding General Surgery Residency Graduate Performance, as Rated by Surgical Educators. JAMA Surg. 2022;157(10):918-924. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2022.3340 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35947371/
4. Santosa KB, Lussiez A, Bellomo TR, et al. Identifying Strategies for Struggling Surgery Residents. J Surg Res. 2022;273:147-154. doi:10.1016/j.jss.2021.12.026 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35085942/
5. Mattar SG, Alseidi AA, Jones DB, et al. General surgery residency inadequately prepares trainees for fellowship: results of a survey of fellowship program directors. Ann Surg. 2013;258(3):440-449. doi:10.1097/SLA.0b013e3182a191ca https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24022436/
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Journal Review in Colorectal Surgery: Methods for Ileocolic Anastomosis in Crohn's Disease
21 mei 2026 · 29 min
Ileocolic resection is one of the most common operations performed for Crohn's disease, yet the optimal approach to anastomotic construction and mesenteric management remains an active area of debate. From the configuration of the anastomosis to the extent of mesenteric excision, emerging evidence suggests that surgical technique may play a meaningful role in disease outcomes. Join Drs. Jared Hendren, Elissa Dabaghi, Joseph Trunzo, Ajaratu Keshinro, and David Rosen as they discuss methods for ileocolic anastomosis in Crohn's disease while reviewing the latest literature. Lees meer
Hosts:
- Jared Hendren, MD
Institution: Department of General Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio- Elissa Dabaghi, MD
Institution: Department of General Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio- Joseph Trunzo, MD
Institution: Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
X/Twitter @joseph_trunzo- Ajaratu Keshinro, MD
Institution: Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
X/Twitter- @AJKesh- David Rosen, MD
Institution: Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
X/Twitter- @davidrrosenmdLearning Objectives: By the end of this episode, listeners will be able to:
1. Evaluate the evidence for the Kono-S anastomosis in reducing postoperative recurrence after ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease
2. Describe the role of the mesentery in driving recurrence and discuss how mesenteric-targeting surgical approaches may influence outcomes
3. Interpret the results of recent randomized controlled trials on extended mesenteric excision and apply them to surgical decision-making in ileocolic resection for Crohn's diseasePlease visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical educatio…
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Cancer Vaccines: The Future is Now
18 mei 2026 · 36 min
As cancer vaccines move into Phase II and III clinical trials, it is
increasingly important for surgeons to understand their role in this
evolving landscape. What exactly are these vaccines, how do they work,
and what should the surgical community know about their
implementation? Join BTK surgical education fellows Kara Button and
Michelle LaBella as they sit down with Professor Robert Jones to break
down the science of mRNA vaccines, the logistics of tissue
procurement, and the future of cancer care. Lees meerHosts:
- Professor Robert Jones: Consultant Liver Surgeon, Liverpool University
Hospitals; UK National Institute for Healthcare Research, Co-Lead for
the Cancer Vaccine Innovation Pathway, Bowel Cancer UK and Royal
College of Surgeons UK Lead for Research into Advanced Bowel Cancer,
and UK Chief Investigator for the BNT122-01 trial.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-jones-6103722a/- Kara Button, DO: General Surgery Resident, Maine Medical Center;
Behind the Knife Surgical Education Fellow.- Michelle LaBella, MD: General Surgery Resident; University of North
Carolina; Behind the Knife Surgical Education Fellow.References:
https://clinicaltrials.biontech.com/trials/BNT122-01
Jones RP, Lee LYW, Corrie PG, et al. Individualized cancer vaccines
versus surveillance after adjuvant chemotherapy for surgically
resected high-risk stage 2 and stage 3 colorectal cancer: protocol for
a randomized trial. BJS. 2023;110(12):1883-1884.
doi:10.1093/bjs/znad332
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37856683/Tie J, Wang Y, Loree JM, et al. Circulating tumor DNA-guided adjuvant
therapy in locally advanced colon cancer: the randomized phase 2/3
DYNAMIC-III trial. Nat Med. 2025;31(12):4291-4300.
doi:10.1038/s41591-025-04030-w
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41115959/Rojas LA, Sethna Z, Soares KC, et al. Personalized RNA neoantigen
vaccines stimulate T cells in pancreatic cancer. Nature.
2023;618(7963):144-150. doi:10.1038/s41586-023-06063-y
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37165196/… -
Using AI Today: A Practical Guide
14 mei 2026 · 45 min
Can an algorithm actually give you your life back? A recent Stanford paper revealed that using large language models at home yields massive efficiency gains—up to 176%. For busy surgeons drowning in clinical duties and administrative bloat, every reclaimed second is priceless.
In this episode of Behind the Knife, Ayman and Patrick sit down with Christian Péan—an orthopedic trauma surgeon, Duke’s Executive Director of AI and IT Innovation, and the Founder/CEO of RevelAi Health. He’s also a Core faculty member at the Duke-Margolis Institute for Health Policy. Dr. Péan breaks down how naturally skeptical surgeons can adopt AI to save time, shares his granular daily workflow, and discusses his mission to cure physician burnout through tech. Whether you are a tech enthusiast or a total skeptic, this episode gives you the practical playbook for integrating AI into your surgical career today. Lees meerHosts:
- Ayman Ali, MD
Ayman Ali is a PGY-4 at Duke Hospital and current Behind the Knife fellow.
- Patrick Georgoff, MD @georgoff
Patrick Georgoff is faculty in the Department of Surgery at the Duke University School of Medicine where he serves as an Associate Professor of Trauma, Acute, and Critical Care Surgery and Trauma Medical Director. He is a leading educator and creator for Behind the Knife, a premier digital education platform and podcast advancing surgical training through innovative, high-yield multimedia content.
- Christian Péan, MD @DrChristianPean
Christian Péan is faculty in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Duke University School of Medicine where he serves as Executive Director of AI and IT Innovation. He is the Founder and CEO of RevelAi Health, a health technology company advancing the transition to value-based care in musculoskeletal health with conversational AI. He is also author of the popular substack Techy Surgeon.
https://www.revelaihealth.com/
https://techysurgeon.substack.com/Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yiel…
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Journal Review in Endocrine Surgery: Updates of the 2025 American Thyroid Association Guidelines for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
11 mei 2026 · 36 min
What are the experts saying about thyroid cancer treatment in 2025? Maybe it’s time to discuss deescalation of aggressive surgical care for lower risk thyroid cancers. We can accept that less surgery may be appropriate in select cases, including more thyroid lobectomies versus total thyroidectomies, consider less invasive approaches such as percutaneous ablation techniques, and utilize more observation with active surveillance. Early assessment of treatment may allow appropriate reduction in use of radioactive iodine ablation and more relaxed routine monitoring can reduce surveillance burden to patients and providers. Lees meer
Hosts:
- Amanda Doubleday, DO, MBA, Assistant Professor, Waukesha Surgical Specialists, ProHealth Care. Affiliated with University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Surgery.
- Simon Holoubek, DO, MPH, Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Surgery.
- Alexander Chiu, MD, Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Surgery.
- Rebecca S Sippel, MD, FACS, Professor and Chair of Division of Endocrine Surgery, Vice Chair of Academic Affairs and Professional Development, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Surgery.Learning Objectives:
- Risk stratification system now includes 4 categories: low, low-intermediate, high-intermediate, and high
-TSH suppression targets are simplified: below the normal range if there is structural or biochemical disease and in the normal range if disease free.
- Thyroid lobectomy is recommended for tumors < 2cm cT1N0 tumors and can be considered for tumors 2-4 cm.
- Micro-Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (<1cm) can be managed with active surveillance and/or percutaneous ablation
- Central compartment lymph node dissection includes levels 6-7.
- RAI is strongly not recommended for low risk cancers. Can be considered in low-intermediate and high-intermedia… -
Clinical Challenges in Vascular Surgery: Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis
7 mei 2026 · 33 min
For decades, a tight carotid stenosis felt like a ticking time bomb — a plaque waiting to throw an embolus and cause the next stroke. We were taught that severe narrowing meant surgery, and trials like ACAS and ACST-1 seemed to prove it. But medicine has changed. Statins, antiplatelets, tighter blood pressure control, even PCSK9 and GLP-1 therapies have quietly slashed stroke risk, and now newer data from CREST-2 suggest that for many asymptomatic patients, the knife — or the stent — may not add much at all. So if modern medical therapy works better than ever… who actually benefits from intervention anymore? Today, we unpack the evidence, the controversies, and how to counsel the patient who feels perfectly fine but has high-grade stenosis. Lees meer
Hosts: Carolyn Judge, Andrew Huang, Luciano Delbono, Frank Davis, Robert Beaulieu
Institution: University of Michigan, Department of Surgery, Section of Vascular Surgery
Learning objectives:
Describe how modern intensive medical therapy has transformed the natural history of asymptomatic carotid stenosis and explain why contemporary patients experience substantially lower annual stroke risk than those in earlier eras.
