Better Edge : A Northwestern Medicine podcast for physicians

In this episode of Better Edge, orthopaedic surgeons Michael Stover, MD, and Ryan Selley, MD, discuss the latest in hip preservation strategies for young adults, with a focus on periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) for acetabular dysplasia.Dr. Stover and Dr. Selley cover:• Differentiating hip pathology appropriate for preservation vs. arthroplasty• Clinical and radiographic criteria for PAO candidacy, including the role of cartilage health• Long-term outcomes and durability of PAO in delaying or preventing total hip arthroplasty• Emerging innovations such as 3D surgical planning, AI-assisted imaging and dynamic hip assessment

In this episode of Better Edge, pulmonologist Maanasi Samant, MD, highlights the multidisciplinary approach to pulmonary embolism (PE) survivorship at Northwestern Medicine Canning Thoracic Institute's Blood Clot Clinic. The clinic offers structured follow-up for patients recovering from PE, with a focus on persistent symptoms, functional limitation, and early identification of chronic thromboembolic disease, including chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Through standardized post-discharge evaluations, advanced diagnostics, coordinated anticoagulation management, and supportive counseling, the clinic addresses the full spectrum of post-PE syndrome. This comprehensive model supports earlier diagnosis of long-term complications, timely access to advanced therapies, and improved recovery and quality of life, serving as a centralized, evidence-based resource for referring pulmonologists.

In this episode of Better Edge, Oncologist Seth M. Pollack, MD, discusses the evolving treatment landscape for leiomyosarcoma and highlights clinical trial data recently published in The Lancet Oncology. Dr. Pollack was co-author on the study, which evaluated the combination of cabozantinib, a multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, with temozolomide in patients with refractory soft tissue sarcomas.  The conversation covers the biologic mechanisms underpinning this strategy, trial design and outcomes, and how the trial's findings compare with existing systemic therapies. The discussion also emphasizes the value of referral to specialized sarcoma centers with multidisciplinary expertise and access to subtype specific clinical trials.

In this episode of Better Edge, Northwestern Medicine Endocrinologist Ioannis Papagiannis, MD, reviews key updates from the 2025 American Thyroid Association Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Guidelines. He highlights refined, pathology specific risk stratification and a growing emphasis on individualized care. The discussion explores treatment de-escalation strategies, including active surveillance, surgical decision making, selective radioactive iodine use and tailored follow up, all designed to improve outcomes while minimizing overtreatment.

In this episode of Better Edge, Kevin E. Hodges, MD, discusses persistent undertreatment of atrial fibrillation (AFib) and barriers to Cox-maze procedure adoption that persist despite data supporting it. He highlights expanded use of concomitant Cox-maze procedures and advances in minimally invasive and robotic AFib approaches.

In this episode of Better Edge, Kevin C. Welch, MD, professor of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at Northwestern Medicine, talks about his recent study that evaluated if endoscopic sinus surgery affects the long term risk of asthma and bronchiectasis in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Drawing from a large retrospective cohort with extended follow up, the study explored differences in outcomes by disease severity and nasal polyp status. The episode also highlights how these findings may inform clinical decision making and patient counseling in the management of refractory CRS.

In this episode of Better Edge, GI surgeons Srinadh Komanduri, MD, MS, and Eric Hungness, MD, and Bariatric Surgeon Matthew Pittman, MD, take a look at the evolving landscape of obesity medicine. They share insights on treatment selection, long term weight maintenance, safety and the emerging combinations shaping the future of metabolic health.

In this episode of Better Edge, CTEPH experts Daniel R. Schimmel, MD, and Stephen F. Chiu, MD, discuss how multidisciplinary evaluation and a high volume of procedures have shaped one of the nation's leading CTEPH program at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute. Having recently performed its 200th PTE, Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute has strong outcomes and the infrastructure to support them. Recent publications have reported zero 30 day mortality after PTE and BPA. Dr. Schimmel and Dr. Chiu review advances in complication prevention, evolving criteria for surgical vs. interventional treatment, and emerging research in AI enhanced diagnostics. Their conversation offers practical guidance for recognizing persistent symptoms after a pulmonary embolism and identifying patients who may benefit from referral to a specialized CTEPH center.

