Brown Surgery Podcast

Kenneth Lynch, Jr., PhD, APRN-CNP

Local Podcast Covering Surgically Relevant Topics

  1. 5D AGO

    So you Want to be a Cardiothoracic Surgeon? Dr. Laura Scrimgeour, MD

    Welcome back to the Brown Surgery Podcast. In this episode, we catch up with Dr. Laura Scrimgeour, a familiar voice to our longtime listeners. Since her last appearance as a chief resident in 2021, Dr. Scrimgeour has completed an extensive journey through cardiothoracic training and now returns to Brown as an attending surgeon. Together, we dive deep into what it takes to thrive in the field of Cardiothoracic (CT) Surgery in 2026. Whether you are a medical student weighing your residency options or a general surgery resident considering a fellowship, this conversation offers a roadmap for navigating the complexities of the specialty. In this episode, we discuss: The Path to CT Surgery: Deciding between traditional and integrated training pathways and the value of a strong academic foundation. The Role of Research: Why "checking the box" isn't enough, and how research years build critical mentorship and data-analysis skills. Fellowship Selection: What to look for in a program, from operative volume and case diversity to the importance of autonomy and mentorship. The Future of the Field: The current state of robotics in cardiac surgery and the rising importance of advanced fellowships in areas like TAVR and aortic surgery. Breaking Misconceptions: A candid look at the life of a modern CT surgeon, the growing diversity in the OR, and how team-based structures are improving work-life balance. Life Outside the Hospital: How Dr. Scrimgeour balances a demanding surgical schedule with her passion for the outdoors and skiing. Instagram: @dr.laura.scrimgeour X: @LScrimgeourMD

    13 min
  2. 2025-11-19

    Robotics in Acute Care Surgery – Trends, Training, and the Future of Trauma & Critical Care

    In this episode of the Brown General Surgery Podcast, PGY-4 resident Evan Mitchell sits down with two Brown Surgery faculty—one of our senior Trauma surgeons, Dr. Andrew Stephen, MD and one of our newest Trauma faculty Dr. Holden Spivak, MD (fresh off fellowships in Trauma/Critical Care at Shock Trauma and MIS at Stony Brook)—to explore the evolving role of robotics in trauma and acute care surgery. Key topics include: Why robotic surgery remains rare in acute trauma (hemodynamic instability, docking delays, and the risks of insufflation in unstable patients)Real-world exceptions: robotic splenectomy videos, liver laceration repairs, and selective use in stable obese patients with bowel injuriesThe nationwide decline in operative trauma since 1990 and the rebranding from “trauma surgeon” to “acute care surgeon”How emergency general surgery and elective MIS cases now sustain operative volumeTraining pathways: Is residency robotic experience now enough to skip a second fellowship year? Should future acute care surgeons pair a 1-year SCC fellowship with a dedicated MIS year?Will the classic 2-year AAST/ACS fellowship curriculum need to pivot toward more robotics and less ortho/neuro month-rotations?Job market realities: Being robotic-ready is nice, but sound decision-making (“when to operate and how”) remains the most valuable skillWhy open surgery will never become obsolete in a field driven by source control and hemorrhage controlAdvice for trainees: seek broad exposure, lean on mentors, prioritize supportive groups, and don’t fear creative (even non-traditional) training routesWhether you’re a med student eyeing surgical critical care, a resident deciding on fellowships, or a program director shaping tomorrow’s curriculum, this candid conversation offers an honest look at where the field stands today—and where it’s headed tomorrow. Tune in for practical insights from surgeons who are living the transition.

    20 min

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Local Podcast Covering Surgically Relevant Topics

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