BackTable ENT

The sour candy myth: why it’s not always the right Rx for salivary gland obstruction. In this episode, Dr. Wais Rahmati, a board-certified otolaryngologist at Mass Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School, discusses the development of a comprehensive salivary gland center and the focus on office-based sialendoscopy with host Dr. Ashley Agan. --- SYNPOSIS The doctors explore the benefits of incorporating salivary endoscopy in the office setting, including minimally invasive and gland-sparing approaches to treat obstructive salivary gland diseases. Dr. Rahmati shares the criteria for patient selection, techniques in the procedure, and post-operative care. They also touch upon the challenges and strategies for reimbursement and the significance of tracking codes to eventually establish dedicated CPT codes for sialendoscopy. --- RESOURCES Wais Rahmati MD: https://doctors.masseyeandear.org/details/447/rahmatullah-wais_rahmati-rahmati-otolaryngology-head_and_neck_surgery-boston

Sinusitis or migraine? Understanding the difference between rhinogenic and primary headaches could change your treatment algorithm. In this episode of Backtable ENT, Dr. Jessica Lee, an otolaryngologist from Charleston ENT and Allergy, discusses the prevalence and treatment of sinus headaches with hosts Dr. Gopi Shah and Dr. Ashley Agan. --- SYNPOSIS The doctors discuss how half of sinus infection diagnoses are often misdiagnosed, with many patients having normal CT scans and nasal endoscopies. Dr. Lee emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between sinus-related headaches and migraines, noting that 80% of sinus headache complaints meet migraine criteria. The conversation covers the use of lifestyle medicine, supplements, medications, and the role of neurologists in managing chronic headaches. Dr. Lee also touches on the role of mycotoxins, drawing from evidence-based practices while stressing patient education and collaboration in treatment. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 04:10 - Differentiating Sinus Headaches from Other Conditions 10:07 - Lifestyle Factors and Migraine Management 25:45 - Supplements and Treatments for Migraine 30:01 - Iron Supplementation and Dietary Adjustments 31:42 - Medication Management for Migraines 34:52 - Botox as a Treatment Option 44:50 - Mycotoxins and Mold Illness 50:11 - Non-Pharmacologic Options for Headaches 54:00 - Final Thoughts and Recommendations --- RESOURCES Dr. Jessica Lee https://charlestonent.com/bio/jessica-lee/

Leadership isn’t just about saying yes—it’s about knowing when to say no too. In this episode of Backtable ENT, Dr. Carol Bradford, Dean of the Ohio State University College of Medicine and Vice President for Health Sciences at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, shares her leadership journey with hosts Dr. Gopi Shah and Dr. Sunil Verma. --- SYNPOSIS Dr. Bradford shares insights into her journey in otolaryngology, emphasizing the importance of feedback, emotional intelligence, and leadership development. She discusses her experiences in various leadership roles, the significance of maintaining clinical practice, and strategies for fostering future leaders. The conversation touches on the challenges and rewards of leadership in academic medicine, the impact of change, and the enduring mission to improve patient care and education. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 04:32 - Role and Responsibilities of a Dean & Balancing Clinical Practice 10:25 - Leadership Development & Mentorship 21:41 - Building and Leading Effective Teams 28:23 - Challenges in Leadership Roles 30:40 - Balancing Academic and Clinical Missions 33:41 - Leadership Style and Meeting Management 39:07 - Emotional Intelligence in Medicine 47:12 - Navigating Change and Future Goals 51:45 - Final Advice for Aspiring Leaders --- RESOURCES Dr. Carol Bradford: https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/about-us/our-people/carol-bradford Dr. Sunil Verma: https://www.ucihealth.org/clinicians/sunil-verma-1124279344

Are your allergies getting worse, or is it the environment? In this episode of Backtable ENT, Dr. Jennifer Villwock, a rhinologist at the University of Kansas, and Dr. William Reisacher, an otolaryngologist at New York Presbyterian Hospital, join the podcast to discuss the impact of environmental extremes on the unified airway with hosts Dr. Ashley Agan and Dr. Gopi Shah. --- SYNPOSIS Topics include the increasing prevalence of allergies and asthma due to climate change, the effects of environmental pollutants and particulates on respiratory health, and the role of healthcare providers in educating and advocating for patients. The conversation also addresses practical strategies for managing symptoms, the importance of urban planning and sustainable practices, and the hope that collective individual efforts can lead to meaningful change. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 01:43 - Understanding the Unified Airway 03:09 - Patient Concerns and Environmental Factors 10:24 - Impact of Temperature and CO2 on Allergies 14:57 - Barometric Pressure and Migraines 21:03 - Pollution, Particulate Matter, and Solutions 24:49 - Urban Planning 29:32 - Epigenetics and Environmental Impact 34:15 - Indoor Air Quality and Mold Issues 41:01 - Advocacy and Environmental Health 45:46 - Final Thoughts and Hope for the Future --- RESOURCES Dr. Jennifer Villwock https://www.kumc.edu/jvillwock.html Dr. William Reisacher https://weillcornell.org/wreisacher

Chronic sinusitis might be doing more than just clogging your nose–it could be clouding your brain. In this episode of Backtable ENT, Dr. Aria Jafari, an assistant professor at the University of Washington and co-director of the Neuroendocrinology Advanced Sinus and Skull-base Surgery Fellowship, discusses the connection between sinusitis and cognitive dysfunction with hosts Dr. Gopi Shah and Dr. Ashley Agan. --- SYNPOSIS Dr. Jafari shares how his interest in this field developed and details his research on the relationship between chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and brain function. The conversation highlights the comprehensive impact of sinus inflammation on overall health, emphasizing the importance of viewing CRS as a whole-body condition. They also discuss patient experiences, the methodologies used to assess cognitive dysfunction, potential treatments, and what’s next in the research frontier. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 06:18 - The Impact of CRS on Quality of Life 14:02 - Understanding Brain Fog and Cognitive Dysfunction 24:29 - Pathophysiology and Theories of Cognitive Dysfunction 27:44 - Chronic Inflammation and Cognitive Effects 28:59 - Impact of Biologics on Cognitive Function 31:28 - Risk Factors for Cognitive Dysfunction 35:02 - Olfactory Symptoms 37:13 - Future Research and Treatment Approaches 45:31 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts --- RESOURCES Dr. Aria Jafari https://www.uwmedicine.org/bios/aria-jafari