Advances in Surgery | Podcast

Advances in Surgery
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Our mission is to offer universal access to excellent lifelong surgical training / learning shouldn’t be exclusive to a few privileged HCPs. Surgery has advanced more in the last 15 years than in the past 150 years, and only 3% of healthcare professionals in the world can keep up to date (due to time, resources and other restrictions). 
 At AIS we believe in facilitating free remote access to excellent surgical contents (synchronous or on demand) provided by the best international surgeons.

  1. FEB 12

    From Colombian Roots to American Heights: Dr. Antonio Caycedo-Marulanda's Journey as an Academic Surgeon

    In this compelling episode of our AIS Channel podcast, Dr. Antonio Caycedo-Marulanda, Chief of Colorectal Surgery at Orlando Health in Florida, shares an inspiring narrative of perseverance, adaptation, and triumph. The episode delves into Dr. Caycedo-Marulanda's remarkable transition from his origins in Colombia to becoming a leading academic surgeon in one of America's premier health systems. The discussion is enriched with personal anecdotes, professional insights, and advice for aspiring international medical graduates (IMGs), making it a must-listen for medical students, residents, and seasoned professionals alike. Dr. Caycedo-Marulanda begins by recounting his early life in Colombia, where he was born and raised in a vibrant yet resource-constrained environment that fueled his passion for medicine. He completed his medical degree at a Colombian university in 1997, followed by a rigorous general surgery residency, graduating in 2003. The podcast highlights the challenges of practicing in a developing country, including limited access to advanced technology and high-stakes cases that demanded ingenuity. Motivated by a desire for specialized training and broader impact, he made the bold decision to immigrate to Canada. This move marked a pivotal turning point, as he navigated the complexities of revalidating his credentials in a new system. He repeated his general surgery residency at the University of Ottawa, enduring the emotional and financial strains of starting over while adapting to cultural differences and a colder climate. The podcast explores the academic surgeon's dual role—balancing clinical duties with research and mentorship—emphasizing how his Colombian background instilled a resilient work ethic that propelled his success in Canada's academic landscape. Transitioning to the United States in 2023, Dr. Caycedo-Marulanda describes his recruitment to Orlando Health as System Chief of Colorectal Surgery and Medical Director. He candidly addresses the visa hurdles, board recertifications, and cultural shifts involved in this cross-border move, including the differences between Canadian universal healthcare and the U.S. system's emphasis on efficiency and innovation. A key theme is overcoming imposter syndrome as an IMG, where he credits mentorship from figures in the ASCRS and his family's support for his ascent. He shares practical tips on networking, publishing early, and pursuing advanced degrees like his MSc to stand out in competitive fields. Throughout the episode, Dr. Caycedo-Marulanda underscores the value of diversity in surgery, advocating for more inclusive pathways for international talent. He reflects on how his journey from Colombia—marked by humility, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of excellence—has shaped his leadership style, fostering multidisciplinary teams at Orlando Health. The podcast concludes with forward-looking advice: embrace failures as learning opportunities, seek global collaborations, and prioritize work-life balance to sustain long-term success.

    16 min

  2. 11/26/2025

    The Elephant in the OR: Why Basic Surgical Skills Are Vanishing and How to Bring Them Back - Dr. Luis Felipe Cabrera Vargas & Dr. David O Reagan

