We are excited to welcome our first-ever Oculoplastic Surgeon onto the Everyday Oral Surgery podcast. Dr. Harkaran Rana is currently a staff member at the Swedish Medical Center in Colorado, and he begins our conversation by walking us through his professional training history and current fellowship setup. Then, we learn about the intricacies of oculoplastic residencies, a comprehensive breakdown of the anatomy of the eye, the severe and non-urgent cases that Dr. Rana comes across, and his surgical and nonsurgical treatment protocols. We also redefine clinical entrapment within orbital floor fractures, discuss the basic principles surrounding open globe inquires, and unpack everything that we can learn from one of Dr. Rana's most recent cases.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Dr. Harkaran Rana's professional background, training, and current fellowship setup.
• How oculoplastic residencies differ from the rest.
• Understanding the anatomy of the eye.
• Critical eye traumas that Dr. Rana encounters, how he identifies them, and how he assesses severity.
• Treatment and repair options for various eye injuries.
• Orbital floor fractures and clinical entrapment.
• Dr. Rana walks us through his common and non-urgent cases.
• How he knows when surgical intervention in required, and the protocol he follows.
• Basic principles when dealing with open globe injuries.
• A case study of one of Dr. Rana's most recent patients.
• A teaser on using local fat for repairs ahead of our upcoming episode on this topic.
• The Debt Trap, road running, yoga, the versatile No. 9 scalpel, and Succession.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Harkaran Rana on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/harkaran-rana-aa3637179

Dr. Harkaran Rana Email — harkaran.s.rana@gmail.com

Swedish Medical Center — https://www.healthonecares.com/locations/swedish-medical-center

Dr. Richard C. Allen on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/@oculosurg1

American Academy of Ophthalmology — https://www.aao.org/

The Debt Trap — amazon.com/Debt-Trap-Student-Became-National/dp/1501199447

Succession — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7660850/

Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/

Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/

Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.com

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

Having privileges at your local hospital can be incredibly helpful when running a private practice. Today’s guest, Dr. Matthew Pham, is here to tell us how to obtain and manage hospital privileges. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about the process of getting hospital privileges, how Dr. Pham got his at two trauma centers nearby, the pros and cons of getting them, some tips and tricks for adjusting to being in a hospital setting again, and so much more! Dr. Pham goes on to explain how he gets paid by the hospitals before discussing how he manages his work schedule and maintains the benefits of having normal working hours, like in private practice, while working in a hospital. We also discuss the importance of having board certification when trying to get hospital privileges. Finally, he reminds us that operating with someone is always more fun and encourages us to ask for and accept help when operating. Thanks for listening in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Welcoming Dr. Matthew Pham to the show.
• Dr. Pham explains the process of obtaining hospital privileges and the benefits of it.
• The downside and difficulties of obtaining privileges.
• Why you should make sure you know exactly what equipment you need at the hospital.
• How Dr. Pham gets paid by the hospitals he has privileges at.
• Our guest tells us how he manages his work schedule while also working in a hospital.
• Why having normal working hours is so important to Dr. Pham and his family.
• Some encouragement for the beginning stages of working in the hospital again.
• The importance of accepting and asking for help when operating.
• Why board certification is a huge driving factor for getting hospital privileges.
• The books he likes, the movies he’s excited to watch as his kids get older, and more.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Matthew Pham Email — mpham@mycenters.com

Dr. Matthew Pham on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-pham-999b20242/

Dr. Matthew Pham on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/phamomfs/

Dr. Pham’s Board Certification Course — https://flagshipspecialtypartners.com/events

Outlive — https://www.amazon.com/Outlive-Longevity-Peter-Attia-MD/dp/0593236599

Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/

Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/

Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.com

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

Have you ever thought about what it's like to perform complex oral surgeries in some of the most remote parts of Africa? Today, we sit down with Dr. Timothy Bartholomew, a leading oral and maxillofacial surgeon at North Coast Oral Surgery, to discuss his transformative work in Africa. With a deep commitment to patient care and a reputation for excellence, Dr. Bartholomew specializes in advanced surgical techniques that transform smiles and improve lives. In our conversation, we delve into Tim’s time working in Africa and the challenges and triumphs of working in resource-limited settings. We discuss how his practice setup allows him to continue his work abroad, the different fellowships he participated in, and how working in Africa added to his expertise. Hear about how he got started, how he funded his initial humanitarian work, why he needed to learn French, and his experience working in a mission hospital. Explore what he learned about making his resources last longer, improvising with what you have safely, why follow-ups are his biggest challenge, and the personable aspect of working in Africa. Gain insights into the upcoming trips he has planned, how he balances his work abroad with family life, what he learned about poverty, and vital considerations for anyone thinking of committing to humanitarian work. Join us and discover the ins and outs of working beyond borders with Dr. Tim Bartholomew. Tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Tim’s training background, his current practice setup, and what he focuses on.
• What experience and qualities are needed to pursue humanitarian work.
• Hear about the hurdles he had to overcome and the lessons he learned.
• The type of compromises it takes to work in a mission hospital in Africa.
• How his wife’s passion for being a mission doctor plays into his work.
• Find out what he finds so rewarding about working in Africa.
• Differences in working as a dentist in Africa compared to America.
• Discover how oral surgeons can help support those working abroad.
• Future trips he has planned and why he continues his work abroad.
• Advice and resources for oral surgeons considering humanitarian work.
• Favorite books, how he unwinds, his ultimate forceps, and more!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Tim Bartholomew — https://www.northcoastoralsurgery.com/timothy-bartholomew-dds-facs

