Dueling Scalpels

What can genetic testing actually tell us—and what happens when the science advances faster than our ability to interpret, afford, and govern it? Pediatric neurogeneticist Dr. Amitha Ananth joins Abhishek and Corey for a wide-ranging conversation about the uncertainty behind genetic testing, the promise and ethical complexity of newborn screening, and why a genetic finding is not always a diagnosi...

Abhishek and Corey take on robotic surgery from the surgeon’s side: what the technology actually does, why patients often misunderstand it, and where it delivers the most value. They trace its unusual origins, question “center of excellence” marketing, and debate whether better ergonomics and precision justify the cost. Finally, they look ahead to imaging-guided surgery, autonomous robots, and whe...

Dr. Abhishek Parmar and Dr. Corey Campbell dig into one of the most misunderstood parts of hernia surgery: mesh. They break down what a hernia actually is, why mesh is usually used, why complications often get blamed on the wrong thing, and how minimally invasive technique changes the risk profile. They also branch into sports hernias, biologic mesh, mesh allergy, and the broader problem of medica...

In this episode, Abhishek and Corey welcome their longtime friend and former medical school classmate, Dr. Lindsay Frederick, an OB-GYN whose career has taken her from private practice in rural Alabama back into academic medicine.  The conversation quickly turns into a funny, personal, and career-focused chat about how she found her way into obstetrics and gynecology. The episode covers her path f...

Dr. Abhishek Parmar and Dr. Corey Campbell keep things loose in this episode as they move from podcast housekeeping to a spirited conversation about college football. They dig into why the sport is so entertaining, how NIL has changed the landscape, and why the chaos around rankings, transfers, and conference realignment keeps fans hooked. Abhishek learns it N-I-L and not “nil.” Key topics ·      ...

Drs. Corey Campbell and Abhishek Parmar talk about leadership in surgery through the lens of operating room culture, training, and decision-making under pressure. They unpack how surgical leadership differs from management, why clear expectations matter, and how calm, safety-focused communication can shape better outcomes for teams and patients. In this episode, Corey and Abhishek also break down...

This episode of Dueling Scalpels features Dr. Abhishek Parmar and Corey Campbell digging into what AI actually changes in medicine. They focus on where it helps, where it creates risk, and why context, expertise, and accountability still matter. TL:DR: “AI makes you more capable, but it makes you dumber as well.” In this episode: Dr. Parmar and Dr Campbell discuss whether AI makes clinicians more...

In this episode, hosts Corey and Abhishek dig into the societal challenges facing men and boys in the 21st century. They cover biological development differences, education gaps, cultural expectations, and the impact of technology on social bonds—highlighting what societal structures could do to support healthier male identities. Key topics: The impact of neurodevelopmental differences between boy...

Join hosts Dr. Abhishek Barmar and Dr. Corey Douglas Campbell as they continue their discussion with Dr. Jinnie Kim Page, a distinguished board-certified plastic surgeon, for a candid discussion on gender dynamics, surgical artistry, medical training, and the evolving landscape of medicine. This episode offers an illuminating look into the personal and professional journeys shaping the future of h...

Join us as we dive into an engaging chat with Dr. Jinnie Kim Page, a board-certified plastic surgeon with a wealth of experience in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. We explore her journey from medical school to complex surgeries, her thoughts on surgical artistry, and the evolving landscape of medicine. In this episode: Dr. Page shares her inspiring story of discovering anatomy and falling in...

In this episode, Dr. Abhishek Parmar and Dr. Douglas Corey Campbell dive into the complex, often flawed world of medical research. They explore how research quality, funding, and systemic pressures shape the scientific landscape, especially in surgery. Main Topics: The true nature and pitfalls of medical research practices How funding and institutional pressures distort scientific inquiry The real...

In this episode, surgeons Dr. Abhishek Parmar and Dr. Corey Campbell ask the fundamental question – Is General Surgery Dead? If it’s not already, should it be? The surgeons dive into the realities of rural surgery, the importance of specialization, and Corey names the most overrated surgical instrument. Their candid discussion sheds light on modern surgical training, systemic challenges, and pract...

Most surgeons underestimate the chaos behind the scenes of hospital call days—and what it takes to survive them. In this candid, hilarious episode, Dr. Abhishek Parmar and Dr. Corey Campbell dive into the real truth about surgical residency, night-shift horror stories, and the myth of being “ready” to operate. They talk about the origins of surgical residency, challenges of work hours, and if resi...

In this episode, Dr. Abhishek Parmar and Dr. Corey Campbell explore the nuanced relationship between medical training, fitness culture, and the global spectacle of the World Cup. They also delve into how social media influences health perceptions and the gaps in medical education regarding wellness.

Most surgeons today are more proficient and outcome-driven than ever, but behind the scenes, burnout is quietly reshaping healthcare — and it’s affecting everyone, from the OR to the hospital corridors. If you’ve ever wondered what’s really happening in modern medicine, and whether our relentless push for efficiency is helping or harming the healers, this episode is a must-listen.

Two best friends and surgeons, Corey and Abhishek discuss various topics, including the nature of podcasts, the authenticity of medical representation in media, and the challenges of practicing medicine. The discussion touches on the importance of credentials, the complexity of modern medicine, and the personal connections they maintain with their patients. AI once again makes an appearance as Abh...

Surgeons Abhishek Parmar and Dr. Corey Campbell launch Dueling Scalpels, introduce their long friendship from medical school, and explain their goal of offering a more authentic perspective on healthcare and the surgeon mindset. 

Abhishek and Corey explore the contradictions of wealth, space exploration, and altruism. They discuss whether true altruism exists, critique Elon Musk's ventures, and examine how market valuations influence societal perceptions. The episode delves into the American Dream, wealth visibility, and the ethical responsibilities of the ultra-rich.