
BackTable Urology
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.
Latest episodes

May 30, 2025 • 56min
Ep. 236 Choosing the Right Urology Fellowship Fit with Dr. Sevann Helo and Dr. Jay Simhan
Are you a resident considering a urology fellowship? How do you choose the right subspecialty, and how can effective mentorship help you make the right decision? In collaboration with the Society of Women in Urology (SWIU), this episode of BackTable Urology features practical fellowship advice from Dr. Sevann Helo of Mayo Clinic, Dr. Jay Simhan of Temple University, and guest host Dr. Helen Bernie of Indiana University.
---
SYNPOSIS
The three leaders in academic urology cover essential topics such as choosing the right fellowship program, finding strong mentorship, and balancing personal and professional life. This episode also offers transparency into the application process. The conversation also delves into the nebulous differences between ACGME and non-ACGME fellowships. This episode is an excellent starting point for practical advice for residents considering this pivotal step in their urology careers.
---
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction03:07 - Differences Between Residency and Fellowship07:02 - Building a Competitive Fellowship Application11:09 - Pros and Cons of Pursuing a Fellowship16:08 - Accredited vs. Non-Accredited Fellowships20:30 - Choosing the Right Fellowship Program27:31 - Importance of Fellowship Fit28:46 - Evaluating Candidates Beyond Portfolios30:03 - Letters of Recommendation34:56 - Handling Fellowship Challenges38:28 - Gender Diversity in Urology43:31 - Balancing Family and Fellowship50:09 - Concluding Thoughts
---
RESOURCES
Society of Women in Urologyhttps://swiu.org/home.aspx

May 27, 2025 • 1h 2min
Ep. 235 Optimizing Sexual and Metabolic Health Together with Dr. Amy Pearlman and Dr. Michelle Pearlman
Are metabolic and sexual health two sides of the same coin? In this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. Amy Pearlman is joined by gastroenterologist (and twin sister) Dr. Michelle Pearlman to discuss their collaboration at the PRIME Institute. Join us as we explore how two medical specialists combine their expertise to pioneer a comprehensive approach to two of the most important elements of health and wellness.
---
SYNPOSIS
Together, they explore their unique, holistic approach to sexual medicine and metabolic health, combining hormone optimization, nutrition, and lifestyle modifications. They pay special attention to the difficult journey of perimenopause and its symptoms. The episode underscores the importance of thinking beyond conventional healthcare models and embracing comprehensive, personalized care. They also cover the successful integration of advanced technology and patient education. Finally, the conversation touches on self-care for healthcare providers to combat burnout and encourages medical professionals to develop a personal brand and diversify their professional activities.
---
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction07:10 - Addressing Hormonal Health in Men08:53 - Nutrition and Weight Management13:21 - Treating Perimenopause and Menopause23:38 - The Importance of Hormone Replacement Therapy30:45 - Weight Loss Beyond the Scale32:05 - Importance of Muscle Maintenance41:09 - Technology in Health Monitoring49:03 - Daily Routines for Optimal Health57:38 - Closing Thoughts on Holistic Health
---
RESOURCES
PRIME Institute:https://www.primeinstitute.us/amy-pearlman-md/

May 23, 2025 • 41min
Ep. 234 Building Inclusive Mentorship Across Genders with Dr. Linda Shortliffe
What does it take to break the glass ceiling, lead, and get buy-in from your peers within a traditionally male-dominated field? In collaboration with the Society of Women in Urology (SWIU), guest host Dr. Martha Terris interviews Dr. Linda Shortliffe about her experience as the first woman to chair a major urology program.
---
SYNPOSIS
The discussion touches on mentorship, work-life balance, gender bias, and the importance of peer support community in predominantly male specialties. The episode highlights the impact of effective mentorship and the invaluable role of compassion in effective leadership.
---
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction03:00 - Women in Leadership03:51 - The Importance of Mentors and Colleagues05:49 - Challenges in Urology07:57 - Balancing Career and Personal Life29:55 - Navigating Gender Bias and Salary Disparities36:43 - Final Reflections
---
RESOURCES
Society of Women in Urologyhttps://swiu.org/home.aspx

