Ep. 89 History of Microsurgery with Dr. Marc Goldstein

In this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. Ranjith Ramasamy interviews Dr. Marc Goldstein about the history of microsurgery in the field of male fertility and the lessons he has learned as a renowned urological microsurgeon.

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SHOW NOTES

First, Dr. Goldstein gives an overview of the history of medicine. It was developed by ENT doctors and used by ophthalmologists and gynecologists before Sherman Silber and Earl Owen, performed the first urologic microsurgery procedures in the 1970s. Then, Dr. Goldstein recounts his journey to performing microsurgery. Inspired by a paper he read about transplanting testicles in twins, he was able to shadow Dr. Silber in Saint Louis. Because there were no fellowships in male fertility microsurgery at the time, he practiced microsurgery by transplanting testicles in rats to practice microsurgery. He reflects on mentors who helped him develop more microsurgery skills and went on to establish his own fellowship program in 1984 at Cornell. Additionally, he briefly explains some microsurgical techniques he was able to develop in his career.

Finally, he speaks about achievements and challenges of microsurgery as well as his general advice for young and soon-to-be urologists. He emphasizes the importance of doctors unionizing and engaging in wellness activities.