
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

Oct 25, 2024 • 55min
Ep. 196 Biodesign Insights: Embracing Risk and Innovation with Dr. Christopher Kinsella
Are you curious about the biotechnology startup world? Learn how our guest transitioned from trauma surgeon to entrepreneur in this episode of the BackTable Podcast. Dr. Chris Kinsella, CEO of Watershed Therapeutics and our host Dr. Bryan Hartley discuss the importance of using entrepreneurship to solve clinical needs. Watershed Therapeutics has created a novel bladder drug delivery platform to help women with recurrent urinary tract infections.---SYNPOSISThe doctors systematically cover the process of identifying market needs, inventing solutions, bringing a product to the market, and managing risk. They also share examples of successful startup ventures and underscore the importance of perseverance, innovative thinking, and strategic market focus in forging a path to success.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction04:30 - The Birth of a Surgical Trainer07:04 - Challenges and Innovations in Trauma Surgery22:06 - Evaluating and Killing Ideas28:27 - Challenging Assumptions29:53 - Meeting a Co-Founder33:07 - Developing the Solution37:29 - Raising Funds40:28 - Navigating Regulatory Challenges and Market Expansion---RESOURCESWatershed Therapeutics:https://www.watershedtx.com/Stanford Biodesign Innovation Fellowship:https://biodesign.stanford.edu/programs/fellowships/innovation-fellowships.html

Oct 22, 2024 • 40min
Ep. 195 BackTable Resident Edition: Tips for Virtual and In-Person Urology Residency Interviews with Dr. Mihir Shah, Dr. Lindsay Hampson, Dr. Gina Badalato, and Yash Shah
Are you a 2025 Urology Match applicant or a residency program faculty member? In this week’s episode of the BackTable Urology podcast, guests Dr. Mihir Shah, Dr. Gina Badalato, and Dr. Lindsay Hampson provide guidance on navigating urology residency interviews. Their discussion offers insights from a residency leadership, department faculty, and medical student’s point of view with host Yash Shah.---SYNPOSISThe episode covers tips for both virtual and in-person interviews, strategies for conversational engagement, and advice for how applicants should evaluate programs. They further detail aligning personal values with program culture, describing past challenges, and lowering interview anxiety through effective practice. The conversation offers applicants invaluable preparation tips to approach the interview process with confidence and a positive attitude.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction02:32 - Virtual vs. In-Person Interviews07:02 - Preparing for Residency Interviews: Tips and Strategies17:29 - The Role of Research20:43 - Pivoting to Leadership and Advocacy22:01 - Behavioral Questions: Tips and Examples26:22 - Discussing Difficult Subjects28:26 - Choosing the Right Residency Program33:10 - Post-Interview Communication36:24 - Final Advice

Oct 15, 2024 • 40min
Ep. 194 IRP Monitoring: Enhancing Patient Outcomes in Urology with Dr. Julie Riley
Intrarenal pressure monitoring during ureteroscopy is a complex but crucial component of performing safe procedures. In this episode of the BackTable Urology Podcast, urologist Dr. Julie M. Riley from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences shares expert insights on ureteroscopy, focusing on intrarenal pressure monitoring, procedural techniques, and new technologies aimed at improving patient safety.---This podcast is supported by:Boston Scientific Urologyhttps://www.bostonscientific.com/en-US/about-us/core-businesses/urology-pelvic-health.html---SYNPOSISDr. Riley discusses the benefits of access sheaths, the utility of new devices including LithoVue Elite, and strategies for minimizing infection. She highlights the benefits and intended use cases of this new technology, and further outlines potential complications and challenges in using this new tool. Dr. Riley also shares her own approaches to complex patients, and her predictions for the future of ureteroscopy.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction03:10 - Ureteroscopy and Patient Candidacy04:12 - Complications09:50 - Technological Advances13:30 - Practical Tips32:59 - Looking Ahead---RESOURCESBoston Scientifichttps://www.bostonscientific.com/en-US/home.html

Oct 8, 2024 • 52min
Ep. 193 Bladder Cancer Innovations: ESMO 2024 Highlights with Dr. Andrea Apolo
Catch up on the latest breakthroughs in bladder cancer management. In this episode of the BackTable Urology Podcast, Dr. Bogdana Schmidt (University of Utah) speaks with Dr. Andrea Apolo, a medical oncologist at the National Cancer Institute, about recent advancements in bladder cancer treatment presented at the 2024 European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress.---SYNPOSISThey review pivotal trials like the NIAGARA and AMBASSADOR studies, the TAR-200 drug delivery system, the use of bladder-sparing treatment, and the role of ctDNA as a biomarker. Further, they detail the effectiveness of systemic therapies such as gemcitabine and pembrolizumab, the implications of perioperative immunotherapy, and the future role of antibody-drug conjugates. The conversation highlights the trend towards less invasive approaches while improving survival rates from bladder cancer.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction03:49 - NIAGARA Trial09:10 - Challenges in Bladder Cancer Treatment18:56 - AMBASSADOR Trial25:30 - Adjuvant Immunotherapy29:30 - Exploring Biomarkers and ctDNA36:34 - Surgery and Less Invasive Therapies46:31 - Future Directions in Bladder Cancer Treatment---RESOURCESESMOhttps://www.esmo.org/

