UCI Health Physician Huddle

Rebecca Sauer, MD, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at UCI Health, joins Physician Huddle to discuss the evolving field of menopause and midlife care.Sauer reflects on her path from medical school at UC Irvine to her current focus on perimenopause, menopause, and women’s health. She explains that menopause care historically has received limited attention in medical training, despite the wide range of symptoms and health concerns that can arise during this stage of life.The conversation covers common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood changes, urogenital symptoms, and cognitive concerns. Sauer also discusses emerging associations with joint issues, tinnitus, cardiovascular changes, and broader health implications.She outlines how clinicians can approach evaluation, including when to consider thyroid, rheumatologic, autoimmune, nutritional or mood-related conditions before attributing symptoms to perimenopause. The discussion also explores hormone therapy, nonhormonal options, osteoporosis prevention, resistance training, and the importance of setting realistic expectations for treatment.Sauer also illustrates UCI Health leadership in developing a comprehensive menopause program, built around certified menopause providers, multidisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based guidance for women navigating midlife health.Topics discussed: Sauer emphasizes that listening, validation, and individualized care can significantly improve quality of life.Nonhormonal therapies may be appropriate for patients who are not candidates for hormone therapy or have targeted symptoms. Menopause and perimenopause have historically been underrepresented in medical education, even within OB-GYN training. Common symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood changes, urinary symptoms and vaginal dryness. Midlife care may also involve cognitive symptoms, joint concerns, cardiovascular risk, bone health, mood disorders and metabolic changes. Perimenopausal symptoms are often a diagnosis of exclusion; clinicians should evaluate for thyroid disease, autoimmune conditions, nutritional deficiencies and other possible causes when indicated. Hormone therapy remains a standard-of-care option for vasomotor symptoms and may help prevent osteoporosis in appropriate patients. UCI Health progress toward a comprehensive, evidence-based menopause care model across OB-GYN, primary care, and other key subspecialties. Connect with UCI Health physicians online at clinicalconnection.ucihealth.org, on LinkedIn @UCI Health Physicians, on Instagram @ucihealthphysicians, or at @uciphysicians on X. Refer a patient at referralportal.ucihealth.org and learn more about ongoing clinical trials at ucihealth.org/clinical-trials.

Don Park, MD, professor of orthopedic surgery and director of minimally invasive spine surgery at UCI Health, joins Physician Huddle to discuss the evolution of endoscopic spine surgery and the development of the UCI Health outpatient spine surgery program at the UCI Health — Irvine medical campus.Park explains how endoscopic techniques allow surgeons to treat common spine conditions through millimeter-sized incisions, using high-resolution cameras and specialized instruments. He describes how these approaches may support faster recovery, reduced pain, and a transition of appropriate spine procedures from the inpatient setting to an ambulatory surgery center.The conversation also explores why the adoption of minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgery has been gradual in the United States, the importance of hands-on training and mentorship, and how the UCI Health multidisciplinary spine program brings together orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery in a collaborative environment.Park also discusses his use of an augmented reality headset during endoscopic lumbar fusion, the role of emerging technologies in the operating room, and the future potential of AI as an adjunct to surgical decision-making, visualization, and safety.Topics discussed:Endoscopic spine surgery uses small incisions and high-resolution visualization to treat selected spine conditions, including lumbar disc herniations and lumbar stenosis.UCI Health is developing an endoscopic and outpatient spine surgery program that aligns with the Irvine medical campus and its ambulatory surgery capabilities. Not every patient is a candidate for endoscopic surgery; Park emphasizes matching the right patient, pathology, and surgical approach. Training is central to broader adoption because many surgeons did not learn endoscopic spine techniques during residency or fellowship. Park views new technology through a patient-safety lens: It must make surgery better, more efficient or safer. Augmented reality technologies may offer enhanced visualization and improved ergonomics during selected endoscopic spine procedures.AI’s future role in spine surgery may be as an adjunct that supports surgeons, rather than a replacement for clinical judgment.Connect with UCI Health physicians online at clinicalconnection.ucihealth.org, on LinkedIn @UCI Health Physicians, on Instagram @ucihealthphysicians, or at @uciphysicians on X. Refer a patient at referralportal.ucihealth.org and learn more about ongoing clinical trials at ucihealth.org/clinical-trials.

