Sarasota Memorial HealthCasts

High-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy is a newer, accelerated cancer treatment that allows physicians to deliver equivalent doses of radiation in as little as one to four outpatient treatments that last just a few minutes each. Matthew Biagioli, MD, a radiation oncologist at the Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute at Sarasota Memorial, discusses this treatment and why it's another great option for can...

People with slow and irregular heart rhythms have a variety of available treatments, but new options may be on the horizon. Dilip Mathew, MD, a cardiac electrophysiologist discusses these treatments, and an ongoing clinical research trial at Sarasota Memorial. SMH is participating in an international clinical trial of the world’s first dual-chamber, wireless pacemaker for people with slow and irre...

With so many scheduled visits to a doctor for a baby after they're born, new parents often forget the importance of postpartum care for themselves. Malorie Lipman, MD, discusses the warning signs of postpartum depression, postpartum mania and other major postpartum concerns, plus what to expect for the first follow up appointment after delivery, and much more in this episode of Healthcasts. You ca...

Breast health services are vital in the early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Diagnostic Radiologist Jeffrey Wasserman, DO, explains the different types of mammograms and discusses other tests which may be used to detect breast cancer. You can also watch the video recording on our YouTube channel here . For more health tips & news you can use from experts you trust, sign up for Sarasota...

Up to 30% of the US population suffers from nasal allergies, and many sufferers hope for a cure. Alicia Alvarez, MD, is an allergist and immunologist with First Physicians Group in Sarasota and talks about the advancements in testing for allergies, and the treatment options available. You can also watch the video recording on our YouTube channel here . For more health tips & news you can use from...

Roughly 10% of the general US population is diabetic, and that number increases with age. Manivel Eswaran, MD, an endocrinologist with First Physicians Group in Sarasota discusses the risks for diabetes, treatments, and the advancements in technology for diabetes management. You can also watch the video recording on our YouTube channel here . For more health tips & news you can use from experts yo...

Roughly 240,000 people will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in the United States this year. Robert Carey, MD, specializes in the treatment of prostate cancer and explains the screening process, treatment options, and why not every diagnosis requires treatment. Check out other interviews with SMH experts at smh.com/podcast, and subscribe on your favorite streaming app so you never miss an episode...

Ovarian cancer has varying risk factors and the biggest one is genetics. Gynecologic Oncologist Beverly Long, MD, discusses the treatment options and how Sarasota Memorial is working to help research the role of genetics in the treatment of gynecologic cancers. You can also watch the video recording on our YouTube channel here . For more health tips & news you can use from experts you trust, sign...

While not every cancer has a genetic component, many patients with active cancer diagnoses, or family members of those who have had cancer, see genetic counselors to learn about treatment options and prevention in future generations. Nicole Wood, the Lead Genetic Counselor for the Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute at Sarasota Memorial explains why this can be a very important component of cancer...

Anyone can help save the life of a friend, family member or even a stranger they see experiencing a stroke or heart issue by knowing the signs and acting quickly. Sarasota Memorial Emergency Medicine Physician Marshall Frank, DO, discusses recognizing the signs of an emergency, bystander CPR and AED use, and the importance of early intervention. You can also watch the video recording on our YouTub...

Physiatrists specialize in improving a patient's function and quality of life after they've suffered some kind of medical illness or injury, but not everyone needs to have had a major surgery or hospital stay to require rehabilitation with a physiatrist. Steven Papuchis, DO, discusses both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, and the new physical medicine and rehab clinic at Sarasota Memorial....

Patients with thyroid and parathyroid conditions are sometimes told their treatment options are limited and may leave large scars. Ralph Tufano, MD, FACS, is the Medical Director of Head and Neck Endocrine Surgery at Sarasota Memorial and is a world renowned surgeon. He discusses scarless transoral thyroidectomy and radiofrequency ablation as great options for some patients.  You can also watch th...

Patients experiencing tinnitus or vertigo often suffer in silence or don't know the treatments available for them. Jack Wazen, MD discusses the diagnoses that often cause tinnitus and vertigo and explains what patients need to know about their options. You can also watch the video recording on our YouTube channel here . For more health tips & news you can use from experts you trust, sign up for Sa...

