Behind The Knife: The Surgery Podcast
Behind the Knife is the world's #1 surgery podcast, offering high-yield educational topics and interviews with leaders in the field. It delivers timely, relevant, and engaging content designed to help listeners dominate the day. The podcast is more than just audio; it also provides additional resources at behindtheknife.org.
Episodes
Beyond the Match, Episode 3: Working Conditions, Resident Mobility, and Accountability
You stayed late again, the service is still short-staffed, and when you finally say something, the answer is: you just need to be more efficient. More resilient. That's the go-to explanation for almost everything hard about residency — but what if the problem isn't your resilience at all? In the finale of Beyond the Match, Mckenzie Roebuck, Carl Engelke, Michael Brinton, and Omer Hassan of CoSEF
Beyond the Match, Episode 2: Application Chaos, Transparency, and the Cost of Uncertainty
You matched into your dream program... but only after submitting 80 applications, spending thousands of dollars, and losing sleep wondering if anyone was even reading yours. Meanwhile, on the other side of the screen, a program director is staring down a thousand applications for six spots, trying to figure out who's actually serious about coming. Sound familiar? Join Mckenzie Roebuck, Milanie Mi
Beyond the Match, Episode 1: Pay, Benefits, and Bargaining Power
What does it say about a training system when childcare can eat up almost half a resident’s monthly salary — and the physicians doing essential clinical work have almost no ability to negotiate their pay or benefits? A recent House Judiciary Committee report argues that the Match suppresses resident compensation and bargaining power. But if the Match disappeared tomorrow, would residents actually
Surgical Critical Care Review: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Introducing Behind the Knife Surgical Critical Care Review!DOMINATE THE ICU with our comprehensive course that includes audio + simulator + question bank.Master the management of the critically ill patient with Behind the Knife's all-new Surgical Critical Care Review. Built for high-yield, real-world application, this comprehensive multimedia program gives residents, fellows, and practicing surge
Surgical Critical Care Review: Traumatic Brain Injury
Introducing Behind the Knife Surgical Critical Care Review!DOMINATE THE ICU with our comprehensive course that includes audio + simulator + question bank.Master the management of the critically ill patient with Behind the Knife's all-new Surgical Critical Care Review. Built for high-yield, real-world application, this comprehensive multimedia program gives residents, fellows, and practicing surge
Surgical Critical Care Review: Liver Failure
Introducing Behind the Knife Surgical Critical Care Review!DOMINATE THE ICU with our comprehensive course that includes audio + simulator + question bank.Master the management of the critically ill patient with Behind the Knife's all-new Surgical Critical Care Review. Built for high-yield, real-world application, this comprehensive multimedia program gives residents, fellows, and practicing surge
Surgical Critical Care Review: Mechanical Circulatory Support
Introducing Behind the Knife Surgical Critical Care Review!DOMINATE THE ICU with our comprehensive course that includes audio + simulator + question bank.Master the management of the critically ill patient with Behind the Knife's all-new Surgical Critical Care Review. Built for high-yield, real-world application, this comprehensive multimedia program gives residents, fellows, and practicing surge
Clinical Challenges in Colorectal Surgery: Managing the Tough Stoma
This episode offers a practical, case-based approach to one of the most common intraoperative challenges in GI surgery: constructing a stoma that just won't cooperate. The discussion covers preoperative marking and stoma siting in the obese and non-elective patient, technical maneuvers to gain length and reduce tension on the stoma, strategies for the foreshortened small bowel mesentery, and cons
Building the House of Surgical Education: The Legacy of Dr. Ajit Sachdeva
What does it take to build a national surgical education apparatus from scratch? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ajit Sachdeva, the former Senior Vice President for Education at the American College of Surgeons—a role he held for 24 years before passing the torch in fall 2025. When Dr. Sachdeva arrived at the ACS in 2001, there was no division, no script, and almost no structure. Over the co
Clinical Challenges in Trauma Surgery: Organ Retrieval to Trauma Survival - Challenging Trauma Steps Made Familiar
