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PODCAST · health

Surgery 101

by Surgery 101 Team

Welcome to Surgery 101, a podcast series produced with the help of the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada. These 10-to-20-minute episodes serve as brief introductions or reviews of basic surgical concepts for medical students. Every episode is divided into chapters and concludes with several key points to summarize the topic. New episodes are published every Friday. We are always keen to receive your feedback and are accepting suggestions for additional topics.CREATORS & SUPPORT: Created by Dr. Parveen Boora and Dr. Jonathan White, and supported by the Department of Surgery at the University of Alberta with the assistance of the Surgery 101 Experts of Edmonton.NOTE TO EXPERTS: Please note that these podcasts are only intended as brief introductions for medical students—we cannot delve into advanced surgical nuances in a short podcast. We encourage listeners to supplement learning by seeing patients, assisting at surgeries, and reading widely!

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Episodes

  1. Reproductive Care – Common Conditions Encountered in Pregnancy – Part 3

    Today, we will be covering common medical complications of pregnancy including various blood pressure disorders, gestational diabetes and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. After this episode, learners will be able to: Describe the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including key risk...

  2. Surgical Management of Rectal Cancer – Part 2

    After listening to this podcast, learners will be able to: 1. Describe the anatomy and blood supply of the distal colon and rectum. 2. List what is resected and what is reconnected during a low anterior resection. 3. Describe the major differences between a low anterior resection and an...

  3. Surgical Management of Colorectal Cancer – Part 1

    After listening to this podcast, learners will be able to: 1. Describe the anatomy and blood supply of the proximal colon. 2. Outline the principles of resection for colon cancer. 3. List what is resected and what is reconnected during a right hemicolectomy. 4. Describe what is required for a...

  4. Recognizing Stomas

    After listening to this podcast, learners will be able to: 1. Describe different types of stomas, including ileostomy, colostomy, urostomy, and mucus fistula. 2. Explain the indications for a permanent versus temporary ostomy. 3. Evaluate the type of stoma a patient has based on clinical history,...

  5. Laryngeal Cancer

    Today, we’re going to discuss the topic of laryngeal cancer, a difficult head and neck cancer which has significantly improved prognosis if caught early. Laryngeal cancer is a type of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, or HNSCC for short. It typically arises from the epithelial lining of the...

  6. Neck Dissection

    After listening to this podcast, you should be able to: Describe the basic anatomy of lymph nodes in the neck List 4 different types of neck dissections, and what they entail Be able to identify common complications of neck dissection Outline the initial management of the common complications of...

  7. Beyond the Horizon: Ongoing Innovations and the Future of Endoscopy

    The close of the 20th century saw endoscopy and laparoscopy evolve from passive optical tools into dynamic platforms that integrated real-time guidance, autonomous movement, and computational interpretation for navigation, diagnosis, and therapy.

  8. From Fiber to Video: The Visual Revolution in Endoscopy and Laparoscopy

    By the mid-20th century, endoscopy’s long-standing challenge of safely illuminating internal structures was transformed by postwar advances—especially Harold Hopkins’s 1950s rod-lens system, which enabled brighter, distortion-free, miniaturized imaging that could reliably guide clinical decisions.

  9. The Fiberoptic Breakthrough: Hopkins, Hirschowitz, and the Flexible Scope

    By the mid-20th century, endoscopy and laparoscopy were ready for major advancement. Although instruments had evolved into semi-flexible designs, visualization was still limited by glass optics and heat-producing light sources. A breakthrough toward fully flexible, high-resolution imaging emerged...

  10. The Semiflexible Era: Schindler and the Pre-Fiberoptic Revolution

    By the early 20th century, endoscopy had evolved from candle-lit brass tubes into electrically illuminated rigid instruments. The decisive shift toward flexibility — the stage upon which Rudolf Schindler would make his contribution — was the product of several converging advances in optics,...

  11. From Mirrors to Incandescent Bulbs: The 19th- Century Leap

    By the mid-19th century, improvements in illumination and optics transformed endoscopy from a theoretical idea into a practical clinical tool, culminating in Antoine Jean Desormeaux's work in Paris in 1853. Building on Bozzini's Lichtleiter and frustrated by diagnostic limits of palpation,...

