The Hernia Gods Podcast

On this episode of the Hernia Gods Podcast, Dr. Luke Elms sits down with Dr. Salvatore Docimo to explore what drives a surgeon to take on the cases others won’t. From complex abdominal wall reconstruction and the rise of robotics to the mindset, work ethic, and experiences that shaped his career, this is a candid conversation about pushing boundaries and tackling the toughest hernia cases. If you...

On this episode of the Hernia Gods Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Andrea Pakula, a surgeon specializing in robotic surgery, complex hernia repair, and abdominal wall reconstruction. Dr. Pakula shares her journey from trauma and acute care surgery to developing her expertise in hernia surgery and minimally invasive techniques.  We discuss the robotic learning curve, pushing the boundaries of traditio...

In this episode of the Hernia Gods Podcast, Dr. Luke Elms sits down with Dr. Philip George, Assistant Professor of Surgery at Columbia University Medical Center, to talk about his unconventional journey into medicine, surgery, and ultimately the world of hernia. From discovering surgery through mentors like Dr. Brian Jacob and Dr. Igor Belyansky, to navigating fellowship during the COVID-19 pandem...

In this special episode of the Hernia Gods Podcast, Dr. Luke Elms, takes listeners behind the scenes to share the story of how the podcast began and the purpose behind it. Luke talks about his own experiences with imposter syndrome, the inspiration he found at the American Hernia Society conference, and why he believes even the most respected surgeons are ultimately “ mere mortals ” facing many of...

On this episode of the Hernia Gods Podcast, Dr. Luke Elms sits down with Sean Ornstein, MD to discuss his journey into hernia and abdominal wall surgery. Sean shares how his early love of fixing things led him to surgery, his research years studying mesh and hernia repair, and his training alongside leaders in the field at Case Western. They also dive into the evolution of hernia surgery as a true...

In this episode of the Hernia Gods Podcast, Dr. Luke Elms sits down with Agustin Alvarez, MD, from Chile, to discuss his unique journey in surgery, overcoming career challenges, and the importance of persistence. They dive into balancing family and career, global collaboration, patient relationships, and the future of AI in medicine—while emphasizing the importance of keeping the human connection...

In this episode of the Hernia Gods Podcast, Dr. Luke Elms sits down with renowned abdominal wall surgeon Prof. Ramana Balasubramaniam to discuss innovation, authenticity, and the lessons learned from a career at the forefront of minimally invasive surgery. From pioneering techniques in India to building a new practice in Australia, Dr. Ram shares candid insights on embracing failure, mentoring the...

In Episode 25 of The Hernia Gods Podcast , Dr. Luke Elms sits down with Dr. Alfredo Carbonell II , a nationally recognized leader in abdominal wall reconstruction and complex hernia surgery. The conversation goes beyond the operating room, exploring the experiences, mentors, and mindset that have shaped Dr. Carbonell’s career. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast...

Episode 24 of The Hernia Gods Podcast with guest Igor Belyansky, MD features a conversation about his experience of immigrating to the US, mentorship in fellowship, balancing family and career, and the future of hernia surgery. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not serve as a representation of or necessarily reflec...

Episode 23 of The Hernia Gods Podcast with Michael J. Rosen, MD features a candid conversation about mentorship, complications, the ACHQC, and his thoughts on the surgery community's relationship with industry.

Episode 22 of The Hernia Gods Podcast with Diego Lima, MD MSc features a great discussion on his life and career including going through training again in the US, his contributions to the hernia research world, and AI in surgery.

Episode 21 of The Hernia Gods Podcast features a great chat with Peter Santoro, MD, FACS about the difference between speed and efficiency, the beauty and struggle of being a parent and surgeon, the difficulty of accepting praise for our work, and the realities of mental health in the medical field. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts...

Episode 20 of The Hernia Gods Podcast features a great conversation with Greg Dumanian, MD about his early work in plastic surgery, the role of aesthetics in hernia surgery, and mesh suture! Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not serve as a representation of or necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or o...

Episode 19 of The Hernia Gods Podcast features Paul Colavita, MD discussing the evolution of a foregut practice, the benefits of getting back in the gym, and the struggle of dealing with a complication. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not serve as a representation of or necessarily reflect the official policy, po...

Episode 18 of The Hernia Gods Podcast features a great discussion with Charlotte Horne, MD regarding her journey from Canada through her training, the realities of starting a practice and being an attending, and her thoughts on being a female surgeon in the field. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not serve as a re...

Episode 17 of The Hernia Gods Podcast features a fantastic conversation with Mário Rui Gonçalves, MD about his life in Portugal, surgical education, and taking ownership of our patient outcomes. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not serve as a representation of or necessarily reflect the official policy, position,...

Episode 16 of The Hernia Gods Podcast features a great discussion with Mazen Al-Mansour, MD regarding the stresses of being an international medical graduate and preliminary resident, the realities of being married to someone in the medical field, and his thoughts on teaching residents and the way parenthood has changed his approach. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this...

Episode 15 of The Hernia Gods Podcast features a legendary conversation with Edward Felix, MD FACS where he discusses the origins of The Ten Commandments of the Myopectineal Orifice, his experience as one of the fist high volume laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgeons, and his opinion on the abandon the sac technique of inguinal hernia repair. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed...

Episode 14 of The Hernia Gods Podcast features Shirin Towfigh, MD FACS of The Beverly Hills Hernia Center talking about her passion for hernias of the groin and groin pain patients, growing her practice and online presence, and the under-representation of females in the hernia literature and algorithms. Check out this link to donate to female hernia research: http://beverlyhillsherniafoundation.or...

Episode 13 of The Hernia Gods Podcast features Draga-Maria Mandi, MD, PhD from Romania having a incredible conversation about her early life in Romania, the difficulties of surgical training, and ergonomic gender biases in surgery. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not serve as a representation of or necessarily re...

Episode 12 of The Hernia Gods Podcast features an enthralling conversation with Vedra Augenstein, MD about the hernia community, importance of your partners at work, her experiences during the Bosnian War, and the challenges of being a parent. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not serve as a representation of or ne...

Episode 11 of The Hernia Gods Podcast features a very honest and open discussion with Dr. Hector Valenzuela regarding his career, how he handles complications, and the work he has done personally to improve for his patients.  Check it out! Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not serve as a representation of or necess...

Episode 10 of The Hernia Gods Podcast features a great conversation with Yuri Novitsky, MD about his life, the origins of the TAR, and The Hernia Surgery Summit! Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not serve as a representation of or necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Orlando Health or...

Episode 9 of The Hernia Gods Podcast features an intriguing discussion with Dr. Barbora East, MD, PhD, FEBS AWS about her life, the unique Czech training pathway, and difficulties of career advancement. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not serve as a representation of or necessarily reflect the official policy, po...

Episode 8 of The Hernia Gods Podcast features an engaging discussion with Mette Willaume, MD regarding her research through the Danish Hernia Registry, imposter syndrome, and how to create a culture of psychological safety in surgery. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not serve as a representation of or necessarily...