E42: ERCP Up Close: A Fellow’s Guide to Advanced Endoscopy | Dr. Benji Smith

What happens when you're learning one of surgery's most technical procedures from a living legend?

 

Dr. Benji Smith, an advanced endoscopy fellow training under the renowned Dr. Vitale in Louisville, joins host Dr. Randy Lehman to share his journey from general surgery residency to mastering ERCP. 

 

The two discover a surprising connection to the same medical mission in Guaimaca, Honduras before diving into the nitty-gritty of procedures most surgeons only hear about in referral notes.

 

From scope positioning and sphincterotomy techniques to stent placement and EUS biopsies, Dr. Smith breaks down what makes this specialty so challenging and so critical. 

 

Plus, find out why he actually enjoys treating pancreatitis patients (yes, really!) and a perspective shift that might change the way you think about collaborating with advanced endoscopists.

 

0:00 Introduction

1:03 Dr. Smith's Background

7:09 What We Have In Common

9:33 How I Do It: ERCP

22:26 How I Do It: EUS

38:54 Financial Corner

43:21 Classic Surgery Stories

53:21 Resources for the Busy Rural Surgeon

Resources Mentioned

 

🌐 ERCP Fellowship Program, University of Louisville: https://louisville.edu/medicine/departments/surgery/fellowships

🌐 Guaimaca Medical Mission, Honduras: https://www.honduranmission.org/

🌐 PRISMA Health Upstate General Surgery Program: https://academics.prismahealth.org/graduate-medical-education/residencies/general-surgery-greenville