Behind The Knife: The Surgery Podcast

Behind The Knife: The Surgery Podcast

Behind the Knife is the world’s #1 surgery podcast.  From high-yield educational topics to interviews with leaders in the field, Behind the Knife delivers the information you need to know.  Tune in for timely, relevant, and engaging content designed to help you DOMINATE THE DAY! Behind the Knife is more than a podcast.  Visit www.behindtheknife.org to learn more.  

  1. 1d ago ·  Bonus

    Beyond the Match, Episode 3: Working Conditions, Resident Mobility, and Accountability

    You stayed late again, the service is still short-staffed, and when you finally say something, the answer is: you just need to be more efficient. More resilient. That's the go-to explanation for almost everything hard about residency — but what if the problem isn't your resilience at all? In the finale of Beyond the Match, Mckenzie Roebuck, Carl Engelke, Michael Brinton, and Omer Hassan of CoSEF look downstream at what happens after residents match: working conditions, culture and mental health, the practical barriers that make transferring so difficult, why residents may not trust existing reporting systems, and what real accountability and resident voice would require. Hosts:  Dr. Mckenzie Roebuck, CoSEF BTK Lead, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, mckenzie.rowe@inova.org Dr. Carl Engelke, The Ohio State University, Carl.Engelke@osumc.edu  Dr. Michael Brinton, Medical College of Wisconsin, mbrinton@mcw.edu   Dr. Omer Hassan, University of Calgary/Alberta Children's Hospital, omerh91@gmail.com CoSEF: X @surgedfellows, cosef.org  Learning objectives: Summarize the real problems the congressional report identifies in working conditions, mistreatment reporting, and resident mental health Distinguish necessary difficulty in residency training from preventable system dysfunction, and describe its relationship to resident well-being and reporting Explain the practical barriers to resident mobility, including position availability, training requirements, funding, visa status, professional risk, and stigma Describe local and national accountability mechanisms — including program reporting, GMECs, ACGME pathways, and unions — and the limitations of each Identify strategies to strengthen resident voice, psychological safety, anti-retaliation protections, and institutional accountability rather than relying on individual resilience alone.  References: House Committee on the Judiciary. Medical Mis-Match: How a Residency Hiring Monopoly Harms Patients, Doctors, and the American Public. Published online March 27, 2026. Gianakos AL, Freischlag JA, Mercurio AM, et al. Bullying, Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Harassment, and the Fear of Retaliation During Surgical Residency Training: A Systematic Review. World J Surg. 2022;46(7):1587-1599. doi:10.1007/s00268-021-06432-6PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35006329/ Mata DA, Ramos MA, Bansal N, et al. Prevalence of Depression and Depressive Symptoms Among Resident Physicians: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA. 2015;314(22):2373-2383. doi:10.1001/jama.2015.15845PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26647259/ Malone TL, Zhao Z, Liu TY, Song PXK, Sen S, Scott LJ. Prediction of Suicidal Ideation Risk in a Prospective Cohort Study of Medical Interns. PLoS One. 2021;16(12):e0260620. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0260620PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34855821/ Drolet BC, Schwede M, Bishop KD, Fischer SA. Compliance and Falsification of Duty Hours: Reports From Residents and Program Directors. J Grad Med Educ. 2013;5(3):368-373. doi:10.4300/JGME-D-12-00375.1PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24404298/ National Resident Matching Program. The Match Agreement. Accessed August 2026. https://www.nrmp.org/intro-to-the-match/the-match-agreement/. Intealth (ECFMG). J-1 Physicians Training in the US (infographic). Accessed August 2026. https://www.intealth.org/pdfs/J-1_US_Infographic.pdf. (Note: Institutional PDF; no PubMed entry available). Foote DC, Rosenblatt AE, Amortegui D, et al. Experiences With Unionization Among General Surgery Resident Physicians, Faculty, and Staff. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(7):e2421676. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.21676PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39018072/ Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Report an Issue. https://www.acgme.org/residents-and-fellows/report-an-issue/?utm_source. Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.  If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listenBehind the Knife Premium: https://behindtheknife.org/premiumOral Board Review: https://behindtheknife.org/oral-boardOral Board Simulator: https://behindtheknife.org/oral-board/simulatorGeneral Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-reviewTrauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlasDominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkshipDominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotationVascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-reviewColorectal Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/colorectal-surgery-oral-board-reviewSurgical Oncology Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-oncology-oral-board-reviewCardiothoracic Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/cardiothoracic-surgery-oral-board-reviewOBGYN Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/course/obgyn-oral-board-reviewSurgical Critical Care Review: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-critical-care-reviewEPA Playbook: https://behindtheknife.org/course/epa-playbookSurgical Instrument Flashcards: https://behindtheknife.org/course/surgical-instrument-flashcardsABSITE Review: https://behindtheknife.org/course/absite-2026-exam-reviewDownload our App:Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/behind-the-knife/id1672420049Android/Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.btk.app&hl=en_US

