Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Doctor Thyroid
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| A SURGEON Warns Against Thyroid Surgery: Preserving QUALITY of LIFE with Dr. Emad Kandil | 09 Nov 2024 | 00:22:21 | |
Join us as Dr. Emad Kandil, a leading expert in thyroid ablation, sits down with Philip James in the heart of New Orleans. In this candid and insightful conversation, Dr. Kandil shares his journey from aspiring engineer to becoming a renowned thyroid surgeon, influenced by a life-changing event involving his younger brother. Against the backdrop of the city's iconic Café du Monde and a rigorous CrossFit session, the two explore the complexities of thyroid surgery, discussing why Dr. Kandil often advocates for ablation over traditional thyroidectomies to preserve patients' quality of life. As the conversation unfolds, viewers examine Dr. Kandil’s commitment to research, patient care, and innovation. They venture from the cafe to the gym and finally to Dr. Kandil's clinic, where modern technology meets compassionate healthcare. For anyone considering thyroid surgery or seeking alternatives, this episode explores non-surgical options and the science behind thyroid ablation. Discover how one surgeon’s philosophy and approach redefine patient outcomes—one thyroid at a time. About Dr. Emad Kandil Dr. Emad Kandil is a renowned expert in endocrine and oncological surgery. He is the Chief of General, Endocrine, and Oncological Surgery at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. He holds the prestigious Elias Hanna Chair in Surgery and is celebrated for his groundbreaking work in minimally invasive thyroid treatments, including thyroid ablation. Dr. Kandil has performed over 1,000 thyroid ablation procedures, establishing himself as a leading figure in using this innovative treatment approach in the United States. www.emadkandil.com About Philip James Philip James hosts the Doctor Thyroid podcast, a platform that provides patients with information on alternative thyroid treatments. His work focuses specifically on minimally invasive procedures like thyroid ablation. He aims to help patients avoid unnecessary thyroid surgeries, a mission close to him after his own experience with an unneeded surgery. www.docthyroid.com | |||
| This patient avoided thyroid surgery thanks to Dr Emad Kandil | 08 Nov 2024 | 00:12:22 | |
In this interview with Dr. Emad Kandil, a leading expert in thyroid ablation, patient Elizabeth shares her journey of receiving conflicting medical advice regarding her thyroid nodule. After consultations with multiple doctors in New York who recommended surgery, Elizabeth sought an alternative in New Orleans with Dr. Kandil, who offered a less invasive option—thyroid ablation. This video explores the benefits of microwave ablation (MWA) as an effective treatment for thyroid nodules, avoiding the complications of surgery and long-term medication dependency. Dr. Kandil provides in-depth insights into the procedure, its success rates, and how it preserves thyroid function, challenging the traditional approach of immediate surgical intervention. For those with suspicious thyroid nodules, this discussion highlights the importance of seeking second opinions and understanding all available treatment options before making a decision. About Baird Medical Baird Medical LLC, established in 2012 and headquartered in Guangzhou, China, is a leading developer and provider of minimally invasive medical devices specializing in microwave ablation (MWA) technology. In the U.S., the company continues to expand its reach, recently receiving FDA clearance to market its microwave ablation devices for thyroid treatment. @BairdMedical www.bairdmed.com NASDAQ: BDMD Baird Medical’s Assistance Center About Dr. Emad Kandil Dr. Emad Kandil is a renowned expert in endocrine and oncological surgery. He is the Chief of General, Endocrine, and Oncological Surgery at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. He holds the prestigious Elias Hanna Chair in Surgery and is celebrated for his groundbreaking work in minimally invasive thyroid treatments, including thyroid ablation. Dr. Kandil has performed over 1,000 thyroid ablation procedures, establishing himself as a leading figure in using this innovative treatment approach in the United States. About Philip James Philip James hosts the Doctor Thyroid podcast, a platform that provides patients with information on alternative thyroid treatments. His work focuses specifically on minimally invasive procedures like thyroid ablation. He aims to help patients avoid unnecessary thyroid surgeries, a mission close to him after his own experience with an unneeded surgery. | |||
| Revolutionizing Thyroid Care: Dr. Julia Noel Discusses Ablation and Innovation on The RFAMD Podcast | 25 Feb 2024 | 00:30:36 | |
Pioneering the Future of Thyroid Care: A Conversation with Dr. Julia Noel Palo Alto, CA — In a recent episode of the RFAMD podcast, host Philip James welcomed a trailblazer in the field of thyroid treatment, Dr. Julia Noel of Stanford University School of Medicine. Known for her pioneering work in thyroid ablation, Dr. Noel shared insights on the evolving landscape of thyroid care, emphasizing innovative ablation technologies that are reshaping patient experiences. From Mathematics to MedicineDr. Noel’s journey into the medical field was not typical. Initially drawn to mathematics, inspired by her father, she found her calling in surgery, where she could blend problem-solving skills with a hands-on approach. This unique blend of analytical thinking and surgical precision has defined her career. Ablation Over Surgery: A Paradigm ShiftCentral to Dr. Noel’s practice is thyroid ablation, a technique that offers an alternative to traditional surgery. With over thousands of surgeries to her credit, she has been a vocal advocate for techniques like radiofrequency, ethanol, and microwave ablation. These methods, she notes, are crucial in reducing the need for invasive procedures, preserving thyroid function, and improving quality of life. The Technology at the ForefrontDuring the interview, Dr. Noel highlighted the rapid advancement in ablation technology. She pointed out that while radiofrequency ablation is currently the most user-friendly and researched method, emerging technologies promise even more groundbreaking developments. These future techniques may not even rely on heat generation, opening new avenues for treatment. Navigating the RisksWith any medical procedure come risks, and thyroid ablation is no exception. Dr. Noel candidly discussed potential complications like voice changes, discomfort, and nodal rupture. However, she reassured that most of these risks are minor and reversible, underlining the importance of skilled execution and patient awareness. A Surge in Patient EducationAn interesting aspect of Dr. Noel’s work is her approach to patient education and outreach, particularly through social media. She stressed the importance of accurate, high-quality information in guiding both patients and physicians, acknowledging the growing role of digital platforms in patient advocacy. Challenges in Training and StandardizationAs thyroid ablation gains popularity, Dr. Noel emphasized the need for standardized training and guidelines. She expressed concern over the “Wild Wild West” atmosphere as more doctors seek to learn these techniques, underscoring the need for cautious and well-guided adoption of the technology. The Cost FactorAddressing the practical aspects of thyroid ablation, Dr. Noel spoke about the variability in insurance coverage and costs in the United States. She noted that while some patients on the West Coast enjoy substantial coverage, others face significant out-of-pocket expenses, highlighting the need for broader insurance acceptance. Looking to the FutureDr. Noel’s vision for the future of thyroid treatment is one of optimism, contingent on the acceptance of new medical codes and continued technological innovation. She sees a world where thyroid nodules and cancer are treated more efficiently and less invasively, a testament to the dynamic nature of medical progress. Dr. Julia Noel’s interview on the RFAMD podcast provides a compelling look into the future of thyroid care. Her dedication to advancing treatment options, patient education, and the safe adoption of new technologies sets a benchmark in the field of thyroid health. As these technologies evolve, Dr. Noel’s insights offer a valuable perspective on the potential for improved patient care and the importance of informed medical choices. Are you an ablation doctor or searching for one?Get listed on the directory at www.rfamd.com ✅ 🔷🔷🔷🔷 About Philip JamesAs the host of the popular RFAMD and Doctor Thyroid podcasts, Philip James remains committed to sharing inspiring stories, valuable insights, and groundbreaking discoveries in the world of healthcare, making a positive impact on the lives of countless listeners. Philip’s thought-provoking interviews have covered a wide range of healthcare topics, from cutting-edge technologies and surgical advancements to patient experiences and the impact of medical research on society. | |||
| 40: New Research Reveals Thyroid Surgery Errors 5x More Frequent Than Reported with Dr. Maria Papaleontiou from Michigan Medicine | 26 Jun 2017 | 00:30:26 | |
I sometimes get asked, why am I doing this podcast? What started out as a pet project is now being listened to in over 30 countries and with as many as 20000 downloads per episode. So far, thyroid patients are embracing the opportunity to hear from the world’s leading thyroid doctors, and gaining the information needed to make better decisions related to health. So why did I start Doctor Thyroid? My motivation for doing this podcast is to help patients avoid bad experiences related to thyroid cancer and thyroid disease, including bad surgery. And, provide resources to help make better health decisions and improve quality of life. My thyroid surgery resulted in errors, which have downgraded my quality of life significantly. Knowing what I know now, I would have picked a different surgeon, or chosen no surgery at all. Because, as this interview will discuss, although perceived as safe, thyroid surgery is not without risks. To be published next month, new research reveals thyroid surgery errors are five times more likely than previously reported. The study was conducted by Dr. Maria Papaleontiou. She is an Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine with an appointment in the Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes. She graduated medical school from the prestigious Charles University in the Czech Republic and subsequently spent several years conducting research at the Geriatrics Division at Weill Cornell Medical College. She then completed her internal medicine residency at Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Jersey and her endocrinology fellowship at the University of Michigan. She joined the faculty at the University of Michigan in 2013. She is a recipient of Fulbright and Howard Hughes Medical Institute scholarships. Dr. Papaleontiou’s practice focuses on thyroid disorders and thyroid cancer. She is especially interested in the treatment of endocrine disorders in older adults. She also conducts health services research in the field of thyroidology and aging. NOTES Complications from thyroid cancer surgery more common than believed, study finds National Cancer Institute (NCI) RELATED DOCTOR THYROID INTERVIEWS Dr. Ralph Tufano: Be Careful, Not All Surgeons Are Equal and Here is Why Dr. Gary Clayman: The Single Most Important Question to Ask Your Surgeon Dr. Allen Ho: Rethinking Thyroid Cancer – When Saying No to Surgery Maybe Best for You | |||
| 39: Thyroid Cancer Web Sites Confuse Patients with Dr. Rashika Bansal from St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center | 22 Jun 2017 | 00:26:15 | |
Dr. Rashika Bansal is a PGY-2 resident in Internal Medicine at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center in Paterson, NJ. Her major research has been with diabetes prevalence and awareness in rural India, with special interest in thyroid disease. In this episode Dr. Bansal shares the research she presented at AACE 2017 and ENDO 2017, regarding the poor readability scores for thyroid cancer web sites. The challenge for these web sites and health institutions is to translate thyroid education from complex to simple and easy to understand. Currently, many patients are not following with treatment, citing confusion after being exposed to the various thyroid cancer education resources. NOTES Thyroid Education Scores Low for Readability Thyroid patient education materials not adequately targeted to patient reading level
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| 35: Rethinking Thyroid Cancer - When Saying No to Surgery Maybe Best for You with Dr. Allen Ho from Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles | 20 May 2017 | 00:43:12 | |
Weighing treatment options for thyroid cancer, with deep consideration for the patient’s lifestyle, could become the new norm in assessing whether surgery is the best path. Dr. Allen Ho states, “if a patient is a ballerina or an opera singer, or any other profession that could be jeopardized due to undesired consequences of thyroid cancer surgery, then the best treatment path maybe active surveillance.” Undesired consequences of thyroid cancer surgery could be vocal cord paralysis, damage to the parathyroid glands resulting in calcium deficiencies, excessive bleeding or formation of a major blood clot in the neck, shoulder nerve damage, numbness, wound infection, and mental impairment due to hypothyroid-like symptoms. Or in the case of a ballerina, undesired scarring could jeopardize a career. The above risks occur in approximately 10% of thyroid cancer surgeries. Although, some thyroid cancer treatment centers have a much more reduced incidence of undesired consequences, while others much higher. In order to address the above and remove the risk of thyroid cancer surgery, Cedars-Sinai has become the first west coast hospital to launch an active surveillance study as optional treatment for thyroid cancer. The study includes 200 patients from across the country who have chosen the wait and see approach rather than hurry into a surgery that could result in undesired, major life changes. By waiting, this means these patients will dodge the need to take daily hormone replacement medication for the rest of their lives as the result of a thyroidectomy. Other active surveillance research Although this is the first study for active surveillance on the west coast, other studies are ongoing, including Sloan Kettering as directed by Dr. Tuttle, Kuma Hospital in Kobe as directed by Dr. Miyauchi, and the Dartmouth Institute as directed by Dr. Louise Davies. The team Dr. Ho says the “de-escalating” of treatment for thyroid cancer will become the new trend. The active surveillance thyroid cancer team at Cedars-Sinai is orchestrated to the patient’s needs, and includes the pathologist, endocrinologist, and surgeon.