In this episode of Physician Huddle by UCI Health, thoracic surgeon Hari B. Keshava, MD, joins the show to discuss the rising incidence of lung cancer in never-smokers, persistent gaps in lung cancer screening, and the growing importance of coordinated follow-up for incidental lung nodules.Keshava also explains how advances in minimally invasive and robotic thoracic surgery, along with targeted therapies and immunotherapy, are reshaping treatment pathways for patients with lung cancer. He also shares his unusual path to medicine, from electrical engineering to thoracic surgery, and reflects on how a personal, family experience with serious lung disease continues to shape the way he cares for patients and their loved ones.Topics discussed: Why lung cancer screening rates have improved, but remain far below where they should beCommon physician and patient barriers to low-dose CT screeningHow to talk with patients about smoking history without judgmentWhat to do when a lung nodule is found incidentallyHow the UCI Health lung nodule clinic helps streamline follow-up and next stepsThe rising incidence of lung cancer in never-smokers, particularly in certain patient populationsQuestions surrounding genetics, driver mutations, and environmental exposureHow robotic and minimally invasive thoracic surgery is improving recoveryWhy targeted therapies and immunotherapy are changing surgical decision-makingKeshava’s path from electrical engineering to thoracic surgeryHow personal experience shapes empathy, expectation-setting, and patient communicationWhat makes thoracic surgery and multidisciplinary cancer care at UCI Health distinctiveConnect with UCI Health physicians online at clinicalconnection.ucihealth.org, on LinkedIn @UCI Health Physicians, on Instagram @ucihealthphysicians, or at @uciphysicians on X. Refer a patient at referralportal.ucihealth.org and learn more about ongoing clinical trials at ucihealth.org/clinical-trials.

Gary Deng, MD, program director of integrative oncology at UCI Health and Samueli Endowed Chair in Integrative Oncology and the director of clinical affairs at the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, discusses his vision for building a whole-person model of cancer care at UCI Health.Drawing on more than two decades of experience at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and earlier work at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Deng explains how integrative oncology has evolved from a niche, often misunderstood field into an increasingly evidence-based component of modern cancer care. He describes how approaches such as acupuncture, nutrition, exercise, stress management, and lifestyle change can help address symptoms, support quality of life and give patients a greater sense of agency during treatment.The conversation also explores the science behind integrative oncology, including randomized controlled trials, neuroimaging, National Cancer Institute-funded research, and emerging data suggesting that interventions once viewed as supportive may also affect treatment response and clinical outcomes. Deng outlines his long-term goal of establishing a model at UCI Health that integrates mind, body, and lifestyle into standard oncology care and generating the evidence to help disseminate that model more broadly.Topics discussed: Building the UCI Health integrative oncology programWhy whole-person care matters in cancer treatmentTreating symptoms, quality of life, and patient experience alongside the diseaseThe evolution of acupuncture from skepticism to guideline-supported careNational Cancer Institute-funded research in acupuncture and sepsisFunctional MRI and neurobiological mechanisms behind acupunctureLifestyle medicine in oncology, including diet, exercise, stress and sleepEmerging research on lifestyle change and treatment responseCircadian rhythm, social environment, and cancer outcomesThe opportunity to build a new integrative oncology care model at UCI HealthConnect with UCI Health physicians online at clinicalconnection.ucihealth.org, on LinkedIn @UCI Health Physicians, on Instagram @ucihealthphysicians, or at @uciphysicians on X. Refer a patient at referralportal.ucihealth.org and learn more about ongoing clinical trials at ucihealth.org/clinical-trials.

