The Hernia Gods Podcast

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 pandemic and making the leap from private practice to academic surgery — Philip shares the experiences and people that helped shape his career.A great conversation about mentorship, finding your path, and paying it forward.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 any of our employers.

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 the same challenges.He also discusses the importance of community, mentorship, balancing surgery and family, and creating a space where surgeons can have honest conversations beyond the operating room. Luke also drops a sneak peek at something new coming to the Hernia Gods Podcast… You’ll have to listen to find 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 necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Orlando Health or any of our employers.

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 subspecialty, the tight-knit hernia community, mentorship, research, and what continues to drive Sean’s passion for the craft.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 any of our employers.

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 at the center of healthcare.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 any of our employers.

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 next generation, and how AI may shape 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 reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Orlando Health or any of our employers.

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 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 any of our employers.

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 reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Orlando Health or any of our employers.

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 and guests, and do not serve as a representation of or necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Orlando Health or any of our employers.

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 opinions of Orlando Health or any of our employers.

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, position, or opinions of Orlando Health or any of our employers.

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 representation of or necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Orlando Health or any of our employers

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, or opinions of Orlando Health or any of our employers.

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 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 any of our employers.

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 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 any of our employers.

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.org/donationDisclaimer: 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 any of our employers.

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 reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Orlando Health or any of our employers.

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 necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Orlando Health or any of our employers. 

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 necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Orlando Health or any of our employers.

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 any of our employers.

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, position, or opinions of Orlando Health or any of our employers.

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 reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Orlando Health or any of our employers.

Episode 7 of The Hernia Gods Podcast features an intriguing discussion with the powerful Dr. Ramia Stolt regarding her personal journey, gender equality in surgery, and strategies to overcome bias.  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 any of our employers.

In Episode 6 of The Hernia Gods Podcast, the thoughtful Brian P Jacob, MD, FACS discusses his journey as a private practice surgeon in New York City, his own mental health journey, and staying true to your 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, or opinions of Orlando Health or any of our employers.

The incredible Ileana Geogloman, MD joins The Hernia Gods Podcast as a guest to discuss her journey from Romania to her current role, the basic tenants of a hernia repair, and her thoughts on life as a hernia surgeon..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 any of our employers.

A great conversation with the always engaging Flavio Malcher about his practice, life in Brazil, and favorite books.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 any of our employers.

A great discussion with Conrad Ballecer, MD about life, career, and surfing.

A conversation with Dr. Hany Takla about his life, practice, and the hernia surgery community.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 any of our employers.

Welcome to The Hernia Gods Podcast.  In this episode Luke discusses the concept of the podcast and cool things to come!