About Dr. Allen Ho Allen Ho, MD, is a fellowship-trained head and neck surgeon who focuses on head and neck tumors, including HPV(+) throat cancers and thyroid malignancies. As director of the Head and Neck Cancer Program and co-director of the Thyroid Cancer Program, he leads the multidisciplinary Cedars-Sinai Head and Neck Tumor Board, which provides consensus management options for complex, advanced cases. Ho's research interests are highly integrated into his clinical practice. His current efforts lie in cancer proteomics, HPV(+) oropharyngeal cancer pathogenesis, and thyroid cancer molecular assays. He has presented his research at AACR, ASCO, AHNS, and ATA, and has published extensively as lead author in journals that include Nature Genetics, Journal of Clinical Oncology, Cancer, and Thyroid. Ho serves on national committees within the ATA and AHNS, and is principal investigator of a national trial on micropapillary thyroid cancer active surveillance (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02609685). He maintains expertise in transoral robotic surgery (TORS), minimally invasive thyroidectomy approaches, and nerve preservation techniques. Ho’s overarching mission is to partner with patients to optimize treatment and provide compassionate, exceptional care. NOTES MSKCC thyroid cancer active surveillance
Active Surveillance of Thyroid Cancer Under Study
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| 34: What Happens When Thyroid Cancer Travels to the Lungs? with Dr. Fabian Pitoia from the Hospital of University of Buenos Aires | 12 May 2017 | 00:31:17 | |
What Happens When Thyroid Cancer Travels to the Lungs? Fabian Pitoia, M.D., serves as the Head of the Thyroid Section of the Division of Endocrinology and Investigation Area Coordinator at the Hospital de Clinicas of the University of Buenos Aires (UBA). He works also as an Proffessor of internal medicine at the Faculty of Medicine (UBA). Dr Pitoia serves as a Full Member of the Argentine Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism, of the Latin American Thyroid Society, the Endocrine Society and he is a Correspondent Member of the American Thyroid Association. In this episode Dr. Pitoia addresses the following topics:
RESOURCES Hospital de Clínicas de la Universidad de Buenos Aires - Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. Consultorio privado: Pte. J.E. Uriburu 754 - Piso 2. Teléfonos: 49545488/49525496 fpitoia@glandulatiroides.com.ar
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| 33: ¿Qué Sucede Cuando el Cáncer de Tiroides va a los Pulmones? con el Doctor Fabian Pitoia del Hospital de Clínicas de la Universidad de Buenos Aires | 12 May 2017 | 00:21:11 | |
Bienvenido al episodio 33 de Doctor Thyroid con Philip James. El invitado de hoy es Dr. Fabian Pitoia. El Dr. Pitoia es un experto endocrino mundial, que aparece en muchas publicaciones y conferencias mundiales, donde habla de cáncer de tiroides. El Dr Pitoia es médico endocrinólogo, está encargado de la Sección Tiroides de la División Endocrinología del Hospital de Clínicas de la Universidad de Buenos Aires. En este episodio, el Dr. Pitoia responde las siguientes preguntas:
Recursos: American Thyroid Association - Español Hospital de Clínicas de la Universidad de Buenos Aires - Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. Consultorio privado: Pte. J.E. Uriburu 754 - Piso 2. Teléfonos: 49545488/49525496 fpitoia@glandulatiroides.com.ar | |||
| 31: Información Importante Sobre los Nódulos Tiroideos con la Dra Regina Castro de la Clínica Mayo | 04 May 2017 | 00:42:01 | |
El término nódulo tiroideo se refiere a cualquier crecimiento anormal de las células tiroideas formando un tumor dentro de la tiroides. Aunque la gran mayoría de los nódulos tiroideos son benignos (no cancerosos), una pequeña proporción de estos nódulos sí contienen cáncer de tiroides. Es por esta posibilidad que la evaluación de un nódulo tiroideo está dirigida a descubrir un potencial cáncer de tiroides. En esta entrevista, el Dr. Castro explica los siguientes temas:
M. Regina Castro, MD es consultante en la División de Endocrinología de la Clínica Mayo de Rochester, MN. Es Profesora Asociada de Medicina. Es Directora Asociada del Programa de entrenamiento en la especialidad de Endocrinología, y Directora de la rotación de Endocrinología para la Residencia de Medicina Interna. También es miembro del Grupo de Tiroides de la Clínica Mayo. Ella sirvió de 2009 a 2015 como Editor de Sección de la Tiroides para el Programa de Autoevaluación de AACE y ha sido autora de varios capítulos sobre Hipertiroidismo, Nódulos de Tiroides y cáncer Notas American Thyroid Association en Español
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| 29: Hypothyroidism — an A to Z Summary and Important Things to Know with Dr. Victor J. Bernet from the Mayo Clinic | 22 Apr 2017 | 00:35:28 | |
In this episode Dr. Bernet describes that Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition that usually progresses slowly and often leads to low thyroid hormone levels — a condition called hypothyroidism. The best therapy for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is to normalize thyroid hormone levels with medication. A balanced diet and other healthy lifestyle choices may help when you have Hashimoto’s, but a specific diet alone is unlikely to reverse the changes caused by the disease. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis develops when your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks your thyroid. It’s not clear why this happens. Some research seems to indicate that a virus or bacterium might trigger the immune response. It’s possible that a genetic predisposition also may be involved in the development of this autoimmune disorder. A chronic condition that develops over time, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis damages the thyroid and eventually can cause hypothyroidism. That means your thyroid no longer produces enough of the hormones it usually makes. If that happens, it can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, sluggishness, constipation, unexplained weight gain, increased sensitivity to cold, joint pain or stiffness, and muscle weakness. If you have symptoms of hypothyroidism, the most effective way to control them is to take a hormone replacement. That typically involves daily use of a synthetic thyroid hormone called levothyroxine that you take as an oral medication. It is identical to thyroxine, the natural version of a hormone made by your thyroid gland. The medication restores your hormone levels to normal and eliminates hypothyroidism symptoms. You may hear about products that contain a form of thyroid hormones derived from animals. They often are marketed as being natural. Because they are from animals, however, they aren’t natural to the human body, and they potentially can cause health problems. The American Thyroid Association’s hypothyroidism guidelines recommend against using these products as a first-line treatment for hypothyroidism. Although hormone replacement therapy is effective at controlling symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, it is not a cure. You need to keep taking the medication to keep symptoms at bay. Treatment is usually lifelong. To make sure you get the right amount of hormone replacement for your body, you must have your hormone levels checked with a blood test once or twice a year. If symptoms linger despite hormone replacement therapy, you may need to have the dose of medication you take each day adjusted. If symptoms persist despite evidence of adequate hormone replacement therapy, it’s possible those symptoms could be a result of something other than Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Talk to your health care provider about any bothersome symptoms you have while taking hormone replacement therapy. Victor J. Bernet, MD, is Chair of the Endocrinology Division at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida and is an Associate Professor in the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. Dr. Bernet served 21+ years in the Army Medical Corps retiring as a Colonel. He served as Consultant in Endocrinology to the Army Surgeon General, Program Director for the National Capitol Consortium Endocrinology Fellowship and as an Associate Professor of Medicine at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences. Dr. Bernet has received numerous military awards, was awarded the “A” Proficiency Designator for professional excellence by the Army Surgeon General and the Peter Forsham Award for Academic Excellence by the Tri-Service Endocrine Society. Dr. Bernet graduated from the Virginia Military Institute and the University of Virginia School of Medicine. Dr. Bernet completed residency at Tripler Army Medical Center and his endocrinology fellowship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Dr. Bernet’s research interests include: improved diagnostics for thyroid cancer, thyroidectomy related hypocalcemia, thyroid hormone content within supplements as well as management of patient’s with thyroid cancer. He is the current Secretary and CEO of the American Thyroid Association. | |||
| 28: Patient Story 2 - Kimberly Dorris - A Comprehensive Analysis of Graves' Disease | 18 Apr 2017 | 00:26:56 | |
This episode is a thorough presentation of Graves' Disease from Kimberly Dorris, an educator and expert, and also a patient. In this episode, listeners will gain a thorough understanding of a disease that is often confused with other diagnosis. Kimberly Dorris is the Executive Director and CEO of the Graves' Disease and Thyroid Foundation, a small nonprofit organization based in Rancho Santa Fe, CA. | |||
| 27: Información clave sobre el hipertiroidismo con el Dr. Alejandro R. Ayala desde el Universidad de Miami | 18 Apr 2017 | 00:28:10 | |
En este episodio explora los siguientes temas:
Dr. Alejandro Ayala obtuvo su doctorado de la Universidad Federal Fluminense en Río de Janeiro, Brasil, en 1992, y completó su residencia en medicina interna en la Universidad Federal de Sao Paulo. Posteriormente se unió al Programa de Medicina Interna de la Universidad de Georgetown en el Centro Hospitalario de Washington, donde recibió el Premio Saul Zukerman, MD, Humanitarianism in Medicine. El Dr. Ayala obtuvo su formación clínica en Endocrinología en el Hospital Universitario Johns Hopkins, seguido de una beca de investigación en los Institutos Nacionales de Salud (NIH) en Bethesda, Maryland, donde continuó durante los siguientes cinco años como clínico del personal, investigador clínico y facultad de El programa de entrenamiento de endocrinología NIH. Durante este tiempo, los intereses de investigación del Dr. Ayala están relacionados con los trastornos de la Neruendocrinología, la pituitaria y la adrenal. Sus intereses de investigación incluyen hiperaldosteronismo, síndrome de Cushing y feocromocitoma, áreas en las que ha sido autor de más de dos docenas de artículos revisados por pares y ha escrito varios capítulos de libros. NOTAS: GDATFWebsite: http://gdatf.org/ GDATF Online Support Forum: http://gdatf.org/forum/ Reading List: http://gdatf.org/about/about-graves-disease/reading-list-for-patients/ Recommended Links: http://gdatf.org/about/about-graves-disease/links/ GDATF YouTube Site (includes free videos on Graves' disease, autoimmunity, and thyroid eye disease): https://www.youtube.com/user/GravesAndThyroid Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gdatf Twitter: @GDATF | |||
