Shows
Both Sides of the StethoscopeFrom Pig to Patient: Xenotransplantation and the Search for More DonorsIn this episode, Colby and Alin explore the rapidly evolving world of xenotransplantation and what it could mean for patients facing long transplant waitlists. From genetically modified pig organs to early clinical experiences, they discuss the science driving this field forward, the ethical and immunologic challenges that remain, and whether xenotransplantation may serve as a bridge—or an alternative—to traditional human organ donation. Drawing on real-world transplant experience, Colby and Alin examine how close we truly are to expanding the donor pool and what this breakthrough could mean for the future of transplant medicine.Emai...
2025-12-2930 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeDiscussing the NYT Article. Are We Putting Donors at Risk?In this episode Alin and Colby discuss the recent New York Times Article titled "A Push for More Organ Transplants is Putting Donors at Risk". What did the article get right? What did it get wrong? Is what's written in the article believable or are some things sensationalized? We break it all down for you from two people with intimate knowledge of this process.
2025-07-3037 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeWhat Our Patients—and Our Own Journeys—Taught Us About Being Better PhysiciansIn this reflective episode of Both Sides of the Stethoscope, Colby and Alin dive into the powerful lessons learned not just from being patients—but from caring for them. As both physicians and former patients, they share the moments that reshaped how they practice medicine: the times they felt truly seen, the words that stuck with them, and the everyday acts of humanity that left a lasting impact.From the bedside to the clinic, this conversation explores how vulnerability, empathy, trust, and humility can transform a good doctor into a great one. Whether you’re in medicine or s...
2025-06-3033 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeVaccine Talk: What Patients Need to Know with Dr. Chin-HongIn this episode of Both Sides of the Stethoscope, we delve into the critical topic of vaccinations for immunocompromised individuals. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist at UCSF, joins us to discuss measles outbreaks, herd immunity, titers and more!Resources & Further Reading:CDC Guidance on COVID-19 Vaccination for Immunocompromised Individuals: (CDC)CDC's 2025 Immunization Schedules: (CDC)CDC's Best Practices for Altered Immunocompetence: (CDC)Stay Connected:Subscribe to Both Sides of the Stethoscope on your preferred podcast platform to stay updated on the latest in healthcare discussions.
2025-05-2736 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeThe Process of Accepting an Organ for TransplantationIn this episode Alin and Colby have a discussion with Dr. Ken Sutha, pediatric nephrologist and 2X kidney transplant recipient, and Dr. Silke Niederhaus, abdominal transplant surgeon and 2X kidney transplant recipient. They discuss the organ allocation process, taking donor call, and why organs are accepted for transplant or rejected. This great conversation shines some light on just how nuanced these decisions can be. Email: bothsidesofthestethoscope@gmail.comInstagram: @bothsidesofthestethoscope Twitter: @bsotsthethoscope
2025-04-2851 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeThe Process of Getting Listed for Organ Transplant with Dr. Ken SuthaIn this episode Dr. Ken Sutha returns to discuss the process of getting listed for transplant. We had previously gotten a listener email asking about this process so we are finally going to discuss it. All three of us have seen the process from the patient side but Ken and Colby now have to get their patients listed as physicians. This is a really fun episode and gives a unique and deeper look into everything that goes into getting a patient onto a transplant list.
2025-03-3141 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeCelebrating Heart Month by Discussing Heart Disease, Prevention and TerminologyHappy Heart Month! Welcome back to the podcast. In this episode Alin and Colby discuss all things cardiovascular health. Alin asks Colby all the common questions they both encounter and Colby does some teaching about medical terminology and how to prevent future heart disease. Take a listen and reach out to us if you have any more questions about the topic. Email: bothsidesofthestethoscope@gmail.comInstagram: @bothsidesofthestethoscope X (Twitter): @bsotsthethoscope
2025-02-1844 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeOnline Medical Education and Avoiding Misinformation with Dr. Ali Haider aka @YourHeartDocIn this episode Alin and Colby chat with Dr. Ali Haider. You may know him from his social media accounts as @YourHeartDoc. They discuss Dr. Haider's career path into interventional cardiology and dive into what made him start producing medical education on social media and how to combat and avoid medical misinformation on the internet.
