Behind The Knife: The Surgery Podcast

In this surgical education episode, the Cleveland Clinic General Surgery Education Team explores the past, present, and future of resident autonomy in the operating room. With guest colorectal surgeons Dr. Tracy Hull (recently retired) and Dr. David Rosen (early career faculty), we discuss how autonomy was granted in “the good ole days,” how educational culture and institutional pressures shape current practice, and what thoughtful autonomy looks like moving forward. Through candid stories—from emergent cases and missed enterotomies to thumbtacks pulled off the wall to stop bleeding—we get a nuanced look at what surgical independence really means, and how to responsibly develop it. Join hosts Pooja Varman, MD, Judith French, PhD, and Jeremy Lipman, MD, MHPE, for this conversation about what it means to train competent, confident, and independent surgeons. Learning Objectives By the end of this episode, listeners will be able to  1.     Define operative autonomy and its educational value in surgical training

Join the Behind the Knife Surgical Oncology Team as we discuss the two key studies investigating optimal management strategies of neuroendocrine tumors of the small bowel. 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. - Connor Chick, MD (@connor_chick) is a 2nd Year Surgical Oncology fellow at Ohio State University. - Lexy (Alexandra) Adams, MD, MPH (@lexyadams16) is a 1st Year Surgical Oncology fellow at MD Anderson. - Beth (Elizabeth) Barbera, MD (@elizcarpenter16) is a PGY-6 General Surgery resident at Brooke Army Medical Center Learning Objectives: In this episode we review two important papers that discuss optimal management strategies of neuroendocrine tumors (NET) of the small bowel.  The first paper by Singh and colleagues discusses the NETTER-

You have a patient with complicated diverticulitis s/p IR drain with colo-cutaneous fistula and colo-vaginal fistula. They are scheduled for surgery. How will you do it? What is the role for hand assist? How can hand assist help? Tune in to find out! Join Drs. Peter Marcello, Jonathan Abelson, and Tess Aulet as they discuss high yield papers discussing hand assist laparoscopy in Colon and Rectal surgery.  Learning Objectives 1. Describe the technical considerations and how to do hand assist laparoscopic surgery (HALS) 2. Discuss the indications for use of HALS 3. Review literature supporting use of HALS Video Link: https://app.behindtheknife.org/video/journal-review-in-colorectal-surgery-hand-assist-laparoscopy-in-colon-and-rectal-surgery References: Marcello PW, Fleshman JW, Milsom JW, Read TE, Arnell TD, Birnbaum EH, Feingold DL, Lee SW, Mutch MG, Sonoda T, Yan Y, Whelan RL. Hand-assisted laparoscopic vs. laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a multicenter, prospective, randomized trial. Dis Colon Rectum.

Intern year: where the learning curve is steep and you’re not sure if the patient is crashing or you are. In this episode of Behind the Knife, our surgical education fellows reflect on what they wish they had known before Day 1—and all the humbling, hilarious, and genuinely formative moments along the way. From getting lost wheeling a critical patient through the hospital, to triple-scrubbing just to be acknowledged, to accidentally spraying TPA into your own eye (yes, really)—this episode is a candid conversation about the highs, lows, and everything in between. Whether you're gearing up to start your intern year or reflecting on how far you've come, this is the episode we all needed. Hosts:  Elizabeth Maginot, MD – General Surgery Resident, University of Nebraska Medical Center  @e_magination95 Nina Clark, MD – General Surgery Resident, University of Washington @clarkninam Ayman Ali, MD – General Surgery Resident, Duke University Michelle LaBella, MD – General Surgery Resident, University of North Carol

This new series will be a collaboration between BTK and Annals of Surgery, where we will be discussing hot topics in surgery research. No, we won’t be getting into the nitty gritty of methods of individual papers but rather will focus on high-level discussions of contemporary topics that are moving our field forward. Hosts: Cody Mullens, MD is a general surgery resident at the University of Michigan, current Behind the Knife Surgery Education Fellow. (@Cody_Mullens) Justin B. Dimick, MD MPH is the Fredrick A Coller Distinguished Professor and Chair of Surgery at the University of Michigan. He also serves as the Editor in Chief at Annals of Surgery. (@jdimick1) 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://app.behindtheknife.org/listen

