Shows
Oncology UnscriptedIntroduction to Radiology with Costa Raptis, MDSend us a textOn this episode of Oncology Unscripted, patient advocates Julie Johnson and Katie Coleman and radiation oncologist Dr. Matt Spraker host radiologist Dr. Costa Raptis, MD.We start by discussing the process of acquiring and interpreting radiographic images. What happens after you get your scan, and how do radiologists read them and generate reports? Also, how can patients know they are getting the right type of scan? We review some details of CT, MRI, and PET/CT scans. Then we discuss an essential question: "What is normal?". How do...
2025-06-251h 33
The Accelerators Podcast“What Workforce Challenges Exist”: APRT Revisited With Marsha and JoinSend us a textWelcome to Season 4! The Accelerators (Dr. Matt Spraker and Cameron Tharp, MPH, RT(T)) kick it off with a sequel to our prior podcast on the Advanced Practice Radiation Therapist (APRT) role. We host friends-of-the-show Drs. Join Luh and Marsha Haley, Radiation Oncologists who bring important past experiences and unique expertise to the discussion. We kick off by examining some articles from the Spring 2025 issue of ASRT's Radiation Therapist:Caldwell and Lee, Defining Advanced Practice Radiation Therapy at MDACCBurch et al., Advanced Practice Role in IGSRT for...
2025-06-1152 minOncology UnscriptedAblative Radiation (SABR, Aka SBRT) for Kidney Cancer With Dr. Shankar SivaSend us a textOn this episode of Oncology Unscripted, patient advocate Katie Coleman and radiation oncologist Dr. Matt Spraker host another radiation oncologist, Dr. Shankar Siva, PhD, MBBS, FRANZCR. Shankar is an oncologist and professor at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Victoria, Australia, and a specialist in genitourinary cancers, such as Kidney Cancer. We discuss stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR, aka SBRT) for kidney cancer! We review many of the studies that demonstrate it is an excellent tool to treat localized or metastatic kidney cancer, and why patients should consider it for th...
2025-03-281h 00Oncology UnscriptedAnxietySend us a textOn this episode of Oncology Unscripted, patient advocates Julie Johnson and Katie Coleman and radiation oncologist Dr. Matt Spraker start to discuss scanxiety.Matt starts by sharing ASCO guidelines, one framework to assist oncologists and patients treat anxiety that comes up at diagnosis and throughout cancer treatment. Then Julie and Katie share their experiences and thoughts about how they have coped with anxiety around tests, scan intervals, and the possibility of future treatment. Oncology Unscripted is a Photon Media production. Intro and Outro music by Emmy-award winning ar...
2025-03-191h 05The Accelerators PodcastThe 2025 ACRO (Vice)Presidential DebateSend us a textThe Accelerators (Drs. Matt Spraker and Simul Parikh) host the 2025 ACRO candidates for Vice President/President-Elect in the first ever radiation oncology election debate! Well, it's more like a friendly discussion, but Simul asked them their opinions on 4 great topics. What differentiates ACRO from other radiation oncology societies? Can you explain ACRO's position on physician supervision of radiation oncology services over the years? Why link accreditation to payment in ROCR?Should proton therapy be included in ROCR, and what is your position on the PPS exemption program? The Accelerators Podca...
2025-02-1958 minThe Accelerators Podcast“Look, This Treatment Works”: Bobby and Mudit on LDRT and Benign IndicationsSend us a textAccelerators co-host Dr. Matt Spraker is joined by radiation oncologists Drs. Bobby Koneru and Mudit Chowdhary for an update on low dose radiotherapy for osteoarthritis! Dr. Koneru is a radiation oncologist in Freeport, IL and prolific social media educator on benign indications. Dr. Chowdhary is a radiation oncologist at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, and a friend of TAP (see his prior episodes).We start by discussing their ASTRO 2024 panel on benign indications for radiotherapy; it sounds like there was a lot of knowledge sharing among those getting started w...
2025-02-1146 minThe Accelerators Podcast“I Care About You as a Fellow Human”: In Conversation With Dr. Stacy WentworthSend us a textThe Accelerators (Drs. Matt Spraker and Simul Parikh) host Dr. Stacy Wentworth, Radiation Oncologist, Author, and Podcaster! We discuss her career and how she developed her voice as a physician content creator. Do not miss her Less Radical narrative podcast about the life of Bernie Fisher, it is a masterpiece! In this episode, we cover our experiences with our evolving careers. As a radiation oncologists solidify their clinical and technical expertise, how can they expand their ability to help the world?We discuss developing a voice outside...
2025-01-1858 min
The Accelerators Podcast“Only Eat a Quarter of the Cookie”: On Cannabis With Donald AbramsSend us a textThe Accelerators (Drs. Matt Spraker and Simul Parikh) host Dr. Donald Abrams, MD, Medical and Integrative Oncologist at the UCSF Oscher Center for Integrative Health. Donald offers a comprehensive review of a very poorly understood topic! We review the history of cannabis regulation in the US and globally, different delivery forms, and Donald's observations throughout his oncology practice. We additionally discuss indications for use in cancer care; is smoking cannabis safer than taking sugary edibles?Of course, we discuss cannabis misinformation. Right now Donald offers...
2024-11-261h 00Oncology UnscriptedIntroduction to Pathology with Michelle Hirsch, MD, PhDSend us a textOn this episode of Oncology Unscripted, patient advocates Julie Johnson and Katie Coleman and radiation oncologist Dr. Matt Spraker host Dr. Michelle Hirsch, MD, PhD. She is a pathologist and Chief of the Genitourinary Pathology Division at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard University.In this episode, we cover all things pathology! We kick off by discussing the role of the pathologist in the cancer care team. How do these doctors train and what do they do each day? Then we discuss the process of pathology. What hap...
2024-11-251h 30
The Accelerators Podcast“Taking Care of Our Patients”: Advanced Practice Radiation Therapy With Cam and ShaunSend us a textCameron Tharp, MPH, RTT joins The Accelerators (Drs. Matt Spraker and Simul Parikh), and we host radiation therapist Shaun Caldwell, EdD, RTT to discuss the Advanced Practice Radiation Therapist (APRT) role. Here are some things we discussed during the show:Mohan et al. on record and verify systems (1984)American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)Health Education England Advanced Clinical Practice DefinitionHere are some peer reviewed publications on the APRT role:Lawlor and Leech. Scoping review of established APRT rolesSkubish et al. E...
2024-09-3059 minThe Accelerators PodcastNo Cap, AI Contouring is Straight Fire in Radiation TherapySend us a textThe Accelerators (Drs. Matt Spraker and Simul Parikh) host Christine Gnaster, MS, DABR, FAAPM, Vice President of Product of Radformation and medical physicist Chelsea Page-Robertson for a #MedEd discussion of AutoContour, ClearCheck, and the use of AI in Radiation Oncology. Christine kicks us off with an approachable overview of how tools like AutoContour actually work. We discuss how Radformation have trained hundreds of models to help you contour in clinic. She also shares how they are approaching current challenges in the field of automated contouring. We then discuss ClearCheck, ho...