  12. A Candle in the Darkness – Philipp Bozzini and the Lichtleiter

    In 1806, physician Philipp Bozzini introduced the Lichtleiter, a candle-lit, mirror-lined instrument designed for direct visual inspection of internal organs—an idea far ahead of its time and initially met with skepticism. Though dismissed by many contemporaries, the device is now recognized as…

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  13. Endoscopy vs Laparoscopy and the Beginnings

    Technological progress in medicine, as in other fields, emerges from the interplay of incremental refinement and decisive breakthroughs—those moments when a missing element is discovered and the path forward suddenly accelerates. The evolution of endoscopic surgery over the last century…

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  14. Laser Refractive Surgery

    After listening to this episode, learners should be able to: - Outline the theory and physics of laser refractive surgery - Describe the differences between PRK, LASIK, and SMILE - List key indications, exclusions, and essential pre-op tests - Explain common risks, benefits, and complications of...

  15. Refractive Errors, Eye Optics & Vision Correction Options

    After listening to this episode, learners should be able to: 1. Explain the anatomy and optics of the eye related to the optical axis of the eye 2. Describe common refractive errors 3. Explain how refractive errors are measured 4. Recognize important red flags for non-refractive causes of vision...

  16. Arterial Ulcers and Diabetic Foot Ulcers

    After listening to this podcast, learners will be able to: ● Describe the important features of medical history related to arterial ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers ● Recognize the important physical exam findings associated with arterial ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers ● Outline a treatment plan...

  17. Chronic Wound Care Principles and Venous Ulcers

    After listening to his podcast, learners will be able to: ● List four wound prep principles and five patient related factors for caring for patients with chronic wounds ● Describe the important features of the medical history related to venous ulcers ● Recognize the important physical exam signs...

  18. Cardiac Tamponade

    Today, we will go over what cardiac tamponade is, how it results, and most importantly, how we diagnose and treat it. After listening to this podcast, you will be able to: 1. Define cardiac tamponade and explain its pathophysiology. 2. Describe the boundaries of the cardiac box and list the...

  19. Rib Fractures

    Today, we will learn how to diagnose and treat patients who have sustained rib fractures, as well as gain some practical knowledge on how to identify if a patient's problem is more urgent than simple rib fractures. After listening to this podcast, you will be able to: 1. Describe the anatomy of…

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  20. The Whipple Procedure

    In this episode, we will be focusing on the Whipple procedure itself and will not be covering pancreatic cancer patient presentation or investigations. Dr. David Shapiro's previous podcast on pancreatic cancer is a great resource for that information. Today we will talk about the procedure and…

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  21. Renal Colic

    This episode was created by Katie Du, with content expertise provided by Dr. Trevor Schuler. By the end of today's episode, the learner will be able to: 1. 1. Identify renal colic and differential diagnosis 2. 2. Determine appropriate investigations when suspecting nephrolithiasis 3. 3. Evaluate...

  22. Preoperative Medication Optimization

    It goes without saying that surgeries come with a significant stress on the body, it is therefore imperative that patients, particularly those with significant co morbidities are medically optimized prior to surgery. Today we're going to consider how to properly prepare patients for surgery,...

  23. Pain Management in Outpatient Gynecological Procedures

    After listening to this podcast, you will be able to: • describe the innervation of the female reproductive system, • identify that pain is often perceived by patients undergoing office gynecological procedures, • outline factors associated with increased pain perception during office gynecologic...

  24. Thyroid-Associated Orbitopathy (Thyroid Eye Disease)

    In this episdoe we will explore Thyroid Eye Disease. You may also hear this topic referred to as thyroid orbitopathy or Graves' orbitopathy, but today we will use the overarching umbrella term of Thyroid Eye Disease. After listening to this podcast, learners will be able to: 1. Explain the…

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  25. Ocular Trauma 2: Intraocular Foreign Bodies and Globe Rupture

    This episode will cover practical tips for recognizing and managing eye trauma. We will look at foreign bodies and globe rupture. Today's learning objectives: 1. Intraocular foreign body: take an effective history and select appropriate imaging depending on the type of foreign body. 2. Globe...

