Release date: April 1, 2025

Episode Length: 38:41

Listening options: Simplecast

In today’s episode, Dr. Mitchell Posner, Dr. Sarah Shubeck, and Dr. Jelani Williams on the University of Chicago Medicine’s new Comprehensive Cancer Center. Scheduled to open in 2027, the new center is a seven-floor, 575,000-square-foot building planned to have 80 private beds and 90 consultation and outpatient rooms. At the moment, the center is anticipated to see 200,000 outpatient visits and 5000 inpatient admissions annually. This would be the city of Chicago’s first freestanding cancer pavilion.

How will we ensure that this new center prioritizes the community’s needs? In Chicago’s South Side, cancer death rates are twice the national average, and cancer is also the second-leading cause of death on the South Side behind heart disease. In this conversation, you’ll hear about the center’s development, what patients can expect, and most importantly, the Department of Surgery’s commitment to ensure the cancer center supports those who are most vulnerable.

Dr. Mitchell Posner is the Thomas D. Jones Distinguished Service Professor of Surgery, Chief of the Section of General Surgery, and the Chief Clinical Officer of the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center. From clinical trials for cancer treatment to his more than 250 articles, abstracts, and book chapters, Dr. Posner is a leading authority in the management of upper gastrointestinal cancers. He is frequently voted among the country’s best doctors. He is the past president of the Society of Surgical Oncology. He is deputy editor of the Annals of Surgical Oncology and section editor for the gastrointestinal cancer section of the journal Cancer. He served as chairman of the Gastrointestinal Committee of the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG).

Dr. Sarah Shubeck is an Assistant Professor in the Department of General Surgery. She is a Breast Surgical oncologist specializing in breast surgery, cancer, and benign disease treatment. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Shubeck’s research has been published in many journals including Cancer, JAMA Surgery, and Annals of Surgical Oncology.

Dr. Jelani Williams is a 5th-year general surgery resident at the University of Chicago. He is an aspiring surgical oncologist and attended the Eastern Virginia Medical School. He has published research on predictive models and surgery for metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors as well as the use of machine learning to distinguish benign and malignant thyroid nodules amongst other topics.

Deep Cuts: Exploring Equity in Surgery comes to you from the Department of Surgery at the University of Chicago, which is located on Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi land.

Our executive producer is Tony Liu. Our senior producers are Alia Abiad, Caroline Montag, and Chuka Onuh. Our production team includes Megan Teramoto, Ria Sood, Ishaan Kumar, and Daniel Correa Bucio. Our senior editor and production coordinator is Nihar Rama. Our editorial team also includes Beryl Zhou and Julianna Kenny-Serrano. The intro song you hear at the beginning of our show is “Love, Money Part 2” from Chicago’s own Sen Morimoto off of Sooper Records. Our cover art is from Leia Chen.

A special thanks this week to Dr. Jeffrey Matthews — for his leadership, vision, and commitment to caring for the most vulnerable in our communities. Let us know — what have you most enjoyed about our podcast. Where do you see room for improvement? You can reach out to us on Instagram @deepcutssurgery. Find out more about our work at deepcuts.surgery.uchicago.edu.

Release date: September 15, 2024

Episode Length: 28:49

Listening options: Simplecast

On today’s episode, we speak with Dr. Yalini Vigneswaran and Dr. Kayla (Polcari) Councell about bariatric surgery, also known as weight-loss surgery. We discussed the impact of these surgeries on patient health, as well as some of the barriers our patients face in accessing these surgeries. We delve into some of the new weight loss medications on the market, and how patients can figure out what is best for them.

Yalini Vigneswaran, MD, MS, is an advanced minimally invasive gastrointestinal surgeon at the University of Chicago who specializes in esophageal and gastric disorders, including motility disorders, esophageal and gastroesophageal junction cancers, reflux disease and paraesophageal hernias. She has specific clinical expertise in esophageal surgery, including minimally invasive esophagectomy for both benign and malignant disease. Additionally, Dr. Vigneswaran has expertise in bariatric surgery and performs various weight loss procedures. Dr. Vigneswaran conducts clinical and translational research and is committed to improving outcomes for patients with gastroesophageal disorders and patients undergoing weight loss surgery.

Kayla (Polcari) Councell, MD, MPH, is a general surgery resident at the University of Chicago. She obtained her BS from the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, IN. She then completed medical school and her public health training at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL. She is expected to complete her general surgery residency training in 2027.

“Deep Cuts: Exploring Equity in Surgery” comes to you from the Department of Surgery at the University of Chicago, which is located on Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi land.

Our senior producer is Tony Liu. Our producers are Alia Abiad, Caroline Montag, and Chuka Onuh. Our editor and production coordinator is Nihar Rama. The intro song you hear at the beginning of our show is “Love, Money Part 2” from Chicago’s own Sen Morimoto off of Sooper Records. Our cover art is from Renaise Kim.

A special thanks this week to Beth Gabryszak. We’d also like to thank all of our listeners for supporting the show. Let us know — what have you most enjoyed about our podcast? Where do you see room for improvement? You can reach out to us on Instagram or X at @deepcutssurgery. Additionally, you can find more information at our website, https://deepcuts.surgery.uchicago.edu/.

Release date: August 1st, 2024

Episode Length: 35:01

Listening options: Simplecast

In this episode, Dr. Chelsea Dorsey and Dr. Brandon Baird share their stories as physician trailblazers, including their path to medicine and how they are paving the way for others now. Together, they explore the intersectionality of medicine and the importance of fostering diverse and inclusive healthcare environments that not only enhance physician-patient relationships but also aid in addressing health disparities in Chicago’s Southside. 