It’s 0300 and you encounter a rapidly expanding zone 1 retroperitoneal haematoma. Time to enter “tiger country”. What can you do to make this a more familiar expedition?• Hosts: Bulleted list of host names, including title, institution, & social media handles if indicated1. Mr Prashanth Ramaraj. ST5 General Surgery, George Hospital, Western Cape / Southeast Scotland Deanery. @LonTraumaSch
Clinical Challenges in Endocrine Surgery: Adrenal Cases
There are many acceptable approaches to adrenalectomy. Hypercortisolism with adrenal origin is a challenging topic especially in a population where obesity is incredibly common. A thorough biochemical workup involving endocrinologists and endocrine surgeons is key to offering the best surgery. Large adrenal tumors with indeterminate imaging characteristics have historically been removed with a
Operative Standards for Cancer Surgery Series: Liver Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
This mini-series on Behind the Knife will delve into the technical aspects of the Operative Standards for Cancer Surgery, developed through the American College of Surgeons Cancer Research Program. This third episode highlights the Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary cancer operative standard.Hosts:Eliza W. Beal, MD, FACS (X: @ElizaWBealMD) is a Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary surgeon at the Barbara Ann Karmanos C
USA vs. UK: ASGBI Ep. 10 - The Nuanced Approach to Abdominal Wall Reconstruction
In this episode, we discuss all things abdominal wall reconstruction. What is this new developing field, just patching “holes” with meshes or something more? We delve into the impact of the robot in transforming this speciality in new ways. We also explore the reasons that make the field of abdominal wall reconstruction so special (the creativity in surgical planning and the unique patient-provid
Surgical Endoscopy Series Ep. 5: Novel Endosurgical Techniques
In this surgical endoscopy episode, the BTK team introduces endoscopic surgical procedures that are perhaps less well known. They cover primary endoscopic treatments for gastroesophageal reflux, esophageal plication, intestinal resurfacing procedures, and magnet-assisted enteric anastomoses. Endoscopic options may be viable alternatives to surgical treatment, especially in case where the surgical
Journal Review in Minimally Invasive Surgery: Digital Surgery
Digital surgery has morphed from buzzword into ubiquitous high-impact technology. In this episode, the BTK MIS team steps into the rapidly evolving ecosystem of cameras, sensors, robotics, and software that are turning surgical operations into structured, analyzable datasets. From AI segmentation to real-time telepresence, don’t miss this opportunity to catch up on what’s new and what’s next, wha
Journal Review in Thoracic Surgery: Empowering IMGs in CT Surgery - the Time to Act is Now
Navigating the path to becoming a surgeon in the US as an International Medical Graduate (IMG) can definitely have its hurdles. In this episode we sit down with Professor of Surgery, Dr. Ourania Preventza about her journey as an IMG, and how to break down the barriers in one of the most competitive surgical subspecialties. Dr. Preventza teaches us why sponsorship is invaluable, and how we as a su
Clinical Challenges in Burn Surgery: Have Some Skin (Substitutes) In the Game
Join our burn team as they dive into the complex world of skin substitutes in burn care, breaking down a practical four-axis framework to help clinicians navigate product selection, patient factors, and clinical goals when managing massive burn injuries.Hosts: - Kathleen Romanowski – University of California Davis Hospital, Shriners Hospital Sacramento - Laura Johnson – Grady Memorial Hospital -
Power, Partnerships, and the Reality of Global Surgery Collaboration
In this episode of the Behind the Knife Global Surgery Series, we take a closer look at the real-world complexity of global surgery partnerships between high-income institutions and partners in the Global South. Words like equity, bidirectionality, partnership, and decolonization are used often in global surgery—but what do they actually mean when funding, mobility, research access, publication o
Clinical Challenges in Breast Surgery: The Fundamentals of Cancer Immunotherapy
Immune checkpoint inhibitors have rapidly reshaped care for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)—but surgical teams increasingly encounter their downstream perioperative consequences. In this episode, we define immunotherapy through the lens of checkpoint biology, review the landmark evidence supporting pembrolizumab in metastatic PD‑L1–positive TNBC (KEYNOTE‑355) and curative-intent stage II–III
Journal Review in Hernia Surgery: What is Bioresorbable Mesh and Is It Worth It?
