Advance with MUSC Health

Dr. Steve Akman has spent more than four decades in the field of hematology-oncology, helping hundreds of women facing a breast cancer diagnosis. In this episode, he  talks about the importance of breast cancer screening, how to assess your breast cancer risk, and current approaches to breast cancer treatment. Splitting his time between MUSC Hollings Cancer Center and more rural clinics withi...

Maintaining a healthy weight can feel like an impossible challenge, especially for those who suffer with complex medical issues that can cause weight gain and lead to obesity. Chronic weight issues are often linked to diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer, posing additional health risks. While healthy diet and exercise will always be foundational to maintaining physica...

The MUSC Health Amyloidosis Center of Excellence offers a multidisciplinary approach to cardiac amyloidosis, with expertise from specialists such as Dr. Jan Griffin . Treatments have greatly advanced in recent years for this rare and life-threatening condition. In this episode, Dr. Griffin discusses these advancements and therapies available to treat this condition as well as ongoing research on t...

There's a science behind how to stay hydrated during physical activity, and it isn't always as simple as drinking water when you feel thirsty. In this episode, Alaine Mills, MS, RD, LD, shares insights on how athletes keep their bodies hydrated, and how you can maintain a healthy optimal hydration. She is an MUSC Health registered dietitian and certified specialist in sports dietetics at the MUSC...

Eye problems, while often benign, can sometimes be the first sign of a serious health condition. Peter Tang, MD, PhD , is an ophthalmologist at the MUSC Health Storm Eye Institute, where he specializes in retina surgery and ocular oncology, or cancer in and around the eye. In this episode, Dr. Tang discusses Storm Eye’s collaborative and holistic approach to eye care, the latest innovations in tre...

Breast cancer survival rates are higher than they’ve ever been. For patients requiring surgery, high-quality breast reconstruction that is both aesthetic and safe can be crucial to long-term well-being. Advances in technology and surgical techniques at MUSC are leading to more natural options for reconstruction, allowing women to look and feel more like themselves following surgery. Joining the sh...

We are marking Colon Cancer Awareness Month with a valuable discussion about the importance of early detection of colorectal cancer as well as the latest treatments that can offer hope and improved outcomes for patients. In this episode, two colorectal surgeons from MUSC Health Midlands division, Dr. Kasim Mirza and Dr. Jarrott Moore, discuss MUSC’s multidisciplinary approach and full spectrum of...

Colorectal cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in the world. While older Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, it has been on the rise in people under the age of 50 in recent decades. In this episode, Dr. Maggie Westfal discusses details on new screening recommendations aimed to catch the disease in younger people. Dr. Maggie Westfal is a MUSC Health colon and rectal...

Spine issues, which often result in neck, mid-back, or low-back pain, can make every day a challenge. In fact, spine-related pain is one of the most common reasons people contact a doctor. In this episode, MUSC Health neurosurgeon Adam Back, MD, shares new approaches and personalized treatment plans available to MUSC patients with spinal issues. Dr. Back talks about surgical and non-surgical ways...

More women are surviving breast cancer than ever before yet, the statistic remains that breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. In this episode, Dr. Abi Siva , a MUSC Health breast oncologist, explains the latest offerings in treatment and early detection from MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, that are helping more women live longer, healthier lives after a breast cancer dia...

Pancreatic cancer is among the deadliest of cancers. But in the last few decades, far more people are surviving this disease. In this episode, William Hawkins, MD , a surgical oncologist at MUSC Health, explains why pancreatic cancer is so difficult to treat while also providing hope for those who may be undergoing treatment. Hawkins also highlights the role of cancer research in saving lives, inc...

An innovator and expert in both robotic surgery and general surgical education, Kevin Roggin, MD , was recently appointed Chief of Surgical Oncology at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. He brings more than 20 years of experience in surgical oncology to his new role. Roggin shares his vision for the division, his views on patient-centered care in surgical oncology, and how robotics may enhance many comp...

