Penn Medicine Physician Interviews

The Future of Proton Therapy

Wednesday, October 20, 2009 EDT

Proton therapy has existed for decades, but it's only recently begun to be clinically adopted. Rather than being a stand-alone treatment, this therapy is often best used in conjunction with surgery or chemotherapy. Outside of oncology, what other conditions might proton therapy be used to treat? Join host Dr. Lee Freedman and his guest, James Metz, MD, vice chair of the department of radiation oncology at Penn Medicine, to learn more about future directions of proton therapy.

Diagnosing Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors

Wednesday, October 14, 2009 EDT

Although gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, or GEP-NETs, are relatively common, they are often indolent. However, GEP-NETs can metastasize in a small portion of the population, so physicians should be aware of symptoms and screening tools. The two most common types of GEP-NETs are categorized as carcinoids and pancreatic endocrine tumors. What distinguishes the two? Host Dr. Lee Freedman welcomes David Metz, MD, professor of medicine and associate chief for clinical affairs in the division of gastroenterology at Penn Medicine, to discuss characteristics and diagnosis of GEP-NETs.

The Role of Proton Therapy for Primary Bone Cancer and Spinal Metastasis

Wednesday, October 14, 2009 EDT

What are the limitations of conventional treatment for primary bone cancer and spinal metastasis? How can proton therapy be particularly beneficial for treating primary bone tumors, which are found more often in pediatric patients? And what role can proton therapy play for patients with spinal metastasis? Michelle Alonso-Basanta, MD, PhD, the Helene Blum Assistant Professor in the department of radiation oncology at Penn Medicine, discusses some of the advantages of proton therapy, including precise targeting and reduced toxicity. Dr. Lee Freedman hosts.

The Promise of Proton Therapy for Lung Cancer

Tuesday, August 26, 2009 EDT

Because the lungs are sensitive to radiation, treating lung cancer can be challenging. What's the current standard of care for the management of inoperable non-small cell lung cancer, and how might proton therapy benefit patients with this condition? How does the efficacy of proton therapy for lung cancer compare to other therapies? Ramesh Rengan, MD, PhD, assistant professor of radiation oncology at Penn Medicine, evaluates the potential of proton therapy for lung cancer. Dr. Lee Freedman hosts.

Proton Therapy for Brain Tumors

Tuesday, August 26, 2009 EDT

What advantages are there to using proton therapy to treat brain tumors? Is proton therapy most effective when used alone or when it is integrated with conventional radiation therapy? What patients might benefit the most from proton therapy for treating their brain tumors? Robert Lustig, MD, professor of clinical radiation oncology and director of clinical operations in the department of radiation oncology at Penn Medicine, describes this exciting new therapy. Hosted by Dr. Lee Freedman.

Novel Adjuvant Therapies for Lung Cancer

Wed, July 13, 2009 EDT

Lung cancer is one of the most fatal types of cancer, but significant advances are being made. How are novel adjuvant post-operative therapies, including personalized therapies, improving survival and quality of life for patients with lung cancer? John C. Kucharczuk, MD, assistant professor of surgery and surgeon in the division of thoracic surgery at Penn Medicine, discusses clinical trials centered around adjuvant therapies for patients with lung cancer. Dr. Lee Freedman hosts.

Awake Craniotomy and Mapping Techniques for Brain Tumor Surgery

Fri, June 29, 2009 EDT

Awake craniotomy offers many advantages to brain tumor surgery, since it allows neurosurgeons to maximize surgical resection, while minimizing neurologic risks. Is this procedure well tolerated by most patients? What role does MRI mapping play in awake craniotomy? Donald O'Rourke, MD, associate professor of neurosurgery at the University of Pennsylvania Neurological Institute and the Abramson Cancer Center, discusses the exciting advances being made with awake craniotomy with host Dr. Lee Freedman.