Join our OHSY Hernia team to review the current landscape of bioresorbable meshes and a conversation considering “are they worth it?"Hosts:
Dr. Maggie Bosley - @MBosleyMD
Dr. Sean Orenstein - @OrensteinSean
Dr. Amber Sandoval
Dr. Peter Ferrin
Institution: Oregon Health & Science UniversityReferences:- Long-Term, Prospective, Multicenter Study of Poly-4-Hydroxybutyrate Mesh (Phasix Mesh) for
Journal Review in Colorectal Surgery: ctDNA in Colorectal Cancer and Anal Squamous Cell Cancer
Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), a minimally invasive blood-based biomarker, has emerged as one of the most promising advances in cancer surveillance. Today, we will explore how ctDNA is transforming the management of colorectal cancer and anal squamous cell cancer across the disease continuum—from risk stratification and adjuvant therapy decision-making to surveillance and early detection of recur
Mattox Conference Pro-Con Debate 2026: REBOA
Every spring for over 50 years, the Trauma, Critical Care, and Acute Care Surgery conference, best known simply as the MATTOX conference, is held in Las Vegas (https://www.trauma-criticalcare.com/). The conference is unique in that it is entirely focused on practice-changing clinical education. It’s a damn good time too! A favorite feature is the annual debates. Today, we are featuring a showd
Mattox Conference Pro-Con Debate 2026: Management of Pediatric Pancreatic Injuries
Every spring for over 50 years, the Trauma, Critical Care, and Acute Care Surgery conference, best known simply as the MATTOX conference, is held in Las Vegas (https://www.trauma-criticalcare.com/). The conference is unique in that it is entirely focused on practice-changing clinical education. It’s a damn good time too! A favorite feature is the annual debates. Today, we are featuring a showd
Wellbeing and Mental Health in Surgeons
Join us as we discuss research on mental health and wellbeing in the surgical workforce with Drs. Yang and Collins. The episode explores key findings from recent national surveys showing that nearly one in seven surgeons report suicidal ideation in the past year, with depression, anxiety, and PTSD affecting 15–20% of the surgical population. The conversation highlights protective factors—professi
OBGYN Oral Board Review - Sample Episode: Intraoperative and Postoperative Wound
INTRODUCING Behind the Knife OBGYN Oral Board Review!The oral boards aren't just about knowledge—they are about executing under pressure. This course is designed to give you the structure and confidence to command the room. We have curated 98 high-yield scenarios covering the "Big Three" of the exam: Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Office Practice. Whether it’s a surgical emergency or a complex clinic
EPA Playbook: Blunt or Penetrating Trauma
Join Drs. Georgoff, Burke, and Premkumar in this episode of the EPA Playbook as they break down a practical, repeatable framework for managing patients in the trauma bay, one of the most high-pressure environments in surgical training. This episode focuses on the critical first minutes of evaluation, anchored in a structured primary survey. We emphasize how to recognize and immediately address li
EPA Playbook: Small Bowel Obstruction
Join Drs. Georgoff, Burke, and Premkumar in this episode of EPA Playbook, where we tackle the evaluation and management of small bowel obstruction. Through a realistic series of scenarios, we walk step-by-step through how junior residents can approach this diagnosis using an evidence-based approach.We break down the key components of the small bowel obstruction EPA, from rapid initial assessment
EPA Playbook: Inguinal Hernia
In this episode of EPA Playbook, Drs. Jason Bingham, Emma Burke, and Agnes Premkumar discuss the evaluation and management of inguinal hernias through a case-based approach that reinforces key EPA concepts for surgical trainees. We specifically highlight the importance of a thorough history and physical exam, emphasize risk stratification, and indications for surgery versus watchful waiting. We b
EPA Playbook: Perioperative Care of Critically Ill Patient
In this episode of EPA Playbook, Drs. Kevin Kniery, Emma Burke, and Agnes Premkumar discuss management of critically ill surgical patients, using case-based discussions to reinforce core principles of shock, resuscitation, and ICU care. We first review the four major types of shock. We then discuss two cases centered around managing a patient in septic shock and cardiogenic shock, delving into th
EPA Playbook: Benign or Malignant Colon
Join Drs. Steele, Burke, & Premkumar in this episode of EPA Playbook, where we tackle a core general surgery EPA: the evaluation and management of benign and malignant colon disease. From common presentations like diverticulitis and lower GI bleeding to the diagnosis and workup of colon cancer, this episode provides a structured framework you can use on the wards, in clinic, and on call. Usin
Are EPAs Actually Working? An Honest Look at Competency-Based Surgical Training
Two years into the EPA era — are we actually training surgeons differently, or just checking new boxes? In this episode, Behind the Knife co-director and Duke Trauma Surgeon Dr. Patrick Georgoff and Behind the Knife surgical education fellows Dr. Agnes Premkumar and Dr. Emma Burke sit down with Dr. Ruchi Thanawala, thoracic surgeon at OHSU, informatician, and founder of Firefly Labs, to get an ho
Intraoperative Cholangiography Guidelines: Routine, Selective, or Never?