In this episode of Better Edge podcast, Francesca E. Duncan, PhD, a reproductive scientist at Northwestern Medicine, discusses her groundbreaking research on immune‑mediated remodeling of the aging ovary. By characterizing the unique inflammatory and metabolic signatures of multinucleated giant cells, she provides a new framework for understanding ovarian senescence and preserving ovarian health.

In this episode of Better Edge, Akhil Narang, MD, associate professor of Cardiology at Northwestern Medicine, examines the phase 3 ENHANCE trial, which evaluates a novel syringe-mounted surfactant device designed to generate uniform microbubbles and reduce variability in saline contrast echocardiography. By improving right-heart opacification and the fidelity of right-to-left shunt detection, the device aims to improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce rates of non-diagnostic and repeat studies. Rooted in Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute's commitment to advancing translational imaging, this trial may improve both workflow efficiency and patient care.

This Better Edge podcast episode features Robin L. Cohen, MD, Michelle Armour, MS, CCC-SLP, and Shamun Mohammed, MS, CCC-SLP, as they discuss the rehabilitation of a 77-year-old stroke patient with severe fluent aphasia, auditory comprehension challenges and apraxia. They highlight how interdisciplinary collaboration, strong family involvement and the Northwestern Medicine Aphasia Program at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital led to significant functional gains and renewed independence.

Prostate MRI is changing how clinicians decide when a biopsy is needed and how sampling is targeted to better detect clinically significant prostate cancer. In this episode of Better Edge, Hiten Patel, MD, discusses MRI‑informed risk stratification, including the use of an MRI‑based risk calculator, and how MRI‑targeted biopsy can reduce missed high‑grade disease. The episode also highlights how PSA density informs decision‑making after a negative MRI and how to manage discordant targeted and systematic biopsy results. Dr. Patel reviews lesion characteristics, like size and suspicion score, in the context of follow‑up and treatment intensity, along with emerging tools like PSMA PET and AI that may further refine detection and biopsy targeting.

In this episode of Better Edge, Baljash S. Cheema, MD, assistant professor of Cardiology at Northwestern Medicine, explores the integration of FDA-approved digital health technologies in cardiovascular care, focusing on a photoplethysmography-based algorithm for remote AFib detection and monitoring. Dr. Cheema discusses the clinical validation of this smartphone-enabled tool and its advantages over traditional wearables. He also highlights its implications for patient empowerment, stroke prevention and the evolving landscape of AI-driven diagnostics.

Oncologist George Georges, MD, moderates a discussion with Christine Hsieh, MD, rheumatologist, and Arjun Seth, MD, neurologist, on advancing care for inflammatory myopathies. The panel introduces the Northwestern Medicine Myositis Clinic, a one-stop model that simplifies diagnostics and connects patients to clinical trials. They review current treatment strategies — steroids, IVIg, steroid-sparing agents, rituximab, and JAK inhibitors — along with approaches for refractory disease. The panel also explores cellular therapies, including CAR-T cell trials.

In this episode of Parts and Labor, Angela Chaudhari, MD, hosts a panel of experts from Northwestern Medicine's Division of Gynecologic Oncology to discuss the groundbreaking research and clinical trials shaping the future of gynecologic cancer care. The panel explores innovations in immunotherapy, investigator-initiated trials, survivorship and symptom science, while highlighting efforts to expand access and diversity in clinical research across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.This episode's panel of guests includes:• Emma L. Barber, MD, John and Ruth Brewer Professor of Gynecology and Cancer Research, Division Chief of Gynecologic Oncology and Director of Robotic Surgery• Daniela E. Matei, MD, Diana, Princess of Wales Professor of Cancer Research and Chief of Reproductive Science in the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Hematology and Oncology• Dario R. Roque, MD, Associate Professor of Gynecologic Oncology and Fellowship Program Director• Emily M. Hinchcliff, MD, Assistant Professor of Gynecologic Oncology and Program Director of the OB-GYN Residency Program

In this episode of Better Edge, Chandrika Shankar, MD, explores the dynamic intersection of mental health and law. Learn how forensic psychiatrists assess competency, navigate ethical dilemmas and balance risk assessment tools with clinical judgment. Dr. Shankar also shares insights on telepsychiatry, AI-assisted evaluations and the core skills needed to succeed in this evolving field.