2024-09-251h 01The Accelerators PodcastThe Future of SGRT: Beyond Traditional Motion ManagementSend us a textThe Accelerators (Drs. Matt Spraker and Simul Parikh) team up with Vision RT for the first of two tech-forward episodes! We are joined by Mike Tallhamer, MSc DABR, Chief of Radiation Physics at Advent Health for a masterclass on Surface Guided Radiotherapy (SGRT). We discuss how VisionRT has leveraged SGRT to enhance the radiotherapy planning and delivery. After reviewing SGRT basics, we discuss how SimRT can be used to improve the patient experience: no set up tattoos and "open mask" radiotherapy. We also review its use as a platform f...
2024-09-241h 12The Accelerators Podcast“Cambrian Explosion of Radiotracers”: In Conversation With Sam and Sean From RefleXionSend us a textThe Accelerators (Drs. Matt Spraker and Simul Parikh) host Sam Mazin, Ph.D. and Sean Shirvani, MD, CTO and CMO of RefleXion. This Rad Onc startup have created a linear accelerator with on board PET/CT. This allows for SCINTIX biology-guided radiotherapy for bone and lung disease. Sam and Sean join the show to share their story in medical entrepreneurship, discuss the technology, and their vision for the future of our field. Why is SCINTIX any better than fusing a PET/CT to a standard CT simulation? PET...
2024-07-2458 min
The Accelerators Podcast“People Are Claiming That Radiation Is Dead”: Esophagus Cancer at ASCO24 With Krish and NinaSend us a textThe Accelerators (Drs. Matt Spraker and Simul Parikh) host Radiation Oncologists and elite GI educators Drs. Krish Jethwa and Nina Sanford.We discuss the exciting phase III ESOPEC study presented at ASCO 2024. The study demonstrated an overall survival benefit for perioperative FLOT chemotherapy versus pre-operative chemoradiation therapy for GE junction adenocarcinoma. Krish's ESOPEC thread on XNina's ESOPEC thread on XKrish on TAP discussing esophageal radiotherapy dosingASCO Daily News on the ESOPEC StudyThe FLOT4 StudyKeynote-585 StudyLatest publication from the DANTE trialMATTERHORN Trial at ESMO 2023ASCO Daily News on Keynote-585 and MATTERHORN (2024)T...
2024-06-2851 minOncology UnscriptedExercise and Cancer Rehab with Hillary Hinrichs, DPT and Kelley Wood, PhDSend us a textOn this episode of Oncology Unscripted, patient advocates Julie Johnson and Katie Coleman and radiation oncologist Dr. Matt Spraker host physical therapist Dr. Hillary Hinrichs and researcher Dr. Kelley Wood (@kcwood_phd on X) to discuss exercise and cancer rehabilitation. We kick off our discussion with an important question. What is cancer rehabilitation, and how is this different than exercise? Then, we discuss how patients can find out how cancer rehabilitation and exercise can play a role in their care. How can you ask your doctor whether you need a...
2024-06-071h 20The Accelerators Podcast“Were Not the Only People in Town”: Introducing Cameron Tharp, M.P.H., R.T.T.Send us a textThe Accelerators (Drs. Matt Spraker and Simul Parikh) host a very special guest! Cameron Tharp, M.P.H., R.T.T. has joined the TAP team to help us out with show development and offer new perspective to our content. We introduce Cameron and tease future discussions on a hot radiation therapy topic: Advanced Practice Radiation Therapy.Of course, Simul makes Cameron sit in The Hot Seat. Here are some resources as well as some other things mentioned in the show:Oliveria et al., Adv...
2024-06-0532 minThe Accelerators Podcast“Off of My Napkin and Into the Computer”: Enhancing Re-Irradiation With Dora From KSA and Ana From RadformationSend us a textThe Accelerators (Drs. Matt Spraker and Simul Parikh) team up with Radformation for a very special #ESTRO24 episode! We host Dr. Dora Correia, a Portuguese Radiation Oncologist currently working at Cantonal Hospital Aarau in Switzerland and EORTC Y-ECI ROSC Chair as well as Ana Rato, Medical Dosimetrist and Clinical Success Manager with Radformation. In honor of ESTRO 2024, we discuss a hot topic for the conference... reirradiation! We first compare and contrast patterns of referral and practice in Switzerland versus the US then give our thoughts on the...
2024-04-301h 15The Accelerators Podcast“The Organization Is Bigger Than Any Individual”: On Physician Leadership With ASCO CEO Dr. Clifford HudisSend us a textThe Accelerators (Drs. Matt Spraker and Simul Parikh) host Dr. Clifford Hudis, medical oncologist and CEO of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. We discuss a wide range of topics surrounding organizational leadership. While we examined the topic through a physician's lens, anyone that works in healthcare will love this conversation! Leadership coaching, physician-led healthcare organizations, remote work and virtual care, engaging law makers and the public, and more! Learn from one of oncology's best physician leaders. Here are some other things we discussed during the...
2024-04-231h 27
The Accelerators PodcastOn Lymphedema and Treatment with Mary and Katelyn from Tactile MedicalSend us a textIn this episode, The Accelerators (Drs. Matt Spraker and Simul Parikh) host Mary Calys, DPT, a lymphedema physical therapist, and Katelyn Nees. They are the Senior Clinical Specialist and Senior Market Development Director for Tactile Medical, respectively. Mary and Katelyn update our medical knowledge on the etiology and management of lymphedema with a special focus on breast and head & neck cancers. Do not miss the awesome resources they provided for this show: a high-quality slide deck, clinician resources for lymphedema management in breast and head and neck cancers, and...
2024-04-091h 00Oncology Unscripted"Ask Me Anything"Send us a textOn this episode of Oncology Unscripted, patient advocates Julie Johnson and Katie Coleman and radiation oncologist Dr. Matt Spraker subject each other to an "Ask Me Anything"! Here are the questions we asked each other:1. What do you wish doctors and other people without cancer knew about how the diagnosis actually changed your day to day life? 2. What do you wish more patients knew or did early in their diagnosis? 3. What is one thing you'd like to see changed or improved in medicine in the n...
2024-03-2954 minThe Accelerators Podcast“Its Worth Asking Why”: In Conversation With Todd ScarbroughSend us a textAt the end of last year, Dr. Jason Beckta published a docu-podcast about clinical supervision of radiotherapy services (parts one, two, and three). The series covers supervision terms, legal precedent, and dispels the misinformation shared by conflicted parties. In this episode, The Accelerators (Drs. Matt Spraker and Simul Parikh) join up with Jason to interview the famous Dr. Todd Scarbrough, the radiation oncologist at the center of supervision lore.Todd shares his story and we discuss many aspects of supervision policy. Here are some links to things di...
2024-03-081h 37The Accelerators Podcast“Xeet It Out”: Austin, Anna, and Avinash on the ASTRO ECCSend us a textThe Accelerators (Drs. Matt Spraker and Simul Parikh) host early career radiation oncologists Drs. Austin Sim, Anna Paulsson, and Avinash Chaurasia to discuss... early career (EC) issues in radiation oncology! It's no secret that this is a passion topic for TAP. One of our first episodes dished out practical tips for new attendings (and new residents), and we've since given an independent voice to our EC peers on a wide range of topics: boards, starting families, finding your place in community medicine, and more.We've been watching the work...
