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 12. AI in Medicine: Training, Documentation, and the Risks of Overreliance

This episode of Dueling Scalpels features Dr. Abhishek Parmar and Corey Campbell digging into what AI actually changes in medicine. They focus on where it helps, where it creates risk, and why context, expertise, and accountability still matter. TL:DR: “AI makes you more capable, but it makes you dumber as well.” In this episode: Dr. Parmar and Dr Campbell discuss whether AI makes clinicians more capable or simply more dependent on fast answers.They break down AI use in diagnostics, therapeutics, research, and documentation.Dr. Campbell argues that AI can improve efficiency but may weaken learning, especially for trainees.Dr. Parmar shares how he already uses AI for clinical documentation and why he sees it as a time saver.The two debate whether AI-generated notes, reports, and recommendations create medico-legal risk.They explore which specialties are most exposed to automation, especially radiology and pathologyThey also look at AI-assisted video review in surgery and whether it could help improve performance.The conversation widens into concerns about AI flooding medical research with polished but low-value output. Timestamps (00:00) Opening banter and setting up the episode (01:04) The Odyssey, Greek mythology, and why updates still matter (04:28) Why they wanted to talk about AI in medicine (06:19) Data centers, energy use, and local community costs (10:24) Does AI threaten humanity, or just make people dumber? (11:00) AI, Google, and why easy answers may not stick (12:25) Where AI fits best: diagnostics, therapeutics, and research (13:28) Experience versus machine learning in surgical judgment (15:27) The difference between remembering a task and knowing why to do it (18:24) Using AI for clinical documentation in real practice (20:05) Why medical documentation exists in the first place (21:30) AI-generated police reports and medico-legal concerns (23:02) Final responsibility when AI helps write the note (24:48) Why context and expertise still matter more than raw information (26:11) AI as the internet’s most polished and most unreliable extension (28:21) Which specialties are most at risk from AI (29:50) Self-driving cars and the same accountability problem (31:51) Using AI and video review to score robotic surgery (37:23) Whether AI should be used as a residency gatekeeper (41:37) Rapid fire on AI in medicine, training, and research (44:05) Why good surgeons stay introspective and keep learning (46:21) The disruption from laparoscopic and endovascular transitions (48:03) AI and the risk of flooding research with junk output (51:35) Medical research, truth, and why AI makes that harder (52:46) Closing thoughts Connect with the Hosts: Abhishek Parmar - LinkedInDouglas Corey Campbell - X
Aug 11

Episode 11. What's Wrong with Men Today? Exploring Development, Society, and Gender Dynamics

In this episode, hosts Corey and Abhishek dig into the societal challenges facing men and boys in the 21st century. They cover biological development differences, education gaps, cultural expectations, and the impact of technology on social bonds—highlighting what societal structures could do to support healthier male identities. Key topics: The impact of neurodevelopmental differences between boys and girls, including delayed impulse control in boys and implications for education.The rise of gender disparities in academic performance, especially in the US, with statistics on dropout rates, college enrollment, and postgraduate achievement among Black women versus Black men.The influence of societal expectations and gender roles, including men's diminished sense of purpose as traditional roles evolve.The decline of male friendships and social interactions, partly due to technology and social media reducing meaningful in-person contact.The concept of positive peer pressure and expectations as drivers for self-improvement among men. Timestamps 00:00 - Introducing the episode and the provocative topic of men’s societal struggles 02:00 - Debunking myths about male and female development differences 05:00 - The impact of societal changes on boys’ education and maturation 08:00 - How gender gaps in school performance and expectations are shifting 11:00 - Developmental differences in impulse control and maturity in boys versus girls 14:00 - The influence of social expectations and opportunities on success 17:00 - The rise of women in higher education and the changing landscape for Black men and women 21:00 - The decline of male friendships and its societal implications 27:00 - How technology shifts have reduced human interaction and community building 34:00 - The cultural perception of masculinity and the loss of purpose among men 38:00 - Strategies and ideas for supporting boys and men in a changing world 44:00 - Rapid-fire questions about stereotypes and societal expectations Resources & Links: Atomic Habits by James ClearRichard Reeves - Buy on your local bookstore or onlineThe Center on American Life - Men Friendship SurveyFinnish Education SystemGeorge Gilder on Gender Roles and SocietyThe Stakes of Modern Masculinity - Book or article reference Connect with the Hosts: Abhishek Parmar - LinkedInDouglas Corey Campbell - X
Aug 4