May 20, 2025 • 40min
Ep. 233 Multidisciplinary Approaches to Pediatric Urologic Cancer Care with Dr. David Rodeberg and Dr. Patrick Hensley
How can pediatric and adult urologists team up to tackle complex cancer cases? In this episode of the BackTable Urology, host Dr. Amanda Buchanan, Division Chief of Pediatric Urology at the University of Kentucky, is joined by her colleagues Dr. Patrick Hensley, an adult urologic oncologist, and Dave Rodeberg, Division Chief of Pediatric Surgery. Their discussion centers around the importance of professional collaboration in urologic oncology care in order to improve patient outcomes.
---
This podcast is supported by:
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
---
SYNPOSISThe urologists discuss topics such as the experiences and benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration in complex cases and the role of pediatric urologists in treating adolescent and young adult patients. They also provide insights into the Children's Oncology Group (COG) studies and their intersections with adult oncology research. The episode concludes with practical advice for other institutions aiming to improve collaborative efforts between pediatric and adult urology departments.
---
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction02:35 - Challenges and Lessons in Multidisciplinary Collaboration08:24 - Pediatric vs. Adult Urologic Oncology11:07- Clinical Trials and Research Collaborations12:49 - Navigating Oncology Groups for Children and Adults19:06 - Collaborative Models in Kidney Cancer Care22:18 - Benefits and Challenges of Collaboration35:24 - Final Thoughts and Recommendations
---
RESOURCES
Society of Urologic Oncology:https://suonet.org/home.aspxChildren’s Oncology Grouphttps://www.childrensoncologygroup.org/

May 13, 2025 • 48min
Ep. 232 The Pelvic Floor & Sexual Function: What Every Urologist Should Know with Dr. Victoria Mallow
Dr. Victoria Mallow, a pelvic floor physical therapist from Delray Beach, specializes in treating urological conditions. She discusses crucial moments for referring patients to pelvic floor therapy and shares techniques like biofeedback and manual therapy. The episode highlights the importance of collaboration between urologists and physical therapists for effective treatment. Mallow emphasizes the need for patient education and comfort during examinations, and offers travel tips for maintaining pelvic health while on the go.

May 6, 2025 • 29min
Ep. 231 Reflections on Change and Resilience in Urology with Dr. Carol Bennett
What does it mean to be a trailblazer in urology? In this episode of BackTable Urology, host Dr. Claire Yang interviews Dr. Carol Bennett, Professor of Urology at UCLA, who shares her inspiring journey from her early aspirations to becoming the first African American woman certified by the American Board of Urology.---SYNPOSISDr. Bennett discusses her impactful career and notable research in neuro-urology, including breakthroughs in electroejaculation for patients with spinal cord injury. Dr. Bennett also reflects on her experiences with mentorship from notable urologists, overcoming barriers, and the importance of perseverance. The discussion highlights her enduring dedication to the field and her role as an inspiration to trainees, colleagues, and patients.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction04:27 - Choosing Urology06:02 - Pioneering Research in Neuro-Urology13:23 - Challenges and Mentorship18:40 - Changes and Trends in Urology23:01 - Work-Life Balance and Personal Insights26:29 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts---RESOURCESSociety of Women in Urologyhttps://swiu.org/home.aspx

Apr 29, 2025 • 45min
Ep. 230 Gut Instincts: GI Fundamentals for Urology Providers Who Want to Elevate Care with Dr. Michelle Pearlman