Oral Mucosal Diseases

Fri, June 19, 2009 EDT

Some of the most common oral mucosal diseases include oral lichen planus and mucous membrane pemphigoid. Martin Greenberg, DDS, chief of oral medicine at Penn Medicine, joins host Dr. Lee Freedman to discuss how primary care physicians can diagnose these conditions, some of which are chronic. Oral lesions are often the first symptoms of various underlying systemic diseases, including Crohn's disease and sarcoidosis. At what point should a physician be concerned that an oral lesion might be the sign of a more serious condition?

The Link Between Psoriasis and Cardiac Conditions

Fri, June 5, 2009 EDT

Are patients with psoriasis more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, and what mechanisms might link these two conditions? Do the severity of psoriasis and the agents used to treat this condition factor in to determining a patient's cardiovascular risk? Host Dr. Lee Freedman asks Joel Gelfand, MD, MSCE, assistant professor of dermatology and medical director of the clinical studies unit in the department of dermatology at Penn Medicine, to describe what physicians should be aware of with patients who have psoriasis. Should these patients be screened more regularly for cardiovascular disease?

Prostatic Cryosurgery and Robotic Prostatectomy

Fri, May 29, 2009 EDT

Newer options for treating prostate cancer include cryosurgery and robotic prostatectomy. What does each of these methods involve and how can we determine the best treatment for our patients? David I. Lee, MD, assistant professor of surgery at Penn Medicine, explores the advantages, risks, and outcomes. Dr. Lee Freedman hosts.

Progress in Diagnosis and Treatment of Esophageal Cancer

Fri, May 29, 2009 EDT

Diagnosis of esophageal cancer has typically warranted a grim outlook, but prognosis is improving in many respects. Frank Spitz, MD, associate professor in the division of surgical oncology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, speaks about advances in diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer with host Dr. Lee Freedman. Whom should we screen for the disease? Once diagnosed, what are the likely prospects for a full return to functionality?

An Approach to Women's Cardiovascular Disease

Fri, May 29, 2009 EDT

In most cases of cardiovascular disease, women present the same way as men. Yet more women suffer atypical symptoms and the mortality rate is higher for women. With this in mind, should we take a different approach to cardiovascular disease in women? Ruchira Glaser, MD, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, talks with host Dr. Lee Freedman about the diagnostic value of vasospasms and exertion or resting pains, while also exploring structural concerns and the stratified risks of invasive therapy.

Beyond Dry Eyes: Signs of Sjogren's Syndrome

Fri, May 29, 2009 EDT

Sjogren's syndrome is a commonly overlooked autoimmune disorder. Dry eyes and whole-body dryness are just two of the symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome that can suggest other conditions as well. How does Sjogren's present itself beyond dry eyes, and how severe is the condition? Frederick Vivino, MD, FACR, clinical associate professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, describes some of the tests and therapies available for Sjogren's syndrome to host Dr. Lee Freedman.

Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration

Fri, May 29, 2009 EDT

Until recently, bronchoscopy has involved using cameras with CT guidance to determine abnormalities along the airway and lymph nodes. How is ultrasound now being used for bronchoscopic needle biopsies? What are other novel therapeutic applications for endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration? Andrew Haas, MD, assistant professor of medicine in the pulmonary, allergy and critical care division at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, discusses the diagnostic and therapeutic uses of ultrasound-guided bronchoscopy. Dr. Lee Freedman hosts.

When a Fracture Is More Than a Fracture

Fri, May 29, 2009 EDT

Samir Mehta, MD, chief of orthopedic trauma at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, discusses the role of the orthopedic traumatologist. What does this designation mean? What kind of special care or expertise do these specialists bring to the care of the patient? In what situations might an orthopedic traumatologist be called in for consultation? If you were in an accident, wouldn't you want this specialist called in to assist in your care? Dr. Lee Freedman hosts.

The Biomechanical Approach to Heart Disease

Fri, May 29, 2009 EDT

Joseph H. Gorman, III, MD, associate professor of surgery at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, discusses how many cardiovascular researchers consider the heart from a biochemical or genetic standpoint, but what are the advantages to a biomechanical approach? Dr. Gorman considers assessment of the pathogenesis of heart disease and heart failure at the organ level with host Dr. Lee Freedman. How are catheter-based techniques proving effective for treating structural heart failure?