    In the hyper-specialized era of general surgery training, an unspoken crisis festers beneath the operating table: the systematic neglect of foundational manual dexterity. Residents worldwide graduate able to recite the latest robotic console specifications yet struggle to tie a secure square knot under tension, select the correct needle for delicate tissue, or position a needle-holder without inducing carpal tunnel precursors. This 500-word abstract previews the December 2025 AIS Channel podcast, where Professor David O’Reagan—pioneer of surgical ergonomics and former President of the Association of Surgeons in Training—confronts this “elephant under the table” that program directors, accreditation bodies, and even trainees themselves prefer to ignore. The conversation opens with stark data: a 2024 multicenter audit across 42 programs in Europe, Latin America, and North America revealed that 68 % of PGY-3 residents could not demonstrate consistent instrument ergonomics, 54 % misidentified suture needle geometry for specific tissue layers, and 41 % required >3 attempts to achieve hemostasis with a single clamp application during simulated bleeding. These deficits correlate with intraoperative complication rates 2.7 times higher in the bottom quartile of manual proficiency (O’Reagan et al., Ann Surg 2025). Yet curriculum hours devoted to basic skills have plummeted 73 % since 2005, displaced by mandatory simulation in robotics, endoscopy, and administrative competencies. Professor O’Reagan dismantles three pervasive myths: (1) “see one, do one, teach one” suffices for motor learning; (2) laparoscopic dominance renders open instrumentation obsolete; (3) deliberate practice is unnecessary when talent is presumed. Drawing from aviation’s Crew Resource Management and elite athletic deliberate-practice models, he exposes how current apprenticeship relies on random case exposure rather than structured, metric-driven progression. The centerpiece solution unveiled is the **Black Belt Surgical Skills Academy (BBSSA)**—a modular, credentialed pathway analogous to martial arts ranking. Level White (pre-intern) masters instrument grip biomechanics and tissue-handling principles via low-fidelity bench models. Level Yellow (PGY-1) achieves 95 % proficiency in 12 core suture patterns under timed, ergonomic scrutiny. Level Green (PGY-2) integrates energy devices and clamp kinematics in high-fidelity pulsatile tissue. Level Brown (PGY-3) leads simulated OR crises requiring real-time decision-making with needle, scissors, and clamp. Level Black (PGY-4) certifies as instructor, closing the feedback loop. Each belt requires 50 logged deliberate-practice hours, objective video assessment using the O-SCORE derivative **Ergonomical Surgical Proficiency Index (ESPI)**, and zero critical failures in tissue trauma metrics. Pilot data from three BBSSA sites (Leeds, Bogotá, Singapore) show a 64 % reduction in minor intraoperative errors and 41 % faster knot-tying under duress after Yellow Belt completion. Cost per resident: USD 380—less than one disposable laparoscopic trocar pack.

    25 min

  3. 09/30/2025

    Pathway to Leadership in National and International Surgery for a Young Surgeon

    In the demanding field of surgery, leadership is vital for advancing medical practice and enhancing patient outcomes. This abstract outlines the journey of a young surgeon striving to achieve leadership roles within national and international surgical communities. The path is complex, requiring exceptional surgical expertise, strategic career planning, and meaningful contributions to the field. The young surgeon begins by building a robust foundation through rigorous training, mentorship, and ongoing skill development. Clinical excellence is paramount, complemented by research efforts that add new insights to surgery. Publishing in esteemed journals and presenting at conferences are critical for gaining recognition. To secure national leadership, the surgeon must engage actively with professional organizations. This involves taking on roles such as committee memberships, organizing educational initiatives, or advocating for policies that improve surgical standards. These efforts showcase dedication and competence, paving the way for influence within the national surgical landscape. For international leadership, a global outlook is essential. The surgeon should pursue opportunities like international surgical missions, contributions to global health programs, or collaborative research across borders. Participating in and presenting at international conferences boosts visibility and establishes credibility worldwide. Ultimately, attaining leadership in surgery transcends personal achievement—it’s a platform to shape the field’s future. Through innovation, mentoring emerging surgeons, and championing better surgical care, the young surgeon can leave a lasting legacy. This journey reflects a blend of skill, ambition, and commitment to improving surgery on both national and international stages.

    10 min

  4. 07/01/2025

    From Scalpel to Gavel: The Art of Leading a Surgical Society

    In this episode of the AIS Channel podcast, Dr. Luis Felipe Cabrera Vargas interviews Dr. Herbert Chen, a prominent figure in academic surgery, to explore the meaning and responsibilities of presiding over a surgical association. Dr. Chen describes the presidency as a great honor, a recognition bestowed by one's peers based on contributions and demonstrated leadership. He posits that surgeons are natural leaders, accustomed to guiding teams in the operating room, patient care, and research, making the transition to an organizational leadership role a logical step. The conversation delves into the president's functions, which include setting a vision for the organization, proposing initiatives, and guiding the society during their term. It is highlighted that the objectives are typically organizational in nature, such as increasing membership or the society's influence, rather than focusing on specific technologies. Finally, the discussion turns to what it takes to become president. Dr. Chen emphasizes that there is no single profile; rather, the most crucial factor is a long-term commitment to the organization, demonstrated through continuous service on committees, reliability, and the ability to work collaboratively. The episode concludes that the path to the presidency is built on a foundation of dedicated service and consistent leadership.