In this episode, we use the recent SAGES guidelines to tackle one of the most common and controversial questions in general surgery. Through a case-based discussion, our experts review the evidence for intraoperative biliary imaging, discuss strategies for difficult anatomy, and compare IOC with other imaging modalities. Join us as we translate the latest recommendations into practical lessons th
Clinical Challenges in Hernia Surgery: Is Optimization Still Necessary for Hernia Surgery?
Join our Hernia Team for a review of the current controversy around preoperative optimization and the practical implications.Hosts:
Dr. Maggie Bosley - @MBosleyMD
Dr. Sean Orenstein - @OrensteinSean
Dr. Amber Sandoval
Dr. Peter Ferrin
Institution: Oregon Health & Science UniversityReferences:Adverse Events after Ventral Hernia Repair: The Vicious Cycle of Complicationshttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm
Rectal Cancer in the Young and Pregnant: Fertility and Management Considerations
As colorectal cancer rates rise among younger adults, surgeons are increasingly caring for patients with rectal cancer who are pregnant or hoping to preserve future fertility. With more individuals delaying childbearing, balancing effective cancer treatment with fertility preservation and maternal–fetal safety has become an important clinical challenge. This timely topic was recently highlighted b
Journal Review in Bariatric Surgery: Socioeconomic Disparities
Why do millions of patients qualify for bariatric surgery, yet only a fraction ever make it to the operating room?Hosts· Matthew Martin, trauma and bariatric surgeon at the University of Southern California/Los Angeles General Medical Center (Los Angeles, California)· Adrian Dan, bariatric and MIS surgeon, program director for the advanced MIS bariatric and foregut fellowship at Summa H
Whole Blood vs. Components: The Prehospital Debate
Prehospital blood is one of the hottest debates in trauma resuscitation — and the evidence just got a lot more interesting. In this episode, Drs. Patrick Georgoff and Ayman Ali sit down with Dr. Ed Barnard, UK defense professor of emergency medicine and author of the landmark SWIFT trial, and Dr. Juan De Chesney, trauma surgeon and pioneer in prehospital blood programs, to break down what we actu
Clinical Challenges in Surgical Oncology: Melanoma
Join the Behind the Knife Surgical Oncology Team as we discuss clinical challenges through case-based examples including the diagnosis, workup, and management of patients with cutaneous melanoma.