Apr 25, 2025 • 55min
Ep. 229 Consideraciones Prácticas en Terapia Hormonal Femenina con Dr. Pamela Silen Rivera
Esta semana en BackTable Urology, el Dr. José Silva entrevista a la obstetra y ginecóloga Dra. Pamela Silén-Rivera sobre la terapia de reemplazo de estrógeno, específicamente disipando mitos y su experiencia en el avance de la salud de la mujer en Puerto Rico.---SYNPOSISLa conversación aborda las complejidades y desafíos en el tratamiento de la menopausia y la salud sexual de la mujer, incluyendo el uso de hormonas bioidénticas, testosterona y tratamientos personalizados. La Dra. Silén-Rivera destaca la importancia de la educación tanto para los profesionales médicos como para las pacientes, y habla sobre la necesidad de productos específicos para mujeres aprobados por la FDA. Además, discuten temas como las alternativas al reemplazo hormonal.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Antecedentes y experiencia en salud sexual de la mujer06:02 - Síntomas de la menopausia y enfoques de tratamiento17:25 - Tratamiento personalizado y riesgos29:23 - Terapia de reemplazo hormonal y anticonceptivos33:00 - Terapia de testosterona en mujeres43:45 - Educar a las futuras generaciones sobre la terapia hormonal49:20 - La importancia del estrógeno vaginal---RESOURCESCentro de Bienestar para la Mujerhttps://www.centrobienestarmujer.com/

Apr 23, 2025 • 39min
Ep. 228 Multidisciplinary Approaches to Renal Cancer Care with Dr. Louis Hinshaw and Dr. Jason Abel
This week we bring together urologists and radiologists to work towards a shared goal of innovating on kidney cancer care. Dr. Jason Abel, Professor of Urology and Radiology at the University of Wisconsin, and Dr. Louis Hinshaw, Section Chief of Abdominal Imaging Intervention at the University of Wisconsin, join our host Dr. Ruchika Talwar for a multidisciplinary conversation regarding the treatment of renal tumors.
---
This podcast is supported by:
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
---
SYNPOSIS
Their discussion covers the history and benefits of collaboration between urology and interventional radiology (IR), advances in image-guided procedural technologies, and the importance of teamwork in improving patient outcomes. The episode also considers the encouraging, but limited data in IR treatments such as microwave ablation and discusses the lasting role for surgery. Finally, Dr. Abel and Dr. Hinshaw share their experiences in establishing a successful interdisciplinary kidney cancer program. Ultimately, they conclude that the future of renal tumor treatment lies not in silos, but in collaboration.
---
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction
04:04 - Collaboration Between Urologists and Interventional Radiologists
05:58 - Advancements in Ablation
10:05 - Patient Selection
15:19 - Technical Considerations
26:57 - Post-Ablation Surveillance and Recurrence Management
33:19 - Conclusion

Apr 22, 2025 • 57min
Ep. 227 Tumor Board: Multidisciplinary Management of Testicular Germ Cell Tumors with Dr. Nabil Adra and Dr. Richard Matulewicz
What does it take to deliver truly personalized, multidisciplinary care in testicular cancer? Get an inside look in this episode of BackTable Urology, where renowned testicular cancer experts Dr. Nabil Adra and Dr. Richard Matulewicz join host Dr. Aditya Bagrodia for a virtual tumor board session on the nuanced management of germ cell tumors. This episode was produced in collaboration with the Society of Urologic Oncology.
---
This podcast is supported by:
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
---
SYNPOSIS
The expert panel uses specific patient cases to review their decision-making processes on the use of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. They highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, particularly for advanced disease and challenging surgical scenarios. The episode reviews patient-specific factors, standard treatment protocols, post-treatment surveillance, and the latest research. This episode also highlights the benefits of personalized cancer care.
---
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction
01:45 - Case Presentation: 23-Year-Old Male with Testicular Mass
02:14 - Initial Counseling and Management
04:03 - Orchiectomy and Post-Surgery
06:27 - Stage I Management
10:00 - Surveillance and Adjuvant Therapy
13:56 - Recurrence
23:13 - Case Study: 44-Year-Old with Non-Seminoma
28:14 - Case Study: 17-Year-Old with Developmental Delay and Cancer
29:42 - Chemotherapy Decisions
30:31 - Brain Imaging and Metastasis Predictions
33:54 - Chemotherapy Regimens
35:53 - Monitoring and Salvage Therapy
45:01 - Case Study: 21-Year-Old with Teratoma
55:21 - Concluding Thoughts
---
RESOURCES
Society of Urologic Oncology:
https://suonet.org/home.aspx