Everyday Oral Surgery

Developing your mental strength is critical in landing and progressing through your residency. Today we speak with Dr. Chisohlm Emeka Chukwu, a resident at Case Western whose inspiring story reveals the power of resilience and mental fortitude. Early in our conversation, Emeka shares details about his background which include leaving Nigeria at 15 and working in northern Cyprus, Turkey, Latvia, and Poland before he settled in the U.S. After discussing his upbringing in a rural town, Emeka chats about what he most appreciates about American life. We then dive into the role that resilience and discipline have played in helping Emeka excel in dental school. He discusses ways that students can stand out from their peers as well as what he did to prepare himself for residency. Later, we explore the challenges faced by residents, with Emeka providing clear advice on how to overcome them. Linked to this, Emeka highlights the need to humble yourself and put in the extra time and work to correct your weaknesses. We wrap up our conversation by asking Emeka our final rapid-fire questions. Listeners will benefit from hearing about the impactful book that he recently read, as well as how valuable his relationship to God has been for his career. Tune in to hear more about why building your mental strength is so critical to your residency progress.Key Points From This Episode:Introducing today’s guest, Dr. Chisohlm Emeka Chukwu.Emeka discusses the globe-trotting journey that led him to the U.S.How Emeka got his start in dentistry.Hear about the biggest things that Emeka did in dental school to land his residency.The importance of resilience and constantly seeking to improve yourself.Emeka shares his top advice on interviewing for a residency.Why Emeka accepted a residency position at Case Western. How Emeka overcame his residency challenges.Insights into how Emeka handles racist patients.The benefits that come from humbling yourself.Why you should put in the extra to strengthen your weaknesses.We ask Emeka our final rapid-fire questions.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Emeka Chukwu on InstagramArizona School of Dentistry & Oral HealthCase Western Reserve UniversityEpisode with Dr. Thomas SchlieveParkland HospitalSan Antonio Regional HospitalUAB MedicineUconn HealthDr. Petra OlivieriDr. Jake StuckiMichael JordanThings Fall Apart on AmazonThe 5 Love Languages on Amazon

On paper, becoming a world-class maxillofacial surgeon should be simple. The reality can be far different. Today we speak to Dr. Kevin Haddle who has found the perfect balance between work and play. We open the show by hearing from Kevin about his professional history. We learn that his entry into maxillofacial surgery was less than conventional, yet it was a friend and mentor that ultimately helped him find his vocation in life. As our conversation develops, Kevin delivers parcels of wisdom for surgeons. He touches on eliminating the fear of change, why one should try not to create outcomes, and why it isn’t worth overanalyzing things. Following this, Kevin tells us what he has learned from being his own boss and why it is important to assess what makes you happy. He tells us that he has curated his workweek in such a way that he is fed both professionally and personally. Getting in the particulars of his practice, we ask Kevin to tell us how he established his practice as “the new kid on the block.” He elaborates on the importance of interpersonal skills, sincere gifting, and the power of positivity on social media business pages. Toward the end of the show, Kevin walks us through his experiences as a mentor and teacher and shares advice with young surgeons who might be thinking of entering cosmetics. To conclude the show Kevin answers our series of rapid-fire questions. Key Points From This Episode:Introducing today’s guest, Dr. Kevin Haddle.Kevin breaks down his professional history.Hear about Kevin’s goal to help people through plastic surgery.The reasons doctors turned Kevin away from medical school.How Kevin achieved autonomy as his own boss.Why we should let our paths unfold before us, without forcing our futures.Some of the lessons Kevin learned from being his own boss.How Kevin built up his practice.Kevin’s involvement with teaching and what he has learned himself as a teacher.Kevin shares advice for those looking to get into cosmetics.Some of Kevin’s latest clinical revelations.Hear Kevin’s thoughts on various therapies like cryo and red light therapy.Kevin’s advice for young surgeons wanting to get into cosmetics.Kevin answers some final rapid-fire questionsLinks Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Kevin HaddleDr. Bill EvansGalderma

