Advertise on podcast: MedStar Health DocTalk (series)

Send us Fan Mail Menopause and perimenopause can affect much more than your physical health. Mood changes, anxiety, disrupted sleep, and brain fog can leave women feeling unlike themselves—but they don’t have to suffer in silence. On this episode of MedStar Health DocTalk, psychiatrist Dr. Madhumathi (Madhu) Rao discusses the connection between menopause and mental health, common symptoms women may experience, and treatment options that may help. She also addresses misconceptions about hormone therapy and offers advice on talking with your health care provider about symptoms and finding the right approach for you. If you’ve been struggling with changes in your mood, sleep, or memory during midlife, this conversation can help you better understand what may be happening and what steps you can take. If you're experiencing significant changes in your mood, anxiety, sleep, concentration or overall ability to function, talk with a health-care professional about what you're experiencing. If you're experiencing significant changes in your mood or anxiety, sleep, concentration, or overall ability to function, your sexual health, talk with a healthcare professional about what you're experiencing. If you would like more information on the impact of menopause on mental health, call the MedStar Health Department of Psychiatry at 202-944-5400 to make an in-person or virtual appointment.  For more episodes of MedStar Health DocTalk, go to medstarhealth.org/doctalk.

Send us Fan Mail For more episodes of MedStar Health DocTalk, go to medstarhealth.org/doctalk.

Send us Fan Mail On this DocTalk episode, we chat with Dr. Lucy De La Cruz, chief of the Breast Surgery program, who recently performed a first-of-its kind robotic mastectomy paired with nerve reconstruction to help preserve sensation, all performed through a single, hidden incision.  For an interview with Dr. De La Cruz, or for more information about this podcast, contact MedStar Georgetown University Hospital Manager MediaRelations, [email protected].  Learn more about Dr. De La Cruz.  For more episodes of MedStar Health DocTalk, go to medstarhealth.org/doctalk.

Send us Fan Mail Could a new treatment help people whose high blood pressure remains difficult to control? High blood pressure affects nearly half of U.S. adults and can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and heart failure. But for some people, even multiple medications and lifestyle changes aren't enough to bring their blood pressure under control. In this episode of MedStar Health DocTalk, host Debra Schindler talks with Dr. Brian Case, MedStar Health interventional cardiologist and hypertension specialist, about renal denervation (RDN), an FDA-approved treatment option for certain patients with uncontrolled or resistant hypertension. Dr. Case explains: • What high blood pressure does to the heart, kidneys and body • How doctors determine whether hypertension is truly uncontrolled • Who may be a candidate for renal denervation • How the procedure works and why the kidneys are involved • The difference between ultrasound and radiofrequency renal denervation • What patients can expect before, during and after the procedure • How long it takes to see a reduction in blood pressure • Potential risks and who may not qualify • Why renal denervation is not a cure for hypertension but can be used alongside medications and healthy lifestyle changes • What researchers have learned since the earlier studies of renal denervation • How this emerging treatment could change the future of hypertension care Dr. Case also shares what he and his colleagues are seeing in patients treated through the MedStar Health hypertension program. Learn more about renal denervation at MedStar Health: MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center: 301-877-5677 MedStar Washington Hospital Center: 202-877-5975 This podcast is for informational and educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your individual condition and treatment options. #MedStarHealth #DocTalk #HighBloodPressure #Hypertension #RenalDenervation #HeartHealth #BloodPressure #Cardiology For more episodes of MedStar Health DocTalk, go to medstarhealth.org/doctalk.