In this episode of Better Edge, a Northwestern Medicine Ophthalmology panel including Paul Bryar, MD, Rukhsana G. Mirza, MD, and moderator Angelo P. Tanna, MD, discusses practical applications of artificial intelligence in eye care. Topics include point‑of‑care diabetic retinopathy screening with immediate results, oculomics and multimodal imaging, and collaborations using AI to identify biomarkers such as retinal ischemic perivascular lesions (RIPLs). The panel also reviews early experience with large language model triage and MyChart responses, EMR‑based risk scoring that incorporates social drivers of health and workflow optimization.

In this episode of Better Edge, a Northwestern Medicine Ophthalmology panel including Paul Bryar, MD, Rukhsana G. Mirza, MD, and moderator Angelo P. Tanna, MD, discusses practical applications of artificial intelligence in eye care. Topics include point‑of‑care diabetic retinopathy screening with immediate results, oculomics and multimodal imaging, and collaborations using AI to identify biomarkers such as retinal ischemic perivascular lesions (RIPLs). The panel also reviews early experience with large language model triage and MyChart responses, EMR‑based risk scoring that incorporates social drivers of health and workflow optimization.

Edward M. Schaeffer, MD, PhD, moderates a thoughtful conversation with two former Northwestern Urology residents, Richard Matulewicz, MD, MSCI, MS, urologic surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Neema Navai, MD, MHCM, professor and chair of the department of urology and special advisor to the chief physician executive for care development at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Together, they share insights from their professional journeys, explore the evolving landscape of urologic care and discuss how their experiences have shaped their career paths and approach to patient care.

In this episode of Parts and Labor, Angela Chaudhari, MD, hosts a panel of experts from Northwestern Medicine's Division of Gynecologic Oncology to explore the innovative role of robotic surgery in cancer care. The discussion highlights how robotic technology is improving outcomes for patients with gynecologic cancers through minimally invasive techniques, enhanced precision and interdisciplinary collaboration.The panel covers advancements in robotic systems, patient populations who benefit most from this approach, including those with high BMI, complex surgical histories, and fertility concerns, as well as the future of surgical innovation at Northwestern Medicine.This episode's panel of guests includes:• Emma L. Barber, MD, John and Ruth Brewer Professor of Gynecology and Cancer Research, Division Chief of Gynecologic Oncology and Director of Robotic Surgery.• Dario R. Roque, MD, Associate Professor of Gynecologic Oncology and Fellowship Program Director.• Jenna Z. Marcus, MD, Associate Professor of Gynecologic Oncology, Director of Robotic Simulation and Associate Fellowship Program Director.

In this episode of Better Edge, a Northwestern Medicine Neurology panel including Niccolo Mencacci, MD, PhD, Sarah Brooker, MD, PhD, and Elizabeth Gerard, MD, discuss their groundbreaking research surrounding the NUS1 gene and its impact on neurological disorders.Their recently published research, The Spectrum of Neurologic Phenotypes Associated With NUS1 Pathogenic Variants: A Comprehensive Case Series, covers a comprehensive case series of 41 patients with pathogenic variants in the NUS1 gene, highlighting a spectrum of neurological phenotypes that include developmental delays, epilepsy, and various movement disorders. Notably, the study emphasizes the lack of genotype-phenotype correlations, suggesting the influence of additional genetic and environmental factors on clinical presentations.

In this episode of Better Edge, Edgar Woznica, MD, explores the clinical challenges of diagnosing and treating patients with four or more co-occurring psychiatric conditions, including substance use disorders. He shares strategies for distinguishing primary versus substance-induced symptoms, emphasizes the importance of collaborative care and offers guidance for teaching diagnostic clarity to trainees. The episode also highlights the value of embracing diagnostic uncertainty and measuring success through functional outcomes.Clinical impact: This conversation provides practical tools for managing diagnostic complexity and reinforces the importance of integrated, patient-centered care in high-acuity psychiatric cases.