Together, they explore the intersectionality of medicine and the importance of fostering diverse and inclusive healthcare environments that not only enhance physician-patient relationships but also aid in addressing health disparities in Chicago’s Southside. 

Dr. Chelsea Dorsey is an Associate Professor of Surgery at UChicago Medicine and an Associate Dean at the Pritzker School of Medicine. She runs the Vein Clinic at UChicago Medicine as director. She has a particular interest in complex aortic conditions and limb salvage therapy. As a committed educator and mentor, Dr. Dorsey regularly teaches medical students, residents and fellows about vascular disease management.

Dr. Brandon Jackson Baird is a laryngologist at the University of Chicago. He specializes in a wide range of throat diseases with an emphasis on medical and surgical management of voice and swallowing disorders. His expertise includes treating traumatic vocal cord lesions and throat cancer amongst other conditions. He also provides care for performing and professional voice artists while performing as a trained singer himself. 

“Deep Cuts” comes to you from the Department of Surgery at the University of Chicago…which is located on Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi land.

Our senior producer is Tony Liu. Our producers are Alia Abiad, Caroline Montag, and Chuka Onuh. Our editor and production coordinator is Nihar Rama. The intro song you hear at the beginning of our show is “Love, Money Part 2” from Chicago’s own Sen Morimoto off of Sooper Records. Our cover art is from Renaise Kim.

A special thanks this week to Beth Gabryszak. We’d also like to thank all of our listeners for supporting the show. Let us know — what have you most enjoyed about our podcast? Where do you see room for improvement? You can reach out to us on Instagram or X at @deepcutssurgery. Additionally, you can find more information at our website, https://deepcuts.surgery.uchicago.edu/

Release date: July 1st, 2024

Episode Length: 33:11

Listening options: Spotify (TBD), Simplecast

In today’s episode, we hear Dr. Russell Reid, a plastic surgeon at the University of Chicago, and Dr. Arielle Hirschfeld, a family medicine physician, talk about their experiences caring for the migrants who have come to Chicago over the past year. They share challenges they’ve seen and improvements they hope for, as well as the importance of collaborations between primary care physicians, specialists, and other providers in offering comprehensive care. Our guests also discuss the importance of listening to patients, approaching people without assumptions and with a willingness to learn.

Dr. Russell Reid is a pediatric plastic surgeon at the University of Chicago. An accomplished author, Dr. Reid has published book chapters and several peer-reviewed journal articles on a variety of topics, from craniofacial surgery techniques to wound healing.

Dr. Arielle Hirschfeld is a compassionate family medicine physician dedicated to providing comprehensive primary care to patients of all ages in Chicago, IL. With a focus on preventive medicine and health promotion, she emphasizes building long-term relationships with patients and their families to address their healthcare needs over time. 

“Deep Cuts: Exploring Equity in Surgery” comes to you from the Department of Surgery at UChicago Medicine which is located on Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi land. 

Our guest host for this episode was Tony Liu. Our regular host is Dr. Anthony Douglas. Our senior producer is Tony Liu. Our host is Dr. Anthony Douglas. Our producers are Alia Abiad, Caroline Montag, and Chuka Onuh. Our editor and production coordinator is Nihar Rama. The intro song you hear at the beginning of our show is “Love, Money Part 2” from Chicago’s own Sen Morimoto off of Sooper Records. Our cover art is from Renaise Kim.

A special thanks this week to our guests, Dr. Arielle Hirschfeld and Dr. Russell Reid. We’d also like to thank all of our listeners for supporting the show. Let us know — what have you most enjoyed about our podcast? Where do you see room for improvement? You can reach out to us on Instagram or X at @deepcutssurgery. Additionally, you can find more information at our website, deepcuts.surgery.uchicago.edu. 

To learn more about Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, you can visit their website: https://www.freshstart.org/.

Release date: May 15th, 2024

Episode Length: 53:03

Listening options: Spotify, Simplecast

On this episode of Deep Cuts, one of our most powerful and personal episodes yet, our guest is Dr. Abdullah Pratt, Assistant Professor and Emergency Medicine Physician at the University of Chicago Medical Center and Faculty Director of Community Engagement at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. Dr. Pratt shares how his experiences as a lifelong resident of the South Side of Chicago have shaped his career as a physician at the University of Chicago’s level one trauma center. He discusses the systemic roots of violence and the inequities in how solutions to violence are funded. He also describes the grassroots community violence prevention initiatives he leads, working to inspire more youth to become leaders as well.

Known as “Dee,” Dr. Pratt’s goal has always been to have a career advocating for underserved communities and addressing systemic healthcare disparities. As an Emergency Medicine physician, he continues to vigorously work to improve health literacy and emergency preparedness through teaching South-Side residents how to properly respond to cardiac arrests, penetrating traumas (gunshot victims), and strokes prior to the arrival of medical assistance.

To learn more about and support MEDCEEP, you can visit their website at medceep.com. 

“Deep Cuts” comes to you from the Department of Surgery at the University of Chicago which is located on Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi land.

Our senior producer is Tony Liu. Our host is Dr. Anthony Douglas. Our producers are Alia Abiad, Caroline Montag, and Chuka Onuh. Our editor and production coordinator is Nihar Rama. The intro song you hear at the beginning of our show is “Love, Money Part 2” from Chicago’s own Sen Morimoto off of Sooper Records. 

