White Coats, Real Talk

In the thirty-second episode of White Coats, Real Talk, Atharva and Akshara Anand speak with Dr. Jenny Pan, clinical instructor at Stanford School of Medicine and an abdominal transplant surgeon specializing in kidney transplantation. Working at the front lines of transplant medicine, Dr. Pan guides patients through end-stage kidney disease, living donation, and the complex realities of life before and after transplant. In this conversation, she breaks down how kidneys keep the body alive, the major diseases that lead to kidney failure, and how rejection is prevented and treated.

In the thirty-first episode of White Coats, Real Talk, Atharva and Akshara Anand sit down with Edward K. Kasper, Traill Professor in Cardiology and Director of Outpatient Cardiology at Johns Hopkins Medicine. A leading voice in cardiovascular care, Dr. Kasper has spent decades treating heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and complex heart disease, while also empowering patients through his book Living Well with Heart Failure. In this conversation, he explains how heart disease develops silently over time, how to recognize early warning signs, and what modern medicine is doing to protect and strengthen the heart,

In the thirtieth episode of White Coats, Real Talk, Atharva and Akshara Anand sit down with Dr. Andrew Cameron, Director of the Department of Surgery and Surgeon-in-Chief at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. A leader in liver transplantation and transplant innovation, Dr. Cameron has dedicated his career to expanding organ donation, improving transplant outcomes, and advancing technologies. In this conversation, he breaks down how the liver works, what leads to liver failure, and how transplantation offers patients a second chance at life.

In the twenty-ninth episode of White Coats, Real Talk, Atharva and Akshara Anand sit down with Dr. Marc L. Melcher, Chief of the Division of Abdominal Transplantation at Stanford University and former Program Director of the Stanford Abdominal Transplant Surgery Fellowship. With a career spanning adult and pediatric liver and kidney transplantation, Dr. Melcher is known for advancing donor-recipient matching, improving the long-term success of transplants, and expanding access through living donation and cutting-edge technology. In this conversation, Dr. Melcher shares insights on innovation, and the hope that drives both patients and surgeons toward a second chance at life.

In the twenty-eighth episode of White Coats, Real Talk, Atharva and Akshara Anand sit down with Dr. Douglas Liou, Clinical Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine. A specialist in thoracic surgery, Dr. Liou treats lung cancer, mediastinal tumors, airway disease, and complex chest trauma. Dr. Liou shares insights on precision in the operating room, the challenges of treating one of the deadliest cancers, and the humanity at the heart of every life-changing procedure.

In the twenty-seventh episode of White Coats, Real Talk, Atharva and Akshara Anand sit down with Dr. Hiroshi Sogawa, Surgical Director of the Yale's School of Medicine Liver Transplant Program. With over two decades of experience spanning liver, kidney, pancreas, and multi-organ transplantation, Dr. Sogawa is known for pioneering advances in living donor liver transplants, minimally invasive surgery, and organ preservation. In this conversation, Dr. Sogawa shares valuable lessons on resilience, surgical precision, and the lasting impact of giving someone a second chance at life.

In the twenty-sixth episode of White Coats, Real Talk, Atharva and Akshara Anand sit down with Dr. Daniel Minter, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Infectious Diseases Specialist at the UCSF School of Medicine. Dr. Minter treats patients with a wide spectrum of bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections, with a focus on those who are immunocompromised and those facing neurologic infections. Beyond the bedside, he is a dedicated educator, co-directing UCSF’s IDS 113 course, the ID Division Grand Rounds series, and the Transplant Infectious Diseases fellowship track. For students and future doctors, Dr. Minter offers insight into why infectious diseases remain a vital specialty and shares advice on the skills needed to succeed in this field.

In the twenty-fifth episode of White Coats, Real Talk, Atharva and Akshara Anand sit down with Dr. Samir Mardini, Chair of the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and one of the world’s leading face transplant surgeons. Dr. Mardini shares the remarkable story of Andy Sandness, the recipient of Mayo’s first face transplant, as told in the book Face in the Mirror. He discusses the science and teamwork behind a 56-hour surgery, the role of organ donors and their families, and the emotional journey of rebuilding not just a face, but a life.