They don’t call him “Triple D” for nothing. Dr. Thomas Shlieve is an expert in the field of osteonecrosis and has earned his nickname as the Deadbone Doctor of Dallas. Yet the reality is that osteonecrosis is a serious condition that can greatly impact the quality of life of a patient suffering from it. Thomas knows this all too well, which is why he is hugely passionate about helping patients with dead jawbone. In this episode, we explore a number of different types of osteonecrosis, how medication can affect the healing of jawbones and what methods of solution are available to doctors and sufferers. Thomas shares what to look out for and how you should discuss your findings with the patient. He touches on explanations of drugs and their uses as well as when surgery becomes an absolute necessity. Given the many nuances of dead jawbone, Thomas takes time to detail how different patients can experience the condition. Following this, Thomas shares additional information on his approach to assisting patients who are on bisphosphonate medications and talks about how literature and white papers contrast with reality. In the latter stages of the show, Thomas talks about what options are available to patients who simply won’t heal and which surgical approaches he might use as intervention. To conclude, Thomas shares parting thoughts on when surgery is and isn’t required, as well as the cautions one should take with dead jawbone. Key Points From This Episode:Introducing today’s guest, Dr. Thomas Shlieve.Why Thomas’ nickname is “Triple D”. Hear in simple terms, what MRONJ is.Thomas lists some of the high-risk drugs that can cause MRONJ.What sort of things to look out for and what you should be discussing with your patient.How different patients can be affected by dead jawbones.What Thomas does differently for patients who are on bisphosphonate medications.What options you have when your patient is not healing.Tips for moving toward a surgical approach.How Thomas makes his incisions on patients.Thomas shares the intricacies involved in primary closures.Hear Thomas’ parting thoughts.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Thomas ShlieveDr. Thomas Shlieve on LinkedInComplications in Neck Dissection on Amazon

Today we sit with Dr. Thomas Shlieve to talk about HPV and its impacts on our health. Diving straight into the subject matter, Thomas defines HPV as a sexually transmitted disease. He goes on to explain the various genotypes, which are cancer-causing, and what age groups face the biggest threats. We learn that although HPV is typically contracted during teen years and your twenties, the onset of cancer caused by HPV is often experienced in patients who are in their 40s and 50s. Yet, Thomas is beginning to see patients much younger in age and stresses the importance of HPV vaccination. As our conversation develops, Thomas talks to us about how the prevalence of HPV has changed throughout the decades and shares how surgeons can approach patients who have the virus. In the closing segments of the show, Thomas returns his focus to the HPV vaccine, lists the benefits, and eases patient fears about the jab. However, should you not be vaccinated against HPV, your chances of survival remain incredibly high should you be HPV positive, and successful HPV treatment can mean you’re no longer HPV positive. To get your fill on HPV and its cancer-causing effects, be sure to join us today!Key Points From This Episode:Introducing today’s guest, Dr. Thomas Shlieve.We answer: What is HPV, how is it transmitted, and what is its link to oral cancer?Thomas talks about the genotypes of the HPV virus.Hear about the prevalence of HPV and how it has changed.Ages affected by cancer caused by HPV and who is at highest risk.What surgeons can do to help their patients avoid HPV.We look at the relationship between vaccines and HPV.Why younger children should get the HPV vaccine.What to look out for when identifying HPV in patients.Thomas tells us about the survival rate for HPV cancer.How Thomas and Grant have their patients receive IV drips.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Thomas ShlieveDr. Thomas Shlieve on LinkedIn

Today we’re taking a break from talking about cutting-edge techniques and tools to focus on another very important topic: racism. Inequality and underrepresentation are unfortunately still present in the workplace, but there is hope for change; real, lasting change. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Raza Hussain about his recently published article on racism, his own experiences with discrimination, and how an appreciation for learning and teaching can remedy this societal and systemic disease. Our discussion opens with Raza telling us about his background. He touches on life as a first-generation Pakistani-American, and how the first Gulf war and how his surname, ‘Hussain,’ impacted his upbringing in America. Delving deeper, Raza shares details on why not all racism is intentional, but rather comes from a place of ignorance. The way to cure this, says Raza, is to be a teacher. He expands on this and suggests how you can educate, and even inspire others by telling them about your own unique heritage and customs. As our conversation develops we find out from Raza about how women are also subjected to discrimination in the workplace. He talks about how women are oftentimes better performers in the oral maxillofacial surgery industry, and that their underrepresentation is a great shame but something we can change. Toward the end of the episode, we recap the most pertinent details from our discussion, like the relationship between teaching and learning, and why common ground is so beneficial. Be sure to join in on this episode and educate yourself on how you can help raise minority representation. Key Points From This Episode:Introducing today’s guest, Dr. Raza Hussain.Raza talks about one of his latest journal articles. Raza’s experiences as a first-generation Pakistani-American in his family.Why Raza’s experiences aren’t indicative of the experiences felt by other minority group members.Hear about Raz’s residency and how impacted him.We get into the true definition of being an academician. What a high-reliability organization looks like.How women need to have better representation in the oral maxillofacial surgery industry.Studies that show women are in demand, as per client preference.Some of the prejudice women face in residencies.Most people don’t have pure hatred and animosity in their hearts toward other people.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Raza Hussain on LinkedInAmerican Association of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery

As today’s guest can attest, it’s never been more challenging to become an oral surgeon. And if you do have what it takes, then toxic learning cultures might discourage you from pursuing your career. In this episode, we speak to Dr. Trina Sengupta about the importance of persistence in becoming an oral surgeon. Early in our conversation, we ask Trina about her experience teaching residents who might not be committed to oral surgery. After comparing private practice with working in large institutions, Trina shares how she maintains her composure under stressful environments. Reflecting on her career, Trina highlights the incredible role that her mentors have played in helping her excel. Trina then discusses how valuable positivity is to overcoming career roadblocks. Linked to this, Trina unpacks her top tips on becoming an oral surgeon. Later, she talks about how unproductive it is to use fear to motivate residents. As she explains, fostering strong and open teamwork is key in providing the best possible care. For more insights on persisting in the face of adversity, be sure to tune in today! Key Points From This Episode:Trina shares her experiences of teaching residents.Overcoming the challenge of teaching disinterested residents.Comparing public and private medical practices.How Trina maintains her composure under trying circumstances.Trina talks about how she landed her first role in New York.Reflecting on the role that Trina’s mentors played in furthering her career.Exploring how Trina navigates hospital spaces as a woman.  Hear the top lesson that Trina imparts to residents.Tips on applying to oral surgery postings. Why it’s more difficult than ever to become an oral surgeon.How Trina strives to create a supportive work environment.The benefits of building a strong team dynamic.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Trina Sengupta on LinkedInUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Illinois ChicagoCase Western Reserve UniversityDr. Grant StuckiDr. Grant Stucki Phone Number — +1 720-775-5843

If you have a medical practice for more than a week, you will undoubtedly receive some bad patient reviews. This is a part of life as a health professional, but that doesn't mean that there are not ways to minimize the number of these or deal with them in a more suitable way. Today, we host a discussion between Dr. Stucki, Dr. Hull, and Dr. Salomon on this exact topic, looking at patient experiences, expectations, disagreements, and more! Some of the main takeaways include a proactive approach to communicating with a disgruntled patient, the importance of staff education and training, useful reward systems, and the power of empathy for a patient's difficulties. Though these situations may not always be within our control as oral surgeons, we always have control over our own responses, so finding the best ways for you, your staff, and your patients, will serve everyone's interests in the long run. We spend some time contemplating online reviews and the bias towards negative reviews that seems part of the natural human psyche. The conversation also covers the tools that can be utilized for the review process and setting these up in the most effective way. So for all that from our panel of experts, be sure to listen in today! Key Points From This Episode:The frequency of issues related to staff and elements of the patient experience. Groundwork for patient expectations around payment and waiting times.   Dealing with problems arising from other practitioners and disagreements about treatment.The importance of great communication in trying to find resolutions to issues. Questions about refunding and making up for different types of bad experiences.Handling these tough discussions and when to admit a fault or not. Why the extra effort usually pays off; with good reviews from patients. Demonstrating care to patients explicitly; diffusing situations and easing tension.How to deal with bad reviews; prevention and helpful tools and technologies.Motivating staff through rewards for good reviews!Evaluating the different review platforms and picking the ones to utilize internally.  The relationship between in-person follow-ups and reviews. Creating a great customer experience through a united approach from the whole practice.Positive reinforcement and bonuses for staff members as a means to boost employee morale.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. William HullDr. David SalomonSwellSocial Review WizardDr. Grant StuckiDr. Grant Stucki Phone Number — +1 720-775-5843

As medical professionals, our focus is most often on the health of others, but this does not mean that we should neglect ourselves and forget about the risks that come with being an oral surgeon. Today Dr. Stucki and Dr. Weiskopf sit down to talk about some of the important factors in staying healthy while working, looking at both physical and mental wellbeing. We first cover the array of risks that are associated with the profession and some simple strategies for dealing with things like backache and muscle issues, before moving onto the topics of diet, rest, and meditation. No matter how busy you are it is vital that you set aside at least a small portion of time each day to unwind and refresh your body and mind, and what this can be is completely up to you. It is no secret that diet plays a huge role in health, and we discuss easy ways to eat for a better life! From there, the discussion turns to protective gear, COVID protocols, and how to make repetitive days interesting and engaging. This is such an important conversation for all professionals, as starting with one's own health is a great way to approach helping others!Key Points From This Episode:The common and obvious health risks that face oral surgeons. Scott's approach to safeguarding against joint and back problems; exercise, stretching, and diet.  Injuries and hazards outside of the office and thoughts on how to reduce these.Healthier foods and better decisions about what you put in your body.Combatting mental stress through periods of relaxation, decompression, and meditation.Stress from staff members; better communication, feedback, and improving on problems. Dealing with difficult customers and weathering the storm of uncomfortable situations.Scott's experience of having to dismiss a patient from the practice!The importance of trust and transparency between doctor and patient.Protective gear and making sure all the precautions are in place, especially in the time of COVID-19. Scott's particular PPE setup: shield, goggles, gown. Mental health at the office and finding new ways to enjoy work and stay engaged.   Some great advice for clinicians from Atul Gawande!Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Scott WeiskopfDr. Grant StuckiPubMedBlinkistKelly Clarkson Atul GawandeDr. Grant Stucki EmailDr. Grant Stucki Phone Number — 720-775-5843

