Science Behind the Headlines

Science Behind The Headlines | Episode 16: Aditya Verma, M.D. | Eye CareIn this episode, we sit down with Aditya Verma, M.D., to explore how vision is affected by age and why routine eye care is essential for maintaining long-term eye health. Dr. Verma discusses the vision milestones parents should know for their children, the changes many adults begin to notice as they get older and the conditions that can impact eyesight later in life, including cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. He also shares practical tips on protecting your eyesight, recognizing warning signs that shouldn't be ignored and understanding when it's time to see an ophthalmologist.

Expert Insights: How UofL Health Guides Patients Through Weight Loss OptionsWe sat down with Elizabeth Bruenderman, M.D., to discuss the Advanced Bariatric Surgery and Weight Loss Clinic at UofL Health and how the program is designed to be a one-stop shop for patients exploring weight loss options. From medical weight loss treatments such as GLP-1 medications to surgical and endoscopic procedures, as well as lifestyle and wellness support, the clinic provides comprehensive, personalized care for every patient journey. During the conversation, Dr. Bruenderman shares how the team helps patients understand the pros and cons of each option while serving as a trusted resource to help individuals choose the best path to achieve their health and weight loss goals.

Gaurav Rajashekar, M.D. – Living Kidney Donor Program"Dialysis keeps you alive, but transplantation gives you life."In this episode, Gaurav Rajashekar, M.D., sheds light on the life-changing impact of kidney donation, breaking down the differences between deceased and living donors and what each means for patients in need. With more than 100,000 people on the national transplant list and nearly 90,000 waiting specifically for a kidney, he emphasizes the urgent need for donors and the profound ripple effect one decision can make.

Guneet Sarai, M.D. – Neurofibromatosis Neurofibromatosis is a complex, lifelong condition that often begins in childhood—but care shouldn’t stop there. In this episode, we explore how Guneet Sarai, M.D. is working to close a critical gap in care for patients living with Neurofibromatosis. From early diagnosis and pediatric treatment to the often-overlooked transition into adult care, Dr. Sarai is creating a more seamless, supportive journey for patients and their families. We discuss the unique challenges young people face as they age out of pediatric care and how a more coordinated, compassionate approach can improve long-term outcomes and quality of life.

Josh Abecassis, M.D. – Brain Bypass and Revascularization ProgramPatients once had to leave the state for this surgery — now they’re traveling to Kentucky for care from the UofL Health Brain Bypass team.In this episode, we sit down with Josh Abecassis, M.D., to discuss the Brain Bypass and Revascularization Program at UofL Health, a highly specialized treatment option for patients with complex blood vessel disorders of the brain, including moyamoya disease.Dr. Abecassis explains how brain bypass surgery works and why UofL Health is uniquely positioned to provide this advanced procedure. In fact, UofL Health is one of the only locations in Kentucky and one of just a few in the region offering a direct bypass surgery option for eligible patients.https://uoflhealth.org/provider/isaac-j-abecassis-neurosurgery/

Mrinali Shetty, M.D. – Matters of the Heart Pt. 2“You cannot pour from an empty cup.”  In this episode, we sit down with Mrinali Shetty, M.D., to talk about women’s heart health — and why prioritizing your own well-being is not selfish, it’s essential.  Women often spend their lives caring for others, but too frequently put their own health last. Dr. Shetty shares why that must change, especially when 80% of heart disease is preventable. She explains how it’s never too late to make meaningful lifestyle changes and even reverse risk factors. https://uoflhealth.org/provider/mrinali-shetty-heart-care/

Yuvraj Chowdhury, M.D. – Matters of the Heart Pt. 1“You have two kidneys and two lungs — but only one heart.”In this episode, we sit down with Yuvraj Chowdhury, M.D., a high-risk interventional cardiologist with UofL Health, to explore what it truly means to care for the heart before, during and after advanced cardiac procedures.

UofL Health – UofL Hospital – Burn CenterUofL Health – UofL Hospital is home to Kentucky’s first and only verified Burn Center, treating more than 300 patients each year from across the tri-state area. As the center prepares for recertification, Matthew C. Bozeman, M.D., shares how burn severity impacts hospital stays and why patient healing depends on a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach involving nutrition, pharmacy, physical therapy and the patient themselves.

UofL Health – Louisville Center for Voice CareWe are a unique specialty in the world of medicine.” Join Elizabeth Burckardt, M.D., a laryngologist with UofL Health – Louisville Center for Voice Care, as she discusses her team’s multidisciplinary approach to all things voice disorders, ranging from concerns for professional voice users – lawyers, educators, performers to smoking-related issues, upper airway and swallowing dysfunction, and chronic cough. She shares tips and tricks to protect your vocal cords and fun facts, such as nothing you eat or drink actually touches your vocal cords.Learn more cool things about UofL Health’s one-stop shop for a better voice.For more information about the UofL Health Louisville Center for Voice Care, click here - https://uoflhealth.org/louisville-center-for-voice-care/For more information on Dr. Burckardt, click here - https://uoflhealth.org/provider/elizabeth-burckardt-voice-care/