| 26: The History of Levothyroxin and The Most Prescribed Drug in the United States with Dr. James V. Hennessey from Harvard University | 14 Apr 2017 | 00:31:29 | |
In this interview, Dr. Hennessey describes the history, refinements, implementation, physiology, and clinical outcomes achieved over the past several centuries of thyroid hormone replacement strategies. Topics discussed in this episode include:
A rich history of physician intervention in thyroid dysfunction was identified dating back more than 2 millennia. Although not precisely documented, thyroid ingestion from animal sources had been used for centuries but was finally scientifically described and documented in Europe over 130 years ago. Since the reports by Bettencourt and Murray, there has been a continuous documentation of outcomes, refinement of hormone preparation production, and updating of recommendations for the most effective and safe use of these hormones for relieving the symptoms of hypothyroidism. As the thyroid extract preparations contain both levothyroxine (LT4) and liothyronine (LT3), current guidelines do not endorse their use as controlled studies do not clearly document enhanced objective outcomes compared with LT4 monotherapy. Among current issues cited, the optimum ratio of LT4 to LT3 has yet to be determined, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not appear to be monitoring the thyroid hormone ratios or content in extract preparations on the market. Taken together, these limitations are important detriments to the use of thyroid extract products. James V. Hennessey, MD is Director of Clinical Endocrinology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA. He is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the Harvard medical School. He completed medical training at the Medical Faculty of the Karl Franzens University in Graz Austria. He served as an Intern and Medical Resident at the New Britain Hospital in Connecticut. He entered active duty with the USAF Medical Corps as an Internist/Flight Surgeon after residency and later completed subspecialty training in endocrinology and metabolism at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC where he conducted research in thyroxine bioequivalence. Following fellowship Dr. Hennessey served as the Chief of Endocrinology at USAF Medical Center Wright-Patterson in Ohio and later joined the faculty at Wright State University School of Medicine as the Director of Clinical Clerkships. Top 10 most prescribes drugs in the U.S. (monthly) - Monthly prescriptions, nearly 22 million
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| Thyroid Ablation and Quality of Life with Dr. Erivelto Volpi | 22 Feb 2024 | 00:30:47 | |
Thyroid Ablation: A Game-Changer in Preserving Quality of Life Thyroid disorders, particularly those requiring surgery, have long been a concern for patients due to the potential lifelong dependence on medication and associated quality of life changes. However, a significant shift is occurring in thyroid treatment with the advent of thyroid ablation, a technique that is rapidly gaining preference among patients and physicians alike. The Rise of Thyroid AblationIn a recent podcast interview on RFAMD, Dr. Erivelto Volpi, a renowned head and neck surgeon from São Paulo, Brazil, shared his extensive experience in thyroid ablation. Dr. Volpi, who has performed around 8,000 thyroid surgeries and 400 thyroid ablations in over 35 years, notes the growing trend towards thyroid ablation. He attributes this shift primarily to the preservation of the patient’s quality of life, a crucial factor often overshadowed in traditional surgical approaches. Why Patients Prefer Thyroid AblationDr. Volpi explains that most patients seeking thyroid ablation do so not just to avoid surgery but to maintain their quality of life. They fear the changes that lifelong medication post-surgery might bring, having seen friends or family struggle with hormone replacements. Thyroid ablation, which involves radiofrequency or microwave treatment, offers an effective alternative. It shrinks benign thyroid nodules and even treats initial cancers, preserving thyroid function and thus the patient’s pre-existing quality of life. The Global Perspective and AcceptanceThyroid ablation is not just a localized phenomenon. Dr. Volpi highlights its rapid adoption worldwide, with countries like South Korea, Brazil, Italy, France, Spain, Turkey, and Egypt leading in this practice. This global acceptance is partly due to patient advocacy and the internet, which have empowered patients to seek the best treatment options, often traveling across borders to access this care. The Procedure and Its BenefitsCompared to conventional surgery, thyroid ablation is minimally invasive, with fewer complications like voice changes. Recovery is swift, often within 24 to 48 hours, significantly quicker than traditional surgery. This aspect further reinforces its preference among patients. Are you an ablation doctor or searching for one?Get listed on the directory at www.rfamd.com ✅ 🔷🔷🔷🔷 About Philip JamesAs the host of the popular RFAMD and Doctor Thyroid podcasts, Philip James remains committed to sharing inspiring stories, valuable insights, and groundbreaking discoveries in the world of healthcare, making a positive impact on the lives of countless listeners. Philip’s thought-provoking interviews have covered a wide range of healthcare topics, from cutting-edge technologies and surgical advancements to patient experiences and the impact of medical research on society. | |||
| 25: Información importante sobre el hipotiroidismo con Dra. Sandra Daniela Licht de INEBA ( Instituto de Neurociencias de Buenos Aires) | 07 Apr 2017 | 00:18:48 | |
¿Cómo sabemos si usted tiene hipotiroidismo? ¿Qué significa si es difícil concentrarse o enfocar la mente? ¿Qué significa si usted tiene altos niveles de TSH? ¿Cómo se diagnostica el hipotiroidismo? ¿Qué es Hashimotos? ¿Cuál es el tratamiento para el hipotiroidismo? ¿Puede la dieta ayudar con el hipotiroidismo? ¿Cuándo es el mejor momento del día para tomar su medicina de hipotiroidismo? ¿Dónde puede encontrar un médico para tratar el hipotiroidismo? Dra. Sandra Daniela Licht de Hospital General de consultorio particular y en INEBA ( Instituto de Neurociencias de Buenos Aires) ESPECIALIDAD
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| 24: Patient Story 1 - Judy O'Reilly - Thyroid Cancer and Hypothyroidism | 03 Apr 2017 | 00:17:05 | |
In this episode, we hear from Judy O'Reilly. For Judy, the cancer diagnosis forced the conversation of talking about death with her children and husband. A singer and musician, the thyroid cancer and resulting surgery has caused vocal challenges. In this episode, we hear from Judy O'Reilly. For Judy, the cancer diagnosis forced the conversation of talking about death with her children and husband. A singer and musician, the thyroid cancer and resulting surgery has caused vocal challenges. She is the founder and former facilitator of THYCA Atlanta. Prior to starting the once/month support group held at Emory University’s Winship Cancer Institute, Judy O'Reilly offered email and phone support. Judy began her involvement/volunteering with THYCA one year after diagnosis/surgery/RAI. Prior to thyroid cancer, Judy O’Reilly had been a music educator and an entertainer. She was the female vocalist for the Atlanta Blue Notes Big Band, as well as their Combo. As a solo performer (piano/vocals), Judy specialized in senior care facilities offering up an extensive selection of the great American songbook. Ms. O’Reilly resigned/retired from performing soon after a second surgery - a completion of a previous partial thyroidectomy - due to complications. In 2015 Judy began a return to entertaining as a volunteer in the grand piano lobby of the Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta.
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| 20: Información Clave Sobre el Hipotiroidismo con Dra. Alicia Gauna del Hospital Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires | 15 Mar 2017 | 00:28:05 | |
En este episodio, estamos con la Dra. Alicia Gauna, Jefa División Endocrinología del Hospital Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires. Ella es Coordinadora del Comité de Recertificación de Endocrinología y Metabolismo (CREM), Directora de Beca de Dra. Florencia Rodriguez, Ministerio de Salud Pública, 2012-2013, Integrante del Comité Científico del XV Congreso Latinoamericano de Tiroides. Brasil, 2013. En esta entrevista, Dra Gauna comparte información clave sobre hipotiroidismo y cáncer de tiroides.
Notas: YouTube con Dra. Gauna | |||
| 18: What is Graves' Disease? What is Hyperthyroidism? with Doctor Schneider from University of Wisconsin | 06 Mar 2017 | 00:20:44 | |
Dr. Schneider specializes in endocrine surgery, treating diseases of the thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands. He utilizes several minimally invasive techniques to treat endocrine disorders (endoscopic thyroidectomy, minimally invasive parathyroidectomy, laparoscopic adrenalectomy, focused exploration for recurrent thyroid cancer). This episode explores the following topics:
NOTES: Dr. David Schneider http://www.uwhealth.org/findadoctor/profile/david-f-schneider-md-ms/8885
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| 17: Información Clave Para Saber Sobre el Cáncer de Tiroides y La Cirugía con el Doctor Fabián Pitoia | 21 Feb 2017 | 00:25:53 | |
El Dr Fabián Pitoia es Médico Endocrinólogo, es Jefe de la Sección Tiroides y Coordinador del Área Investigación de la División Endocrinología del Hospital de Clínicas - Universidad de Buenos Aires, es Docente adscripto de la Facultad de Medicina - Jefe de Trabajos prácticos de Medicina B (Facultad de Medicina - UBA) y Docente de la Carrera de Especialistas en Endocrinología y Metabolismo de la UBA. Especialidad recertificada en Diciembre de 2013. El Dr Pitoia tiene más de 200 publicaciones de sus investigaciones, más de 50 listadas en Pubmed, ha sido primer autor de las Guías Latinoamericanas para el diagnóstico y tratamiento del cáncer de tiroides, también el primer autor de las Guías Intersocietarias Argentinas para manejo de pacientes con cáncer de tiroides 2014. En esta entrevista, discutiremos:
