Doc Discussions with Dr. Jason Edwards

What happens when a talented physician journeys from Pakistan's largest city to the heart of the American healthcare system? Dr. Sajid Zafar's remarkable path from Karachi to becoming a respected gastroenterologist in St. Louis reveals fascinating insights about medicine, migration, and the ever-evolving landscape of digestive health. Dr. Zafar takes us behind the scenes of modern gastro...

What makes a healthcare experience truly life-changing? This week, we explore the impactful dynamics of hope and optimism in patient care with Dr. Jim Esther, an experienced rheumatologist. Delving deeply into the concept that positivity isn't just a nice-to-have, we illuminate how optimism can fundamentally reshape patient interactions and outcomes. As we share personal anecdotes and profess...

Step into an insightful conversation with Dr. Scott Geiger, a distinguished plastic surgeon whose career uniquely blends military and medical experiences. From his early days flying jets in the Navy to rebuilding lives through reconstructive surgery, Scott shares stories that illustrate the profound influence that physical transformation can have on self-esteem and overall happiness. With a focus...

Discover the extraordinary journey of Dr. Ruth Decker, a leading thyroid and parathyroid surgeon whose unique blend of medical and legal expertise is transforming patient care. Explore how her roots in Sheboygan, education at Northwestern University and the University of Wisconsin, and a law degree from Washington University have shaped her innovative approach to surgery. Dr. Decker shares her sec...

Discover the inspiring journey of Dr. Devon Myers, whose path from collegiate baseball player at Truman State University to a leading sports medicine specialist offers valuable insights into the world of athletic health and recovery. Dr. Myers shares his experiences and lessons learned from growing up in Fenton, playing college baseball, and his transformative role as a patient care tech at MOBAP....

Ever wondered if the pressures of modern medicine are taking a toll on our doctors? Dr. Tom Pohlman, a committed nephrologist and key figure in the physician burnout committee, joins us to shed light on this critical issue. Together, we navigate the historical landscape of physician burnout, revealing its rise in prominence and the pivotal role played by Dr. Maslach in bringing this to the forefro...

Have you ever wondered how a career in medicine can transform with a shift in focus and approach? Join us in a captivating conversation with Katie Hewn-Usry, who shares her remarkable journey from managing a bustling traditional medical practice with her husband, Gabe, to embracing the world of concierge medicine in St. Louis. Katie's story is one of passion and dedication to understanding he...

Discover the journey of Dr. Nick Boston, a remarkable general surgeon who has transformed the landscape of surgical care with his expertise and dedication. From his roots in Centerville, Ohio, to his outstanding education at Ohio State University, Dr. Boston's story is both inspiring and informative. We dive into the world of general surgery, focusing on the significant advancements brought a...

Dr. Richard Rames, Jr. sheds light on the importance of joint health in maintaining both physical and mental well-being, discussing preventative measures and advances in orthopedic treatment. He provides insights into effective strategies to reduce injury risks, emphasizing the role of exercise, weight management, and nutrition. • Understanding common orthopedic injuries and their treatments  • Im...

Join us for a fascinating journey with Dr. Jonas Cooper, St. Luke's acclaimed cardiologist and electrophysiologist who shares his life story from Toronto to St. Louis, and his work as an "electrician" for the heart. Together, we navigate everything from high-volume pacemaker implantation to the imperative of cardiovascular exercise, and even uncover Dr. Cooper’s literary muse, Malco...

Dr. Michael Ogawa joins us for a heartfelt conversation as we trace his compelling path from a childhood in Garland, Texas, to becoming a dedicated medical oncologist in St. Louis. His journey through the halls of Washington University and Texas A&M is more than just a career story; it's a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Alongside reflections on his cherished partnersh...

After growing up in a working-class neighborhood in South St. Louis, Dave McMillan's journey led him to the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Today, he joins us to discuss how this pivotal chapter in his life not only expanded his worldview but also set the stage for his future career in education. Listen as Dave shares how the diverse bonds formed at Fort Leonard Wood and his deploy...