Jason Samarasena, MD, professor of medicine and Chief of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at UCI Health, reflects on more than two decades of service at UCI Health and the rapid transformation of modern GI practice.Now leading a division spanning advanced endoscopy, inflammatory bowel disease, hepatology and motility, Samarasena discusses recruiting world-class faculty, expanding clinical trials and building a culture that empowers physicians to pursue their strengths, whether in program development, research, or innovation.The conversation highlights breakthrough technologies including the first drug-coated balloon for complex esophageal strictures, next-generation robotic colonoscopy platforms and artificial intelligence systems designed to detect and characterize polyps, identify dysplasia in Barrett’s esophagus and automate endoscopy reporting. Samarasena also shares insights from co-founding an AI company focused on computer vision in GI and discusses how digital health agents may transform patient preparation, multilingual communication, and workflow efficiency.The episode concludes with a preview of the upcoming UCI Health Digestive Health Summit, a two-day educational and hands-on training event showcasing multidisciplinary collaboration across surgery and gastroenterology, along with a leadership and empowerment track addressing physician wellness, innovation, and the evolving business of healthcare.Topics Discussed:•Balancing clinical care, research and training•Clinical trials in IBS and advanced GI therapeutics•Robotic colonoscope platform development•Ergonomics and physician longevity in endoscopy•Drug-coated balloon for esophageal strictures (Paclitaxel)•AI computer vision in colonoscopy•Dysplasia detection in Barrett’s esophagus•Automating endoscopy reports with AI•AI health agents for bowel prep and multilingual patient communication•Chao Digestive Health Institute (CDHI) collaborative model•Digestive Health Summit and hands-on endoscopy labsConnect with UCI Health physicians online at clinicalconnection.ucihealth.org, on LinkedIn @UCI Health Physicians, on Instagram @ucihealthphysicians, or at @uciphysicians on X. Refer a patient at referralportal.ucihealth.org and learn more about ongoing clinical trials at ucihealth.org/clinical-trials.

Frank Hsu, MD, PhD, the Denny and Betty Tsai Endowed Chair in Neurological Surgery at UCI Health, reflects on shaping a comprehensive, subspecialty-driven neurosurgery program grounded in collaboration, academic rigor, and steady innovation.Since joining UCI Health in 2012 and assuming departmental leadership shortly thereafter, Hsu has helped guide the program through a period of significant growth, expanding faculty depth across trauma, spine, vascular, functional and skull base neurosurgery while strengthening residency and fellowship training.In this conversation, he discusses building a culture that prioritizes teamwork over ego, developing multidisciplinary programs in partnership with neurology, orthopedics and otolaryngology, and advancing minimally invasive approaches such as focused ultrasound for essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease. He also outlines how the UCI Health expansion into Irvine and affiliated community hospitals is enhancing access to complex stroke, trauma, and tertiary neurosurgical care across the region.This episode offers an inside look at how advanced neurosurgery evolves, through deliberate recruitment, evidence-based innovation and incremental progress in some of medicine’s most challenging diseases.Topics DiscussedMultimodality monitoring in traumatic brain injuryExpanding subspecialty expertise across trauma, spine, vascular and functional neurosurgeryComprehensive spine collaboration with orthopedics, neurology, pain and rehabGrowth of residency and fellowship programsFocused ultrasound for essential tremor and Parkinson’s diseaseExpansion across Irvine and community hospitalsBuilding a collaborative neurosurgery cultureManaging stroke volume in a growing regionEvidence-based adoption of robotics and minimally invasive techniquesIncremental advances in glioblastoma survivalAcademic leadership in Orange County’s only academic medical centerConnect with UCI Health physicians online at clinicalconnection.ucihealth.org, on LinkedIn @UCI Health Physicians, on Instagram @ucihealthphysicians, or at @uciphysicians on X. Refer a patient at referralportal.ucihealth.org and learn more about ongoing clinical trials at ucihealth.org/clinical-trials.