Dr. Tim Bartholomew Email — lefortone@hotmail.com

North Coast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery — https://www.northcoastoralsurgery.com/

Smile Train — https://www.smiletrain.org/

When Helping Hurts — https://www.amazon.com/When-Helping-Hurts-Alleviate-Yourself/dp/0802409989/

A History of the English-Speaking Peoples — https://www.amazon.com/History-English-Speaking-Peoples-Bloomsbury-Revelations/dp/1474216315

McHale's Navy — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0055689/

MedSend — https://medsend.org

Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.com

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

One of the best ways to extract real joy from your specialty is to give it away, and today’s guest embodies this belief. Joining Dr. Stucki on the podcast is Dr. Ray Lee, an OMS practicing in Virginia. Dr. Lee shares his journey from nearly being deployed to Vietnam, to becoming a dental hygienist, and eventually practicing as an OMS. He also discusses his humanitarian efforts, including the establishment of Operation Restore and how you can get involved, along with other roles he occupies in his region. Don’t miss this episode of Everyday Oral Surgery for an inspiring conversation. Enjoy!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Dr. Lee shares a brief training history and his current practice setup.
• He elaborates on some of his humanitarian efforts over the last few years.
• A quick recap on his journey to becoming an OMS.
• How Operation Restore has evolved.
• What a Gold Star family means.
• How patients (or surgeons) can get involved in the Operation Restore Oral Health program.
• Why you should give your God-given talents and gifts away to extract real joy.
• He unpacks other roles he occupies in his region.
• Dr. Lee shares his answers to our wrap-up rapid fire questions.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. N. Ray Lee Email — reyzor1@aol.com

‘Dr. Ray Lee Honored With Humanitarian Award.’ — https://www.dentistrytoday.com/dr-ray-lee-honored-with-humanitarian-award/

Meet Dr. Lee — https://oysterpointoralandfacialsurgery.com/meet-dr-lee/

Operation Restore Oral Health — https://operationrestoreoralhealth.org/

Operation Restore Oral Health Application — https://operationrestoreoralhealth.org/application/

Climate Change: The Real Story — https://www.amazon.com/Climate-Change-Dr-Robert-Marx/dp/B0BLTKF5YR

The Blacklist — https://www.netflix.com/title/70281312

Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/

Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/

Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.com

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

Medical professional liability insurance, more commonly known as malpractice insurance, is the most important insurance for oral and maxillofacial surgeons. To explain why this is, we are joined today by Anthony M. Spina, MD, DDS, whose position on the Board of Directors at OMS National Insurance (OMSNIC) makes him the perfect candidate to detail the value of malpractice insurance for medical professionals. Dr. Spina walks us through his journey to becoming a member of OMSNIC’s Board of Directors, his current practice setup, and his definition of malpractice insurance. Then, we learn more about malpractice insurance policies, why OMSNIC is the go-to insurer, OMSNIC’s meticulous claim review process, and the national and global trends that Dr. Spina sees playing out in malpractice insurance claims. To end, Dr. Spina shares some important advice on the best practices for preventing and reducing the risk of malpractice allegations.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Dr. Anthony Spina walks us through his professional history and current practice setup.
• How he became involved with OMSNIC; his route to landing a seat on the Board of Directors.
• Our guest’s definition of malpractice insurance/medical professional liability insurance.
• Notable trends that Dr. Spina has witnessed in malpractice insurance claims.
• Dr. Spina’s advice on how to prevent malpractice allegations.
• His final words of wisdom and encouragement for listeners.