Interpret and compare the results of landmark trials—including ACAS, ACST-1, and CREST-2—to assess the relative benefits of medical therapy, endarterectomy, and stenting.
Apply current evidence and guideline recommendations to patient care by selecting which asymptomatic patients are most likely to benefit from carotid revascularization versus optimized medical therapy alone.
References:
SVS Guidelines:
Brook, R. D., et al. (2022). Society for Vascular Surgery clinical practice guidelines for management of extracranial carotid artery disease. Journal of Vascular Surgery, 75(1), e1–e67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvs.2021.09.031CREST (1)
Brott, T. G., Hobson, R. W., Howard, G., et al. (2010). Stenting versus endarterectomy for treatment of carotid-artery stenosis. New England Journal of Medicine, 363(1), 11–… -
Journal Review in Burn Surgery: Early Excision of Burn Wounds
4 mei 2026 · 22 min
In this episode, our expert panel dives into the critical, historically debated topic of early burn wound excision using a real-world case of a patient with massive surface area burns. We explore the dramatic shift from the pre-1970s "wait and watch" approach to the modern standard of early source control, backed by landmark literature showing reduced mortality and shorter hospital stays. The discussion also highlights the nuances of this timeline, covering specific scenarios where delaying surgery is actually safer due to physiologic instability, uncertain burn depths, or mass casualty events. Tune in to hear the evidence behind these clinical decisions and learn why modern burn surgeons believe that removing necrotic eschar early is the best way to dominate the day! Lees meer
Hosts:
- Kathleen Romanowski – University of California Davis Hospital, Shriners Hospital Sacramento
- Laura Johnson – Grady Memorial Hospital
- Lauren Nosanov – Grady Memorial Hospital
- Victoria Miles – Louisiana State University Health Science Center, University Medical Center New OrleansLearning Objectives:
- Review the historical development of early burn excision and understand how these studies shaped modern burn surgical practice.
- Evaluate contemporary evidence on the timing of burn excision.
- Apply current evidence and clinical principles to operative decision-making, identifying key patient and injury factors that influence the timing of excision and grafting in patients with major thermal injury.References:
- Thompson P, Herndon DN, Abston S, Rutan T. Effect of early excision on patients with major thermal injury. J Trauma. 1987 Feb;27(2):205-7. doi: 10.1097/00005373-198702000-00019. PMID: 3820353. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3820353/
- Gray DT, Pine RW, Harnar TJ, Marvin JA, Engrav LH, Heimbach DM. Early surgical excision versus conventional therapy in patients with 20 to 40 percent burns. A comparative study. Am J Surg. 1982 Jul;144(1):76-80. doi: 10.1016/0002-9610(82)90605-… -
Cardiothoracic Surgery Oral Board Review: Free Sample Episode - GERD
30 april 2026 · 21 min
This episode includes a full, sample cardiothoracic scenario pulled directly from our Cardiothoracic Surgery Oral Board Review Course. Listen in and test your clinical pathways in real-time as we walk through the perfect answers and provide high-yield commentary to help you pass the "hot seat." Lees meer
About our Cardiothoracic Surgery Oral Board Review Course:
43 High-Yield Scenarios
Dual-Format Learning: Each case includes "Part A" (a straight run-through of the perfect exam response) and "Part B" (the same scenario packed with expert tips, tricks, and commentary).
Free Simulator Access: Every purchase of the course includes access to our new AI-powered Oral Board Simulator, allowing you to practice your verbal responses under pressure.
Resources:
Cardiothoracic Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://app.behindtheknife.org/premium/cardiothoracic-surgery-oral-board-audio-review
Oral Board Simulator: https://app.behindtheknife.org/oral-board-simulator
Download the BTK App on iOS and Android for on-the-go studying.
DOMINATE THE DAY!
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Operative Standards for Cancer Surgery Series: Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Breast Cancer
27 april 2026 · 27 min
This mini-series on Behind the Knife delves into the technical aspects of the Operative Standards for Cancer Surgery, developed through the American College of Surgeons Cancer Research Program and Cancer Surgery Standards Program. This episode highlights sentinel lymph node biopsy for breast cancer. Lees meer
Hosts:
- Lexy (Alexandra) Adams, MD, MPH (@lexyadams16) is a Surgical Oncology fellow at MD Anderson Cancer Center.
- Lauren Postlewait, MD, FACS, is an Associate Professor of Surgery at Emory University School of Medicine and is the Medical Director of the Breast Center at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, GA.
- Chantal Reyna, MD, FACS (@kprgrl3) is a Breast surgical oncologist at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, IL and serves as the oncology clinical lead for the breast service line.Guest:
- Susan E. Pories, MD, FACS (@SusanPoriesMD) is a professor of surgery, vice chair for quality and safety, and director of the Rutger’s Breast Center at the University hospital.Learning Objectives:
- Understand the definition and identification of axillary sentinel lymph node.
- Understand the technique for injecting tracer or dye to perform sentinel lymph node biopsy.
- Understand the importance of preincision drainage evaluation and transcutaneous localization.
- Understand techniques to minimize seroma formation.Links to Papers Referenced in this Episode
Operative Standards for Cancer Surgery, Volume 1: Breast, Lung, Pancreas, Colon
https://www.facs.org/quality-programs/cancer-programs/cancer-surgery-standards-program/operative-standards-for-cancer-surgery/purchase/Kindle edition:
https://www.amazon.com/Operative-Standards-Cancer-Surgery-Section-ebook/dp/B07MWSNFSBSentinel-lymph-node resection compared with conventional axillary-lymph-node dissection in clinically node-negative patients with breast cancer: overall survival findings from the NSABP B-32 randomised phase 3 trial Lancet Oncol. 2010 Oct;11(10):927-33.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20863759/
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Vascular Surgery Oral Board Review: Free Sample Scenarios (AEF & Acute Mesenteric Ischemia)
23 april 2026 · 34 min
This episode includes two full, sample vascular scenarios pulled directly from our Vascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course. Listen in and test your clinical pathways in real-time as we walk through the perfect answers and provide high-yield commentary to help you pass the "hot seat." Lees meer
Sample Scenarios Included in This Episode:
Case 22: Aortoenteric Fistula (AEF). A 78-year-old woman presents to the ER with a massive upper GI bleed and a history of an open AAA repair 10 years ago. We walk you through the immediate stabilization, CTA evaluation, and the definitive operative management—including axillobifemoral bypass, aortic stump closure, and duodenal repair.
Case 27: Acute Mesenteric Ischemia. A 79-year-old woman with a history of atrial fibrillation presents with abdominal pain out of proportion to her physical exam. Test your decision-making on systemic heparinization, SMA embolectomy versus stenting (ROMS), and how to appropriately evaluate bowel viability with a second-look laparotomy.
About our Vascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course:
72 High-Yield Scenarios: Covering everything from carotid stump syndrome to a AAA with a horseshoe kidney.
Dual-Format Learning: Each case includes "Part A" (a straight run-through of the perfect exam response) and "Part B" (the same scenario packed with expert tips, tricks, and commentary).
Free Simulator Access: Every purchase of the course includes access to our new AI-powered Oral Board Simulator, allowing you to practice your verbal responses under pressure.
Resources:
Vascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://app.behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-audio-review
Oral Board Simulator: https://app.behindtheknife.org/oral-board-simulator
Download the BTK App on iOS and Android for on-the-go studying.
DOMINATE THE DAY!
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Sustainable Surgical Practice: Defining Workplace Standards for the Modern Era
20 april 2026 · 52 min
In response to increasing surgeon burnout, unsustainable clinical demands, and ongoing loss of surgeon autonomy in the setting of employee-based models, the American College of Surgeons is speaking out. In this episode, hosts Dr. Steven Thornton and Dr. Emma Burke sit down with Dr. Douglas Wood, Chair of Surgery at the University of Washington and Dr. Thomas Varghese, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, to discuss the new ACS Workplace Standards Framework. The conversation covers how this initiative grew out of discussions around unionization, what domains the framework addresses — from call intensity and OR block access to administrative burden and inpatient census limits — and how specialty-specific guidelines can be developed and implemented at the local level. Dr. Wood and Dr. Varghese also reflect on the culture of "unlimited endurance" that has long defined surgery, why meaningful systems-level change is both necessary and achievable, and how improving workplace sustainability could transform the pipeline of future surgeons for generations to come. Lees meer
Hosts: Emma Burke and Steven Thornton
Guests: Dr. Douglas Wood & Dr. Thomas Varghese Jr.