In this episode of Physician Huddle by UCI Health, Claire Henchcliffe, MD, DPhil, Stanley van den Noort Endowed Chair in Neurology at the UC Irvine School of Medicine, discusses scaling a 60+ faculty department, expanding clinical trials access and advancing precision neurology through stem cell therapy, artificial intelligence, and multidisciplinary collaboration.Henchcliffe reflects on her path from Oxford to Weill Cornell Medicine and ultimately to UC Irvine, where she has grown the Department of Neurology from fewer than 40 faculty to more than 60, with ongoing expansion underway. She discusses the strategic importance of integrating academic neuroscience with enterprise growth, leveraging campus research strength, community partnerships, and clinical scale to meet a nationwide shortage of neurologists.The conversation highlights the UCI Health depth in neurodegenerative disease, including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, ALS, and emerging dementia subtypes, as well as its more than 100 open clinical trials across gene therapy, stem cell transplantation, antibody infusions, and small molecule therapeutics. Henchcliffe describes pioneering work in first-in-human stem cell transplantation for Parkinson’s disease and the launch of magnetic resonance–guided focused ultrasound for non-incisional neurological interventions.Looking ahead, she outlines a vision for precision neurology powered by neurogenetics, AI-driven predictive analytics and neuroinformatics, bringing biomarkers, environment, social determinants and big data together to personalize neurological care.Topics Discussed:Addressing the national neurologist workforce shortageIntegrating campus research with clinical neurologyFirst-in-human stem cell transplantation for Parkinson’s diseaseGene therapy in neuromuscular disordersMagnetic resonance–guided focused ultrasound for non-incisional neurosurgeryExpansion of stroke care and comprehensive stroke center collaborationUndiagnosed Disease Network participationDevelopment of a new headache fellowshipNeuroinformatics, AI and predictive analytics in clinical decision-makingPrecision neurology incorporating genetics, biomarkers and social determinantsMore than 100 open clinical trials across subspecialtiesConnect with UCI Health physicians online at clinicalconnection.ucihealth.org, on LinkedIn @UCI Health Physicians, on Instagram @ucihealthphysicians, or at @uciphysicians on X. Refer a patient at referralportal.ucihealth.org and learn more about ongoing clinical trials at ucihealth.org/clinical-trials.

In this episode of Physician Huddle by UCI Health, Lindsay Carrillo, MBA and Sunil Verma, MD, sit down with Tjoson Tjoa, MD, Chair of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, to discuss the department’s transformation from a single-digit-faculty service line to a rapidly expanding, subspecialty-driven academic program.Tjoa reflects on returning to UCI Health after fellowship, building a head and neck cancer practice through community engagement and availability, and ultimately stepping into departmental leadership. He shares lessons learned about referral network development, physician accessibility, and the importance of creating sustainable growth that supports both patient access and physician wellness.The conversation also explores how recent health system expansion, including the opening of UCI Health – Irvine and the launch of a dedicated ENT presence in Brea, has lifted longstanding constraints on ambulatory and operating room capacity. With 19 faculty members and at least two subspecialists in every major ENT discipline, the department is positioning itself as a regional referral destination serving Orange County, the Inland Empire, and eastern Los Angeles County.Tjoa also outlines emerging research strengths, including nationally recognized innovations in hearing science and spatial genomics in head and neck cancer.Together, these efforts aim to elevate national reputation while maintaining the UCI Health identity as an accessible and collegial academic medical center.Topics Discussed:Building a head and neck cancer referral network through availability and community engagementAligning departmental growth with health system expansionDoubling faculty size to meet regional demandSubspecialization across seven ENT disciplinesExpanding ambulatory access in Brea and IrvineCreating geographically rooted care teams to improve continuity and wellnessStrengthening collaboration between clinicians and campus researchersNationally recognized hearing research and cochlear innovationSpatial genomics and transcriptomics in head and neck cancerBalancing local community access with national academic reputationConnect with UCI Health physicians online at clinicalconnection.ucihealth.org, on LinkedIn @UCI Health Physicians, on Instagram @ucihealthphysicians, or at @uciphysicians on X. Refer a patient at referralportal.ucihealth.org and learn more about ongoing clinical trials at ucihealth.org/clinical-trials.

