Behind The Knife: The Surgery Podcast

Join the Johns Hopkins Thoracic Surgery Subspecialty team on this rapid research review revealing how investigative efforts have changed the way we view and use Veno-venous (VV) ECMO therapy in the pre-lung transplant patient population working to avoid ventilator dependence and the associated morbidity while facilitating continued ambulation and preoperative optimization. 
Hosts:
- Dr. Alfred J. Casillan, MD, PhD
Attending Thoracic Surgeon 
Johns Hopkins Hospital 
- Kyla Rakoczy, MD 
Johns Hopkins General Surgery Resident
References:
Awake ECMO as Bridge to Lung Transplantation Fuehner T, Kuehn C, Hadem J, Wiesner O, Gottlieb J, Tudorache I, et al. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in awake patients as bridge to lung transplantation. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 2012;185(7):763–768. PMID: 22268135 Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22268135/

Predictors of Successful ECMO Bridging Tipograf Y, Salna M, Minko E, Grogan EL, Sonett JR, Bacchetta MD. Outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to lung transplantation. Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 2019;107(5):1456–1463. PMID: 30790550 Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30790550/

Intubation Status and ECMO Bridging Outcomes Zhou AL, Jennings MR, Akbar AF, et al. Utilization and outcomes of nonintubated extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to lung transplant. Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation. 2025;44(4):661–669. PMID: 39486773 Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39486773/

ECMO Duration and Waitlist Mortality Shou BL, Kalra A, Zhou AL, et al. Impact of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation bridging duration on lung transplant outcomes. Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 2024;118(2):496–503. PMID: 38740080 Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38740080/

Mechanical Ventilation as a Risk Marker Mason DP, Thuita L, Alster JM, Murthy SC, Budev MM, Mehta AC, et al. Lung transplantation in recipients requiring mechanical ventilation: outcomes and risk factors. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2010;139(1):114–119. PMID: 19931096 Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19931096/

***Fellowship Application Link: https://forms.gle/QSUrR2GWHDZ1MmWC6
Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.  
If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listen
Behind the Knife Premium:
General Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-review
Oral Board Simulator: https://app.behindtheknife.org/oral-board-simulator
Trauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlas
Dominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkship
Dominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotation
Vascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-audio-review
Colorectal Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/colorectal-surgery-oral-board-audio-review
Surgical Oncology Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-oncology-oral-board-audio-review
Cardiothoracic Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/cardiothoracic-surgery-oral-board-audio-review
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Welcome back to Behind the Knife with Cody, Patrick, Jason, and Ayman. Today, we are tackling a defining professional ritual for every surgical trainee: the Morbidity and Mortality (M&M) Conference. We are providing a practical roadmap to help you build clear, high-quality presentations that facilitate real learning for the entire room. Whether you are a junior resident preparing for your first case or an attending looking to moderate effectively, this episode covers exactly what to include, what to leave out, and how to properly frame a complication.
Hosts:

