Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. Guests: Cadman L. Leggett, M.D., and Chamil C. Codipilly, M.D. Occasional heartburn from gastroesophageal reflux is usually nothing more than an occasional nuisance for most patients.  However, when the reflux becomes chronic, it can become more serious.  One complication is Barrett’s esophagus. On occasion, Barrett’s can develop into esophageal adenocarcinoma,…

Host: Denise M. Dupras, M.D., Ph.D. Guest: Michael Zimmer, Ph.D., Director of Rare Diseases at Moderna Therapeutics This episode of Genes & Your Health welcomes Dr. Michael Zimmer from Moderna Therapeutics, who discusses how mRNA technology is being applied to treat rare genetic diseases, especially liver-based metabolic disorders. Dr. Zimmer explains how mRNA can help…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. Guest: John Haney, M.D., M.P.H. Lung transplantation remains a very viable option for patients with end-stage pulmonary disease who no longer respond to medical management. Over 5,000 lung transplants are performed annually around the world. However, its estimated that over 10 times this number are candidates and awaiting a transplant….

Host: Denise M. Dupras, M.D., Ph.D. Guest: Heidi Nelson, M.D., Emeritus Chair of the Department of Surgery and past Chair of the Division of Colon & Rectal Surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester Guest: Jaeyun Sung, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biomedical Informatics and Senior Associate Consultant II in the Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. Guest: Julie K. Heimbach, M.D. In 2024, over 48,000 organ transplants were performed in the U.S., representing an increase over the number performed the year before. There was also an increase in the number of transplants performed internationally, offering hope to patients worldwide with organ failure. Significant advancements have been…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. Guest: Rohan M. Goswami, M.D. The benefits of artificial intelligence or AI are just beginning to be recognized. AI has the potential to improve productivity and efficiency in the workplace, reduce errors and help sort out complex issues. The field of healthcare is finding roles for AI by improving the…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. Guest: Ruben J. Crespo-Diaz, M.D., Ph.D. The world’s first human-to-human heart transplant was performed in 1967 and represented a significant breakthrough for medical science. Although the transplant patient only survived 18 days, it was still a historic event. Since this initial heart transplant, significant improvements have been made in the…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. Guests: Nitin N. Katariya, M.D., and Lavanya Kodali, M.B.B.S., M.D. At this time, about 11% of the population in the U.S. has diabetes.  This represents nearly 40 million people. And this number is increasing, not only in the U.S. but around the world. Although we have more medical options now…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. Guest: C. Burcin Taner, M.D. Recently, the criteria for organ donors have expanded in order to address the increasing difference between the number of available organs and the demand for transplants. Advancements in medical technology, a better understanding of transplant immunology, and the improvement of transplant surgery techniques have allowed…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. Guest: Amir R. Khan, M.D. Although cataracts are typically seen in middle age and older individuals, they can occur at any age. They represent one of the leading causes of impaired vision and blindness worldwide. They typically develop slowly, and most patients aren’t often aware of symptoms until they’ve have…