In this episode of Physician Huddle by UCI Health, Lindsay Carrillo, MBA, and Sunil Verma, MD, are joined by Richard Van Etten, MD, PhD, director of the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and holder of the Chao Family Endowed Director’s Chair in Cancer Research and Treatment.Van Etten reflects on his career path from Stanford and Harvard to leading one of the nation’s National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated comprehensive cancer centers, and outlines what distinguishes academic cancer centers from community oncology practices. He discusses the depth of subspecialization required to treat complex malignancies, the importance of multidisciplinary care models, and why access to clinical trials remains essential when guidelines fall short.The conversation also explores the UCI Health commitment to its Orange County catchment area, including care for underserved populations, the expansion of inpatient and outpatient cancer services in Irvine and Orange, and the impact of launching the county’s only adult hematopoietic stem cell transplant and cellular therapy program. Van Etten closes by sharing leadership strategies that have driven rapid growth in faculty, funding and national research visibility, and by outlining the cancer center’s future priorities in precision medicine, integrative oncology, and training the next generation of cancer specialists.Topics discussed:What NCI designation means for patients and referring physicians.Differences between academic cancer centers and community oncology practices.Subspecialization and multidisciplinary care in complex cancers.Clinical trials access when standard treatment guidelines end.Caring for underserved populations in Orange County.Expansion of cancer services across Irvine and Orange.Launch and growth of the adult stem cell transplant and cell therapy program.Faculty recruitment, research funding growth and leadership strategy.The role of philanthropy and investigator-initiated trials.Future priorities in precision oncology, integrative care and education.Connect with UCI Health physicians online at clinicalconnection.ucihealth.org, on LinkedIn @UCI Health Physicians, on Instagram @ucihealthphysicians, or at @uciphysicians on X. Refer a patient at referralportal.ucihealth.org and learn more about ongoing clinical trials at ucihealth.org/clinical-trials.

In this episode, Farshid Dayyani, MD, PhD, medical director of the Stern Center for Clinical Trials and Research and associate director for translational science at the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center shares his path to UCI Health and how the cancer center’s clinical trials program has grown over the past decade. From expanding participation in industry-sponsored studies to developing a robust portfolio of investigator-initiated trials, he discusses what it takes to build a sustainable clinical trials infrastructure, balance patient care with research responsibilities, and support junior faculty as clinical investigators.The conversation explores how patients and referring physicians access trials, the ethics and design of modern oncology studies, and the evolving role of liquid biopsy and molecular residual disease testing in cancer care. Dayyani also reflects on the scale and complexity of running a large clinical trials enterprise, the importance of team-based execution, and why meaningful research starts by listening to the patients you serve.Topics discussed:Building and scaling a comprehensive clinical trials program within an academic medical center.Balancing patient care responsibilities with the demands of clinical research.The role of industry-sponsored, cooperative group, and investigator-initiated trials.How patients and referring physicians identify and access clinical trials at UCI Health.Ethical design of oncology trials and addressing common patient concerns about participation.The growing role of liquid biopsy and molecular residual disease testing in cancer care.Supporting and mentoring junior faculty as clinical investigators.The infrastructure and collaboration required to run high-quality clinical trials at scale.How regional demographics and disease prevalence shape trial design and enrollment.Connect with UCI Health physicians online at clinicalconnection.ucihealth.org, on LinkedIn @UCI Health Physicians, on Instagram @ucihealthphysicians, or at @uciphysicians on X. Refer a patient at referralportal.ucihealth.org and learn more about ongoing clinical trials at ucihealth.org/clinical-trials.