In this episode of Better Edge, Sean W. P. Koppe, MD, moderates a panel of Northwestern Medicine hepatologists as they discuss recent scientific updates from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) annual meeting held in November 2025. The conversation addresses key updates in the management of patients with cirrhosis, MASLD, HCC, alcohol liver disease, cholestatic liver diseases and autoimmune hepatitis that were presented at the meeting.

A panel of Northwestern Medicine ophthalmologists, including Robert Feder, MD, Liza Cohen, MD, and Timothy Janetos, MD, share key highlights and clinical implications from the 2025 AAO Annual Meeting focusing on cornea and external disease, orbital and oculoplastic surgery, and uveitis — including cases associated with cataract.

In this episode of Better Edge, Quentin R. Youmans, MD, assistant professor of Cardiology at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, discusses the recent joint scientific statement from the Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA) and the American Society of Preventive Cardiology (ASPC) published in the Journal of Cardiac Failure. This statement explores the integration of multidisciplinary care models in heart failure management, focusing on proactive strategies for early detection and prevention. It also emphasizes the importance of lifestyle modifications, social determinants of health and a shift in language from "failure" to "function" for enhancing patient engagement. Additionally, the research investigates the role of emerging technologies, such as wearables and AI, in revolutionizing care and proposes a cohesive framework that promotes cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic health to reduce heart failure incidence.

Danny Bega, MD, of Northwestern Medicine Neurology, joins Will Meador, MD, to discuss a major breakthrough in Huntington's disease — a gene therapy that has shown the first evidence of slowing disease progression. Dr. Bega talks about how the RESET-HD trial is reshaping treatment possibilities and what physicians should watch for as this therapy advances.

In part two of the Better Edge series on women in physiatry, Larissa Pavone, MD, and Mary Keen, MD, reflect on how the field has evolved — from training structures and technology to the growing presence of women in leadership. They discuss the increasing demands of the specialty, the impact of mentorship and the importance of visibility and support for women entering PM&R. Looking ahead, they share their excitement about the role of technology and expanded access to education in shaping the future of physiatry. The episode offers practical insights for women navigating the field today and encourages continued growth through collaboration and innovation.

In this episode of Better Edge, Brandon Hamm, MD, discusses an evidence-based approach to ketamine therapy, including patient selection, safety protocols and a newly expanded infusion suite. He compares ketamine with TMS and ECT, addresses common misconceptions and highlights training opportunities for residents. The episode also previews emerging treatments like vagus nerve stimulation.Clinical impact: This conversation underscores ketamine's growing role as a safe, effective option within a comprehensive interventional psychiatry framework.

In this episode of Better Edge, Larissa Pavone, MD, and Mary Keen, MD, share their insights on the power of mentorship among women in physiatry. They reflect on their own mentor and mentee relationship, emphasizing how guidance, partnership and shared clinical experiences have shaped their careers and personal growth.They explore the challenges of balancing clinical demands with personal well-being and the importance of being present for patients and families. The episode highlights how mentorship can come from many sources and evolve over time. Both physicians offer practical advice for women seeking mentorship and underscore the importance of recognizing mentors across disciplines within the rehabilitation team.This is part one of a two-part series. Be sure to listen to part two where Dr. Pavone and Dr. Keen discuss the evolution of women in physiatry and the future of the field.

In this episode of Better Edge, Jennifer Miles-Thomas, MD, moderates a thoughtful conversation with Anthony Schaeffer, MD, discussing complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs) and their management. Dr. Schaeffer, who contributed to the recent IDSA guidelines on cUTIs, emphasizes the need to understand underlying causes of recurrent infections rather than treating them as isolated events. The conversation explores critical topics such as antibiotic resistance, effective treatment strategies and the importance of early intervention in febrile cases.

In this episode of Better Edge, Reena Dhanda-Patil, MD, a professor of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Northwestern Medicine, discusses her journey into the field and the importance of a holistic approach to patient care. Dr. Dhanda-Patil emphasizes the rapid advances in sleep medicine and surgery, highlighting her commitment to integrating innovative techniques and multidisciplinary strategies to address complex health issues, particularly obstructive sleep apnea. Through her dedication to personalized treatment and collaboration, she aims to improve patient quality of life and foster clinician growth in this evolving specialty.