The evidence for climate change is irrefutable. But how does surgical care contribute to global emissions, and is there anything we can do to make surgery more sustainable? Join Jon Williams and our ASGBI partners for the next installment of our BTK/ASGBI collaborative series, where we discuss how to make surgical care greener. Mrs. Cleo Kennington from the UK and Dr. Benjamin Miller from the US are our guest experts, and provide valuable insights into local sustainability efforts you can take home to your hospital, broader concepts of how high-quality care is sustainable, innovations in sustainability, and what the future of sustainable surgery may look like. After listening, you get to decide–Who has more sustainable surgical practices? The UK or US? Mrs. Cleo Kenington is a Consultant Emergency General and Trauma Surgeon at St George’s Hospital, London and was the recent ASGBI Sustainability Lead. She is a big advocate for practicing what she preaches, focusing on how we can reduce the environmental impac

Join Drs. Michael Rosen, Benjamin T. Miller, Sara Maskal, and Ryan Ellis as they review mesh materials used in hernia repair and the general properties surgeons who perform hernia repairs should know.  Hosts:    - Sara Maskal, MD, Cleveland Clinic  - Ryan Ellis, MD, Cleveland Clinic - Benjamin T. Miller, MD, Cleveland Clinic  - Michael Rosen, MD, Cleveland Clinic  Learning Objectives:   - Understand common mesh materials  - Review properties of the different mesh materials - Understand how to apply knowledge of the different mesh properties to different patient scenarios References:  - Ellis R, Miller BT. Mesh selection in abdominal wall reconstruction: an update on biomaterials. Surgical Clinics. 2023 Oct 1;103(5):1019-28. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37709387/ - Krpata DM, Petro CC, Prabhu AS, Tastaldi L, Zolin S, Fafaj A, Rosenblatt S, Poulose BK, Pierce RA, Warren JA, Carbonell AM. Effect of hernia mesh weights on postoperative patient-related and clinical outcomes after open ventral hernia repair:

Welcome back to our series on AI for the clinician! Large language models, like ChatGPT, have been taking the world by storm, and healthcare is no exception to that rule – your institution may already be using them! In this episode we’ll tackle the fundamentals of how they work and their applications and limitations to keep you up to date on this fast-moving, exciting technology. Hosts: Ayman Ali, MD Ayman Ali is a Behind the Knife fellow and general surgery PGY-3 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 Assistant 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 directs the Surgical Data and Decision Sciences Lab for the Department of Surgery at OHSU.  Phillip Jenkins, MD: @PhilJenkinsMD Phil Jenkins is a general sur

Mastering the surgical consult is a true milestone in every young surgeon’s career.  But it’s not easy!  It is a difficult transition from lowly data gatherer to mighty data synthesizer.  It is, in many ways, an art form.  Is there anything more beautiful than breaking down a complex, convoluted patient presentation into an immaculate assessment and plan?  Something so bullet proof that the attending surgeon has been left speechless.  Perhaps not!  Join Drs. Joey Lew and Patrick Georgoff as they review 10 CONSULT COMMANDMENTS TO DOMINATE THE DAY: Have a System Trust No One, Expect Sabotage Always Ask at Least One Why Always Look at the Imaging Yourself Don’t Worry Alone Don’t Bury the Lead Never Lie Include a Real Assessment and Plan in Your Note Goals of care are important and individual Over-communicate Hosts: Dr. Joey Lew, MD, MFA, PGY2, Duke University (@LewActually) Dr. Patrick Georgoff, MD, Duke University (@georgoff) Insensible Losses – Poems by Joey Lew: https://www.amazon.com/Insensible-Losses-