Current Management Strategies for Atrial Fibrillation

Tues, September 30, 2008 EDT

Joshua Cooper, MD, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, outlines present approaches to this common, but often complex arrhythmia. Host Dr. Lee Freedman talks with Dr. Cooper about reversible causes to rule out before embarking on treatment of the primary arrhythmia, as well as proper methods for controlling ventricular response, and assessing clot risk strata. When should we be satisfied with rate control and anticoagulation, versus a full conversion back to normal sinus rhythm?

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Green Light for Laser Therapy?

Tues, September 30, 2008 EDT

Joseph F. Harryhill, MD, FACS, assistant clinical professor of surgery at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, outlines procedural considerations for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia with host Dr. Lee Freedman. Dr. Harryhill provides a contrast between more traditional approaches and newer therapies, including the GreenLight laser. Should you be referring your patients for laser therapy? If so, what might be his expected outcome?

A Female-Specific Approach to Cardiovascular Disease

Tues, September 30, 2008 EDT

Ruchira Glaser, MD, MSCE, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, discusses how, in most cases of cardiovascular disease, women present the same way as men. Yet more women suffer atypical symptoms and the mortality rate is higher for women. With this in mind, should we take a different approach to cardiovascular disease in women? Dr. Glaser talks with host Dr. Lee Freedman about the diagnostic value of vasospasms and exertion or resting pains, while also exploring structural concerns and the stratified risks of invasive therapy.

Advancing Diagnostic and Treatment Strategies for Glaucoma

Tues, September 30, 2008 EDT

Haram Ansari, MD, PhD, assistant professor of ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, discusses glaucoma and how although it is classically defined as a disease of high eye pressure, glaucoma is a much more complex condition. Dr. Ansari explores the evolution of our understanding of glaucoma with host Dr. Lee Freedman. What are the most common risk factors? What are the crucial elements of an accurate diagnosis? Dr. Ansari also reviews proper treatment strategies, and offers a glimpse at the future of advanced surgical therapies for glaucoma.

Improving the Lives for Our Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension

Tues, August 26, 2008 EDT

Paul Forfia, MD, cardiologist and director of the pulmonary hypertension program at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, discusses pulmonary hypertension with host Dr. Lee Freedman. Pulmonary hypertension can be devastating to our patients and is a leading cause of cardiovascular complications. How can we identify and address this condition in our patients, and therefore improve their lives?

Investigational Approaches to Structural and Valvular Heart Disease

Tues, August 26, 2008 EDT

Howard Herrmann, MD, professor of medicine and director of interventional cardiology and the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories within UPHS, discusses investigational, catheter-based treatment with host Dr. Lee Freedman. We are increasingly able to turn to non-surgical therapies for structural and valvular heart disease. What new devices are making these advances possible? What are the procedural risks?

Practice and Potential of Deep Brain Stimulation

Mon, August 11, 2008 EDT

Gordon Baltuch, MD, PhD discusses how deep brain stimulation, known as the ‘pacemaker for the brain,' has made noteworthy progress in treating Parkinson's disease. Dr. Gordon Baltuch, associate professor of neurosurgery, and director of the Center for Functional and Restorative Neurosurgery at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, joins host Dr. Lee Freedman to explain the technology and take a look ahead to its potential treatment applications for other diseases.

Smoking Cessation Therapies

Mon, August 11, 2008 EDT

Frank Leone, MD, MS, pulmonologist and Director of Comprehensive Smoking Treatment Programs at the University of Pennsylvania, discusses how the morbidities and health complications from smoking are certainly well established. And even with social trends increasingly making the life of a smoker more difficult, many of our patients still can't kick the habit. Joining your host, Dr. Lee Freedman, to discuss smoking cessation therapies is Dr. Leone. Dr. Leone covers the origins of the habit, nicotine addiction, and how to best approach patients with both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments.