Notes: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.Pitoia/ https://twitter.com/fabian_pitoia Www.cancerdetiroides.com.ar | |||
| 16: The Parathyroid, and a Safer — Less-Scarring Thyroid Surgery with Dr. Larian from Cedars-Sinai | 18 Feb 2017 | 00:37:54 | |
Dr. Babak Larian is a highly experienced, board certified Ear, Nose, & Throat Specialist and Head & Neck surgeon. Dr. Larian is the current Clinical Chief of the Division of Otolaryngology at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. Dr. Larian's Center For Head and Neck Surgery is located in Beverly Hills, California. In this episode, Dr. Larian discusses his experience treating thyroid disorders, including his medical missions to Central America. During this interview, you will hear greater detail about the following topics:
NOTES: Dr. Babak Larian P: 310.461.0300 American Thyroid Association Guidelines http://www.thyroid.org/professionals/ata-professional-guidelines/ | |||
| 13. El Tema es el Cáncer de Tiroides con el Doctor Carlos Simon Duque | 07 Feb 2017 | 00:35:03 | |
El Dr. Carlos Simon Duque es un especialista en cabeza y cuello de Colombia. En esta entrevista, discutiremos una visión general del cáncer de tiroides, incluyendo las siguientes preguntas: ¿Qué debe saber un paciente antes de la cirugía, qué esperar? Después de la cirugía, un paciente puede sentir síntomas como hipotiroidismo. ¿Cómo lo manejas mejor? ¿Cuáles son algunas de las luchas mas complicados que usted ve con sus pacientes después de la tiroidectomía? ¿Qué pacientes recuperan mejor? ¿Qué puede hacer un paciente para sentirse mejor después de la cirugía? ¿Cuándo es el mejor momento del día para tomar la medicina de la tiroides? Usted ha trabajado tanto en los Estados Unidos como en Colombia, ¿cuáles son algunas de las diferencias en la atención y el tratamiento? ¿Qué has descubierto a lo largo del camino, que le dirías a usted de 30 años de edad si puede? ¿Actualmente está trabajando en algún estudio o investigación? | |||
| 12. Advanced Blood Testing and Cellular Biology with Dr. Mark Engelman | 23 Jan 2017 | 00:27:17 | |
How well does your body make energy? How does your body repair? How well are your anti-oxidants working? How well do you rid your body of free radicals? Are you pre-conditioned to crisis? The next generation of lab testing and diagnosis has arrived with resources such as Cyrex Labs and Nutreval. Thyroid health issues mimic other ailments, such as inflammation, gluten intolerance, and increased permeability (leaky gut). In this episode, hear from Dr. Engelman, recognized as one of the top doctors in functional integrative medicine, he has advanced degrees and certifications in functional, metabolic, anti-aging and stem cell medicine. Engelman Health Institute is advanced science, and personalized care. This "new medicine" incorporates the best of traditional practices and natural and alternative diagnostic modalities. http://www.engelmanhealth.com/ https://www.gdx.net/product/nutreval-fmv-nutritional-test-blood-urine | |||
| Professional Triathlete, Ironman Champion, and Facing Thyroid Cancer with Karen Smyers | 22 Dec 2016 | 01:00:44 | |
Karen Smyers has competed as a professional triathlete for 30 years. In her lengthy career, she has won seven National and four World Championship titles, including a dramatic come-from-behind victory in the Hawaiian Ironman World Championships in 1995. Her victory at the short-course ITU Triathlon World Championship just 5 weeks later still earns her the distinction of being the only woman ever to win triathlon’s two most prestigious races in the same year. In this episode, we hear Karen describe what the calls, ‘character building’ moments, including how she approached thyroid cancer in the midst of of preparing for the 2000 Olympics. Other obstacles included a torn hamstring, being hit by a 18-wheeler, and a broken collar bone. Regardless of the obstacle, Karen was able to stay focused on and win the Pro National Ironman Championship. At 42 and post thyroid cancer, Karen gave birth to her second child. Listen to this episode and you will be inspired by Karen’s determination, perseverance, and approach to living life to the fullest. And, in some cases pushing boundaries and achieving what some would say not possible. Currently, Karen shares her experience, optimism, and passion for racing as a coach, motivational speaker and co-director of the Lincoln Kids Triathlon. She is a 1983 graduate of Princeton University and lives in Lincoln, MA with daughter Jenna, son Casey, and husband and frequent training partner Michael King. Contact: 11 Giles Rd, Lincoln, MA 01773 mkandks@comcast.net www.karensmyers.com | |||
| 10: Recovering From Thyroid Cancer Surgery, Faster, Better, and Stronger | 13 Dec 2016 | 00:46:14 | |
This interview is a part of the lifestyle stories featured on the Doctor Thyroid podcast, an opportunity to hear from athletes and overachievers, and how they approach their diagnosis, surgery, and recovery. In this case, we hear from Evan Simon, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Oregon State University. Evan was diagnosed with advanced Stage IV thyroid cancer, which resulted a 13 hour surgery. At the end of his surgery, Evan was told he would not be able to lift his hands overhead for 3 months, instead he broke the odds, taking him only 3 weeks. Evan shares with us, his approach to first hearing the news, how he chose to share the news with his family, including his two young daughters, and what he did to speed his recovery. Evan will offer you tips to improve better your recovery, including physical rehabilitation and having an optimistic mindset. During the interview, we also hear from special guest, Stasi Kasianchuk, MS, RD, Sports Dietitian at Oregon State University. Staci shares her experience in treating Evan through nutrition as a means to a better recovery, and improved lifestyle post-surgery. | |||
| Thermal Ablation as a Game Changer: It Will Replace 50% of Thyroid Surgeries, Dr. Giovanni Mauri | 20 Feb 2024 | 00:44:44 | |
FIND A THYROID ABLATION DOCTOR at www.rfamd.com FOLLOW @DoctorThyroid #thyroid #thyroidcancer #ultrasound Introduction ⦿ Host: Welcome by the host of the RFAMD podcast. ⦿ Guest: Introduction of Dr. Giovanni Mauri, a medical professional from Milan, Italy. Dr. Mauri's Journey into Medicine ⦿ Childhood Influence: Inspired by his father, a radiologist. ⦿ Career Choice: Fascination with radiology and interventional radiology. ⦿ Family Background: His father worked in diagnostic radiology in an oncological hospital. History of Ablation in Italy ⦿ Early Adoption: Discussion of pioneers in ablation treatments in Italy, starting in the 1980s. ⦿ Development: The evolution of ablation techniques, from ethanol ablation for liver cancers to radiofrequency ablation. Dr. Mauri's Specialization ⦿ Scope of Ablation: Treating various cancers (liver, kidney, lung, bone, soft tissues) with thermal ablation. ⦿ Focus on Thyroid Ablation: Special emphasis on treating both benign and malignant thyroid diseases. Patient Success Stories ⦿ Personal Case: A female patient treated multiple times for lymph node metastasis, avoiding further surgery. ⦿ Impact on Patients: Emphasizing the success and life-changing effects of successful thyroid ablation treatments. Thyroid Surgery vs. Ablation ⦿ Patient Perspective: Benefits in terms of invasiveness and future hormonal treatment. ⦿ Medical Community: Surgeons appreciating the option of ablation to manage resources and time effectively. Global Trends in Thyroid Ablation ⦿ FDA Approval: The significant impact of FDA approval in the U.S. in 2018. ⦿ Rapid Growth: Thyroid ablation as the fastest-growing field in ablation treatments worldwide. Dangers of Rapid Growth ⦿ Training and Expertise: Emphasizing the necessity of proper training and the risks posed by inexperienced practitioners. ⦿ Comparison of Techniques: Differences between traditional surgery and ultrasound-guided ablation procedures. Pioneers in Thyroid Ablation ⦿ Innovations: Introduction of specifically designed needles and techniques in Korea and Italy. ⦿ Global Adoption: The spread of thyroid ablation practices to countries like South America, North America, and Europe. Risks of Thyroid Ablation ⦿ Medical Risks: Potential damages during the procedure, such as bleeding or nerve damage. ⦿ Technical Challenges: Importance of ultrasound skills and adjunctive techniques to minimize risks. Risks of Thyroid Ablation ⦿ Medical Risks: Potential damages during the procedure, such as bleeding or nerve damage. ⦿ Technical Challenges: Importance of ultrasound skills and adjunctive techniques to minimize risks. Unsuccessful Cases ⦿ Benign Nodules: Rare unsuccessful cases, often due to initial under-treatment. ⦿ Malignant Tumors: Possibility of incomplete ablation, with options for re-treatment. Selecting the Right Provider ⦿ Criteria for Choosing: Experience of the physician, ideally in a hospital setting for beginners. ⦿ Importance of Supervision: Emphasis on proper environment and supervision for new practitioners. Addressing Skepticism ⦿ Literature and Communication: Using scientific evidence and open discussions to address concerns. ⦿ Surgical Alternatives: Emphasizing ablation as a reversible option compared to definitive surgery. Types of Ablation ⦿ Radiofrequency vs. Microwave: Discussion on the advantages and risks of each type in thyroid treatments. Guidelines and Clinical Experience ⦿ Lag in Guidelines: The delay in incorporating new treatments like ablation into official guidelines. ⦿ Individualized Treatment: Tailoring treatment options based on clinical experience, despite guidelines. Guidelines and Clinical Experience ⦿ Lag in Guidelines: The delay in incorporating new treatments like ablation into official guidelines. ⦿ Individualized Treatment: Tailoring treatment options based on clinical experience, despite guidelines. Patient Perception and Decision Making ⦿ Overdiagnosis and Overtreatment: Addressing the issue of overdiagnosis in thyroid cancer and the role of minimally invasive treatments. ⦿ Patient Preferences: Understanding patient choices in treatment options, including active surveillance. Second Opinions and Treatment Choices ⦿ Changing Treatment Plans: Cases where patients change their mind after seeking a second opinion. ⦿ Informed Decision Making: The importance of providing comprehensive information to patients. Innovations in Thyroid Treatment ⦿ New Technologies: Exploring new treatments like embolization, expanding the scope of minimally invasive procedures. Conclusion and Rapid Fire Questions ⦿ Future of Thyroid Treatment: Predictions about the shift towards ablation in the next decade. ⦿ Importance of Communication: The crucial role of clear communication in discussing cancer treatments with patients.