A special thanks this week to our guest, Dr. Abdullah Pratt. We’d also like to thank all of our listeners for supporting the show. Let us know — what have you most enjoyed about our podcast? Where do you see room for improvement? You can reach out to us on Instagram or X at @deepcutssurgery. You can also learn more about our podcast and team at our website, https://deepcuts.surgery.uchicago.edu/.

Release date: April 15th, 2024

Episode Length: 43:29

Listening options: Spotify, Simplecast

In this episode of Deep Cuts, Dr. Selwyn O. Rogers on how to understand and begin to tackle gun violence in the United States. We’ll discuss the factors that perpetuate gun violence, which individuals are at highest risk, and what interventions might look like to curb gun violence. We’ll also discuss the ways Dr. Rogers finds meaning amidst this challenging work.

Dr. Selwyn O. Rogers Jr.is a widely respected surgeon and public health expert. He is the founding director of the University of Chicago Medicine Trauma Center, and has built an interdisciplinary team of specialists to treat patients who suffer injury from life-threatening events, such as car crashes, serious falls and gun violence. His team works with leaders in the city’s trauma network to expand trauma care on the South Side of Chicago. Dr. Rogers has also served in leadership capacities at health centers across the country, including most recently as vice president and chief medical officer for the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, as the chair of surgery at Temple University School of Medicine, and as the division chief of trauma, burns and surgical critical care at Harvard Medical School.

If you have questions or topics you’d like to hear us discuss, please reach out to us via Instagram or X @deepcutssurgery. You can also learn more about our podcast and team at our website, deepcuts.surgery.uchicago.edu.

“Deep Cuts” comes to you from the Department of Surgery at the University of Chicago which is located on Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi land.

Our senior producer is Tony Liu. Our host is Dr. Anthony Douglas. Our producers are Alia Abiad, Caroline Montag, and Chuka Onuh. Our editor and production coordinator is Nihar Rama. The intro song you hear at the beginning of our show is “Love, Money Part 2” from Chicago’s own Sen Morimoto off of Sooper Records.

Special thanks this week to all of our listeners for supporting the show. Let us know — what have you most enjoyed about our podcast? Where do you see room for improvement? You can reach out to us on Instagram or X at @deepcutssurgery.

Release date: March 15th, 2024

Episode Length: 38:29

Listening options: Spotify, Simplecast

In this episode of “Deep Cuts: Exploring Equity in Surgery”, Dr. Jana Richards and Dr. Lateia Taylor discuss racial disparities in maternal mortality and the different ways we can change this picture. We’ll get into the reasons why disparities exist when it comes to race and matters of maternal life or death. We’ll also talk about how medical schools can help and what work is being done at the University of Chicago to improve outcomes. Dr. Richards and Dr. Taylor also discuss what these disparities mean to them personally.

Dr. Jana Richards is an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Chicago with over 15 years of obstetrics and gynecology experience. She delivers comprehensive women’s care that includes annual exams, preventive care, pregnancy and childbirth medicine, and more. She also works with her patients to create personalized treatment plans that meet each patient’s individual healthcare goals.

Dr. Lateia Taylor is a 4th year Obstretrics & Gynecology resident at the University of Chicago. She is originally from Jackson, Mississippi and completed medical school at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine. Her research explores how we can fill gaps in medical provider knowledge about infertility among Black women.

If you have questions or topics you’d like to hear us discuss, reach us at zoom-colo-gen@bsd.uchicago.edu. “Deep Cuts: Exploring Equity in Surgery” comes to you from the Department of Surgery at the University of Chicago, which is located on Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi land. Our senior producer is Tony Liu. Our producers are Alia Abiad, Caroline Montag, and Chuka Onuh. Our editor and production coordinator is Nihar Rama. The intro song you hear at the beginning of our show is “Love, Money Part 2” from Chicago’s own Sen Morimoto off of Sooper Records. His new album is Diagnosis. A special thanks this week to Dr. Mathews, Dr. Posner, Shane Semmens, and Beth Gabryszak for supporting us in the work we do.

You can find more about our podcast at our website https://deepcuts.surgery.uchicago.edu/ or or on Instagram and X @deepcutssurgery. Note: During the podcast, Dr. Dana Suskind, a pediatric otolaryngologist, was accidentally referred to as a pediatrician. We apologize for the error.

Release date: October 2nd, 2023

Episode Length: 42:23

Listening options: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Simplecast

In today’s episode, Dr. Valluvan Jeevanandam, Deanna Bassette, Maureen Wilson, and Dr. Chase Corvin discuss the Bloodless Heart Surgery Program at the University of Chicago Medicine. We hear about the individualized, comprehensive cardiac surgical care they provide to Jehovah’s Witnesses and other patients who cannot or choose not to receive blood products. The Bloodless Heart Surgery team also shares what they’ve learned about caring for Jehovah’s Witnesses, combining respect for people’s religious beliefs with surgical expertise.

Dr. Valluvan Jeevanandam specializes in the surgical management of heart failure, and is an expert in high-risk cardiac surgery. He  has received national attention for his skill in performing bloodless cardiac surgery, which requires the use of precise surgical techniques to minimize blood loss during the procedure — sparing the need for a blood transfusion.