Image-Guided Orthopaedic Surgery

Mon, August 11, 2008 EDT

Craig Israelite, MD, assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, discusses efforts to strive for less invasive procedures that still allow for the greatest precision possible. Developments in image-guided surgery are helping Penn meet this goal. Dr. Israelite joins host Dr. Lee Freedman to discuss computer-assisted tools for surgery. How has the field evolved since its inception ten years ago? What are the key risks or drawbacks to consider with this technology?

Metastatic Bone Cancer: Beyond the Diagnosis

Mon, August 11, 2008 EDT

Richard Lackman, MD, FACS, chair of orthopaedic surgery and director of the Sarcoma Center of Excellence at the Abramson Cancer Center, discusses what needs to be conveyed to patients when presented with metastasis to the bone, and which cases are more favorable for the prognosis. Dr. Lackman speaks with your host, Dr. Lee Freedman, about bone cancer, covering topics such as the approach to blastic vs. lytic lesions, impending fracture indicators, and surgical solutions for the patient.

Approaching Vulnerable Plaque in the Coronaries

Mon, June 30, 2008 EDT

Emile R. Mohler III, MD, associate professor of medicine and director of vascular medicine at UPHS, discusses how doctors should approach vulnerable plaques in the coronaries and how they can calculate more precise risk levels in both high- and average-risk patients. Host Dr. Lee Freedman addresses diagnosis and treatment options with Dr. Mohler.

Defining Benign vs. Malignant Palpable Masses

Mon, June 30, 2008 EDT

Richard Lackman, MD, FACS, chair of orthopaedic surgery and director of the Sarcoma Center of Excellence at the Abramson Cancer Center, discusses how to ensure a proper diagnosis when a patient presents doctors with a palpable mass. Is pain often a false gauge of severity? Dr. Lackman speaks about treatment modalities for a variety of palpable masses. When should patients be referred to a specialist?

Addressing Vascular Plaque Ruptures

Mon, June 30, 2008 EDT

Emile R. Mohler III, MD, associate professor of medicine and director of vascular medicine at UPHS, discusses how a ruptured vascular plaque with subsequent thrombus often triggers the heart attack that occurs without warning. How do we identify and treat at-risk cardiac patients? Host Dr. Lee Freedman discusses an array of tools to evaluate plaque burden and promote plaque stabilization with Dr. Mohler.

Damaged Nerve Tissue: Repair and Regeneration

Tues, June 10, 2008 EDT

Dr. Douglas Smith outlines the groundbreaking work being done in his lab with in vitro and in vivo repair of nerve tissue. Discussed are the growth and development of new nerve tissue in the lab and it's transplantation into animals with nerve injury. The potential of this technology to help humans in ways never before thought possible is also presented.

Surgical Treatment Options for Renal Cell Cancer

Tues, June 10, 2008 EDT

C. William Schwab II, MD, discusses how newer imaging techniques are uncovering smaller renal masses, which invite stronger consideration of nephron-sparing surgery as a treatment option. Dr. Schwab, assistant professor of surgery in the division of urology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, talks about the basics of laparoscopic and robot-assisted partial nephrectomy. Which procedure would fit your patient's profile?

The Gamma Knife – More Precise and Safer Treatment

Tues, June 10, 2008 EDT

Dr. John Y.K. Lee discusses the Gamma Knife radiosurgery – what it is, how it works, and how it is bringing better and safer treatment for brain tumors and other neurologic disorders to our patients.

Renal Cell Carcinoma and Partial Nephrectomy

Tuesday, May 27, 2008 EDT

C. William Schwab II, MD, discusses how in certain cases of renal cell cancer, patients are now given the option of partial nephrectomy, as opposed to complete kidney removal. Is this a viable alternative for your patients? Host Dr. Lee Freedman talks with Dr. Schwab, assistant professor of surgery in the division of urology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, about recent advances toward increasing the efficacy of this procedure.

A Primer on Adult Congential Heart Disease

Tuesday, May 27, 2008 EDT

Gary Webb, MD, professor of medicine and director of the Philadelphia Adult Congenital Heart Center within the University of Pennsylvania Health System, talks with host Dr. Lee Freedman about providing care for the growing population of adult patients saddled with congenital heart disease since childhood. When treating these patients, who often require lifelong surveillance, what risks and complications must we account for?