Dysphagia is a swallowing condition that causes challenges when eating or drinking and can lead to serious complications such as choking or pneumonia infections caused by aspiration. In this episode, Erin Ward, a speech language pathologist from the MUSC Health Florence Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, talks about this condition and treatments offered at MUSC Health.

MUSC Hollings Cancer Center is establishing a new precision oncology program and a precision oncology tumor board that will improve cancer care across South Carolina. Thai Ho, MD, PhD is leading this effort and in this episode shares insight into precision oncology offerings at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, the precision oncology tumor board, as well as his expertise in treating and studying kidney...

Residents of the Lancaster and Chester counties don’t need to travel far from home to receive state-of-the-art surgical care. Aravind Viswanathan, MD, a urologist and director for robotic surgery at MUSC Health Lancaster Division , discusses the range of urologic oncology and other surgical options offered, including the da Vinci robotic surgical system, a technology that offers shorter hospital s...

For more than 40 years, the MUSC Health Weight Management Center has been offering leading edge programs to help people lose weight and improve their quality of life. Tonya Turner, MPH, RDN, LDN, is the associate director for clinical services and a registered dietitian and nutrition specialist at the Weight Management Center. In this episode, she describes the range of programs and tools offered...

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in men and women. Ye, recent data shows the majority of American women don't realize that heart disease is the biggest threat to their health. In this episode, Aarsi Maran, MD, a MUSC Health interventional cardiologist, dispels some myths about women and heart disease and shares ways women can take charge of their heart health.

In this episode of Advance with MUSC Health , Jennifer Patchett, MD , an OB/GYN at MUSC Women's Health - Florence Women’s Pavilion , discusses how she uses the robotic da Vinci surgical system to provide minimally invasive gynecological surgeries to patients. Patchett calls the device a game changer for women undergoing hysterectomies and other gynecological surgeries.

MUSC Health Florence Medical Center has received many awards and accolades for its commitment to breastfeeding support. Lela Gregg, a Lactation Specialist and Baby Friendly and Safe Sleep Coordinator explains the benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and infants and how she helps support mothers at MUSC Health through the ups and downs of nursing a new baby.

A health screening tool called DARI motion analysis system, is being offered to patients at the MUSC Health and Wellness Institute . It uses the power of video cameras and motion data to objectively measure how efficiently you move. From there you may be prescribed targeted strengthening exercises that can help you meet your health and fitness goals. In this episode, Michael Sole, a human performa...

The CDC estimates 1 in 8 couples have trouble getting pregnant or staying pregnant. But advances in medicine and technology have helped millions of people with infertility bring children into the world. John Schnorr, MD, has overseen the care of thousands of patients with infertility. On this episode, he discusses common causes and the latest treatments offered at MUSC Health and Coastal Fertility...

MUSC Health is known for innovation and telehealth with a strong history of using telehealth to  improve access to quality healthcare for medically underserved areas in South Carolina. Now, new and existing rheumatology and endocrinology patients have access to MUSC Virtual Care. Emily Warr, MSN, RN is the administrator of the MUSC Center for Telehealth and talks about this innovative new off...

Those suffering with foregut diseases can often find a long-term cure through surgery. James Mark Harris, MD, is a general surgeon in the MUSC Health Floyd Medical Group and has extensive experience in foregut surgery. In this episode, he talks about the often complex foregut procedures he offers and how they can change the lives of his patients with diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux diseas...

There have been monumental advancements in treatments for diseases and disorders of the pancreas in recent decades. In this episode of Advance with MUSC Health , Katherine Morgan, MD, professor of surgery and chief of the Division of  Gastrointestinal Surgery and Laparoscopic Surgery at MUSC Health, talks about the function of the pancreas, causes of pancreatic disorders, and the different tr...

In this episode of Advance with MUSC Health , Greg May, MD , an Interventional Cardiologist with MUSC Health at the Florence Medical Pavilion, talks about symptoms that warrant a trip to the cardiologist, what to expect at a cardiology appointment and tips to keep your heart healthy.