Ep. 259 Prostate Tumor Board: Risk Stratification & Treatment Strategies with Dr. Neeraj Agarwal and Dr. Tyler Seibert
Could ongoing trials redefine the management of oligometastatic and advanced prostate cancer? In this installment of BackTable Tumor Board, leading prostate cancer experts Dr. Neeraj Agarwal, a medical oncologist from the University of Utah, and Dr. Tyler Seibert, a radiation oncologist from UC San Diego, join host Dr. Parth Modi to share their insights on the latest clinical trials and persistent challenges in managing prostate cancer.
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This podcast is supported by:Ferring Pharmaceuticals
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SYNPOSIS
The multidisciplinary discussion addresses clinical decision-making in active surveillance versus early intervention, the role of PSMA PET imaging in detection and treatment planning, and evolving strategies for metastatic and castration-resistant disease. They also evaluate the therapeutic potential of alpha emitters and radioligand therapies, consider the evidence behind treatment intensification and de-intensification, and explore how these approaches can be individualized to optimize patient outcomes.
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TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Introduction1:48 - Active Surveillance in Low-Risk Prostate Cancer7:08 - Molecular Testing and Risk Stratification8:28 - Radiation Therapy Approaches20:16 - PSA Recurrence and PSMA PET Scans32:40 - The Role of ADT37:15 - PSMA PET Scans40:58 - Genetic Testing in High-Risk and Metastatic Prostate Cancer46:54 - Treatment Intensification vs. De-Intensification Trials55:59 - Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
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Ep. 258 The Basics of “How To” for HRT Management: Effective and Safe Prescribing with Dr. Rachel Rubin
When it comes to menopause care, the facts are better than the fears. In this Urology/OBGYN crossover episode of the BackTable Podcast, host Dr. Suzette Sutherland welcomes renowned urologist Dr. Rachel Rubin to explore various aspects of sexual health and hormone replacement therapy (HRT), particularly for menopausal women. ---SYNPOSISDr. Rachel Rubin shares her career journey, expertise in sexual health, and the critical role of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in managing menopause. She addresses common challenges and misconceptions, particularly around estrogen use, by demystifying the Women’s Health Initiative studies and emphasizing the proven safety and benefits of systemic and vaginal HRT. Dr. Rubin offers practical guidance on prescribing estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA, while highlighting her advocacy to remove outdated FDA black box warnings on vaginal estrogen. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, she empowers practitioners with evidence-based strategies and underscores the importance of education and research in advancing women’s health.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction03:41 - Challenges in Menopause Medicine07:21 - Misconceptions and Risks of HRT15:35 - Understanding Bioidentical Hormones18:48 - WHI Studies and Their Impact23:21 - Practical Guide to Prescribing HRT33:47 - Understanding Estrogen Levels and Risks36:04 - Debating Gels vs. Patches37:51 - Concerns with Compounded Products and Pellets38:50 - Patient Education and Meeting Them Where They Are42:12 - Progesterone Benefits and Sensitivities46:38 - Testosterone Therapy for Women51:36 - The Importance of Lab Tests55:39 - DHEA and Vaginal Health57:14 - Advocacy for Accurate Hormone Therapy Information01:00:05 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts---RESOURCESThe Peter Attia Drive episode with Dr. Rachel Rubin:https://peterattiamd.com/rachelrubin/ FDA Expert Panel on Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women:https://www.youtube.com/live/_2ZRlOivC5M?si=-Xynb_BmWz2sWf4mDr. Rachel Rubin’s Hormone Therapy for Early Adopters Course:https://rachelrubinmd.thinkific.com/courses/MHTCME
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Ep. 257 Financial Tips for Urology Residents: Budgeting, Saving & Investing with Dr. Sammy Elsamra
Residency teaches you how to save lives, but does it teach you how to save money? In this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. Sammy Elsamra joins host Dr. Gina Badalato to unpack the essentials of financial planning during and after urology residency. From budgeting and managing loans to covering living expenses, Dr. Elsamra emphasizes the importance of building an emergency fund, addressing high-interest debt, and following the 50-30-20 rule to maintain stability.---SYNPOSISThe conversation also dives into long-term strategies like Roth IRAs, tax-advantaged accounts, and the role of disability and life insurance in protecting your future. With recommendations such as The White Coat Investor and foundational financial books, Dr. Elsamra equips trainees with the knowledge and resources they need to set themselves up for lasting success. This episode is a must-listen for residents aiming to take control of both their careers and their financial futures.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction01:56 - Post-Residency Financial Realities04:43 - Budgeting During Residency07:23 - The 50-30-20 Rule08:06 - Investing During Residency15:29 - Financial Planning for Attending Physicians24:42 - Understanding Insurance: Life and Disability33:11 - Resources and Advice for Financial Success---RESOURCESThe White Coat Investor (podcast and books):https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/The Millionaire Next Door (book):https://themillionairenextdoor.com/
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Ep. 256 The Role of ctDNA in Bladder Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment with Dr. Alberto Pieretti
Could ctDNA testing allow us to treat bladder cancer earlier, smarter, and more effectively? In this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. Alberto Pieretti, a urologic oncologist at Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital, joins host Dr. Jose Silva to explore the emerging role of ctDNA in bladder cancer management.
