Better Edge : A Northwestern Medicine Podcast For Physicians

En este episodio de Better Edge, la Dra. Irene Blanco y la Dra. Paulina González-Latapi hablan sobre la clínica de lupus para hispanohablantes y la clínica de trastornos del movimiento para hispanohablantes en Northwestern Medicine. La Dra. Blanco y la Dra. González-Latapi ofrecen un resumen de las clínicas y cómo buscan mejorar los resultados de salud entre la población que habla español. También hablan sobre el desarrollo de cada clínica y ofrecen consejos sobre cómo brindar atención a las personas que prefieren hablar en español.

Jennifer U. Miles-Thomas, MD, a trailblazing urologist and advocate for gender diversity in the field, shares her personal journey, from her specialization in female reconstructive surgery to her recent appointments as vice chair – Regional Integration and Innovation and assistant professor of Urology at Northwestern Medicine, and as treasurer-elect of the American Urological Association. As an expert in the field, Dr. Miles-Thomas sheds light on her unique approaches to her practice and discusses obstacles that hinder gender diversity in urology. She discusses her vision for the future of gender diversity in urology and how it can positively impact patient care and outcomes.

In this episode of Better Edge, Daniela E. Matei, MD, chief of Reproductive Science in Medicine at Northwestern Medicine, discusses her groundbreaking research on chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer. She explains how her team discovered the role of cholesterol in cancer cell survival and the innovative use of nanoparticles to block cholesterol uptake, offering new hope for treatment. Dr. Matei also highlights the potential for combining this approach with traditional chemotherapy and immunotherapy to enhance patient outcomes.

In this Better Edge episode, Irene Blanco, MD, and Paulina Gonzalez-Latapi, MD, discuss the Spanish-speaking lupus clinic and the Hispanic movement disorders clinic at Northwestern Medicine. Dr. Blanco and Dr. Gonzalez-Latapi provide an overview of the clinics and how they aim to improve health outcomes among the Spanish-speaking population. They also discuss each clinic’s development and offer advice on providing care to people who prefer to speak Spanish.

In this episode of the Better Edge podcast, Anton N. Dietzen, MD, a diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine and fellowship-trained pediatric physiatrist at Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital, discusses the challenges of weight management in pediatric patients with special needs. He highlights the higher prevalence of weight issues in this population and the multifactorial causes, including medication side effects and behavioral factors. Dr. Dietzen emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, involving dietitians, physical therapists and psychologists, to create a comprehensive weight management plan tailored to the child’s needs.

This episode of Better Edge delves into the challenges of medication management for individuals with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Rachel O’Conor, PhD, MD, associate professor of Geriatrics at Northwestern Medicine, and a health services and public health researcher specializing in community-engaged research, shares insights from a recent study involving patients and their caregivers. The discussion highlights the difficulties faced by those with changing cognitive abilities in managing multi-drug regimens and the crucial role of family members in this process. Dr. O’Conor emphasizes the importance of understanding both patient and caregiver perspectives to navigate these challenges effectively.

Join Eric B. Larson, PhD, director of Psychology and Brain Injury at Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital, as he discusses his intensive seminar in Ukraine with students Diana, Olya and Zhenia. They share their experiences and insights on treating neurologic injuries and emotional trauma related to war. Translator Zhanna Rawalska facilitates the conversation. This episode offers rehabilitation specialists valuable perspectives on the impact of war on mental health and the importance of specialized training.

Robin Cohen, MD, a physiatrist, and Nicolette Bernhardt, PsyD, a board-certified clinical health psychologist, discuss the integration of cancer rehabilitation and psychology. Dr. Cohen emphasizes the importance of physical medicine in addressing issues patients with cancer often experience. Dr. Bernhardt highlights the emotional challenges faced at different stages of cancer journeys. They underscore the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to ensure holistic care.Both Dr. Cohen and Dr. Bernhardt provide care at Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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