In this episode of Physician Huddle, Baruch D. Kuppermann, MD, endowed professor, chair of the UC Irvine School of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology and director of the UCI Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, shares the challenges of building a nationally recognized research enterprise within an academic ophthalmology department.Kuppermann reflects on his decades-long career at UC Irvine, including two distinct tenures as department chair, and the strategic decisions that helped transform the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute into a leading center for translational vision research. He discusses recruiting world-class scientists, aligning research growth with clinical excellence, and leveraging philanthropy and institutional partnerships to accelerate discovery.The conversation explores how proximity between bench and bedside is reshaping faculty recruitment, collaboration and patient care, as well as the leadership principles, integrity, consistency and playing the long game, that have guided the institute’s evolution. Kuppermann also shares advice for emerging academic leaders on building credibility, managing complexity, and sustaining momentum over time.Topics discussed:Building a translational vision research enterprise within an academic ophthalmology department.Strategic recruitment of world-class scientists and clinician–scientists.The role of philanthropy and endowments in accelerating research growth.Creating proximity between bench research and clinical care to drive innovation.Expanding NIH-funded research and national visibility in vision science.Lessons learned from serving multiple tenures as department chair.Servant leadership, integrity and managing alignment across faculty and institutional leadership.Balancing academic growth with community-based ophthalmic care across Orange County.Advice for emerging leaders on credibility, diplomacy and long-term impact in academic medicine.Connect with UCI Health physicians online at clinicalconnection.ucihealth.org, on LinkedIn @UCI Health Physicians, on Instagram @ucihealthphysicians, or at @uciphysicians on X. Refer a patient at referralportal.ucihealth.org and learn more about ongoing clinical trials at ucihealth.org/clinical-trials.

Leaders from UCI Health sit down with Jamie Landman, MD, Chair of the UC Irvine School of Medicine Department of Urology, to discuss leadership, culture-building, and innovation in academic medicine.Landman reflects on his path to UCI Health, the evolution of the Department of Urology over the past 15 years, and the leadership philosophy that has helped cultivate collaboration, mentorship, and sustained the development of faculty at every career stage. He also shares lessons learned from executive coaching, the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, and why service-oriented leadership is essential to building high-performing clinical teams. Landman also highlights emerging innovations in robotics, minimally invasive procedures, and clinical trials that are shaping the future of urology.Topics discussed:Building and sustaining a collaborative, service-oriented culture within an academic urology department.Leadership development in academic medicine, including the role of executive coaching and emotional intelligence.Recruiting, mentoring, and supporting faculty across career stages to drive long-term departmental excellence.Leveraging philanthropy and development partnerships to launch innovative clinical, research, and community programs.Expanding access to urologic care through community partnerships and the growing UCI Health clinical footprint.Emerging innovations in urology, including robotics, minimally invasive procedures, and first-in-the-world clinical trials.The role of academic health centers in translating cutting-edge research and technology into patient-centered care.Connect with UCI Health physicians online at clinicalconnection.ucihealth.org, on LinkedIn @UCI Health Physicians, on Instagram @ucihealthphysicians, or at @uciphysicians on X. Refer a patient at referralportal.ucihealth.org and learn more about ongoing clinical trials at ucihealth.org/clinical-trials.

Chief Medical Informatics Officer and Vice President of Informatics Deepti Pandita, MD, joins Physician Huddle to discuss the evolving role of clinical informatics and the powerful applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare IT applications. From predictive analytics in sepsis care to ambient scribing, lung nodule detection, and bespoke algorithm deployment, Pandita outlines how AI is reshaping clinical workflows and improving outcomes, all while reducing administrative burden for physicians and nurses. Learn how UCI Health is leading in responsible AI governance, education, and real-world integration of informatics tools across ambulatory and acute settings.Topics discussed:The origins and evolution of clinical informatics and its role at academic health centers.How AI tools are being trained on millions of images to outperform human detection of subtle lesions (e.g., mammography, lung nodules).Real-world applications of AI in clinical decision support, including sepsis prediction, and pharmacogenomics.The promise of ambient scribing and automation to reduce documentation burden and improve physician wellness.AI governance, algorithmic bias, and ensuring tools are tailored to diverse patient populations.How UCI Health is piloting and validating its own AI models with a focus on safe, equitable, and scalable deployment.Connect with UCI Health physicians online at clinicalconnection.ucihealth.org, on LinkedIn @UCI Health Physicians, on Instagram @ucihealthphysicians, or at @uciphysicians on X. Refer a patient at referralportal.ucihealth.org and learn more about ongoing clinical trials at ucihealth.org/clinical-trials.

