Join Dr. Colby Salerno a cardiologist and Dr. Alin Gragossian an ICU doctor, both heart transplant recipients, as they discuss their unique view of medicine from both the perspective of physicians as well as the perspective as patients.
Colby Salerno, Alin Gragossian
The Both Sides of the Stethoscope podcast is an incredibly powerful and insightful show that provides a unique perspective on organ transplantation and healthcare. Hosted by two highly educated and smart doctors who are also transplant recipients themselves, the podcast offers valuable insights into the experiences of both patients and medical professionals in navigating chronic illness and the advancements of modern medicine.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the range of perspectives that are shared. The hosts, being both doctors and patients, bring a wealth of knowledge and personal experience to each episode. This allows listeners to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by both sides of the stethoscope. The discussions are informative, relatable, and immensely inspiring. It is refreshing to hear from people who have firsthand experience in the field but also understand what it's like to be on the other side as a patient.
Furthermore, The Both Sides of the Stethoscope podcast highlights the importance of empathy in healthcare. The hosts do an excellent job of emphasizing how bringing your own experiences into your professional work can make you a more empathetic healthcare provider. This message resonates with not only medical professionals but also with individuals like me who aspire to work in healthcare but may not want to pursue a clinical role.
While it is difficult to find any major drawbacks in this podcast, one minor criticism could be that there could be more episodes released. As someone who thoroughly enjoys listening to this show, I eagerly anticipate new episodes and would love to have more content available. However, this is truly a small drawback compared to all the positive aspects that The Both Sides of the Stethoscope offers.
In conclusion, The Both Sides of the Stethoscope podcast is an incredible resource for anyone interested in organ transplantation or healthcare in general. It offers a unique perspective from doctors who are also transplant recipients themselves, providing valuable insights into both sides of chronic illness treatment. With its informative discussions and emphasis on empathy in healthcare, this podcast is a must-listen for medical professionals and patients alike. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an inspiring and educational podcast experience.
Macey Levan, PhD, JD is a donation/transplant advocate (a living donor!!!), associate professor, and the Director for Transplant Applied Research Qualitative Core at NYU. She knows everything policy-related with organ donation and transplantation, and is heavily involved in OPTN. In this episode we discuss how Macey got involved in this type of work, the policies in the USA surrounding organ donation and what the future may look like with the modernization of organ donation.
Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon Dr. Thomas Maxey joins Alin and Colby to discuss his career path into the world of pediatric heart surgery. Discussions include pediatric heart transplant, congenital heart disease, transition of care from child to adult, and speaking to children and parents at the bedside.
In this episode Alin and Colby have a discussion with Sara Siquerios. Sara is the caregiver of all caregivers, as she cares for three children all of whom have had heart transplants. Sara's three children were all diagnosed with restrictive cardiomyopathy and required heart transplants before the age of three. Sara shares their family's incredible story, how she handled having three children in the hospital at the same time, and what life looks like now with three immunocompromised kids. An amazing episode you won't want to miss. This episode is sponsored by Paragonix Technologies, an industry leader committed to protecting the gift of organ donation. To learn how Paragonix is reshaping the standard of care across transplantation to optimize patient outcomes, visit paragonix.com. Email: bothsidesofthestethoscope@gmail.com Instagram: @bothsidesofthestethoscope Twitter: @bsotsthethoscope
In this episode Alin and Colby have a discussion with Tyler Chavez, a heart transplant recipient and surgical physician assistant. They discuss Tyler's incredible story of beating cancer as a child, his acute onset heart failure that saw him operating while getting IV medication infusions and discuss about the role of a physician assistant and the path to that career.Tyler Chavez is a Certified Physician Assistant residing and working in the greater DC area. Completing the PA program at Duke University in 2012, he went on to complete the Physician Assistant Surgical Residency at Duke as well. He has been practicing for the last 12 years as a surgical PA. For the last 3 years he has been working for the Center for Plastic Surgery sharing his time equally between the operating room and time spent in clinic. In the OR the team focuses mostly on the plastic surgery component of breast reconstruction for women battling breast cancer. When outside of the OR he has founded and manages the Metabolic Aesthetics Clinic within the Center for Plastic Surgery where he is the Clinic Director. The clinic specializes in weight loss, healing, recovery, and longevity through the utilization of peptide therapy. Tyler grew familiar with the medical field at an early age while he was battling leukemia fromthe ages of 2-6 years old. From this early time in his life, he was very interested in pursuing a career in medicine. After 31 years of his cancer in remission living a healthy active life suddenly was faced with the diagnosis of heart failure with an ejection fraction of about 5 percent. In a very short period of time, it was known that the medical management route was not going to be an option. One day