Oct 4, 2024 • 1h 12min
Ep. 192 Closing the Gender Gap in Urology with Dr. Yahir Santiago-Lastra
Inequality persists in pay and career advancement between male and female urologists. In this episode of the BackTable Urology Podcast, Dr. Suzette Sutherland hosts Dr. Yahir Santiago-Lastra from the University of California San Diego. They discuss the gender wage gap in medicine, particularly amongst urologists.---This podcast is supported by:Photocurehttps://www.photocure.com/---SYNPOSISDr. Santiago, a Latina from Puerto Rico and a first-generation physician, highlights the latest data on pay, research funding, and professional advancement for women physicians. They debunk common myths, discuss the importance of transparency, and emphasize the need for inclusive work environments. The conversation also covers the economic phenomena underlying current discrepancies and the benefits of fostering diversity. This episode offers valuable insights for leaders on retaining and nurturing talent within their organizations.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction06:28 - Impact of Menopause and Women’s Health10:33 - Gender Gaps in Urology31:52 - The Meritocracy Myth35:56 - The Abrasiveness Trap and Gender Schema40:04 - Navigating Work Personalities47:54 - Leadership and Inclusivity in Organizations51:30 - Tokenism vs. True Inclusion56:58 - The Benefits of a Diverse Workforce---RESOURCESPhotocurehttps://www.photocure.com/

Oct 1, 2024 • 42min
Ep. 191 Optimizing Radiation Therapy: Role of Perirectal Spacers with Dr. Eric Chenven and Dr. Nadim Nasr
What does recent research say about the role of perirectal spacers in prostate cancer treatment? In this episode of the BackTable Urology Podcast, host Dr. Jose Silva discusses the use of perirectal spacers for prostate radiotherapy with guests Dr. Eric Chenven, Chief of Urology at Broward Health Medical Center, and Dr. Nadim Nasr, a radiation oncologist at Arlington Radiation Oncology.---This podcast is supported by:Boston Scientific SpaceOAR Hydrogelhttps://www.spaceoar.com/about-spaceoar-hydrogel/how-spaceoar-hydrogel-works/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=uro-ph-us-spaceoar-dtp&utm_content=nf-cs-prostatecancer_search_en_us_brand_conversion_dtp_uro-spaceoar-651995397243-res&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw9eO3BhBNEiwAoc0-jTE63KEHSnZ1soXre9ovVRqweY2QctIuZ_iN2QUjk6Px4k6fK1757BoCVNgQAvD_BwE---SYNPOSISTheir conversation delves into the use of Boston Scientific’s SpaceOAR hydrogel to reduce radiation exposure to the rectum. The experts elaborate on the techniques and logistical challenges of placing spacers, as well as their effects on patient outcomes. They also discuss insurance hurdles, use of sedation, fiducial marker placement, and the impact of large prostate size on treatment efficacy. Finally, they touch on Barrigel, the newest spacer option. This episode emphasizes the need for collaboration between urologists and radiation oncologists to improve patient care.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction06:33 - Importance of Perirectal Spacing11:17 - Techniques and Protocols13:00 - Barrigel: The New Option14:58 - Challenges and Practical Considerations24:55 - Future Directions---RESOURCESBoston Scientific SpaceOARhttps://www.bostonscientific.com/en-US/products/hydrogel-spacers/spaceoar-hydrogel.htmlURO108 - Minimizing Radiation Therapy Side Effectshttps://www.backtable.com/shows/urology/podcasts/108/minimizing-radiation-therapy-side-effectsURO123 - Perfecting Rectal Spacer Placement for Optimal Carehttps://www.backtable.com/shows/urology/podcasts/123/perfecting-rectal-spacer-placement-for-optimal-care

Sep 24, 2024 • 46min
Ep. 190 Optimizing BPH Care: Insights from Physician-APP Collaboration with Dr. Arpeet Shah and Nicole Hollander
Learn how Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) can boost workflow efficiency and improve patient experience in your urology practice. In this episode of the BackTable Urology podcast, host Dr. Jose Silva speaks with Dr. Arpeet Shah and advanced practice nurse (APN) Nicole Hollander, about the role of APPs in benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) patient care.---CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORBoston Scientific Rezum Water Vapor Therapyhttps://www.bostonscientific.com/rezum---SYNPOSISHollander and Shah discuss the importance of effective APP training and onboarding. Dr. Shah shares his wisdom on structuring an APP program to ensure that new practitioners are educated, compliant, and satisfied; all while helping to address the current urologist shortage. The discussion also covers BPH workflows, effective follow-up, and staying up to date on evolving medical knowledge in the context of innovations such as GreenLight Laser and UroCuff.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction06:58 - Nicole’s APP Journey07:42 - Training APPs12:22 - BPH Workflow21:04 - Deciding on Procedures for BPH26:40 - Rezum33:40 - Ensuring APP Clinical Excellence and Compliance36:34 - APP Career Development and Retention40:31 - Looking Ahead

