Doc Discussions with Dr. Jason Edwards

A fascinating journey into the world of pulmonary medicine awaits as Dr. Neil Ettinger shares his expertise on the complexities of lung health and disease. With decades of experience as a pulmonologist and researcher, Dr. Ettinger offers valuable insights that could quite literally help you breathe easier.

We dive deep into interstitial lung disease, a condition affecting many older adults where the lungs develop progressi...

Dr. Mary Mason takes us on her remarkable journey from practicing physician to Chief Medical Officer of Centene Corporation in this illuminating conversation about the intersection of medicine and business leadership.

What happens when a physician's analytical mindset meets the corporate boardroom? Dr. Mason discovered her interest in healthcare administration during medical school, choosing to pursue an MBA while mai...

Peek behind the surgical drape in this eye-opening conversation with Jared Barton, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) with an extraordinary career. Did you know that 80% of all anesthetics are administered not by doctors, but by nurse anesthetists? Barton reveals this surprising statistic while taking us through the intense world of operating room anesthesia, where life-and-death decisions happen behind a paper screen ...

From the swimming pool to the operating room, Dr. Ryan Reidy's journey exemplifies how elite athletic discipline transforms into surgical excellence. As a former Division I swimmer at Eastern Illinois University who now serves as a cardiothoracic surgeon at St. Luke's Hospital, Dr. Reidy reveals why surgical program directors actively seek athletes for their residency programs.

The parallels between competitive a...

What happens when a successful surgeon suddenly finds himself on the operating table? Dr. John Mason shares his extraordinary journey from Olympic-caliber rower to heart surgery patient in this revealing conversation that bridges the gap between physician and patient perspectives.

Dr. Mason's story begins with his background as a Division I collegiate rower who competed at elite levels, even trying out for the Olympic...

What happens when a talented physician journeys from Pakistan's largest city to the heart of the American healthcare system? Dr. Sajid Zafar's remarkable path from Karachi to becoming a respected gastroenterologist in St. Louis reveals fascinating insights about medicine, migration, and the ever-evolving landscape of digestive health.

Dr. Zafar takes us behind the scenes of modern gastroenterology – a specialty t...

What makes a healthcare experience truly life-changing? This week, we explore the impactful dynamics of hope and optimism in patient care with Dr. Jim Esther, an experienced rheumatologist. Delving deeply into the concept that positivity isn't just a nice-to-have, we illuminate how optimism can fundamentally reshape patient interactions and outcomes. As we share personal anecdotes and professional insights, we highlight strate...

Step into an insightful conversation with Dr. Scott Geiger, a distinguished plastic surgeon whose career uniquely blends military and medical experiences. From his early days flying jets in the Navy to rebuilding lives through reconstructive surgery, Scott shares stories that illustrate the profound influence that physical transformation can have on self-esteem and overall happiness. With a focus on both cosmetic enhancements and e...

Discover the extraordinary journey of Dr. Ruth Decker, a leading thyroid and parathyroid surgeon whose unique blend of medical and legal expertise is transforming patient care. Explore how her roots in Sheboygan, education at Northwestern University and the University of Wisconsin, and a law degree from Washington University have shaped her innovative approach to surgery. Dr. Decker shares her secrets to demystifying complex proced...

Discover the inspiring journey of Dr. Devon Myers, whose path from collegiate baseball player at Truman State University to a leading sports medicine specialist offers valuable insights into the world of athletic health and recovery. Dr. Myers shares his experiences and lessons learned from growing up in Fenton, playing college baseball, and his transformative role as a patient care tech at MOBAP. We explore his educational adventu...

Ever wondered if the pressures of modern medicine are taking a toll on our doctors? Dr. Tom Pohlman, a committed nephrologist and key figure in the physician burnout committee, joins us to shed light on this critical issue. Together, we navigate the historical landscape of physician burnout, revealing its rise in prominence and the pivotal role played by Dr. Maslach in bringing this to the forefront. From loss of control and overwo...

Have you ever wondered how a career in medicine can transform with a shift in focus and approach? Join us in a captivating conversation with Katie Hewn-Usry, who shares her remarkable journey from managing a bustling traditional medical practice with her husband, Gabe, to embracing the world of concierge medicine in St. Louis. Katie's story is one of passion and dedication to understanding her patients beyond their immediate h...

Discover the journey of Dr. Nick Boston, a remarkable general surgeon who has transformed the landscape of surgical care with his expertise and dedication. From his roots in Centerville, Ohio, to his outstanding education at Ohio State University, Dr. Boston's story is both inspiring and informative. We dive into the world of general surgery, focusing on the significant advancements brought about by laparoscopic techniques. Yo...

Dr. Richard Rames, Jr. sheds light on the importance of joint health in maintaining both physical and mental well-being, discussing preventative measures and advances in orthopedic treatment. He provides insights into effective strategies to reduce injury risks, emphasizing the role of exercise, weight management, and nutrition.

• Understanding common orthopedic injuries and their treatments 
• Importance of joint heal...

Join us for a fascinating journey with Dr. Jonas Cooper, St. Luke's acclaimed cardiologist and electrophysiologist who shares his life story from Toronto to St. Louis, and his work as an "electrician" for the heart. Together, we navigate everything from high-volume pacemaker implantation to the imperative of cardiovascular exercise, and even uncover Dr. Cooper’s literary muse, Malcolm Gladwell's "Outliers.&...

Dr. Michael Ogawa joins us for a heartfelt conversation as we trace his compelling path from a childhood in Garland, Texas, to becoming a dedicated medical oncologist in St. Louis. His journey through the halls of Washington University and Texas A&M is more than just a career story; it's a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Alongside reflections on his cherished partnership with Dr. Mira Rana and the joys ...

After growing up in a working-class neighborhood in South St. Louis, Dave McMillan's journey led him to the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Today, he joins us to discuss how this pivotal chapter in his life not only expanded his worldview but also set the stage for his future career in education. Listen as Dave shares how the diverse bonds formed at Fort Leonard Wood and his deployment experiences in Northern Italy ...

Discover the surprising ways you can take control of your heart health as we welcome Dr. Craig Reiss, a leading cardiologist from St. Luke's with an impressive track record that spans WashU, the University of Missouri, and Harvard. With heart disease affecting millions, Dr. Reiss provides invaluable insights into prevention and management strategies that go beyond the basics. He breaks down essential lifestyle changes and unde...

What do cliff diving, The Cure, and a career in urology have in common? Join us as Dr. Randall Dooley shares how his unexpected journey into urology became a life-changing experience, all thanks to a canceled plastics rotation. This episode offers a captivating glimpse into the mind of a urologist who has mastered the art of balancing a demanding medical career with an array of exhilarating hobbies. Dr. Dooley discusses how his pas...