  26. Ocular Trauma 1: Lid Lacerations and Orbital Compartment Syndrome

    In this episode of Surgery 101 where we will cover practical tips for recognizing and managing eye trauma. This week's episode will cover lacerations and compartment syndrome. For today, our objectives are: 1. Eyelid lacerations: recognize if these involve the eyelid margin or the canalicular...

  27. Reflections on Surgical History

    In this final episode, medical student Sunpreet Cheema and Dr. White reflect upon the surgical innovations and innovators discussed in this ten-part series.

  28. History of Surgical Innovator Dr. Sebastian – Interview with Dr. Duncan

    This episode features and interview with Dr. Carol Duncan who discusses her great grandfather's connection to surgical innovation. Dr. Simon Powell Sebastian was a renowned physician, surgeon, and the co-founder of two historic African-American hospitals in Greensboro, North Carolina.

  29. The History of Suction Devices

    Today, Sunpreet Cheema and Surgery 101 will explore the fascinating histories of the inventors behind three indispensable surgical suction devices: the Yankauer, the Poole, and the Frazier.

  30. History of Handheld Forceps

    Today, we explore the fascinating histories of the inventors behind two handheld surgical forceps: DeBakey and Adson.

  31. The History of Clamps

    During an operation, it's common to have to put a clamp on blood vessels in preparation for suturing. Today, Sunpreet Cheema will review a few of the most common clamps you'll encounter and look at the names behind the history: Kelly, Crile and Halstedt.

  32. History of Forceps

    In this episode, Sunpreet Cheema will take a look at instruments used to hold tissue firmly, through the lens of two more surgical innovators: Emil Theodor Kocher and Oscar Huntington Allis.

  33. The History of Retractors

    Retracting tissues is an essential part of surgery. We need to be able to hold the wound open so you can see and operate on deeper structures. In this fourth episode of her ten part series, Sunpreet Cheema explores the fascinating histories of the inventors behind three indispensable surgical...

  34. The History of the Scalpel and Cautery

    Today, medical student Sunpreet Cheema continues her ten part series with episode three, which delves into the surgical history of the scalpel and cautery. This episode considers three surgical lives: Morgan Parker, Charles Russell Bard, and William T. Bovie.

  35. The History of Surgical Scissors – Mayo and Metz

    Today, medical student Sunpreet Cheema explores the fascinating histories of surgical innovators who developed some of our most indispensable surgical instruments - scissors. Specifically, we'll be looking at the Mayo and Metzenbaum scissors.

  36. The History of Common Surgical Instruments

    In this introductory episode, Dr. White and Sunpreet Cheema discuss the the history of surgery through the lens of surgical instruments. Supreet Cheema provides an introduction to her ten part series by reviewing the Babcock foreceps.

  37. Tympanic Membrane Perforations

    Welcome to this episode of Surgery 101 where we will learn the basics of tympanic membrane perforations. After listening to this podcast, learners should be able to: 1. Describe the anatomy relevant to a tympanic membrane perforation. 2. List the mechanisms by which a tympanic membrane…

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  38. Nontechnical Skills in Surgery

    It may come as a surprise that research suggests the biggest opportunity for improvement surgical outcomes lies not in a surgeon's ability to throw a stitch or find the plane, but in their NONtechnical skills. After this episode, listeners will be able to: • Define and describe the importance of...

  39. Basic Anesthetic Drugs: Vasopressors and Inotropes

    This is the third and final episode of the series focused on basic anesthetic drugs. In this episode, we will explore vasopressors and inotropes. After listening to this episode, you will be able to: 1. Outline the role of vasopressors 2. List the 5 main vasopressors used in the OR and their...

  40. Basic Anesthetic Drugs: Maintenance & Emergence

    In this episode, Swetha Prakash will be looking at the vital aspect of maintaining anesthesia, particularly through inhaled agents, as well as emergence from anesthesia. After listening to this episode, you will be able to: 1. Define the goals of the maintenance phase of anesthesia. 2. Define...

