Ever wondered how top surgeons balance high-stakes surgery with a fulfilling personal life? Join us as we speak with Dr. Jennifer Waljee, an esteemed plastic surgeon and full professor at the University of Michigan, whose career is a testament to dedication and excellence. With 242 research publications to her name, Dr. Waljee shares her journey from medical school at Emory University to her rigorous training and fellowship at Michigan, revealing the resilience and passion it takes to thrive in ...
Jun 11, 2024•54 min•Season 4Ep. 80
Renowned New Jersey plastic surgeon Dr. Sidney Rabinowitz shares his extensive journey and passion for connecting with people. From his early beginnings in chemical engineering to becoming a triple board-certified plastic, general, and hand surgeon, Dr. Rabinowitz reflects on the skills and experiences that shaped his career. Known for his selflessness and collaborative spirit, he emphasizes the importance of pre-visualization in surgery, continuous learning, and balancing professional dedicatio...
Jun 04, 2024•57 min•Season 4Ep. 79
Join the ranks of surgical excellence as we sit down with the inspiring Dr. Tara Huston, whose stellar career trajectory from Harvard undergraduate to president of the Northeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons is nothing short of remarkable. Unveiling the fabric of her success, we pay homage to the power of mentorship, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, all while navigating the high-stakes realm of New York’s surgical theater. Dr. Houston's narrative not only showcases her asce...
May 28, 2024•51 min•Season 4Ep. 78
When the hands of a neurosurgeon meet the heart of a mentor, what unfolds is more than just a tale of medical triumphs. Dr. Christopher Winfree joins me to unravel his path to becoming an associate professor at Columbia and share the personal philosophies that sharpen both his scalpel and his soul. We venture into discussions about his one-meal-a-day regimen, its impact on his concentration in the OR, and why silence, not music, is his companion during surgery. Chris's journey is a testament to ...
May 21, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 4Ep. 77
S04E76 A Tapestry of Care: The Human Side of Pediatric Surgery Leadership with Dr. Kathleen Van Leeuwen Navigating the high seas of pediatric surgery and healthcare leadership, guest Dr. Kathleen Van Leeuwen, a pediatric surgeon shares a wealth of experience and contributions to the field of surgery. The discussion spans Dr. Van Leeuwen's career trajectory, starting from her medical training alongside the host Dr. Sam Rhee, through her notable achievements in pediatric surgery and her leadership...
May 14, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 4Ep. 76
Ever notice how every other word in your favorite TV show seems to be beeped out, or how your go-to playlist is peppered with more F-bombs than a Quentin Tarantino flick? We're peeling back the curtain to reveal the sweeping escalation of swear words in pop culture, and the implications it has on our daily banter – particularly with the impressionable ears of the next generation tuning in. In an era where four-letter words are less shocking and more like commas, we dissect the allure of the forb...
Jan 19, 2024•15 min•Season 4Ep. 75
What if man’s best friend could live longer? We’re about to delve into the groundbreaking science of LOY-1, a new drug with potential to extend the lifespan of dogs. We explore why this drug, which lowers IGF-1 levels in the body, could be a game-changer not just for our dogs, but for human longevity as well. However, with every new discovery comes controversy and ethical concerns. How much would you pay for a longer life for your dog, or for you? #thoughtfulplasticsurgery #podcast #plasticsurge...
Dec 13, 2023•11 min•Season 3Ep. 74
Have you ever thought about the role mental toughness plays in your life or your children's lives? Let's promise you an intriguing journey that revolves around cultivating mental toughness versus resilience, a subject that is often spoken about, yet seldom understood. Let's take a look at personal experiences of fostering mental fortitude in our children, drawing from the suggestions of fitness coach Ben Bergeron. After that we will navigate through the tricky balance between comfort and challen...
Nov 30, 2023•16 min•Season 3Ep. 73
Ever wondered why some people seem luckier than others? That's what we're diving into today. We're here to debunk the common myth that luck is purely a game of chance. Through engaging discussions, we explore perspectives from past presidents and a captivating Wall Street Journal article, all leading us to the idea of 'smart luck'. Challenge your preconceived notions of luck and learn how expanding your social network, seeking assistance, and persisting towards your goals can increase your odds ...
Nov 23, 2023•12 min•Season 3Ep. 72
Ever wonder why the words 'radical', 'gnarly', and 'tubular' make you think of fluorescent leg warmers, while 'rizz', 'finna', 'bussin', and 'yeet' subtly conjure up images of TikTok dances? Hold on tight as we embark on a rollicking journey through the high-energy world of slang. We'll be navigating through its intriguing evolution from 80s jargon to Gen Z's cryptic vernacular. While we laugh over our attempts to fit in with the young'uns, we also appreciate how slang has consistently served as...
