BackTable Urology BackTable

In this crossover episode of BackTable Urology and OBGYN, Dr. Suzette Sutherland interviews three urological/gynecologic innovators, Dr. Ali Haessler, Dr. Jay Shakuri-Rad, and Dr. Tova Weiss, who are all at different career stages and product development phases.

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SYNPOSIS

Dr. Tova Weiss, a urology resident at the University of Washington, discusses her development of a safer urinary catheter so that if a patient were to pull out their catheter, the distal part would disconnect from the catheter inside the urethra, preventing urethral trauma. Dr. Jay Shakuri-Rad, a practicing urologist specializing in robotics and neuromodulation, shares his creation of the Foramen Finder to enhance sacral neuromodulation procedures. Dr. Allie Haessler, a practicing urogynecologist, talks about her invention of a novel vaginal ring aimed at providing neuromodulation therapy for pelvic floor issues. They each discuss the inspiration behind their inventions, challenges faced, and the importance of failure in the path to innovation. The episode emphasizes the role of physicians in identifying healthcare gaps, collaborating across disciplines, and pushing the boundaries of medical technology to improve patient care.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction
01:54 - Dr. Tova Weiss and the Urinary Catheter Accessory
08:49 - Dr. Jay Shakuri-Rad and the Foramen Finder
22:04 - Dr. Allie Haessler and the Neuromodulation Vaginal Ring
27:29 - Navigating the Patent Process and Protecting Innovation
29:52 - The Path to FDA Approval
37:11 - Advice for Aspiring Innovators in Medicine
40:52 - Embracing Failure and the Inventor’s Mindset

In this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. Aditya Bagrodia invites Dr. Andrew Harris (University of Kentucky) to discuss the significance of quality improvement using the lean methodology to improve patient safety and healthcare efficiency.

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SYNPOSIS

First, Dr. Harris shares his transformative journey into quality improvement following a personal experience in the operating room, highlighting how critical it is for healthcare professionals to scrutinize and refine daily processes for better outcomes. The conversation dives into the heart of quality improvement, complex problem solving, encouraging healthcare professionals to apply their analytical skills to improve systems and processes. They discuss the importance of communication, team involvement, and leadership in fostering a culture that embraces quality improvement. Practical examples from Harris’s experience underscore how small changes can lead to significant benefits in patient care, staff satisfaction, and overall healthcare efficiency.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction
05:16 - Combating Burnout with Quality Improvement Initiatives
13:38 - Exploring the Anatomy of a Quality Improvement Project
25:24 - Optimizing Operating Room Efficiency
28:37 - Balancing Standardization and Flexibility in Healthcare Processes
34:11 - Ad Hoc Solutions vs. Structured Quality Improvement
40:36 - Incorporating Patient Perspectives in Quality Improvement

In this episode of Backtable Urology, Dr. Suzette Sutherland invites Dr. Seth Cohen (City of Hope) and Dr. Michelle Leach (UC San Diego) to explore the importance and impact of advocacy work in the field of urology, highlighting how physicians can wield their influence to affect change within their communities and the healthcare system at large.

Dr. Cohen and Dr. Leach first discuss their personal journeys into advocacy work, the projects they’ve been involved in, and the tangible changes they have helped make, including a resident book club and increasing access to sacral neuromodulation. They both emphasize the importance of physician involvement in advocacy at both the beginning and throughout their careers. They also provide practical advice on participating in professional organizations (AUA, AMA, etc.) and the importance of surveys in guiding advocacy efforts. The discussion concludes with encouragement for medical professionals to engage in policy and advocacy to safeguard their practice and enhance patient care.