2024-11-0431 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeBonus Days, Post Transplant Coping and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Education with Alison ConklinIn this episode Alin and Colby have a discussion with Alison Conklin. Alison is a hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patient and heart transplant recipient who recently created and magazine called Bonus Days, dedicated to sharing stories of transplant and those dealing with chronic illness. Since Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was the cause of Alison's need for a heart transplant, Colby takes this opportunity to teach a little bit about this illness.
2024-10-0733 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeMotivating others and building a community post transplant with Brittany Clayborne PsyDIn this episode Colby and Alin speak with Dr. Brittany Clayborne PsyD. Brittany has overcome peripartum cardiomyopathy, heart transplantation and stage 4 lymphoma while at the say time getting her doctorate in psychology and starting a non profit called Brittany Speaks. She now faces a tougher challenge in dealing with her son's need for a heart transplant. In light of this the two of them together have started a network for teens who are affected by transplant! https://www.brittanyspeaks.com/https://www.transplanttz.org/
2024-09-2335 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeDiscussing Organ Transplant Policy with Dr. Macey LevanMacey Levan, PhD, JD is a donation/transplant advocate (a living donor!!!), associate professor, and the Director for Transplant Applied Research Qualitative Core at NYU. She knows everything policy-related with organ donation and transplantation, and is heavily involved in OPTN. In this episode we discuss how Macey got involved in this type of work, the policies in the USA surrounding organ donation and what the future may look like with the modernization of organ donation.
2024-09-0233 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopePediatric Heart Transplants and Congenital Heart Disease with Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon Dr. Thomas MaxeyPediatric Cardiac Surgeon Dr. Thomas Maxey joins Alin and Colby to discuss his career path into the world of pediatric heart surgery. Discussions include pediatric heart transplant, congenital heart disease, transition of care from child to adult, and speaking to children and parents at the bedside.
2024-04-2935 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeDiscussion with Sara Siqueiros, mom of THREE heart transplant recipientsIn this episode Alin and Colby have a discussion with Sara Siquerios. Sara is the caregiver of all caregivers, as she cares for three children all of whom have had heart transplants. Sara's three children were all diagnosed with restrictive cardiomyopathy and required heart transplants before the age of three. Sara shares their family's incredible story, how she handled having three children in the hospital at the same time, and what life looks like now with three immunocompromised kids. An amazing episode you won't want to miss. This episode is sponsored by Paragonix Technologies, an in...
2024-04-0139 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeInterview with heart transplant recipient Tyler Chavez, PAIn this episode Alin and Colby have a discussion with Tyler Chavez, a heart transplant recipient and surgical physician assistant. They discuss Tyler's incredible story of beating cancer as a child, his acute onset heart failure that saw him operating while getting IV medication infusions and discuss about the role of a physician assistant and the path to that career.Tyler Chavez is a Certified Physician Assistant residing and working in the greater DC area. Completing the PA program at Duke University in 2012, he went on to complete the Physician Assistant Surgical Residency at Duke as well...
2024-03-1141 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeThe Art of Medicine, Resilience, Heart Function Not Failure and More with Dr. Anu LalaIn this episode Alin and Colby sit down and chat with Dr. Anu Lala. They discuss dealing with a diagnosis of heart failure, the approach to changing the narrative to heart function not failure, and patient advocacy. Dr. Lala also turns the tables and interviews Alin and Colby about how they dealt with being told their diagnosis and their resilience in the face of adversity. Dr. Anuradha Lala-Trindade (Anu Lala) is an Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiologist at Mount Sinai. Her clinical interests encompass all aspects of management of heart failure including the selection and care o...