Cody Mullens, MD

Patrick Georgoff, MD

Jason Bingham, MD

Ayman Ali, MD

***Fellowship Application Link: https://forms.gle/QSUrR2GWHDZ1MmWC6
Surgical Instrument Flashcard Course: https://app.behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-instrument-flashcards
Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.  
If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listen
Behind the Knife Premium:
General Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-review
Trauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlas
Dominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkship
Dominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotation
Vascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-audio-review
Colorectal Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/colorectal-surgery-oral-board-audio-review
Surgical Oncology Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-oncology-oral-board-audio-review
Cardiothoracic Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/cardiothoracic-surgery-oral-board-audio-review
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Xenotransplantation—the use of organs from other species to treat human disease—has long existed at the intersection of science fiction and surgical innovation. While early efforts were marked by limited success and ethical controversy, recent advances in genetic engineering, immunosuppression, and organ preservation have brought the field closer than ever to clinical reality.
In this episode of Behind the Knife, we are joined by Dr. Joshua Mezrich to explore the history, science, and future of xenotransplantation. Through a narrative lens, we trace the evolution of transplantation from its earliest experimental days to the modern era of gene-edited porcine organs, highlighting key breakthroughs, ethical challenges, and the pioneers who shaped the field. We also examine the current state of clinical trials and what xenotransplantation may mean for the future of organ availability and transplant practice.
Hosts 
- Madeline Cloonan, MD PhD, General Surgery Resident, University of Nebraska Medical Center, @maddie_cloonan  
- Joshua Mezrich, MD, Professor, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Learning Objectives 
By the end of this episode, listeners will be able to:
- Describe the historical evolution of xenotransplantation, including the primate and early porcine eras 
- Explain the key immunologic and biologic barriers to xenotransplantation, including hyperacute rejection and the role of natural antibodies 
- Summarize major scientific advances that enabled modern xenotransplantation, including cloning and CRISPR-based gene editing 
- Discuss recent clinical experiences and ongoing trials of xenotransplantation in humans 
-  Evaluate the ethical considerations and societal implications of xenotransplantation 
- Consider the potential role of xenotransplantation in addressing organ shortage and reshaping transplant eligibility and allocation
Check out Dr. Mezrich’s new book!
 https://www.amazon.com/Every-Living-Creature-Xenotransplantation-Change-ebook/dp/B0FH14LF6K
***Fellowship Application Link: https://forms.gle/QSUrR2GWHDZ1MmWC6
***Surgical Instrument FlashCards: https://app.behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-instrument-flashcards
Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.  
If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listen
Behind the Knife Premium:
General Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-review
Trauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlas
Dominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkship
Dominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotation
Vascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-audio-review
Colorectal Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/colorectal-surgery-oral-board-audio-review
Surgical Oncology Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-oncology-oral-board-audio-review
Cardiothoracic Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/cardiothoracic-surgery-oral-board-audio-review
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INTRODUCING Behind the Knife OBGYN Oral Board Review!
The oral boards aren't just about knowledge—they are about executing under pressure. This course is designed to give you the structure and confidence to command the room. We have curated 98 high-yield scenarios covering the "Big Three" of the exam: Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Office Practice. Whether it’s a surgical emergency or a complex clinic workup, we will walk you through exactly how to articulate your plan, defend your decisions, and pass this exam.
Each scenario includes 2 parts. The first part is a perfectly executed scenario.  If you are able to achieve this level of performance in your preparation you are sure to pass the oral exam with flying colors. The second part introduces high-yield commentary to each scenario. This commentary includes tips and tricks to help you dominate the most challenging scenarios in addition to practical, easy-to-understand teaching that covers the most confusing topics. We are confident you will find this unique, dual format approach a highly effective way to prepare for the test.
Please check out the preview episodes below that include Parts A and B, with and without commentary.
This course includes access to our Oral Board Simulator.  Step into the hot seat and experience the pressure of the real exam and receive detailed, actionable feedback with the most advanced oral board prep available.  

3-Month Purchase - 10 exams

6-Month Purchase - 22 exams

12-Month Purchase - 46 exams

Learn More: https://app.behindtheknife.org/premium/obgyn-oral-board-review
DOMINATE THE DAY!

In this episode, we explore the grueling realities of the general surgery preliminary year—a high-stakes, one-year audition for surgical trainees operating without a safety net. We sit down with a program director, a former IMG prelim turned attending, and a recently successful SOAP applicant to uncover exactly what it takes to survive the scramble and excel clinically. Listen in to learn actionable strategies for navigating hospital expectations, securing vital mentorship, and ultimately turning your preliminary position into a secured categorical spot.
Hosts:
Ayman Ali, MD
Dr. Ayman Ali is a Behind the Knife fellow and general surgery PGY-4 at Duke Hospital. 
Kevin Naresh Shah, MD
Dr. Kevin Shah is an Assistant Professor of Hepatobiliary Surgery at the Duke University School of Medicine and Program Director of General Surgery. 
Katharine Louise Jackson, MBBS
Dr. Louise Jackson is an Assistant Professor of Colon and Rectal Surgery at the Duke University School of Medicine and the Medical Student Clerkship Director. 
Rafael Felix Tiongco, MD
Dr. Rafael Tiongco is a first-year resident at Penn State College of Medicine.
Sponsor Disclaimer: Visit goremedical.com/btkpod to learn more about GORE® SYNECOR Biomaterial, including supporting references and disclaimers for the presented content.  Refer to Instructions for Use at eifu.goremedical.com for a complete description of all applicable indications, warnings, precautions and contraindications for the markets where this product is available. Rx only
***Fellowship Application Link: https://forms.gle/QSUrR2GWHDZ1MmWC6
Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.  
If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listen
Behind the Knife Premium:
General Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-review
Trauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlas
Dominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkship
Dominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotation
Vascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-audio-review
Colorectal Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/colorectal-surgery-oral-board-audio-review
Surgical Oncology Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-oncology-oral-board-audio-review
Cardiothoracic Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/cardiothoracic-surgery-oral-board-audio-review
Download our App:
Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/behind-the-knife/id1672420049
Android/Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.btk.app&hl=en_US