In this episode of Better Edge, Joshua Meeks, MD, PhD, discusses the implications of the FDA's recent approval of TAR-200, a novel therapy for bladder cancer. Having played a key role in the clinical trials and development of this treatment, Dr. Meeks provides an in-depth look at this breakthrough's potential to transform patient care, especially for those with BCG-unresponsive bladder cancer.

In this episode of Better Edge, a multidisciplinary team gets into the intricacies of diagnosing and managing scleroderma. Join Pulmonologist Anthony Esposito, MD, Rheumatologist Carrie Richardson, MD, and Domenico Farina, MD a gastroenterology specialist with a focus on scleroderma-related esophageal diseases. Together, they share how they collaborate to provide comprehensive care for patients.

Grazia Aleppo, MD, Kasey J. Coyne, MD, and Jelena Kravarusic, MD, PhD, from the Northwestern Medicine Division of Endocrinology, join the Better Edge podcast. The trio discusses a recent clinical trial they led, published in The New England Journal of Medicine. This trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of using an automated insulin delivery system for treating patients with Type 2 diabetes, a method already well established for those with Type 1 diabetes.

In this episode of Better Edge, C. Charles Jain, MD, the new associate medical director for Adult Congenital Heart Disease at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, shares his clinical expertise and strategic vision for advancing adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) care. Dr. Jain discusses his new role and outlines a comprehensive approach to improving outcomes for ACHD. He emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and seamless transitions from pediatric to adult care, key parts of Northwestern Medicine's approach. Dr. Jain also highlights his research interests, commitment to providing whole-person care and upcoming initiatives to expand access and enhance continuity of care at Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute.

In this episode of Better Edge, Bruce K. Tan, MD, discusses the newest clinical practice guidelines for the surgical management of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Dr. Tan covers how treatment paradigms have evolved over the past 15 years, from antibiotic-centric approaches to multifaceted strategies that recognize CRS as a complex inflammatory condition. He dives into the guidelines' recommendations on diagnoses, biologic therapies and multidisciplinary collaboration. Additionally, Dr. Tan shares insights on future directions for research and the promise of precision medicine in tailoring effective treatments for a range of patient profiles.

In this episode of Better Edge, Allison S. Komorowski, MD, discusses her findings on the role of anti-Müllerian hormone in managing PCOS. Discover how this hormone's levels influence ovulation rates, the importance of personalized treatment strategies and the hormone's potential as a diagnostic tool in fertility treatment.

Join Anton Dietzen, MD, FAAPMR, fellowship-trained in pediatrics, Ishaan Hublikar, DO, FAAPMR, a spinal cord injury specialist, and Julie E. Witkowski, MD, FAAPMR, an expert in brain injury, as they discuss the role of fellowship training in enhancing PM&R care. They share their personal journeys, insights on complex cases and future advances in their fields.

Dr. Clara Peek, assistant professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics and Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology, is here to walk us through a new Northwestern Medicine study she led that was published in Science Advances, suggesting that circadian rhythms play a role in how quickly damaged muscles heal.

In this episode of Better Edge, Sadiya S. Khan, MD, discusses the AHA's groundbreaking PREVENT-HF paradigm, which aims to implement a risk-based approach to heart failure prevention like other established methods for heart attack and stroke. Dr. Khan covers the alarming trends of heart failure prevalence in the U.S., the importance of early detection, and the integration of traditional and non-traditional risk factors in clinical practice. She also highlights how innovative strategies and emerging technologies like AI are helping shape the future of heart failure risk assessment and patient care.

In this episode of Better Edge, we delve into innovative strategies for enhancing inpatient rehabilitation outcomes in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Anthony Phan, MD, a physiatrist, discusses the importance of multidisciplinary approaches and optimizing consult practices. Join us as we explore effective techniques and best practices for maximizing functional recovery in an acute care setting.

Eric Ruderman, MD, leads a Northwestern Medicine panel discussion with Irene Blanco, MD, Anisha Dua, MD, and Carrie Richardson, MD. Together, they dive into the latest advances in clinical trials and treatment strategies for scleroderma, vasculitis and lupus.The panel discusses the goals and complexities of contemporary clinical trials, recent breakthroughs in therapies and the innovative potential of CAR-T therapy for managing autoimmune diseases. They emphasize the significance of personalized medicine and the collaboration needed among clinicians, industry collaborators and patient advocacy groups to drive research forward.