Send us Fan Mail Thumb Arthritis: The Game Changing Joint Replacement Thumb arthritis is extremely common, and when pain at the base of the thumb makes it difficult to open a jar, turn a key, grip a golf club, or hold everyday objects, it can have a major impact on daily life. In this episode of MedStar Health DocTalk, host Debra Schindler talks with Dr. Avi Giladi, hand and upper-extremity surgeon and research director at the Curtis National Hand Center, about the latest advances in treating thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis. For decades, surgery has typically involved removing the trapezium bone, sometimes combined with tendon reconstruction or suspension. While these procedures can provide pain relief, recovery can be lengthy, and some patients experience lasting limitations in grip strength and function. Dr. Giladi discusses a newer option: the Touch Prosthesis, a thumb joint replacement designed to preserve joint height and motion while providing stability. He explains how the implant works, who may be a candidate, how it compares with traditional surgery, and what patients can expect during recovery. The conversation covers: • Why thumb arthritis is so common • Early symptoms and risk factors • Non-surgical treatment options, including splints, therapy and injections • Traditional thumb arthritis surgery and its recovery • How the Touch prosthesis works • Potential benefits, risks and limitations of thumb joint replacement • Who may—and may not—be a candidate • What recovery can look like after surgery • What researchers and surgeons still need to learn about the implant long term Dr. Giladi emphasizes that not everyone with thumb arthritis needs surgery, and that treatment should be individualized. But for appropriately selected patients whose symptoms persist despite non-surgical treatments, newer joint-replacement technology may offer another path toward restoring motion, strength and function. Learn More or Schedule an Appointment: For more information about MedStar Health’s Curtis National Hand Center, visit MedStarHealth.org and search “Curtis.” To schedule an appointment with Dr. Avi Giladi or one of the center’s 14 hand surgeons, call 410-235-5405. If you’re closer to Washington, DC, call 202-444-3668 to schedule an appointment with hand surgeon Dr. Michael Kessler at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. Watch the full episode to learn what patients considering thumb arthritis surgery should know. For more episodes of MedStar Health DocTalk, go to medstarhealth.org/doctalk.

Send us Fan Mail Medical breakthroughs don't always make headlines. Sometimes they're the innovations that quietly transform lives. In this episode of MedStar Health DocTalk, host Debra Schindler talks with colorectal surgeon Dr. Sherief Shawki to discuss the K-pouch (Kock pouch), a highly specialized surgical procedure that offers a life-changing alternative for some patients living with an ileostomy or experiencing complications from a J-pouch. Dr. Shawki explains: What a K-pouch is and how it worksThe difference between a J-pouch and a K-pouchWho may be a candidate for this specialized surgeryWhy so few surgeons perform K-pouch proceduresWhat patients can expect during recoveryHow the procedure can restore independence and quality of lifeYou'll also hear how advances in surgical expertise are helping patients from across the country, including those who have exhausted other treatment options; find hope through one of the nation's few dedicated K-pouch programs. If you or someone you know is living with an ileostomy, has experienced J-pouch complications, or is exploring reconstructive colorectal surgery options, this conversation provides valuable insight from one of the country's experienced K-pouch surgeons. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Sherief Shawki, call 443-777-2475. Learn more about colorectal surgery at MedStar Health: MedStarHealth.org Subscribe to MedStar Health DocTalk for conversations with physician experts covering the latest advances in medicine, surgery, and patient care.  For more episodes of MedStar Health DocTalk, go to medstarhealth.org/doctalk.

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of DocTalk, we talk with Dr. Talal Al-Qaoud, transplant surgeon and urologist at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, who explains how robotic-assisted transplant surgeries are improving patient outcomes, and what makes someone an ideal candidate. For an interview with Dr. Al-Qaoud, or for more information about this podcast, contact Medstar Georgetown University Hospital manager of Media Relations, [email protected]. Learn more about Dr. Al-Qaoud  For more episodes of MedStar Health DocTalk, go to medstarhealth.org/doctalk.