Deanna Bassette is the Bloodless Advanced Practice Nurse Coordinator for the University of Chicago Medical Center. Deanna started as a registered nurse on the Cardiothoracic Surgical Floor in 2016 and transitioned to her role as Bloodless APN Coordinator in 2021. In this role, she serves a provider whose patient population consists of patients who are unable to take blood transfusions, even in life-or-death situations.

Maureen Wilson has over 25 years in healthcare, starting off as a paramedic then nursing.  Her nursing experience includes working as an RN in multiple level one trauma centers as well as case management and currently as a Bloodless Coordinator at the university of Chicago hospital.

Dr. Chase Corvin is the chief resident of General Surgery at the University of Chicago. Next year, he will begin his training in heart and lung surgery. In addition to his medical training, Dr. Corvin has degrees in economics and business administration.

“Deep Cuts: Exploring Equity in Surgery” comes to you from the Department of Surgery at UChicago Medicine. Our host is Dr. Anthony Douglas. Our senior producer is Tony Liu. Our producers and editors include Alia Abiad, Caroline Montag, Nihar Rama, and Chuka Onuh. Our podcast cover art comes to you from Pombie Silverman, episode art from Sam Higgins, and music from Sen Morimoto off of Sooper Records. A special thanks this week to our guests, Dr. Valluvan Jeevanandam, Deanna Bassette, Maureen Wilson, and Dr. Chase Corvin.

To send us questions or comments or find out more about our work, visit our website, deepcuts.surgery.uchicago.edu. You can also follow us on Instagram and X at @deepcutssurgery. To learn more about the Bloodless Heart Surgery Program at the University of Chicago Medicine, visit their website: https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/conditions-services/heart-vascular/heart-surgery/bloodless-heart-surgery

Release date: September 18th, 2023

Episode Length: 37:18

Listening options: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Simplecast

Today, we discuss community health advocacy on the southside of Chicago, including what work is being done in and around UChicago Medicine to promote community health and how people can get involved. We also discuss some of the barriers to achieving the goals of more equitable care for all.

Our guest today is Doriane Miller, MD. Dr. Miller has been providing care to under-served minority populations for more than 20 years. In addition to her role as a primary care physician, she has a special interest in behavioral health. Under her leadership, physicians, educators and community members work to improve population health outcomes for residents on the South Side of Chicago through community-engaged research, demonstration and service models. Dr. Miller’s research focuses on the intersection of health disparities and race. She has served as the project director for several studies designed to augment care by promoting collaboration among physicians, patients and families. Dr. Miller’s work in the area of improving asthma outcomes through school and community interventions was noted by the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology with a 2006 Special Recognition Award.

Prior to joining the University of Chicago in January 2009, Dr. Miller served as national program director of New Health Partnerships, a demonstration project funded by The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the California Health Care Foundation on collaborative self-management support.

“Deep Cuts: Exploring Equity in Surgery” comes to you from the Department of Surgery at UChicago Medicine. Our hosts are Dr. Jen Vigneswaran and Dr. Anthony Douglas. Our senior producer is Tony Liu. Our producers and editors include Alia Abiad, Caroline Montag, Chuka Onuh, and Nihar Rama. Our podcast cover art comes to you from Pombie Silverman, episode art from Sam Higgins, and music from Sen Morimoto off of Sooper Records.

A special thanks this week to Dr. Doriane Miller.

Find more about our work at deepcuts.surgery.uchicago.edu. You can also follow us on Instagram and X at @deepcutssurgery.

Release date: March 20th, 2023

Episode Length: 31:44

Listening options: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Simplecast

In this episode, we discuss obstetrics care — care for women giving birth — and abortion care at the University of Chicago Medicine. WIth Drs. Neha Bhardwaj and Hillary McLaren, we discuss the wide range of care they offer, how their practices have changed since the Supreme Court Dobbs decision, and how they see obstetrics care changing in the next 5 to 10 years. We also get into the disparities they’ve seen in obstetrics and abortion care, as well as efforts both within and outside the University of Chicago to decrease those disparities.

Dr. Neha Bhardwaj specializes in obstetrics and gynecology with a primary focus on family planning and contraception. Dr. Bhardwaj is an expert in complex contraception, helping women and families who have trouble conceiving with a wide range of issues. In addition to her commitment to comprehensive clinical care for women, Dr. Bhardwaj is also passionate about using research to improve reproductive healthcare and access to care.

Dr. Hillary McLaren is a board-certified OB/Gyn with specialized training in Complex Family Planning. She completed her residency in Obstetrics in Gynecology at the University of Kansas and her fellowship in Complex Family Planning at the University of Chicago. She joined as faculty at University of Chicago this fall.

“Deep Cuts: Exploring Equity in Surgery” comes to you from the Department of Surgery at UChicago Medicine. Our host is Dr. Jen Vigneswaran. Our senior producer is Tony Liu. Our producer and editors include Alia Abiad, Caroline Montag, Nihar Rama, and Nitin Vidyasagar. Our podcast cover art comes to you from Pombie Silverman, episode art from Sam Higgins, and music from Sen Morimoto off of Sooper Records. 

A special thanks this week to our guests, Dr. Neha Bhardwaj and Dr. Hillary McLaren. Find more about our work at deepcuts.surgery.uchicago.edu.

Websites mentioned in this episode:

• The University of Chicago Ryan Center: https://obgyn.uchicago.edu/family-planning/ryan-center
• Chicago Abortion Fund: https://www.chicagoabortionfund.org

To send us questions or comments or find out more about our work, visit our website, deepcuts.surgery.uchicago.edu, linked in the show notes. You can also follow us on Instagram at @deep-cuts-surgery.