In the twenty-fourth episode of White Coats, Real Talk, Atharva and Akshara Anand sit down with Dr. Melissa Frey, Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine and Director of the Genetics and Personalized Cancer Prevention Program. A leader in cancer genetics and prevention, Dr. Frey cares for women with hereditary cancer syndromes like BRCA1/2 and Lynch syndrome while advancing research on how genetics can guide personalized cancer prevention. She breaks down the most common gynecologic cancers, the role of genetic testing, and how family history influences risk.

In the twenty-third episode of White Coats, Real Talk, Atharva and Akshara Anand sit down with Dr. Brian Kim, Vice Chair of Research and Site Chair of Dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and Director of the Mark Lebwohl Center for Neuroinflammation and Sensation. A physician-scientist, neuroimmunologist, dermatologist, inventor, and entrepreneur, Dr. Kim is transforming how we understand and treat chronic itch and inflammatory skin diseases like eczema. He explains why itch is more than just a skin problem, how the brain and immune system shape conditions like acne and eczema, and the lesser-known causes behind persistent itching.

In the twenty-second episode of White Coats, Real Talk, Atharva and Akshara Anand sit down with Dr. Julia Cron, Site Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens Hospital and Vice Chair in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Weill Cornell Medicine. Specializing in Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Dr. Cron addresses the questions many teens are hesitant to ask from understanding periods, hormones, and puberty, to managing painful cycles, navigating birth control, and recognizing conditions like endometriosis and PCOS. She also explores the importance of early OB-GYN visits, the role of mental health and body image in adolescent care, and how young women can feel empowered to take ownership of their health.

In the twenty-first episode of White Coats, Real Talk, Atharva and Akshara Anand sit down with Dr. Brian Clyne, Professor of Emergency Medicine and Vice Chair of Education at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. In addition, Dr. Clyne is the founder of the Medical Education Research Fellowship and Chair of the national AAMC Careers in Medicine Advisory Committee, where he plays a key role in shaping how future physicians are trained and guided. Drawing from over two decades in emergency medicine, Dr. Clyne shares insights into the fast-paced world of the ER, the importance of mentorship, and the responsibility of healthcare leaders to serve with empathy and purpose.

In the twentieth episode of White Coats, Real Talk, Atharva and Akshara Anand sit down with Dr. Tirsit S. Asfaw, a board-certified urogynecologist and Associate Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology at Weill Cornell Medicine. Specializing in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Asfaw helps unpack the often-overlooked world of pelvic floor disorders. From the basics of what the pelvic floor does to the realities of pelvic organ prolapse and the 200,000+ surgeries performed each year, this episode tackles tough questions with compassion and clarity.

In the eighteenth episode of White Coats, Real Talk, Atharva and Akshara Anand sit down with Dr. Rick Bold, Site Director of Mayo Clinic’s Comprehensive Cancer Center in Arizona and a leading surgical oncologist. They explore the world of cancer care beyond the operating room, discussing early detection, patient-centered surgery, innovation in treatment, and the challenges of access and awareness. This conversation offers an inside look at how compassion, expertise, and teamwork come together to fight one of the world’s toughest diseases.

In the eighteenth episode of White Coats, Real Talk, Atharva and Akshara Anand sit down with Dr. Rick Bold, Site Director of Mayo Clinic’s Comprehensive Cancer Center in Arizona and a leading surgical oncologist. They explore the world of cancer care beyond the operating room, discussing early detection, patient-centered surgery, innovation in treatment, and the challenges of access and awareness. This conversation offers an inside look at how compassion, expertise, and teamwork come together to fight one of the world’s toughest diseases.

In the seventeenth episode of White Coats, Real Talk, Atharva and Akshara Anand sit down with Dr. Dave Clarke, Chief of the Comprehensive Pediatric Epilepsy Center at Dell Children’s Medical Center. They explore the world of pediatric epilepsy, where early diagnosis, personalized treatment, and a deep understanding of child development come together to offer hope to families navigating complex seizures.

In the sixteenth episode of White Coats, Real Talk, Atharva and Akshara Anand sit down with Dr. Linda Peterson, Medical Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Professor of Medicine at Washington University in St. Louis. They unpack the often-overlooked world of cardiac rehab where medicine, lifestyle change, and long-term recovery meet.