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This podcast is supported by:
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
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SYNPOSIS
Dr. Pieretti and Dr. Silva discuss how ctDNA can refine staging, identify patients at risk of recurrence, and guide decisions on when to intensify treatment. The conversation also examines its potential to detect actionable mutations, inform precision therapies, and shape the design of future clinical trials in urologic oncology.
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TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Introduction2:50 - Overview of Bladder Cancer12:59 - Overview of ctDNA20:34 - Current ctDNA Trials27:21 - Clinical Implications of ctDNA31:20 - Conclusion
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RESOURCES
Updated Overall Survival by Circulating Tumor DNA Status from the Phase 3 IMvigor010 Trial: Adjuvant Atezolizumab Versus Observation in Muscle-invasive Urothelial Carcinoma - PubMedhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37500339/
Perioperative Durvalumab with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Operable Bladder Cancer | New England Journal of Medicinehttps://www.nejm.org/doi/abs/10.1056/NEJMoa2408154
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Ep. 255 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: New Perspectives for Urology Trainees with Dr. Michelle Van Kuiken
In medicine, the hardest critic you’ll face is often yourself. In this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. Michelle Van Kuiken joins host Dr. Lindsay Hampson to unpack the realities of imposter syndrome in urology practice and discuss its impact on trainees and professionals
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This podcast is supported by:
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
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SYNPOSIS
Dr. Van Kuiken and Dr. Hampson explain the basics of imposter syndrome, its prevalence, and the many ways it can show up in medical training and practice. They also share candid personal experiences and practical strategies for overcoming self-doubt, from reframing negative thoughts to embracing feedback as a tool for growth. The doctors highlight the value of mentorship, peer support, and celebrating achievements, as well as the importance of creating a culture where vulnerability and open conversations are encouraged.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction02:29 - Defining Imposter Syndrome04:24 - Personal Experiences with Imposter Syndrome08:44 - Impact of Imposter Syndrome in Medicine10:39 - Strategies to Overcome Imposter Syndrome13:59 - The Role of Mentorship16:28 - Gender and Mentorship in Medicine27:24 - Peer Support and Building Community32:13 - Final Thoughts and Takeaways
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RESOURCES
Medical Trainees and the Dunning–Kruger Effect: When They Don't Know What They Don't Know:https://doi.org/10.4300/JGME-D-20-00134.1
Imposter Syndrome in Surgical Trainees: Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale Assessment in General Surgery Residents:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2021.07.681
Defining the Incidence of the Impostor Phenomenon in Academic Plastic Surgery: A Multi-Institutional Survey Study:https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0000000000010821
Academic Urology Endowments and Leadership Roles are Disproportionately Held by Male Urologists:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urology.2025.04.038
Implementation of a “Best Self” Exercise to Decrease Imposter Phenomenon in Residents:https://doi.org/10.4300/JGME-D-23-00873.1
Keep-Stop-Start Framework:https://meded.ucsf.edu/sites/meded.ucsf.edu/files/2024-06/TipSheet-Feedback.pdf
Lean In: https://leanin.org/
W. Brad Johnson, PhD: https://www.wbradjohnson.com/
The BackTable Urology Podcast is a resource for practicing urologists to learn tips, techniques, and practical advice from their peers in the field. Listen here or on the streaming platform of your choice.
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