Science Behind the Headlines

Gaurav Rajashekar, M.D. | Living Kidney Donor Program

Gaurav Rajashekar, M.D. – Living Kidney Donor Program "Dialysis keeps you alive, but transplantation gives you life." In this episode, Gaurav Rajashekar, M.D., sheds light on the life-changing impact of kidney donation, breaking down the differences between deceased and living donors and what each means for patients in need. With more than 100,000 people on the national transplant list and nearly 90,000 waiting specifically for a kidney, he emphasizes the urgent need for donors and the profound ripple effect one decision can make.

Guneet Sarai, M.D. | Neurofibromatosis

Guneet Sarai, M.D. – Neurofibromatosis  Neurofibromatosis is a complex, lifelong condition that often begins in childhood—but care shouldn’t stop there. In this episode, we explore how Guneet Sarai, M.D. is working to close a critical gap in care for patients living with Neurofibromatosis.  From early diagnosis and pediatric treatment to the often-overlooked transition into adult care, Dr. Sarai is creating a more seamless, supportive journey for patients and their families. We discuss the unique challenges young people face as they age out of pediatric care and how a more coordinated, compassionate approach can improve long-term outcomes and quality of life.

Josh Abecassis, M.D. | Brain Bypass and Revascularization Program

Josh Abecassis, M.D. – Brain Bypass and Revascularization Program Patients once had to leave the state for this surgery — now they’re traveling to Kentucky for care from the UofL Health Brain Bypass team. In this episode, we sit down with Josh Abecassis, M.D., to discuss the Brain Bypass and Revascularization Program at UofL Health, a highly specialized treatment option for patients with complex blood vessel disorders of the brain, including moyamoya disease. Dr. Abecassis explains how brain bypass surgery works and why UofL Health is uniquely positioned to provide this advanced procedure. In fact, UofL Health is one of the only locations in Kentucky and one of just a few in the region offering a direct bypass surgery option for eligible patients. https://uoflhealth.org/provider/isaac-j-abecassis-neurosurgery/

Mrinali Shetty, M.D. | Matters of the Heart Pt. 2

Mrinali Shetty, M.D. – Matters of the Heart Pt. 2 “You cannot pour from an empty cup.”   In this episode, we sit down with Mrinali Shetty, M.D., to talk about women’s heart health — and why prioritizing your own well-being is not selfish, it’s essential.   Women often spend their lives caring for others, but too frequently put their own health last. Dr. Shetty shares why that must change, especially when 80% of heart disease is preventable. She explains how it’s never too late to make meaningful lifestyle changes and even reverse risk factors.  https://uoflhealth.org/provider/mrinali-shetty-heart-care/

Yuvraj Chowdhury, M.D. | Matters of the Heart Pt. 1

Yuvraj Chowdhury, M.D. – Matters of the Heart Pt. 1 “You have two kidneys and two lungs — but only one heart.” In this episode, we sit down with Yuvraj Chowdhury, M.D., a high-risk interventional cardiologist with UofL Health, to explore what it truly means to care for the heart before, during and after advanced cardiac procedures.