Brown Surgery Podcast

Kenneth Lynch, Jr., PhD, APRN-CNP

Local Podcast Covering Surgically Relevant Topics

  1. 13 Apr

    So You Want to be a Surgical Oncologist? Dr. Joshua Cohen, MD

    In this episode of the Brown Surgery Podcast, PGY-4 general surgery resident Evan Mitchell sits down with a familiar face: Dr. Josh Cohen. Recently returning to the department as a surgical oncology attending, Dr. Cohen shares his journey from his residency training right here at Brown to his fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering, and what it’s like starting his new practice. This conversation offers a grounded look into the realities of surgical oncology. Dr. Cohen discusses how to craft a career that balances broad operative skills with specialized cancer care, offering invaluable advice for medical students and residents trying to map out their futures. Key Topics Discussed: Choosing the Specialty: The unique appeal of head-to-toe operations, multidisciplinary care, and integrating complex cases with palliative care. Fellowship Nuances: The distinct differences in training and practice between Surgical Oncology and HPB fellowships. Advice for Trainees: Why you shouldn't stress about specializing too early, and the critical importance of finding a residency that builds a foundation as a strong general surgeon first. A Week in the Life: Managing a schedule dynamically split between the OR, clinic, and dedicated research time. Work-Life Balance & Dispelling Myths: Breaking down the misconception that surgical oncologists must have an intensely rigid personality, and how to maintain healthy boundaries while coordinating complex care across multiple specialties. Guest Bio:Dr. Josh Cohen completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Rochester and medical school at UMass. After completing his general surgery residency at Brown University, he pursued a fellowship at Sloan Kettering before returning to join the Brown surgical faculty.

    18 min
  2. 31 Mar

    Starting the 3rd year Surgery Clerkship: Tips, Tricks, and Myths

    In this episode of the Brown Surgery Podcast, host Ryan Desrochers and co-host Ken Lynch sit down with a panel of medical students to discuss the realities of the third-year surgery clerkship experience at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. The panel, featuring Lauren McNeil (MD '27), Timmy Jeng (MD '27), and Elleen Kim (MD '27), share their diverse perspectives on transitioning into the surgical environment. The conversation dives into the structure of a typical day—from morning rounds to navigating the operating room (OR)—and offers practical advice on balancing clinical duties with shelf exam preparation. Whether you are a rising MS3 or just curious about life in the OR, this episode provides a grounded look at the challenges and rewards of surgical education. Key Topics Discussed: The Daily Grind: A breakdown of the early morning start times, rounding with the team, and managing floor tasks vs. OR time. Site-Specific Advice: Insights into rotating at different locations, including Rhode Island Hospital, Miriam Hospital, and ACS (Acute Care Surgery). Resource Recommendations: The panel’s favorite tools for success, including UWorld, Anki, OnlineMedEd, and surgical videos (JOMI). OR Etiquette: How to introduce yourself to the scrub techs and residents, manage sterility, and stay engaged as a "team sport" player. Wellness & Expectations: Debunking myths about "mean" surgeons and sharing tips for meal prepping and maintaining mental health during long weeks.

    36 min

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Local Podcast Covering Surgically Relevant Topics