Send us Fan Mail  Cardio Obstetrics: What is it?  | MedStar Health DocTalk Pregnancy is often described as a natural stress test for the body, and especially for the heart. In this episode of MedStar Health DocTalk, host Debra Schindler sits down with cardiologist and cardio-obstetrics specialist Dr. Minhal Makshood to explore the growing field of cardio obstetrics and why pregnancy can reveal important clues about a woman’s long-term cardiovascular health. Dr. Makshood explains how conditions such as preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, and peripartum cardiomyopathy can affect both mother and baby, and why these pregnancy-related complications may increase a woman’s risk of future heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions. The conversation also highlights the importance of prenatal counseling for women with existing heart conditions, the role of multidisciplinary care teams, and why the postpartum period—sometimes called the “fourth trimester”—is a critical time for monitoring heart health. In this episode, you'll learn: • What cardio obstetrics is and why the specialty is rapidly growing • How pregnancy can uncover previously undiagnosed heart conditions • The warning signs of heart complications during and after pregnancy • Why preeclampsia and gestational diabetes are more than temporary pregnancy complications • How pregnancy history can help predict future cardiovascular risk • The importance of coordinated care between cardiologists, obstetricians, and maternal-fetal medicine specialists • What every woman should know about protecting her heart before, during, and after pregnancy Whether you're planning a pregnancy, currently expecting, recently delivered a baby, or simply interested in women's heart health, this episode provides valuable insights that could have lifelong implications. If you have a heart condition, experienced complications during pregnancy, or want to learn more about protecting your cardiovascular health before, during, or after pregnancy, schedule an appointment with the Women's Health and Cardio Obstetrics Clinic at MedStar Health. Call 301-570-7404 to learn more or make an appointment. Guest: Dr. Minhal Makshood, Cardiologist and Cardio-Obstetrics Specialist Host: Debra Schindler For more episodes of MedStar Health DocTalk, go to medstarhealth.org/doctalk.

Send us Fan Mail A cancer diagnosis can change everything in an instant. One conversation. Three words: "You have cancer." Suddenly, patients and families are faced with uncertainty, fear, and countless questions about what comes next. In this episode of MedStar Health DocTalk, host Debra Schindler sits down with medical oncologist and hematologist Dr. Ankit Madan of MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center, to discuss the critical first steps after a cancer diagnosis. Dr. Madan explains how patients move from diagnosis to treatment, how cancer is staged, and why building a multidisciplinary care team is essential for the best possible outcomes. The conversation explores the emotional impact of hearing a cancer diagnosis, the importance of patient navigators, social workers, nutritionists, mental health professionals, and the role patients play as active partners in their own care. Dr. Madan also discusses treatment advances, clinical trials, immunotherapy breakthroughs, second opinions, and practical advice for patients and families navigating one of life's most challenging journeys. Whether you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with cancer, this episode offers guidance, reassurance, and expert insight into what happens after the diagnosis—and how patients can move forward with confidence and support. Topics covered: • Coping with the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis • Understanding cancer staging and treatment planning • The role of biopsies, CT scans, PET scans, and additional testing • Building a multidisciplinary cancer care team • Patient navigators, social workers, and support services • Shared decision-making and patient autonomy • When to seek a second opinion • Clinical trials and emerging cancer treatments • Immunotherapy and advances in cancer care • Nutrition, exercise, and mental health during treatment • Cancer survivorship and ongoing surveillance To learn more about cancer care at MedStar Health, visit MedStarHealth.org/Cancer. For more episodes of MedStar Health DocTalk, go to medstarhealth.org/doctalk.

Send us Fan Mail On this DocTalk episode, we chat with Dr. Joseph Roswarski, the lymphoma/leukemia attending at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Roswarski’s medical career includes clinical care and research in hematologic malignancies, particularly lymphoma and multiple myeloma.  For an interview with Dr. Joseph Roswarski, or for more information about this podcast, contact MedStar Georgetown University Hospital Manager Media Relations, [email protected]. Learn more about Dr. Roswarski. For more episodes of MedStar Health DocTalk, go to medstarhealth.org/doctalk.