Some of us may have the sense that our accounts are secure but the truth is that criminals can do some serious damage if they find a way in. Today on the show Dr. Stucki sits down with Dr. Weiskopf to tell a story about a recent experience he had where he fell victim to a drastic case of identity theft. Dr. Stucki’s nightmare incident began with him getting his unattended bag stolen out of the parking lot of his practice, and the next thing he knew he was having huge sums of money stolen from him left, right, and center. He describes a series of incredibly frustrating experiences with cops and banks during incidents where the criminal could have been caught but got away. The story highlights the way the law system in his state makes it difficult to take action on guilty parties, the way COVID is affecting crime, and of course, the necessity of taking every measure we can to protect ourselves from this kind of experience. After hearing Dr. Stucki’s story, we explore some of the actions that can be taken to ramp up our personal security — ways to be more careful with passwords, monitor our credit accounts, and more. Toward the end of the show Drs. Stucki and Weiskopf share a few more stories about theft — of money via different scam types and even drugs out of doctors' rooms! Tune in to hear about some very real threats and how to reduce your chances of falling prey to them.Key Points From This Episode:A crazy story where Dr. Stucki fell victim to an identity theft crime.Enormous amounts of money withdrawn by the thief from Dr. Stucki’s account.An incident where Dr. Stucki almost caught the criminal himself at the bank.A car chase incident where Dr. Stucki’s friend followed the thief.Multiple cars the thief bought on Dr. Stucki’s card.A series of frustrating incidents where the criminal was almost caught but got away.How the thief was finally caught on charges unrelated to Dr. Stucki’s case.A recommendation for listeners to have a credit monitoring membership.How to freeze your credit and use apps that protect your privacy in different ways.Limiting the number of valuable items you store in one place.What ended up happening to Dr. Stucki’s money that was stolen.All the admin tasks Dr. Stucki has had to do to recover from this incident.How easy it is to commit crimes of this sort due to COVID in democratic states.A story from Dr. Weiskopf in which his wife was a victim of identity theft.Another story about wire fraud and the prevalence of this type of crime.The theft of drugs out of the cars of surgeons and how to avoid this.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Scott WeiskopfDr. Grant StuckiLifeLockLastPassDuoGoogle AuthenticatorComplete IDTransUnionEquifax

Today we sit with repeat guest and old friend, Dr. William Hull. A maxillofacial surgeon based in Indiana, William has many years’ worth of treatment experience to his name. In this episode, we talk about several of these treatments and pay special attention to expose and bond techniques, along with several other ortho treatments. First, we gather William’s thoughts on bite blocks versus molts. William goes on to explain the benefits of molts and tells us why bite blocks aren’t necessarily obsolete. Before going into E and B techniques, William then tells us about the “sweetheart” device and why it can threaten the integrity of the patient’s lingual bone. As our conversation develops, William then gives us his take on orthodontist referrals and what he looks for in a good referral. Toward the end of the show, we take time to consider various E and B techniques and make reference to other treatments like wisdom teeth, third molar removal, premolar removal, primary teeth removal, uprighting, and removal of horizontal canine. To get your fill on these treatments, be sure to join us today!Key Points From This Episode:Introducing today’s guest, Dr. William Hull.William tells us about bite blocks and why he now prefers molts.Hear what makes molts so versatile.Issues with cranking molts and how they can harm your patient. How William works his molts with his assistants. Why William’s thoughts on the “sweetheart” tool have changed.We talk about the orthodontist referral process.William shares one of his orthodontist’s referrals.Hear about various treatments orthodontists request.Hear about the intricacies behind E and Bs.Some of the challenges and benefits of taking out second molars.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. William Hull on LinkedIn