Papers Discussed:
1. Wood DE, Wolinsky PR, Dodgion CM, et al. Developing Specialty-Specific Workplace Standards for Surgeons: A Framework to Support Sustainable Surgical Careers. Journal of the American College of Surgeons, 2026. DOI: 10.1097/XCS.0000000000001880 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41773743/2. Varghese TK Jr. Toward Sustainable Surgical Practice: Defining Workplace Standards for the Modern Era. J Am Coll Surg. 2026 Mar 3. doi: 10.1097/XCS.0000000000001888. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41773737. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41773737/
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Rigged or Right? The Residency Match Under Fire
16 april 2026 · 50 min
The House Judiciary Committee just dropped a 47-page report calling the National Residency Match Program a hiring monopoly that harms patients, doctors, and the public — and the surgical community is talking. In this episode, Dr. Patrick Georgoff is joined by BTK surgical education fellows Dr. Emma Burke and Dr. Agnes Prem Kumar, along with special guest Dr. Brian Carmody (aka the Sheriff of Sodium), a pediatric nephrologist and one of the sharpest analysts of medical education policy working today. Together, they break down the report's central claims: that the NRMP exercises monopolistic control over residency hiring, suppresses resident wages, and strips trainees of bargaining power — and they separate what the report gets right from where its rhetoric badly outruns its evidence. From the history of Section 207 and the antitrust lawsuit that nearly brought down academic medicine, to the real economics of GME funding, resident unionization, and what a match-free world would actually look like — this is the context you need to understand one of the most consequential debates in graduate medical education in years. Don't miss Dr. Carmody's six-part YouTube series on the match, linked in the show notes. Lees meer
Congressional Report: https://judiciary.house.gov/media/press-releases/new-report-exposes-how-medical-residency-hiring-monopoly-harms-patients-and
The Match 6-Part Video Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc36yFQWkuG1sXk62A3zeRWB8aoK5SISP
The Sodium Sheriff Blog: https://thesheriffofsodium.com/***Fellowship Application Link: https://forms.gle/QSUrR2GWHDZ1MmWC6
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Behind the Mask of Shame Part 3 - Internalized Shame and Burnout
15 april 2026 · 33 min
A career in surgery has a profound impact on those who practice the craft. High rates of poor mental health are well described but incompletely understood. One potential mechanism for advancing our understanding of surgeon well-being is studying surgeons' emotional experiences. Shame, a self-conscious emotion reflecting how an individual feels about themselves, could be a particularly powerful lens. In this series on shame in surgery, we explore what we know about shame in surgery and what shame can tell us about learning and working as surgeons. Lees meer
In this third episode, we talk with Drs. Sheina Theodore and Tejal Brahmbhatt about their study examining the relationship between internalized shame states and burnout among surgery residents. They make a compelling case that addressing the well-being crisis in surgery requires looking beyond external stressors to the internal experience of shame: the quiet, invisible voice that tells residents they aren't good enough, and ask what role the culture of surgery plays in that internal monologue.
Host: Steven Thornton
Guests:
1. Sheina Theodore (Assistant Professor of Surgery, Boston University)
2. Tejal Brahmbhatt (Associate Professor of Surgery, Cedars Sinai Medical Center)Publications Discussed:
1. Smith SM, Kobzeva-Herzog A, McGillen P, Castagne-Charlotin M, Davies J, Sanchez SE, Dechert T, Brahmbhatt TS, Theodore S. Internalized Shame Experiences and Burnout in General Surgery Residents. J Surg Educ. 2025 Apr;82(4):103447. doi: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2025.103447. Epub 2025 Feb 6. PMID: 39919584. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39919584/
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Behind the Mask of Shame Part 2 - Grit, Shame, and Burnout
14 april 2026 · 34 min
A career in surgery has a profound impact on those who practice the craft. High rates of poor mental health are well described but incompletely understood. One potential mechanism for advancing our understanding of surgeon well-being is studying surgeons' emotional experiences. Shame, a self-conscious emotion reflecting how an individual feels about themselves, could be a particularly powerful lens. In this series on shame in surgery, we explore what we know about shame in surgery and what shame can tell us about learning and working as surgeons. Lees meer
In this second episode, we talk with Dr. ElAbd and Dr. Zammit about their study examining the relationship between shame-based learning, grit, and burnout across surgical specialties. Their findings highlight how grit may both protect against burnout and mediate whether residents go on to shame others.
Host: Steven Thornton
Guests:
1. Rawan ElAbd (Plastic Surgery Resident, McGill University)
2. Dino Zammit (Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery, McGill University)Publications Discussed:
1. ElAbd R, Pu L, Esmonde-White C, ElHawary H, Vorstenbosch J, Zammit D. Association of Grit and Shame Based Learning on Burnout in Surgical Training: A Single Institution Analysis. J Surg Educ. 2025 Sep;82(9):103583. doi: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2025.103583. Epub 2025 Jun 27. PMID: 40580606.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40580606/***Fellowship Application Link: https://forms.gle/QSUrR2GWHDZ1MmWC6
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Behind the Mask of Shame Part 1 - The Background
13 april 2026 · 51 min
A career in surgery has a profound impact on those who practice the craft. High rates of poor mental health are well described but incompletely understood. One potential mechanism for advancing our understanding of surgeon well-being is studying surgeons’ emotional experiences. Shame, a self-conscious emotion reflecting how an individual feels about themselves, could be a particularly powerful lens. In this series on shame in surgery, we explore what we know about shame in surgery and what shame can tell us about learning and working as surgeons. Lees meer
In this first episode, we talk with Dr. Will Bynum and Professor Luna Dolezal about how they understand shame in medicine, why it's so hard to see even when it's everywhere, and how developing what they call "shame competence" might be one of the most important steps we can take toward humanizing surgical training.
Host: Steven Thornton
Guests:
Will Bynum (Associate Professor of Family Medicine, Duke University)
Luna Dolezal (Professor of Philosphy and Medical Humanities, Exeter University)
Publications Discussed:
Dolezal L, Bynum W. Shame competence: addressing the effects of shame in health care. Lancet. 2024 Oct 19;404(10462):1514-1515. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(24)02269-4. PMID: 39426826. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39426826/
The Nocturnists. Shame in Medicine: The Lost Forest [podcast series]. The Nocturnists; 2022. https://thenocturnists.org/shameinmedicine
Nguyen LN, Bynum WE 4th. When I Say…self-conscious emotions. Med Educ. 2021 Mar;55(3):291-292. doi: 10.1111/medu.14425. Epub 2020 Dec 23. PMID: 33289140. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33289140/
Tracy, J. L., Robins, R. W., & Tangney, J. P. (Eds.). (2007). The self-conscious emotions: Theory and research. The Guilford Press.
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Artificial Intelligence for the Clinician Episode 5: Are Radiologists Out of a Job?
9 april 2026 · 26 min
Welcome back to the AI journal club! In this episode, we bring you a deep dive into a game-changing paper from The Lancet -- the MASAI study. This is the first randomized controlled trial to evaluate the use of artificial intelligence in breast cancer screening and we're so excited to discuss it. Lees meer
We'll break down the study's impressive findings on interval cancer rates, sensitivity, and massive workload reductions for radiologists. Beyond the data, we'll tackle the big-picture questions and some sensational recent headlines. Are we deploying AI too fast? Or is it time to go faster?