Release date: February 16th, 2023

Episode Length: 36:01

Listening options: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Simplecast

We are kicking off our first episode of Deep Cuts Season 2! This episode, we explore what surgeon interactions with the police look like in the hospital. We touch on what sort of scenarios the police might be involved in, and the challenges surgeons face when interacting with the police. We also discuss ways to best support our patients in high-intensity situations such as these.

We are joined by Sharnae Phagan, Drs. Priya Prakash, Annie Polcari, Lea Hoefer, and William McKinley.

Sharnae Phagan is the trauma program manager at UChicago Medicine and was an ED trauma nurse for over 20 years.

Dr. Priya Prakash is a fellowship-trained surgeon who specializes in trauma, critical care and emergency surgery. Dr. Prakash’s research interests include trauma systems development and violence recovery programs.

Dr. William McKinley is a general surgery resident who graduated from the University of Louisville and is interested in pursuing trauma surgery.

Dr. Annie Polcari received her medical degree from the University of Miami and is interested in trauma and critical care. Most of her research is focused on public health and gun violence prevention.

Dr. Lea Hoefer received her medical degree from the University of Chicago and is also planning on pursuing trauma surgery and has been doing research with the trauma group for the past year and a half.

“Deep Cuts: Exploring Equity in Surgery” comes to you from the Department of Surgery at UChicago Medicine. Our host is Dr. Jen Vigneswaran. Our senior producer is Tony Liu. Our producer and editors include Alia Abiad, Caroline Montag, Nihar Rama, and Nitin Vidyasagar. Our podcast cover art comes to you from Pombie Silverman, episode art from Sam Higgins, and music from Sen Morimoto off of Sooper Records.

A special thanks this week to our guests Sharnae Phagan, Drs. Priya Prakash, Annie Polcari, Lea Hoefer, and William McKinley. To send us questions or comments or find out more about our work, visit our website, deepcuts.surgery.uchicago.edu, linked in the show notes. You can also follow us on Instagram at @deep-cuts-surgery.

Release date: January 27th, 2023

Episode Length: 07:34

Listening options: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Simplecast

Welcome back to Deep Cuts! We’ve got a packed season ahead in 2023. In this short trailer, current host Dr. Jen Vigneswaran and incoming host Dr. Anthony Douglas will be discussing some of the episodes they’re looking forward to, including episodes on police interactions in the trauma center and care for Jehovah’s Witnesses, as well as their overall goals for the season.

Dr. Anthony Douglas is a second year general surgery resident at UChicago Medicine. He is a graduate of Wabash College and the Indiana University School of Medicine. Dr. Douglas is excited to be a part of a generation of doctors changing the face of medicine.

“Deep Cuts: Exploring Equity in Surgery” comes to you from the Department of Surgery at UChicago Medicine. Our host is Dr. Jen Vigneswaran. Our senior producer is Tony Liu. Our producer and editors include Alia Abiad, Caroline Montag, Nihar Rama, and Nitin Vidyasagar. Our podcast cover art comes to you from Pombie Silverman, episode art from Sam Higgins, and music from Sen Morimoto off of Sooper Records.

A special thanks this week to Shane Semmens, Chad Selmik, Shawnique Watts, Dr. Chelsea Dorsey, and our chair, Dr. Jeffrey Matthews. We couldn’t pull this off without their support. Find more about our work or send us questions or comments at deepcuts.surgery.uchicago.edu.

Release date: July 30th, 2022

Episode Length: 30:57

Listening options: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Simplecast

Today, Dr. Sarah Shubeck and Dr. Kyra Nicholson, two surgeons on breast cancer and how we might begin to correct the disparities that exist between black and white patients when it comes to breast cancer. They’ll get into the different kinds of breast cancer and treatments that exist, and why it’s so challenging to decrease one’s risk for the disease. You’ll also hear what inspired them to pursue careers in breast cancer surgery, and their own personal wisdom on patient care.

Dr. Sarah Shubeck is an Assistant Professor in the Department of General Surgery. She is a Breast Surgical Onocologist specializing in breast surgery, cancer, and benign disease treatment. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Shubeck is also a passionate researcher. She’s examined how to improve the value and quality of surgical care as well as exploring treatment effectiveness of patients with breast cancer. Her research has been published in many journals including Cancer, JAMA Surgery, and Annals of Surgical Oncology.

Dr. Kyra Nicholson is a general surgery resident at UChicago Medicine. She is currently conducting research on clinical outcomes of breast surgery. Dr. Nicholson attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Southern Illinois University for medical school prior to her residency.

“Deep Cuts: Exploring Equity in Surgery” comes to you from the Department of Surgery at UChicago Medicine. Our host is Dr. Jen Vigneswaran. Our senior producer is Tony Liu. Our producer and editors include Alia Abiad, Caroline Montag, Nihar Rama, and Nitin Vidyasagar. Our podcast cover art comes to you from Pombie Silverman, episode art from Sam Higgins, and music from Sen Morimoto off of Sooper Records.

A special thanks this week to Julian Owens. Find more about our work at deepcuts.surgery.uchicago.edu.