In the fifteenth episode of White Coats, Real Talk, Atharva and Akshara Anand sit down with Dr. Sona Arora, a board-certified anesthesiologist, Clinical Director at Grady Memorial Hospital, and Associate Program Director for the Emory Anesthesiology Residency. They explore the hidden world of anesthesiology from the science of “going under” to the life-or-death decisions made in trauma and geriatric care. Dr. Arora dispels common myths, shares powerful moments from the OR, and offers advice for students considering a future in medicine.

In the fourteenth episode of White Coats, Real Talk, Atharva and Akshara Anand sit down with Dr. Steven Schechter, a board-certified colorectal surgeon and Clinical Professor of Surgery at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. They dive into the often-overlooked world of colon and rectal health from early symptoms like bloating and constipation to life-changing surgeries that restore comfort and confidence. Dr. Schechter also shares powerful patient stories and offers advice for those passionate about pursuing a career in medicine.

In the thirteenth episode, Atharva and Akshara Anand sit down with Dr. Adil Ahmed, an orthopedic surgeon at Baylor Medicine, to explore how injuries to the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and nerves are treated and how patients reclaim movement, strength, and confidence through surgery.

In the twelfth episode of White Coats, Real Talk, Atharva and Akshara Anand team up with Dr. Ekta Perera, a top allergist-immunologist, to unpack what happens when your immune system overreacts. From peanut allergies to pollen season, they explore why some people are more sensitive than others, how allergies develop, and the science behind diagnosing and treating them.

In the eleventh episode of White Coats, Real Talk, Akshara and Atharva Anand sit down with Dr. Akash J. Patel, a leading neurosurgeon and professor at Baylor College of Medicine, to explore the hidden dangers of skull base tumors. Often called “silent” tumors, these growths can go undetected for years until they affect vision, hearing, or brain function. Dr. Patel sheds light on why these tumors are so difficult to detect, what warning signs shouldn’t be ignored, and how science and compassion come together.

In the tenth episode of White Coats, Real Talk, Atharva and Akshara Anand speak with Dr. Carlos Gonzales to explore the fascinating field of ophthalmology—the branch of medicine that specializes in eye care, vision correction, and intricate surgeries that can restore sight.

In the ninth episode of White Coats, Real Talk, Atharva and Akshara Anand speak with Dr. Joel Adler to uncover the life-changing world of pancreas and kidney transplants. They explore how these procedures restore balance for patients with diabetes and kidney failure, the role of peritoneal dialysis, and the challenges of highly sensitized recipients.

In the eighth episode of White Coats, Real Talk, Atharva and Akshara interview Dr. Venkat K to explore what bariatric surgery is and how robotic technology is revolutionizing it. They discuss how these life-changing procedures, which help patients combat obesity and improve their overall health, are becoming more precise, less invasive, and safer through robotic-assisted innovations.

In the seventh episode of White Coats, Real Talk, Atharva and Akshara interview Dr. P. Avudaiappan about how kidney transplants work, what the challenges are, and how they’re changing over time.

In the sixth episode of White Coats, Real Talk, Atharva and Akshara interview Dr. Vinay Puduvalli to uncover the realities of glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive and challenging brain cancers.

In the fifth episode of White Coats, Real Talk, Atharva and Akshara interview Dr. N Subramanian about rheumatology and autoimmune diseases, exploring conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.

In the fourth episode of White Coats, Real Talk, Atharva and Akshara interview Dr. Siva Ambalam about preventive health and explore what we can do to avoid diseases, stay healthy, and live longer.

In the third episode of White Coats, Real Talk, Atharva and Akshara interview Dr. Karthi Namasivayam about performance anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders.

In the second episode of White Coats, Real Talk, Atharva and Akshara interview Dr. Pulak Goswami about what Interventional Radiology is and how it is beneficial, including how it works, improves outcomes, and enhances quality of life for patients.

In the first episode of White Coats, Real Talk, Atharva and Akshara interview Dr. Prasuna Velur about brain health and the science behind keeping a healthy brain.