Learning Objectives:In this episode, we review the workup and management of patients with cutaneous melanoma and both microscopic and macroscopic nodal disease. References used in the making of this episo
Clinical Challenges in Vascular Surgery: Phlegmasia in Pregnancy
A 25-year-old pregnant woman presents with a 1-day history of progressive pain and swelling. The foot is cold, pulseless and neurologic function is deteriorating by the hour. Imaging shows a massive iliofemoral DVT. Now both the limb and the pregnancy are threatened. Do you anticoagulate, thrombolyse or operate? Join us as we break down the management and decision making behind this rare but deva
Bad Day on Call: Live Case Discussion from ASGBI Conference
Get a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most anticipated sessions from the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland Annual Conference: “Bad Day on Call.”In this session, expert surgeons from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada work through challenging real-world acute care and trauma cases. As each case unfolds, the panel explores key decision points while highlighting bo
Clinical Challenges in Emergency General Surgery: C Diff - When to Pull the Operative Trigger
It’s hospital day five. The patient looked better yesterday… but now she’s hypotensive, on vasopressors, acidotic, and spiraling toward multi-organ failure. The CT scan doesn’t show perforation or megacolon, but your gut tells you this is going south. Do you keep pushing medical therapy… or is it time to operate?Join Drs. Rushabh Dev, Jeffrey Coughenour, Kevin Bartow, Raymond Okeke, and Desra Fle
BIG T Trauma Ep. 28: Retained Ballistic Fragments: What We Were Never Taught
The majority of non-fatal gunshot wound survivors walk away with a bullet still inside them. Most are discharged without a removal attempt, without a surveillance plan, and without a conversation about what comes next. This episode fills that gap.Dr. Patrick Georgoff is joined by BIG T co-host Dr. Teddy Puzio (UT Houston), gun violence survivor and trauma surgeon Dr. Madhu Subramanian (Duke), and
Journal Review in Surgical Education: What We Can Learn From America’s Literacy Crisis
In this episode, hosts Drs. Maya Hunt, Nicole Santucci, Bryanna Stukes and Zoe Zhou explore the parallels between the literacy crisis in America and current challenges in surgical education, drawing insights from the podcast "Sold a Story." They discuss how both systems advance learners without true competency, blame struggling students rather than examining flawed teaching methods, and look to t
Journal Review in Colorectal Surgery: Methods for Ileocolic Anastomosis in Crohn's Disease
Ileocolic resection is one of the most common operations performed for Crohn's disease, yet the optimal approach to anastomotic construction and mesenteric management remains an active area of debate. From the configuration of the anastomosis to the extent of mesenteric excision, emerging evidence suggests that surgical technique may play a meaningful role in disease outcomes. Join Drs. Jared Hen
Cancer Vaccines: The Future is Now
As cancer vaccines move into Phase II and III clinical trials, it isincreasingly important for surgeons to understand their role in thisevolving landscape. What exactly are these vaccines, how do they work,and what should the surgical community know about theirimplementation? Join BTK surgical education fellows Kara Button andMichelle LaBella as they sit down with Professor Robert Jones to breakd
Using AI Today: A Practical Guide
Can an algorithm actually give you your life back? A recent Stanford paper revealed that using large language models at home yields massive efficiency gains—up to 176%. For busy surgeons drowning in clinical duties and administrative bloat, every reclaimed second is priceless.In this episode of Behind the Knife, Ayman and Patrick sit down with Christian Péan—an orthopedic trauma surgeon, Duke’s E
Journal Review in Endocrine Surgery: Updates of the 2025 American Thyroid Association Guidelines for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
What are the experts saying about thyroid cancer treatment in 2025? Maybe it’s time to discuss deescalation of aggressive surgical care for lower risk thyroid cancers. We can accept that less surgery may be appropriate in select cases, including more thyroid lobectomies versus total thyroidectomies, consider less invasive approaches such as percutaneous ablation techniques, and utilize more obs
Clinical Challenges in Vascular Surgery: Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis
For decades, a tight carotid stenosis felt like a ticking time bomb — a plaque waiting to throw an embolus and cause the next stroke. We were taught that severe narrowing meant surgery, and trials like ACAS and ACST-1 seemed to prove it. But medicine has changed. Statins, antiplatelets, tighter blood pressure control, even PCSK9 and GLP-1 therapies have quietly slashed stroke risk, and now newer
Journal Review in Burn Surgery: Early Excision of Burn Wounds
