In this critical moment for academic medicine and scientific discovery, how can we rebuild trust in our institutions and our work? Dr. Elena Fuentes-Afflick, chief scientific officer of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and a leading voice in support of research, joined us to tackle challenging questions and provide insight for scientists at all stages of their academic career.

Humans share 99% of their genes but, according to JacobMcCauley, Ph.D., “that one percent can tell us a lot.” The “1%” in genetic studies refers to the miniscule fraction of DNA that differentiates any two individuals but may be the key for understanding disease susceptibility.

This small variation is leading to significant discoveries.

Step into the mind of one of neurosurgery’s most influentialvoices: Michael Wang, M.D., M.B.A., a globally recognized spine surgeon and leader of the largest spine fellowship program in the country.

Dr. Wang and Dean Henri Ford tackle some of the most pressing challenges for spine surgeons: society scrutiny, public perception, patient trust, work-life balance, spiritual weight of the job and more. And for future and current doctors, it’s a conversation worth hearing.

Microplastics and their synthetic byproducts pose a majorrisk to humans through inhalation and ingestion. Could these microscopic pollutants play a role in infertility or cancer? Dr. Raveen Syan and her team are determined to find out.

Dr. Raveen Syan, assistant professor of clinical urology at the Desai Sethi Urology Institute, and Christina Yarborough, a medical student, joined the podcast to discuss a groundbreaking study that will examine how microplastics accumulate in female reproductive tissue and the potential health effects of these toxins.

In addition to the microplastics study, she shares insights from her research on Pelvic Floor Disorders (PFD), which impact nearly 1 in 4 women in the U.S., significantly affecting their quality of life.

Despite this prevalence, few studies have investigated the symptom burden among varying demographics and their perspectives on treatment options.

Atrial fibrillation leads to stroke, heart failure, sudden death and other health problems for millions worldwide. Yet, despite decades of research, many aspects of AFib care — from diagnosis to treatment — remain outdated.

Dr. Jeffrey Goldberger joined Inside U Miami Medicine to share how he is improving decades-old models to save lives.

“I saw two patients in the office within one month of each other. They had no risk factors. They had no hypertension. They had no significant cardiac disease. And they both had strokes,” he said.

He knew the field needed to evolve.

Prostate cancer affects more than half of males by age 80. Yet, early intervention can lead to complications that profoundly reduce quality of life. In the latest episode of “Inside U Miami Medicine,” luminaries in the field of urology mull over the complex question: Does every prostate cancer diagnosis require immediate treatment?

Dr. Ian Thompson, professor emeritus at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, has spent his career studying this conundrum. During this episode, he discusses seminal findings in large-scale trials that showed invasive treatments are associated with substantial, potentially life threatening conditions.

“What took my breath away was the rate of bladder cancer after radiation,” Dr. Thompson said. “A threefold increased risk of bladder cancer…”

Dr. Dipen Parekh, founding director of the Desai Sethi Urology Institute and chief operating officer for UHealth–University of Miami Health System, also joins the conversation.

The field of radiology is in flux, shifting with wave after wave of advanced technology. While the public speculated whether artificial intelligence (AI) might render radiologists obsolete, the experts were already harnessing its power to optimize workflows, alleviate burnout, improve patient care, and redefine their role within the health care team.

At the forefront of this transformation is Dr. Alexander McKinney, Shapiro professor and chair of the Department of Radiology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He joined us to share his excitement about the incredible potential of AI in radiology.

The world of migraine is complex and often misunderstood, even though it’s one the most disabling neurologic disorders in the world. Despite its prevalence, this common disease remains deeply stigmatized.

Teshamae Monteith, M.D., a nationally recognized headache expert, sheds light on groundbreaking research, pharmaceutical innovations and emerging treatments that aim to reshape the way we think about and treat migraine.