Implementing Proton Therapy for Cancer Treatment

Tuesday, May 27, 2008 EDT

Steve Hahn, MD, professor and chair of radiation oncology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, details advances in our understanding of proton therapy. This innovative cancer treatment could be of great benefit to patients, but, Dr. Hahn cautions, we're still in the early stages of development. Current research must be conducted with the utmost precision.

Molecular Biology and Personalized Cancer Therapy

Monday, May 19, 2008 EDT

Keith Flaherty, MD, a national leader in the understanding of signalling pathways and the molecular biology of cancer, discusses how breakthroughs in understanding intracellular pathways will lead to personalized cancer therapy. Agents such as Sorafenib may be among the first substances that will be used in unique combinations to thwart the growth and spread of malignancies. How will these agents be developed, studied and mixed together for the optimum clinical result? How will the intense research needed for this endeavor be funded? How will the future of cancer treatment be altered?

Severe Heart Failure: Keys to Survival

Monday, May 19, 2008 EDT

Mariell L. Jessup, MDdiscusses the approach to severe congestive heart failure. Could non-compliance be at fault in those who are failing? How to detect and remedy this situation. What can a heart failure specialist bring to the table? How are more sophisticated pacemakers, assist devices and transplants changing the prognosis for patients with class IV CHF?

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Think Surgery?

Monday, May 19, 2008 EDT

William C. Welch, MD, FACS, FICS reviews the approach to this common and disabling condition that affects our older patients. He reviews the diagnosis and initial treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis and then discusses how surgical techniques can bring relief to many of our patients.

Treatment for Cervical Stenosis and Radiculopathy

Monday, May 19, 2008 EDT

William C. Welch, MD, FACS, FICS, chief of neurosurgery at Pennsylvania Hospital, discusses the latest advances in the treatment of cervial stenosis and radiculopathy.

Hair Restoration

Monday, May 19, 2008 EDT

Barry H. Hendler, DDS, MD, with our OMS/Cosmetic Surgery Associates, discusses advances in hair restoration through micrografting and hair transplantation.

Expert Centers for Adult Congenital Heart Disease

Wednesday, April 9, 2008 EDT

Dr. Gary Webb outlines the way for providers to locate centers of excellence for care of adults with congenital heart disease. He also discusses the specialized care a patient may receive at such centers focusing specifically on the issues of contraception, pregnancy and genetic counselling.

Diabetes Diagnosis and Treatments

Wednesday, April 9, 2008 EDT

Stephen Rosen, MD, chief of endocrinology and metabolism at Pennsylvania Hospital talks about the latest diabetes diagnosis and treatments.

New Understandings in Traumatic Brain Injury

Monday, March 31, 2008 EDT

Douglas Smith, MD discusses the paradigm shift in our understanding of the mechanisms of traumatic brain injury. He explores how these new insights may impact our approach to various diseases including Alzhemier's disease.

Melanoma Basics: Are You Up To Date?

Wednesday, March 26, 2008 EDT

Christopher J. Miller, MD reviews basic and newer understandings about melanomas — how do they arise, what are risk factors, how are they recognized and diagnosed?

Cancer Care Designed for Patients 65 and Older

Tuesday, March 18, 2008 EDT

David M. Mintzer, MD, chief of hematology/oncology at Pennsylvania Hospital, discusses cancer care that is designed for patients 65 and older.

The Diabetes Epidemic

Monday, March 17, 2008 EDT

Mitchell A. Lazar, MD, PhD, professor of medicine and genetics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and director of the Penn Diabetes Center, discusses the magnitude of the diabetes epidemic. The CDC has ominously projected that one in three children born in the year 2000 will develop diabetes in his or her lifetime. What can we do to prevent the CDC's prediction from materializing?

Comprehensive Smoking Treatment Program

Tuesday, March 11, 2008 EDT

Frank Leone, MD, MS, director of the Comprehensive Smoking Treatment Programs, discusses how to learn to quit smoking safely and comfortably.