Board-certified UCI Health transplant surgeon Robert Redfield, MD, joins the podcast to offer an inside look at the region’s fastest-growing kidney and pancreas transplant program. He explains why living donor kidney transplant is the gold standard for patients with end-stage renal disease, and how his team empowers patients to find a donor—even before dialysis begins. Redfield also discusses pancreas transplantation for diabetes, emerging immunosuppression research, and how xenotransplantation might shape the future of organ donation.Topics Discussed:Living donor kidney transplant is the preferred treatment option for patients with kidney failure—offering better long-term outcomes, faster recovery, and no wait time.UCI Health provides unmatched donor support: living donors receive lost wage reimbursement, childcare resources, and guaranteed transplant access if they ever need a kidney in the future.Patients are coached on how to talk to loved ones about donation, with role-playing, scripts, and social network mapping.Paired kidney exchanges and advanced HLA matching techniques can find optimal matches, even when a loved one is incompatible.Pancreas transplant is a life-changing option for Type 1 diabetics—particularly those with hypoglycemia unawareness or brittle diabetes.Future breakthroughs include transplants without lifelong immunosuppression and gene-edited pig kidneys for off-the-shelf transplantation.Connect with UCI Health physicians online at clinicalconnection.ucihealth.org, on LinkedIn @UCI Health Physicians, on Instagram @ucihealthphysicians, or at @uciphysicians on X. Refer a patient at referralportal.ucihealth.org and learn more about ongoing clinical trials at ucihealth.org/clinical-trials.

Board-certified UCI Health breast reconstructive surgeon Gordon Lee, MD joins the podcast to share his experience and discuss the latest techniques in breast reconstruction, including microsurgery, robotic advancements, and AI applications. Learn about specific case studies, such as direct-to-implant breast reconstruction, robot-assisted microsurgery, and innovative AI applications. Discover how these technologies are changing patient care and the future of plastic surgery.  Topics discussed:  Microsurgical natural-tissue reconstructions like the DIEP flap, which preserves abdominal muscles while reconstructing the breast after mastectomy. The reconstructive—not cosmetic—nature of breast surgery after cancer, highlighting its vital role in restoring patient body image, emotional well-being, and self-esteem during recovery. Advanced head-to-toe cancer and trauma reconstructions, including lymphatic surgeries for lymphedema — connecting microscopic lymphatic vessels to veins to restore drainage. Ongoing development of next-generation injectables, microneedling, energy-based skin therapies, and regenerative techniques to address aging and aesthetic concerns.Connect with UCI Health physicians online at clinicalconnection.ucihealth.org, on LinkedIn @UCI Health Physicians, on Instagram @ucihealthphysicians, or at @uciphysicians on X. Refer a patient at referralportal.ucihealth.org and learn more about ongoing clinical trials at ucihealth.org/clinical-trials.

Board-certified UCI Health geriatrician Lisa Gibbs, MD joins the podcast to discuss the unique aspects of the UCI Health Senior Health Center, highlighting its comprehensive team-based approach to geriatric care. Gibbs shares insights on the importance of fall prevention, the impact of footwear on fall risks, and the center's focus on both clinical and preventive care for older adults. Tune in to learn how UCI Health is making strides in geriatric medicine and improving the lives of seniors in Orange County.Topics discussed:  Falls are a major focus: one-third of older adults fall each year, and a fall often triggers a cascade of health declines, including loss of independence and increased mortality. Risk identification (e.g., gait assessments, reviewing footwear) and preventive interventions (e.g., physical therapy, safer mobility plans) are prioritized to stop that one life-altering fall. The overuse of over-the-counter medications and supplements, aiming for medication regimens that are simpler, safer, and sustainable for older adults. Geriatric consultation benefits patients in fields like oncology, cardiology, orthopedics, trauma surgery, and even otolaryngology, ensuring treatments align with functional goals and quality of life. UCI Health is embracing digital medicine: integrating home health data into electronic medical records (EMR) and using apps and wearables for chronic disease management.Connect with UCI Health physicians online at clinicalconnection.ucihealth.org, on LinkedIn @UCI Health Physicians, on Instagram @ucihealthphysicians, or at @uciphysicians on X. Refer a patient at referralportal.ucihealth.org and learn more about ongoing clinical trials at ucihealth.org/clinical-trials.