2024-02-2955 minThe Accelerators Podcast“Ignoring the Elephant in the Room”: Matt Interviews Simul About Discourse in Rad OncSend us a textThe Accelerators (Drs. Matt Spraker and Simul Parikh) discuss critique versus negativity, why Simul quit social media, Student Doctor Network, and engaging in discourse about Radiation Oncology.This episode is a companion to an episode we recorded in December, but Matt initially decided to hold it back. The episode is a strong, journal club style critique of payer policy article published by the IJROBP that we feel should be retracted.We encourage you to listen to our "almost lost" episode and additionally read Mark Storey's amazing rebuttal to the...
2024-02-1347 minThe Accelerators Podcast“A Recent Article in the Red Journal”: A Rad Onc Policy Journal ClubSend us a textFor the first time ever, a lost episode has been found!The Accelerators (Drs. Matt Spraker and Simul Parikh) recorded a "reaction" episode to a brief report published in December 2023 in the IJROBP shortly after it published. The article demonstrates that freestanding departments have been slightly slower to implement hypofractionation for treatment of breast and prostate cancers that hospital-based departments. The authors argue that this burdens the healthcare system and propose ROCR as an incentive to drive increased use of these techniques. In this episode, we discuss...
2024-02-1344 minOncology UnscriptedHow To Pick Your DoctorSend us a textOn this episode of Oncology Unscripted, patient advocates Julie Johnson and Katie Coleman and radiation oncologist Dr. Matt Spraker start to discuss how patients might pick their doctor. Here links to some things we discussed during the show:United Health Care, 7 tips for choosing a primary care doctor.US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Choosing a Doctor: Quick Tips.Blue Cross Blue Shield, Five tips for choosing a new primary care physician.WebMD.com, How to Choose a Doctor.Oncology Unscripted i...
2024-02-1036 minThe Accelerators Podcast“Squatting Under the Table Feeding Them Answers”: In Conversation With Mike Yunes of the ABRSend us a textThe Accelerators (Drs. Matt Spraker and Simul Parikh) host new Associate Executive Director for Radiation Oncology at The American Board of Radiology (ABR), Dr. Michael Yunes! Mike is a community radiation oncologist in Springfield, MA and long time volunteer for the ABR. The transition to his leadership comes after a turbulent period for the Rad Onc board. Communication around the 2018 score anomalies dragged trainee confidence in the ABR to new lows and, soon after, COVID forced the board to complete a rapid redesign of testing. More than 5 years later, the...
2024-02-071h 13
The Accelerators PodcastMattPAC #2: Quality Payment Programs and AccreditationSend us a textWelcome to MattPAC*, a new Accelerators pilot concept!Radiation Oncologist Dr. Matt Spraker aims to introduce important healthcare policy concepts rooted in current events. Each show is designed to be efficient with your time and inspire you to get engaged with advocacy in around 30 minutes. In MattPAC #1, Matt covers quality payment programs (QPP). QPPs aim to incentivize "High Quality Care" by adjusting a portion of physician's pay according to performance on quality indicators, measures of healthcare quality. We'll discuss the rich history of care quality improvement in ra...
2024-01-3041 minThe Accelerators Podcast“I’m Gonna Put My Helmet on First”: On Lung Cancer Surgery With Brendon StilesSend us a textThe Accelerators (Drs. Matt Spraker and Simul Parikh) host the lung cancer legend, Brendon Stiles, MD. He is a Professor of Oncology, Medicine, and Thoracic Surgery at Montfiore and Albert Einstein College of Medicine.We discuss all things lung cancer: early stage, locally advanced, staging, quality, and more.The episode is capped with Simul's Lighting Round. Good luck Brendon!We hope you enjoy this #MedEd instant classic!Here are (almost?) all the studies and materials we mentioned during the show:Brendon's "Old Slide" on...
2023-12-0549 minOncology UnscriptedImmunotherapy: In Conversation with Dr. Breelyn Wilky, MDSend us a textOncology Unscripted co-hosts Julie Johnson, Katie Coleman, and Dr. Matt Spraker welcome Dr. Breelyn Wilky, MD to discuss immunotherapy for sarcomas and other cancers. We start by explaining some general details of immunotherapy and how it works, then dive in to the unknowns surrounding the exciting therapy. We discuss what biological features of tumors and patient tissues may predict response to immunotherapy, "immune hot versus cold" tumors, and how immunotherapy may be combined with other therapies like chemotherapy or radiotherapy. We close with a discussion of how...
2023-11-221h 11The Accelerators Podcast“We’re Both Small Market Rad Oncs”: In Conversation With Dave ChangSend us a textThe Accelerators (Drs. Matt Spraker and Simul Parikh) host Radiation Oncologist and prolific X'er Dr. Dave Chang for a discussion of Small Market Radiation Oncology.We wax philosophical about the work and life of docs formerly known as #LittleRadOnc: radiation oncologists often under resourced and practicing solo, working miles away from large US cities. Dave's personal stories emphasize that the reality of radiation oncology "maldistribution" is a lot more complicated than is often described by city slicker researchers. Simul and Dave close the episode by discussing practical p...
2023-11-221h 02The Accelerators Podcast“Have You Been to Oscar’s?”: Neurocognition and Radiation Toxicity With JonaSend us a textThe Accelerators (Drs. Matt Spraker and Simul Parikh) host radiation oncologists Dr. Jona Hattangadi-Gluth and PGY-5 resident Dr. Austin Hopper. Jona is a central nervous system malignancies expert, co-lead of the Central Nervous System Disease Team and Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology at UC San Diego. In this episode, we discuss Jona's lab's work in understanding the link between brain tumors, radiation (and other) treatments, and neurocognitive toxicity. We start by discussing Austin's recently presented work that developed an normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) model for radiation dose and...
2023-11-1452 min
The Accelerators PodcastMattPAC #1: MPFS, Sites of Service, and HR2474/HR3674Send us a textWelcome to MattPAC*, a new Accelerators pilot concept! Radiation Oncologist Dr. Matt Spraker aims to introduce important healthcare policy concepts rooted in current events. Each show is designed to be efficient with your time and inspire you to get engaged with #RadOnc advocacy in 30 minutes or less. In MattPAC #1, Matt covers two current congressional bills that are currently being considered for inclusion into next year's Medicare legislation: HR 2474 and HR3674. These bills seek to link Medicare physician pay to inflation and boost practice expense reimbursement for freestanding practices. The h...
2023-11-1024 minThe Accelerators Podcast“You Want To Make a Mark, Don’t You?”: In Conversation With Bob Timmerman, Part 2Send us a textFriend of the show and GI super friend Dr. Nina Sanford joins The Accelerators (Drs. Matt Spraker and Simul Parikh) to host #RadOnc luminary Dr. Robert Timmerman, MD.Our discussion concludes with a discussion of proton and adaptive radiotherapy, Wagyu beef, life advice, and Simul's Hot Seat.Here are a couple of book recommendations from the show: Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker, PhDOutlive by Peter Attia, MDThe Accelerators Podcast is a production of Photon Media, a division of Cold Light Legacy Company.