In this episode, our expert panel dives into the critical, historically debated topic of early burn wound excision using a real-world case of a patient with massive surface area burns. We explore the dramatic shift from the pre-1970s "wait and watch" approach to the modern standard of early source control, backed by landmark literature showing reduced mortality and shorter hospital stays. The dis
Cardiothoracic Surgery Oral Board Review: Free Sample Episode - GERD
This episode includes a full, sample cardiothoracic scenario pulled directly from our Cardiothoracic Surgery Oral Board Review Course. Listen in and test your clinical pathways in real-time as we walk through the perfect answers and provide high-yield commentary to help you pass the "hot seat."About our Cardiothoracic Surgery Oral Board Review Course:
43 High-Yield Scenarios
Dual-Format Learning:
Operative Standards for Cancer Surgery Series: Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Breast Cancer
This mini-series on Behind the Knife delves into the technical aspects of the Operative Standards for Cancer Surgery, developed through the American College of Surgeons Cancer Research Program and Cancer Surgery Standards Program. This episode highlights sentinel lymph node biopsy for breast cancer.Hosts:- Lexy (Alexandra) Adams, MD, MPH (@lexyadams16) is a Surgical Oncology fellow at MD Anderson
Vascular Surgery Oral Board Review: Free Sample Scenarios (AEF & Acute Mesenteric Ischemia)
This episode includes two full, sample vascular scenarios pulled directly from our Vascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course. Listen in and test your clinical pathways in real-time as we walk through the perfect answers and provide high-yield commentary to help you pass the "hot seat."Sample Scenarios Included in This Episode:
Case 22: Aortoenteric Fistula (AEF). A 78-year-old woman presents to t
Sustainable Surgical Practice: Defining Workplace Standards for the Modern Era
In response to increasing surgeon burnout, unsustainable clinical demands, and ongoing loss of surgeon autonomy in the setting of employee-based models, the American College of Surgeons is speaking out. In this episode, hosts Dr. Steven Thornton and Dr. Emma Burke sit down with Dr. Douglas Wood, Chair of Surgery at the University of Washington and Dr. Thomas Varghese, Editor-in-Chief of the Journ
Rigged or Right? The Residency Match Under Fire
The House Judiciary Committee just dropped a 47-page report calling the National Residency Match Program a hiring monopoly that harms patients, doctors, and the public — and the surgical community is talking. In this episode, Dr. Patrick Georgoff is joined by BTK surgical education fellows Dr. Emma Burke and Dr. Agnes Prem Kumar, along with special guest Dr. Brian Carmody (aka the Sheriff of Sodi
Behind the Mask of Shame Part 3 - Internalized Shame and Burnout
A career in surgery has a profound impact on those who practice the craft. High rates of poor mental health are well described but incompletely understood. One potential mechanism for advancing our understanding of surgeon well-being is studying surgeons' emotional experiences. Shame, a self-conscious emotion reflecting how an individual feels about themselves, could be a particularly powerful le
Behind the Mask of Shame Part 2 - Grit, Shame, and Burnout
A career in surgery has a profound impact on those who practice the craft. High rates of poor mental health are well described but incompletely understood. One potential mechanism for advancing our understanding of surgeon well-being is studying surgeons' emotional experiences. Shame, a self-conscious emotion reflecting how an individual feels about themselves, could be a particularly powerful len
Behind the Mask of Shame Part 1 - The Background
A career in surgery has a profound impact on those who practice the craft. High rates of poor mental health are well described but incompletely understood. One potential mechanism for advancing our understanding of surgeon well-being is studying surgeons’ emotional experiences. Shame, a self-conscious emotion reflecting how an individual feels about themselves, could be a particularly powerful le
Artificial Intelligence for the Clinician Episode 5: Are Radiologists Out of a Job?
Welcome back to the AI journal club! In this episode, we bring you a deep dive into a game-changing paper from The Lancet -- the MASAI study. This is the first randomized controlled trial to evaluate the use of artificial intelligence in breast cancer screening and we're so excited to discuss it.We'll break down the study's impressive findings on interval cancer rates, sensitivity, and massive wo
Journal Review in Thoracic Surgery: VV ECMO in Pre-Lung Transplant Patients - A Bridge to Somewhere
Join the Johns Hopkins Thoracic Surgery Subspecialty team on this rapid research review revealing how investigative efforts have changed the way we view and use Veno-venous (VV) ECMO therapy in the pre-lung transplant patient population working to avoid ventilator dependence and the associated morbidity while facilitating continued ambulation and preoperative optimization. Hosts:- Dr. Alfred J. C
Mastering M&M: A Practical Guide to Presenting Complications