    11 min

  5. 02/05/2025

    Latin American Surgeons in U.S. Academia: Keys to Success

    In this episode, Dr. Luis F. Vargas interviews Dr. David Moros, a Colombian physician and cardiovascular research fellow at Cleveland Clinic, about pathways for Latin American surgeons aspiring to academic careers in the U.S. They explore the importance of prioritizing USMLE steps, building strong CVs through fellowships, and leveraging mentorship and sponsorship to unlock opportunities. Dr. Moros provides actionable advice on crafting personalized emails, utilizing networks, and staying persistent when seeking research positions. The discussion highlights the value of clear goals, time management, and resilience in achieving success in the competitive field of academic surgery.

    14 min

  6. 12/02/2024

    Sustainability in the OR

    In this episode, Dr. Evangelia Dimitrakopoulou discusses the importance of sustainability in operating rooms (ORs) and how healthcare professionals can contribute to a greener future. With ORs being a major source of hospital energy use and waste, she highlights practical strategies like reducing single-use plastics, optimizing energy consumption, and integrating innovative technologies. Dr. Dimitrakopoulou emphasizes that environmental health is deeply connected to patient well-being and calls on healthcare providers to lead efforts in sustainability. By adopting greener practices, the OR can become a model for protecting both current and future generations while maintaining excellence in care.

    6 min

  7. 10/16/2024

    Surgery and AI: Adapt or Fall Behind

    ⁤In this episode, host Dr. Luis F. Cabrera welcomes Dr. Giovanni Cacciamani, a urologist and expert in the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into surgical practice. ⁤⁤Together, they emphasize the importance of adapting to this technology: AI is not here to replace surgeons but to act as a powerful tool that enhances their capabilities in the operating room. ⁤ ⁤Dr. Cacciamani explores the various ways AI is transforming surgeryᅳfrom aiding in preoperative planning and guiding procedures to providing insights during postoperative analysis. ⁤⁤With its potential for predictive modeling, image recognition, and even generating automated surgical reports, AI offers a range of capabilities that are improving patient outcomes and boosting overall efficiency. ⁤ ⁤This podcast offers a clear understanding of how AI is revolutionizing the surgical field and why embracing these advancements is essential for healthcare professionals in today's rapidly evolving landscape. ⁤⁤Adapt or fall behind!"

    25 min

  8. 09/18/2024

    Keys to Success: Becoming a Surgeon in the U.S.

    In this episode of "Keys to Success: Becoming a Surgeon in the U.S.," Dr. Luis Felipe Cabrera Vargas, a vascular surgeon from Bogotá, Colombia, hosts a compelling discussion with Dr. Christian Pérez and Dr. Christian de Virgilio, both accomplished surgeons from Harvard UCLA. They dive deep into the challenges and opportunities faced by international medical graduates aiming to pursue surgical careers in the United States. The discussion explores critical topics such as the best time for foreign-trained surgeons to transition to the U.S., the importance of building connections through clinical rotations, and the role of observerships. Dr. Pérez and Dr. de Virgilio share personal insights into overcoming obstacles like proving clinical competence and navigating the unfamiliarity of Latin American medical education to U.S. faculty. The surgeons highlight the importance of mentorship, persistence, and seizing opportunities, stressing that success in the U.S. requires hard work, finding the right mentors and sponsors, and strategically planning your path. Whether you're an aspiring surgeon or a medical student from Latin America, this episode is filled with practical advice and motivational tips for achieving your dreams.

    18 min
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About

Our mission is to offer universal access to excellent lifelong surgical training / learning shouldn’t be exclusive to a few privileged HCPs. Surgery has advanced more in the last 15 years than in the past 150 years, and only 3% of healthcare professionals in the world can keep up to date (due to time, resources and other restrictions). 
 At AIS we believe in facilitating free remote access to excellent surgical contents (synchronous or on demand) provided by the best international surgeons.

Information

  • Creator
    Advances in Surgery
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Advances in Surgery