2024-02-2643 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeHeart Failure Gadgets and more with Dr. Philip Adamson, Chief Medical Officer at AbbottIn this episode Alin and Colby have an insightful conversation with Dr. Philip Adamson. Phil Adamson is Divisional Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for the Heart Failure Division at Abbott. In this capacity, Dr. Adamson is responsible for global development of Abbott’s heart failure formulary spanning cardiac resynchronization therapy to the CardioMEMS HF system. They discuss the different devices available to help heart failure patients, the progress that has been made over the last 40 years, the future of heart failure management and much, much more! This episode is sponsored by Paragonix Technologies, an...
2024-02-1240 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeA Deep Dive into Transplant Meds with Mary Chandran, PharmD and Adina Petrosan, PharmDIn this episode Alin and Colby have an in depth conversation with two transplant pharmacists. Mary Chandran and Adina Petrosan teach us about the medications that are the mainstay of transplant medicine. We discuss the needs for these meds, side effects, medication compliance, and much more. You can contact Mary at Mary.Chandran@unchealth.unc.eduYou can contact Adina at Adina.Petrosan@mountsinai.org This episode is sponsored by Paragonix Technologies, an industry leader committed to protecting the gift of organ donation. To learn how Paragonix is reshaping the standard of...
2023-12-1841 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeTransplant Medicine is Fun! A Discussion with Dr. Jon R. Friedman, Chief Medical Officer of Transplant GenomicsIn this episode we have a riveting discussion with Dr. Jon Friedman the Chief Medical Officer of Transplant Genomics. Dr. Friedman, joined Transplant Genomics as Chief Medical Officer in February 2022 after 22 years with Optum/United Health Group. Dr. Friedman is a Fellow of the American Society of Transplantation and received an AST Distinguished Service Award for his efforts in breaking down financial barriers in support of living kidney donors. Tune in for discussion on the use of blood tests to avoid biopsies, how we are working towards decreasing the amount of immmunosupresion meds in the future, and the future direc...
2023-11-1350 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopePart 2: Interview with Matthew Brady who has been living with a heart transplant for 31 YearsIn this episode we pick right back up with our interview with Matt. In part 2 we discuss being a professional patient, new fears that come with having a transplant and parenthood and navigating the healthcare system. Email: bothsidesofthestethoscope@gmail.com Instagram: @bothsidesofthestethoscope Twitter: @bsotsthethoscope
2023-10-2326 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopePart 1: Interview with Matthew Brady who has been living with a heart transplant for 31 YearsIn part 1 of this 2 part episode we talk with Matt Brady. Matt is 31 year post heart transplant that he received due to a viral illness at the age of 7. In this first part we discuss what led to his transplant, how he dealt with a transplant at such a young age, and setbacks he has had a long this 31 year journey. Tune in next week for part 2 of the interview! Email: bothsidesofthestethoscope@gmail.com Instagram: @bothsidesofthestethoscope Twitter: @bsotsthethoscope
2023-10-1632 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeBoth Sides of Organ Donation: A discussion with Laura Reff, the mother of Alin's organ donorIn this episode Alin and Colby have an open and honest discussion with Laura Reff. Laura is the mom of Alin's heart donor Lucy. Tune in to hear about Lucy's story and legacy, being a donor family, the relationship between Alin and Lucy's family post transplant and much, much more!
2023-09-1828 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeMaking Room for Rheum. Interview with rheumatologist Dr. Brittany Panico.In this episode Alin and Colby have a discussion with rheumatologist Dr. Brittany Panico. They discuss everything from post transplant concerns in the field of rheumatology, auto-immune diseases, and the amazing but also dreaded medication prednisone. They also give some tips on how to try and prevent future complications!