Discover the surprising ways you can take control of your heart health as we welcome Dr. Craig Reiss, a leading cardiologist from St. Luke's with an impressive track record that spans WashU, the University of Missouri, and Harvard. With heart disease affecting millions, Dr. Reiss provides invaluable insights into prevention and management strategies that go beyond the basics. He breaks down e...

What do cliff diving, The Cure, and a career in urology have in common? Join us as Dr. Randall Dooley shares how his unexpected journey into urology became a life-changing experience, all thanks to a canceled plastics rotation. This episode offers a captivating glimpse into the mind of a urologist who has mastered the art of balancing a demanding medical career with an array of exhilarating hobbie...

Dr. Jeremy Leidenfrost, a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon at St. Luke's, opens up about the extraordinary effort required to maintain a top-ranked cardiothoracic surgery program. Listeners will learn how high surgical volumes are key to sharpening the skills of both surgeons and their teams. Dr. Leidenfrost also discusses the vital roles of specialized anesthesiologists and post-operative car...

What if the relentless cycle of news isn't just keeping you informed but also compromising your well-being? Join us as Dr. Jason Edwards sits down with Emily Rosencrans, the insightful director of spiritual care services at St. Luke's, to uncover the profound impact of constant media consumption on our mental and emotional health. Together, we unravel the intricate link between stress an...

Discover how the ancient practice of variolation laid the groundwork for one of the greatest medical triumphs in history: vaccination. Join us as we sit down with Dr. Bill Campbell, an infectious disease expert from St. Luke's, to explore the compelling evolution of vaccines from early observations in ancient Asia and Africa to Edward Jenner’s pioneering work with cowpox in the 1790s. Dr. Cam...

What does it take to break barriers in the world of surgery? Join us for an engaging conversation with Dr. Nanette Wendel, an inspirational figure in the medical field, as she recounts her incredible journey from the University of Michigan to becoming the Medical Director of the Women's Center at St. Luke's. Dr. Wendel offers a candid look at the gender dynamics and rigorous challenges s...

Can you truly balance the demands of being a physician with the unpredictable nature of parenting? Join us as we explore this question with Dr. Pearl Philip, an infectious disease specialist, who shares her heartwarming and often humorous experiences of juggling her medical career and motherhood. From the structured world of medicine to the chaos of raising children, Dr. Philip's stories high...

Are you ready to uncover the secrets behind managing respiratory health in today's challenging environment? Join us as we engage in a compelling conversation with Dr. Bobby Shah, a distinguished pulmonologist at St. Luke's. Dr. Shah provides an invaluable look into his daily practice, balancing hospital duties, patient consultations, and high-stakes procedures like lung biopsies. We delv...

Discover the inspiring journey of Dr. Matthew Ricks as he shares his path from rural roots to transforming lives through weight loss surgeries. In this episode, Dr. Ricks walks us through the intricacies of sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and duodenal switch, detailing how these procedures help patients achieve true satiety and effective weight loss. Learn about the strict criteria for candida...

Ever wondered how screen time is impacting your child's development? Join us as we chat with Dr. Lisa Ryan, a pediatrician and former immunology researcher, who explains the hidden dangers of excessive screen use and offers practical tips for parents to strike a healthy balance. As the school year begins, she shares invaluable advice for ensuring your children engage in essential activities l...

Discover the revolutionary advancements in blood cancer treatment with Dr. Mark Fesler, a leading hematologist and oncologist at St. Luke's. We promise you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the intricate phases of clinical trials, from safety assessments to efficacy evaluations. Dr. Fesler sheds light on the transformative shift from traditional cytotoxic drugs to cutting-edge imm...

Can resilience and music truly transform lives? Join us in this compelling episode as we sit down with Jason Edwards, MD, an expert in physiology and radiation oncology, to explore the multifaceted journey of improving life’s quality and length. We'll discuss the life and passing of beloved musician Jimmy Buffett due to Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive skin cancer. Jason provides...