In this episode, we dive into the rapidly evolving world of ambient listening AI in healthcare. From outpatient clinics to inpatient wards and operating rooms, this technology is reshaping how care is delivered, documented, and experienced. We explore how ambient listening AI is improving clinic flow by streamlining documentation and reducing interruptions, allowing clinicians to stay more present with their patients. The technology is increasingly adaptive to individual provider styles, learning preferences and workflows to deliver more personalized support. Plus, we share practical tips for new users to get the most out of their ambient listening AI systems from day one. Join us as we hear from experts on the front lines and debate the future of ambient listening AI in medicine—where the walls really do have ears, but for all the right reasons. Host:  - Nicole Petcka, MD – General Surgery Resident, Emory University, @npetcka2022 Guests:  - Samuel R. Torres Landa Fernández, MD – Minimally Invasive Surger

Join the University of Washington Surgical Palliative Care Team for their final episode of this series — a dual journal review and clinical challenges discussion on assessing medical decision-making capacity. Using Dr. Paul Applebaum’s foundational framework, the team outlines the four key criteria for evaluating capacity and brings the topic to life through two contrasting standardized patient scenarios. This episode highlights why capacity assessment is not only relevant but essential for surgeons navigating complex, high-stakes decisions.  Hosts:  Dr. Katie O’Connell (@katmo15) is an associate professor of surgery at the University of Washington. She is a trauma surgeon, palliative care physician, director of surgical palliative care, and founder of the Advance Care Planning for Surgery clinic at Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Dr. Ali Haruta is an assistant professor of surgery at the University of Washington. She is a trauma and emergency general surgeon and palliative care physician. Ali recen

In their last Behind the Knife episode, the Hernia Content Team from Carolinas Medical Center discusses quality improvement in abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR). The complexity of AWR patients makes this discipline a perfect match for quality improvement efforts. The group review two papers published by their group: one that tracks patient outcomes over time and then another that reviews a specific quality improvement initiative (penicillin allergy protocol).  Hosts: ·      Dr. Sullivan “Sully” Ayuso, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Endeavor Health (Evanston, IL), @SAyusoMD (Twitter) ·      Dr. Monica Polcz, Assistant Professor, University of South Florida (Tampa, FL) ·      Dr. Vedra Augenstein, Professor of Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center (Charlotte, NC), @VedraAugenstein (Twitter) ·      Dr. Todd Heniford, Chief of GI & MIS, Carolinas Medical Center (Charlotte, NC), @THeniford (Twitter) Learning Objectives: -       Define Quality Improvement and its Importance in Surgical Practice -       Identify Ke

Welcome to our new series – the AI Journal Club! In this series, we’ll cover some interesting studies and evidence-based applications of artificial intelligence in surgery in a case-based format. Surely AI can find a DVT by now … or can it? Stay tuned and find out! Hosts: - Ayman Ali, MD Ayman Ali is a Behind the Knife fellow and general surgery PGY-3 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 Assistant 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 directs the Surgical Data and Decision Sciences Lab for the Department of Surgery at OHSU.  - Marisa Sewell, MD: @MarisaSewell Marisa Sewell is a general surgery PGY-4 at Oregon Health and Science University.  Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other hig

It is the final episode of our Challenging Cases in Emergency General Surgery series and we’re diving into another dreaded topic: the complex abdominal wall. This structure is a daily partner to the general surgeon—but when things go wrong, it can quickly become our biggest challenge. In this episode, we’ll walk through the emergency presentation of a patient with multiple prior hernia repairs and mesh placements, and how these complicate diagnosis and management. From imaging pearls to OR decision-making and post-op dilemmas, this episode covers it all.  We round things off with a fun game (as always!) and some hot takes on abdominal wall strategies in emergency general surgery. Whether you’re an EGS surgeon, trainee, or surgical enthusiast, this episode is packed with practical insights, decision-making frameworks, and real-world nuance. Hosts: - Dr. Ashlie Nadler - Dr. Jordan Nantais - Dr. Graham Skelhorne-Gross Learning Objectives: - Identify key factors to assess in patients presenting with complex abd