Rotator Cuff Tears: New Understandings

Monday, March 10, 2008 EDT

Louis Soslowsky, PhD discusses how new understandings of the pathophysiology of tendon-to-bone repair is leading to a new therapeutic approach to rotator cuff tears.

Surgical Advances in Knee Osteoarthritis

Monday, March 3, 2008 EDT

Craig Israelite, MD discusses the approach to the common and often disabling problem of knee osteoarthritis. A brief review of non-surgical approaches is followed by a discussion of techniques such as image guided surgery, minimally invasive surgery, partial knee replacements and the post-operative use of multi-modal pain strategies.

Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease

Wednesday, February 27, 2008 EDT

H. Branch Coslett, MD, chief of the section of cognitive neurology, discusses the latest research and advances in the treatment of Alzheimier's disease and other dementias.

Surgical Treatment Options for Gastrointestinal Diseases

Wednesday, February 27, 2008 EDT

Jeffrey A. Drebin, MD, PhD, FACS, chief of the division of gastrointestinal surgery, discusses surgical treatment options for gastrointestinal diseases.

Ovarian Function, Fertility, and Cancer Therapy

Wednesday, February 27, 2008 EDT

Clarisa Gracia, MD, MSCE, discusses ovarian function and fertility before, during and after cancer treatments. The new ways in which we are beginning to perserve fertility provides hope for young cancer patients.

Alzheimer's Disease: What Does the Future Hold?

Wednesday, February 27, 2008 EDT

John Trojanowski, MD, PhD discusses the implications of our aging population in terms of the future burden of Alzheimier's disease: financial and human costs. He then reviews newer directions for the prevention and treatment of this possible epidemic.

Can You Diagnose and Treat Early Heart Failure?

Monday, February 18, 2008 EDT

Mariell L. Jessup, MD first covers the diagnosis of heart failure: despite our technologic advances, this is still a clinical diagnosis. She then reviews the appropriate use of testing including echocardiography and BNP. When should these be ordered? When should a cardiologist be consulted? Finally, she reviews the essentials of treatment of systolic and diastolic heart failure including medications and lifestyle interventions.

Orthopaedic Surgery

Monday, February 11, 2008 EDT

G. Russell Huffman, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at University of Pennsylvania, discusses orthopaedic surgery.

New Thinking on Spinal Surgery

Monday, February 11, 2008 EDT

Dr. William Welch, the chief of neurosurgery at Pennsylvania Hospital, discusses both the concepts and the practical specifics of new approaches to the surgical treatment of spinal disorders. Dr. Welch touches on surgery for spine trauma as well as for spinal metastases and spinal stenosis. He outlines new devices such as the X-Stop interspinous process device, spinal implants and various motion preservation systems that are being used in place of traditional fusions.

Novel Treatments for Diabetes

Mon, Februay 11, 2008 EDT

Dr. Mitchell Lazar discusses exciting new innovations in our approach to both type I and type II diabetes including Islet cell transplantation, medications for beta cell preservation and new insights into the control of obesity.

Surgical Breakthroughs In Hip Osteoarthritis

Thursday, February 7, 2008 EDT

Dr. Craig Israelite intially reviews some basic concepts in the approach to osteoarthritis. He then outlines recent surgical advances in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip that have led to better outcomes for our patients. These include minimally invasive surgery, progress in postoperative rehabilitation and the development of new bearing surfaces that both improve range of motion and extend the life of the hip prosthesis.

Hematology/Oncology

Thursday, February 7, 2008 EDT

Lynn M. Schuchter, MD, professor of medicine, and division chief of hematology/oncology at University of Pennsylvania, and a leader of the melanoma program at Penn's Abramson Cancer Center, discusses hematology/oncology.

Pacemaker for the Brain

Mon, January 21, 2008 EDT

Dr. John Y.K. Lee discusses the use of Deep Brain Stimulation as a new option for the treatment of Parkinsonian tremor and other movement disorders.