Nov 15, 2023•11 min•Season 3Ep. 71
Why are we humans are so obsessed with the concept of fairness? Is it a surprise that monkeys also care about fairness - a lot? Starting an experiment with capuchin monkeys, grapes and cucumbers, we unravel the reasons why we humans may be biologically hard wired to be fair, and how fairness, or the lack of it, shapes our lives and the world around us. And for our weekly thankful, let's dip our toe into a newer music genre. So buckle up and get ready for an enlightening ride into the world of mo...
Nov 02, 2023•14 min•Season 3Ep. 70
Have you ever wondered why a simple sandwich like Smucker's Uncrustables has become such a sensation, loved by children and elite athletes alike? How did a Smucker sell $500 million of prepackaged peanut butter and jelly sandwiches last year? We'll be revealing how this round, crimped, frozen sandwich took the world by storm, pulling back the curtain on the manufacturing process and examining its place in today's food market. Why is the Uncrustable so popular? Is it healthy? Should you be eating...
Oct 25, 2023•9 min•Season 3Ep. 69
How valuable would it be to know you were going to develop Alzheimer's disease, even before the symptoms started? AD-Detect, a new consumer test from Quest Diagnostics, available without a prescription, alleges to pick up on the earliest signs of Alzheimer's with a simple blood test. Let's look at whether this test can actually help us pick up on the disease even earlier than before, or if AD-Detect raises more questions than answers for patients. And for our weekly thankful - a special body par...
Oct 18, 2023•11 min•Season 3Ep. 68
Have you ever wondered about the good, the bad, and the not-so-known about caffeine? Get ready to quench your thirst for knowledge as we dissect this popular stimulant, going beyond its ability to keep you awake. We're unveiling what credible research has to say about caffeine's links to cognitive decline and several neurodegenerative diseases. Yet, there's a thin line when it comes to caffeine consumption - a line you probably don't want to cross. We've got the low-down on how much is too much,...
Oct 11, 2023•14 min•Season 3Ep. 67
Ever wondered how long it really takes to form a habit? Ever tried to kick off a new routine, only to have it fizzle out after a couple of weeks? Join us in this episode where we challenge popular misconceptions and delve into the science behind habit formation. From the myth of the 21-day rule to understanding the concept of limbic friction and activation energy, we're on a mission to understand what it really takes to develop a routine that sticks. We'll also be unpacking the real science behi...
Oct 04, 2023•16 min•Season 3Ep. 66
Who are we calling Doctor? You'll be amazed to learn how an age-old title has sparked contemporary controversy. We're unearthing the historical roots and evolution of the term and the current legal ruckus brewing in California about whether nurses with doctoral degrees have the right to the title. We'll navigate this contentious issue, delving into the reasons some feel they have earned the right to the honorific and why it's crucial to respect personal title preferences. We'll also probe into t...
Sep 27, 2023•13 min•Season 3Ep. 65
Do you take a multivitamin? Glucosamine? How about turmeric? What if the over-the-counter supplements you trust might be putting your health at risk? After having a patient whose surgery was postponed due to an abnormal blood test may have been caused by over-the-counter supplements, I started to investigate the safety of my own daily supplements, The simple truth is that there is little to no official regulation. Companies can sell fraudulent supplements for years before being caught. But fortu...
Sep 20, 2023•8 min•Season 3Ep. 64
The anticipation was overwhelming for the Jets this season. Much of that disappeared after Aaron Rodger's devastating injury this week. But what can we take away from what's happened so far? Today, we'll be walking through the riveting journey of the New York Jets preseason as covered in the reality sports documentary, Hard Knocks. As we unpack their compelling narrative, we will discuss insights on personal responsibility, the art of relishing everyday moments, and the nuanced dynamics of compe...
Sep 13, 2023•12 min•Season 3Ep. 63
Ever wondered about the buzz behind CBD? In our latest episode, we get up close and personal with this much-hyped compound, exploring everything from its potential benefits to its rather complicated legal status. With my interest piqued after looking into help with my sleep sleep struggles, CBD oil started to look like a potential magic medicine. Let's take a deep look into what CBD actually is and how it differs from its infamous cousin, THC. What is CBD? Is it legal? Where can you get it safel...
Sep 06, 2023•14 min•Season 3Ep. 62
Ever wondered about the story behind PDFs that we use so effortlessly today? Prepare to be intrigued as we unravel the life of John Warnock, who defied all odds to become the co-founder of Adobe and pioneer the PDF. This episode is a tribute to the relentless spirit of this visionary who, after failing algebra in 9th grade, found his calling in the realm of computer science, thanks to an inspiring mentor. His extraordinary journey led him to develop a program during his stint at Xerox, which rev...