2023-08-1439 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeIs there a role for AI in organ transplantation and other fields of medicine? A discussion with advanced heart failure and transplant cardiologist Dr. Rohan Goswami.In this episode Alin and Colby welcome on Dr. Rohan Goswami. Dr. Goswami is an advanced heart failure and transplant cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville Florida. He specializes in the use of AI in the field of heart transplantation and the use of mechanical support systems as a bridge to recovery or a bridge to heart transplantation. This episodes discussions on both of those topics and much, much more!
2023-07-1745 min
A Big HeartHeart Transplant Recipient & Cardiologist: Dr. Colby SalernoIn this episode, we sit down with Dr. Colby Salerno, an extraordinary individual who has not only overcome personal health challenges but is also on the path to becoming a renowned cardiologist.
Dr. Colby Salerno's journey began in middle school when he was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, a rare heart condition that threatened to restrict his dreams and passions. Against all odds, Colby refused to let his diagnosis define him and embarked on an inspiring quest to reclaim his life.
Through raw and candid conversations, Dr. Colby Salerno takes us on an emotional rollercoaster as...
2023-07-1038 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeHow do organs get transported? A discussion with Paragonix CEO Lisa Anderson, Ph.D.In this episode Alin and Colby have a enlightening discussion with Lisa Anderson, Ph.D. the CEO of a company called Paragonix. Paragonix Technologies is a leading developer, manufacturer, and service provider in the organ transplant industry, establishing a novel approach to preservation that represents a significant improvement over the traditional standard of care. This allowed for great insight into an often overlooked part of the transplant process.
2023-07-0333 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeInterview with Rishi Kumar, MD, FACCIn this episode Alin and Colby interview Dr. Rishi Kumar. Dr. Kumar is a cardiac anesthesiologist and a cardiovascular intensivist. Listen for a great discussion about what happens in the OR during cardiothoracic cases, the process of organ transplant, where the future of transplant is headed, and what it is like to use Instagram for medical education to 155K followers!
2023-05-3034 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeSkin Care in the ImmunosuppressedIn this episode Alin and Colby discuss all things dermatology with double board certified dermatologist Dr. May Hall. Dr. Hall explains to us the risks of skin cancer in the immunocompromised population, sunscreen and clothing recommendations, and prevention strategies! Come for the skin cancer prevention, stay for the pimple popping discussion!
2023-05-1527 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeCelebrating Donate Life Month with a Story of Living DonationIn this episode Alin and Colby discuss an amazing story of living donation to celebrate donate life month! Dr. Ezra Lichtman and Dr. Amos Lichtman join the podcast to share their story. When Amos needed a liver transplant his brother Ezra did not hesitate to give him part of his. Tune in to hear how Amos found himself in need of a new liver and what life has been like afterwards for both donor and recipient.
2023-04-2437 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeWhat's it like getting a heart transplant in the UK? An interview with heart transplant recipient Hannah SharmaIn this episode Alin and Colby interview Hannah Sharma. Hannah is a heart transplant recipient who lives across the pond in the UK. They discuss her time waiting for transplant, the cause of her heart failure and look into the differences between transplant in the UK vs the USA.
2023-04-1740 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeSurviving Cardiac Arrest. An interview with Mike PapaleIn this episode Alin and Colby discuss surviving cardiac arrest with Mike Papale. Mike discusses his story of his cardiac arrest, coming to terms with his diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and tells us about his recent book he wrote called "A Big Heart". Mike is the founder of In A Heartbeat Foundation, host of A Big Heart podcast, and an outreach manager at Defibtech, a device company that manufactures automated external defibrillators. Stay until the end for a very important and in depth conversation about American sports.
2023-04-0340 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeLife after LVAD and Heart Transplant with guest Andrew (AJ) JonesIn this episode Alin and Colby interview Andrew (AJ) Jones. AJ developed acute heart failure and needed first an LVAD and then a heart transplant. AJ gives us the details of these procedures, how he lived his life as a fitness enthusiast afterwards, and how this shaped his future and led him to work with New England Donor Services.