he was in the Operating Room working with the surgical team to 4 days later being in the ICU on heart lung bypass. Through the amazing team at Inova Fairfax heart failure team, as quickly as this progressed, they worked tirelessly to get a new heart and a verysuccessful transplant. Now 8 months after transplant life has changed forever, but the new normal affords a healthyand active life. He returned to work after just 2 months post-transplant and continues to share his time between the operating room and working in his busy outpatient clinic. This episode is sponsored by Paragonix Technologies, an industry leader committed to protecting the gift of organ donation. To learn how Paragonix is reshaping the standard of care across transplantation to optimize patient outcomes, visit paragonix.com. Email: bothsidesofthestethoscope@gmail.com Instagram: @bothsidesofthestethoscope Twitter: @bsotsthethoscope
In this episode Alin and Colby sit down and chat with Dr. Anu Lala. They discuss dealing with a diagnosis of heart failure, the approach to changing the narrative to heart function not failure, and patient advocacy. Dr. Lala also turns the tables and interviews Alin and Colby about how they dealt with being told their diagnosis and their resilience in the face of adversity. Dr. Anuradha Lala-Trindade (Anu Lala) is an Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiologist at Mount Sinai. Her clinical interests encompass all aspects of management of heart failure including the selection and care of patients with mechanical circulatory support devices and heart transplantation as well as genetic cardiomyopathies and perioperative management of high risk cardiac surgical cases. She believes in a patient-centered approach, where each individual's unique needs and preferences are essential components of developing a personalized treatment plan. Dr. Lala seeks to implement guideline directed medical and device based therapies while integrating emotional and spiritual aspects of care.https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/about-heart-disease-in-womenhttps://onlinejcf.com/article/S1071-9164(21)00088-9/abstractThis episode is sponsored by Paragonix Technologies, an industry leader committed to protecting the gift of organ donation. To learn how Paragonix is reshaping the standard of care across transplantation to optimize patient outcomes, visit paragonix.com. Email: bothsidesofthestethoscope@gmail.com Instagram: @bothsidesofthestethoscope Twitter: @bsotsthethoscope
In this episode Alin and Colby have an insightful conversation with Dr. Philip Adamson. Phil Adamson is Divisional Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for the Heart Failure Division at Abbott. In this capacity, Dr. Adamson is responsible for global development of Abbott's heart failure formulary spanning cardiac resynchronization therapy to the CardioMEMS HF system. They discuss the different devices available to help heart failure patients, the progress that has been made over the last 40 years, the future of heart failure management and much, much more! This episode is sponsored by Paragonix Technologies, an industry leader committed to protecting the gift of organ donation. To learn how Paragonix is reshaping the standard of care across transplantation to optimize patient outcomes, visit paragonix.com. Email: bothsidesofthestethoscope@gmail.comInstagram: @bothsidesofthestethoscope Twitter: @bsotsthethoscope
In this episode Alin and Colby have an in depth conversation with two transplant pharmacists. Mary Chandran and Adina Petrosan teach us about the medications that are the mainstay of transplant medicine. We discuss the needs for these meds, side effects, medication compliance, and much more. You can contact Mary at Mary.Chandran@unchealth.unc.eduYou can contact Adina at Adina.Petrosan@mountsinai.org This episode is sponsored by Paragonix Technologies, an industry leader committed to protecting the gift of organ donation. To learn how Paragonix is reshaping the standard of care across transplantation to optimize patient outcomes, visit paragonix.com. Email: bothsidesofthestethoscope@gmail.com Instagram: @bothsidesofthestethoscope Twitter: @bsotsthethoscope
In this episode we have a riveting discussion with Dr. Jon Friedman the Chief Medical Officer of Transplant Genomics. Dr. Friedman, joined Transplant Genomics as Chief Medical Officer in February 2022 after 22 years with Optum/United Health Group. Dr. Friedman is a Fellow of the American Society of Transplantation and received an AST Distinguished Service Award for his efforts in breaking down financial barriers in support of living kidney donors. Tune in for discussion on the use of blood tests to avoid biopsies, how we are working towards decreasing the amount of immmunosupresion meds in the future, and the future direction of transplant medicine! Email: bothsidesofthestethoscope@gmail.com Instagram: @bothsidesofthestethoscope Twitter: @bsotsthethoscope
In this episode we pick right back up with our interview with Matt. In part 2 we discuss being a professional patient, new fears that come with having a transplant and parenthood and navigating the healthcare system. Email: bothsidesofthestethoscope@gmail.com Instagram: @bothsidesofthestethoscope Twitter: @bsotsthethoscope
In part 1 of this 2 part episode we talk with Matt Brady. Matt is 31 year post heart transplant that he received due to a viral illness at the age of 7. In this first part we discuss what led to his transplant, how he dealt with a transplant at such a young age, and setbacks he has had a long this 31 year journey. Tune in next week for part 2 of the interview! Email: bothsidesofthestethoscope@gmail.com Instagram: @bothsidesofthestethoscope Twitter: @bsotsthethoscope
In this episode Alin and Colby have an open and honest discussion with Laura Reff. Laura is the mom of Alin's heart donor Lucy. Tune in to hear about Lucy's story and legacy, being a donor family, the relationship between Alin and Lucy's family post transplant and much, much more!
