Behind The Knife: The Surgery Podcast

You’re in the middle of surgical residency, and you realize you need more than a few weeks away from clinical responsibilities. Maybe you need more time to be a parent, recover from an illness, care for family, learn a new skill, or simply create space to reflect and reset. What if you could complete five years of training over six calendar years by spreading that time out in a way that fits your life?  
Join Dr. Kara Button with Dr. Joe Buyske, and Dr. Bridget Olson as they break down the 5-in-6 pathway including how it works, who it’s for, and the real-world logistics that matter.
Hosts:
Kara Button, DO — General Surgery Resident, Maine Medical Center; Behind the Knife Surgical Education Fellow
Jo Buyske, MD — President & CEO, American Board of Surgery
Dr. Bridget Olsen, MD — General Surgery Resident, Maine Medical Center
References:
Bamdad MC, Hughes DT, Englesbe M. Safe and supported pregnancy: A call to action for surgery chairs and program directors: A call to action for surgery chairs and program directors. Ann Surg. 2022;275(1):e1-e2. doi:10.1097/SLA.0000000000005181 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34433187/

Castillo-Angeles M, Atkinson RB, Easter SR, et al. Pregnancy during surgical training: Are residency programs truly supporting their trainees? J Surg Educ. 2022;79(6):e92-e102. doi:10.1016/j.jsurg.2022.06.011 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35842402/

Castillo-Angeles M, Smink DS, Rangel EL. Perspectives of general surgery program directors on paternity leave during surgical training. JAMA Surg. 2022;157(2):105-111. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2021.6223 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34851404/

Kanters AE, Shubeck SP. The importance of parental leave and lactation support for surgeons. Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2023;36(5):333-337. doi:10.1055/s-0043-1764288 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37564351/

Kling SM, Slashinski MJ, Green RL, Taylor GA, Dunham P, Kuo LE. Parental leave experiences for the non-childbearing general surgery resident parent: A qualitative analysis. Surgery. 2024;176(5):1320-1326. doi:10.1016/j.surg.2024.04.035 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38910045/

Mann H, Glazer T. Current state of safe pregnancy policies for the US surgical trainee. OTO Open. 2024;8(3):e172. doi:10.1002/oto2.172 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39036338/

Rangel EL, Smink DS, Castillo-Angeles M, et al. Pregnancy and motherhood during surgical training. JAMA Surg. 2018;153(7):644-652. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2018.0153 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29562068/

Rangel EL, Castillo-Angeles M, Easter SR, et al. Incidence of infertility and pregnancy complications in US female surgeons. JAMA Surg. 2021;156(10):905-915. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2021.3301 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34319353/

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/20/science/doctors-surgery-motherhood-medical-school.html

https://behindtheknife.org/podcast/family-leave-during-surgical-training-a-discussion-with-abs-president-dr-jo-buyske

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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This new mini-series on Behind the Knife will delve into the technical aspects of the Operative Standards for Cancer Surgery, developed through the American College of Surgeons Cancer Research Program. This second episode highlights the thyroid cancer operative standard.
Hosts:
Tracy Wang, MD, MPH, FACS is a Professor of Surgery and Vice-Chair of Strategic and Professional Development at the Medical College of Wisconsin with a clinical focus on endocrine surgical oncology. 
Vladmir Neychev, MD, PhD is a Professor of Surgery at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine with a clinical focus on endocrine surgical oncology.
Jack Sample, MD (@JackWSample) is a General Surgery Resident at Mayo Clinic Rochester.
Guests:

Elizabeth Grubbs, MD (@EGrubbsMD) is a Professor of Surgical Oncology at MD Anderson where she specializes in endocrine tumors, with expertise in cancer of the thyroid.
David Hughes, MD is a Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery at University of Michigan, where he focuses on surgical diseases of the endocrine system, including a particular focus on the diagnosis and management of papillary thyroid cancer.
Learning Objectives: Understand key preoperative and intraoperative aspects of the evaluation and treatment of patients with biopsy-proven papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) greater than or equal to 1 cm. Define factors that guide decision making regarding the extent of surgical resection (lobectomy versus total thyroidectomy) for PTC.
Links to Papers Referenced in this Episode

Operative Standards for Cancer Surgery, Volume 2: Thyroid, Gastric, Rectum, Esophagus, Melanoma
https://www.facs.org/quality-programs/cancer-programs/cancer-surgery-standards-program/operative-standards-for-cancer-surgery/purchase/

Kindle edition:
Amazon.com: Operative Standards for Cancer Surgery: Volume 2, Section 1: Thyroid eBook : Program, American College of Surgeons Clinical Research, Katz, Matthew HG: Kindle Store

Impact of Extent of Surgery on Survival for Papillary Thyroid Cancer Patients Younger Than 45 years. 
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25337927/ 
Extent of Surgery Affects Survival for Papillary Thyroid Cancer. 
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17717441/
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
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

Behind the Knife ABSITE 2026 – Up-to-date and high yield learning to help you DOMINATE the exam.