Hosts:
- Ayman Ali, MD
Ayman Ali is a Behind the Knife fellow and general surgery PGY-4 at Duke Hospital in his academic development time where he focuses on data science, artificial intelligence, and surgery.- Ruchi Thanawala, MD: @Ruchi_TJ
Ruchi Thanawala is an Associate Professor of Informatics and Thoracic Surgery at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) and founder of Firefly, an AI-driven platform that is built for competency-based medical education. In addition, she is the Director of the Surgical Data and Decision Sciences Lab for the Department of Surgery at OHSU and Associate Program Director for the Clinical Informatics Sub-specialty Fellowship.- Phillip Jenkins, MD: @PhilJenkinsMD
Phil Jenkins is a general surgery PGY-4 at Oregon Health and Science University and a National Library of Medicine Post-Doctoral fellow pursuing a master’s in clinical informatics.***Fellowship Application Link: https://forms.gle/QSUrR2GWHDZ1MmWC6
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Journal Review in Thoracic Surgery: VV ECMO in Pre-Lung Transplant Patients - A Bridge to Somewhere
6 april 2026 · 17 min
Join the Johns Hopkins Thoracic Surgery Subspecialty team on this rapid research review revealing how investigative efforts have changed the way we view and use Veno-venous (VV) ECMO therapy in the pre-lung transplant patient population working to avoid ventilator dependence and the associated morbidity while facilitating continued ambulation and preoperative optimization. Lees meer
Hosts:
- Dr. Alfred J. Casillan, MD, PhD
Attending Thoracic Surgeon
Johns Hopkins Hospital- Kyla Rakoczy, MD
Johns Hopkins General Surgery ResidentReferences:
Awake ECMO as Bridge to Lung Transplantation Fuehner T, Kuehn C, Hadem J, Wiesner O, Gottlieb J, Tudorache I, et al. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in awake patients as bridge to lung transplantation. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 2012;185(7):763–768. PMID: 22268135 Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22268135/Predictors of Successful ECMO Bridging Tipograf Y, Salna M, Minko E, Grogan EL, Sonett JR, Bacchetta MD. Outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to lung transplantation. Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 2019;107(5):1456–1463. PMID: 30790550 Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30790550/
Intubation Status and ECMO Bridging Outcomes Zhou AL, Jennings MR, Akbar AF, et al. Utilization and outcomes of nonintubated extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to lung transplant. Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation. 2025;44(4):661–669. PMID: 39486773 Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39486773/
ECMO Duration and Waitlist Mortality Shou BL, Kalra A, Zhou AL, et al. Impact of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation bridging duration on lung transplant outcomes. Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 2024;118(2):496–503. PMID: 38740080 Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38740080/
Mechanical Ventilation as a Risk Marker Mason DP, Thuita L, Alster JM, Murthy SC, Budev MM, Mehta AC, et al. Lung transplantation in recipients requiring mechanical ventilation: outcomes and risk factors. J…
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Mastering M&M: A Practical Guide to Presenting Complications
2 april 2026 · 41 min
Welcome back to Behind the Knife with Cody, Patrick, Jason, and Ayman. Today, we are tackling a defining professional ritual for every surgical trainee: the Morbidity and Mortality (M&M) Conference. We are providing a practical roadmap to help you build clear, high-quality presentations that facilitate real learning for the entire room. Whether you are a junior resident preparing for your first case or an attending looking to moderate effectively, this episode covers exactly what to include, what to leave out, and how to properly frame a complication. Lees meer
Hosts:
Cody Mullens, MD
Patrick Georgoff, MD
Jason Bingham, MD
Ayman Ali, MD
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Clinical Challenges in Transplant Surgery: How Xenotransplantation Will Change Our Lives
30 maart 2026 · 46 min
Xenotransplantation—the use of organs from other species to treat human disease—has long existed at the intersection of science fiction and surgical innovation. While early efforts were marked by limited success and ethical controversy, recent advances in genetic engineering, immunosuppression, and organ preservation have brought the field closer than ever to clinical reality. Lees meer
In this episode of Behind the Knife, we are joined by Dr. Joshua Mezrich to explore the history, science, and future of xenotransplantation. Through a narrative lens, we trace the evolution of transplantation from its earliest experimental days to the modern era of gene-edited porcine organs, highlighting key breakthroughs, ethical challenges, and the pioneers who shaped the field. We also examine the current state of clinical trials and what xenotransplantation may mean for the future of organ availability and transplant practice.
Hosts
- Madeline Cloonan, MD PhD, General Surgery Resident, University of Nebraska Medical Center, @maddie_cloonan
- Joshua Mezrich, MD, Professor, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public HealthLearning Objectives
By the end of this episode, listeners will be able to:
- Describe the historical evolution of xenotransplantation, including the primate and early porcine eras
- Explain the key immunologic and biologic barriers to xenotransplantation, including hyperacute rejection and the role of natural antibodies
- Summarize major scientific advances that enabled modern xenotransplantation, including cloning and CRISPR-based gene editing
- Discuss recent clinical experiences and ongoing trials of xenotransplantation in humans
- Evaluate the ethical considerations and societal implications of xenotransplantation
- Consider the potential role of xenotransplantation in addressing organ shortage and reshaping transplant eligibility and allocationCheck out Dr. Mezrich’s new book!
https://www.amazon.com/Every-Living-Creature-Xenotransplantation-Change-eb… -
OBGYN Oral Board Review - Sample Episode: Adnexal Emergency
27 maart 2026 · 20 min
INTRODUCING Behind the Knife OBGYN Oral Board Review! Lees meer
The oral boards aren't just about knowledge—they are about executing under pressure. This course is designed to give you the structure and confidence to command the room. We have curated 98 high-yield scenarios covering the "Big Three" of the exam: Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Office Practice. Whether it’s a surgical emergency or a complex clinic workup, we will walk you through exactly how to articulate your plan, defend your decisions, and pass this exam.
Each scenario includes 2 parts. The first part is a perfectly executed scenario. If you are able to achieve this level of performance in your preparation you are sure to pass the oral exam with flying colors. The second part introduces high-yield commentary to each scenario. This commentary includes tips and tricks to help you dominate the most challenging scenarios in addition to practical, easy-to-understand teaching that covers the most confusing topics. We are confident you will find this unique, dual format approach a highly effective way to prepare for the test.
Please check out the preview episodes below that include Parts A and B, with and without commentary.
This course includes access to our Oral Board Simulator. Step into the hot seat and experience the pressure of the real exam and receive detailed, actionable feedback with the most advanced oral board prep available.
3-Month Purchase - 10 exams
6-Month Purchase - 22 exams
12-Month Purchase - 46 exams
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DOMINATE THE DAY!
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The Prelim Playbook: Tips, Tricks, and Unspoken Rules for Success
26 maart 2026 · 54 min
In this episode, we explore the grueling realities of the general surgery preliminary year—a high-stakes, one-year audition for surgical trainees operating without a safety net. We sit down with a program director, a former IMG prelim turned attending, and a recently successful SOAP applicant to uncover exactly what it takes to survive the scramble and excel clinically. Listen in to learn actionable strategies for navigating hospital expectations, securing vital mentorship, and ultimately turning your preliminary position into a secured categorical spot. Lees meer
Hosts:
Ayman Ali, MD
Dr. Ayman Ali is a Behind the Knife fellow and general surgery PGY-4 at Duke Hospital.Kevin Naresh Shah, MD
Dr. Kevin Shah is an Assistant Professor of Hepatobiliary Surgery at the Duke University School of Medicine and Program Director of General Surgery.Katharine Louise Jackson, MBBS
Dr. Louise Jackson is an Assistant Professor of Colon and Rectal Surgery at the Duke University School of Medicine and the Medical Student Clerkship Director.Rafael Felix Tiongco, MD
Dr. Rafael Tiongco is a first-year resident at Penn State College of Medicine.Sponsor Disclaimer: Visit goremedical.com/btkpod to learn more about GORE® SYNECOR Biomaterial, including supporting references and disclaimers for the presented content. Refer to Instructions for Use at eifu.goremedical.com for a complete description of all applicable indications, warnings, precautions and contraindications for the markets where this product is available. Rx only
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Clinical Challenges in Hepatobiliary Surgery: Pancreatic Cysts
23 maart 2026 · 38 min
Identification of pancreatic cystic lesions has become increasingly common due to improved resolution and increased utilization of cross-sectional imaging. However, there are many types of pancreatic cysts, each with varying degrees of malignant potential. In this episode from the HPB team at Behind the Knife, listen in as we discuss the clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up, and management strategies for various pancreatic cysts: Pseudocysts, Serous Cystadenomas, Mucinous Cystic Neoplasms, and IPMNs, amongst others. Lees meer
Hosts
Anish J. Jain MD (@anishjayjain) is a current PGY4 General Surgery resident at Stanford University and a former T32 Research Fellow at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.Jon M. Harrison MD is a Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic (HPB) surgeon at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA and a former HPB Surgery fellow at Stanford University.
Learning Objectives
· Develop an understanding of the clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up, and treatment of benign pancreatic cysts
· Develop an understanding of the clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up, and treatment of pre-malignant pancreatic cysts
· Develop an understanding of when surveillance is appropriate for management of pancreatic cysts, and the criteria involved in making that determination
· Develop an understanding of the prognostic utility of PancSeq for IPMNsReferences:
Paniccia A, Polanco PM, Boone BA, et al. Prospective, Multi-Institutional, Real-Time Next-Generation Sequencing of Pancreatic Cyst Fluid Reveals Diverse Genomic Alterations That Improve the Clinical Management of Pancreatic Cysts. Gastroenterology. 2023 Jan;164(1):117-133.e7.
PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36209796/
Ohtsuka T, Fernandez-Del Castillo C, Furukawa T, et al. International evidence-based Kyoto guidelines for the management of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas. Pancreatology. 2024 Mar;24(2):255-270.
PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov…
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Clinical Challenges in Colorectal Surgery: Management of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
19 maart 2026 · 46 min
With the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer in those less than 50 years of age, one must wonder how many patients present with a Stage IV diagnosis. Take a deep dive with us discussing the management of metastatic colorectal cancer by joining our team and guests, Drs. Cathy Eng, Michael D’Angelica, and Nina Sanford. Lees meer
Hosts:
- Dr. Janet Alvarez - General Surgery Resident at New York Medical College/Metropolitan Hospital Center
- Dr. Wini Zambare – General Surgery Resident at Weill Cornell Medical Center/New York Presbyterian
- Dr. Philip Bauer, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital
- Dr. J. Joshua Smith MD, PhD, Chair, Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery at MD Anderson Cancer CenterGuest Speakers:
- Dr. Michael D’Angelica MD, FACS – Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Enid A. Haupt Chair in Surgery, Vice Chair, Education
- Dr. Cathy Eng MD, FACP - Division of Hematology and Oncology, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, David H. Johnson Endowed Chair in Surgical and Medical Oncology, Professor of Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, VICC Associate Director for Strategic Relations and Research Partnerships, Executive Director, Young Adult Cancers Program
- Dr. Nina Sanford, MD – Radiation Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Chief of Gastrointestinal Radiation Oncology Service, Associate ProfessorLearning Objectives:
1. Review the epidemiology, prognosis, and common metastatic patterns of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).2. Discuss the role of systemic chemotherapy and targeted therapies in the first- and subsequent-line treatment of mCRC, including the impact of molecular biomarkers such as MSI/MMR, RAS, BRAF, and HER2.
3. Evaluate the indications and timing of surgical and locoregional therapies for metastatic colorectal cancer, particularly in patients with liver-limited or oligometastatic disease.
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Healthcare Econ 101 - Ep. 3: Decoding the Black Box (Billing & Coding)
16 maart 2026 · 40 min
In the final installment of the Healthcare Econ 101 miniseries, Dr. Christopher Childers and Dr. Nina Clark demystify the "black box" of medical billing and coding. This episode breaks down the two essential components of every medical bill: ICD codes, which identify the patient's diagnosis (the "why"), and CPT codes, which describe the specific services or procedures performed (the "what"). The discussion emphasizes that surgeons are legally and ethically responsible for the accuracy of these codes, regardless of whether a professional coder or an automated system handles the data entry. Listeners will gain insights into the "Global Period," the pitfalls of illegal "unbundling," and how to use modifiers—such as the -22 for increased procedural services—to accurately reflect the complexity of a case. Lees meer
***Fellowship Application Link: https://forms.gle/QSUrR2GWHDZ1MmWC6
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Healthcare Econ 101 - Ep. 2: Show Me the Money (RVUs & DRGs)
12 maart 2026 · 49 min
Ever wonder why a complex gallbladder surgery only nets the surgeon about $350, while the hospital collects thousands? In this episode, Dr. Christopher Childers and Dr. Nina Clark pull back the curtain on how the money actually flows in medicine. From the birth of the RVU to the "Two Midnight Rule," we’re breaking down the math behind your paycheck. Lees meer
Next Step: Ready to make sure you're actually getting credit for the work you do? Join us for Episode 3, where we dive into the "Black Box" of Coding and Billing.
***Fellowship Application Link: https://forms.gle/QSUrR2GWHDZ1MmWC6
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Surgical On… -
Healthcare Econ 101 - Ep. 1: The Language of Money & Insurance Structures
9 maart 2026 · 1 uur
Ever feel like you’re fluent in medical jargon but totally illiterate when it comes to the business side of surgery? You’re not alone. In this series premiere, Dr. Christopher Childers (Surgical Oncologist and health policy expert) joins Dr. Nina Clark to demystify the "second world" of medicine: healthcare finance. We’re breaking down the basic vocabulary every surgeon needs to advocate for themselves and their patients. Lees meer
Next Step: Ready to see how this translates to your paycheck? In Episode 2, we dive into Physician and Hospital Compensation, RVUs, and the flow of funds.
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Surgical Oncology Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-oncology-oral-board-audio-review
Cardiothoracic Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/cardiothoracic-surgery-oral-board-audio-review
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Perfect Practice Makes Perfect - Our AI Simulator is Kicking Ass
5 maart 2026 · 17 min
The high-stakes world of surgical oral boards just got a high-tech upgrade. In this episode, the Behind the Knife team dives deep into the 2026 evolution of their AI Oral Board Simulator. With over 10,000 exams completed and a 99% recommendation rate from recent examinees, we’re showing you how AI is leveling the playing field for residents everywhere.
Join Drs. Georgoff, Swenson, and Ali as they break down the new features designed to mimic the modern, non-linear, and "rapid branching" style of the American Board of Surgery. Whether you’re a junior resident honing your consult skills or a chief preparing for the "hot seat," this is the ultimate guide to dominating your boards without breaking the bank. Lees meerSimulator: behindtheknifeoralboardsimulator.org
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Unlocking the How and Why: Qualitative Research in Surgery
2 maart 2026 · 38 min
In surgery, when we think of research, often we picture randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and big data sets. But have you ever considered what we might miss by limiting our research programs to quantitative inquiry? What if you want to understand the culture or identity of your department or your training program? Or, what If you want to understand the values, priorities, and lived experiences of your patients? Some of the most meaningful insights about how we teach, learn, and practice surgery come from talking to people. Their words, their stories, and their experiences, and that's where qualitative research comes in. In this episode we dive into the “why” and “how” of qualitative research with leaders in the space, Professor Nicole Perez and Dr. Maya Hunt. Lees meer
Host:
Steven Thornton, MD (General Surgery Resident at Duke University)
Guests:
Nicole Perez (Assistant Professor of Medical Education, University of Illinois Chicago)
Maya Hunt (General Surgery Resident, Indiana University)
Publications Discussed:
Bosk CL. Forgive and Remember: Managing Medical Failure. The University of ChicagoPress; 2011.
Liang et al 2019 Why do women leave surgical training? A qualitative and feminist study, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(18)32612-6
Jenkins TM. Doctors’ Orders: the Making of Status Hierarchies in an Elite Profession. Columbia University Press; 2020.
Yosso, T. J. (2005). Whose culture has capital? A critical race theory discussion of community cultural wealth. Race Ethnicity and Education, 8(1), 69–91. https://doi.org/10.1080/1361332052000341006
***Fellowship Application Link: https://forms.gle/QSUrR2GWHDZ1MmWC6
Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.
If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listen
Behind the Knife Premium:
General Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-bo… -
USA vs. UK: ASGBI Ep. 9 - The Anatomy of Promoting Surgical Quality: Structure, Process, and Outcomes
26 februari 2026 · 34 min
Surgical quality is a term that is often thrown around in surgical practice. We have multiple quality improvement projects, metrics and benchmarks that motivate us to do better, and of course the ever expanding patient reviews to possibly “reflect” the type of surgical care provided. But what does quality actually mean? What metrics can we use to understand the type of care being provided by ourselves, our colleagues, and the health system at large. Lees meer
Today, we delve into these questions to understand how quality is currently understood within surgery and how we hope it to evolve in the future. Joining BTK fellow Agnes Premkumar and ASGBI hosts Jared Wohlgemut and Gita Lingam are two fantastic guests - Dr. Mark Cheetham, joining us from the UK, has deep experience in national audits and system-level quality improvement. Dr. Cheetham is a colorectal surgeon and the National Clinical Lead for General Surgery at the Getting it Right First Time Programme in NHS England, or GIRFT. Dr. Alexander Perez is representing the US; he is a board-certified general surgeon and minimally invasive surgeon at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center. He has worked extensively with institutional quality programs and is the current assistant Dean for patient safety, simulation, and process improvement at the Baylor College of Medicine.
Resources:
Institute for Healthcare Improvement: https://www.ihi.org/library/tools/quality-improvement-essentials-toolkit
NSQIP: https://www.facs.org/quality-programs/data-and-registries/acs-nsqip/
Getting it right first time (UK): https://gettingitrightfirsttime.co.uk/
***Fellowship Application Link: https://forms.gle/QSUrR2GWHDZ1MmWC6
Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.