  2. 3d ago ·  Bonus

    Beyond the Match, Episode 2: Application Chaos, Transparency, and the Cost of Uncertainty

    You matched into your dream program... but only after submitting 80 applications, spending thousands of dollars, and losing sleep wondering if anyone was even reading yours. Meanwhile, on the other side of the screen, a program director is staring down a thousand applications for six spots, trying to figure out who's actually serious about coming. Sound familiar? Join Mckenzie Roebuck, Milanie Milan, Sarah Lund, and Bryanna Stukes of CoSEF as they unpack the residency application arms race: why uncertainty drives overapplication, what preference signaling and application caps actually solve, the trade-offs of virtual versus in-person interviews, and how better transparency, advising, holistic review, and even AI might help applicants and programs find the right fit.  Hosts: Dr. Mckenzie Roebuck, CoSEF BTK Lead, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, mckenzie.rowe@inova.org, insta @mrowemd, X @mrowemd1  Dr. Milanie Milan, Cleveland Clinic, milanie.milan98@gmail.com, insta @m.mdgram Dr. Sarah Lund, Mayo Clinic, slund@alum.mit.edu, X @DrSarahLund Dr. Bryanna Stukes, UT Southwestern bryanna.stukes@UTSouthwestern.edu CoSEF: X @surgedfellows, cosef.org Learning objectives: Explain how uncertainty across the residency selection process drives overapplication and distinguish the Match algorithm from the broader application ecosystem Describe how preference signaling, application caps, and interview format affect applicant and program behavior, including equity trade-offs Identify ways programs can improve both competitiveness and program-level transparency Discuss how investment in holistic review and mission-specific selection criteria may improve application review while introducing new challenges.  References: House Committee on the Judiciary. Medical Mis-Match: How a Residency Hiring Monopoly Harms Patients, Doctors, and the American Public. Published online March 27, 2026. National Resident Matching Program. Advance Data Tables: 2026 Main Residency Match. NRMP. Published March 20, 2026. Accessed August 2026. https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/advance-data-tables-2026-main-residency-match/. Ulin L, Bernstein SA, Nunes JC, et al. Improving Transparency in the Residency Application Process: Survey Study. JMIR Form Res. 2023;7:e45919. doi:10.2196/45919PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38145482/ American Medical Association. Transparency in the Resident Physician Application Process (Issue Brief). Published online November 2023. Accessed August 2026.https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/cme-issue-brief-resident-application-process.pdf. Nilsen K, Walling A, Callaway P, et al. "The End Game" — Students' Perspectives of the National Residency Matching Program: A Focus Group Study. Med Sci Educ. 2018;28(4):729-737. doi:10.1007/s40670-018-0627-1PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34646549/ Weissbart SJ, Kim SJ, Feinn RS, Stock JA. Relationship Between the Number of Residency Applications and the Yearly Match Rate: Time to Start Thinking About an Application Limit? J Grad Med Educ. 2015;7(1):81-85. doi:10.4300/jgme-d-14-00270.1PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26217439/ Angus SV, Williams CM, Kwan B, et al. Drivers of Application Inflation: A National Survey of Internal Medicine Residents. Am J Med. 2018. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2018.01.002PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29355512/ Lund S, Santucci NM, Zarate Rodriguez J, et al. Message Received? Applicant Insights on Preference Signals in General Surgery Residency Recruitment. J Surg Educ. 2026;83(9):104096. doi:10.1016/j.jsurg.2026.104096PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42418854/ Woodward JM, Gan CY, Foote DC, et al. Thanks for the Signal—Now What? Program Director Perspectives on How Preference Signals Are Shaping General Surgery Residency Recruitment. J Surg Educ. 2026;83(9):104061. doi:10.1016/j.jsurg.2026.104061PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42418853/ Mullens CL, Picart JK, Dualeh SHA, et al. A Practical Approach for Implementing Holistic Review for General Surgery Resident Recruitment. J Surg Educ. 2026;83(9):104069. doi:10.1016/j.jsurg.2026.104069PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42436210/ Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.  If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listenBehind the Knife Premium: https://behindtheknife.org/premiumOral Board Review: https://behindtheknife.org/oral-boardOral Board Simulator: https://behindtheknife.org/oral-board/simulatorGeneral Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-reviewTrauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlasDominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkshipDominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotationVascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-reviewColorectal Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/colorectal-surgery-oral-board-reviewSurgical Oncology Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-oncology-oral-board-reviewCardiothoracic Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/cardiothoracic-surgery-oral-board-reviewOBGYN Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/course/obgyn-oral-board-reviewSurgical Critical Care Review: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-critical-care-reviewEPA Playbook: https://behindtheknife.org/course/epa-playbookSurgical Instrument Flashcards: https://behindtheknife.org/course/surgical-instrument-flashcardsABSITE Review: https://behindtheknife.org/course/absite-2026-exam-reviewDownload our App:Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/behind-the-knife/id1672420049Android/Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.btk.app&hl=en_US

