Discover the inspiring journey of Dr. Matthew Ricks as he shares his path from rural roots to transforming lives through weight loss surgeries. In this episode, Dr. Ricks walks us through the intricacies of sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and duodenal switch, detailing how these procedures help patients achieve true satiety and effective weight loss. Learn about the strict criteria for candidates, including the pivotal roles of BMI and comorbidities such as diabetes and heart disease, and understand the profound impact these surgeries have on patients who have exhausted traditional methods.

Join us as we delve into Dr. Ricks' vast experience, performing over 5,000 surgeries alongside his esteemed colleague, Dr. Darren Minkin. We explore the robust support system they offer, featuring dieticians, psychologists, and nurses, as well as insights into the debated effectiveness of medications like Ozempic. Beyond the operating room, get a glimpse into Dr. Ricks' personal life, from his love of football and occasional golf to his devotion as a father of five. We also touch on the vibrant regional sports loyalties in Utah and the burgeoning community of St. George, underscoring the dedication of medical professionals in enhancing community health. Don't miss this heartfelt conversation highlighting the life-changing work of bariatric surgeons.

Discover the revolutionary advancements in blood cancer treatment with Dr. Mark Fesler, a leading hematologist and oncologist at St. Luke's. We promise you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the intricate phases of clinical trials, from safety assessments to efficacy evaluations. Dr. Fesler sheds light on the transformative shift from traditional cytotoxic drugs to cutting-edge immunotherapies, including checkpoint inhibitors, chimeric antigen T cells, and the promising bispecific antibodies that are changing the landscape of cancer care.

Navigate the complexities of clinical trials through the lens of Nassim Nicholas Taleb's "Black Swan" concept, appreciating the delicate balance of risk and benefit in drug development. We'll uncover the significant breakthroughs in bispecific antibodies for blood cancers and discuss the ethical considerations of fast-tracking treatments for patients facing limited life expectancy. Additionally, we tackle the reproducibility crisis in clinical trials, highlighting the importance of reliable and robust findings in ensuring patient safety and treatment efficacy.

Look to the future as we explore the expanding potential of bispecific therapies beyond blood cancers to solid tumors like breast, prostate, and lung cancer. Dr. Fesler shares insights on ongoing clinical trials at St. Luke's and emphasizes the move towards outpatient treatments and earlier lines of therapy. Learn about the specific immune-related cancers that show promising responses to these therapies and find out how patients can get involved in these groundbreaking studies. Join us in celebrating the relentless efforts of healthcare professionals and researchers driving innovation and improving patient outcomes in hematology and oncology.

Ever wondered how screen time is impacting your child's development? Join us as we chat with Dr. Lisa Ryan, a pediatrician and former immunology researcher, who explains the hidden dangers of excessive screen use and offers practical tips for parents to strike a healthy balance. As the school year begins, she shares invaluable advice for ensuring your children engage in essential activities like social interaction, problem-solving, and physical exercise, without getting lost in the digital world.

Concerned about the impact of social media on your child's mental health? Dr. Ryan dives deep into this pressing issue, referencing Jonathan Haidt's "Anxious Generation" and discussing the alarming rise in youth suicide rates. She highlights the toxic effects of online comparison and immersive video games while advocating for community-based initiatives like "Wait Until Eighth." Learn how to foster resilience and real-world interactions for your children, helping them build the coping skills they need to navigate life's challenges.

Can resilience and music truly transform lives? Join us in this compelling episode as we sit down with Jason Edwards, MD, an expert in physiology and radiation oncology, to explore the multifaceted journey of improving life’s quality and length. We'll discuss the life and passing of beloved musician Jimmy Buffett due to Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive skin cancer. Jason provides in-depth insights into the complexities of diagnosing and treating this disease, underlining the critical importance of early detection and consulting specialists for any suspicious skin lesions.

Prepare to be moved by the poignant story of how Jimmy Buffett’s iconic song "Come Monday" became a beacon of hope during his darkest days. Through his candid interview with David Letterman, Buffett revealed the emotional struggles he faced while working at Howard Johnson's and how this song marked a pivotal turning point in his life. This episode not only highlights Jason’s medical knowledge but also shines a light on the profound influence of resilience and music on our lives. Tune in for an enriching conversation that bridges the worlds of medicine, art, and personal triumph.