Knock Knock, Hi! with the Glaucomfleckens

In this episode I give listeners a behind-the-scenes look at my call week as a private practice ophthalmologist. With a mix of routine calls and complex cases, I go into unexpected consults for Kaiser-Fleischer rings related to Wilson's disease, diagnosing giant cell arteritis, and managing diplopia with no clear cause. I also share my diagnostic process for distinguishing between common post-surg...

In this episode we talk with Dr. Nisha Mehta, a radiologist and advocate who built two of the largest online communities for physicians, with over 200,000 members. We explore how Dr. Mehta uses social media to drive real change in medicine, from pushing through prior authorization reform to creating networks of support and resources for doctors facing burnout. With stories of navigating online cha...

In this episode I explore the fascinating question of whether eye color can be linked to specific diseases. I dive into pigmentary glaucoma, an eye condition most commonly seen in individuals with brown eyes, and explains how certain eye colors can increase the risk of other conditions. The episode also recounts my "eye pilgrimage" to see Dallas's giant eyeball sculpture, discusses creative costum...

Joel Bervell shares how he’s already diversifying the field of medicine as a WSU Medicine student on Knock Knock Hi with Dr. Glaucomflecken and Lady Glaucomflecken. Known for medical mythbusting [00:48:00], Joel discusses how addressing racial bias in medicine can be the difference between waiting years for a kidney transplant [00:35:00], and the specialty area he’s applied for [00:10:00]. Through...

In this episode of Knock Knock Eye, I share my picks for the top 5 most impractical glasses in pop culture history, from Morpheus’s infamous clip-ons to Scrooge McDuck’s precarious specs. I also reflects on the continued use of virtual residency interviews in 2024, weighing their pros and cons for applicants, and gives a shout-out to the lively fans in Pittsburgh after a memorable live show. Wrapp...

Dr. Betsy Grunch (@ladyspinedoc) joins this episode of Knock Knock Hi with Dr. Glaucomflecken and Lady Glaucomflecken. Dr. Betsy Grunch shares her experience as an orthopedic spine surgeon and being a part of such a small network of women surgeons across the world. Listen to this episode for conversation on work-life balance [00:40:00], breaking stereotypes [00:28:00], increasing representation of...

In this episode of Knock Knock Eye, I dive into the complex world of cataract surgery, sharing an extraordinary case of a patient who had gone 15 years without cataract surgery after a vitrectomy. I reflect on the difficulties of operating on a dense, hardened cataract, discussing the intricacies of such procedures and how prior surgeries can accelerate cataract progression. Additionally, I discus...

In this episode of Knock Knock Hi, we explore the challenges of balancing life in a medical marriage like managing household duties when both partners are running on empty. We reflect on the popular TikTok trend of "energy check-ins," where couples rate how much they have left to give at the end of the day, and whether it can work in a busy, often chaotic medical household. Adding to the fun, we d...

In this episode of Knock Knock Eye, I discuss important eye conditions in children that should never be ignored. From aggressive blinking and rubbing to the misalignment of eyes (strabismus), I explain how early detection of these symptoms can save a child’s vision. I also delves into congenital glaucoma, blocked tear ducts, and other common pediatric eye conditions, emphasizing the importance of...

We sit down with Dr. Noc (Morgan McSweeney, PhD), a social media influencer and expert in pharmaceutical sciences. We dive deep into how misinformation spreads on social media and the challenges scientists face when debunking it. Dr. Noc shares his insights on tackling myths around Big Pharma, drug pricing, and supplements, all while blending humor with education on platforms like TikTok. The conv...

In this episode of Knock Knock Eye, I reflect on turning 39 and how my medical history—surviving testicular cancer and a cardiac arrest—shapes my outlook on life and birthdays. Along with these personal reflections, I answer insightful YouTube comments, discussing topics like vision requirements for driving and Halloween eyeball decorations. I also dive into one of the scariest eye conditions for...

In this episode of Glauc Talk, we dive into the chaos of a stressful morning and explore how emotional regulation can make a big difference in managing everyday challenges. I also reflect on some of my biggest social media mistakes and the lessons I learned from those controversies, offering valuable insights for others navigating the online world. The episode touches on the importance of taking a...