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SHOW NOTES

00:00 - Introduction
16:50 - Real-World Success Stories
25:36 - Navigating the Complexities of Health Policy and Advocacy
33:06 - The Importance of Membership in Professional Organizations
36:14 - Highlighting Urology’s Influence in Health Policy
45:14 - The AUA Summit Experience
55:23 - The Value of Engagement and Advocacy

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RESOURCES

Ep. 82- Advocacy Basics for the Urologist: From Your Clinic to Capitol Hill with Dr. Ruchika Talwar
https://www.backtable.com/shows/urology/podcasts/82/advocacy-basics-for-the-urologist-from-your-clinic-to-capitol-hill

Ep. 154- Navigating Healthcare Reform: Lessons from Urology Advocacy with Dr. Mara Holton
https://www.backtable.com/shows/urology/podcasts/154/navigating-healthcare-reform-lessons-from-urology-advocacy

In this episode, Clint Davis, Senior Vice President & General Counsel at HealthTronics joins Dr. Silva to discuss the nuances of physician-industry partnerships in urology, focusing on mobile equipment services like shockwave lithotripsy and ureteroscopy.

First, they delve into the Stark Law restrictions on physician referrals and the unique legal status of lithotripsy services. The conversation also covers partnership benefits, compliance strategies for different services, the importance of due diligence, and considerations for physicians looking to invest in or maintain ancillary income through such partnerships. Additionally, they explore the impact of the Federal Sunshine Act on partnership reporting obligations, as well as advice for navigating hospital policies and ensuring legal and financial protections when engaging in these partnerships.

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SHOW NOTES

00:00 - Introduction
06:38 - Exploring Physician Partnerships and Investment Models
10:28 - Navigating Legal and Regulatory Aspects of Urology Partnerships
12:43 - Investment Strategies and Compliance for Urologists
21:42 - Addressing Common Concerns and Opportunities in Urology Partnerships
34:53 - Advice on Urology Partnerships

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RESOURCES

HealthTronics
https://www.healthtronics.com/

In this episode of the BackTable Urology, Dr. Lindsay Hampson (UCSF), Dr. Gina Badalato (Columbia), and Dr. Max Bowman (UCSF) delve into leadership development during urology residency.

First, Dr. Bowman shares his journey towards leadership, starting from his junior residency years and leading up to his current chief resident role and soon-to-be faculty position at UCSF. Max discusses the importance of setting clear expectations, direct communication, and maintaining friendships despite hierarchical differences in residency. The conversation also highlights the benefits of proactive mentorship, the persistent pursuit of leadership opportunities, and the value of leading by example. The urologists then summarize intentional leadership development in medical training and offer advice for residents and early career faculty aiming to enhance their leadership skills.

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SHOW NOTES

00:00 - Introduction
07:37 - Intentional Leadership Development
17:51 - Balancing Friendship and Authority
20:42 - Crafting a Culture of Leadership
32:44 - Seeking and Embracing Leadership Opportunities

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RESOURCES

Episode 145 - Urology Training: From Intern to Expert with Dr. Gina Badalato and Dr. Lindsay Hampson
https://www.backtable.com/shows/urology/podcasts/145/urology-training-from-intern-to-expert

This week on BackTable Urology, Dr. Suzette Sutherland (University of Washington) and Dr. Drew Peterson (Duke University) explore the psychological and clinical challenges faced by genitourinary cancer survivors dealing with the urological consequences of cystectomy and urinary diversion.

First, they delve into the “Terrible Urological Five”, a set of criteria indicating when it might be necessary to consider cystectomy and urinary diversion. Dr. Peterson shares his insights on patient care, emphasizing how long-term follow-up and comprehensive care can transform survivors’ quality of life. He also addresses the psychological aspects of major urological surgery, highlighting the importance of acceptance and adjustment for patients and their families. Alongside specific medical considerations, the surgeons underscore surgical advancements that enhance safety and outcomes, reaffirming the potential for patients to regain a fulfilling life post-surgery.

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EARN CME

Reflect on how this Podcast applies to your day-to-day and earn free AMA PRA Category 1 CMEs: https://earnc.me/wEWNiy

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SHOW NOTES

00:00 - Introduction to Cancer Survivorship
08:06 - The Terrible Urological Five: When to Consider Cystectomy
23:09 - The Journey to Accepting a Cystectomy and Urinary Diversion
35:03 - Support Networks and Postoperative Quality of Life
38:53 - Concluding Thoughts and the Importance of Moving Forward