Board-certified UCI Health urologist David I. Lee, MD joins the podcast to highlight his groundbreaking advancements in robotic prostate surgery and journey as a physician. Lee discusses his extensive experience, having performed over 7,000 robotic prostatectomies, and the evolution of prostate cancer treatment. Learn about the benefits of robotic surgery, the importance of multidisciplinary care, and the future of urological innovations. Topics discussed:  How robot-assisted surgery has transformed prostate cancer care by improving cancer outcomes, reducing blood loss, minimizing recovery time, and enhancing urinary and sexual function preservation compared to open surgery. The importance of a team-based approach, integrating surgery, radiation oncology, and medical oncology to optimize outcomes for patients with complex or high-risk prostate cancer. Emerging technologies, including AI-powered robotic surgery analytics and force feedback systems, are poised to transform surgical training and outcomes Advances in systemic therapies and precision medicine are dramatically improving survival and quality of life for men with prostate cancer. Connect with UCI Health physicians online at clinicalconnection.ucihealth.org, on LinkedIn @UCI Health Physicians, on Instagram @ucihealthphysicians, or at @uciphysicians on X. Refer a patient at referralportal.ucihealth.org and learn more about ongoing clinical trials at ucihealth.org/clinical-trials.

Board-certified UCI Health physician and fellowship-trained otology, neurotology, and skull base surgeon Hamid Djalilian, MD joins the podcast to discuss his expertise on ear-related medical and surgical problems, including tinnitus, chronic ear infections, and innovative treatments for tympanic membrane perforations. Hear groundbreaking advancements in minimally invasive procedures, the latest research on tinnitus treatment, and the future of hearing restoration. Whether you're a medical professional or simply curious about the latest in otolaryngology, this episode offers a deep dive into the cutting-edge developments transforming patient care. Tune in to learn how UCI Health is leading the way in medical innovation and improving the quality of life for patients.Topics discussed:  Understanding and treating tinnitus as a brain disorder The link between tinnitus and central nervous system sensitivity Ongoing research into future implantable devices to further reduce or eliminate tinnitus symptoms.Development of an office-based, minimally invasive procedure to repair tympanic membrane perforations using processed porcine tissue and autologous blood serum.A new hearing aid that directly stimulates the eardrum, providing higher-quality sound compared to traditional devices.Connect with UCI Health physicians online at clinicalconnection.ucihealth.org, on LinkedIn @UCI Health Physicians, on Instagram @ucihealthphysicians, or at @uciphysicians on X. Refer a patient at referralportal.ucihealth.org and learn more about ongoing clinical trials at ucihealth.org/clinical-trials.

Board-certified UCI Health surgical oncologist Maheswari Senthil, MD, joins the podcast to share her expertise on managing advanced gastrointestinal cancers, particularly peritoneal malignancies, and discusses revolutionary tools and clinical trials aimed at improving patient outcomes. Learn about the innovative use of artificial intelligence in early diagnosis, the development of sophisticated machine learning models, and the promising STOPGAP clinical trial that combines systemic and regional treatments for stage four cancer patients. Topics discussed:  Challenges of detecting advanced gastric cancer (peritoneal carcinomatosis) early due to vague symptoms and imaging limitations. Development of a deep machine learning model at UCI Health with 98% predictive accuracy based on CT imaging. Launch of STOPGAP2: the first NCI-approved national randomized phase 2/3 trial targeting peritoneal carcinomatosis. Shift from traditional circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) to studying extracellular vesicles (exosomes) for more precise, early cancer detection. Development of a patented exosome isolation reagent to standardize and accelerate clinical application. Broader implications for other diseases beyond cancer, such as Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular diseases. Connect with UCI Health physicians online at clinicalconnection.ucihealth.org, on LinkedIn @UCI Health Physicians, on Instagram @ucihealthphysicians, or at @uciphysicians on X. Refer a patient at referralportal.ucihealth.org and learn more about ongoing clinical trials at ucihealth.org/clinical-trials.