Weight Management“You can’t exercise your way out of a bad diet.” Bridget Hittepole, M.D., FACP,  primary care physician with a focus on health obesity and weight management joins us to talk about all things weight management including the importance of having a healthy weight,  the health risks tied to weight, surgery and GLP-1 options, the Walk with a Doc program and why a good quality diet and consistent exercise are the best tools we have for long term success.For more information on UofL Health – Advanced Bariatric Surgery and Medical Weight Loss, visit  https://uoflhealth.org/services/advanced-bariatric-surgery-and-medical-weight-loss/For more information on Dr. Hittepole, visit https://uoflhealth.org/providers/?fwp_provider_name=Bridget%20B.%20Hittepole%2C%20M.D.%2C%20FACPFor more information on the Walk with a Doc program, visit https://louisville.edu/medicine/news/walk-with-a-doc-makes-strides-towards-improving-community-health-and-wellness

Holiday Depression“Mental health is not a taboo subject.” Dr. Stephen Taylor, chief medical officer at UofL Health – Peace Hospital, talks about the impacts on mental health brought on by the change in season and holidays, signs to look for if someone is struggling, why depression is a silent illness and how to break through the barriers of isolation.For more information on Dr. Stephen Taylor, visit here - https://uoflhealth.org/provider/stephen-taylor-psychiatry/For more information on behavioral health services at UofL Health, visit here - https://uoflhealth.org/services/mental-and-behavioral-health/

Lung CancerKentucky and West Virginia rank highest in the United States for tobacco use and lung cancer deaths. Victor Van Berkel, M.D., Ph.D., division chief of thoracic surgery with UofL Health, speaks on the alarming statistics surrounding lung cancer as well as the importance of lung cancer screenings and early detection, his personal tie to lung cancer, and how robotic-assisted surgery has changed the landscape for surgeons and patients.For more information on Dr. van Berkel, visit https://uoflhealth.org/provider/victor-van-berkel-thoracic-surgeon/For more information on UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center Lung Care, visit https://uoflhealth.org/locations/brown-cancer-center/services/lung-cancer/

Breast Cancer"I wouldn’t recommend a clinical trial that I wouldn’t do myself.” Brian Dong, M.D., a breast oncologist for UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center and assistant professor of Medicine with the Division of Medical Hematology and Oncology talks about all things breast cancer.He shares more about his efforts to spearhead clinical trials at Brown Cancer Center, the importance of trusting your oncologist, the latest in treatments and technology, partnerships with non-profit groups and his thoughts on AI in health care. For more information on Dr. Dong, visit https://uoflhealth.org/providers/?fwp_provider_name=Brian%20Dong%2C%20M.D. For more information on breast cancer at UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center, visit https://uoflhealth.org/services/breast-cancer/

Spinal Cord“My goal is to never tell my patients never,” says Christa Nnoromele, M.D., with UofL Physicians – Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, a part of UofL Health – Brain & Spine Institute with services at UofL Health – Frazier Rehabilitation Institute. 350,000 people are living with spinal cord injuries, and Dr. Nnoromele leads an enlightening conversation about the different types of spinal cord injuries, why she finds her work with the Spinal Cord Program at Frazier Rehab Institute rewarding and why she is proud to be serving patients in her home state of Kentucky. For more information on spinal cord injury and treatment, visit https://uoflhealth.org/services/spine-care/For more information on Dr. Nnoromele, visit https://uoflhealth.org/provider/christa-nnoromele-physical-medicine-and-rehabilitation/

CAR T-CellLearn about medical breakthroughs in cancer research and treatment. Join Robert Emmons, M.D., FACP, hematologist and oncologist with UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center, professor of Medicine, BCT Division of University of Louisville and leader of Dunbar CAR-T Manufacturing at UofL, as he discusses blood cancers including leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma and the groundbreaking treatment option, CAR T-Cell Therapy which harnesses a person’s own immune system by taking T-cells and genetically changing them to target and attack cancer cells. Brown Cancer Center is a leader in this research and treatment, which is a gift to patients offering them a chance at long-term survival, and aligns with the Brown Cancer Center’s goal to cure cancer.For more information Dr. Emmons - https://uoflhealth.org/provider/robert-emmons-hematologist-oncologist/For more information on blood cancers and treatments - https://uoflhealth.org/services/blood-marrow-transplant-program/

UofL Health – Sports MedicineJoin Jennifer Daily, M.D., CASQM, FAAFP, medical director for UofL Health – Sports Medicine as she talks about the unique specialty of sports medicine and how her team provides coverage to professional, college, high school and community athletes and patients. Whether it be swimming, diving, baseball, rowing, volleyball, basketball, soccer, or football, the UofL Health – Sports Medicine team is prepared for any emergency or health care scenario with the goal of providing the best outcome. Never was this more true than when University of Virginia football player Perris Jones  sustained a life-altering spine injury during a 2023 game against University of Louisville. Perris Jones walked out of UofL Health – Frazier Rehabilitation Institute three weeks later.   Learn more as Dr. Daily takes a deep dive into the world of sports medicine.    UofL Health Sports Medicine - https://uoflhealth.org/services/sports-medicine/ Jennifer Daily, M.D., CASQM, FAAFP - https://uoflhealth.org/provider/jennifer-daily-sports-medicine/