Better Edge : A Northwestern Medicine podcast for physicians

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Better Edge is a physician-centric podcast highlighting the breakthroughs in care and research at Northwestern Medicine.

Northwestern Medicine


    • May 27, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 357 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Better Edge : A Northwestern Medicine podcast for physicians

    Advancing Screening, Risk Assessment and Personalized Treatment Strategies for Barrett's Esophagus

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025


    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.

    Designing AI Models to Identify Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025


    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.

    Parts and Labor: PEARL Program – Lifestyle Management and Preconception Care to Address Obesity

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025


    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.

    Managing Tumors Compressing the Optic Nerve

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025


    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.

    GLP-1 Agonists: Reshaping Obesity and Infertility Treatment

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025


    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.

    Innovations in Eye Care From the 2025 AUPO Conference

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025


    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.

    Northwestern Medicine Cochlear Implant Program: What Sets It Apart

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025


    In this episode of Better Edge, Kevin Y. Zhan, MD, director of the Northwestern Medicine Cochlear Implant Program, outlines the program's multidisciplinary approach and its expanded candidacy criteria. The program now serves people with significant hearing loss who struggle with speech clarity despite using hearing aids. Dr. Zhan also shares the innovative surgical techniques and personalized rehabilitation strategies that make Northwestern Medicine a leading center for hearing restoration.

    Revolutionizing Prostate Cancer Detection With the Stockholm3 Blood Test

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2025


    Leveraging Language Typed Into Smartphones for Adolescent Mental Health Research

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2025


    In this episode, Stuart Shankman, PhD, psychologist, and Lilian Li, PhD, postdoctoral scholar, discuss their research at the NEAR Lab on capturing aspects of mood and mental health through adolescent smartphone social communication. They explore the challenges in diagnosing and treating adolescent depression and the potential of using smartphone data to detect depressive symptoms. The conversation also addresses the ethical considerations and future implications of this innovative approach to mental health monitoring.

    New Global Recommendations – A Better Definition of Obesity

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2025


    Defining "obesity" is not straightforward. Using body mass index (BMI) alone may miss some unhealthy individuals and mislabel others. New global clinical recommendations aim to improve the definition of obesity. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Commission, supported by 75 medical organizations, proposes to use objective measures of illness based on individual risk factors. Dr. Kushner states that these recommendations represent a significant advancement in recognizing obesity as a disease rather than just a risk factor, allowing clinicians to identify those in need of treatment.

    Complex Case: Strategies for a Disrupted Bile Duct in Advanced Stage Cancer

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2025


    Aziz Aadam, MD, interventional endoscopist, Daniel Borja-Cacho, MD, transplantation surgeon, and Ahsun Riaz, MD, vascular and interventional radiologist, discuss a complex biliary case involving a patient with advanced stage cancer. They explore the innovative, multidisciplinary approach taken to manage the patient's biliary fistula and hepatic duct obstruction. The physicians highlight the collaborative efforts and advanced techniques that led to a successful outcome and improved quality of life for the patient.

    Complex Case: Strategies in Biliary Fistula in Advanced Stage Cancer

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2025


    Aziz Aadam, MD, interventional endoscopist, Daniel Borja-Cacho, MD, transplantation surgeon, and Ahsun Riaz, MD, vascular and interventional radiologist, discuss a complex biliary case involving a patient with advanced stage cancer. They explore the innovative, multidisciplinary approach taken to manage the patient's biliary fistula and hepatic duct obstruction. The physicians highlight the collaborative efforts and advanced techniques that led to a successful outcome and improved quality of life for the patient.

    Meet Anita W. Asgar, MD, Section Head, Interventional Cardiology

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2025


    Anita W. Asgar, MD, recently named section head of Interventional Cardiology at Northwestern Medicine, introduces herself and reveals what drew her to join the team at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute. Dr. Asgar shares her goals for the future of the Interventional Cardiology program, her clinical and research interests in structural heart interventions and moderate secondary mitral regurgitation, and her experience working on MitraClip procedures in Canada.