Welcome back to Behind the Knife with Cody, Patrick, Jason, and Ayman. Today, we are tackling a defining professional ritual for every surgical trainee: the Morbidity and Mortality (M&M) Conference. We are providing a practical roadmap to help you build clear, high-quality presentations that facilitate real learning for the entire room. Whether you are a junior resident preparing for your fir
Clinical Challenges in Transplant Surgery: How Xenotransplantation Will Change Our Lives
Xenotransplantation—the use of organs from other species to treat human disease—has long existed at the intersection of science fiction and surgical innovation. While early efforts were marked by limited success and ethical controversy, recent advances in genetic engineering, immunosuppression, and organ preservation have brought the field closer than ever to clinical reality.In this episode of B
OBGYN Oral Board Review - Sample Episode: Adnexal Emergency
INTRODUCING Behind the Knife OBGYN Oral Board Review!The oral boards aren't just about knowledge—they are about executing under pressure. This course is designed to give you the structure and confidence to command the room. We have curated 98 high-yield scenarios covering the "Big Three" of the exam: Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Office Practice. Whether it’s a surgical emergency or a complex clini
The Prelim Playbook: Tips, Tricks, and Unspoken Rules for Success
In this episode, we explore the grueling realities of the general surgery preliminary year—a high-stakes, one-year audition for surgical trainees operating without a safety net. We sit down with a program director, a former IMG prelim turned attending, and a recently successful SOAP applicant to uncover exactly what it takes to survive the scramble and excel clinically. Listen in to learn actiona
Clinical Challenges in Hepatobiliary Surgery: Pancreatic Cysts
Identification of pancreatic cystic lesions has become increasingly common due to improved resolution and increased utilization of cross-sectional imaging. However, there are many types of pancreatic cysts, each with varying degrees of malignant potential. In this episode from the HPB team at Behind the Knife, listen in as we discuss the clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up, and management st
Clinical Challenges in Colorectal Surgery: Management of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
With the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer in those less than 50 years of age, one must wonder how many patients present with a Stage IV diagnosis. Take a deep dive with us discussing the management of metastatic colorectal cancer by joining our team and guests, Drs. Cathy Eng, Michael D’Angelica, and Nina Sanford.Hosts: - Dr. Janet Alvarez - General Surgery Resident at New York Medical C
Healthcare Econ 101 - Ep. 3: Decoding the Black Box (Billing & Coding)
In the final installment of the Healthcare Econ 101 miniseries, Dr. Christopher Childers and Dr. Nina Clark demystify the "black box" of medical billing and coding. This episode breaks down the two essential components of every medical bill: ICD codes, which identify the patient's diagnosis (the "why"), and CPT codes, which describe the specific services or procedures performed (the "what"). The
Healthcare Econ 101 - Ep. 2: Show Me the Money (RVUs & DRGs)
Ever wonder why a complex gallbladder surgery only nets the surgeon about $350, while the hospital collects thousands? In this episode, Dr. Christopher Childers and Dr. Nina Clark pull back the curtain on how the money actually flows in medicine. From the birth of the RVU to the "Two Midnight Rule," we’re breaking down the math behind your paycheck.Next Step: Ready to make sure you're actually ge
Healthcare Econ 101 - Ep. 1: The Language of Money & Insurance Structures
Ever feel like you’re fluent in medical jargon but totally illiterate when it comes to the business side of surgery? You’re not alone. In this series premiere, Dr. Christopher Childers (Surgical Oncologist and health policy expert) joins Dr. Nina Clark to demystify the "second world" of medicine: healthcare finance. We’re breaking down the basic vocabulary every surgeon needs to advocate for them
Perfect Practice Makes Perfect - Our AI Simulator is Kicking Ass
The high-stakes world of surgical oral boards just got a high-tech upgrade. In this episode, the Behind the Knife team dives deep into the 2026 evolution of their AI Oral Board Simulator. With over 10,000 exams completed and a 99% recommendation rate from recent examinees, we’re showing you how AI is leveling the playing field for residents everywhere.Join Drs. Georgoff, Swenson, and Ali as they
Unlocking the How and Why: Qualitative Research in Surgery
In surgery, when we think of research, often we picture randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and big data sets. But have you ever considered what we might miss by limiting our research programs to quantitative inquiry? What if you want to understand the culture or identity of your department or your training program? Or, what If you want to understand the values, priorities, and lived exp
USA vs. UK: ASGBI Ep. 9 - The Anatomy of Promoting Surgical Quality: Structure, Process, and Outcomes