Episode 10. Women in Surgery, Generational Shifts, and Future Insights from Dr. Eugenia Kim Page

Join hosts Dr. Abhishek Barmar and Dr. Corey Douglas Campbell as they continue their discussion with Dr. Jinnie Kim Page, a distinguished board-certified plastic surgeon, for a candid discussion on gender dynamics, surgical artistry, medical training, and the evolving landscape of medicine. This episode offers an illuminating look into the personal and professional journeys shaping the future of healthcare. In this episode: Dr. Jinnie Kim Page's journey from neuroscience to plastic surgeryThe intersection of art, engineering, and medicine in plastic surgeryThe emotional impact of reconstructive vs. cosmetic proceduresHow generational differences influence medical culture and trainingThe challenges of surgical training, including handedness, confidence, and resilienceThe future of general surgery and specialization trendsThe impact of AI, social media, and patient feedback on medical practicePerspectives on work-life balance, gender, and career choice in medicineDiscussions on medical ethics, professionalism, and innovation in the digital age Timestamps: 0:06 — Welcome and the question of talent versus resilience 2:10 — Can surgical skill and confidence be taught? 7:18 — Late bloomers, adversity, and training great surgeons 12:00 — How younger generations may reshape surgical training 19:42 — Is traditional general surgery disappearing? 24:03 — Women in surgery, career flexibility, and work-life balance 28:38 — Rapid-fire: overrated instruments and operating-room preferences 30:44 — Music in the operating room 35:15 — Procedures they’d happily never do again—and advice for residents 36:53 — Plastic surgery myths, liposuction, and the future of the specialty 41:46 — If they weren’t surgeons: alternate careers and closing thoughts Resources & Links: Spruce AIAtomic Habits by James ClearBrian Johnson's Muscle IntelligenceNate Silver's FiveThirtyEight PodcastMeditations by Marcus AureliusThe Outliers by Malcolm GladwellConnect with Dr. Eugenia Kim Page: Instagram Connect with the Hosts: Abhishek Parmar - LinkedInDouglas Corey Campbell - X
Jul 28

Episode 9. Surgical Artistry, Cosmetic Surgery and the Future of Medicine with Dr. Eugenia Kim Page

Join us as we dive into an engaging chat with Dr. Jinnie Kim Page, a board-certified plastic surgeon with a wealth of experience in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. We explore her journey from medical school to complex surgeries, her thoughts on surgical artistry, and the evolving landscape of medicine. In this episode: Dr. Page shares her inspiring story of discovering anatomy and falling in love with surgery during med schoolInsights into the artistry of plastic surgery and its visibility to patientsHow patient expectations are managed through communication and shared goalsThe debate over surgical tools and techniques, including microvascular proceduresThe impact of generational differences on training, communication, and professionalismThe future of medical practice in a changing healthcare landscape Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Jinnie Kim Page and her journey into plastic surgery 02:16 - Transition from neuroscience to anatomy and surgery 04:17 - The intersection of engineering, artistry, and medicine 06:51 - The importance of creativity and troubleshooting in reconstructive surgery 08:19 - Managing patient expectations and the art of aesthetic surgery 12:26 - Training, mentorship, and the evolution of surgical skills 15:33 - Holistic view of plastic surgery: reconstructive vs cosmetic 19:20 - Challenges of transparency and patient reviews in the digital age 23:58 - The future of general surgery and specialized fields like ACS 32:24 - The psychological impact of battling cancer as a surgeon and parent Resources & Links: Spruce AI – AI tool for guest selection and conversation ideasAtomic Habits by James Clear – For personal development insightsBrian Johnson's Optimize – Videos on extending lifespan and healthspan Connect with Dr. Eugenia Kim Page: Instagram Note: This conversation was a deep dive into the complex, evolving world of surgery, highlighting the importance of artistry, resilience, and continuous learning for future surgeons.
Jul 21

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.

12 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

12
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 Abhishek Parmar and Corey Campbell
Show Website

Dueling Scalpels