Release date: June 30th, 2022

Episode Length: 36:26

Listening options: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Simplecast

Today, we’re talking all things RCT — that’s randomized control trials. The idea sounds complicated, but at their essence, RCTs are studies we do to make sure any new medical treatment actually works better than the existing treatments we have. With doctors Jessica Donington, Elizabeth Tung, and Tanvi Subramanian, we’ll get into everything from what different kinds of RCTs exist, what it looks like to make them more representative of our diverse populations, and how we protect patients in these trials.

Dr. Jessica Donington is a Professor of Surgery at UChicago Medicine and the Chief of the Section of Thoracic Surgery. She treats the full spectrum of lung, esophageal and mediastinal conditions including lung cancer. She is also an avid researcher and respected leader in her field. She is a past president of Women in Thoracic Surgery and the New York Society for Thoracic Surgery and serves on the editorial boards for the Annals of Thoracic Surgery and the Journal of Thoracic Oncology.

Dr. Elizabeth Tung is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Section of General Internal Medicine at UChicago Medicine. Her research focuses on disparities in chronic disease management, with a special interest in race, place, and poverty. She has participated in community-based strategies to improve chronic disease management in East St. Louis, Chinatown New York, and West Providence, in addition to her work on the South Side of Chicago.

Dr. Tanvi Subramanian is a general surgery resident who graduated from the Washington University School of Medicine. She is interested in thoracic or vascular surgery and is currently conducting vascular, basic science research on mice.

“Deep Cuts: Exploring Equity in Surgery” comes to you from the Department of Surgery at UChicago Medicine. Our host is Dr. Jen Vigneswaran. Our senior producer is Tony Liu. Our producer and editors include Alia Abiad, Caroline Montag, Nihar Rama, and Nitin Vidyasagar. Our podcast cover art comes to you from Pombie Silverman, episode art from Sam Higgins, and music from Sen Morimoto off of Sooper Records.

A special thanks this week to Jan Spicer — congrats on your retirement. Find more about our work at deepcuts.surgery.uchicago.edu.

Release date: May 22nd, 2022

Episode Length: 42:44

Listening options: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Simplecast

There’s a lot behind organ transplantation. Which organs can we transplant? When does someone need a transplant? How do we choose who gets one? And what are the ethical dilemmas surrounding transplantation? In this episode, we answer all these questions and more, including what patients can do to advocate for themselves if they do find themselves needing a transplant. We also explore UChicago Medicine’s unique role in the history of liver transplantation and debunk common misconceptions about the field, including the myth that doctors will change the quality of care if someone is listed as a organ donor. They don’t!

Dr. Michael Millis is a Professor of Surgery and the Vice Chair of Global Surgery at UChicago Medicine. He is an expert in adult and pediatric transplant surgery. Dr. Millis is also a pioneer of new techniques for liver operation. His innovations have helped the University of Chicago perform more liver transplants than any other program in the region over the past 15 years.

Dr. John Fung is a Professor of Surgery and the Chief of the Section of Transplant Surgery at UChicago Medicine. He is a renowned leader in the field of organ transplantation, including liver, kidney, pancreas, and intestinal transplantation. Dr. Fung has spearheaded the use of new minimally invasive surgical transplant techniques. Dr. Fung was one of the physicians leaders of the transplant care team that made history in December 2018, after performing two triple-organ transplants within 27 hours.

Dr. Milda Saunders is an Associate Professor of Medicine at UChicago Medicine and the Interim Associate Dean for Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the Pritzker School of Medicine. Dr. Saunders’ broad research interests include health disparities and quality of care, particularly related to chronic kidney disease. Her work has examined how a person’s residence and site of care are associated with health outcomes.

Dr. Kumaran Shanmugarajah is a fourth year surgery resident at UChicago Medicine and the Scientific Director of the Organ Perfusion Lab. He has worked internationally exploring the clinical application of basic science innovation. His interests include transplant immunology, organ engineering, and healthcare delivery models.

“Deep Cuts: Exploring Equity in Surgery” comes to you from the Department of Surgery at UChicago Medicine. Our host is Dr. Jen Vigneswaran. Our senior producer is Tony Liu. Our producer and editors include Alia Abiad, Caroline Montag, Nihar Rama, and Nitin Vidyasagar. Our podcast cover art comes to you from Pombie Silverman, episode art from Sam Higgins, and music from Sen Morimoto off of Sooper Records.

Find more about our work at deepcuts.surgery.uchicago.edu.

Release date: March 31st, 2022

Episode Length: 55:56

Listening options: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Simplecast

Today, Dr. Priya Prakash, Dr. Vanessa Buie, and Dr. Anthony Douglas. Our conversation with these 3 acute care surgeons began with an exploration of acute care surgery — an evolving specialty consisting primarily of trauma, critical care, and emergency surgery — which turned toward to topics and places that surprised each of us.

You’ll hear not only about acute care surgery but also how doctors and healthcare institutions can earn the trust of the communities they serve. Alongside physician interactions with patients, we explore implicit bias, patient advocacy, as well as the value and necessity of having representative leadership and mentors who look like you in the work of patient care.

Dr. Priya Prakash is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at UChicago Medicine specializing in trauma, critical care and emergency surgery. She has received several awards for her work and also serves as an ad hoc reviewer for the European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery and the Journal of American College of Surgeons.

Dr. Vanessa Buie is the general surgery Chief Resident at UChicago Medicine. She received her MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. In a previous life, Dr. Buie’s work ranged from diabetes education to biomedical engineering and even serving as a cheerleader for the Minnesota Vikings,

Dr. Anthony Douglas is a first year general surgery resident at UChicago Medicine. He is a graduate of Wabash College and the Indiana University School of Medicine. Dr. Douglas is excited to be a part of a generation of doctors changing the face of medicine.