We got the gang together (minus John, who is on mission).  Today, we are talking about diverticulitis with super expert Scott Steele.  Scott walks Jason, Patrick, and Kevin through the nuances of modern-day management of diverticulitis.   We cover laparoscopic lavage, review decision making for surgical resection after drainage, and discuss the evolving role of antibiotics in uncomplicated cases. Surgical techniques, including resection boundaries and the consideration of diverting ostomies in emergent situations, are also reviewed.  DOMINATE THE COLON! Hosts Scott Steele, MD: @ScottRSteeleMD Scott is the Rupert B. Turnbull MD Endowed Chair in Colorectal Surgery and Chairman of Colorectal Surgery at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, he was an active duty Army officer for over 20 years, serving as the Chief of Colorectal Surgery at Madigan Army Medical Center. He also received his MBA from Case Western University Weatherhead School of Business

In our recent episode on global burn surgery with Dr. Barclay Stewart and Dr. Manish Yadav, we discussed several cases at Kirtipur Hospital in Nepal to illustrate the global burden of burns and similarities and differences in treating burns at Harborview Medical Center, a level 1 trauma and ABA verified burn center in Seattle, WA and Kirtipur Hospital (Nepal Cleft and Burn Center) in Kathmandu, Nepal. In this episode Dr. Stewart and Dr. Yadav return for an interview by UW Surgery Resident, Paul Herman, sharing insights on how to get involved in global surgery with an emphasis on sustainable participation. Hosts:  Manish Yadav, Kirtipur Hospital, Nepal Barclay Stewart, UW/Harborview Medical Center Paul Herman, UW/Harborview General Surgery Resident, @paul_herm  Tam Pham, UW/Harborview Medical Center (Editor) Learning Objectives 1.     Approaches to global surgery  a.     Describe historical perspectives on global health and global surgery reviewing biases global surgery inherits from global health due to the

Surgical conferences are a forum of the profession–where we all gather to socialize, share clinical experiences, promote academic work, and learn from each other. But what goes into putting these conferences together? In this next installment of the BTK/ASGBI collaborative series, Jon Williams and ASGBI co-hosts Kellie Bateman and Jared Wohlgemut welcome Mr. Dimitrios Damaskos from Edinburgh and Dr. Anne Lidor from the University of Wisconsin to take a look behind the scenes of conference planning. We’ll cover logistics, program selection, how surgical societies strive to support their members and trainees, and much more! Mr Dimitrios Damaskos, initially from Greece, he came to the UK for his fellowship and is a UGI and Emergency General Surgical Consultant with an interest in abdominal wall surgery based in The Royal Infirmary Edinburgh. He is the current Director of Scientific Programme for ASGBI and responsible for organising our main International Congress which this year happens to be in Edinburgh. He h

Hey APPs - Are you ready to DOMINATE surgery?  Well let's go!  Perform at the highest level on day one of your rotation using our easy to navigate text, tables, flashcards, podcasts, and videos.  Go beyond rote memorization and learn what really matters.  We are talking practical, high-yield, and engaging content all available at your fingertips.  Get the information you need to know FAST.  Whether it's learning how to two-hand tie, work up a patient with a colon mass, or organizing yourself for rounds, Behind the Knife has got you covered.    Dominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation Course Link: https://app.behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotation

Hey APPs - Are you ready to DOMINATE surgery?  Well let's go!  Perform at the highest level on day one of your rotation using our easy to navigate text, tables, flashcards, podcasts, and videos.  Go beyond rote memorization and learn what really matters.  We are talking practical, high-yield, and engaging content all available at your fingertips.  Get the information you need to know FAST.  Whether it's learning how to two-hand tie, work up a patient with a colon mass, or organizing yourself for rounds, Behind the Knife has got you covered.    Dominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation Course Link: https://app.behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotation

Hey APPs - Are you ready to DOMINATE surgery?  Well let's go!  Perform at the highest level on day one of your rotation using our easy to navigate text, tables, flashcards, podcasts, and videos.  Go beyond rote memorization and learn what really matters.  We are talking practical, high-yield, and engaging content all available at your fingertips.  Get the information you need to know FAST.  Whether it's learning how to two-hand tie, work up a patient with a colon mass, or organizing yourself for rounds, Behind the Knife has got you covered.    Dominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation Course Link: https://app.behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotation