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Behind The Knife: The Surgery Podcast

Behind The Knife: The Surgery Podcast

By: Behind The Knife: The Surgery Podcast
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 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. Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease Science
Episodes
  • Resident Professional Development Time: When to Take it, How to Fund It, and How to Make it Count

    Resident Professional Development Time: When to Take it, How to Fund It, and How to Make it Count
    Feb 12 2026
    Research years. Professional development time. Career exploration.Whatever you call it, stepping out of clinical residency can feel confusing, intimidating, and oddly hard to plan for. In this episode of Behind the Knife, our BTK Surgical Education Fellows Drs. Elizabeth Maginot, Nicole Petcka, Agnes Premkumar, Kara Button, Emma Burke, and Michelle sit down with Dr. Daniel Nussbaum, Associate Professor of Surgery at Duke University and leader in the Duke Residency Research Fellowship Program, to unpack dedicated resident profressional development time really looks like, who it helps, who it doesn’t, and how to make the most of it if you choose to step out of clinical training.Together, the group tackles:· Why “research years” are often better thought of as professional development time· Whether taking time out of residency is actually necessary for fellowship or an academic career· How to find the right mentor—and why there’s rarely a “perfect” project· Practical advice on setting boundaries, saying yes (and no), and managing unstructured time· A clear, resident-level overview of funding options, including:- NIH T32 and F32 grants- NIH Loan Repayment Program (LRP)- Society, foundation, and departmental funding· What faculty and program leadership look for when supporting resident research· Lessons the panel wishes they’d known before starting research timeWhether you’re a medical student curious about residency structure, a resident debating whether to step out, or faculty mentoring trainees through career development, this episode offers candid insight, real examples, and reassurance that there’s more than one “right” path. High-Yield Takeaway: You don’t need research time to be a great surgeon—but if you want to grow skills outside the OR, this may be the rare window to do it thoughtfully (and even enjoy it).Resources & Links Mentioned:NIH Funding & Training Programs· NIH RePORTER – Explore active NIH-funded grants and training programs https://reporter.nih.gov/#/· NIH T32 Institutional Training Grants https://grants.nih.gov/funding/activity-codes/T32· NIH F32 Individual Postdoctoral Fellowshiphttps://grants.nih.gov/funding/activity-codes/F32· NIH Loan Repayment Program (LRP) https://grants.nih.gov/funding/funding-categories/lrp· Foundational & Society Grants(Not a comprehensive list; examples discussed in the episode)· Association of Program Directors in Surgery (APDS) Job Board https://apds.careerwebsite.com/jobs/? · American College of Surgeons (ACS) – Resident research funding https://www.facs.org/for-medical-professionals/professional-growth-and-wellness/scholarships-fellowships-and-awards/resident/resident-research/· Association for Academic Surgery (AAS) – Resident research funding primer https://www.aasurg.org/resident-research-funding-primer/· American Surgical Association (ASA) – Research awards & fellowships https://americansurgical.org/awards_Fellowship.cgi· Society of University Surgeons (SUS) – Resident Research Scholar Awards https://www.susweb.org/resident-scholar-research-awards/? · American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) – Scholarships & grants https://www.aast.org/professional-development/scholarships.html· Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) – Research grants https://www.sages.org/research/research-grants/ Helpful Application Resources· NIH Biosketch Format & Instructions https://grants.nih.gov/grants-process/write-application/forms-directory/biosketch Sponsor Link: Medical Education master's program at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education - https://www.gse.upenn.edu/btkPlease 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:General 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-audio-reviewColorectal Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/colorectal-surgery-oral-board-audio-reviewSurgical Oncology Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/...
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    39 mins
  • Clinical Challenges in Transplant Surgery: Deceased Donor Abdominal Recovery - A Step-by-Step Guide

    Clinical Challenges in Transplant Surgery: Deceased Donor Abdominal Recovery - A Step-by-Step Guide
    Feb 9 2026

    Abdominal organ procurement is a high-stakes operation that blends anatomy, speed, and coordinated teamwork. In this Behind the Knife episode, the UNMC transplant team walks through the practical “how-to” of deceased donor abdominal recovery—covering OR roles and logistics, key anatomic maneuvers, cannulation/flush troubleshooting, and the workflow differences that matter most between donation after brain death (DBD) and donation after circulatory death (DCD).

    Hosts
    Madeline Cloonan, MD PhD – General Surgery Resident, University of Nebraska Medical Center (@maddie_cloonan)

    Evelyn Waugh, MD – Transplant Surgery Fellow, University of Nebraska Medical Center

    Jacqueline Dauch, MD – Abdominal Transplant Surgeon, University of Nebraska Medical Center

    Alex Maskin, MD – Kidney & Pancreas Transplant Surgeon, University of Nebraska Medical Center