  3. 4d ago ·  Bonus

    Beyond the Match, Episode 1: Pay, Benefits, and Bargaining Power

    What does it say about a training system when childcare can eat up almost half a resident’s monthly salary — and the physicians doing essential clinical work have almost no ability to negotiate their pay or benefits? A recent House Judiciary Committee report argues that the Match suppresses resident compensation and bargaining power. But if the Match disappeared tomorrow, would residents actually get paid more? Join Mckenzie Roebuck, Maya Hunt, Nicole Santucci, and Michael Kabbash of CoSEF as they unpack resident pay and benefits, where GME funding actually goes, why residency is not a normal labor market, and where real leverage for change might come from. Hosts: Dr. Mckenzie Roebuck, CoSEF BTK Lead, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, mckenzie.rowe@inova.org, insta @mrowemd, X @mrowemd1  Dr. Maya Hunt, Indiana University, mayahunt@iu.edu  Dr. Nicole Santucci, Washington University in St. Louis, snicole@wustl.edu  Dr. Michael Kabbash, University of Florida, michel.kabbash@surgery.ufl.edu, X @MichaelKabbash CoSEF: X @surgedfellows, cosef.org Learning objectives: Summarize the congressional report’s arguments about resident compensation and bargaining power  Explain how GME funding supports residency and why federal GME dollars do not map directly onto resident salaries  Describe how salary and benefit structures affect residents’ financial well-being, family planning, and quality of life  Identify institutional, policy, and collective strategies to strengthen resident compensation and bargaining power.  References: House Committee on the Judiciary. Medical Mis-Match: How a Residency Hiring Monopoly Harms Patients, Doctors, and the American Public. Published online March 27, 2026. Association of American Medical Colleges. AAMC Survey of Resident/Fellow Stipends and Benefits. https://www.aamc.org/data-reports/students-residents/report/aamc-survey-resident/fellow-stipends-and-benefits.  Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Direct Graduate Medical Education (DGME). https://www.cms.gov/medicare/payment/prospective-payment-systems/acute-inpatient-pps/direct-graduate-medical-education-dgme.  Foote DC, Rosenblatt AE, Amortegui D, et al. Experiences With Unionization Among General Surgery Resident Physicians, Faculty, and Staff. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(7):e2421676. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.21676 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39018072/ Tomei KL, Selby LV, Kirk LM, et al. Beyond Training the Next Generation of Physicians: The Unmeasured Value Added by Residents to Teaching Hospitals and Communities. Acad Med. 2022;97(11):1592-1596. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35731593/ doi:10.1097/ACM.0000000000004792 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Common Program Requirements. Accessed August 2026.https://www.acgme.org/programs-and-institutions/programs/common-program-requirements/. Rigged or Right? The Residency Match Under Fire | podcast. Behind the Knife. https://behindtheknife.org/podcast/rigged-or-right-the-residency-match-under-fire.  Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.  If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listenBehind the Knife Premium: https://behindtheknife.org/premiumOral Board Review: https://behindtheknife.org/oral-boardOral Board Simulator: https://behindtheknife.org/oral-board/simulatorGeneral Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-reviewTrauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlasDominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkshipDominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotationVascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-reviewColorectal Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/colorectal-surgery-oral-board-reviewSurgical Oncology Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-oncology-oral-board-reviewCardiothoracic Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/cardiothoracic-surgery-oral-board-reviewOBGYN Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/course/obgyn-oral-board-reviewSurgical Critical Care Review: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-critical-care-reviewEPA Playbook: https://behindtheknife.org/course/epa-playbookSurgical Instrument Flashcards: https://behindtheknife.org/course/surgical-instrument-flashcardsABSITE Review: https://behindtheknife.org/course/absite-2026-exam-reviewDownload our App:Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/behind-the-knife/id1672420049Android/Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.btk.app&hl=en_US

