Shows
The Illuminated Dark Room- Conversations on Breast Health and Beyond with Dr. IfyWhy Your Biopsy Context Matters: Insights from a PathologistIn this conversation, Dr. Ify and Dr. Pauline Alakija discuss the critical role of pathology in cancer diagnosis, the importance of patient context, and the challenges faced by pathologists in the current healthcare system. Dr. Alakija shares her journey in medicine, her advocacy for women in the field, and the need for transparency and understanding in patient care. They also touch on the advancements in personalized medicine and the bureaucratic challenges that impact healthcare delivery.Takeaways • Pathologists undergo extensive training and are essential in cancer diagnosis. • Context is crucial for accurate pathology r...2025-06-301h 00
The Illuminated Dark Room- Conversations on Breast Health and Beyond with Dr. IfyThe Breast Implant Secrets Surgeons Don’t Usually ShareIn this episode of The Illuminated Dark Room, we sit down with renowned cosmetic plastic surgeon Dr. Paul Whidden to answer the questions patients actually ask — and debunk some of the most persistent myths around breast augmentation surgery.From understanding implant types (saline vs. silicone, smooth vs. textured) to the real risks of capsular contracture, Dr. Whidden brings 25+ years of experience to a no-nonsense, deeply informative conversation about aesthetic surgery, breast health, and reconstruction.Whether you’re considering surgery, supporting someone who is, or just want to understand the science behind breast impl...2025-06-161h 01
The Illuminated Dark Room- Conversations on Breast Health and Beyond with Dr. IfyThe Hidden Cost of Wearing the Wrong Bra80% of women wear the wrong bra—and most don’t even know it. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Ify (breast imaging specialist) sits down with Colette, founder of Bratopia in Calgary, and Bailey to break down how ill-fitting bras contribute to breast pain, posture problems, and poor support.You’ll learn:👙 How to tell if your bra actually fits📏 Why band size matters more than you think🧠 The surprising mental toll of bad fittings🙅♀️ Why underwire does not cause breast cancer💬 What women across cultures get wrong about br...2025-06-0954 min
The Illuminated Dark Room- Conversations on Breast Health and Beyond with Dr. IfyAnanda Lewis Kept Her Tumor. What She Got Right, and What Could Kill YouTakeaways • Celebrity stories can raise awareness but must be approached with caution. • Advocacy can stem from personal experiences and tragedies • Accurate medical information is crucial for informed decisions. • Mammograms are essential for early detection of breast cancer. • Lifestyle choices significantly impact health outcomes. • Trust between patients and healthcare providers is vital. • Early detection of breast cancer can save lives. • Education on women's health should be prioritized in schools. • Community support plays a key role in health advocacy.SummaryIn this conversation, Dr. Ify and Leslie Bangamba di...2025-05-261h 11
The Illuminated Dark Room- Conversations on Breast Health and Beyond with Dr. IfyBeyond the Breasts: Roots, Risk and Resilience with Dr. OruwariSummaryIn this enlightening conversation, Dr. Jovita Oruwari shares her journey from Nigeria to becoming a board-certified general surgeon specializing in breast surgery. She discusses her cultural heritage, the challenges of transitioning to the U.S. healthcare system, and the disparities in breast cancer care, particularly among African-American women. Dr. Oruwari emphasizes the importance of understanding breast pain, the significance of imaging, and the unique challenges faced by young women diagnosed with breast cancer. Her insights shed light on the complexities of patient care and the need for community outreach in addressing healthcare disparities. Dr. J...2025-05-0559 min
The Illuminated Dark Room- Conversations on Breast Health and Beyond with Dr. IfyShayla: She Was More Than Her Diagnosis-TamaraThis conversation delves into the life of Shayla @pinkcancergirl, a young woman who bravely fought breast cancer. Her mother, Tamara, shares insights into Shayla's early life, her journey into nursing, the emotional challenges of her diagnosis, and the importance of family history in understanding breast cancer. The discussion also highlights Shayla's advocacy for breast cancer awareness and the unique challenges faced by young adults diagnosed with cancer. This conversation delves into the journey of Shayla, a young adult diagnosed with breast cancer, and her mother's reflections on the experience. It highlights the unique challenges faced by young adults with...2025-04-2146 min
The Illuminated Dark Room- Conversations on Breast Health and Beyond with Dr. IfyAly- Shayla through Her Sister's EyesIn this conversation, Alysha and Dr. Ify discuss Alysha's sister Shayla's experience with breast cancer. They talk about Shayla's diagnosis at a young age, her journey with the disease, and the impact it had on their family. They discuss the emotional challenges and the importance of support during this time. The conversation highlights the need for more awareness and support for young women facing breast cancer. In this conversation, Alysha and Dr. Ify discuss Shayla's journey with stage IV breast cancer and her advocacy work. They talk about Shayla's experience seeking second opinions and participating in a clinical trial...2025-03-2441 min