In this episode Alin and Colby have a discussion with rheumatologist Dr. Brittany Panico. They discuss everything from post transplant concerns in the field of rheumatology, auto-immune diseases, and the amazing but also dreaded medication prednisone. They also give some tips on how to try and prevent future complications!
In this episode Alin and Colby welcome on Dr. Rohan Goswami. Dr. Goswami is an advanced heart failure and transplant cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville Florida. He specializes in the use of AI in the field of heart transplantation and the use of mechanical support systems as a bridge to recovery or a bridge to heart transplantation. This episodes discussions on both of those topics and much, much more!
In this episode Alin and Colby have a enlightening discussion with Lisa Anderson, Ph.D. the CEO of a company called Paragonix. Paragonix Technologies is a leading developer, manufacturer, and service provider in the organ transplant industry, establishing a novel approach to preservation that represents a significant improvement over the traditional standard of care. This allowed for great insight into an often overlooked part of the transplant process.
In this episode Alin and Colby interview Dr. Rishi Kumar. Dr. Kumar is a cardiac anesthesiologist and a cardiovascular intensivist. Listen for a great discussion about what happens in the OR during cardiothoracic cases, the process of organ transplant, where the future of transplant is headed, and what it is like to use Instagram for medical education to 155K followers!
In this episode Alin and Colby discuss all things dermatology with double board certified dermatologist Dr. May Hall. Dr. Hall explains to us the risks of skin cancer in the immunocompromised population, sunscreen and clothing recommendations, and prevention strategies! Come for the skin cancer prevention, stay for the pimple popping discussion!
In this episode Alin and Colby discuss an amazing story of living donation to celebrate donate life month! Dr. Ezra Lichtman and Dr. Amos Lichtman join the podcast to share their story. When Amos needed a liver transplant his brother Ezra did not hesitate to give him part of his. Tune in to hear how Amos found himself in need of a new liver and what life has been like afterwards for both donor and recipient.
In this episode Alin and Colby interview Hannah Sharma. Hannah is a heart transplant recipient who lives across the pond in the UK. They discuss her time waiting for transplant, the cause of her heart failure and look into the differences between transplant in the UK vs the USA.
In this episode Alin and Colby discuss surviving cardiac arrest with Mike Papale. Mike discusses his story of his cardiac arrest, coming to terms with his diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and tells us about his recent book he wrote called "A Big Heart". Mike is the founder of In A Heartbeat Foundation, host of A Big Heart podcast, and an outreach manager at Defibtech, a device company that manufactures automated external defibrillators. Stay until the end for a very important and in depth conversation about American sports.
In this episode Alin and Colby interview Andrew (AJ) Jones. AJ developed acute heart failure and needed first an LVAD and then a heart transplant. AJ gives us the details of these procedures, how he lived his life as a fitness enthusiast afterwards, and how this shaped his future and led him to work with New England Donor Services.
In this episode Alin and Colby interview Denise Redeker. She is a heart transplant recipient and founder of the Heartfelt Help Foundation. Tune in to hear Denise's unique story and how she is giving back to the transplant community through housing!
In this episode Alin and Colby Interview Craig Smith. Craig is a heart transplant recipient who post transplant wanted to give back to the transplant community. He started Second Chance Fundraising which spreads awareness for organ donation and much much more. Hear Craig's story of acute illness, need for LVAD and then transplant, and what he is up to now to give back!
In this episode Alin and Colby give and update on what is happening in their life and plans for the podcast future. They also answer listener questions about choice of heart transplant center, being around sick individuals and much more.
In this episode we talk all things traveling with Travels With Transplant. She is a pilot and kidney transplant recipient who spends her time flying all over the world. Travels With Transplant gives us great insight into what to worry about when traveling, some tips and tricks, and a little insider information about the flying industry. This is a really great interview that we really enjoyed so we hope you enjoy it too!