  4. Sep 3 ·  Bonus

    Clinical Challenges in Colorectal Surgery: Managing the Tough Stoma

    This episode offers a practical, case-based approach to one of the most common intraoperative challenges in GI surgery: constructing a stoma that just won't cooperate. The discussion covers preoperative marking and stoma siting in the obese and non-elective patient, technical maneuvers to gain length and reduce tension on the stoma, strategies for the foreshortened small bowel mesentery, and considerations for maturing a stoma in a massively dilated, thick-walled colon. Join Drs. Elissa Dabaghi, Jared Hendren, Joseph Trunzo, Ajaratu Keshinro, and David Rosen as they discuss this clinical challenge in colorectal surgery. Hosts: ·      Elissa Dabaghi, MD, Institution: Department of General Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio ·      Jared Hendren, MD, Institution: Department of General Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio ·      Joseph Trunzo, MD, Institution: Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, X/Twitter @joseph_trunzo ·      Ajaratu Keshinro, MD, Institution: Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, X/Twitter- @AJKesh ·      David Rosen, MD, Institution: Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, X/Twitter- @davidrrosenmd Learning Objectives: By the end of this episode, listeners will be able to: 1.     Describe preoperative marking strategies and intraoperative technical adaptations for stoma siting and construction in obese and non-elective patients.2.     Apply strategies for managing a foreshortened small bowel mesentery when constructing an end or loop ileostomy.3.     Recognize technical considerations for maturing a stoma in a massively dilated, thick-walled colon and identify associated long-term risks Sponsor Disclaimer: Visit https://www.goremedical.com/btkpod to learn more about GORE® SYNECOR Biomaterial, including supporting references and disclaimers for the presented content. Refer to Instructions for Use at eifu.goremedical.com for a complete description of all applicable indications, warnings, precautions and contraindications for the markets where this product is available. Rx only  Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.  If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listenBehind the Knife Premium: https://behindtheknife.org/premiumOral Board Review: https://behindtheknife.org/oral-boardOral Board Simulator: https://behindtheknife.org/oral-board/simulatorGeneral Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-reviewTrauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlasDominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkshipDominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotationVascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-reviewColorectal Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/colorectal-surgery-oral-board-reviewSurgical Oncology Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-oncology-oral-board-reviewCardiothoracic Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/cardiothoracic-surgery-oral-board-reviewOBGYN Oral Board Review Coures: https://behindtheknife.org/course/obgyn-oral-board-reviewEPA Playbook: https://behindtheknife.org/course/epa-playbookSurgical Instrument Flashcards: https://behindtheknife.org/course/surgical-instrument-flashcardsABSITE Review: https://behindtheknife.org/course/absite-2026-exam-reviewDownload our App:Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/behind-the-knife/id1672420049Android/Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.btk.app&hl=en_US

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About

Behind the Knife is the world’s #1 surgery podcast.  From high-yield educational topics to interviews with leaders in the field, Behind the Knife delivers the information you need to know.  Tune in for timely, relevant, and engaging content designed to help you DOMINATE THE DAY! Behind the Knife is more than a podcast.  Visit www.behindtheknife.org to learn more.  

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