The Hernia Gods Podcast

Luke Elms

This is a podcast dedicated to the discussion of hernia surgery and hernia surgeons. The name "The Hernia Gods Podcast" is not meant to apply to the surgeons or hosts but instead to the abstract hernia gods that we hope are on our side when taking care of our sometimes complex cases.

Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not serve as a representation of or necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Orlando Health or any of our employers.

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23 episodes
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Avg 1 hr 26 min
English

Episodes 23

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S1 · E32
October 6 · 1 hr 55 min
The Hernia Gods Podcast - E32 - Salvatore Docimo, Jr., DO, MBA, FACS, FASMBS
Send us Fan Mail On this episode of the Hernia Gods Podcast, Dr. Luke Elms sits down with Dr. Salvatore Docimo to explore what drives a surgeon to take on the cases others won’t. From complex abdominal wall reconstruction and the rise of robotics to the mindset, work ethic, and experiences that shaped his career, this is a candid conversation about pushing boundaries and tackling the toughest hernia cases. If you want to know what it takes to become the surgeon everyone calls when the case gets difficult, you won’t want to miss this episode. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not serve as a representation of or necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of any of our employers.
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S1 · E31
September 22 · 1 hr 19 min
The Hernia Gods Podcast - E31 - Andrea Pakula, MD, MPH, FACS
Send us Fan Mail On this episode of the Hernia Gods Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Andrea Pakula, a surgeon specializing in robotic surgery, complex hernia repair, and abdominal wall reconstruction. Dr. Pakula shares her journey from trauma and acute care surgery to developing her expertise in hernia surgery and minimally invasive techniques. We discuss the robotic learning curve, pushing the boundaries of traditional surgical approaches, learning from complications, and the importance of tailoring each repair to the individual patient. Dr. Pakula also shares insights on mentorship, innovation, and the lessons that have shaped her approach to surgery and patient care. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not serve as a representation of or necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of any of our employers.
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S1 · E30
September 11 · 1 hr 39 min
The Hernia Gods Podcast - E30 - Philip George, MD
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Hernia Gods Podcast, Dr. Luke Elms sits down with Dr. Philip George, Assistant Professor of Surgery at Columbia University Medical Center, to talk about his unconventional journey into medicine, surgery, and ultimately the world of hernia. From discovering surgery through mentors like Dr. Brian Jacob and Dr. Igor Belyansky, to navigating fellowship during the COVID-19 pandemic and making the leap from private practice to academic surgery — Philip shares the experiences and people that helped shape his career. A great conversation about mentorship, finding your path, and paying it forward. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not serve as a representation of or necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of any of our employers.
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S1 · E29
August 26 · 14 min
The Hernia Gods Podcast E29 - Luke Elms, MD
Send us Fan Mail In this special episode of the Hernia Gods Podcast, Dr. Luke Elms, takes listeners behind the scenes to share the story of how the podcast began and the purpose behind it. Luke talks about his own experiences with imposter syndrome, the inspiration he found at the American Hernia Society conference, and why he believes even the most respected surgeons are ultimately “mere mortals” facing many of the same challenges. He also discusses the importance of community, mentorship, balancing surgery and family, and creating a space where surgeons can have honest conversations beyond the operating room. Luke also drops a sneak peek at something new coming to the Hernia Gods Podcast… You’ll have to listen to find out! Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not serve as a representation of or necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Orlando Health or any of our employers.
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S1 · E28
August 26 · 1 hr 41 min
The Hernia Gods Podcast E28 - Sean Orenstein, MD
Send us Fan Mail On this episode of the Hernia Gods Podcast, Dr. Luke Elms sits down with Sean Ornstein, MD to discuss his journey into hernia and abdominal wall surgery. Sean shares how his early love of fixing things led him to surgery, his research years studying mesh and hernia repair, and his training alongside leaders in the field at Case Western. They also dive into the evolution of hernia surgery as a true subspecialty, the tight-knit hernia community, mentorship, research, and what continues to drive Sean’s passion for the craft. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not serve as a representation of or necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Orlando Health or any of our employers.
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S1 · E27
August 12 · 1 hr 22 min
The Hernia Gods Podcast E27 - Agustin Alvarez, MD
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Hernia Gods Podcast, Dr. Luke Elms sits down with Agustin Alvarez, MD, from Chile, to discuss his unique journey in surgery, overcoming career challenges, and the importance of persistence. They dive into balancing family and career, global collaboration, patient relationships, and the future of AI in medicine—while emphasizing the importance of keeping the human connection at the center of healthcare. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not serve as a representation of or necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Orlando Health or any of our employers.