Send us Fan Mail This episode of DocTalk takes a closer look at the different types of breast cancer, and how treatment options can vary for each. Medical oncologist Dr. Elizabeth Barrows, who specializes in breast cancer at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, joins the podcast to explain how personalized treatment plans are developed and what patients should know about their diagnosis. For more information about this podcast, contact MedStar Georgetown University Hospital Manager Media Relations, [email protected]. Learn more about Dr. Barrows.  For more episodes of MedStar Health DocTalk, go to medstarhealth.org/doctalk.

Send us Fan Mail On this DocTalk episode, we chat with Dr. Jennifer Kanakry, the medical director of the Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Immunotherapy Program at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. Dr. Kanakry explains what types of lymphoma can be treated with CAR T-cell therapy. For an interview with Dr. Jennifer Kanakry, or for more information about this podcast, contact MedStar Georgetown University Hospital Manager Media Relations, [email protected]. Learn more about Dr. Kanakry. For more episodes of MedStar Health DocTalk, go to medstarhealth.org/doctalk.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Debra talks with MedStar Health colorectal surgeon Dr. Sherief Shawki about survey results which reveal many Americans are confused about when to have a colonoscopy. This discussion covers the rise in colorectal cancer diagnoses in younger adults and the impact that’s had on the guidelines for routine screenings. Dr. Shawki explains how colorectal cancer develops, and how colonoscopy can actually prevent cancer by identifying and removing these growths early. The conversation also covers how genetics and family history can affect screening timelines, and what symptoms should never be ignored. Dr. Shawki walks listeners through what happens during a colonoscopy, from the preparation process to the procedure itself, and addresses common concerns that often cause people to delay screening. MedStar Health DocTalk aims to make complex medical topics easier to understand by bringing together experienced physicians who share their expertise in a clear, conversational way. Whether you’re interested in learning about cancer prevention, new medical technologies, or advances in treatment and surgery, this podcast offers reliable information from trusted experts.  Learn more about colorectal surgery at MedStar Health: https://www.medstarhealth.org/services/colorectal-surgery To make an appointment: 443-777-2475 Have a question or topic suggestion for the show? Email: [email protected] For more episodes of MedStar Health DocTalk, go to medstarhealth.org/doctalk.

Send us Fan Mail When chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue send you to the ER, a normal stress test or “clear arteries” on an angiogram should feel reassuring, but for many people, the symptoms don’t stop.  In this episode of MedStar Health DocTalk, host Debra Schindler sits down with Dr. Brian Case, interventional cardiologist at MedStar Southern Maryland Medical Center, to explain coronary microvascular disease (CMD), a condition affecting the heart’s smallest blood vessels that is often missed or misunderstood. Dr. Case shares how common “normal coronaries” are during cardiac catheterization, why CMD disproportionately affects women, and how symptoms can mimic obstructive heart disease (or even be dismissed as reflux, anxiety, or “all in your head”).  You’ll learn the difference between microvascular dysfunction and microvascular spasm, how specialized coronary functional testing in the cath lab can help make a formal diagnosis (often with only a few extra minutes), and how treatment is tailored from beta blockers or calcium channel blockers to other medication options and cardiac rehab.  They also discuss emerging research, including the potential future role of GLP-1 medications and investigational devices.If you’ve been told your heart is “fine” but you still don’t feel well, this conversation offers validation, and next steps to discuss with your doctor. Learn more: medstarhealth.org/mhvi Appointments with Dr. Case: 301-877-5677 Email the show: [email protected]  For more episodes of MedStar Health DocTalk, go to medstarhealth.org/doctalk.

Send us Fan Mail On this DocTalk episode, we chat with Dr. Steven Wexner, the Physician Executive Director and System Chief of Colorectal Surgery for MedStar Health. Dr. Wexner brings more than 38 years of clinical, academic, and research excellence to MedStar Health. He specializes in surgery for rectal cancer, and patients from around the world seek his expertise.  For an interview with Dr. Steven Wexner, or for more information about this podcast, contact MedStar Georgetown University Hospital Manager Media Relations, [email protected]. Learn more about Dr. Wexner.  For more episodes of MedStar Health DocTalk, go to medstarhealth.org/doctalk.