For podcast inquiries or if you would like to be a guest. Contact: philip@rfamd.com | |||
| 08: The Financial Burden of Thyroid Cancer with Dr. Jonas de Souza | 01 Dec 2016 | 00:10:42 | |
Dr. Jonas de Souza, Assistant Professor of Medicine, specializes in the treatment of head and neck cancer, including thyroid cancer at the University of Chicago. Talking points of this episode: Financial toxicity What is the COST tool? Patient-Centered Outcomes Research? When is the best time to discuss costs with the thyroid cancer patient? Who is most at risk of the increased financial burden of thyroid cancer? How can a patient best prepare for the costs of thyroid cancer? Resources: The COST tool for measuring the financial costs of thyroid cancer, http://www.facit.org/FACITOrg/Questionnaires | |||
| 03: Diagnosis - Identifying Thyroid Cancer More Quickly and with Greater Accuracy with Dr. Joseph Sniezek | 19 Oct 2016 | 00:38:28 | |
Hear about the advances in thyroid ultra sound technology, along with the patient process from diagnosis to surgery. Key topics in this episode include how to research a surgeon, requesting a second opinion, selecting the best hospital, and the challenges faced when operating on the neck. This episode features Dr. Joseph Sniezek, who is the Medical Director of Head & Neck Endocrine Surgery for Swedish Health Services. Too often, the time between being told by your doctor to get an ultrasound to biopsy, often results in anxiety and a disconnect between surgeon - radiologist - pathologist. Now, with better technology, especially in the area of ultra sound, the multiple trips to specialists can be eliminated. | |||
| 02: The Role of the Naturopath in Relation to Conventional Medicine with Dr. Shawn Soszka | 19 Oct 2016 | 00:39:25 | |
This episode features Dr. Shawn Soszka. Topics covered in today’s interview include, starting your day right, tendon issues due to thyroid disease, insomnia, dizziness, painful feet, temperature testing, hypothyroidism, low dose Naltrexone, selenomethionine, and why some people feel worse when exercising. Also, discussed is adrenal function and optimal time of day for body temperature testing as related to the thyroid disease. Dr. Soszka strives to integrate both systems of medicine. a focus on functional medicine, with emphasis on treating gastrointestinal, chronic disease, and endocrine based conditions. He specializes in: fatigue/adrenal exhaustion, thyroid disorders, digestion/gut health, autoimmune diseases. | |||
| 01: The Politics of Medicine with Dr. Greg Nigh | 12 Oct 2016 | 00:19:55 | |
In this episode hear from Dr. Greg Nigh, a Naturopath in Portland, OR. Dr. Nigh will discuss the following topics:
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| UK Doctors Recommended Surgery for Thyroid Goiter, But Italian Doctor Offers Non-Surgical Alternative with RFA | 29 Sep 2023 | 00:26:39 | |
September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Important, surgery isn’t always necessary for treating thyroid cancer. In fact: as many as one in three people have thyroid cancer and do not die from it, rather, with it. In the world of medicine, it’s not uncommon for patients to feel overwhelmed and uncertain when faced with a diagnosis that requires surgery. For Peter Miller, a 64-year-old man from the UK, this was certainly the case when he was diagnosed with thyroid goiter. Three specialists recommended thyroidectomy as the only viable treatment option, but Peter was hesitant to undergo such a procedure due to the potential risks and complications associated with it. Fortunately, Peter took matters into his own hands and conducted his own research, which led him to an alternative treatment option – Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA). Through an article written by Philip James and the Philip James YouTube channel, Peter discovered Dr. Roberto Valcavi, an Appalachian doctor in Italy, who had experience performing the RFA procedure. After discussing his options with Dr. Valcavi via email and video consultation, Peter underwent the RFA procedure in Italy. The results were remarkable – Peter experienced significant improvement in his symptoms, and he was happy to have avoided surgery. Peter’s story highlights the importance of being an advocate for your own health and well-being. Conducting research, seeking second opinions, and exploring all treatment options are crucial steps in making informed medical decisions. Peter’s success with RFA also underscores the importance of raising awareness about this non-surgical treatment option. Despite its efficacy, RFA is not widely available in many countries, and healthcare professionals may not be aware of it as a treatment option for thyroid goiter. It is crucial to raise awareness about RFA so that patients have access to all viable treatment options. Peter’s experience with RFA serves as an inspiration for patients who may be hesitant to undergo surgery for thyroid goiter. Being your own advocate, doing research, and exploring all treatment options can lead to better health outcomes. And with the help of knowledgeable medical professionals like Dr. Valcavi, patients can find the right treatment option that works best for them. 🔷🔷🔷🔷 About Dr. Roberto ValcaviRoberto Valcavi MD, FACE, ECNU is specialist in Endocrinology and specialist in Internal Medicine. 20 years and 1800+ RFA procedures done; laser since 2000 and radiofrequency ablation starting in 2010. At present, Dr. Roberto Valcavi is Director of the E.T.C. (Endocrine & Thyroid Clinic) in Reggio Emilia, Italy, dedicated to the diagnosis and therapy of endocrine neck (thyroid, parathyroid, lymph nodes) benign and malignant lesions. He is specialized in ultrasound- guided ablative therapy of thyroid nodules by radio frequency (RFA), minimally invasive surgery that is able to effectively treat more than 90 % of benign thyroid nodules and over 80 % of malignant thyroid nodules, saving the thyroid gland. View Full Profile: Dr. Roberto Valcavi About Philip JamesAs the host of the popular RFAMD and Doctor Thyroid podcasts, Philip James remains committed to sharing inspiring stories, valuable insights, and groundbreaking discoveries in the world of healthcare, making a positive impact on the lives of countless listeners. Philip’s thought-provoking interviews have covered a wide range of healthcare topics, from cutting-edge technologies and surgical advancements to patient experiences and the impact of medical research on society. Content on the RFAMD and Doctor Thyroid with Philip James websites and podcasts is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. See our full Legal Disclaimer for details. | |||
| Revolutionizing Thyroid Cancer Treatment: Ablation over Surgery with Dr. Giovanni Mauri | 28 Sep 2023 | 00:03:38 | |
September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Important, surgery isn’t always necessary for treating thyroid cancer. In fact: as many as one in three people have thyroid cancer and do not die from it, rather, with it. In this interview, Dr. Giovanni Mauri, an interventional radiologist specializing in ablation for the treatment of various conditions including thyroid cancer, shares his insights with Philip James on the Doctor Thyroid and RFAMD podcasts. Dr. Mauri highlights one of the recent advancements in the field of ablation – the possibility of treating small thyroid cancers (up to one or two centimeters) without surgery. This innovative approach allows for the complete treatment of the cancer while preserving the thyroid gland. He advises every patient diagnosed with thyroid cancer to be aware that ablation is a valid treatment option. He emphasizes the importance for both physicians and patients to know that this option exists, and encourages patients to seek advice about the possibility of being treated by ablation instead of surgery. The interview concludes with Dr. Mauri extending an invitation for anyone with doubts about this procedure to reach out to him. His contact information is available in the episode description for those interested in learning more about treating thyroid cancer with ablation. The discussion provides a fresh perspective on thyroid cancer treatment, focusing on non-surgical options and the potential benefits of ablation. The interview wraps up with a farewell from Italy. 🔷🔷🔷🔷 About Philip JamesAs the host of the popular RFAMD and Doctor Thyroid podcasts, Philip James remains committed to sharing inspiring stories, valuable insights, and groundbreaking discoveries in the world of healthcare, making a positive impact on the lives of countless listeners. Philip’s thought-provoking interviews have covered a wide range of healthcare topics, from cutting-edge technologies and surgical advancements to patient experiences and the impact of medical research on society. Content on the RFAMD and Doctor Thyroid with Philip James websites and podcasts is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. See our full Legal Disclaimer for details. | |||
| Dr. Greg Randolph on Patient-Centered Approaches to Thyroid Nodule Treatment | 27 Sep 2023 | 00:10:12 | |
September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Important, surgery isn’t always necessary for treating thyroid cancer. In fact: as many as one in three people have thyroid cancer and do not die from it, rather, with it. In a comprehensive interview conducted by Philip James from the RFAMD and Doctor Thyroid podcasts, Dr. Greg Randolph from Harvard Medical School shares his insights on patient-centered approaches for treating thyroid nodules. The interview focuses on thyroid ablation, a procedure that treats thyroid nodules without surgery. Dr. Randolph emphasizes the importance of not only measuring the volumetric reduction of the nodule after ablation but also considering patient-reported outcomes. These outcomes include the patient’s perception of the nodule, such as whether they still have a lump sensation in their neck or a visible lump. Despite the successful reduction of the nodule size on ultrasound, the patient may still perceive a visual or physical presence, thus it’s critical to include what’s meaningful for the patient in the outcomes. He also discusses the importance of understanding a patient’s concerns and expectations. Whether it’s a benign nodule or a low-stage malignancy, each patient will have their own concerns and priorities. Some may fear the potential of a hidden cancer while others may be apprehensive about surgical procedures. Hence, the treatment decision should be apparent after a thorough discussion of the patient’s preferences and the medical realities. Lastly, he stresses the importance of physicians offering a variety of treatment options. For benign nodules or small cancers, patients should have the option to select from different rational treatments. Dr. Randolph also advocates for spending adequate time with the patient, allowing them to ask questions and make informed decisions. This patient-centered approach fosters a less paternalistic, more collaborative physician-patient relationship, ensuring that the patient’s desires and concerns are addressed during the treatment process. 🔷🔷🔷🔷 About Philip JamesAs the host of the popular RFAMD and Doctor Thyroid podcasts, Philip James remains committed to sharing inspiring stories, valuable insights, and groundbreaking discoveries in the world of healthcare, making a positive impact on the lives of countless listeners. Philip’s thought-provoking interviews have covered a wide range of healthcare topics, from cutting-edge technologies and surgical advancements to patient experiences and the impact of medical research on society. Content on the RFAMD and Doctor Thyroid with Philip James websites and podcasts is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. See our full Legal Disclaimer for details. | |||
| Dr. Volpi on Thyroid Ablation: Future of Cancer Treatment | 26 Sep 2023 | 00:05:35 | |
September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Important, surgery isn’t always necessary for treating thyroid cancer. In fact: as many as one in three people have thyroid cancer and do not die from it, rather, with it. We recently had the unique opportunity to converse with esteemed Dr. Erivelto Volpi from Brazil at the Thyroid Ablation Conference held in Italy. As an authority on thyroid treatments, he took the time to share his insights and valuable experience with us. Just a week before, we had caught up with him at the World Congress on Thyroid Cancer in London, and we were delighted to sit down with him again. The conference presented a golden opportunity for specialists from around the globe to converge, exchange thoughts, and learn from the experts in the field. One area that stood out more than ever at this conference was the exploration of thyroid cancer treatment with ablation. Dr. Volpi explained, “it is a new field, and in selected patients, we can offer the opportunity to avoid surgery using thermal ablations technologies.” Dr. Volpi emphasized that it is crucial to understand that ablation is indeed a viable option for treating thyroid cancer. However, patient selection plays an integral role in determining its effectiveness. “Usually, nodules up to one centimeter located inside the thyroid parenchyma are considered suitable cases. The results in terms of the treatment outcomes are exactly the same as those from a conventional surgery,” he noted. Brazil has been at the forefront of using ablation as a treatment option for thyroid nodules for over a decade. As this methodology is now gaining momentum globally, including in the U.S. and countries like Indonesia, Dr. Volpi offers lessons from Brazil’s experience. His key piece of advice for doctors new to this treatment method is to begin with benign and small-sized nodules. “When you start to do RFA (Radiofrequency Ablation), always start with benign nodules and not so huge nodules. For patients with cosmetic or symptomatic nodules, RFA is a very good option when starting your learning curve,” he advises. This strategy, he believes, will be beneficial not just for patients, but also for doctors who are beginning to learn this procedure.