Quotes:

“Malpractice insurance, also known as medical professional liability insurance, is what I consider to be the most fundamental insurance we have as oral and maxillofacial surgeons. It protects our ability to practice; it protects our livelihood.” — Dr. Anthony Spina [0:03:53]

“Insurance, for me, is very simple. I insure things that I cannot afford to replace, and I cannot afford to replace my profession.” — Dr. Anthony Spina [0:04:08]

“In a liability claim, the patient comes with a verbal story; we come with a written record. And as everybody knows in the legal arena, written is better than verbal.” — Dr. Anthony Spina [0:24:07]

“We’re stronger together than individually – if we stay together, we can make a bigger impact.” — Dr. Anthony Spina [0:28:14]

“There’s no way to really prevent a malpractice allegation – but we can recognize that it’s always a possibility and have strategies to mitigate or lessen the chances of that happening, or if it does happen, have the documentation prepared so it minimizes the impact of that allegation.” — Dr. Anthony Spina [0:28:37]

“You have to be available for your patients, you have to be affable, and you have to be able. If you stick to that, then there’s a lower likelihood of a patient filing suit.” — Dr. Anthony Spina [0:29:17]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Anthony Spina on LinkedIn — linkedin.com/in/anthony-spina-b860893a/

Dr. Anthony Spina Email — aspina@me.com

OMS National Insurance — omsnic.com

Chicago Surgical Specialists — chicagosurgical.com/

MPL Association — mplassociation.org/

Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/

Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.com

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

Autism is an expansive spectrum, and its diagnosis and treatment protocols are as equally widespread. To help us gain a better understanding of autism and how anesthesia works with autistic patients, we are joined today by Dental Anesthesiologist, Dr. Jonathan Bacon. Dr. Bacon begins by walking us through the current state of autism in America, how autism is diagnosed, why it’s important to pay attention to the language that we use regarding autism, and the comorbidities and physiological differences across the autism spectrum to be aware of. Then, our guest explains how he vets his patients’ strengths and weaknesses, how he preps and treats patients with autism, noteworthy case studies from his personal experience, and how anesthesia plays out differently for autistic patients versus others. To end, we learn about some of Dr. Bacon’s favorite reads, and he shares his key takeaways for oral professionals to remember.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Dr. Jonathan Bacon describes the state of autism in the United States.
• How autism is diagnosed.
• Why language matters, and assessing what needs to change in how we speak about autism.
• Autism comorbidities to be aware of; physiological differences across the spectrum.
• How Dr. Bacon, as an anesthesiologist, preps and treats his autistic patients.
• Key takeaways for oral professionals about their autistic patients.
• When Breath Becomes Air, Endurance, On Writing, and The Way of the Superior Man.

Quotes:

“Most recently, in 2020, they reported [that] 1 in 36 people had autism in the United States. So, this is certainly something that we’re going to see, and we’re going to see more of it throughout our practice and throughout our careers.” — Dr. Jonathan Bacon [0:02:35]

“With patients that are a little bit more combative, even having them come into the office environment for a consult could be challenging for them. So [first], I’ll pick up the phone and have a conversation with Mom.” — Dr. Jonathan Bacon [0:25:57]

“It’s a lot less stressful day for me as the anesthesia provider if the patient is a lot more calm and controllable.” — Dr. Jonathan Bacon [0:26:38]

“Very similar to the spectrum of autism, you’re going to see a huge spectrum in the way that they respond to certain medications.” — Dr. Jonathan Bacon [0:37:28]

“A lot of outside-the-box thinking and flexibility on our part can go a long way.” — Dr. Jonathan Bacon [0:41:12]

“Never underestimate how much a nonverbal individual understands – most people can understand and comprehend a lot more than they can verbally express.” — Dr. Jonathan Bacon [0:43:51]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Jonathan Bacon Email — jpbacondds@gmail.com

Just Wisdom Teeth — justwisdomteethdc.com/

ADDM Network — cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/addm.html

When Breath Becomes Air — amazon.com/When-Breath-Becomes-Paul-Kalanithi/dp/081298840X

Everyday Oral Surgery Website — everydayoralsurgery.com/

Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/

Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.com

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating dental patients, especially when it comes to complicated procedures like full arch reconstruction, as today’s guest, Dr. Hunter Dawson, will attest. Dr. Dawson joins us to talk about how he navigates full arch rehabilitation and construction in his practice and how his multi-specialty setting allows him and his team to tailor their approach according to each patient’s specific needs. Tuning in, you’ll hear Dr. Dawson break down the rehabilitation process from his perspective as a prosthodontist, how he supports the talented surgeons he works with, and the steps he and his team have taken to create a safe, efficient, and streamlined process. Discover why the planning phase is crucial for long-term success, how they create their high-quality interim prosthetics to improve the experience for their patients, and much more. To hear the full scope of our conversation with Dr. Hunter Dawson, be sure to tune in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Insight into Dr. Dawson’s full arch reconstruction process.
• How having a multi-specialty setting helps them treat a patient’s individual needs.
• What goes into preparing patients for full arch reconstruction.
• A breakdown of Dr. Dawson’s role as the prosthodontist.
• Insight into his partnership with the talented surgeons on his team.
• Details about the high-quality interim prosthetics Dr. Dawson provides.
• Steps that allow him to complete the surgery portion quickly, efficiently, and safely.
• How being a bow hunter helps him with focus and discipline as a prosthodontist.
• Dr. Dawson’s book and movie recommendations and top parenting tips.