    Parts and Labor: Urogynecology Advances and Innovations

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2025


    Join podcast host Angela Chaudhari, MD, and a panel of experts in urogynecology and reconstructive pelvic surgery for the seventh episode of Parts and Labor. In this episode, they discuss urogynecology, complex case management, uterine-sparing surgery, the CARE Clinic for congenital anomalies, and future research areas. This episode's panel of guests include:Emi Bretschneider, MD, Division Chief of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery in the Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyTeni Brown, MD, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University; Assistant Professor of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery and of Medical Education, Northwestern Medicine​Julia Geynisman-Tan, MD, Assistant Professor of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology​​​​Douglas Luchristt, MD, Assistant Professor of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

    Bridging Gaps in Mental Health Care: Northwestern Medicine West Health Accelerator

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2025


    Lisa J. Rosenthal, MD, discusses the recently launched Northwestern Medicine West Health Accelerator, an initiative designed to enhance access to mental health services through evidence-based collaborative care models. Learn how this program integrates psychiatric care into primary care settings, using advanced technology and data analytics to improve patient outcomes.

    Expanding Liver Care Access: From Urban Centers to Local Clinics

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2025


    Join Sean W. P. Koppe, MD, and Justin R. Boike, MD, both of Northwestern Medicine Gastroenterology and Hepatology, as they discuss how communities are affected by the availability of expert liver care close to home. We're proud to offer liver transplant care clinics in Northern and Central Illinois and Northwest Indiana, providing essential pre-transplant services near where our patients live and work.

    Community Benefit of Receiving Nationally Ranked AMC Quality Liver Care in Rural Communities Close to Home

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2025


    Join Sean W. P. Koppe, MD, and Justin R. Boike, MD, both of Northwestern Medicine Gastroenterology and Hepatology, as they discuss how communities are affected by the availability of expert liver care close to home. We're proud to offer liver transplant care clinics in Northern and Central Illinois and Northwest Indiana, providing essential pre-transplant services near where our patients live and work.

    Rare Variation in LMNA Underlies PCOS Pathogenesis

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2025


    In this Better Edge podcast episode, Margrit Urbanek, PhD, associate professor of Endocrinology, and doctoral student Rosie Bauer discuss key insights from their recent research on the potential role of a rare genetic variation in the LMNA gene in the development of PCOS.

    Trends in Hospital Discharges to Skilled Nursing Facilities

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2025


    Immense pressure on hospitals from the COVID-19 pandemic prompted CMS to waive its three-day rule for skilled nursing facility (SNF) care. Effective March 1, 2020, this waiver allowed patients to transfer to SNFs without the usual inpatient criteria or a three-day hospital stay. A recent study by Northwestern Medicine published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society explores the trends in hospital discharges to SNFs during this period.Join study authors Lee A. Lindquist, MD, MPH, and Marianne Tschoe, MD, on this episode of the Better Edge podcast as they discuss their research and findings.

    The Impact of Heart Transplant Allocation Change on Waitlist and Posttransplant Mortality in Patients with LVADs

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2024


    In this episode of the Better Edge podcast, Anjan Tibrewala, MD, discusses his paper published in Circulation: Heart Failure, “Impact of Heart Transplant Allocation Change on Waitlist Mortality and Posttransplant Mortality in Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices.”The study's results found that despite the 2018 heart transplant allocation change deprioritizing patients with LVADs, patients with LVADs are living longer on the heart transplant waitlist. Interestingly, the study also demonstrated that patients with LVADs have slightly higher mortality after heart transplant following the allocation change. Dr. Tibrewala discusses recent advances in LVAD technology and what's next in advanced heart failure care.

    Insights on Patient-Reported Measures for Ureteral Stricture Disease

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2024


    Ziho Lee, MD, discusses how ureteral stricture disease management has evolved over the past decade, emphasizing the impact of minimally invasive surgical techniques. Dr. Lee shares insights on how his team developed a patient-reported outcome measure, detailing their approach, validation process and the potential implications for clinical practice.

    Tone Before 2: Pediatric Muscle Tone Abnormalities

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2024


    Join Larissa Pavone, MD, Mary Keen, MD, and Anton Dietzen, MD, as they discuss the significance of muscle tone in young pediatric patients. They explore the causes and manifestations of high muscle tone, including hypertonia, and share insights on managing spasticity, dystonia, and rigidity. Learn about the latest diagnostic approaches and therapeutic strategies to support early development in children with muscle tone abnormalities. Dr. Pavone is associate chief medical officer of Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital; Dr. Keen is a pediatric PM&R specialist; Dr. Dietzen is medical director of Pediatrics at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital.