2023-03-2043 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopePart 2 Giving Back to the Transplant Community, Interview with Denise Redeker, Heart Transplant Recipient and Founder of the Heartfelt Help FoundationIn this episode Alin and Colby interview Denise Redeker. She is a heart transplant recipient and founder of the Heartfelt Help Foundation. Tune in to hear Denise's unique story and how she is giving back to the transplant community through housing!
2022-11-2227 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeGiving back to the transplant community. Interview with Craig Smith, heart transplant recipient, and founder of Second Chance FundraisingIn this episode Alin and Colby Interview Craig Smith. Craig is a heart transplant recipient who post transplant wanted to give back to the transplant community. He started Second Chance Fundraising which spreads awareness for organ donation and much much more. Hear Craig's story of acute illness, need for LVAD and then transplant, and what he is up to now to give back!
2022-10-1732 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeAnswering Listener QuestionsIn this episode Alin and Colby give and update on what is happening in their life and plans for the podcast future. They also answer listener questions about choice of heart transplant center, being around sick individuals and much more.
2022-10-0322 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeTraveling with TransplantIn this episode we talk all things traveling with Travels With Transplant. She is a pilot and kidney transplant recipient who spends her time flying all over the world. Travels With Transplant gives us great insight into what to worry about when traveling, some tips and tricks, and a little insider information about the flying industry. This is a really great interview that we really enjoyed so we hope you enjoy it too!
2022-07-1039 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeThe Impact of Organ Transplant and Chronic Illness on Mental HealthIn this episode Alin and Colby discuss how having an organ transplant and chronic illness can have a significant impact on your mental health. May is mental health awareness month so this seemed like an excellent time to dive into this subject. Colby and Alin both share their personal experience with anxiety and depression surrounding their illness. References:https://journals.lww.com/transplantjournal/fulltext/2013/10150/Mental_Health_Disorders_and_Solid_Organ_Transplant.3.aspxhttps://psychnews.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/pn.46.15.psychnews_46_15_10_1
2022-05-1721 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeInterview with Pancreas and Kidney Recipient Dr. Sejal Patel and Discussion about EvusheldIn this episode Alin and Colby talk to Dr. Sejal Patel. Sejal is a pancreas and two time kidney transplant recipient. Sejal discusses going through multiple transplants, being on dialysis, and how this changed her career path. Additionally we discuss the pre exposure prophylaxis treatment for Covid 19 named Evusheld. Evusheld is a combination of two monoclonal antibodies that both Sejal and Alin have received. Become a podcaster yourself: https://alitu.com?fp_ref=bothsides
2022-04-1840 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeBusting Myths About Organ DonationIn this episode Alin and Colby become the Mythbusters! They take us through some of the most common myths about organ donation and discuss why they are in fact just myths and not true. April is National Donate Life month so they want to shed light on the importance of organ donation and bust these organ donation myths that may cause people to not sign up to be donors! Become a podcaster yourself: https://alitu.com?fp_ref=bothsides
2022-04-1126 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeTransplant Nutrition: Our Interview with Madeleine Hallum RDNIn this episode Alin and Colby discuss all things nutrition for the post transplant and immunocompromised patient. They interview Madeleine Hallum who is a registered dietician who specializes in heart transplant patients. Topics covered include foods to avoid, food cleaning habits, balancing electrolytes and much much more.
2022-03-2833 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeFrequently Asked Questions: Alcohol post transplant? High risk donors? and much much moreIn this episode Alin and Colby answer some of the most frequently asked questions after transplant. They tackle topics including Alcohol and Marijuana use after transplant, willingness to accept a heart from a high risk donor, and post transplant dietary changes.