🔷🔷🔷🔷 About Dr. Erivelto VolpiDr. Erivelto Volpi é um Cirurgião de Cabeça e Pescoço, especialista em doenças da tireoide e da paratireoide. View Full Profile: Dr. Erivelto Volpi About Philip JamesAs the host of the popular RFAMD and Doctor Thyroid podcasts, Philip James remains committed to sharing inspiring stories, valuable insights, and groundbreaking discoveries in the world of healthcare, making a positive impact on the lives of countless listeners. Philip’s thought-provoking interviews have covered a wide range of healthcare topics, from cutting-edge technologies and surgical advancements to patient experiences and the impact of medical research on society. Content on the RFAMD and Doctor Thyroid with Philip James websites and podcasts is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. See our full Legal Disclaimer for details. | |||
| Nerve Protection during Thyroid Ablation: An Interview with Dr. Catherine Sinclair | 25 Sep 2023 | 00:11:45 | |
September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Important, surgery isn’t always necessary for treating thyroid cancer. In fact: as many as one in three people have thyroid cancer and do not die from it, rather, with it. A recent interview from the TNT conference on thyroid ablation in Italy, Philip James of the Doctor Thyroid and RFAMD podcasts had a one-on-one discussion with Dr. Catherine Sinclair, a seasoned head and neck surgeon from Melbourne, Australia. Having served at Mount Sinai in New York for 11 years before relocating back to Melbourne in 2021, Dr. Sinclair offers a unique perspective and extensive expertise in thyroid surgery and laryngology. The Importance of Nerve Protection As a specialist who’s invested in both head and neck surgery and the voice box, Dr. Sinclair developed a keen interest in thyroid surgery due to the significant risks it presents to the vocal nerves during thyroid procedures, including during ablation. The laryngeal nerves, in particular, tend to be the patients’ greatest concern during thyroid procedures due to the potential damage they might sustain. Many patients seeking Dr. Sinclair’s services are often singers or professional voice users who want to avoid surgery out of fear for their vocal nerves. As such, they prefer ablation. However, as she explains, it is crucial that they understand the risks to the laryngeal nerves and other vital structures in the area and the strategies used to mitigate these risks during ablation. Limitations in Nerve Monitoring In surgery, nerve monitoring is employed to keep track of and protect the nerves. But with ablation, patients are usually awake, which means the conventional nerve monitoring technology can’t be used. This presents a significant area of research on how to protect the nerves when the patient is conscious. Dr. Sinclair emphasizes that though the risk is slightly lessened with surgery, it still exists. To counter this, specific strategies are used to minimize potential damage, but it’s never a guarantee that no injuries will occur. Patients’ Preparedness and Awareness Patients must ask about the surgeon’s experience, the number of ablations performed, and any potential complications that they should worry about. The more experienced the surgeon, the less likely there are to be complications of any kind, nerve injury included. Contrary to some patients’ assumptions, nerve monitoring isn’t used in ablation since it requires general anesthesia. Early in her ablation experience, Dr. Sinclair used nerve monitoring on patients under general anesthesia. This procedure showed that nerve potentials remain stable as long as lower energy is used at the back of the thyroid gland where the nerves run. Furthermore, by minimizing time spent in the critical zones, nerve injury can be mostly prevented. Real-time Vocal Assessment During ablation, Dr. Sinclair often asks her patients to count in a monotone. This simple technique allows her to detect any changes in the voice, a potential indicator of nerve damage due to heat during the procedure. According to her, this method has helped prevent nerve issues. State of Thyroid Ablation in Australia Until recently, Dr. Sinclair was the only one performing thyroid ablations in Australia. Now, a colleague has started doing them in Western Australia. However, given the demand and the country’s size, she anticipates more physicians will adopt this procedure. Her main concern is ensuring that it’s done safely, with physicians possessing good ultrasound skills, interventional biopsy skills, and comprehensive knowledge of neck anatomy. Final Thoughts Dr. Sinclair’s parting advice to those considering thyroid ablation or thyroidectomy is to have realistic expectations. They should understand that injuries can happen despite the best precautions. However, the experience of the proceduralist can help lessen complications, and there are strategies to reduce the likelihood of nerve damage. Patients should also be well-informed and know what questions to ask their proceduralist before opting for ablation. Interested parties can reach Dr. Sinclair by email at Catherine@melbournethyroidsurgery.com. She encourages inquiries from both domestic and international individuals. About Philip JamesAs the host of the popular RFAMD and Doctor Thyroid podcasts, Philip James remains committed to sharing inspiring stories, valuable insights, and groundbreaking discoveries in the world of healthcare, making a positive impact on the lives of countless listeners. Philip’s thought-provoking interviews have covered a wide range of healthcare topics, from cutting-edge technologies and surgical advancements to patient experiences and the impact of medical research on society. LinkedIn Content on the RFAMD and Doctor Thyroid with Philip James websites and podcasts is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. See our full Legal Disclaimer for details. | |||
| Preserving the Voice: Insights from Dr. Vaninder Dhillon on Thyroid Surgery and Ablation | 25 Sep 2023 | 00:55:06 | |
September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Important, surgery isn’t always necessary for treating thyroid cancer. In fact: as many as one in three people have thyroid cancer and do not die from it, rather, with it. In a recent episode of the Doctor Thyroid and RFAMD podcasts, Dr. Vaninder Dhillon, an esteemed laryngologist and ENT surgeon from Johns Hopkins, highlighted the critical issue of voice and swallow risks associated with thyroidectomy and thyroid ablation. SUBSCRIBE @DoctorThyroid
The interview sheds light on the importance of preserving the voice and offered insights into innovative approaches to avoid surgery.
Dr. Dhillon, who has extensive experience in both laryngology and endocrine head and neck surgery, underscored the significance of the voice and swallow outcomes in patients undergoing these procedures. Her research and clinical practice focus on improving outcomes and quality of life for patients who may face post-operative issues with their voice and swallow, as well as those with general voice and swallow complaints.
One of the most common complications after thyroid surgery is vocal cord paralysis, which can have a significant impact on a patient's voice. While the overall percentage of patients experiencing voice issues after thyroidectomy varies, it can be as high as 30 to 50 percent, with temporary paralysis affecting up to 15 percent. Although permanent paralysis is rarer (1-2 percent), it remains a concern for patients.
During the interview, Dr. Dhillon emphasized the importance of differentiating between voice and swallowing outcomes, as the latter is often overlooked. Swallowing complaints are higher than voice complaints, with some studies showing up to 60 percent of patients experiencing temporary swallowing issues post-operatively.
Voice and swallow assessments are crucial before and after surgery. Dr. Dhillon stressed the need for a comprehensive evaluation, including endoscopy and video stroboscopy, to examine the larynx more closely during speech. These assessments help in identifying potential issues with the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the superior laryngeal nerve.
Dr. Dhillon's team has implemented voice and swallow tests before surgery, and they continue to monitor patients post-operatively to ensure any issues are addressed promptly. This proactive approach helps patients feel more confident and informed about the potential risks to their voice and swallow function.
The conversation also discussed the rise of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as an alternative to surgery. RFA is a minimally invasive technology for treating thyroid nodules and thyroid cancers. While RFA has a lower risk of voice and swallow complications than surgery, Dr. Dhillon stressed the importance of a thorough pre-RFA laryngeal exam to ensure optimal outcomes.
However, Dr. Dhillon acknowledged that more research is needed to fully understand the potential voice and swallow risks associated with RFA. Standardized protocols and patient-reported outcomes can be vital in evaluating these risks and ensuring patient safety during the procedure.
Dr. Vaninder Dhillon highlighted the importance of safeguarding the voice and swallow function in thyroid surgery and ablation. By proactively evaluating and addressing potential complications, patients can make informed decisions and seek appropriate interventions to protect their vocal and swallowing abilities. The ongoing research and innovative approaches in this field offer hope for improved outcomes and a better quality of life for those affected by thyroid conditions. About Dr. Vaninder Dhillon
Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
Vaninder “Vinny” K. Dhillon, M.D., is an assistant professor of otolaryngology – head and neck surgery at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, specializing in both children and adults. She practices out of Johns Hopkins Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Dhillon is also affiliated with Johns Hopkins Hospital and Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, as well as Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Dhillon has an expertise in endocrine surgery, laryngology, otolaryngology, parathyroid diseases and surgery, swallowing disorders, thyroid diseases and surgery, and voice problems.
Dr. Dhillon earned her medical degree from Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California. She completed a residency in otolaryngology at Los Angeles County and University of Southern California Medical Center.
View Full Profile: https://www.rfamd.com/vaninder-dhillon/
🔷🔷🔷🔷 About Philip JamesIn 2013, his laryngeal nerve was severed, shoulder nerve damaged, parathyroids ruined, and residual cancer left behind — all for a 1 cm thyroid nodule. The word he uses to describe his work as patient advocate is, ‘tonglen’. Or, using his pain and hardship to help others. ------------- Content on the RFAMD and Doctor Thyroid with Philip James websites and podcasts is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. See our full Legal Disclaimer for details.
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| Choosing Surveillance Over Surgery 🏥 Thyroid Cancer Treatment Without Surgery | 22 Sep 2023 | 00:40:29 | |
September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Important, surgery isn’t always necessary for treating thyroid cancer. In fact: as many as one in three people have thyroid cancer and do not die from it, rather, with it. In recent years, innovative methods in thyroid cancer management have drastically changed the field, and potentially the future of cancer treatments overall. A thought-provoking revelation comes from a discussion held at the World Congress on Thyroid Cancer in London, where a paradigm-shifting concept was discussed by two highly respected figures in the field.Dr. Akira Miyauchi of Kuma Hospital in Kobe, Japan, and Dr. Michael Tuttle from Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, unveiled a practice that goes against traditional medical protocol: favoring active surveillance over immediate surgery in managing papillary thyroid cancer. The method has been utilized at Kuma Hospital for 30 years, and in this time, not one patient has died from this type of cancer. This groundbreaking revelation was discussed in a live interview hosted by Philip James of the Doctor Thyroid podcast. According to Dr. Miyauchi, the original proposal for this trial of active surveillance was approved and initiated in 1993. It is based on the principle that early intervention is not always critical. Instead, the method favors regular monitoring of the patient’s condition to identify any changes in the cancer’s progression. “The most important thing might be the unclosing safety of the active surveillance. Compared to immediate surgery, the instances of unfavorable events such as vocal cord paralysis, hypoparathyroidisms, or patients with surgical scars, patients taking Levothyroxine – these instances are significantly smaller in active surveillance” explained Dr. Miyauchi. The focus of active surveillance is not to disregard treatment but to delay intervention until necessary, allowing for better management of the disease. This, in turn, reduces the risk of complications often associated with early and possibly unnecessary surgery. However, surveillance does not mean the absence of treatment. Many