2023-10-2441 minThe Accelerators Podcast“As We Innovate”: In Conversation With Bob Timmerman, Part 1Send us a textFriend of the show and GI super friend Dr. Nina Sanford joins The Accelerators (Drs. Matt Spraker and Simul Parikh) to host #RadOnc luminary Dr. Robert Timmerman, MD. No notes. It's Bob Timmerman, just listen. The Accelerators Podcast is a production of Photon Media, a division of Cold Light Legacy.
2023-10-1956 minOncology UnscriptedThe Insider's Guide to Radiation Therapy: Proton TherapySend us a textOn this episode of Oncology Unscripted, patient advocates Julie Johnson and Katie Coleman and radiation oncologist Dr. Matt Spraker continue The Insider's Guide to Radiation Therapy! Here are the figures/graphics we referenced during the show:The first figure we discussed, demonstrating the Bragg Peak and the difference between proton and photon (x-ray) beams. The second figure we discussed, comparing 3D photon (x-ray) radiation, intensity modulated radiotherapy with photons (x-ray), passive scatter and intensity modulated proton therapy.Here are some other things we discussed during the show:Relative bi...
2023-10-1647 minThe Accelerators Podcast“Like Rational Human Beings”: #ASTRO23 Workforce Reaction With JasonSend us a textAccelerators co-host Dr. Matt Spraker is joined by Out Of The Basement co-host and Dr. Jason Beckta. We're talking #ASTRO23 and jobs, the theme of the conference for Matt. This episode is, in part, a reaction to Jason's most recent OOTB episode: Chicken Little Strikes Back. Jason weaves 2023's "hot" job market and the workforce data into a master narrative to describe the changing market across recent years. As this episode is heavily referenced here, you may want to listen first! (But its not required)Matt and Jason kick of...
2023-10-061h 08
The Accelerators PodcastWhy You Should Care and How to Care Less: Billing with Shawna from RadformationSend us a textIt's a Photon Media crossover episode! Accelerators co-hosts Drs. Matt Spraker and Simul Parikh team up with Dr. Jason Beckta, host of the Out Of The Basement podcast, to talk about billing. We are joined by Shawna Stacey, ROCC, MBA, Coding and Billing Specialist at Radformation. The episode kicks off with a discussion about why you should care about billing and coding. Matt, Simul, and Jason discuss their (lack of training) training and experiences trying to learn on the job. Simply learning about billing and coding doesn't make you...
2023-09-261h 13The Accelerators Podcast"Fallen Out of Favor": The Rad Onc Match with LauraSend us a textThis week, Dr. Matt Spraker hosts medical student and Rad Onc applicant Dr. Laura Flores, PhD to discuss The Rad Onc Match! With all these links there's no room for a summary, so just listen!Rank Order List: Buyers and Sellers Edition and accompanying videoThe Accelerators Podcast, Composite QoL Measure for #RadOnc HappinessThat WaPo article about physician salaries and an excellent SDN post explaining why the number reported for Rad Onc is inflatedMatt Spraker's Threads ERAS competitivenessDegree during residencyTweet from Dr. Mary Mahoney on applicant demographicsHolistic ReviewThe Accelerators Podcast, ACROPolis Liv...
2023-09-191h 21Oncology UnscriptedThe Insider's Guide to Radiation Therapy: SBRT (aka SABR or SRS)Send us a textOn this episode of Oncology Unscripted, patient advocates Julie Johnson and Katie Coleman and radiation oncologist Dr. Matt Spraker continue The Insider's Guide to Radiation Therapy! This four episode series will cover radiation 101, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), and proton therapy!In this episode, we discuss SBRT, alternatively called stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR). We also discuss a related treatment, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS).Here are some links to things we discussed during the show:Rare Cancer Research FoundationPattern.orgCount Me InJAMA Oncology SBRT/SABR patient pageCyberKnife i...
2023-09-161h 18Oncology UnscriptedThe Insider's Guide to Radiation Therapy: Radiation 101, Part 2Send us a textOn this episode of Oncology Unscripted, patient advocates Julie Johnson and Katie Coleman and radiation oncologist Dr. Matt Spraker continue The Insider's Guide to Radiation Therapy! This four episode series will cover radiation 101, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), and proton therapy!In this episode, we complete radiation 101, covering 2 more important points to understand radiotherapy:1. How are radiation plans created and delivered, and how has this improved over decades?2. Who are the workers in the Radiation Oncology department and what is the workflow that patients experience when g...
2023-08-171h 06The Accelerators Podcast“Have They Spent a Day With a Radiation Oncologist?”: In Conversation With Join LuhSend us a textThis week The Accelerators (Drs. Anna Brown, Matt Spraker, and Simul Parikh) host radiation oncologist and legend Dr. Join Luh. This show is all about Join! We discuss his path through internal and emergency medicine to radiation oncology, and his experience working as a rural, community radiation oncologist. What are the joys and challenges of serving a small community? We then discuss Join's advocacy for his practice and his patients throughout his career with a special focus on his RO-APM editorial in the JCO. We close the e...
2023-08-1556 minOncology UnscriptedThe Insider's Guide to Radiation Therapy: Radiation 101, Part 1Send us a textOn this episode of Oncology Unscripted, patient advocates Julie Johnson and Katie Coleman and radiation oncologist Dr. Matt Spraker kick of The Insider's Guide to Radiation Therapy! This four episode series will cover radiation 101, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), and proton therapy! Radiation 101 covers the basics you need to know in order to understand how oncologists think about and use radiotherapy to kill cancer. In this episode we discuss two important points:What is radiation and how does it kill cancer (and affect other tissues)?How is radiation therapy used i...
2023-08-121h 06The Accelerators Podcast“The Emperor Is Just Wearing Underwear”: Common Sense Oncology With Aaron and ChrisSend us a textAccelerators co-hosts Drs. Matt Spraker and Simul Parikh host Drs. Chris Booth and Aaron Goodman to discuss their new organization, Common Sense Oncology (CSO).Listen as Chris and Aaron describe the inspirational origin story of CSO, from an idea to a symposium to a groundbreaking movement. We discuss discomfort in speaking up against powerful voices in medicine, and how the interaction of hope and money can make this a big challenge. We then move on to discussing details of their symposium and their inclusion of patients in the formation...
2023-08-0545 minThe Accelerators Podcast"We Probably Wouldn't Have You, but Its Nice That You Volunteered"Send us a textThe Accelerators co-hosts Drs. Matt Spraker and Simul Parikh hang out over lunch and discuss a potpourri of #RadOnc current events! We cover ASTRO’s ROCR policy proposal, Dr. Sameer Keole's ASTRO presidential campaign and engagement on Student Doctor Network, and the recent dysphagia optimized IMRT trial. Then, Simul hypothesizes about the future of radiation oncology under case rate payment models. We close with some more thoughts about proton therapy inspired by Dr. Mark Storey's latest piece.Here are a lot of links to things we...