Sep 17, 2024 • 1h 4min
Ep. 189 Legends of Urology: Origins of Robotic Surgery with Dr Mani Menon
Did you know that robotic prostatectomy has its roots in both the immigrant experience and the renowned manufacturing legacy of Detroit? In this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. Mani Menon, a pioneer in robotic surgery, joins Dr. Aditya Bagrodia to discuss the development of robotic prostatectomy technology.---CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORSSiemens Healthineers Theranosticshttps://www.siemens-healthineers.com/en-us/clinical-specialities/theranosticsPhotocurehttps://www.photocure.com/---SYNPOSISDr. Menon reflects on how robotic prostatectomy techniques have evolved over his career. He shares his journey from India to the United States, highlighting his trailblazing work at the Vattikuti Urology Institute at Henry Ford Hospital. He also talks about the challenges of working with robotic technology, recent advancements in the field, and what the future may hold for robotic surgery.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction03:05 - Dr. Menon’s Early Life06:51 - Experiences of an International Medical Graduate19:51 - The Move to Henry Ford36:44 - Transitioning to Robotic Surgery41:36 - Patient Outcomes and Reflections47:50 - Technological Advancements in Surgery55:52 - Looking Ahead---RESOURCESPhotocurehttps://www.photocure.com/Siemens Healthineershttps://www.siemens-healthineers.com/en-us/urology-equipment

Sep 9, 2024 • 1h 3min
Ep. 188 Testosterone Therapy Today: Clinical Advances and Safety with Dr. Abraham Morgentaler
What is the role of testosterone therapy in prostate cancer? Urologist Dr. Abraham Morgentaler of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School joins host Dr. Jose Silva to discuss the evolution of testosterone therapies, modern testosterone treatments, and how to integrate testosterone replacement therapy into your practice.---CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORKYZATREX™https://www.kyzatrex.com---SYNPOSISDr. Morgenhaler starts by sharing his pioneering journey with testosterone replacement therapy starting in the 1980s, challenging long-held beliefs that it increases prostate cancer risk. He highlights key studies to debunk myths about testosterone’s dangers and emphasizes the ability to improve patients’ quality of life. Further, he discusses modern treatment options and provides practical advice for safely initiating testosterone replacement therapy. Finally, he discusses its use in patients with a history of prostate cancer and emphasizes the importance of individualized treatment plans.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction03:04 - Historical Perspectives on Testosterone and Prostate Cancer21:31 - Evolution of Testosterone Treatments31:16 - Testosterone and Prostate Cancer: A Controversial History35:42 - Treating Prostate Cancer Patients with Testosterone37:12 - A Case Study43:05 - Shifting Perspectives57:15 - Final Thoughts---RESOURCEST4L Educationhttps://t4leducation.com/Marius Pharmaceuticalshttps://mariuspharma.com/Testosterone Replacement in Prostate Cancer Survivors URO98https://www.backtable.com/shows/urology/podcasts/98/testosterone-replacement-in-prostate-cancer-survivorsMen's Health & Testosterone Replacement Therapy URO114https://www.backtable.com/shows/urology/podcasts/114/mens-health-testosterone-replacement-therapyTestosterone & Hypogonadism: A Clinical Perspective URO124https://www.backtable.com/shows/urology/podcasts/124/testosterone-hypogonadism-a-clinical-perspectiveTestosterone: Navigating Options & Implementation in Clinical Practice URO 125https://www.backtable.com/shows/urology/podcasts/125/testosterone-navigating-options-implementation-in-clinical-practice

Sep 3, 2024 • 1h 1min
Ep. 187 Urology Trends: AUA 2023 Census Report Highlights with Dr. Amanda North and Dr. Matthew Nielsen
Hot off the press! The results of the 2023 American Urological Association Census findings will likely surprise listeners. In this episode of the BackTable Urology Podcast, host Dr. Suzette Sutherland is joined by Dr. Amanda North (The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore) and Dr. Matt Nielsen (University of North Carolina) to dive deep into the census data and offer a call to action for all urologists.---CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORPearsonRavitzhttps://pearsonravitz.com/backtable---SYNPOSISThe conversation covers noteworthy statistics on burnout, accessibility to mental health care, and practice patterns within the urologic community. The doctors also discuss the evolution in demographics amongst practicing urologists, improvement in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and the growing concern of workforce shortages. Finally, the episode explores the importance of this census data in informing AUA advocacy efforts to shape future government policies.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction06:04 - The AUA Census11:20 - Demographics of Urologists in the U.S.22:48 - Trends in Private Practice and Employment38:00 - Burden of Prior Authorizations43:17 - Addressing Burnout45:29 - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion52:43 - Conclusion---RESOURCESPearson Ravitzhttps://pearsonravitz.com/Photocurehttps://www.photocure.com/