In this episode Alin and Colby discuss how having an organ transplant and chronic illness can have a significant impact on your mental health. May is mental health awareness month so this seemed like an excellent time to dive into this subject. Colby and Alin both share their personal experience with anxiety and depression surrounding their illness. References:https://journals.lww.com/transplantjournal/fulltext/2013/10150/Mental_Health_Disorders_and_Solid_Organ_Transplant.3.aspxhttps://psychnews.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/pn.46.15.psychnews_46_15_10_1
In this episode Alin and Colby talk to Dr. Sejal Patel. Sejal is a pancreas and two time kidney transplant recipient. Sejal discusses going through multiple transplants, being on dialysis, and how this changed her career path. Additionally we discuss the pre exposure prophylaxis treatment for Covid 19 named Evusheld. Evusheld is a combination of two monoclonal antibodies that both Sejal and Alin have received. Become a podcaster yourself: https://alitu.com?fp_ref=bothsides
In this episode Alin and Colby become the Mythbusters! They take us through some of the most common myths about organ donation and discuss why they are in fact just myths and not true. April is National Donate Life month so they want to shed light on the importance of organ donation and bust these organ donation myths that may cause people to not sign up to be donors! Become a podcaster yourself: https://alitu.com?fp_ref=bothsides
In this episode Alin and Colby discuss all things nutrition for the post transplant and immunocompromised patient. They interview Madeleine Hallum who is a registered dietician who specializes in heart transplant patients. Topics covered include foods to avoid, food cleaning habits, balancing electrolytes and much much more.
In this episode Alin and Colby answer some of the most frequently asked questions after transplant. They tackle topics including Alcohol and Marijuana use after transplant, willingness to accept a heart from a high risk donor, and post transplant dietary changes.
In this episode Alin and Colby talk about their personal genetic histories and how they came to understand they had genetic heart diseases. They open up about how this affected their mindset into having a family and decisions they had to make when it came to how to not pass along these genetic diseases. It is a very open and honest discussion we hope you enjoy. At the end of the episode they answer a listeners question about risk of skin cancer in the immunocompromised population.
In this episode Alin and Colby return from an unexpected long time off to kick off season two of both sides of the stethoscope. They discuss how they have been managing the current Covid surge. Alin reflects on being 3 years post transplant and discusses some of the hurdles she has had to overcome along the way. We learn about Alin dealing with AVN and pulmonary emboli. We also answer listener questions about Covid 19 and about nerve connections to a transplanted heart.
In this episode, the first of our Thanksgiving series, Colby speaks with Stephanie Tomaino MSN, CCRN. With Thanksgiving coming up we wanted to focus on some things Colby and Alin are thankful for. One of those things is nurses. Stephanie is not only a critical care nurse but she was Colby's nurse for the 6 month period he was in the hospital and now he is one of her good friends. They discuss how they met, how Steph went above and beyond in her duties as his nurse and much, much more. Lastly they discuss Steph's hero dad who was an organ/tissue donor that improved many lives at the time of his death.
In this episode Alin and Colby interview Dr. Steve Pergam. Steve is a kidney transplant recipient and an infectious disease expert. Steve is an Infection control researcher and clinician based out of Seattle Washington. Steve gives in depth answers about what led to his kidney transplant, what it is like working in infection disease being immunocompromised, and gives invaluable information about the Covid !9 pandemic. Steve also sticks around at the end to answer a listeners question.
In this episode Alin and Colby discuss applying for jobs with a known disability. They discuss whether or not they would want to disclose this about themselves and how they approached this process. Additionally they give general recommendations for applying for residency and fellowship and answer listeners questions.
In this episode Alin and Colby interview Dr. Ken Sutha, a pediatric transplant nephrologist and 2 time kidney transplant recipient. Ken tells his story of what led to him needing two kidney transplants, why he decided to get into medicine, and gives amazing insight into being a transplant patient and physician. Ken also explains a special movement he is behind which focuses on doctors with disabilities and how we need to change the culture of medicine to be more inclusive of these medical professionals.
In this episode Colby and Alin discuss trying to balance a hectic work schedule with taking medications, going to appointments, and finding time for themselves. They get into detail about dealing with pill burden, how they try and fit their own doctor appointments in and adjustments they have made since transplant. They also discuss how this has changed how they are as physicians and how they discuss things with their patients and deal with patient noncompliance.
In this episode Colby and Alin give their opinions on all things Covid 19. They discuss working throughout the pandemic as immunocompromised physicians, how they made the decision to get the Covid 19 vaccine, and also do a little teaching about why this vaccine is so important.
In this episode Colby and Alin trade places and Colby interviews Alin about what led her to become a physician. Alin also explains how she found herself facing the need of heart transplant and how her life has changed since then.
In our first episode we get to know Colby. We learn what led to his heart transplant and what he learned as a patient that he now uses as a physician. Alin also asks Colby some fun questions about his medical training and what inspires him.
Welcome to our new podcast Both Sides of the Stethoscope! This is a brief trailer of our purpose of the podcast and what we are hoping to accomplish. We hope you will join us on this new adventure!
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