2023-07-191h 05Oncology UnscriptedJulie and Katie Go to ASCOSend us a textOn this episode of Oncology Unscripted, patient advocates Julie Johnson and Katie Coleman and radiation oncologist Dr. Matt Spraker discuss Julie and Katie's recent trip to ASCO 2023. Here are some things that were discussed during the show:Katie's Twitter thread on ASCO 2023Info on ASCO's Patient Advocacy MembershipSARC TrialsASCO VoicesOncology Unscripted is a Photon Media production. Intro and Outro music by Emmy-award winning artist Lucas Cantor Santiago.Additional content from Katie Coleman can be found at her website, https://www.katiekickscancer.com/. This show an...
2023-07-051h 06The Accelerators PodcastACROPOLIS Live! Welcome to Rad OncSend us a textIt's an ACROPOLIS Live! welcome party with the Accelerators (Drs. Anna Brown, Matt Spraker, and Simul Parikh). In this episode, newly matched #RadOnc residents-to-be Jazmyne Tabb, Tony Menghini, and Ashlynn Clark join the show to talk about the field. We discuss the radiation oncology learning curve, our excitement about the future of the field, the new doctors' future plans to spread the word about radiotherapy, and more. You will walk away inspired! Here are some things that were mentioned during the show:TAP Episode: I C...
2023-06-231h 04Oncology UnscriptedMatt Versus ChatGPTSend us a textOn this episode of Oncology Unscripted, patient advocates Julie Johnson and Katie Coleman and radiation oncologist Dr. Matt Spraker discuss artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine and ChatGPT!We first discuss the software and some other examples of AI in medicine. Then Matt goes head to head against ChatGPT answering questions that Julie or Katie might ask their doctors in the middle of the night.We close with some recommendations on how patients can use ChatGPT to improve their care. Here are some things we discussed during the sh...
2023-06-201h 01The Accelerators PodcastAccelerators X ATB: Podcasting and the Future of MedEd with Trudy and JoshSend us a textThe Accelerators (Drs. Anna Brown, Matt Spraker, and Simul Parikh) are joined by the hosts of the popular #RadOnc #MedEd podcast, At The Beam! Drs. Trudy Wu and Hyunsoo Joshua No are PGY-4 radiation oncology residents at UCLA and Stanford and innovators in medical education. They started their podcast to help learners in all stages of their training master work up and treatment of all types of cancers. In the show, we share the origin stories of At The Beam and The Accelerators Podcast, and discuss our thoughts about...
2023-05-2650 minThe Accelerators Podcast“If Radiation Was a Drug”: On Radiotherapy for Liver Tumors With Krish, Neil, and Jeff, Part 2Send us a textAccelerators co-host Dr. Matt Spraker hosts Radiation Oncologists Drs. Krish Jethwa, Neil Newman, and Jeff Ryckman for part 2 of our discussion on radiotherapy for liver tumors. We kick off with Neil reviewing his Twitter thread comparing TACE and SBRT for liver tumors. We discuss the data supporting SBRT as superior therapy, especially in patients who have recurrence after TACE. We further share some talking points for your tumor board. Then discuss one of our faves, a randomized trial of sorafenib with or without SBRT (NRG/RTOG 1112). This leads to...
2023-05-2339 minThe Accelerators Podcast“Let It Fly”: On Radiotherapy for Liver Tumors With Krish, Neil, and Jeff, Part 1Send us a textAccelerators co-host Dr. Matt Spraker hosts Radiation Oncologists Drs. Krish Jethwa, Neil Newman, and Jeff Ryckman for romp through the exciting world of radiotherapy for liver tumors! In the first of this two part episode, we Krish, Neil, and Jeff explore how liver tumors are treated in practice. We learn that Jeff can tell your Child-Pugh score by looking at your finger nails and other tips that can help with patient selection. Then we have a fantastic data-driven discussion on treatment planning. We also cover motion management and delivery. To...
2023-05-1634 minOncology UnscriptedOncology Terms: Doctor and Staff Roles and Medical EducationSend us a textWelcome to Oncology Unscripted, hosted by patient advocates Julie Johnson and Katie Coleman and radiation oncologist Dr. Matt Spraker.This week Julie, Katie, and Matt discuss some oncology terms. Who works in oncology clinics? We discuss some of the people you might interact with when visiting your doctor.Matt shares how radiation, medical, and surgical oncologists are trained, and clarifies the difference between medial students, residents, and fellows.We close with a discussion of mid-level clinicians, such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants.Oncology Unscripted...
2023-05-1330 minThe Accelerators Podcast“Punnett Squares and What Not”: Clinical Genetics With Elizabeth Chao, MD, FACMGSend us a textThe Accelerators (Drs. Anna Brown, Matt Spraker, and Simul Parikh) host Clinical Geneticist Dr. Elizabeth Chao, Director of Medical Genetics at UC Irvine and Vice President and Clinical Diagnostics Laboratory Director at Ambry Genetics for a discussion about medical genetics in the oncology clinic and beyond! We start by discussing practice models for clinical geneticists and then spend some time discussing the role of genetic testing in pancreatic cancer care. We then discuss genetic testing more generally and what the future holds for the field. Our discussion conc...
2023-05-0656 minThe Accelerators PodcastA Composite QoL Measure for Rad Onc HappinessSend us a textIn this episode, The Accelerators (Drs. Matt Spraker and Simul Parikh) discuss Matt's proposed composite quality of life measure for happiness of radiation oncologists. A lot is written on how to job search and evaluate the quality of a radiation oncology practice, but how to be happy practicing independently is less frequently discussed. Matt's lays out his theory for Rad Onc happiness, a composite quality measure made up of three components: technical occupational components (such as base salary and case load), fulfillment from career goals, and the "life" of wo...
2023-04-281h 09Oncology UnscriptedSecond OpinionsSend us a textPatient advocates Julie Johnson and Katie Coleman team up with radiation oncologist Dr. Matt Spraker to "meet in the middle" for a candid podcast about cancer care for patients and people working in field.In this episode we discuss the second opinion, seeking an alternate recommendation from a different doctor outside the main team. We start by reviewing Katie's Twitter polls that asked patients' and doctors' their feelings on the topic. We then some cases where second opinions are a good idea, such as rare cancers, and Julie and K...
2023-04-1856 minThe Accelerators PodcastNarrative Medicine with Matt FarrellSend us a textThe Accelerators (Drs. Matt Spraker and Simul Parikh) host radiation oncology resident physician and writer, Dr. Matt Farrell, to discuss narrative medicine. We review his recent JCO publication "First Cousin Once Removed". In this piece, Matt describes his experience with a family meeting at the end of life for his cousin John, an actor and patient living with HIV and AIDS prior to the release of HAART. Matt's work sparks a discussion of family dynamics surrounding the death of a loved one, the language we use in medicine, and M...