patients are proactive in their health management, adopting healthier lifestyles, engaging in physical activities, and sometimes utilizing alternative treatments. The goal remains the same: to halt or slow the progression of the cancer. Dr. Tuttle reiterated that the outcomes and survival rates between early and delayed intervention are largely the same. Importantly, patients who do show a small increase in the size of the cancer or the appearance of small lymph nodes in the neck can still be efficiently treated with delayed surgery. This does not compromise their chance of a full recovery or increase their risk of recurrence or distant metastasis. In the U.S., where active surveillance has been practiced for around 12 years, Dr. Tuttle’s experience with patients who have needed to switch to surgery has been largely positive. Most were grateful for having been able to keep their thyroid for as long as they did, and many even reported feeling healthier due to the lifestyle changes they had implemented. “Having seen a few now that are on the other side of that, I can tell you for most people they weren’t upset they weren’t sad that we had to do something but they felt like they’d given it their best” Dr. Tuttle explained. This approach might, however, require a change in doctors’ attitudes as well. It’s not only about informing patients about their cancer but also managing their anxiety and uncertainty about the ‘wait and see’ strategy. The physicians’ warm-heartedness, their reassuring demeanor, and the trust they establish with their patients are crucial factors that may significantly affect patients’ psychological well-being. The shift from immediate surgical intervention to active surveillance represents a revolutionary approach to managing thyroid cancer. The results from the Kuma Hospital trial are prompting the medical community to rethink its strategies and consider adopting this new method more broadly. Although active surveillance might not be the right choice for all patients, it presents an alternative and safe option for those with papillary thyroid cancer, potentially improving both their physical and psychological quality of life. 🔷🔷🔷🔷 About Philip JamesIn 2013, his laryngeal nerve was severed, shoulder nerve damaged, parathyroids ruined, and residual cancer left behind — all for a 1 cm thyroid nodule. The word he uses to describe his work as patient advocate is, ‘tonglen’. Or, using his pain and hardship to help others. ------------- Content on the RFAMD and Doctor Thyroid with Philip James websites and podcasts is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. See our full Legal Disclaimer for details. | |||
| Dr. Emad Kandil EXPOSES the TRUTH About MWA v RFA for Thyroid Ablation | 07 Nov 2024 | 00:15:13 | |
In this in-depth interview, Dr. Emad Kandil, a leading expert in thyroid ablation at Tulane University, discusses the advanced technique of Microwave Ablation (MWA) for treating thyroid nodules. Dr. Kandil explains the science behind MWA, how it compares to Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), and addresses common misconceptions such as concerns over excessive heat. He also explores the benefits of MWA over traditional thyroid surgery, including the preservation of thyroid function and the minimization of complications. This discussion is precious for medical professionals, researchers, and individuals interested in innovative, minimally invasive treatments for thyroid conditions. Dr. Kandil emphasizes the importance of practitioner expertise in ensuring successful outcomes and offers insight into the decision-making process for selecting the most appropriate treatment method. This video offers expert-level insights if you're seeking an advanced, technical understanding of the latest thyroid ablation technologies and treatment options. About Baird Medical Baird Medical LLC, established in 2012 and headquartered in Guangzhou, China, is a leading developer and provider of minimally invasive medical devices specializing in microwave ablation (MWA) technology. In the U.S., the company continues to expand its reach, recently receiving FDA clearance to market its microwave ablation devices for thyroid treatment. @BairdMedical About Dr. Emad Kandil Dr. Emad Kandil is a renowned expert in endocrine and oncological surgery. He is the Chief of General, Endocrine, and Oncological Surgery at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. He holds the prestigious Elias Hanna Chair in Surgery and is celebrated for his groundbreaking work in minimally invasive thyroid treatments, including thyroid ablation. Dr. Kandil has performed over 1,000 thyroid ablation procedures, establishing himself as a leading figure in using this innovative treatment approach in the United States. @EmadKandilMD-z3d About Philip James Philip James hosts the Doctor Thyroid podcast, a platform that provides patients with information on alternative thyroid treatments. His work focuses specifically on minimally invasive procedures like thyroid ablation. He aims to help patients avoid unnecessary thyroid surgeries, a mission close to him after his own experience with an unneeded surgery. @DoctorThyroid | |||
| Diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer and You Say No to Surgery with Dr. Louise Davies | 05 Apr 2023 | 00:28:33 | |
You have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and contrary to your doctor's advice, you choose to not proceed with surgery. Is this a patient trend, and how often are patients making this decision? In a qualitative analysis, Dr. Louise Davies reports on the experience of US patients who self-identify as having an over-diagnosed thyroid cancer. How likely is death as result of thyroid cancer? In a study by H. Harach, he sites that when reviewing random autopsies, thyroid cancer was prevalent in 34% of the cadavers. Dr. Davies states, if diagnosed with thyroid cancer, important questions to ask, include:
Dr. Davies says those who choose to opt for no surgery are sometimes called stupid by those who know them, and end up feeling isolated and anxious, with little or no support. Louise Davies, MD, MS, FACS is an Associate Professor at Geisel School of Medicine She is Chief, Otolaryngology at Veterans Administration, White River Jct., VT NOTES: Dr. Michael Tuttle, from Sloan Kettering Yasuhiro Itoa and Akira Miyauchi Nonoperative management of low-risk differentiated thyroid carcinoma
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| The Financial Risk of Thyroid Surgery → Dr. Jonas de Souza - Oncologist, Medical Director at Humana | 02 Apr 2023 | 00:13:06 | |
Jonas de Souza participates in both clinical and outcomes research studies on malignancies of the upper aerodigestive tract, especially head and neck cancers. His research focuses on the use of novel therapeutic agents along with measurements of financial burden, patients’ preferences, and the trade-offs between the risks and benefits of cancer therapies. His research has sought to integrate outcomes research, patient preferences, health policy, and economics into clinical practice. His ultimate goal is to increase access to essential cancer therapies by providing policy makers and scientific communities with the required information on patient preferences and on barriers that lie between cancer patients and access to care. De Souza has authored and presented papers and given lectures on head and neck malignancies, reimbursement methods in oncology, and evidence-based care. He is the principal investigator for a trial examining the role of SPECT-CT in the follow-up of patients with locally advanced head and neck cancers. De Souza earned his MD from the University of Rio de Janeiro State. He completed his residency specializing in internal medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center in 2008 and a fellowship focusing on hematology/oncology at the University of Chicago in 2011. During this episode the following topics are discussed: “Financial toxicity,” or the financial burdens that some patients suffer as a result of the cost of their treatments can cause damage to their physical and emotional well-being. Financial impact of thyroid cancer Lost income or high out-of-pocket costs for treatment, medication or related care. Like any other side effect, financial toxicity should be disclosed and discussed with the patients. Patients with thyroid cancer had a 41% increased risk for unemployment at 2 years Jonas de Souza MD, MBA The High Cost of Cancer Care May Take Physical and Emotional Toll on Patients Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis Affects Employment, Income | |||
| Surgery is Not More Cost Effective Than Active Surveillance, with Dr. Jeremy Freeman from Mt. Sinai | 07 Mar 2023 | 00:27:24 | |
Dr. Jeremy Freeman was born in Hamilton, Ontario and grew up in Toronto. He attended medical school at the University of Toronto, graduating with highest honours. He completed his otolaryngology residency at the University of Toronto. After receiving his Fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada in 1978, he spent two further years of advanced training, one as a Gordon Richards Fellow at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto in Radiation and Medical Oncology and a second year as a McLaughlin Fellow, training in Head and Neck Oncology at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, UK. He was the first fellow of the Advanced Training Council sponsored by the two head and neck societies. A Full Professor, he occupies the Temmy Latner/Dynacare Chair in Head and Neck Oncology at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine. He is former Otolaryngologist-in-Chief at the Mount Sinai Hospital stepping down after fulfilling his 10 year appointment. He has an active practice focusing on head and neck oncology with a primary interest in endocrine surgery of the head and neck. He has given over 500 scholarly presentations, has been invited as a visiting professor and surgeon internationally, and has published over 280 articles in the scientific literature. He has been involved in a number of administrative roles in the American Head and Neck Society and is also on the editorial board of a number of high impact journals focusing on head and neck oncology. He has recently been appointed to the National Institute of Health (in Washington DC) task force on the management of thyroid cancer. He is the Director of the University of Toronto Head and Neck Oncology Fellowship, considered to be one of the top three such fellowships in North America. He was the program chair and congress chair of the First and Second World Congresses on Thyroid Cancer held in 2009 and 2013 in Toronto. He was the Keynote speaker at the Congress held in Boston in 2017. He has been invited worldwide to deliver keynotes in the management of thyroid malignancies. In this episode the following topics are discussed:
NOTES Jeremy Freeman's scientific contributions
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| Are insurance companies obstructing wide adoption of RFA? with Dr. Baek from South Korea | 31 Dec 2022 | 00:14:59 | |
Thyroid radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a treatment option for thyroid nodules that aims to remove the nodule while preserving the thyroid gland. This procedure has gained popularity in South Korea and other countries as an alternative to thyroidectomy, a surgery that involves removing the entire thyroid gland. However, the adoption of RFA has been slow in the United States due to insurance companies not covering the procedure, making it too costly for many patients. Dr. Baek, a specialist in thyroid RFA, believes that the procedure is important for preserving thyroid function and improving the quality of life for patients. In contrast to thyroidectomy, which requires patients to take lifelong hormone replacement medication, RFA allows patients to maintain natural thyroid hormone production. The cost of thyroid RFA is a significant barrier to its adoption in the United States. While the procedure is cheaper in South Korea and other countries, insurance coverage is a major factor in the affordability of treatment for patients. Insurance companies need to recognize the value of RFA and begin covering the procedure in order for it to become more widely available to patients. Overall, thyroid RFA is a promising treatment option that has the potential to improve the lives of many thyroid nodule patients. It is important for insurance companies to acknowledge the benefits of this procedure and work towards making it more widely accessible to patients. | |||
| Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) and Thyroid Nodules w/ Dr. Babak Larian | 30 Dec 2022 | 00:23:55 | |
RFA Doctor Directory: During this video, the following topics are discussed: ✅ Finding treatments that are not over-aggressive and less-invasive. ✅ 70% of women and 50% of men have thyroid nodules ✅ Less than 10% of nodules are cancerous ✅ Is radiofrequency ablation (RFA) an effective treatment? ✅ Is radiofrequency ablation (RFA) painful? ✅ How long does radiofrequency ablation (RFA) take to show results or shrinkage of the nodule? ✅ Ultrasound can categorize a nodule by low risk, intermediate, or high risk. ✅ Thyroidectomy comes with risks, including: vocal cord paralysis, bleeding, parathyroid damage, and nerve damage. ✅ Patients must educate themselves before seeing a doctor.