2022-02-2128 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeLiving with a genetic medical conditionIn this episode Alin and Colby talk about their personal genetic histories and how they came to understand they had genetic heart diseases. They open up about how this affected their mindset into having a family and decisions they had to make when it came to how to not pass along these genetic diseases. It is a very open and honest discussion we hope you enjoy. At the end of the episode they answer a listeners question about risk of skin cancer in the immunocompromised population.
2022-02-0627 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeAlin Celebrates 3 years post heart transplantIn this episode Alin and Colby return from an unexpected long time off to kick off season two of both sides of the stethoscope. They discuss how they have been managing the current Covid surge. Alin reflects on being 3 years post transplant and discusses some of the hurdles she has had to overcome along the way. We learn about Alin dealing with AVN and pulmonary emboli. We also answer listener questions about Covid 19 and about nerve connections to a transplanted heart.
2022-01-2436 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeThanksgiving Series: Thankful for NursesIn this episode, the first of our Thanksgiving series, Colby speaks with Stephanie Tomaino MSN, CCRN. With Thanksgiving coming up we wanted to focus on some things Colby and Alin are thankful for. One of those things is nurses. Stephanie is not only a critical care nurse but she was Colby's nurse for the 6 month period he was in the hospital and now he is one of her good friends. They discuss how they met, how Steph went above and beyond in her duties as his nurse and much, much more. Lastly they discuss Steph's hero dad who was...
2021-11-1426 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeInterview with Dr. Steve Pergam, Infection Disease Specialist and Kidney Transplant RecipientIn this episode Alin and Colby interview Dr. Steve Pergam. Steve is a kidney transplant recipient and an infectious disease expert. Steve is an Infection control researcher and clinician based out of Seattle Washington. Steve gives in depth answers about what led to his kidney transplant, what it is like working in infection disease being immunocompromised, and gives invaluable information about the Covid !9 pandemic. Steve also sticks around at the end to answer a listeners question.
2021-11-0239 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeERAS SeasonIn this episode Alin and Colby discuss applying for jobs with a known disability. They discuss whether or not they would want to disclose this about themselves and how they approached this process. Additionally they give general recommendations for applying for residency and fellowship and answer listeners questions.
2021-10-1932 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeInterview with Ken Sutha MD, PhDIn this episode Alin and Colby interview Dr. Ken Sutha, a pediatric transplant nephrologist and 2 time kidney transplant recipient. Ken tells his story of what led to him needing two kidney transplants, why he decided to get into medicine, and gives amazing insight into being a transplant patient and physician. Ken also explains a special movement he is behind which focuses on doctors with disabilities and how we need to change the culture of medicine to be more inclusive of these medical professionals.
2021-09-2634 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeBalancing Life as Patient and PhysicianIn this episode Colby and Alin discuss trying to balance a hectic work schedule with taking medications, going to appointments, and finding time for themselves. They get into detail about dealing with pill burden, how they try and fit their own doctor appointments in and adjustments they have made since transplant. They also discuss how this has changed how they are as physicians and how they discuss things with their patients and deal with patient noncompliance.
2021-09-1236 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeAll Things Covid-19In this episode Colby and Alin give their opinions on all things Covid 19. They discuss working throughout the pandemic as immunocompromised physicians, how they made the decision to get the Covid 19 vaccine, and also do a little teaching about why this vaccine is so important.
2021-09-0548 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeAlin's StoryIn this episode Colby and Alin trade places and Colby interviews Alin about what led her to become a physician. Alin also explains how she found herself facing the need of heart transplant and how her life has changed since then.
2021-08-2933 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeColby's StoryIn our first episode we get to know Colby. We learn what led to his heart transplant and what he learned as a patient that he now uses as a physician. Alin also asks Colby some fun questions about his medical training and what inspires him.
2021-08-2226 minBoth Sides of the StethoscopeTrailerWelcome to our new podcast Both Sides of the Stethoscope! This is a brief trailer of our purpose of the podcast and what we are hoping to accomplish. We hope you will join us on this new adventure!
2021-08-1202 min