Aug 30, 2023•13 min•Season 3Ep. 61
Let's talk about the popular concept of flow state – an optimal state of consciousness where we perform and feel our best. This state of intense concentration, merging of action and awareness, and a distortion of temporal experience is not only fascinating but can be harnessed in the most critical of arenas - surgery, as well as in our everyday lives. Let's bust through the barriers preventing us from achieving this state, like lack of clear goals, distractions, and self-doubt, and set us on a p...
Aug 23, 2023•9 min•Season 3Ep. 60
The creators of OxyContin, the Sackler family, have blood on their hands. Their pursuit of wealth led to an opioid crisis, resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths and the addiction of millions. The recent Supreme Court block of their proposed settlement including legal immunity only reinforces the malevolent legacy of a family that created a multi-billion dollar empire by ruthlessly exploiting the vulnerable. What should we do with the most evil family in America? First of all, we physician...
Aug 16, 2023•12 min•Season 3Ep. 59
In today's episode, Iet's go out on a limb and strategize how CrossFit can reach 30 million athletes by 2030. In order to do so, we look at CrossFit's current standing, the way it interacts with its affiliates, and its marketing strategies. Above all, let's make the case that a singular app could be the solution to the impediments CrossFit faces and how it could revolutionize the experience for new entrants. If you agree that CrossFit works, then we need to clear the fragmented landscape of curr...
Aug 09, 2023•21 min•Season 3Ep. 58
Ever caught yourself judging someone based on the car they drive? We all do! So, in today's episode, we're shaking things up by challenging the stereotype of the 'doctor's car'. After reading an article from a "prudent plastic surgeon," who skipped a luxury car lease for a used 2011 Toyota Avalon, Dr. Rhee discusses his thoughts about what is a 'doctor's car." Hear his compelling arguments on the benefits of going against the grain, and get ready to question your perceptions about what a car can...
Aug 02, 2023•15 min•Season 3Ep. 57
Do you ever wonder why you want to do the things you do? Maybe why you started something isn't the why that keeps you going later in life. A friend asked me why I podcast, and that made me think about how I started, by interviewing dynamic and intriguing people from my circle and how this fun pandemic time filler has evolved for me into an intellectually and emotionally challenging journey. Maybe your whys in life have also taken different turns! In addition to this podcast, I am lucky enough to...
Jul 26, 2023•15 min•Season 3Ep. 56
Dr. Katharine Roxanne Grawe – also known on social media as “Dr. Roxy”, an Ohio plastic surgeon who livestreamed patient operations on TikTok, recently had her state medical license revoked. Let's unpack the case of social media sensation Dr. Roxy, who rocketed to fame and success posting OR dancing videos but now faces a shocking professional downfall. We explore the power of social media marketing in an era of public surgery as we dissect Dr. Grawe's journey, illuminating the perils and pitfal...
Jul 19, 2023•15 min•Season 3Ep. 55
Have you ever wondered how it feels to break barriers, defy odds, and reshape the course of medical history? This episode brings to light the awe-inspiring journey of the late Dr. Susan Love, a pioneering surgeon who transformed the treatment of breast cancer. This extraordinary physician, despite facing immense challenges and discrimination, revolutionized patient care, heading institutions like the Faulkner Breast Center, UCLA Revlon Breast Center, and Santa Barbara Breast Center Institute, wh...
Jul 12, 2023•12 min•Season 3Ep. 54
Ever wondered why some Harvard graduates shroud their Ivy League education in secrecy? This is the "H-bomb," a term used to describe the act of telling someone you went to Harvard College. Let's explore the notion that Harvard graduates feel compelled to withhold this information or discuss it with hesitation. Through satirical commentary and examples, we highlight the pretentiousness associated with the "H-bomb" phenomenon, questioning the significance and relevance of dropping the "H-bomb" in ...
Jul 05, 2023•13 min•Season 3Ep. 53
Ever felt like you've let your teammates down in a competition? That sinking feeling can be haunting. Join me as I share my own experiences of failing my partners in both golf and CrossFit competitions, and the valuable lessons (hopefully) that I've learned from these setbacks. From a golf tournament where my confidence hit rock bottom to a local CrossFit event where my nerves got the best of me, I discuss how to bounce back from failure and embrace the next challenge with a stronger mindset. Fo...
Jun 28, 2023•17 min•Season 3Ep. 52
S03E51 The Pursuit of Perfect Breasts: Confidence and Choices What size should your breasts be? Is there a perfect size that suits everyone? Today's empowering episode dives into the world of breast sizes and how they can impact our lives. We explore the average bra size in the US and around the globe, discuss how clothing choices affect our perception of our breasts, and weigh the risks and rewards of breast augmentation surgery. Feeling comfortable in your own skin is crucial to body confidenc...
Jun 21, 2023•13 min•Season 3Ep. 51
