E96: Exploring Low-Dose Radiation Therapy for Osteoarthritis with Dr. Rahul Bhandari

Welcome to the Get Healthy Tampa Bay Podcast with Dr. Kerry Reller! This week, I'm thrilled to welcome Dr. Rahul Bhandari, a board-certified radiation oncologist based in Clearwater. In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of low-dose radiation therapy and its potential to treat osteoarthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Dr. Bhandari explains how this innovative approach works to reduce inflammation and relieve pain without the side effects of traditional treatments like NSAIDs or steroids. We dive into the history of low-dose radiation, its success in Europe, and how it's becoming a game-changer in the U.S. for patients who have exhausted other options. Tune in to hear inspiring success stories, understand the science behind this treatment, and learn who can benefit from this revolutionary therapy!Dr. Rahul P. Bhandari is a board-certified Radiation Oncologist, with more than 10 years of experience. He has a strong history in Academic Research in Radiation Oncology, publishing peer-reviewed papers at Georgetown University, Northwestern University, the University of Mississippi, and the VA Sonny Montgomery Hospital. Dr. Bhandari earned his undergraduate degree from George Washington University before going on to receive his medical degree through the University’s Medical Center early selection program. Dr. Bhandari completed his Radiation Oncology Residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where he served as Chief Resident his last two years. After Residency, he joined VA Sonny Montgomery Hospital system, where he helped establish the Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) Program for Veterans in Jackson, MS.  He then practiced with Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology and the Cyberknife Center before joining Clearwater Radiation Oncology.   He is now leading the way in the Tampa area with a new breakthrough treatment for benign inflammatory conditions, such as for osteoarthritis.0:28 - Introduction: Meet Dr. Rahul Bhandari1:01 - Dr. Bhandari’s Journey into Radiation Oncology3:06 - Understanding Low-Dose Radiation Therapy4:58 - The Difference Between High-Dose and Low-Dose Radiation7:04 - Why Osteoarthritis Is Difficult to Treat11:37 - The Role of Inflammation in Osteoarthritis13:45 - The Benefits of Low-Dose Radiation in Treating Inflammation16:06 - Keeping Radiation Local: How Technology Works20:17 - Ideal Candidates for Low-Dose Radiation Therapy29:14 - Success Stories and the Growing Popularity of Low-Dose RadiationConnect with Dr. Bhandari Connect with Dr. Kerry RellerPodcast website: https://gethealthytbpodcast.buzzsprou... My linktree: linktr.ee/kerryrellermdLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerryrellermd/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClearwaterFamilyMedicineInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearwaterfamilymedicine/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kerryrellermdClearwater Family Medicine and Allergy website: https://sites.google.com/view/clearwa...Podcast: https://gethealthytbpodcast.buzzsprou...Subscribe to the Get Healthy Tampa Bay Podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Amazon music, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Pandora.