2023-04-0339 minOncology UnscriptedWelcome to Oncology UnscriptedSend us a textWelcome to Oncology Unscripted! In this new podcast, patient advocates Julie Johnson and Katie Coleman team up with radiation oncologist Dr. Matt Spraker to "meet in the middle" for a candid podcast about cancer for patients and doctors. In the premier episode, Julie and Katie share their diagnosis stories to kick off a conversation about their initial experiences. We cover a wide range of topics: getting diagnosed in a breast center versus the emergency room, types of scans used for evaluating cancer and when they are done, and the ways Julie...
2023-03-291h 35The Accelerators PodcastACROPOLIS Live! at #ACRO2023Send us a textAccelerator Dr. Matt Spraker hosts the first ever live #RadOnc podcast! Drs. Todd Scarborough, Emma Fields, and Alexis Schutz join for this very special episode, recorded from the #ACRO2023 Afterparty in Orlando, Florida. We first discussed our love of ACRO, informal and collegial poster sessions, and our favorite parts of day 1 of the conference. Then, we explored the elephant in the room, the radiation oncology workforce and job market. Todd reveals himself as part of Graypeace, authors of An Inconvenient Truth, a narrative that likens workforce trends in radiation...
2023-03-1750 minThe Accelerators Podcast“We Tried Adding the Mustard”: Rectal Cancer With NinaSend us a textSchool is in session! The Accelerators (Drs. Anna Brown, Matt Spraker, and Simul Parikh) sit down for a radiation oncologist and colorectal specialist Dr. Nina Sanford for an informal lesson on the state of radiotherapy for rectal cancer in 2023. We work our way through an informal discussion of total neoadjuvant therapy, sequencing of therapies, radiotherapy techniques, and my favorite new #RadOnc concept, PULSAR. We close the show by peer reviewing Simul's case and discussing the finer points of rectal cancer contouring.Here are other some things we dis...
2023-03-101h 01The Accelerators Podcast"Same Mind, An Ocean Apart": Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer Around the Globe, Part 2Send us a textThe Accelerators (Drs. Anna Brown, Matt Spraker, and Simul Parikh) are back with Drs. Alison Tree (The Royal Marsden NHS, UK), Vedang Murthy (Tata Memorial Centre Mumbai, India), and Himanshu Nagar (New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell and Brooklyn Methodist, NYC). We pick up our international discussion of prostate cancer by further discussing Radiation Oncology training and research in India, the UK, and the US. Then we move to discuss more practical matters, such as the remarkable variation in prostate SBRT techniques across the world. We also discuss the future.
2023-03-0342 min
To The Show Podcast109 - Análisis de equipos del Clásico Mundial: Gran Bretaña, Israel y Nicaragua - To The Show PodcastEn este episodio hablamos sobre algunas lesiones que han ocurrido durante el spring training, donde Andrés Eloy hace el comentario que los equipos deberían dejar de prohibir los permisos a los peloteros por miedo a lesión, cuando los jugadores se pueden lesionar en cualquier momento del día, haciendo cualquier cosa que no sea jugando. Y de ahí, salió la pregunta:
¿Qué ganan los equipos de la MLB al mandar a sus jugadores al clásico? Ya que la MLB es el máximo nivel del beisbol que existe, a diferencia de un mundial de...
2023-02-2831 minThe Accelerators Podcast“Market Forces”: Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer Around the Globe, Part 1Send us a textThe Accelerators (Drs. Anna Brown, Matt Spraker, and Simul Parikh) have gone global! We host Drs. Alison Tree (The Royal Marsden NHS, UK), Vedang Murthy (Tata Memorial Centre Mumbai, India), and Himanshu Nagar (New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell and Brooklyn Methodist, NYC) for a two-part exploration of prostate cancer care around the world!In part 1, we discuss PSA screening, costs of care, selection of radiotherapy treatment techniques and androgen deprivation therapies, and the radiotherapy research efforts of the UK, India, and the US. Podcast art generously donated b...
2023-02-2438 minThe Accelerators PodcastThe MIRAGE Trial with Amar and BrettSend us a textThe Accelerators (Dr. Anna Brown, Matt Spraker, and Simul Parikh) host radiation oncologist Dr. Amar Kishan and Brett Sloman, Product Sales Director at Viewray, Inc.On this episode, we discussed the newly resulted MIRAGE trial, a single-center phase III study of prostate target reduction using MR-guided stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) versus standard CT-guided SBRT.Amar kicks off this in depth interview by reviewing the results, then we cover a range of topics and critiques that arose on the release of this trial. What is the impact of...
2023-01-261h 00The Accelerators PodcastThe Sensitive Striver Oncologist: In Conversation With Melody WildingSend us a textThe Accelerators (Dr. Anna Laucis, Matt Spraker, and Simul Parikh) are closing out 2022 with a focus on mental health! In this episode, we are joined by friends-of-the-show Drs. Neil Newman and Christina Henson as well as Melody Wilding, LCSW. Melody is an executive coach and author of #RadOnc book club favorite "Trust Yourself: Stop Overthinking and Channel Your Emotions for Success at Work."We discuss Melody's book and The Highly Sensitive Person phenotype, which may be expressed in up to 30% of people. This can pose challenges for anyone at...
2022-12-2752 minThe Accelerators Podcast"Cowboys and Cactuses": Job Searching with Natalie Ridge, DO, MSSend us a textThis week, The Accelerators (Dr. Anna Laucis, Matt Spraker, and Simul Parikh) host Dr. Natalie Ridge (@nataliezumab), a DO radiation oncologist who is finishing training and searching for a job. We again discuss the hot - or not - #RadOnc job market. It depends on who you ask. We start by discussing the fact that residents across the country face a heterogeneous job search experience as connections are essential to rise to the top of a competitive field.We then turn to an insidious problem in Radiation Oncology and...
2022-11-2152 minThe Accelerators Podcast"Small Virus": On Community Practice with Anna PaulssonSend us a textThe Accelerators (Dr. Anna Laucis, Matt Spraker, and Simul Parikh) use a "small viral" tweet as a seed for discussion about technology, inequity, and community practice. This week, we host Dr. Anna Paulsson, a community Radiation Oncologist practicing in Sonoma County, California. Recently, she wondered whether the celebration of technology in #RadOnc is furthering inequity in our field. We discuss messaging from societies and conferences to the general public, the role of industry, the PPS-exempt cancer hospitals program, and how medical education might improve with greater access to community p...
2022-11-0657 minThe Accelerators Podcast"Should we be concerned we don't have a VC problem?": Analyzing Job Board Postings with Mudit and JohnSend us a textThe Accelerators host (Dr. Anna Laucis, Matt Spraker, and Simul Parikh) another resident-attending duo to discuss the #RadOnc workforce and job market! Drs. Mudit Chowdhary and John Shumway (a graduating PGY-5 resident at University of North Carolina) review their recent publication evaluating trends in numbers of yearly society job board postings versus graduating residents. We then analyze some of the paper's methods and online discussion of the statistics. We then discuss the ratio of job postings to graduating residents over time and supplement the data with the lived experience of...
