Dueling Scalpels

Abhishek Parmar and Corey Campbell

5.0 (5)
Medicine
Updated Semiweekly

Two surgeons' authentic takes on random things, and sometimes it's funny.

4d ago

Episode 8. Dissecting the Glut of Medical Research: Myths, Realities, and Rants

In this episode, Dr. Abhishek Parmar and Dr. Douglas Corey Campbell dive into the complex, often flawed world of medical research. They explore how research quality, funding, and systemic pressures shape the scientific landscape, especially in surgery. Main Topics: The true nature and pitfalls of medical research practicesHow funding and institutional pressures distort scientific inquiryThe realism versus idealism in surgical innovation and research adoptionThe impact of publication culture and journal practices on scientific integrityThe timeline and challenges for implementing new surgical techniquesThe role of statistical significance and P values in research Key Insights: Most medical research starts with questions driven by ease or pressure, not genuine scientific curiosity.Retrospective studies dominate, often lacking experimental rigor and susceptible to bias.Meta-analyses may oversimplify and overvalue aggregated, sometimes low-quality data.Funding for research is disproportionally expensive, limiting high-quality, prospective studies.Industry and career incentives heavily influence research agendas and publication behaviors.Adoption of new surgical methods can take 10-20 years despite evidence and technological advancements. Timestamps: 0:05 Opening & Banter4:47 Why Medical Research Breaks Down9:19 Incentives, Funding & Publication Pressure14:49 Why Good Evidence Takes Time20:17 Rapid-Fire Research Hot Takes24:57 Can We Still Trust Medical Science? Links: Phineas Gage Case StudyCoda Trial: Antibiotics in AppendectomyUnderstanding P ValuesMeta-analyses Explained Connect with the Guests: Abhishek Parmar - LinkedInDouglas Corey Campbell - X
Jul 13

Episode 7. Is General Surgery Dead? The Future of Our Specialty in a Subspecialized World

In this episode, surgeons Dr. Abhishek Parmar and Dr. Corey Campbell ask the fundamental question – Is General Surgery Dead? If it’s not already, should it be? The surgeons dive into the realities of rural surgery, the importance of specialization, and Corey names the most overrated surgical instrument. Their candid discussion sheds light on modern surgical training, systemic challenges, and practical tips for aspiring surgeons. Main Topics Covered: Challenges facing rural hospitals and outdated surgical protocolsThe specialization trend in modern surgery and its implicationsThe dwindling scope of general surgery proceduresThe importance of discernment and mastery in surgical practiceOverrated surgical instruments and myths in the ORFuture of surgical training: should we rethink the pathway? 00:00 Introduction with Spruce 01:47 Rural surgery and specialization 09:14 General Surgery training and decision-making 22:24 OR culture and overrated instruments 29:44 Robotic vs. open surgery 30:09 Closing remarks with Spruce
Jul 2

Episode 6. The Truth Behind Surgical Residency: Cocaine, Rectal Chest Tubes, and Being Wrong

Most surgeons underestimate the chaos behind the scenes of hospital call days—and what it takes to survive them. In this candid, hilarious episode, Dr. Abhishek Parmar and Dr. Corey Campbell dive into the real truth about surgical residency, night-shift horror stories, and the myth of being “ready” to operate. They talk about the origins of surgical residency, challenges of work hours, and if residents make everything worse.
Jun 30

Episode 5. Why Modern Medical Training Misses the Mark on Fitness and Preventative Care

In this episode, Dr. Abhishek Parmar and Dr. Corey Campbell explore the nuanced relationship between medical training, fitness culture, and the global spectacle of the World Cup. They also delve into how social media influences health perceptions and the gaps in medical education regarding wellness.
Jun 29

Episode 4. Burnout and the AI Revolution

Most surgeons today are more proficient and outcome-driven than ever, but behind the scenes, burnout is quietly reshaping healthcare — and it’s affecting everyone, from the OR to the hospital corridors. If you’ve ever wondered what’s really happening in modern medicine, and whether our relentless push for efficiency is helping or harming the healers, this episode is a must-listen.
Jun 23

Episode 3. On Medical Podcasting, Pop Culture, and Making Patients Look Like Textbooks

Two best friends and surgeons, Corey and Abhishek discuss various topics, including the nature of podcasts, the authenticity of medical representation in media, and the challenges of practicing medicine. The discussion touches on the importance of credentials, the complexity of modern medicine, and the personal connections they maintain with their patients. AI once again makes an appearance as Abhishek tries to be more interesting.
Jun 16

Episode 2. The Illusions of Wealth and Altruism in Medicine and America

Abhishek and Corey explore the contradictions of wealth, space exploration, and altruism. They discuss whether true altruism exists, critique Elon Musk's ventures, and examine how market valuations influence societal perceptions. The episode delves into the American Dream, wealth visibility, and the ethical responsibilities of the ultra-rich.
Jun 16

Episode 1. Why Are We Here

Surgeons Abhishek Parmar and Dr. Corey Campbell launch Dueling Scalpels, introduce their long friendship from medical school, and explain their goal of offering a more authentic perspective on healthcare and the surgeon mindset.

8 Episodes

5

out of 5

5 Ratings

Two surgeons' authentic takes on random things, and sometimes it's funny.

Creator

Abhishek Parmar and Corey Campbell
Years Active

2026
Episodes

8
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 Abhishek Parmar and Corey Campbell
Show Website

Dueling Scalpels