In this episode of Knock Knock Eye, I focus on one of the scariest eye conditions for your cornea: Acanthamoeba keratitis. This rare but serious infection is particularly frightening for contact lens wearers, as it can lead to severe pain, long-term vision problems, and a difficult treatment process. I break down why this infection is so dangerous, how it impacts the cornea, and offers important a...

We sit down with Dr. Jessi Gold, a psychiatrist and Chief Wellness Officer for the University of Tennessee system. We dive into the challenges of managing wellness for over 80,000 students and faculty across five campuses, the complexities of test anxiety in medical education, and the evolving definition of burnout in healthcare. Dr. Gold also shares insights on the impact of perfectionism and com...

In this episode of Knock Knock Eye, I uncover the surprising and sometimes shocking differences in vision requirements for drivers across the U.S. Find out which states are the worst when it comes to lax vision standards for drivers and why you might want to be extra cautious on the roads in those areas. I also tackle common questions about the safety of Halloween costume contact lenses and offers...

In this episode of Glauc Talk, we discuss the ins and outs of flying cross-country for medical conferences and the challenges of balancing travel with keynote speaking. We explore the quirky yet contentious debate of whether doctors should wear scrubs in public, sharing their own experiences and differing opinions on the topic. The episode is packed with humorous stories about early morning keynot...

In this episode of Knock Knock Eye, I discuss the recent injury of NFL linebacker Kyle Van Noy, who suffered an orbital fracture during a game. Van Noy criticized the time it took for an eye doctor to reach him in the locker room, but I offer a behind-the-scenes look at why this might not be as shocking as it seems. From the logistics of getting an ophthalmologist to a stadium to understanding orb...

Will and Kristin chat with Sheena Melwani, social media star and co-founder of the Spread the Joy Foundation. They dive into Sheena’s journey of turning a personal family challenge into a mission to spread joy to children and families in hospitals through the foundation’s signature "Joy Boxes." Sheena shares how small acts of kindness can have a huge impact on patients and their families, and how...

In this episode of Knock Knock Eye, I dive into the terrifying world of "never events" — surgical mistakes that should never happen. From stories of operating on the wrong eye to the shocking case of a surgeon removing a liver instead of a spleen, I explore how these catastrophic errors occur, despite the safeguards in place. I also discuss my own experiences in the operating room and the importan...

In this episode of Glauc Talk, we dive deep into the creation of the iconic surgery and anesthesia characters. We explore the inspiration behind these beloved personas, how their unique quirks and dynamics reflect real-life operating room interactions, and why the relationship between surgeons and anesthesiologists provides endless comedy gold.  — To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glau...

In this episode of Knock Knock Eye, I dive into the world of ophthalmology's most fascinating and life-changing surgeries. From cataract removal and corneal transplants to strabismus correction and retinal detachment repairs, I explain the incredible techniques and technologies that make these surgeries possible. Whether you're curious about the science behind these procedures or want to understan...

Will and Kristin chat with Dr. Preston Roche, a social media content creator who nearly got expelled from medical school over his viral TikTok videos. They explore the evolving definition of professionalism in the age of social media, the fine line med students must walk when sharing content online, and the consequences of pushing boundaries in a digital world. Tune in for insightful discussions o...

In this episode of Knock Knock Eye, I take the fascinating dive into the world of prosthetic eyes. From explaining why prosthetic eyes aren't spherical to highlighting the artistic work of ocularists, I uncover the details behind how these prosthetics are made and fitted. Whether you want a realistic prosthetic or one that reflects your unique personality—like a bedazzled eye—this episode covers i...

In this episode of Glauc Talk, we explore the surprising ways different body parts can be connected to the eye. From spleens to fingernails, Will tests his knowledge with a fun game linking body parts to ophthalmology. We also reminisce about our varied past jobs—from gymnastics coaching and textbook organizing to pizza delivery and research positions—and how those experiences shaped our paths to...

In this episode of Knock Knock Eye, I discuss the fascinating condition of sleeping with your eyes open, also known as lagophthalmos. I explain how this condition can lead to serious eye problems, including dryness and corneal abrasions, and offers solutions to protect your eyes. Additionally, I dive into the mystery behind why Northern Lights appear more vibrant on camera than to the naked eye. D...