    Advancements in Acoustic Neuroma Management: Multidisciplinary Insights

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2024


    In this Better Edge podcast episode, a multidisciplinary panel of Northwestern Medicine experts — R. Mark Wiet, MD, otologist and neurotologist; Nicholas Hac, MD, otoneurologist; Stephen T. Magill, MD, PhD, neurosurgeon; and Kevin Y. Zhan, MD, otologist and neurotologist — discusses advances in the management of acoustic neuroma. They explore detection, diagnosis and treatment options and outline the advantages of a multidisciplinary approach, while also engaging in a case-based discussion.Physicians who listen to this podcast may claim continuing medical education credit after listening to an episode of this program.

    Navigating CMS' Patient-Reported Outcome Performance Measures for THA and TKA

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2024


    David W. Manning, MD, and Caroline P. Thirukumaran, PhD, both of Northwestern Medicine Orthopaedic Surgery join the Better Edge podcast. They delve into the CMS Orthopedic Patient-Reported Outcome (PRO) Performance Measure for Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) and Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA).   Dr. Manning and Dr. Thirukumaran provide an in-depth discussion on these performance measures:   The benefits and challenges Integrating them into clinical practice How they may affect patient outcomes and satisfaction The future of PRO measures in orthopaedic care Anticipated advances in the reporting process

    Strategies for Managing Overactive Bladder in Women

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2024


    Jennifer U. Miles-Thomas, MD, explores the diagnosis and treatment of overactive bladder in women. She covers: • Underlying causes• Impact on quality of life• The range of treatment options Dr. Miles-Thomas highlights the importance of personalized care, shared decision-making and guidelines-based management for effective diagnosis and treatment.

    Increased Autoreactivity and Maturity of EBI2+ Antibody-Secreting Cells in Nasal Polyps: Implications for Recurrence and Treatment

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2024


    In this episode of the Better Edge podcast, Bruce K. Tan, MD, associate professor of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Northwestern Medicine, discusses his recent research study titled, “Increased Autoreactivity and Maturity of EBI2+ Antibody-Secreting Cells from Nasal Polyps,” which sheds light on the cells' role in predicting polyp recurrence after sinus surgery and the potential implications for diagnosing and treating nasal polyps. The findings also contribute to our understanding of immune response, antibodies and inflammation in respiratory conditions, highlighting the unique activation mechanisms and tissue-resident memory cells in the airway.

    The Power in Our Patients Hands: Exploring LVAD and Suicide

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2024


    Quentin R. Youmans, MD, MSc, and Alyssa M. Vela, PhD, discuss a recent paper they co-authored that explores the importance of addressing the unique psychosocial and emotional challenges faced by patients with advanced heart failure.

    ACR Convergence: Managing Sleep Disturbances in Patients With Rheumatic Diseases

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2024


    Yvonne C. Lee, MD, shares key takeaways from her ACR Convergence presentation on sleep disturbances in patients with rheumatoid diseases. Additionally, Dr. Lee gives an overview of the meeting's standout presentations.

    ACR Convergence: Managing Sleep Disturbances in Patients With Rheumatic Diseases, and More Highlights

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2024


    Yvonne C. Lee, MD, shares key takeaways from her ACR Convergence presentation on sleep disturbances in patients with rheumatoid diseases. Additionally, Dr. Lee gives an overview of the meeting's standout presentations.

    HoLEP Outcomes With Blood Thinners

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2024


    Perry Xu, MD, discusses his paper, which was a retrospective analysis of HoLEP in patients who held or continued blood thinners. Dr. Xu explains: • The use of the holmium laser in the procedure• Common indications for blood thinner therapy• Intraoperative and post-op outcomes • The clinical implications of the study findings

    Using AI to Improve Local Staging for Prostate Cancer

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2024


    Hiten D. Patel, MD, joins this episode of Better Edge to discuss his research on using AI to help more accurately detect and stage prostate cancer.

    How Social Factors Affect Cardiovascular Health in Asian American Subgroups

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2024


    Nilay S. Shah, MD, MPH, explores how social factors and disparities affect cardiovascular health in Asian American subgroups. He emphasizes the need to understand and address these factors in patient care.

    Diagnosing and Treating Rare Pediatric Disorders with Mary Keen, MD

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2024


    Mary Keen, MD, a pediatric physiatrist, shares her extensive experience with rare pediatric conditions. Dr. Keen discusses the challenges of diagnosing these conditions, helpful resources for the diagnostic process, multidisciplinary approaches, innovative treatments, and the role of exercise in managing mitochondrial disorders and other rare conditions.