If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listen
Behind the Knife Premium:
General Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surg… -
Journal Review in Surgical Education: A Perfect Match
23 februari 2026 · 32 min
The Match. Two words that define the trajectory of every physician’s career in the United States. But how does the algorithm actually work, and who is looking out for the applicants navigating this high-stakes process? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Donna Lamb, President and CEO of the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), to pull back the curtain on one of medicine’s most consequential systems. Lees meer
Dr. Lamb unpacks the strengths and limitations of the match algorithm and shares her candid advice on overapplication, post-interview communication, and dual applying. She also addresses the growing financial burden on applicants, challenges facing international medical graduates amid shifting visa restrictions, and recent congressional scrutiny into the match algorithm’s antitrust exemption.
Join hosts Pooja Varman, MD, Judith French, PhD, and Jeremy Lipman, MD, MHPE for this conversation about the system that shapes the future of medicine—and the people working to make it more equitable, transparent, and efficient.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this episode, listeners will be able to
1. Explain how the NRMP match algorithm work and describe both its strengths and potential areas for reform.
2. Identify key match policies and best practices for applicants and programs.
3. Discuss the challenges applicants face in the match and the NRMP’s role in supporting equitable access.References
1. Roth AE. The Origins, History, and Design of the Resident Match. JAMA. 2003;289(7):909-912. doi:10.1001/jama.289.7.909
2. Lamb D. Letter to the Medical Education Community. Published online December 8, 2025. Accessed January 7, 2026. https://www.nrmp.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Dec8_Letter-to-Community_JudiciarySubcommittee-FINAL-PDF.pdf***Fellowship Application Link: https://forms.gle/QSUrR2GWHDZ1MmWC6
Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.
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Clinical Challenges in Minimally Invasive Surgery: Emerging Robotics and Adapting Laparoscopy – An Interview with Dr. Jim Porter
19 februari 2026 · 36 min
Robotic surgery has moved from novelty to norm, and in this episode of Behind the Knife, Drs. James Jung and Joey Lew sit down with urologic pioneer and Medtronic CMO Dr. Jim Porter to dissect how we got here, what the data really say about “the death of laparoscopy,” and where competing robotic platforms like Hugo may take the field next. From ergonomics and education to economics and global access, they tackle both the hype and the hard questions around robotics as the future of minimally invasive surgery. Lees meer
Hosts:
· James Jung, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Duke University
· Joey Lew, MD, MFA, Surgical resident PGY-3, Duke University, @lew__actuallyLearning Goals:
By the end of this episode, listeners will be able to:
· Describe key clinical, ergonomic, and educational drivers behind the rapid adoption of robotic surgery in the United States and globally.
· Summarize current evidence comparing robotic and laparoscopic approaches for common procedures, including where outcomes are equivalent, inferior, or clearly superior.
· Explain how surgeon ergonomics, trainee experience, and video-based learning influence practice patterns and learning curves in minimally invasive surgery.
· Discuss the role of cost, reimbursement structures, and market competition (e.g., Medtronic Hugo vs da Vinci) in shaping robotic adoption across different health systems.
· Anticipate how next-generation, task- or organ-specific robotic platforms may further change standards of care in minimally invasive surgery.References:
· Violante T, Ferrari D, Novelli M, Larson DW. The Death of Laparoscopy - Volume 2: A Revised Prognosis. A retrospective study. Ann Surg. 2025 Jun 16. doi: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000006792. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40518997. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40518997/
· Yu Yoshida, Yoshiro Itatani, Takehito Yamamoto, Ryosuke Okamura, Koya Hida, Kazutaka Obama, Single-incision plus one robot-assisted surgery (SIPORS) using the Hugo robotic-assisted surgery (R… -
Journal Review in Surgical Oncology: Melanoma
16 februari 2026 · 36 min
Join the Behind the Knife Surgical Oncology Team as we discuss the PRADO and NADINA randomized control trials regarding neoadjuvant therapy in Stage III melanoma with macroscopic nodal disease! Lees meer
Hosts:
Timothy Vreeland, MD, FACS (@vreelant) is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and Surgical Oncologist at Brooke Army Medical Center.
Daniel Nelson, DO, FACS (@usarmydoc24) is Surgical Oncologist/HPB surgeon at Kaiser LAMC in Los Angeles.
Lexy (Alexandra) Adams, MD, MPH (@lexyadams16) is a 2ndYear Surgical Oncology fellow at MD Anderson.
Beth (Elizabeth) Barbera, MD (@elizcarpenter16) is a General Surgery physician in the United States Air Force station at RAF Lakenheath.
Joe (Joseph) Broderick, MD, MA (@joebrod5) is a General Surgery research resident between his second and third year at Brooke Army Medical Center.
Galen Gist, MD (@gistgalen) is a General Surgery research resident between his second and third year at Brooke Army Medical Center.
Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate the role of Completion Lymph Node Dissection (CLND) in patients with positive sentinel lymph nodes, specifically citing the lack of melanoma-specific survival benefit vs. the improvement in regional disease control demonstrated in the MSLT-II trial.
- Determine the appropriate surgical excision margins for primary cutaneous melanoma, comparing the outcomes of 1 cm versus 2 cm margins as analyzed in the MINT trial (Lancet 2019).
- Analyze the impact of adjuvant systemic therapy (Anti-PD1/Immunotherapy) on recurrence-free survival in patients with resected high-risk Stage III melanoma.
References:
Reijers, I.L.M., Menzies, A.M., van Akkooi, A.C.J. et al. Personalized response-directed surgery and adjuvant therapy after neoadjuvant ipilimumab and nivolumab in high-risk stage III melanoma: the PRADO trial. Nat Med 28, 1178–1188 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-022-01851-x
Christian U. Blank et al. Neoadjuvant nivolumab plus…
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Resident Professional Development Time: When to Take it, How to Fund It, and How to Make it Count
12 februari 2026 · 39 min
Research years. Professional development time. Career exploration.
Whatever you call it, stepping out of clinical residency can feel confusing, intimidating, and oddly hard to plan for. Lees meerIn this episode of Behind the Knife, our BTK Surgical Education Fellows Drs. Elizabeth Maginot, Nicole Petcka, Agnes Premkumar, Kara Button, Emma Burke, and Michelle LaBella sit down with Dr. Daniel Nussbaum, Associate Professor of Surgery at Duke University and leader in the Duke Residency Research Fellowship Program, to unpack dedicated resident profressional development time really looks like, who it helps, who it doesn’t, and how to make the most of it if you choose to step out of clinical training.
Together, the group tackles:
· Why “research years” are often better thought of as professional development time
· Whether taking time out of residency is actually necessary for fellowship or an academic career
· How to find the right mentor—and why there’s rarely a “perfect” project
· Practical advice on setting boundaries, saying yes (and no), and managing unstructured time
· A clear, resident-level overview of funding options, including:
- NIH T32 and F32 grants
- NIH Loan Repayment Program (LRP)
- Society, foundation, and departmental funding
· What faculty and program leadership look for when supporting resident research
· Lessons the panel wishes they’d known before starting research time
Whether you’re a medical student curious about residency structure, a resident debating whether to step out, or faculty mentoring trainees through career development, this episode offers candid insight, real examples, and reassurance that there’s more than one “right” path.High-Yield Takeaway: You don’t need research time to be a great surgeon—but if you want to grow skills outside the OR, this may be the rare window to do it thoughtfully (and even enjoy it).
Resources & Links Mentioned:
NIH Funding & Training Programs
· NIH RePORTER – Explore active NIH-funded grants and training program… -
Clinical Challenges in Transplant Surgery: Deceased Donor Abdominal Recovery - A Step-by-Step Guide
9 februari 2026 · 47 min
Abdominal organ procurement is a high-stakes operation that blends anatomy, speed, and coordinated teamwork. In this Behind the Knife episode, the UNMC transplant team walks through the practical “how-to” of deceased donor abdominal recovery—covering OR roles and logistics, key anatomic maneuvers, cannulation/flush troubleshooting, and the workflow differences that matter most between donation after brain death (DBD) and donation after circulatory death (DCD). Lees meer
Hosts
Madeline Cloonan, MD PhD – General Surgery Resident, University of Nebraska Medical Center (@maddie_cloonan)Evelyn Waugh, MD – Transplant Surgery Fellow, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Jacqueline Dauch, MD – Abdominal Transplant Surgeon, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Alex Maskin, MD – Kidney & Pancreas Transplant Surgeon, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Learning Objectives
Compare DBD vs DCD donor workflow and define total vs functional warm ischemia.