The Paradigm Shift In Our Approach to Medications

Mon, January 21, 2008 EDT

Dr. Garrett FitzGerald outlines how the collaborative work of multiple disciplines is leading to a brave new world when it comes to the development of medications and how, in the near future, the concepts of drug efficacy and safety will be redefined.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Cancer – New Ideas

Fri, January 18, 2008 EDT

Dr. Tracey Evans discusses the the latest thinking in regard to screening and case finding for lung cancer. Dr. Evans then reviews newer approaches to the treatment of various types and stages of lung cancer.

Overuse Tendon Injuries – New Approaches

Fri, January 18, 2008 EDT

Dr. Louis Soslowsky, from the University of Pennsylvania Health System, outlines how newer understanding of the mechanism of injury in overuse syndromes is leading to new approaches in treatment. Dr. Soslowsky shares his expertise in biomedical engineering to help doctors fine tune their approach to rotator cuff tendinosis, epicondylitis and other common clinical problems caused by overused tendons.

The Promise of Proton Therapy

Fri, January 18, 2008 EDT

Dr. Steve Hahn discusses what proton therapy is and how it may be used to attack cancers in new and promising ways that will reduce morbidity and side effects.

Personalized Medicine

Fri, January 18, 2008 EDT

Dr. Garrett FitzGerald discusses how advances in molecular biology and our understanding of the human genome will lead to a paradigm shift in how we approach the development and prescibing of medications for our patients.

New Directions in the Treatment of Lung Cancer

Fri, January 18, 2008 EDT

Dr. Tracey Evans discusses developing agents for use in the treatment of this often deadly disease.

Back Pain and Spinal Disorders

Fri, January 18, 2008 EDT

William C. Welch, MD, FACS, FICS, chief of neurosurgery at Pennsylvania Hospital, discusses back pain and spinal disorders.

Gynecologic Oncology

Fri, January 18, 2008 EDT

Dr. Thomas C. Randall, chief of gynecologic oncology at Pennsylvania Hospital, discusses gynecologic oncology.

Hand/Wrist Injuries and Disorders

Fri, January 18, 2008 EDT

Dr. David Bozentka, chief of orthopedic surgery at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, discusses hand/wrist injuries and disorders.

Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease

Fri, January 18, 2008 EDT

Dr. Gregory Tino, a physician and director of Pulmonary Outpatient Practices at HUP, discusses chronic obstruction pulmonary disease.

Hematology-Oncology

Fri, January 18, 2008 EDT

Dr. Arthur M. Feldman, a physician of Hematology-Oncology at Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, discusses hematology-oncology.

Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy

Fri, January 18, 2008 EDT

Dr. Lee Kirksey, a surgeon and vascular director of the Penn Wound Care Center at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, discusses vascular surgery and endovascular therapy.

Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility

Fri, January 18, 2008 EDT

Dr. Maureen Kelly, an Ob/Gyn physician discusses reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Penn Health for Women.

Lung Cancer and Disease, Thoracic Surgery

Fri, January 18, 2008 EDT

Dr. John C. Kucharczuk of the Thoracic Surgery Division at Pennsylvania Hospital discusses Lung Cancer and Disease, Thoracic Surgery.

Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Fri, January 18, 2008 EDT

Dr. Arthur Staddon, Director, Joan Karnell Cancer Center; Director, Bone or Soft Tissue Sarcoma Program at Pennsylvania Hospital, discusses cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Arthritis of the Hip/Knee and Hip/Knee Replacement

Fri, January 18, 2008 EDT

Dr. Craig Israelite is a Co-Director of Knee Implant Service and an Assistant Professor in the Department Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Health System. Dr. Israelite specializes in hip and knee arthroscopy, complex hip and knee reconstruction and minimally invasive total hip and knee replacement.

Heart Rhythm Disorders

Fri, January 18, 2008 EDT

Dr. Josh Cooper, Assistant Professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and an Electrophysiologist talking about heart rhythm disorders.

Differentiating the Dementias

Fri, January 18, 2008 EDT

Dr. John Trojanowski discusses how to differentiate the types of dementia and how making these distinctions can lead to different approaches in terms of management.