Uab Medcast

Neuroendocrine tumors are rare and can present with a confusing range of symptoms, which leads to frequent misattribution. Jay Bart Rose, M.D., explains how they’re also complex to treat, often requiring multiple modalities based on tumor location and hormone activity. He discusses surgery, systemic therapies, and PRRT, a targeted treatment that uses the same receptor pathway as specialized imaging. Learn how UAB’s multidisciplinary neuroendocrine tumor clinic brings specialists together for long-term management.

Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer is common, recurrent, and often misunderstood. Urologist Jed Ferguson, M.D., and urologic oncologist Chaz Peyton, M.D., explain how it differs from muscle invasive disease, why recurrence increases the risk of progression, and the complex factors that determine treatment sequencing. Learn about UAB’s clinical trials and emerging therapies that aim to preserve the bladder without compromising care.

Radiation therapy for oral cancer requires both precise targeting and multidisciplinary coordination. Christopher Willey, M.D., and Michael Case, D.M.D., explain how close collaboration between radiation oncology and dental care helps prevent complications such as osteoradionecrosis and also minimizes treatment delays. They describe how pretreatment dental evaluations, oral hygiene protocols, and coordinated planning improve outcomes.

ACL tears are on the rise as more people remain active throughout their lives. Amit Momaya, M.D., chief of sports medicine, explains how today’s treatment approaches balance repair and reconstruction, with an emphasis on prehab, rehab, and psychological readiness. Learn about prevention strategies, retear risk factors, and surgical innovations being studied at UAB.

Are airbag vests protecting young equestrians or putting them at risk? Sports medicine physician Sarah Gould, M.D., and engineering research scientist Kevin Schrum discuss unexpected injuries linked to equestrian air vests. They explain how the vests function, why pediatric riders may be especially vulnerable to related injuries, and why stronger data is needed to determine whether these devices should be used.

Kidney stones are often more than a one-time painful event: they’re a chronic disease linked to other health issues. Kyle Wood, M.D., discusses how stone disease often coexists with conditions like hypertension, dietary imbalance, and primary hyperparathyroidism. He explains that reviewing patient history, taking bloodwork, and ordering urine testing can help providers understand a patient’s overall risk for stone recurrence and related chronic conditions. Learn how UAB uses genetic testing to identify heritable causes of stone disease in patients with early onset, recurrence, or other red flags.

Sasha Still, M.D., explains how delayed diagnosis of aortic disease among women — who often present later and experience atypical symptoms — contributes to more complications and a higher mortality rate. She also discusses what clinicians can do to improve diagnosis, monitoring, and surgical decision-making.

For many patients, it takes time to regain full consciousness after a brain injury, and some develop a disorder of consciousness (DOC). Rachel Teranishi, M.D., a brain injury specialist, explains why up to 40% of DOC cases are misdiagnosed and outlines what providers need to know about assessment, treatment, and long-term recovery. Learn which therapies are showing promise and how to support families through uncertain outcomes.

Spinal cord injuries can have life-changing effects, from neurogenic bowel and bladder dysfunction to paralysis. Radhika Sharma, M.D., discusses the causes, complications, and rehabilitation approaches to spinal cord injury. She explains how a multidisciplinary approach helps patients recover function and rejoin communities.

Limb salvage can prevent amputation in patients with complex lower extremity conditions, including diabetes and peripheral arterial disease. Kyle Mauk, DPM, discusses how UAB’s limb salvage program integrates podiatry with vascular surgery to improve coordination of care. He also explains podiatry’s evolving role in surgical treatment.

Advances in imaging and molecular testing are changing how thyroid diseases are diagnosed and treated. Otolaryngologists and head and neck endocrine surgeons Andrew R. Fuson, M.D., and Daniel J. Rocke, M.D., discuss the latest approaches to managing thyroid nodules, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid cancer. They explain how better risk stratification allows them to be more selective about recommending surgery. Learn how this has led to a broader shift toward less aggressive, more individualized treatment.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) occurs when blood vessels and nerves in the upper chest become compressed, leading to pain, numbness, swelling, or circulation problems in the arms. Jarrad Rowse, M.D., a vascular surgeon, explains the three types of TOS — neurogenic, venous, and arterial — why they develop, and how they are diagnosed. He discusses multidisciplinary treatment approaches, including physical therapy, pain management, and surgery when needed.

Non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) disease is a chronic lung infection that’s becoming more common, yet diagnosis and treatment remain challenging. Infectious disease specialist German Henostroza, M.D., and pulmonologist Bryan Garcia, M.D., discuss what’s known about NTM’s rise; the latest in diagnostic tools; and the complexities of treatment. Learn why effective management requires a team-based approach that goes beyond antibiotics.

Rehabilitation psychologists help patients with disabilities and chronic health conditions maximize their health and holistic well-being. Casey Azuero, Ph.D., explains these psychologists’ unique qualifications and how they function on interdisciplinary teams to address the full context of a patient’s recovery. This work includes helping patients navigate emotional challenges, improve coping strategies, and stay engaged in their social lives.

Functional neurological disorder (FND) results in fluctuating control of voluntary activities. Victor Mark, M.D., explains why FND has only recently begun to be acknowledged as a neurological rather than purely psychological disorder. He discusses conditions related to FND and effective rehabilitation coordinated between neurologists, psychologists, physical therapists, and others to moderate symptoms. Learn more about the persistent misunderstandings regarding FND within the medical community, which have often created a stigma for those living with it.

What is the best approach to treating substance use disorders? In part two of their discussion on substance use disorders within the health care provider population, Christopher Godlewski, M.D., and Sudheer Potru, D.O., explore the often-complementary effects of medication-assisted therapy and psychotherapeutic approaches. They urge education and empathy among providers to break down the stigma around seeking help.

Just as many health care providers face substance use disorder (SUD) as the general population, yet they are more likely to conceal it due to a professional stigma. Christopher Godlewski, M.D., and Sudheer Potru, D.O., discuss how burnout and demanding work environments contribute to SUD, and how colleagues’ reluctance to intervene can delay help. Learn how peer support, resilience training, and tailored recovery plans help providers save their lives and careers.

For patients with AFib, left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion should now be part of any non-emergency cardiac operation, and surgical ablation should also be considered. Panayotis Vardas, M.D., discusses how he and colleagues from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons arrived at stronger recommendations for these procedures in their 2023 guidelines. Learn more about related surgical procedures for AFib and the directions of future research.

Interventional endoscopic ultrasound, once a purely diagnostic tool, has given GI specialists a minimally invasive approach to a wide range of procedures. Ramzi Mulki, M.D., guides us through the evolution of the endoscope since the 1980s; various current uses of interventional endoscopy such as pancreas, gallbladder, bile duct, and bariatric procedures; and how AI may soon expand what multidisciplinary teams can do with endoscopic ultrasound.

A new type of catheter ablation called pulsed field ablation (PA) allows for a more precise and non-heated way to treat many cases of atrial fibrillation (A-fib). Tom McElderry, M.D., discusses the advantages of PA ablation as an alternative to radio frequency and cryotherapy ablation, the most common types. Dr. McElderry was involved with clinical trials which demonstrated that PA was faster and eliminated the risk of both phrenic nerve injury and esophageal fistula. Learn more about what this technique means for the future of A-fib treatment.