The BrainStorm Podcast: Bioethics at the Bedside

Liz Ghandakly; Jehshua Karunakaran•www.buzzsprout.com

Our podcast aims to explore the relationship between medicine and ethics, peeling back the curtain on emerging bioethical issues and letting healthcare providers and patients alike have a close-up look on what informs medical decision making.

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Episodes

The Pestilence of Pain (Part 1): Opioid Use and Dependence

In this two-part series, we dive deep into the bioethical issues surrounding the use of prescription opioids in the management of acute and chronic pain in the context of the ongoing opioid epidemic. In Part 1, we explore Dr. Travis Rieder's personal experience using opioids as a trauma patient to control his excruciating pain, the necessary role opioids play in pain management, and his insights into the patient experience through that process.

Mar 10, 2025•34 min•Season 1Ep. 5

Facing the Unknown: Understanding Brain Death and What it Means

What is brain death? How is it different from being in a coma or just being unconscious? In this episode we are joined by Dr. Adam Barron, a neurointensivist, to tackle this challenging and oftentimes confusing issue. We talk about what brain death means, how it is defined medically and legally, and how to approach this very difficult topic with respect, dignity, and trust between patients, their families, and their physicians.

Apr 01, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Who Am I? Navigating Donor Conception and Genetic Ancestry

In the world of 23AndMe and genetic testing, anyone can do a DNA test and trace their ancestry in a matter of weeks. In this week's double episode (specially featured for the holiday season), Anna Levin, JD, and Alex Malliaris, NP, share their professional thoughts and personal experiences as sperm donor children and siblings, discussing the impacts of ancestry testing on sperm donor privacy, health history, and family relationships.

Dec 22, 2023•48 min•Season 1Ep. 3

Informed Consent and Awake Neurosurgery

In this episode we speak with Dr. Paul Ford, neuroethicist at the Cleveland Clinic, to discuss issues of intraoperative informed consent in awake neurosurgery. We also talk about how physicians should address consent with patients, patient autonomy and harm reduction.

Dec 08, 2023•37 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Welcome to The BrainStorm!

Welcome to our podcast: The BrainStorm. In this introductory episode we will introduce you to our world of bioethics and give you a glimpse into the things that inspired us to make this podcast.

Dec 07, 2023•20 min•Season 1Ep. 1