✅ About Dr. Larian Babak Larian is a highly experienced, board certified Ear, Nose, & Throat Specialist and Head & Neck surgeon. Dr. Larian is the current Clinical Chief of the Division of Otolaryngology at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles (January 2012 – present). He graduated with academic and humanitarian distinction, from UC Irvine School of Medicine. In 2002 after completing a 6-year residency program in Ear, Nose, & Throat (otolaryngology) and Head & Neck Surgery at UCLA, he began his professional career. He then went on to become a founding member and later the Medical Director of the Cedars-Sinai Head & Neck Center of Excellence (November 2009 – October 2011). CONTACT Email: info@larianmd.com Phone: 310.461.0300 Website: https://https://www.parotidsurgerymd.... Hyperparathyroidism: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parotidsurge... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/babaklarianmd/ ✅ About Philip James He is the host of the popular podcast: Doctor Thyroid www.docthyroid.com In 2013, his laryngeal nerve was severed, shoulder nerve damaged, parathyroids ruined, and residual cancer left behind — all for a 1 cm thyroid nodule. Later, a vocal cord implant was inserted to help him speak. All the above, the result of a bad thyroid surgery that dampened his quality of life — and left him wondering, what exactly happened — during what should be a low-risk surgery? His attempts to follow up with UCLA and the UCLA surgeon were ignored. He then turned to other doctors for answers — this was the beginning of the podcast: "Doctor Thyroid with Philip James" 100+ episodes later, the Doctor Thyroid podcast is popular amongst patients; allowing them to access information from top doctors, without being limited by geography or economics. The word he uses to describe his work as patient advocate is, ‘tonglen’. Or, using his pain and hardship to help others. When not producing podcast episodes or co-hosting live Q&As for patients with top doctors, he leads the creative team at Doctor Marketing and Philip James Media — a marketing agency dedicated to digital communications serving the sectors of healthcare, payments, and Greentech. The Doctor Thyroid podcast is available in Spanish and English - and listened to in over 30 countries: www.doctiroides.com (Spanish) www.docthyroid.com (English) ✅Please email your requests to philip@philipjames.co LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/philip-james/ Facebook @docthyroid YouTube @Doctor Thyroid Twitter @docthyroid
Looking for a RFA doctor? Search the RFA Directory: | |||
| RFA and Protecting the Nerves for Best Outcomes → Dr. Julia Noel → Stanford University → Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation | 30 Dec 2022 | 00:25:36 | |
Protecting the nerves during RFA and thyroid surgery with Dr. Julia Noel from Stanford Health Care. Hosted by Philip James. Supported by www.rfamd.com. Find an RFA doctor at www.rfamd.com 🔹🔹🔹 During this interview, the following topics are discussed: → Stanford University prioritizes anatomic structures, ultrasound, and how to best protect the laryngeal nerve → Pre- procedure ultrasound is instrumental in minimizing risk → Risk to the laryngeal nerve is minimal during RFA → Where to deliver heat is guided by ultrasound → If unintended consequences occurs during RFA, they are usually reversible → Most risk is affecting a patient’s voice → Technique and space — away from structures — can be controlled with extra fluid → Dr. Noel has conducted 80+ RFA procedures at Stanford University → What should every practitioner know in regard to protecting the nerves? → Commitment to ultrasound anatomy is critical → Ultrasound guided procedures → The Stanford RFA team for conducting a procedure is one assistant MD or Fellow, medical assistant laying out equipment and vital signs → Patient due diligence when selecting an RFA doctor is key: it should include vetting providers for their experience with RFA → Ask if the doctor has done RFA procedures, what’s the plan for follow up? → With RFA, are fewer thyroidectomies occurring?With RFA in clinic, patients now have more treatment options → “No hammers looking for nails” → Who is the ideal candidate for RFA? → Solitary, large, benign thyroid nodule is the ideal candidate → Cost is between $5000 - $10,000 → Reduction in thyroid nodule size is up to 80% → RFA can be used for malignant nodules → Why did it take so long for the U.S. to adopt RFA? FDA processes are laborious and time consuming → Is RFA painful? Generally “no” → RFA fills a void in treatment options for thyroid nodule → Preservation of thyroid function is key — the thyroid is preserved → Does insurance cover RFA treatment? → Sometimes the insurance company will cover the procedure through an appeal process About Dr. Julia Noel ✅ TWITTER @JuliaNoelMD ✅ WEBSITE https://profiles.stanford.edu/julia-noel ✅ WEBSITE https://rfamd.com/julia-noel/ ✅ Grand Rounds Video on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeiOQ... ✅ About Philip James ✅ Instagram @philipjames360 ✅ TWITTER @docthyroid ✅ LinkedIn @Philip James ✅ Website www.philipjames.co ✅ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/DoctorThyroid 🔹🔹🔹 ✅ ABOUT Philip James I shared my story with many of you on my podcast: Doctor Thyroid www.docthyroid.com In 2013, my laryngeal nerve was severed, shoulder nerve damaged, parathyroids ruined, and residual cancer left behind — all for a 1 cm thyroid nodule.Later, a vocal cord implant was inserted to help me speak. The bad result of thyroid surgery dampened my quality of life → and left me wondering, what exactly happened → during what should be a low-risk surgery? My attempts to follow up with UCLA and the surgeon were ignored. So, I turned to other doctors for answers — this was the beginning of the podcast: "Doctor Thyroid with Philip James" 100+ episodes later, the Doctor Thyroid podcast is popular amongst patients; allowing them access to information from top doctors, without being limited by geography or economics. The word I use to describe my work as patient advocate is, ‘tonglen’. Or, using my pain and hardship to help others. When not producing podcast episodes or co-hosting live Q&As for patients with top doctors, I lead the creative team at Philip James Media — we are a marketing agency dedicated to digital communications — serving the sectors of healthcare, payments, and Greentech. The Doctor Thyroid podcast is available in Spanish and English - and listened to in over 30 countries: www.doctiroides.com (Spanish) www.docthyroid.com (English) Please email your requests to philip@philipjames.co 🔹🔹🔹 | |||
| Treating Thyroid Cancer with No Surgery → RFA → Radiofrequency Ablation for Malignant Thyroid Nodules | 30 Dec 2022 | 00:28:38 | |
Looking for a radiofrequency ablation doctor? 🔹www.rfamd.com🔹 During this episode the following topics are discussed: ✅we are treating malignant nodules with radiofrequency ablation therapy
✅Facebook ✅Website ✅ABOUT RFA MD ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ABOUT Philip James www.doctiroides.com (Spanish)🔹 ✅Please email your requests to philip@philipjames.co ✅Instagram ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
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| Radiofrequency Ablation → REMOVE Thyroid Nodules → with NO SURGERY → Dr Ralph Tufano | 08 Nov 2022 | 00:29:38 | |
Looking for a radiofrequency ablation doctor? 🔹www.rfamd.com🔹 Radiofrequency Ablation 🛑 REMOVE Thyroid Nodules 🛑 NO SURGERY 🛑 Dr Ralph Tufano During this podcast, the following topics are discussed: ✅with radiofrequency ablation now it's exciting because for thyroid nodules they can be removed without doing surgery
Dr. Ralph P. Tufano is the Director of the Division of Head and Neck Endocrine Surgery and conducts thyroid and parathyroid surgery with a focus on optimizing outcomes. He is a recognized world authority on the management of thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules, benign thyroid diseases and parathyroid disease. He has expertise in the management of thyroid cancer nodal metastases, advanced and invasive thyroid cancers as well as recurrent thyroid cancers. His work in molecular markers, improving surgical outcomes, nerve monitoring and exploring novel treatment techniques for thyroid and parathyroid diseases has helped the medical field tailor and personalize treatment for patients with these conditions. Website ✅ABOUT RFA MD ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ABOUT Philip James www.doctiroides.com (Spanish)🔹 ✅Please email your requests to philip@philipjames.co
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| 6-Steps for RFA-procedure success! → for doctors & patients → Dr. Roberto Valcavi | 08 Nov 2022 | 00:16:49 | |
🔹 Roberto Valcavi 🔹 MD, FACE, ECNU Reggio Emilia, Italy RFA for benign nodules, for cystic nodules, for hyper functioning nodules, benign nodules, and now for malignant micro-papillary tumors. During this episode the following topics are discussed: The six steps that go into the RFA STEP 1: setup of the patient. The setup of the patient is in an operatory room -- the safety of a operatory room is by far greater than the setting of an ambulatory room so STEP 2: prepare for anesthesia. STEP 3: electrode needle insertion; it is done at the point exactly at the point transistorically... Step 4: preparation in regard to the laryngeal nerve…. the laryngeal nerve is the most delicate point. The laryngeal nerve may be cooled. Step 5: extraction; simply take out the needle and at the same time it must. Use compression; avoids bleeding both internal and external Step 6: Final check. ✅ About Roberto Valcavi 20 years and 1800+ RFA procedures done; laser since 2000
✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ABOUT Philip James www.doctiroides.com (Spanish)🔹 ✅Please email your requests to philip@philipjames.co
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| Thyroid Cancer Surgery? The Single Most Important Question to Ask Your Surgeon with Dr. Gary Clayman | 12 Jun 2022 | 01:11:09 | |
This is a candid interview with Dr. Gary Clayman about thyroid cancer surgery and making sure a patient receives the best available care. Dr. Clayman has performed more than four hundred thyroid cancer operations per year for over twenty years among patients ranging from 6 months to 100+ years of age. Nearly half of Dr. Clayman’s patients have undergone failed initial surgery for their thyroid cancer by another surgeon or have recurrent, persistent, or aggressive thyroid cancer. If it pertains to thyroid surgery or thyroid cancer, there is likely nothing that he hasn’t seen. Dr. Clayman left the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in the fall of 2016 to form the Clayman Thyroid Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida If someone is considering surgery, Dr. Clayman discusses important topics, including:
Other Doctor Thyroid episodes referenced during this interview: The Parathyroid, and a Safer — Less-Scarring Thyroid Surgery with Dr. Babak Larian from Cedars-Sinai SHOW NOTES: Book: Atlas of Head and Neck Surgery
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| Thyroid Ablation Case Study: MWA (microwave) Outperforms RFA (radiofrequency) | 06 Nov 2024 | 00:23:20 | |
In this expert-level analysis, we compare the clinical effectiveness of Microwave Ablation (MWA) and Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for the treatment of thyroid nodules, with a focus on key decision-making criteria for selecting the optimal minimally invasive treatment. This detailed case study, featuring Dr. Emad Kandil and patient testimony, offers a comprehensive exploration of advanced thyroid nodule management techniques. We begin with the patient’s journey, documenting her initial treatments with RFA, which resulted in limited success and the eventual regrowth of the thyroid nodule. Dr. Kandil then introduced MWA, leading to a remarkable 80% volume reduction in just three months. This transition illustrates the pivotal differences between RFA and MWA, such as the heat sink effect, and why MWA provides more precise and effective energy delivery, particularly for nodules with significant vascularization. Dr. Kandil, having performed over 1,200 thyroid ablation procedures. Key Moments: 00:10 — Explanation of the heat sink effect with MWA leading to 80% shrinkage About Baird Medical Baird Medical LLC, established in 2012 and headquartered in Guangzhou, China, is a leading developer and provider of minimally invasive medical devices specializing in microwave ablation (MWA) technology. In the U.S., the company continues to expand its reach, recently receiving FDA clearance to market its microwave ablation devices for thyroid treatment. @BairdMedical www.bairdmed.com About Dr. Emad Kandil About Philip James | |||
| Thyroid Cancer Patients and Quality of Life Issues with Dr. Grogan and Dr. Aschebrook | 07 Jun 2022 | 00:46:42 | |
University of Chicago Medicine researchers Briseis Aschebrook-Kilfoy, PhD, assistant research professor in epidemiology, and Raymon Grogan, MD, assistant professor of surgery lead the North American Thyroid Cancer Survivorship Study (NATCSS). For their most recent research, Aschebrook-Kilfoy and Grogan recruited 1,174 thyroid cancer survivors – 89.9 percent female with an average age of 48 After treatment, thyroid cancer survivors face a lifetime of cancer surveillance and an anxiety-inducing high rate of recurrence, which could contribute to their findings. "The goal of this study is to turn it into a long-term, longitudinal cohort," said Grogan, who hopes to develop a tool that physicians can use to assess the psychological wellbeing of thyroid cancer survivors. "But, there was no way to do that with thyroid cancer because no one had ever studied quality of life or psychology of thyroid cancer before.” In this episode, we will explore: The spiritual, social, psychological, and physical impacts of thyroid cancer. Some of the sometimes over-looked physical impacts include dry mouth, voice problems, dry eyes, dental problems, fatigue, dry skin, and hypoglycemia. What happens to vocal cords after surgery? Even when not paralyzed, quality of voice is effected. Often times, family members don't take treatment seriously. Society, healthcare professionals, and the media have minimized thyroid cancer, and in return has made patients feel minimized. Anxiety about reoccurrence, RAI treatment, and self-concept, influence quality of life for thyroid cancer patients. A 2011 study by Aschebrook-Kilfoy and Grogan found that thyroid cancer, which is most common in women, will double in incidence by 2019. | |||
| Monitoring Recurrence of Thyroid Cancer by Measuring Thyroglobulin (Tg) and TgAb with Dr. Spencer | 22 Mar 2022 | 00:18:52 | |
In this episode, Dr. Spencer, Professor of Medicine at University of Southern California, discusses the importance of testing for thyroglobulin-antibodies and thyroglobulin. Important notes from this interview include:
Dr. Spencer's major areas of research interest are thyroid physiology and pathology, thyroglobulin and thyroid cancer, immunoassay techniques, thyroid hormone metabolism, and the cost-effective use of thyroid tests. Her current research includes clinical significance of Tg and TgAb in patients with thyroid cancers, parameters for optimizing thyroid hormone suppression of TSH for DTC. Studies on hypothalamic/pituitary mechanisms for regulating TSH, and testing for thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy. Dr. Spencer earned her PhD from Glasgow University in Scotland. She then went on to complete two fellowships, one in Clinical Biochemistry at Glasgow, and the other at the National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry.
resources: www.thyroidlab.com/updates | |||