2022-10-2251 minThe Accelerators Podcast"Moral Boost"Send us a textIn this episode, the Accelerators (Dr. Anna Laucis, Matt Spraker, and Simul Parikh) discuss current events and topics: conflicts of interest, the definition of SBRT, medical marijuana, and ultrasound image guidance for skin cancers. Here is a book mentioned during the show: How to Change Your Mind by Michael PollenPodcast art generously donated by Dr. Danielle Cunningham. Intro and Outro music generously donated by Emmy-award winning artist Lucas Cantor Santiago.The Accelerators Podcast is a Photon Media production.
2022-10-1453 min
The ExecutiveSaving Lives Through Data - Eon Health's Co-CEO'sChristine Spraker & Dr. Aki Alzubaidi are the Co-CEO's of Eon Health, a data science company that is on a mission to defy diseases by ensuring the right data reaches the right people at the right time. Eon Health is notably backed by Mark Cuban and recently raised a $16M series A led by Integrity Growth Partners. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Eon has over 100 employees and is quickly growing to help healthcare providers be proactive in diagnosing life threatening diseases sooner to ultimately save lives.
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-executive/message
2022-09-2336 minThe Accelerators PodcastAddressing Radiotherapy Disparities With the Suneja LabSend us a textThe Accelerators host (Dr. Anna Laucis, Matt Spraker, and Simul Parikh) the Suneja Lab, leaders in health equity research! Radiation Oncologist Dr. Gita Suneja and PGY-5 resident Dr. Ryan Hutten to discuss their recent publication examining disparities in initiation of advanced radiotherapy between White patients and patients of minoritized groups. We summarize and analyze the paper, then discuss potential causes of these disparities. Of course, we must #FixPriorAuthNow - like, yesterday - but the causes spill outside the hospital. Racism and disparities in wealth, power, and resources add up in c...
2022-09-1057 min
out of the basement / radiation medicine#6: How can you start doing low-dose radiotherapy for arthritis in your practice?Yes, it really is as simple as it sounds. Yes, it really is popular worldwide because of the results. Yes, you can start doing it...tomorrow. On the heels of Austin Dove's wonderful webinar, Matt Spraker (our favorite Basement Buddy) and I do a "curbside consult" on starting to use low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT) for osteoarthritis in his practice...and maybe yours?
Earn free CME by reflecting on the content of this episode: https://earnc.me/E9XHPi
www.becktamd.com
Twitter: @drbeckta
2022-09-0954 minThe Accelerators Podcast“See You on Twitter!”: Esophageal Cancer Radiotherapy With Krish and YasaminSend us a textWe're back!The Season 2 premier of Rad Onc's favorite podcast was inspired by Simul's Twitter poll on neoadjuvant radiotherapy dosing for esophageal cancer! Are you team 4140 or 5040... or something else?In this episode, the Accelerators (Dr. Anna Laucis, Matt Spraker, and Simul Parikh) host Mayo Clinic Radiation Oncology GI specialist Dr. Krishan Jethwa and PGY-3 resident Dr. Yasamin Sharifzadeh for a conversation about the poll. We discuss dose selection and chemotherapy regimens for esophageal treatment as well as open-mindedness in adopting therapeutic strategies. Later, we discuss whether r...
2022-08-2644 min
out of the basement / radiation medicine#3: I bet no one taught you IGRT in residency [IGRT choices/part one].Matt Spraker returns for a PowerPoint-fueled romp through IGRT choices.
Slides are on Twitter and FigShare:
https://figshare.com/articles/figure/IGRT_Slide_1/20493393
https://figshare.com/articles/figure/IGRT_S2/20506833
Earn free CME by reflecting on the content of this episode: https://earnc.me/E9XHPi
www.becktamd.com
Twitter: @drbeckta
2022-08-1832 minThe Accelerators PodcastLooking Forward to Season 2Send us a textDr. Matt Spraker is joined by Dr. Jason Beckta for a petite episode packed with announcements and teasers for The Accelerators Podcast Season 2. The Accelerators will return from Summer break with renewed focus on "news and views", shorter episodes, and a new theme song generously donated by award winning musician Lucas Cantor Santiago! Check out his piece (and our theme song) "Pop With Toys" at the end of this teaser ep. There's more. Today, Jason is launching his new podcast Out Of The Basement. It's an off-the-cuff educational podcast anchored in R...
2022-08-1513 min
out of the basement / radiation medicine#1: What are the secrets of the elusive "RadOnc job"; contracts; work; and life [part one].Matt Spraker joins us to talk about details of what an actual attending job in Radiation Medicine looks like, RVUs, medical director roles, etc.
Earn free CME by reflecting on the content of this episode: https://earnc.me/E9XHPi
www.becktamd.com
Twitter: @drbeckta
2022-07-2957 min
The Accelerators Podcast“LeBron Wasn’t Created in a Day”: Inclusion With Julianne Pollard-LarkinSend us a textFill your cup with this inspiring episode of The Accelerators Podcast! Dr. Matt Spraker is joined by Dr. Julianne Pollard-Larkin, medical physicist, service chief of the thoracic physics group at MD Anderson Cancer Center, and chair of the EDI Committee of the AAPM. We discuss topics and strategies for creating an inclusive workplace for all of #RadOnc, especially now when we need it the most. We begin with a discussion of how to be a great leader and it starts self-care. Star athletes don't do it alone, get yourself a...
2022-06-241h 03The Accelerators PodcastDo You Know Better Than JAMA Onc?Send us a textThe Accelerators Podcast hosts Dr. Simul Parikh and Dr. Matt Spraker invite Radiation Oncologist Dr. Mudit Chowdhary on the show to discuss the recently released, controversial study of Enzalutamide monotherapy versus active surveillance for low or intermediate-risk localized prostate cancer. Our discussion of this study dovetails in to other related topics including conflicts of interest with the pharmaceutical industry and hype for early phase studies.Podcast art generously donated by Dr. Danielle Cunningham.
2022-06-1846 minThe Accelerators PodcastThe Last Crusade: Beckta Examines MattSend us a textWelcome to The Last Crusade, part 3 of our 3 part series to honor to the newest class of ABR Diplomates! In this episode, friend of the show Dr. Jason Beckta examines another host of The Accelerators Podcast, Dr. Matt Spraker, with the same mock gynecologic oncology section faced by Dr. Simul Parikh. Podcast art generously donated by Dr. Danielle Cunningham.
2022-06-1244 minThe Accelerators PodcastOral Fixation: Beckta Interviews Matt in a Fireside ChatSend us a textIn part 2 of our 3-part series on the oral boards, we flip the script! Friend-of-the-show Dr. Jason Beckta interviews Accelerator Dr. Matt Spraker in a fireside chat about standardized tests, #RadOnc oral boards, and life as an early career attending. Don't miss part 3, in which Matt struggles through Jason's gynecologic oncology oral boards section.Here are some things we discussed in the show: Emergency Medicine physicians call to Quarantine the Oral BoardsMatt's tweets about the value of radiation oncology oral boardsDr. Ohri's paper on radiotherapy protocol deviations and su...