Enjoying outdoor summer fun in Florida often means dealing with itchy bites, painful sunburns and even marine animal stings. But when should we consider medical care for these common irritations? Sarasota Memorial Emergency Medicine Specialist Steve Kamm, MD, talks summer safety and treatments for burns, bites and stings in this episode of HealthCasts. You can also watch the video recording on our...

Spinal fusion has been considered the gold standard for treatment of low-back pain with leg pain or neck pain with arm pain. But advances in non-fusion technology and motion-sparing techniques may change the gold standard. Orthopedic Spine Surgeon Ashvin Patel, MD, discusses the benefits of the new technologies and ongoing research studies open to certain spine surgery patients at Sarasota Memoria...

The past year has taken a toll on many of us. With COVID vaccines now readily available and life starting to return to normal, critical care pulmonologist Kirk Voelker, MD, says there is no better time to set personal goals to improve your overall health, well-being, and quality of life. He shares tips from an innovative lifestyle medicine program designed to accommodate the SMH staff’s busy work...

You can also watch the video recording on our YouTube channel here . For more health tips & news you can use from experts you trust, sign up for Sarasota Memorial’s monthly digital newsletter, Healthe-Matters . YouTube Check out our other interviews with SMH experts at smh.com/podcast.

There are important and difficult conversations every person should have with their loved ones regarding what kind of medical care they’d want if they couldn’t speak for themselves. SMH’s Medical Director of Supportive Care Services Joelle Vlahakis, MD explains why these conversations are necessary, and in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, even more vital. You can also watch the video recording...

Patients with severe cases of COVID-19 often endure extended hospitalizations and significant strength loss. What can be done to help them regain that strength, energy and quality of life? Physiatrist and rehabilitation specialist Alexander Bajorek, MD, explains how the Sarasota Memorial Rehab team is doing just that in this HealthCasts episode. You can also watch the video recording on our YouTub...

What’s it really like to give birth during a global pandemic? OB/GYN Kyle Garner, MD, discusses how COVID-19 has impacted labor and delivery at Sarasota Memorial and answers the questions many expectant parents are asking in this HealthCasts episode. Check out our other interviews with SMH experts at smh.com/podcast. You can also watch the video recording on our YouTube channel here . For more hea...

Infectious disease specialist Manuel Gordillo, MD, talks COVID-19 testing, treatment and what’s next as he separates fact from fiction and offers expert insight on novel coronavirus symptoms and community spread in this HealthCasts episode. You can also watch the video recording on our YouTube channel here . For more health tips & news you can use from experts you trust, sign up for Sarasota Memor...

What is Sarasota Memorial doing to protect patients, staff and the community, amid COVID-19 and Florida's phased re-opening? What considerations were made in re-opening elective surgeries and other medical services? James Fiorica, MD, chief medical officer at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, explains in this HealthCasts episode. You can also watch the video recording on our YouTube channel here . For m...

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer cases are on the rise across the US. But thanks to robotic surgery and other treatment advances, there are more options to fight the disease than ever before. Robotic surgeon and head of Sarasota Memorial’s GI Surgical Oncology program Ken Meredith, MD, explains in this HealthCasts episode. You can also watch the video recording on our YouTube channel here . For more h...

Dr. Jeffrey Sell, chief of cardiothoracic surgery at Sarasota Memorial, explains how technology has made cardiac surgery safer and more effective than ever before. Learn about the latest advances — from robotic heart surgery to highly specialized ORs, called "iSuites" — and how surgeons and cardiologists are redefining cardiac care through collaboration. You can also watch the video recording on o...

Reconstructive surgery can help patients with a range of body sculpting needs, whether it's to resolve medical issues, part of post-trauma recovery or for a needed confidence boost. Dr. Alissa Shulman, a board-certified plastic surgeon at Sarasota Memorial Hospital who specializes in breast cancer reconstruction, discusses the risks and realities and what to expect from your plastic surgeon in thi...