    Learning Objectives

    1. Compare DBD vs DCD donor workflow and define total vs functional warm ischemia.

    2. Identify key OR roles and the ethical/legal separation of death declaration from procurement teams.

    3. Outline the core steps of abdominal procurement, including exposure, cannulation, cross-clamp, and organ removal sequence.
    4. Apply a practical troubleshooting approach when flush flow is inadequate
    References
    1. Englesbe MJ, Mulholland MW. Operative Techniques in Transplantation Surgery. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2018.
    2. Tullius SG, Rabb H. Improving the supply and quality of deceased-donor organs for transplantation. N Engl J Med. 2018;378(20):1924–1933. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1708700. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29768153/
    3. Croome KP, Barbas AS, Whitson B, et al. American Society of Transplant Surgeons recommendations on best practices in donation after circulatory death organ procurement. Am J Transplant. 2023;23(2):171–179. doi:10.1016/j.ajt.2022.10.009. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36695685/
    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/listen
    Behind the Knife Premium:
    General Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-review
    Trauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlas
    Dominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkship
    Dominate 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-rotation
    Vascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-audio-review
    Colorectal Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/colorectal-surgery-oral-board-audio-review
    Surgical Oncology Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-oncology-oral-board-audio-review
    Cardiothoracic Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/cardiothoracic-surgery-oral-board-audio-review
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    47 mins
  • Clinical Challenges in Bariatric Surgery: Integration of Obesity Management Medications (OMMs)

    Clinical Challenges in Bariatric Surgery: Integration of Obesity Management Medications (OMMs)
    Feb 5 2026
    What happens when the world of GLP-1s collides with the operating room? Today, we’re diving into the new era of obesity care. Hosts· Matthew Martin, trauma and bariatric surgeon at the University of Southern California/Los Angeles General Medical Center (Los Angeles, California) @docmartin2· Adrian Dan, bariatric and MIS surgeon, program director for the advanced MIS bariatric and foregut fellowship at Summa Health System (Akron, Ohio) @DrAdrianDan· Crystal Johnson Mann, bariatric and foregut surgeon at the University of Florida (Gainesville, Florida) @crys_noelle_· Katherine Cironi, general surgery resident at the University of Southern California/Los Angeles General Medical Center (Los Angeles, California) @cironimacaroniLearning objectives1. Understand the evolving role of OMMs in bariatric surgical practice· Recognize how widespread GLP-1 and dual-incretin therapies have reshaped patient presentations, expectations, and referral patterns.· Appreciate current evidence comparing surgery to GLP-1 therapy, including the JAMA Surgery study out of Allegheny Health (2025), noting:o Superior weight loss with bariatric surgery (~28% TBWL vs ~10% with GLP-1s)o Higher health-care utilization and cost in GLP-1–treated patients.· Frame OMMs not as alternatives but as complementary tools within a chronic disease model when treating obesity.2. Review pharmacologic classes and their expected efficacy· Surgeons should be able to articulate the mechanisms, efficacy, and limitations of:o GLP-1 receptor agonists – incretin-based satiety; 5–12% TBWL.o Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists – most potent agents; 15–22% TBWL.o Sympathomimetics – norepinephrine-driven appetite suppression; 3–7% TBWL.o Combination agents (bupropion-naltrexone, phentermine-topiramate) – 5–12% TBWL depending on regimen.o Emerging therapies – retatrutide, maritide, oral GLP-1s, with promising TBWL in phase 2 trials3. Apply OMMs strategically in the preoperative phase· Integrate OMMs without compromising surgical eligibility—OMM-related weight loss does not negate the indication for surgery.· Counsel patients that medication response does not equal disease resolution; surgery remains the most durable intervention.· Manage delayed gastric emptying and aspiration risk:o Pause weekly GLP-1 or dual agonists for ≥1 week pre-op (longer if symptomatic).o Collaborate closely with the anesthesia/OR teams· Screen for nutritional depletion before surgery, especially protein deficits exacerbated by appetite suppression.· Navigate insurance barriers that may paradoxically approve surgery but deny medication continuation.4. Implement postoperative OMMs safely and effectively· Establish criteria for OMM introduction:o Typical initiation at 6–12 months, once the diet stabilizes and the physiologic curve flattens.o Earlier initiation (4–6 weeks) may be appropriate in pediatric or select high-risk populations.· Recognize altered pharmacokinetics after sleeve and bypass:o Injectables may be preferred due to altered absorption of oral agents.· Prevent postoperative nutritional compromise:o Monitor protein intake, hydration, and micronutrient status (including iron, B12, and fat-soluble vitamins).o Titrate doses slowly to minimize nausea/vomiting that can precipitate malnutrition.· Frame OMM use as a tool for disease persistence (plateau/regain), not as a marker of failure.5. Identify systems-level barriers and the implementation of coordinated care· Understand insurance inconsistencies—coverage for surgery is often not paired with coverage for long-term medical therapy.· Clearly document disease persistence and medical necessity when appealing denials.· Avoid fragmented care: establish shared-care pathways between bariatric surgery, obesity medicine, and primary care.· Use patient-centered language emphasizing complementary therapy, not hierarchy or competition between surgery and medications.6. Counsel patients ethically and accurately within a chronic disease model· Set expectations: sustained success requires surgery + medication + behavioral change.· Educate patients that postoperative OMM use does not imply surgical failure.· Normalize long-term multimodal management of obesity, analogous to diabetes or hypertension models.*Sponsor Disclaimer: Visit 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 ...
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    32 mins
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