Hands of Change Podcast

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Gary Pess, a distinguished hand surgeon and pioneer in Dupuytren's disease treatment. With nearly four decades of experience, Dr. Pess shares his expertise in early diagnosis, minimally invasive procedures, and the evolving landscape of patient care. From his groundbreaking techniques to his work with the Dupuytren's Research Group, this episode offers invaluable insights for patients, practitioners, and anyone interested in learning more about Dupuytren's and related diseases. 

In this episode of Hands of Change, we feature Dr. Keith Denkler, a leading expert in Dupuytren's disease treatment, with over 10,000 fingers treated in his career. Dr. Denkler shares his expertise in minimally invasive techniques for Dupuytren's contracture, offering valuable insights into the latest advancements and future innovations in care. We dive into the history of Dupuytren's disease, its impact on patients, and actionable tips for managing symptoms and navigating treatment options. Dr. Denkler explains how to set realistic expectations for recovery and highlights trusted resources for patients seeking accurate information about this condition. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or healthcare provider, this episode provides a comprehensive guide to Dupuytren's contracture, from understanding the condition to exploring minimally invasive treatments and improving quality of life. Don't miss this expert-led discussion on the science, techniques, and future of Dupuytren's disease care with Dr. Keith Denkler.

Ilse Degreef, MD, PhD joins the Hands of Change Podcast to discuss her passion and interest in improving patient outcomes for patients with Dupuytren's disease. Dr. Degreef is a Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and the Surgeon-in-Chief of the Hand Unit at Leuven University Hospitals in Leuven, Belgium. Her work encompasses Dupuytren's disease and fibrosis diathesis, evaluation of pharmacologic intervention to improve outcomes as well as advancing the field with novel micro-surgical techniques for Dupuytren's patients. Please join us as we discuss what fueled her initial interests in Dupuytren's, pioneering research, and continued focus on novel surgical techniques focused on improving outcomes for patients. 

Anna Schurer is the founder and chair of the British Dupuytren's Society as well as a patient. In this episode Anna share's her personal experiences with Dupuytren's, Ledderhose, and Adhesive Capsulitis. She shares the treatments she has had and those potentially on the horizon. Anna also shares her wonderful story of how she became a co-founder of the British Dupuytren's Society, the focus of the group, what they can provide for patients, as well as how they collaborate and partner with the International Dupuytren's Society, the Dupuytren's Research Group, and others. Anna has a wealth of professional and personal experience with this disease and this is a great episode for patients, advocates, treatment providers, and researchers. 

Kathy Redmond joins the "Hands of Change" podcast to discuss patient advocacy, her experience working to serve as the voice of the patient and a patient ambassador, as well as share her personal experiences related to living with Dupuytren's, Ledderhose, Adhesive Capsulitis and other immune-fibrotic diseases.   Kathy candidly shares her extensive treatment history from radiation to surgery as well as shares a framework for positive change in Dupuytren's and related disease education, advocacy, and treatment.  We welcome posted questions or future topics for Kathy as well as for future guests and show topics. Thank you for listening. 

Guy Jones, M.D., Radiation Oncologist and Medical Director for Oncology Nevada joins the Hands of Change podcast. During the program we discuss Dupuytren's disease and other benign fibroproliferative conditions where radiation has potential benefits. We discuss common questions, expectations and timing for results, Dr. Jones long-standing experience in using radiation for Dupuytren's and much more. 

In this episode of "Hands of Change" - Retired Captain Woody Harrington, and father of host Kurt Harrington, share's his experiences of living with Dupuytren's disease. From being initially diagnosed by his First Officer on a trip to under-going eight surgical procedures, Woody has a lot to share for patients living with Dupuytren's, Ledderhose, and Garrod's Knuckle Pads. 

This episode of "Hands of Change" podcast briefly reviews the focus of the new show and highlights the content and guest for our upcoming, first full length podcast. The program seeks to increase awareness and information related to Dupuytren's disease - a common, under-served, disabling, regional fibrosis that effects the use of the hands - by bringing together patient, healthcare professionals, and scientists with information to share.