The Illuminated Dark Room- Conversations on Breast Health and Beyond with Dr. IfyLashan- Meet Dr. Peiris. Oncoplastic Reconstructive Breast SurgeonIn this conversation, Dr. Lashan Peiris discusses his journey to become an oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgeon, his transition from the UK to Edmonton, and the importance of oncoplastic surgery in improving patient outcomes. You will be surprised to find out how many breast surgeons in Canada do their own reconstructions and how many are in Edmonton compared to the rest of Canada. Edmonton, you want to hear this! He highlights the Comprehensive Breast Care Program's role in streamlining patient care and addresses breast cancer risk factors, prevention strategies, and the complexities of genetic testing. In this conversation, Dr. La...2025-03-1058 min
The Illuminated Dark Room- Conversations on Breast Health and Beyond with Dr. IfyParamedical Tattoos: Nipple Restoration and beyond- Jody StoskiIn this enlightening conversation, Dr. Ify converses with Jody Stoski, a leading figure in paramedical tattooing. Jody shares her journey from a professional makeup artist to the founder of the Jody Stoski Paramedical Tattoo Academy and Cinnamon Girl Clinic. She discusses the significance of paramedical tattooing in helping individuals recover from trauma, particularly in the context of cancer recovery. Jody also reflects on her personal experience with thyroid cancer, which deepened her empathy for her clients. The conversation delves into the techniques, safety measures, and the importance of creating a comfortable environment for clients during the tattooing process. Jody...2025-02-2459 min
The Illuminated Dark Room- Conversations on Breast Health and Beyond with Dr. IfyThe birth of Ellyn.aiIn this conversation, Dr. Ify and Ellyn Winters -Robinson discuss the profound impact of breast cancer on individuals and their families. Ellyn shares her journey as a breast cancer survivor, the importance of awareness, and the emotional challenges faced during treatment. They explore the role of technology, particularly AskEllyn.ai, in providing support and information to those affected by cancer. The discussion also touches on the significance of empathy in healthcare, the challenges of self-employment during illness, and the transformative effects of a cancer diagnosis on personal growth and relationships. TakeawaysEllyn's book aims t...2025-02-1059 min
The Illuminated Dark Room- Conversations on Breast Health and Beyond with Dr. IfyUnlocking the mysteries of perimenopause and menopause-Dr. PremjiThis conversation explores the complexities of menopause and perimenopause, focusing on the hormonal changes women experience and the importance of understanding these changes. Dr. Shafeena Premji shares her journey into women's health, emphasizing the need for better education and support for women navigating these life stages. The discussion covers the roles of key hormones, the symptoms associated with menopause, and the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy, including the differences between bioidentical and synthetic hormones. In this conversation, Dr. Ify and Dr. Shafeena Premji explore the complexities of menopause, the importance of lifestyle choices in...2025-01-271h 04
The Illuminated Dark Room- Conversations on Breast Health and Beyond with Dr. IfyChatting with my sister Chika- Get to know me betterIn this enlightening podcast, Dr. Ify McKerlie shares her journey from Nigeria to becoming a prominent radiologist specializing in breast imaging in Canada. She discusses the cultural shocks she faced upon moving to Canada, her experiences in medical school and residency, and the challenges of being a Black female physician. She talks about the truth regarding stereotypes of Black women. Dr. Ify emphasizes the importance of passion, heart and compassion in her practice, and her commitment to raising awareness about breast cancer through initiatives like the #Screen40 campaign. Throughout the conversation, she...2025-01-1356 min
The Illuminated Dark Room- Conversations on Breast Health and Beyond with Dr. IfyDr. Rajaee: Oncoplastic surgery in EdmontonDr. Nikoo Rajaee, an Oncoplastic breast surgeon, discusses her work in breast and oncoplastic surgery. She explains what oncoplastic surgery involves and discusses the benefits for patients, including quicker recovery and improved quality of life. Dr. Rajaee addresses common misconceptions about breast surgery and the importance of individualized treatment decisions based on tumour characteristics and patient preferences. She emphasizes the importance of patient confidence and decision-making in breast cancer surgery and the need for surgeons to act as stop signs to prevent irreversible decisions. Dr. Rajaee discusses the different sur...2024-12-1655 min
The Illuminated Dark Room- Conversations on Breast Health and Beyond with Dr. IfyEmpowering Women Through Breast Health Awareness- Reen-AnnIn this enlightening podcast, Dr. Ify engages in a heartfelt conversation with Reen-Ann, a breast cancer survivor, discussing the importance of breast health awareness, personal journeys, and community support. They explore the significance of self-exams, navigating the healthcare system, and the impact of race on healthcare experiences. Reen-Ann shares her diagnosis journey, treatment options, and the empowerment that comes from knowledge. The conversation emphasizes the need for open discussions about breast cancer in the Black community and the importance of support systems during treatment. Ultimately, the podcast aims to inspire women to take control of their health and advocate...2024-12-0254 min
The Illuminated Dark Room- Conversations on Breast Health and Beyond with Dr. IfyTrailerFirst episode trailerHi its Dr. Ify. Thanks for listening. Please follow me on my social media platforms @drifywomenshealth for upcoming episodes and more. The discussions and opinions shared in this podcast should not be considered medical advice. If you have any concerns or symptoms, please consult your primary care physician.2024-11-1200 min