Identify key OR roles and the ethical/legal separation of death declaration from procurement teams.
Outline the core steps of abdominal procurement, including exposure, cannulation, cross-clamp, and organ removal sequence.
Apply a practical troubleshooting approach when flush flow is inadequate
References
Englesbe MJ, Mulholland MW. Operative Techniques in Transplantation Surgery. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2018.
Tullius SG, Rabb H. Improving the supply and quality of deceased-donor organs for transplantation. N Engl J Med. 2018;378(20):1924–1933. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1708700. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29768153/
Croome KP, Barbas AS, Whitson B, et al. American Society of Transplant Surgeons recommendations on best practices in donation after circulatory death organ procurement. Am J Transplant. 2023;23(2):171–179. doi:10.1016/j.ajt.2022.10.009. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36695685/
Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.
If you liked t… -
Clinical Challenges in Bariatric Surgery: Integration of Obesity Management Medications (OMMs)
5 februari 2026 · 32 min
What happens when the world of GLP-1s collides with the operating room? Today, we’re diving into the new era of obesity care. Lees meer
Hosts
· Matthew Martin, trauma and bariatric surgeon at the University of Southern California/Los Angeles General Medical Center (Los Angeles, California) @docmartin2
· Adrian Dan, bariatric and MIS surgeon, program director for the advanced MIS bariatric and foregut fellowship at Summa Health System (Akron, Ohio) @DrAdrianDan
· Crystal Johnson Mann, bariatric and foregut surgeon at the University of Florida (Gainesville, Florida) @crys_noelle_
· Katherine Cironi, general surgery resident at the University of Southern California/Los Angeles General Medical Center (Los Angeles, California) @cironimacaroniLearning objectives
1. Understand the evolving role of OMMs in bariatric surgical practice
· Recognize how widespread GLP-1 and dual-incretin therapies have reshaped patient presentations, expectations, and referral patterns.
· Appreciate current evidence comparing surgery to GLP-1 therapy, including the JAMA Surgery study out of Allegheny Health (2025), noting:
o Superior weight loss with bariatric surgery (~28% TBWL vs ~10% with GLP-1s)
o Higher health-care utilization and cost in GLP-1–treated patients.
· Frame OMMs not as alternatives but as complementary tools within a chronic disease model when treating obesity.
2. Review pharmacologic classes and their expected efficacy
· Surgeons should be able to articulate the mechanisms, efficacy, and limitations of:
o GLP-1 receptor agonists – incretin-based satiety; 5–12% TBWL.
o Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists – most potent agents; 15–22% TBWL.
o Sympathomimetics – norepinephrine-driven appetite suppression; 3–7% TBWL.
o Combination agents (bupropion-naltrexone, phentermine-topiramate) – 5–12% TBWL depending on regimen.
o Emerging therapies – retatrutide, maritide, oral GLP-1s, with promising TBWL in phase 2 trials
3. Apply OMMs strategically in the preoperative phase
· Integrate OMMs without comprom… -
Parental Support: Policies In Surgery Training
2 februari 2026 · 52 min
In surgical residency, cases are long, expectations are high, and patient care always comes first. But then you become a parent, and suddenly you’re navigating pregnancy risk, parental leave, and lactation logistics in a system that wasn’t built for it. We’ve made meaningful progress over the past decade, but too many trainees still face becoming parents in residency without clear, consistent support. Lees meer
In this episode, join Dr. Kara Button with Dr. Arielle Kanters and Dr. Sarah Shubeck as they ask: How do we build a surgical workforce that’s skilled, resilient—and genuinely supported as surgeon-parents? They’ll share practical, evidence-based steps programs can take to make parental support the norm—not the exception.
Hosts:
Kara Button, DO — General Surgery Resident, Maine Medical Center; Behind the Knife Surgical Education Fellow
Arielle Kanters, MD — Colorectal Surgeon; Associate Program Director, Colorectal Surgery Fellowship, Cleveland Clinic
Dr. Sarah Shubeck, MD — Assistant Professor of Surgery; Breast Surgical Oncologist, University of ChicagoReferences:
Bamdad MC, Hughes DT, Englesbe M. Safe and supported pregnancy: A call to action for surgery chairs and program directors: A call to action for surgery chairs and program directors. Ann Surg. 2022;275(1):e1-e2. doi:10.1097/SLA.0000000000005181 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34433187/Castillo-Angeles M, Atkinson RB, Easter SR, et al. Pregnancy during surgical training: Are residency programs truly supporting their trainees? J Surg Educ. 2022;79(6):e92-e102. doi:10.1016/j.jsurg.2022.06.011 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35842402/
Castillo-Angeles M, Smink DS, Rangel EL. Perspectives of general surgery program directors on paternity leave during surgical training. JAMA Surg. 2022;157(2):105-111. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2021.6223 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34851404/
Kanters AE, Shubeck SP. The importance of parental leave and lactation support for surgeons. Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2023;36(5):333-337.…
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Parental Support: The 5-in-6 Pathway - Flexibility in Surgical Residency Training
29 januari 2026 · 41 min
You’re in the middle of surgical residency, and you realize you need more than a few weeks away from clinical responsibilities. Maybe you need more time to be a parent, recover from an illness, care for family, learn a new skill, or simply create space to reflect and reset. What if you could complete five years of training over six calendar years by spreading that time out in a way that fits your life?
Join Dr. Kara Button with Dr. Joe Buyske, and Dr. Bridget Olson as they break down the 5-in-6 pathway including how it works, who it’s for, and the real-world logistics that matter. Lees meerHosts:
Kara Button, DO — General Surgery Resident, Maine Medical Center; Behind the Knife Surgical Education Fellow
Jo Buyske, MD — President & CEO, American Board of Surgery
Dr. Bridget Olsen, MD — General Surgery Resident, Maine Medical CenterReferences:
Bamdad MC, Hughes DT, Englesbe M. Safe and supported pregnancy: A call to action for surgery chairs and program directors: A call to action for surgery chairs and program directors. Ann Surg. 2022;275(1):e1-e2. doi:10.1097/SLA.0000000000005181 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34433187/Castillo-Angeles M, Atkinson RB, Easter SR, et al. Pregnancy during surgical training: Are residency programs truly supporting their trainees? J Surg Educ. 2022;79(6):e92-e102. doi:10.1016/j.jsurg.2022.06.011 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35842402/
Castillo-Angeles M, Smink DS, Rangel EL. Perspectives of general surgery program directors on paternity leave during surgical training. JAMA Surg. 2022;157(2):105-111. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2021.6223 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34851404/
Kanters AE, Shubeck SP. The importance of parental leave and lactation support for surgeons. Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2023;36(5):333-337. doi:10.1055/s-0043-1764288 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37564351/
Kling SM, Slashinski MJ, Green RL, Taylor GA, Dunham P, Kuo LE. Parental leave experiences for the non-childbearing general surgery resident parent: A qualitative …
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Operative Standards for Cancer Surgery Series: Papillary Thyroid Cancer
26 januari 2026 · 33 min
This new mini-series on Behind the Knife will delve into the technical aspects of the Operative Standards for Cancer Surgery, developed through the American College of Surgeons Cancer Research Program. This second episode highlights the thyroid cancer operative standard. Lees meer
Hosts:
Tracy Wang, MD, MPH, FACS is a Professor of Surgery and Vice-Chair of Strategic and Professional Development at the Medical College of Wisconsin with a clinical focus on endocrine surgical oncology.
Vladmir Neychev, MD, PhD is a Professor of Surgery at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine with a clinical focus on endocrine surgical oncology.
Jack Sample, MD (@JackWSample) is a General Surgery Resident at Mayo Clinic Rochester.
Guests:
Elizabeth Grubbs, MD (@EGrubbsMD) is a Professor of Surgical Oncology at MD Anderson where she specializes in endocrine tumors, with expertise in cancer of the thyroid.
David Hughes, MD is a Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery at University of Michigan, where he focuses on surgical diseases of the endocrine system, including a particular focus on the diagnosis and management of papillary thyroid cancer.
Learning Objectives: Understand key preoperative and intraoperative aspects of the evaluation and treatment of patients with biopsy-proven papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) greater than or equal to 1 cm. Define factors that guide decision making regarding the extent of surgical resection (lobectomy versus total thyroidectomy) for PTC.