Don’t forget to check out our ABSITE Podcast Companion Book available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Behind-Knife-ABSITE-Podcast-Companion/dp/B0CLDQWZG3/ref=monarch_sidesheet

Be sure to check out our free study aid, which includes all 32 review episodes, brief written summaries, high yield images, and flash cards. Simply create an account on our iOS or Android app or on our website and you will find the entire course in your Library. 

Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/behind-the-knife/id1672420049

Google Play App Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.btk.app

Behind the Knife would like to sincerely thank Medtronic for sponsoring the entire 2026 ABSITE podcast series.  Medtronic has a rich history of supporting surgical education, and we couldn’t be happier that they chose to partner with Behind the Knife.  Learn more at https://www.medtronic.com/en-us/index.html

If you like the work that Behind the Knife is doing, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.  

Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.  

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

Behind the Knife in Español - repaso para el examen de certificación en cirugía general: https://app.behindtheknife.org/premium/repaso-para-el-examen-de-certificaci-n-en-cirug-a-general

Behind the Knife ABSITE 2026 – Up-to-date and high yield learning to help you DOMINATE the exam.

Don’t forget to check out our ABSITE Podcast Companion Book available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Behind-Knife-ABSITE-Podcast-Companion/dp/B0CLDQWZG3/ref=monarch_sidesheet

Be sure to check out our free study aid, which includes all 32 review episodes, brief written summaries, high yield images, and flash cards. Simply create an account on our iOS or Android app or on our website and you will find the entire course in your Library. 

Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/behind-the-knife/id1672420049

Google Play App Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.btk.app

Behind the Knife would like to sincerely thank Medtronic for sponsoring the entire 2026 ABSITE podcast series.  Medtronic has a rich history of supporting surgical education, and we couldn’t be happier that they chose to partner with Behind the Knife.  Learn more at https://www.medtronic.com/en-us/index.html

If you like the work that Behind the Knife is doing, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.  

Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.  

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

Behind the Knife in Español - repaso para el examen de certificación en cirugía general: https://app.behindtheknife.org/premium/repaso-para-el-examen-de-certificaci-n-en-cirug-a-general

In resuscitative trauma surgery every second counts. Can time and lives be saved by moving interventions closer to the point of injury? In this episode, we discuss a recent journal article on prehospital resuscitative thoracotomy as a treatment for traumatic cardiac arrest. Opening the chest on the street, who should do it, why should we do it, and for whom?
• Hosts: 

Mr Prashanth Ramaraj. General Surgery trainee, Edinburgh rotation. @LonTraumaSchool

Dr Roisin Kelly. Major Trauma Junior Clinical Fellow, Royal London Hospital. 

Mr Max Marsden. Resuscitative Major Trauma Fellow, Royal London Hospital. @maxmarsden83

Mr Christopher Aylwin. Consultant Trauma & Vascular Surgeon, Royal London Hospital and Co-Programme Director MSc Trauma Sciences at Queen Mary University of London. @cjaylwin

Mr Zane Perkins. Consultant Trauma & UGI Surgeon, Royal London Hospital and Prehospital Surgeon at London’s Air Ambulance. @ZBPerkins 

• Learning objectives:

A)    To be aware of the steps of a resuscitative thoracotomy (RT)
B)     To understand the rational for prehospital (PH) trauma interventions.
C)     To understand the timelines required to optimise success in PH RT.
D)    To be familiar with the training governance for clinicians undertaking PH RT.
E)     To recognise that PH RT is predominantly an intervention for cardiac tamponade.
F)     To understand the contexts in which PH RT might be successful as a standardised intervention.
• References:

Perkins ZB, Greenhalgh R, Ter Avest E, Aziz S, Whitehouse A, Read S, Foster L, Chege F, Henry C, Carden R, Kocierz L, Davies G, Hurst T, Lendrum R, Thomas SH, Lockey DJ, Christian MD. Prehospital Resuscitative Thoracotomy for Traumatic Cardiac Arrest. JAMA Surg. 2025 Feb 26;160(4):432–40. doi: 10.1001/jamasurg.2024.7245. PMID: 40009367; PMCID: PMC11866073. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40009367/

ter Avest, E., Kocierz, L., Alvarez, C. et al. Improving decision-making for prehospital Resuscitative Thoracotomy in traumatic cardiac arrest: a data-driven approach. Crit Care 29, 485 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13054-025-05705-z. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41233917/

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