HSS Presents

In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Heidi Prather, founder and medical director of the HSS Lifestyle Medicine Program, is joined by Dr. James Loomis, medical director of the Barnard Medical Center and Center for Plant-Based Living, and registered dietitian and diabetes educator Ruthie Greenfield to discuss insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and their impact on musculoskeletal health and chronic pain. Together, they explain the underlying mechanisms of insulin resistance, address common misconceptions about carbohydrates and dietary fat, and highlight the role of a high-fiber, plant-predominant eating pattern in prevention and treatment. The conversation also explores how continuous glucose monitors can provide personalized insights into the effects of food, exercise, sleep, and stress, while offering practical strategies for sustainable behavior change. They conclude by examining how lifestyle medicine can help patients improve metabolic health, reduce pain, and extend not only lifespan, but healthspan.

Resources:
Learn more about the HSS Lifestyle Medicine Program at https://www.hss.edu/departments/medicine/lifestyle-medicine-program and explore the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) at https://contentwithpurpose.co.uk/aclm/projectremission/.

In this episode of HSS Presents, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Matthew Conti speaks with Dr. Harry Agress Jr., a nationally recognized speaker, author, and retirement enthusiast who spent 36 years as a diagnostic radiologist and nuclear medicine physician. Together, they explore how physicians and other healthcare professionals can successfully navigate the transition into retirement. Dr. Agress discusses why leaving clinical practice can be especially challenging when identity and purpose have long been tied to medicine, and shares practical strategies for preparing for this major life transition. The conversation highlights the value of self-reflection, discovering new sources of fulfillment, and embracing opportunities for continued growth through teaching, volunteering, creative pursuits, and lifelong learning. Dr. Agress also explains how shifting away from perfectionism and external measures of success can help create a retirement defined by purpose, curiosity, and meaningful engagement.

In this episode of HSS Presents, David M. Dines, MD, an attending orthopedic surgeon on the Sports and Shoulder Service at HSS and professor of orthopedic surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College, speaks with HSS colleagues Lawrence V. Gulotta, MD, and Joshua S. Dines, MD, about shoulder injuries in overhead athletes. They examine how injury patterns and treatment demands differ among baseball, tennis, volleyball, swimming, and lacrosse athletes, with a focus on the adaptations and pathologies commonly seen in throwers. The discussion explores internal impingement, microinstability, labral and rotator cuff injuries, eccentric muscle injuries, and the importance of evaluating the entire kinetic chain. The experts emphasize specialized physical therapy, progressive strengthening, and structured throwing programs as the foundation of treatment, while considering the limited and selective roles of injections and surgery. They also discuss evolving surgical strategies that minimize overtightening and set realistic expectations for returning athletes to high-level play.

In this episode of HSS Presents, radiologist Dr. Harry G. Greditzer IV speaks with Dr. Hollis G. Potter, MD, Chair of Radiology and Imaging at Hospital for Special Surgery and holder of the Coleman Chair in MRI Research, about the evolution of musculoskeletal MRI and its transformative impact on orthopedic care. Together, they explore the early days of MRI at HSS, advances in cartilage imaging, metal artifact reduction, and innovations that have improved diagnostic accuracy and patient care. Dr. Potter also discusses the importance of collaboration between radiologists and surgeons, the role of mentorship in advancing the field, and how emerging technologies such as quantitative imaging and artificial intelligence may shape the future of musculoskeletal radiology, personalized treatment, and return-to-play decision-making.

In this episode of HSS Presents, radiologist Dr. Harry G. Greditzer IV speaks with Dr. Andrew D. Pearle, Chief Emeritus of the Sports Medicine Institute at HSS, about the evolution of computer-assisted surgery and the emerging role of digital twins in orthopedics. Dr. Pearle explains how patient-specific MRI models, computational biomechanics, and additional data inputs may help clinicians assess ACL-injury risk, simulate surgical approaches, and personalize treatment planning. The conversation highlights neuromuscular training—a combination of strength, agility, plyometric, and landing-stabilization exercises—as an important strategy for reducing injuries among young athletes. Looking ahead, they also discuss how digital twins could support more individualized prevention, informed decision-making, and treatments designed around each patient’s anatomy, movement patterns, and activity goals.