In this episode of Better Edge, we discuss the Collaborative Advanced Reconstructive Evaluation (CARE) Clinic, a collaboration between Northwestern Medicine and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, led by Julia Geynisman-Tan, MD, Julia E. Grabowski, MD, Elizabeth B. Yerkes, MD, and Dana Elborno, MD. Learn how this team uses a multidisciplinary approach to provide leading-edge reconstructive treatments for congenital anomalies and acquired genitourinary tract diseases.

In this episode of Better Edge, Sean W. P. Koppe, MD, moderates a panel of hepatologist, featuring Laura M. Kulik, MD, Andres Duarte, MD, Sarang B. Thaker, MD and Amanda C. Cheung, MD, as they discuss recent advances and challenges in liver research. The conversation addresses such key issues as the timing of immunotherapy in relation to transplants, the role of albumin management and the implications of these factors on patient outcomes. This discussion offers valuable insights to fellow researchers and clinicians navigating the complexities of liver medicine.

In this episode of Better Edge, Northwestern Medicine Neurologist Shailee Shah, MD, and Neuro-oncologist Ditte Primdahl, MD, unpack the latest advancements in paraneoplastic syndrome management, highlighted at the 2025 American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting.   Together, they explore: The complex interplay between immune checkpoint inhibitors and autoimmune neurologic syndromes Emerging therapies, including CD19-directed CAR T-cell treatments Updates to diagnostic criteria and risk stratification using high-risk autoantibodies The role of predictive biomarkers and advanced omics in diagnosis The launch of a dedicated paraneoplastic clinic at Northwestern Medicine

In this episode of Better Edge podcast, Sri Komanduri, MD, discusses the latest advances in the screening and management of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer. He highlights the significance of risk stratification to enhance patient outcomes and minimize the incidence of interval cancers. Additionally, Dr. Komanduri emphasizes the importance of improving patient access to care and the role of advocacy organizations in supporting both patients and clinicians.

In this episode of Better Edge, Baljash S. Cheema, MD, assistant professor of Cardiology at Northwestern Medicine, and Zach Miller, PhD, manager of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence at Northwestern Medicine, discuss the innovative use of machine learning to identify patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Emphasizing the critical collaboration between clinical experts and data scientists, Dr. Cheema and Dr. Miller explain the process of designing and optimizing AI models to better meet clinician needs and improve patient outcomes.

In this episode of Parts and Labor, Angela Chaudhari, MD, hosts a panel of experts to discuss the PEARL Program, a multidisciplinary initiative providing comprehensive care for patients with obesity as they prepare for pregnancy. The panel covers the program's approach to lifestyle management, preconception counseling and integrating specialties to support maternal health.

Neurosurgeon Stephen T. Magill, MD, PhD, leads a panel discussion on the management of tumors that compress the optic nerve. He is joined by Preeti J. Thyparampil, MD, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, and Adam D. Baim, MD, a neuro-ophthalmologist.     The panel discusses tumors commonly associated with optic nerve compression, their impact on eye function, and the signs and symptoms that suggest a tumor is pressing on the optic nerve. They also delve into diagnostic strategies and treatment options, emphasizing key factors that determine the appropriate surgical approach.

In this episode of Better Edge, Christina E. Boots, MD, MSCI, associate professor of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Northwestern Medicine, discusses the impact of obesity on reproductive outcomes and the promising role of GLP-1 agonists in treating obesity and infertility. Discover how these groundbreaking medications are reshaping reproductive health, offering hope for patients with higher BMIs. Learn about the latest insights and clinical considerations for their use in preconception care plans.

In this episode of Better Edge, a panel of ophthalmologists from Northwestern Medicine discuss their insights from the 2025 Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology (AUPO) Annual Conference. Nicholas Volpe, MD, president of the AUPO, joins Rukhsana Mirza, MD, and Dmitry Pyatetsky, MD, as they share their perspectives on important topics such as residency education, the future of ophthalmology and the impact of AI in the field. The panelists also explore initiatives aimed at improving faculty development and patient care, emphasizing the need for innovation and collaboration within academic ophthalmology.