    Ophthalmology Subspecialists Share AAO 2024 Insights

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2024


    Surendra Basti, MD, Manjot K. Gill, MD, and Angelo P. Tanna, MD, share what you need to know from AAO 2024.

    The Northwestern Medicine COMPASS-HF Program: Palliative Care for Advanced Heart Failure

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2024


    Sarah E. Chuzi, MD, and Courtney Bartelstein, PA-C, offer insights on the broad clinical and community impact of the COMPASS-HF program at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute. COMPASS-HF, which stands for Comprehensive Palliative Care and Supportive Services for People with Heart Failure, seeks to support patients with advanced heart failure and their caregivers as they navigate a variety of symptoms, unique psychosocial challenges and complex decisions. 

    How Sleep and Circadian Rhythms Shape Gastrointestinal Health

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2024


    Keith Summa, MD, PhD, assistant professor of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Northwestern Medicine, explores the intricate relationship between circadian rhythms and gastrointestinal health. Discover how disruptions in sleep and circadian alignment can affect metabolic processes, intestinal permeability and overall GI function. Dr. Summa also covers the latest research findings and their implications for conditions like obesity, diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease.

    Emerging Trends in Liver Cancer: What You Need to Know

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2024


    Join Laura M. Kulik, MD, a gastroenterologist at Northwestern Medicine, as she explores the latest advances in liver cancer care. Dr. Kulik shares her expertise on emerging therapies and the role of collaborative management in this complex field.

    How AI Is Revolutionizing Spine Surgery

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2024


    Northwestern Medicine's Srikanth N. Divi, MD, an orthopedic surgeon, and Najib El Tecle, MD, a neurosurgeon, discuss the transformative impact of AI on spine surgery. They explore how AI enhances diagnostic accuracy, reduces complications and improves surgical outcomes. Additionally, Dr. Divi and Dr. El Tecle delve into the critical aspects of AI in medical applications, including machine learning and imaging analysis.Learn more or refer a patient to the Northwestern Medicine Center for Spine Health 

    Genetic Screening for Heart Failure in African American People

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2024


    Clyde W. Yancy, MD, MSc, discusses “Heart Failure in African American Individuals, Version 2.0,” his editorial recently published in JAMA. He emphasizes the importance of understanding genetic factors in predicting and managing heart failure in African American people, as well as the implications for genetic screening. Dr. Yancy highlights ways to address health disparities in cardiovascular care that Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute is putting into practice.

    Insights on AUA's Updated Guidelines for Male Infertility

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2024


    Robert E. Brannigan, MD, expands on the American Urological Association and American Society for Reproductive Medicine's 2024 amendment to the male infertility guideline. As chair of these guideline amendments, Dr. Brannigan delves into recommendation updates, as well as their effect on diagnostic processes and how male infertility is evaluated.

    Clínicas en Español: Atención Culturalmente Adecuada en Northwestern Medicine

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2024


    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.

    Advancing Gender Diversity in Urology

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2024


    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.

    Revolutionizing Ovarian Cancer Treatment: Insights From Daniela E. Matei, MD

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2024


    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.

    Insights on the 2024 American Urological Association's Guideline Amendment for Male Infertility

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2024


    In this 30-minute CME episode of Better Edge, Robert E. Brannigan, MD, professor of Urology at Northwestern Medicine and the guideline amendment chair at the American Urological Association, expands on the 2024 amendments to AUA's guideline for male infertility.He delves into the specific updates made to the recommendation on evaluating azoospermic patients and how these updates impact the diagnostic process. Additionally, Dr. Brannigan explains the changes in the recommendation on karyotype testing and how they contribute tothe evaluation of male infertility and explores the implications of the updates regarding the use of imaging modalities when evaluating patients.

    Spanish Speaking Clinics: Culturally Competent Care at Northwestern Medicine

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2024


    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.

    Navigating Weight Management Challenges in Pediatric Patients With Special Needs

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2024


    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.

    Insights on Medication Management

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2024


    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.

    Rehabilitation Insights From Ukraine: Eric B. Larson, PhD, and Students

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2024


    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.

    Integrating Cancer Rehabilitation and Psychology: A Multidisciplinary Approach

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2024


    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.

    Inside Northwestern Medicine's Gay and Bisexual Men's Urology Program

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2024


    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.

    Pericardial Disease: Its Prevalence and the Role of Multidisciplinary Care

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2024


    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.

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