Quotes:

“We're not trying to make everyone fit into a box. We’re trying to meet the patient where they are from a diagnosis standpoint and then, ultimately, plan around that diagnosis.” — Dr. Hunter Dawson [0:02:49]

“There's three things that define where the teeth need to go. That's the incisor position, the occlusal plane, and the vertical dimension. — If you can't define those three things very clearly, you're not ready to move forward with surgical planning.” — Dr. Hunter Dawson [0:07:09]

“I would encourage most oral surgeons to build their practice around working with people that understand the surgical portion of treatment.” — Dr. Hunter Dawson [0:08:05]

“Simplifying the conversation is what's important [while] trying to make sure we're meeting the patient where they want to be.” — Dr. Hunter Dawson [0:14:14]

“We're starting to see a lot of non-specialist procedures being done that are resulting in the need for specialists to intervene to correct.” — Dr. Hunter Dawson [0:16:39]

“It's a six to eight-month process, [but] our patients get to wear a nice interim prosthetic.” — Dr. Hunter Dawson [0:26:00]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Hunter Dawson — https://dawsondmd.com/

Email Dr. Hunter Dawson — hdawson@envisiondentalimplants.com

Email Dr. Hunter Dawson — hunterdawsondmd@gmail.com

Use promo code “DAWSON” to get a discount on SDC kits

Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life — https://www.amazon.com/dp/0358099765

Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.com

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

Anesthesia is critical to surgical procedures, ensuring patients are comfortable and pain-free during operations. However, administering anesthesia is not without risks, especially for patients with underlying health conditions like aortic stenosis. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Paul Rollins, Oral Surgeon at Falls Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center, to explore some of his anesthesia near misses with patients. Learn about the basics of aortic stenosis, what the symptoms are, and how to identify it before administering anesthesia. Discover how to differentiate between aortic stenosis and Still’s murmur, why you need a high-quality stethoscope, and how to identify a diastolic murmur. We also delve into the process that follows after reliably identifying aortic stenosis, the pitfalls of relying completely on advisors for clearance, and the importance of maintaining a patient’s blood pressure while avoiding hypertension during anesthesia. Gain insight into other issues to consider before administering general anesthesia, the importance of asking questions, and more. Join us as we learn about some of the ways anesthesia can go wrong and how to avoid them with Dr. Paul Rollins!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why case reviews are so valuable for preventing problems.
• First case: an older male who exhibited aortic stenosis before general anesthesia.
• Second case: an older male with hypertension who exhibited a clear aortic stenosis.
• Third case: an older male diagnosed with aortic stenosis but cleared for general anesthesia.
• Fourth case: an anxious older female who had an obvious red flag.
• Fifth case: an older female who misrepresented her medical history.
• Dr. Rollins’ final takeaways and valuable advice for listeners!

Quotes:

“One the most frightening things about healthcare, what we do on a daily basis, and healthcare in general is we base so much of what we do on what the patient tells us about their history.” — Dr. Paul Rollins [0:04:00]

“Once a patient becomes symptomatic with aortic stenosis, the mortality rate approaches 50% within two years without any intervention.” — Dr. Paul Rollins [0:07:14]

“Sometimes [aortic stenosis] murmurs are so loud that you will hear it almost anywhere on the chest.” — Dr. Paul Rollins [0:18:51]

“If you hear a diastolic murmur, don’t move forward with the case. Get it diagnosed and figured out first.” — Dr. Paul Rollins [0:29:00]

“Never do something that you are uncomfortable doing because a patient is trying to pressure you into doing it.” — Dr. Paul Rollins [0:32:18]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Paul Rollins — linkedin.com/in/paul-rollins-25248848

Falls Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center — fallsoralsurgery.com

Shōgun — imdb.com/title/tt2788316

Narcos — imdb.com/title/tt2707408

The Gentlemen — imdb.com/title/tt13210838

The Little Book of Common Sense Investing — amazon.com/dp/1119404509

Man's Search for Meaning — amazon.com/dp/1846042844/

Everyday Oral Surgery Website — everydayoralsurgery.com

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.com

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059