Links to Papers Referenced in this Episode
Operative Standards for Cancer Surgery, Volume 2: Thyroid, Gastric, Rectum, Esophagus, Melanoma
https://www.facs.org/quality-programs/cancer-programs/cancer-surgery-standards-program/operative-standards-for-cancer-surgery/purchase/Kindle edition:
Amazon.com: Operative Standards for Cancer Surgery: Volume 2, Section 1: Thyroid eBook : Program, American College of Surgeons Clinical Research, Katz, Matthew HG: Kindle StoreImpact of Extent of Surgery on Survi…
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Behind the Knife ABSITE 2026 - Quick Hits 4
23 januari 2026 · 28 min
Behind the Knife ABSITE 2026 – Up-to-date and high yield learning to help you DOMINATE the exam. Lees meer
Don’t forget to check out our ABSITE Podcast Companion Book available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Behind-Knife-ABSITE-Podcast-Companion/dp/B0CLDQWZG3/ref=monarch_sidesheet
Be sure to check out our free study aid, which includes all 32 review episodes, brief written summaries, high yield images, and flash cards. Simply create an account on our iOS or Android app or on our website and you will find the entire course in your Library.
Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/behind-the-knife/id1672420049
Google Play App Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.btk.app
Behind the Knife would like to sincerely thank Medtronic for sponsoring the entire 2026 ABSITE podcast series. Medtronic has a rich history of supporting surgical education, and we couldn’t be happier that they chose to partner with Behind the Knife. Learn more at https://www.medtronic.com/en-us/index.html
If you like the work that Behind the Knife is doing, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.
Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.
Check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listen
Behind the Knife Premium:
General Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-review
Trauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlas
Dominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkship
Dominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotation
Vascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-audio-review
Co…
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Behind the Knife ABSITE 2026 - Quick Hits 3
22 januari 2026 · 15 min
Behind the Knife ABSITE 2026 – Up-to-date and high yield learning to help you DOMINATE the exam. Lees meer
Don’t forget to check out our ABSITE Podcast Companion Book available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Behind-Knife-ABSITE-Podcast-Companion/dp/B0CLDQWZG3/ref=monarch_sidesheet
Be sure to check out our free study aid, which includes all 32 review episodes, brief written summaries, high yield images, and flash cards. Simply create an account on our iOS or Android app or on our website and you will find the entire course in your Library.
Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/behind-the-knife/id1672420049
Google Play App Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.btk.app
Behind the Knife would like to sincerely thank Medtronic for sponsoring the entire 2026 ABSITE podcast series. Medtronic has a rich history of supporting surgical education, and we couldn’t be happier that they chose to partner with Behind the Knife. Learn more at https://www.medtronic.com/en-us/index.html
If you like the work that Behind the Knife is doing, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.
Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.
Check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listen
Behind the Knife Premium:
General Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-review
Trauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlas
Dominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkship
Dominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotation
Vascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-audio-review
Co…
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Behind the Knife ABSITE 2026 - Quick Hits 2
21 januari 2026 · 20 min
Behind the Knife ABSITE 2026 – Up-to-date and high yield learning to help you DOMINATE the exam. Lees meer
Don’t forget to check out our ABSITE Podcast Companion Book available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Behind-Knife-ABSITE-Podcast-Companion/dp/B0CLDQWZG3/ref=monarch_sidesheet
Be sure to check out our free study aid, which includes all 32 review episodes, brief written summaries, high yield images, and flash cards. Simply create an account on our iOS or Android app or on our website and you will find the entire course in your Library.
Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/behind-the-knife/id1672420049
Google Play App Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.btk.app
Behind the Knife would like to sincerely thank Medtronic for sponsoring the entire 2026 ABSITE podcast series. Medtronic has a rich history of supporting surgical education, and we couldn’t be happier that they chose to partner with Behind the Knife. Learn more at https://www.medtronic.com/en-us/index.html
If you like the work that Behind the Knife is doing, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.
Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.
Check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listen
Behind the Knife Premium:
General Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-review
Trauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlas
Dominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkship
Dominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotation
Vascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-audio-review
Co…
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Behind the Knife ABSITE 2026 - Quick Hits 1
20 januari 2026 · 30 min
Behind the Knife ABSITE 2026 – Up-to-date and high yield learning to help you DOMINATE the exam. Lees meer
Don’t forget to check out our ABSITE Podcast Companion Book available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Behind-Knife-ABSITE-Podcast-Companion/dp/B0CLDQWZG3/ref=monarch_sidesheet
Be sure to check out our free study aid, which includes all 32 review episodes, brief written summaries, high yield images, and flash cards. Simply create an account on our iOS or Android app or on our website and you will find the entire course in your Library.
Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/behind-the-knife/id1672420049
Google Play App Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.btk.app
Behind the Knife would like to sincerely thank Medtronic for sponsoring the entire 2026 ABSITE podcast series. Medtronic has a rich history of supporting surgical education, and we couldn’t be happier that they chose to partner with Behind the Knife. Learn more at https://www.medtronic.com/en-us/index.html
If you like the work that Behind the Knife is doing, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.
Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.
Check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listen
Behind the Knife Premium:
General Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-review
Trauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlas
Dominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkship
Dominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotation
Vascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-audio-review
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Surgical Endoscopy Series Ep. 4: Endoscopic Management of Complications
19 januari 2026 · 40 min
In their fourth episode, the BTK Surgical Endoscopy team delves into the endoscopic management of the dreaded and unexpected. They review how to take care of high-risk surgical complications and introduce the use of a number of endoscopic tools including suturing, stent placement, clips, and the EndoVac. Following a review of a variety of endoscopic techniques, they present case-based scenarios that allow the listeners to understand the application of the endoscopic interventions in everyday practice. Becoming facile with endoscopic interventions may give surgeons the ability to nonoperatively take care of the most complex patients. Lees meer
Hosts:
- Dr. Sullivan “Sully” Ayuso, Minimally Invasive Surgeon, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX), @SAyusoMD (Twitter)
- Dr. H. Mason Hedberg, Minimally Invasive Surgeon, Endeavor Health (Evanston, IL)
- Dr. Trevor Crafts, Minimally Invasive Surgeon, Rocky Mountain VA Medical Center (Denver, CO), @CraftsTrevor (Twitter)
- Dr. Zachary Callahan, Minimally Invasive Surgeon, Nashville Surgical Associates (Nashville, TN), @zmcallahan (Twitter)Video Link: https://app.behindtheknife.org/video/surgical-endoscopy-series-ep-4-endoscopic-management-of-complications
Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.
If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listen
Behind the Knife Premium:
General Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-review
Trauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlas
Dominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkship
Dominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surg… -
Behind the Knife ABSITE 2026 - Obstetrics & Gynecology
18 januari 2026 · 17 min
Behind the Knife ABSITE 2026 – Up-to-date and high yield learning to help you DOMINATE the exam. Lees meer
Don’t forget to check out our ABSITE Podcast Companion Book available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Behind-Knife-ABSITE-Podcast-Companion/dp/B0CLDQWZG3/ref=monarch_sidesheet
Be sure to check out our free study aid, which includes all 32 review episodes, brief written summaries, high yield images, and flash cards. Simply create an account on our iOS or Android app or on our website and you will find the entire course in your Library.
Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/behind-the-knife/id1672420049
Google Play App Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.btk.app
Behind the Knife would like to sincerely thank Medtronic for sponsoring the entire 2026 ABSITE podcast series. Medtronic has a rich history of supporting surgical education, and we couldn’t be happier that they chose to partner with Behind the Knife. Learn more at https://www.medtronic.com/en-us/index.html
If you like the work that Behind the Knife is doing, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.
Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.
Check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listen
Behind the Knife Premium:
General Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-review
Trauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlas
Dominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkship
Dominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotation
Vascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-audio-review
Co…
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Behind the Knife ABSITE 2026 - Urology
17 januari 2026 · 27 min
Behind the Knife ABSITE 2026 – Up-to-date and high yield learning to help you DOMINATE the exam. Lees meer
Don’t forget to check out our ABSITE Podcast Companion Book available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Behind-Knife-ABSITE-Podcast-Companion/dp/B0CLDQWZG3/ref=monarch_sidesheet
Be sure to check out our free study aid, which includes all 32 review episodes, brief written summaries, high yield images, and flash cards. Simply create an account on our iOS or Android app or on our website and you will find the entire course in your Library.
Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/behind-the-knife/id1672420049
Google Play App Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.btk.app
Behind the Knife would like to sincerely thank Medtronic for sponsoring the entire 2026 ABSITE podcast series. Medtronic has a rich history of supporting surgical education, and we couldn’t be happier that they chose to partner with Behind the Knife. Learn more at https://www.medtronic.com/en-us/index.html
If you like the work that Behind the Knife is doing, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.
Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.
Check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listen
Behind the Knife Premium:
General Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-review
Trauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlas
Dominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkship
Dominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotation
Vascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-audio-review
Co…