“Deep Cuts: Exploring Equity in Surgery” comes to you from the Department of Surgery at UChicago Medicine. Our host is Dr. Jen Vigneswaran. Our senior producer is Tony Liu. Our producer and editors include Alia Abiad, Caroline Montag, Nihar Rama, and Nitin Vidyasagar. Our podcast cover art comes to you from Pombie Silverman, episode art from Sam Higgins, and music from Sen Morimoto off of Sooper Records.

Release date: February 28th, 2022

Episode Length: 35:04

Listening options: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Simplecast

Today, Dr. Mustafa Hussain & Dr. Harry Wong, 2 bariatric surgeons, discuss the overlaps between food deserts, culture, and bariatric surgery. Food deserts are locations where residents have few to zero convenient options for accessing healthy, affordable food, frequently stemming from a larger history of economic neglect. On the other hand, bariatric surgeries are those which help patients lose weight. Many of our patients on the South Side of Chicago live in food deserts, which can lead to an increased risk for obesity.

In this episode, they challenge misconceptions about foods from communities of color which paint them as unhealthy, discuss how healthy foods are often understood through a white, European lens, what happens in the months spent with patients prior to offering them bariatric surgery, and how our evolutionary biology is mismatched with our modern society’s food system.

Dr. Mustafa Hussain is an Associate Professor of Surgery and the Director for the Center for the Surgical Treatment of Obesity at UChicago Medicine. He has advanced training in bariatric surgery, expertise in all standard primary weight loss surgeries, and works closely with the surgical oncology team to expand the use of minimally invasive approaches in the surgical treatment of certain cancers. Dr. Hussain has also pioneered the use of robotic surgery to treat abdominal wall, diaphragmatic and paraesophageal hernias.

Dr. Harry Wong is a 4th year general surgery resident at UChicago Medicine and a graduate of the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. He has written on topics ranging from simulation-based curriculums for surgical procedures to maintaining safety standards during surgeries.

“Deep Cuts: Exploring Equity in Surgery” comes to you from the Department of Surgery at UChicago Medicine. Our host is Dr. Jen Vigneswaran. Our senior producer is Tony Liu. Our producer and editors include Alia Abiad, Caroline Montag, Nihar Rama, and Nitin Vidyasagar. Our podcast cover art comes to you from Pombie Silverman, episode art from Sam Higgins, and music from Sen Morimoto off of Sooper Records.

Release date: January 31st, 2022

Episode Length: 26:01

Listening options: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Simplecast

What even is the prostate? This is a question many patients ask at the clinic. It’s part of the reproductive system for individuals assigned male at birth, located right below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Surprisingly, we don’t treat all prostate cancers, at least not immediately. In this conversation, you’ll hear why that is as well as how equal access health systems are improving prostate cancer health equity for Black men.

Dr. Modi is a fellowship-trained urologic oncologist. He is an expert in bladder, prostate and kidney cancer, as well as complex open and robotic surgery. He’s also a committed researcher, focusing on health care policy and health care delivery.

Dr. Kristof is a 4th year urology resident at UChicago Medicine. She is an Oklahoma native and attended the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. Dr. Kristof is also a tutor for kids in Chicago’s Hyde Park community.

“Deep Cuts: Exploring Equity in Surgery” comes to you from the Department of Surgery at UChicago Medicine. Our host is Dr. Jen Vigneswaran. Our senior producer is Tony Liu. Our producer and editors include Alia Abiad, Caroline Montag, Nihar Rama, and Nitin Vidyasagar. Our podcast cover art comes to you from Pombie Silverman, episode art from Sam Higgins, and music from Sen Morimoto off of Sooper Records.

Release date: December 27th, 2021

Episode Length: 31:03

Listening options: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Simplecast

Anal cancer screening isn’t a topic one often discusses with their doctor, but that’s changing. Dr. Kinga Skowron Olortegui, Dr. Lindsey Zhang, two colorectal surgeons, and Dr. Ross Zeitlin, a radiation oncologist, discuss who should be screened for anal cancer, the most common type seen clinically, and what physicians can do to treat it. They also get into the discomfort that can emerge for physicians and patients when discussing the topic — and how to move past it.

Dr. Kinga Skowron Olortegui is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at UChicago Medicine specializing in colon and rectal surgery. She’s a specialist in the use of minimally-invasive surgery techniques including laparoscopy and robotic surgery to minimize pain for patients after an operation. Dr. Olortegui is an expert in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease as well as colon, rectal and anal cancer.

Dr. Lindsey Zhang is a fourth year, general surgery resident at UChicago Medicine, and a clinical scholar at the American College of Surgeons. She has published on a variety of topics including postoperative health of older adults, bullying in medical training, and the experience of being an Asian American physician during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Ross Zeitlin is a radiation oncologist for Cook Radiation Oncology. Dr. Zeitlin’s academic interests include gynecologic malignancies and oncologic health disparities in sexual and gender minorities. He is also an advocate for sexual and gender minority inclusion within the field of radiation oncology.

“Deep Cuts: Exploring Equity in Surgery” comes to you from the Department of Surgery at UChicago Medicine. Our host is Dr. Jen Vigneswaran. Our senior producer is Tony Liu. Our producer and editors include Alia Abiad, Caroline Montag, Nihar Rama, and Nitin Vidyasagar. Our podcast cover art comes to you from Pombie Silverman, episode art from Sam Higgins, and music from Sen Morimoto off of Sooper Records.