2022-06-051h 48
The Accelerators PodcastI Can’t Get No!... Patient SatisfactionSend us a textDrs. Simul Parikh and Matt Spraker host health care quality experts radiation oncologist Dr. Marsha Haley and MROQC program manager Melissa Mietzel, MS for a discussion about everyone's favorite topic: patient satisfaction scores!We begin with a discussion of Marsha's recent graduate work, a systemic review of whether patient satisfaction measures such as Press-Gainey and CAHPS are related to quality outcomes. You may be shocked to learn that the evidence is limited. Matt bravely shares his patient sat scores and then we discuss how games like "top box scoring" and low...
2022-05-2058 min
The Accelerators PodcastMobilize The Canadians! A Workflow EpisodeSend us a textSim orders, documentation, prior auth, oh my! Is it death by 1000 clicks? The Accelerators Podcast (Drs. Anna Laucis, Simul Parikh, and Matt Spraker) host their first industry experts for an intimate discussion on the radiotherapy workflow: David Lindsey (CEO, Oncora Medical and graduating MD/PhD student), Sasa Mutic (SVP, Varian Medical Systems), Jacob Philip (CEO, Medlever), and Nathan Wolfe (CEO, Remote Dosimetrist). We discuss current challenges such as interdisciplinary communication among dispersed teams, how EMRs are really designed for billing, and how artificial intelligence and automation could close the technology gap...
2022-04-301h 20
The Accelerators PodcastThe One With RalphSend us a text#RadOnc legend Dr. Ralph Weichselbaum joins The Accelerators (Drs. Anna Laucis, Simul Parikh, and Matt Spraker) for one of our favorite episodes ever. We kick off by discussing how to #MedTwitter, the state of technology and proton therapy, and radiation resource allocation. Then we discuss Ralph and Sam Hellman's 1995 paper, Oligometastases, the history of the concept, and where we are headed. This leads to a scientific discussion on the abscopal effect.We close the show with an epic new segment: the lightning round! We grill Ralph on pizza, the...
2022-04-241h 01
The Accelerators PodcastThe One About Jobs, Boost: Using Radiation Facility Volumes To Assess the Job MarketSend us a textDr. Todd Scarbrough and Dr. Nick Zaorsky (http://zaorsky.com/) join Dr. Matt Spraker for a jobs show boost! In this show we take a deep dive on radiotherapy utilization in the US. We start our exploration by reviewing a recent Cancer publication from Nick's team evaluating facility volumes. By reformatting Nick's data presentation, Todd discovers that utilization exists in a Pareto distribution across centers; most centers are treating a relatively low volume of patients per year. How does this affect the job market? How does it affect your job?
2022-04-091h 08
Inner WorkingsMaking an Impact and Pursuing Your PassionIn this episode of Inner Workings, Rosy Spraker, Expert Partner, joins Matt Gerber, Senior Specialist on Gartner's Corporate Social Responsibility team, to discuss how she combines her passion for running with giving back to her community through the 261 Fearless Club. For more information about opportunities at Gartner, visit us at jobs.gartner.com.
2022-04-0417 minThe Accelerators PodcastThe Accelerators: Live from the ASTRO RefresherSend us a textDrs. Anna Laucis, Simul Parikh, and Matt Spraker jump behind their mics to record a live podcast during the lunch break of day 1 of the 2022 ASTRO Refresher Course. Yes, we had a live Zoom audience!In this unplanned and unedited chat, we discuss #RadOnc The NRMP Match 2022 and SOAP results, more on the job market, and Matt's favorite: Prior Authorization! At the end, we field an audience question on the discordance between job satisfaction survey data, which are overall positive, and anecdotal discussions on and offline, which s...
2022-03-2554 min
The Accelerators PodcastThe One About JobsSend us a textThe Accelerators (Drs. Anna Laucis, Simul Parikh, and Matt Spraker) are joined by Drs. Jason Beckta, Emma Fields, Todd Scarborough, and Chirag Shah to discuss the #RadOnc job market.Join us on an epic journey through the past, present, and future of the job market. We cover the highly variable written record of the #RadOnc workforce, how patient volumes are changing with hypofractionation, and the what the market will look like in the future.We close the show with a round robin on advice for young radiation oncologists heading i...
2022-03-051h 48The Accelerators PodcastQuadShot x Accelerators Year in Review Science PartySend us a textIn our final episode of 2021, Drs. Laura Dover (@LauraDoverMD), Caleb Dulaney, and Samuel Marcrom from QuadShot News (@QuadShotNews) join the The Accelerators (Drs. Anna Laucis, Matt Spraker, and Simul Parikh) for a scientific year in review! The reports of our death are greatly exaggerated; it was a great year in #RadOnc science! Join us as we review our favorite articles of the year and commentate on their impact for #RadOnc. Caleb’s Pick — The Empire One TrialAnna's Pick — The Flame TrialSamuel's Pick — The VISION Trial Laura...
2021-12-281h 15
The Accelerators PodcastBuilders Part 4: Erqi Pollom and Jenna Kahn (ROVER)Send us a textIn the final part of our Builders series, we all gather around for a fireside chat with #MedEd all-stars Dr. Erqi Pollom and Dr. Jenna Kahn (@JennaMKahn). The Accelerators (Drs. Anna Laucis, Matt Spraker, and Simul Parikh) interview the founders of ROVER, the Radiation Oncology Virtual Education Rotation. Dr. Pollom is an Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology (and Neurosurgery) at Stanford University and Dr. Kahn is Assistant Professor of Radiation Medicine at Oregon Health and Science University. We start by discussing how they launched their innovative distance learning program...
2021-12-1753 min
The Accelerators PodcastA Very Special Episode: RO APMSend us a textThe Accelerators (Dr. Anna Laucis, Dr. Matt Spraker, and Dr. Simul Parikh) host a very special episode on the Radiation Oncology Alternative Payment Model. We are joined by expert guests Anne Hubbard (Director of Health Policy, ASTRO), Dr. Constantine Mantz (Chief Policy Officer, GenesisCare), Dave Adler (Vice President of Advocacy, ASTRO), Join Luh (Providence Health and CARROS, president) and Dr. Tomas Dvorak (Orlando Health Cancer Institute) as we chat about the past, present, and future of payment for radiotherapy services in the US. We close with a call to ac...
2021-10-291h 47
The Accelerators PodcastBuilders Part 3: Erin Gillespie (eContour)Send us a textIn part 3 of our Builders series, Dr. Matt Spraker interviews radiation oncologist and implementation scientist Dr. Erin Gillespie (@ErinGillespieMD). Dr. Gillespie is an Assistant Attending Radiation Oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York and Adjunct Assistant Clinical Professor at University of California San Diego. She is the co-creator of the popular, open-access contouring resource for radiation oncology, eContour. In this episode, she shares how eContour was built and the exciting future of the platform, including the Contouring Collaborative for Consensus in Radiation Oncology (C3RO). Later, we...
2021-10-1951 min
Service-Learning Podcast - Pellissippi State Community CollegeSLPODCAST EPISODE 2Great conversation with our director of Student Engagement and Leadership Matt Spraker about the distinction between volunteering and service-learning.
2021-02-1732 min