  41. Basic Anesthetic Drugs: Introduction & Induction

    Swetha Prakash is a medical student at the University of Alberta. In this three part series, Swetha will discuss the essential components of general anesthesia and discuss the key medications associated with each one. The goal is to enhance your understanding of the basic drugs administered to...

  42. Facial Nerve Palsy Part 2

    This is part two of the facial nerve palsy series by Mauz Ashgar and Muaaz Ashgar. This episode streamlines their discussion on facial nerve palsy and crafts a clear, practical algorithm for diagnosing this condition. The objective of the podcast is the following: ● Develop an approach to the...

  43. Facial Nerve Palsy Part 1

    University of Saskatchewan students Mauz Asghar and Muaaz Asghar share part 1 of the 2 part series on facial nerve palsies. In this episode the anatomy, symptoms, and etiology of facial nerve palsy are discussed. After listening to this podcast learners will be able to: 1. Describe the basic...

  44. Cholesteatoma

    In this episode Mauz Asghar, a second medical student at the University of Saskatchewan, is joined by colleague Maauz Asghar, a first year medical student at the University of Saskatchewan. By the end of this podcast learners should be able to: ● Outline the etiology of Cholesteatoma, ● Identify...

  45. Mandibular Fractures

    In this episode Mauz Asghar, a medical student at the University of Saskatchewan, is joined by his colleague Muaaz Asghar to discuss mandibular fractures. By the end of this podcast learners should be able to: ● Outline the etiology and epidemiology of mandibular fractures. ● Identify the key...

  46. Herpetic Whitlow Infection

    In this episode 2nd-year medical student Mauz Ashgar from the University of Saskatchewan, will be talking about Herpetic Whitlow infection. After listening to today's podcast learners should be able to: ● Identify the key features on history and physical examination of Herpetic Whitlow. ●...

  47. Felon Infection

    This episode is brought to you by Mauz Asghar, a second-year medical student at the University of Saskatchewan. Today we will be talking about Felon infection. This podcast was written and produced with the expert opinion from Dr. Adil Ladak from the University of Alberta Plastic Surgery and...

  48. Skier’s Thumb

    Mauz Asghar is a second year medical student at the University of Saskatchewan. This podcast was written and produced with the expert opinion from Dr. Adil Ladak from the University of Alberta Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Department. After listening to this podcast learners should be able…

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  49. Strabismus

    In this final episode of the opthalmology series, University of Alberta students Kim Papp and Nourseen Aboelnazar discuss strabismus. Learners will review the basics of this ocular disease that is commonly seen in pediatrics but can affect any patient. After listening to this podcast, learners...

  50. Corneal Transplant

    This is the 4th episode in a 5-part series on opthamalogy. This episode is on Corneal Transplant, which is sometimes called keratoplasty or a corneal graft. After listening to this podcast, learners will be able to: 1. Describe the relevant anatomy of the cornea. 2. List indications for corneal...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Welcome to Surgery 101, a podcast series produced with the help of the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada. These 10-to-20-minute episodes serve as brief introductions or reviews of basic surgical concepts for medical students. Every episode is divided into chapters and concludes with several key points to summarize the topic. New episodes are published every Friday. We are always keen to receive your feedback and are accepting suggestions for additional topics.CREATORS & SUPPORT: Created by Dr. Parveen Boora and Dr. Jonathan White, and supported by the Department of Surgery at the University of Alberta with the assistance of the Surgery 101 Experts of Edmonton.NOTE TO EXPERTS: Please note that these podcasts are only intended as brief introductions for medical students—we cannot delve into advanced surgical nuances in a short podcast. We encourage listeners to supplement learning by seeing patients, assisting at surgeries, and reading widely!

HOSTED BY

Surgery 101 Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Surgery 101 have?

Surgery 101 currently has 500 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Surgery 101 about?

Welcome to Surgery 101, a podcast series produced with the help of the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada. These 10-to-20-minute episodes serve as brief introductions or reviews of basic surgical concepts for medical students. Every episode is divided into chapters and concludes with several...

How often does Surgery 101 release new episodes?

Surgery 101 publishes regularly with 500 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to Surgery 101?

You can listen to Surgery 101 on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Surgery 101?

Surgery 101 is created and hosted by Surgery 101 Team.
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