Release date: November 26th, 2021

Episode Length: 33:43

Listening options: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Simplecast

When does a limb have to be amputated? This is the question Dr. Ross Milner and Dr. Kha Tran — 2 vascular surgeons who operate to restore blood flow in the body — consider. When a patient’s arteries have narrowed and improper blood flow emerges, that patient may be diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease. In this episode, you’ll hear about different ways to treat this disease, what can be done before a limb amputation has to occur, and why it’s so important to understand the lived circumstances of a patient who has peripheral arterial disease.

Dr. Ross Milner is a Professor of Surgery and the Director of the Center for Aortic Diseases at UChicago Medicine. He is  an internationally recognized expert in vascular surgery, a dedicated educator and mentor, and a prolific author, having written more than 100 abstracts and manuscripts, as well as more than 20 reviews and chapters in leading textbooks on endovascular therapies.

Dr. Kha Tran is a fourth year surgical resident at UChicago Surgery and a fellow of the Maclean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics. In his former life, he was an Olympic-level athlete.

“Deep Cuts: Exploring Equity in Surgery” comes to you from the Department of Surgery at UChicago Medicine. Our host is Dr. Jen Vigneswaran. Our senior producer is Tony Liu. Our producer and editors include Alia Abiad, Caroline Montag, Nihar Rama, and Nitin Vidyasagar. Our podcast cover art comes to you from Pombie Silverman, episode art from Sam Higgins, and music from Sen Morimoto off of Sooper Records.

Release date: October 24th, 2021

Episode Length: 24:35

Listening options: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Simplecast

How do we begin to paint a more complex picture of health, one that considers the economy at large, one’s housing situation, environmental justice, and more? In this month’s episode, Jen Vigneswaran sits with transplant surgeon Dr. Michael Millis and trauma surgeon Dr. Brian Williams to discuss these questions and how they apply to the patient population served by UChicago Medicine. They explore how implicit bias shows up in the clinic, the significance of UChicago Medicine’s trauma center for the South Side community, and how caregivers can incorporate a more holistic approach to improving patient health.

Dr. Michael Millis is a Professor of Surgery and the Vice Chair of Global Surgery at UChicago Medicine. He is an expert in adult and pediatric transplant surgery. Dr. Millis is also a pioneer of new techniques for liver operation. His innovations have helped the University of Chicago perform more liver transplants than any other program in the region over the past 15 years.

Dr. Brian Williams is a Professor of Surgery at UChicago Medicine. He’s also a founding program director of the adult surgical critical care fellowship. He is currently writing his first book, Race, Violence, & Medicine: A Memoir.

“Deep Cuts: Exploring Equity in Surgery” comes to you from the Department of Surgery at UChicago Medicine. Our host is Dr. Jen Vigneswaran. Our senior producer is Tony Liu. Our producer and editors include Alia Abiad, Caroline Montag, Nihar Rama, and Nitin Vidyasagar. Our podcast cover art comes to you from Pombie Silverman, episode art from Sam Higgins, and music from Sen Morimoto off of Sooper Records.

Release date: September 12th, 2021

Episode Length: 20:11

Listening options: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Simplecast

In the inaugural episode of Deep Cuts, two trauma surgeons, Dr. Brian Williams and Dr. Ken Wilson, discuss gun violence on the South Side of Chicago.

From the founding of UChicago Medicine’s trauma center to how Dr. Wilson’s time in Baltimore, Flint, Atlanta, and Iraq has shaped his role as trauma medical director, these two doctors examine what it means to be two black, trauma surgeons on the South Side of Chicago and how they understand the late, civil rights activist and representative John Lewis’s phrase, “good trouble,” especially when it comes to their work and mission.

Dr. Ken Wilson is a Professor of Surgery at UChicago Medicine with over a decade of experience as a trauma, acute care, and critical care surgeon. He is also an army colonel and has published widely on topics including military trauma and trauma surgical outcomes.

Dr. Brian Williams is a Professor of Surgery at UChicago Medicine. He’s also a founding program director of the adult surgical critical care fellowship. He is currently writing his first book, Race, Violence, & Medicine: A Memoir.

“Deep Cuts: Exploring Equity in Surgery” comes to you from the Department of Surgery at UChicago Medicine. Our host is Dr. Jen Vigneswaran. Our senior producer is Tony Liu. Our producer and editors include Alia Abiad, Caroline Montag, Nihar Rama, and Nitin Vidyasagar. Our podcast cover art comes to you from Pombie Silverman, episode art from Sam Higgins, and music from Sen Morimoto off of Sooper Records.

Release date: July 31st, 2021

Episode Length: 13:55

Listening options: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Simplecast

Dr. Jen Vigneswaran is a surgery resident at The University of Chicago Department of Surgery and the host of Deep Cuts, a show that brings conversations shared in and outside the operating room to you — why diversity, equity, and inclusion matter in surgery and how these topics impact the patients and community served on the South Side of Chicago.

In this season preview, you’ll hear more about this podcast and what you can expect from the first season, as Jen speaks with Dr. Jeffrey Matthews, a Professor of Surgery and the Department of Surgery Chair, as well as Dr. Brian Williams, a Professor of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, both at the University of Chicago Department of Surgery.

Learn more about our work at deepcuts.surgery.uchicago.edu.