Surgical quality is a term that is often thrown around in surgical practice. We have multiple quality improvement projects, metrics and benchmarks that motivate us to do better, and of course the ever expanding patient reviews to possibly “reflect” the type of surgical care provided. But what does quality actually mean? What metrics can we use to understand the type of care being provided by ours
Journal Review in Surgical Education: A Perfect Match
The Match. Two words that define the trajectory of every physician’s career in the United States. But how does the algorithm actually work, and who is looking out for the applicants navigating this high-stakes process? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Donna Lamb, President and CEO of the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), to pull back the curtain on one of medicine’s most consequentia
Clinical Challenges in Minimally Invasive Surgery: Emerging Robotics and Adapting Laparoscopy – An Interview with Dr. Jim Porter
Robotic surgery has moved from novelty to norm, and in this episode of Behind the Knife, Drs. James Jung and Joey Lew sit down with urologic pioneer and Medtronic CMO Dr. Jim Porter to dissect how we got here, what the data really say about “the death of laparoscopy,” and where competing robotic platforms like Hugo may take the field next. From ergonomics and education to economics and global acc
Journal Review in Surgical Oncology: Melanoma
Join the Behind the Knife Surgical Oncology Team as we discuss the PRADO and NADINA randomized control trials regarding neoadjuvant therapy in Stage III melanoma with macroscopic nodal disease!Hosts:Timothy Vreeland, MD, FACS (@vreelant) is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and Surgical Oncologist at Brooke Army Medical Center.Daniel Nel
Resident Professional Development Time: When to Take it, How to Fund It, and How to Make it Count
Research years. Professional development time. Career exploration.Whatever you call it, stepping out of clinical residency can feel confusing, intimidating, and oddly hard to plan for. In this episode of Behind the Knife, our BTK Surgical Education Fellows Drs. Elizabeth Maginot, Nicole Petcka, Agnes Premkumar, Kara Button, Emma Burke, and Michelle LaBella sit down with Dr. Daniel Nussbaum, Assoc
Clinical Challenges in Transplant Surgery: Deceased Donor Abdominal Recovery - A Step-by-Step Guide
Abdominal organ procurement is a high-stakes operation that blends anatomy, speed, and coordinated teamwork. In this Behind the Knife episode, the UNMC transplant team walks through the practical “how-to” of deceased donor abdominal recovery—covering OR roles and logistics, key anatomic maneuvers, cannulation/flush troubleshooting, and the workflow differences that matter most between donation af
Clinical Challenges in Bariatric Surgery: Integration of Obesity Management Medications (OMMs)
What happens when the world of GLP-1s collides with the operating room? Today, we’re diving into the new era of obesity care. Hosts· Matthew Martin, trauma and bariatric surgeon at the University of Southern California/Los Angeles General Medical Center (Los Angeles, California) @docmartin2· Adrian Dan, bariatric and MIS surgeon, program director for the advanced MIS bariatric and for
Parental Support: Policies In Surgery Training
In surgical residency, cases are long, expectations are high, and patient care always comes first. But then you become a parent, and suddenly you’re navigating pregnancy risk, parental leave, and lactation logistics in a system that wasn’t built for it. We’ve made meaningful progress over the past decade, but too many trainees still face becoming parents in residency without clear, consistent sup
Parental Support: The 5-in-6 Pathway - Flexibility in Surgical Residency Training
You’re in the middle of surgical residency, and you realize you need more than a few weeks away from clinical responsibilities. Maybe you need more time to be a parent, recover from an illness, care for family, learn a new skill, or simply create space to reflect and reset. What if you could complete five years of training over six calendar years by spreading that time out in a way that fits your
Operative Standards for Cancer Surgery Series: Papillary Thyroid Cancer
This new mini-series on Behind the Knife will delve into the technical aspects of the Operative Standards for Cancer Surgery, developed through the American College of Surgeons Cancer Research Program. This second episode highlights the thyroid cancer operative standard.Hosts:Tracy Wang, MD, MPH, FACS is a Professor of Surgery and Vice-Chair of Strategic and Professional Development at the Medica
Behind the Knife ABSITE 2026 - Quick Hits 4
Behind the Knife ABSITE 2026 – Up-to-date and high yield learning to help you DOMINATE the exam.Don’t forget to check out our ABSITE Podcast Companion Book available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Behind-Knife-ABSITE-Podcast-Companion/dp/B0CLDQWZG3/ref=monarch_sidesheetBe sure to check out our free study aid, which includes all 32 review episodes, brief written summaries, high yield images, and
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