Brown Surgery Podcast

Kenneth Lynch, Jr., PhD, APRN-CNP
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Medicine

Local Podcast Covering Surgically Relevant Topics

  1. 3d ago

    Surviving Intern Year: A Resident's Guide to Success Inside and Outside the Hospital: Drs. Charlotte Jackson, MD and Madison Camarlinghi, MD

    As the academic year turns over, the Brown Surgery Podcast sits down with rising PGY-2 Charlotte Jackson,MD and rising PGY-3 Madison Camarlinghi, MD to discuss how to successfully navigate the challenges of intern year. From mastering early morning chart checks in Epic and efficiently triaging daily floor tasks to managing the constant stream of secure chats, our guests share their practical strategies for clinical excellence. The conversation also covers the art of trimming down consult presentations for senior residents, managing the anxiety of cross-cover on night float, and knowing exactly when to escalate clinical changes like tachycardia. Finally, Charlotte and Madison open up about maintaining an identity outside of the hospital—balancing ABSITE prep, family, and personal well-being—and offer their top pieces of advice for the incoming intern class

    25 min

  2. Jun 9

    Initial Assessment and Triage in Burn Care with Dr. Manuel Portalatin ,DO

    In part one of this two-part series, the Brown Surgery podcast welcomes back Dr. Manuel Portalatin, DO, one of our Trauma/Surgical Critical Care and Burn attendings at Brown University Health. We dive deep into the initial evaluation of burn patients in the emergency department, discussing the shift from numerical degree classifications to thickness nomenclature. Dr. Portalatin breaks down the clinical importance of depth assessment for skin grafting, the nuances of burn shock pathophysiology, and critical triage protocols—including how to identify, grade, and manage inhalation injuries, carbon monoxide exposure, and cyanide toxicity before transfer to a specialized burn center.

    26 min

  3. May 26

    Part 3: Inside Brown General Surgery Training Program: High Volume, Global Rotations, & Real Wellness | Dr. Thomas Miner

    What sets the general surgery training program at Brown University apart? In the final installment of our three-part series, we sit down with Residency Program Director Dr. Thomas Miner to break down the clinical, academic, and cultural blueprint of the program. In today's episode, Dr. Miner explains how Brown's unique position as the only major academic medical center in Rhode Island gives residents massive case volumes—graduating with around 1,400 cases—and unparalleled, one-on-one operating time without competing with fellows. We also dive into the program's unique global health electives in Kenya and the Virgin Islands , a research environment that boasts more projects than residents , and how Brown defines professional wellness as a baseline culture rather than just a checklist of perks. If you want to know what it truly means to be a "Brown Surgeon," this episode is a must-listen.

    18 min

  4. May 20

    Part 2: Inside the General Surgery Interview Day with Dr. Thomas Miner, MD

    In this episode, Dr. Thomas Miner, MD pulls back the curtain on what he’s really looking for during those crucial 20 minute interview sessions. We discuss the shift to virtual interviews, how to truly convey (and assess) program culture through a screen, the pitfalls of over-scripted behavioral questions, and the definitive answer on whether you should send a post-interview thank-you note. Whether you are applying to Brown or navigating the surgical match elsewhere, this episode is packed with invaluable, straight-shooting advice.

    13 min

  5. May 13

    Demystifying the Match: A Deep Dive into General Surgery Applications with Dr. Thomas Miner, MD

    What does "holistic review" actually mean in a top-tier surgery program? In Part 1 of our interview with Dr. Thomas Miner, MD, General Surgery Program Director at Brown University Health, we explore the mechanics of the residency selection process. Dr. Miner dispels common "urban legends" about research requirements and explains why high Step 2 scores aren't the primary driver of success in residency. Whether you are a rising 4th year or just starting your medical journey, this episode provides a roadmap for navigating signaling, regional preferences, and the critical importance of a Sub-I performance.

    23 min

  6. Apr 13

    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

  7. Mar 31

    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

  8. Mar 17

    So you Want to be a Cardiothoracic Surgeon? Dr. Laura Scrimgeour, MD

    Welcome back to the Brown Surgery Podcast. In this episode, we catch up with Dr. Laura Scrimgeour, a familiar voice to our longtime listeners. Since her last appearance as a chief resident in 2021, Dr. Scrimgeour has completed an extensive journey through cardiothoracic training and now returns to Brown as an attending surgeon. Together, we dive deep into what it takes to thrive in the field of Cardiothoracic (CT) Surgery in 2026. Whether you are a medical student weighing your residency options or a general surgery resident considering a fellowship, this conversation offers a roadmap for navigating the complexities of the specialty. In this episode, we discuss: The Path to CT Surgery: Deciding between traditional and integrated training pathways and the value of a strong academic foundation. The Role of Research: Why "checking the box" isn't enough, and how research years build critical mentorship and data-analysis skills. Fellowship Selection: What to look for in a program, from operative volume and case diversity to the importance of autonomy and mentorship. The Future of the Field: The current state of robotics in cardiac surgery and the rising importance of advanced fellowships in areas like TAVR and aortic surgery. Breaking Misconceptions: A candid look at the life of a modern CT surgeon, the growing diversity in the OR, and how team-based structures are improving work-life balance. Life Outside the Hospital: How Dr. Scrimgeour balances a demanding surgical schedule with her passion for the outdoors and skiing. Instagram: @dr.laura.scrimgeour X: @LScrimgeourMD

    13 min
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About

Local Podcast Covering Surgically Relevant Topics

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  • Creator
    Kenneth Lynch, Jr., PhD, APRN-CNP
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Kenneth Lynch, Jr., PhD, APRN-CNP
  • Show Website
    Brown Surgery Podcast