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S1 · E26
July 28 · 1 hr 9 min
The Hernia Gods Podcast E26 - Prof. Ramana Balasubramaniam
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Hernia Gods Podcast, Dr. Luke Elms sits down with renowned abdominal wall surgeon Prof. Ramana Balasubramaniam to discuss innovation, authenticity, and the lessons learned from a career at the forefront of minimally invasive surgery. From pioneering techniques in India to building a new practice in Australia, Dr. Ram shares candid insights on embracing failure, mentoring the next generation, and how AI may shape the future of hernia surgery. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not serve as a representation of or necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Orlando Health or any of our employers.
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S1 · E25
July 14 · 1 hr 37 min
The Hernia Gods Podcast E25 - Alfredo Carbonell, II, D.O, FACS, FACOS
Send us Fan Mail In Episode 25 of The Hernia Gods Podcast, Dr. Luke Elms sits down with Dr. Alfredo Carbonell II, a nationally recognized leader in abdominal wall reconstruction and complex hernia surgery. The conversation goes beyond the operating room, exploring the experiences, mentors, and mindset that have shaped Dr. Carbonell’s career. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not serve as a representation of or necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Orlando Health or any of our employers.
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S1 · E24
June 30 · 1 hr 38 min
The Hernia Gods Podcast E24 - Igor Belyansky, MD
Send us Fan Mail Episode 24 of The Hernia Gods Podcast with guest Igor Belyansky, MD features a conversation about his experience of immigrating to the US, mentorship in fellowship, balancing family and career, and the future of hernia surgery. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not serve as a representation of or necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Orlando Health or any of our employers.
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S1 · E23
June 16 · 2 hr 6 min
The Hernia Gods Podcast E23 - Michael J. Rosen, MD
Send us Fan Mail Episode 23 of The Hernia Gods Podcast with Michael J. Rosen, MD features a candid conversation about mentorship, complications, the ACHQC, and his thoughts on the surgery community's relationship with industry.
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S1 · E22
June 3 · 1 hr 37 min
The Hernia Gods Podcast E22 - Diego Lima, MD MSc
Send us Fan Mail Episode 22 of The Hernia Gods Podcast with Diego Lima, MD MSc features a great discussion on his life and career including going through training again in the US, his contributions to the hernia research world, and AI in surgery.
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S1 · E21
May 20 · 1 hr 36 min
The Hernia Gods Podcast E21 - Peter Santoro, MD, FACS
Send us Fan Mail Episode 21 of The Hernia Gods Podcast features a great chat with Peter Santoro, MD, FACS about the difference between speed and efficiency, the beauty and struggle of being a parent and surgeon, the difficulty of accepting praise for our work, and the realities of mental health in the medical field. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not serve as a representation of or necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Orlando Health or any of our employers.
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S1 · E20
May 5 · 1 hr 16 min
The Hernia Gods Podcast E20 - Gregory Dumanian, MD
Send us Fan Mail Episode 20 of The Hernia Gods Podcast features a great conversation with Greg Dumanian, MD about his early work in plastic surgery, the role of aesthetics in hernia surgery, and mesh suture! Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not serve as a representation of or necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Orlando Health or any of our employers.
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S1 · E19
April 23 · 59 min
The Hernia Gods Podcast E19 - Paul Colavita, MD
Send us Fan Mail Episode 19 of The Hernia Gods Podcast features Paul Colavita, MD discussing the evolution of a foregut practice, the benefits of getting back in the gym, and the struggle of dealing with a complication. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not serve as a representation of or necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Orlando Health or any of our employers.
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S1 · E18
April 7 · 1 hr 27 min
The Hernia Gods Podcast E18 - Charlotte Horne, MD
Send us Fan Mail Episode 18 of The Hernia Gods Podcast features a great discussion with Charlotte Horne, MD regarding her journey from Canada through her training, the realities of starting a practice and being an attending, and her thoughts on being a female surgeon in the field. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not serve as a representation of or necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Orlando Health or any of our employers
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S1 · E17
March 28 · 1 hr 34 min
The Hernia Gods Podcast E17 - Mário Rui Gonçalves, MD
Send us Fan Mail Episode 17 of The Hernia Gods Podcast features a fantastic conversation with Mário Rui Gonçalves, MD about his life in Portugal, surgical education, and taking ownership of our patient outcomes. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not serve as a representation of or necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Orlando Health or any of our employers.
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S1 · E16
March 22 · 57 min
The Hernia Gods Podcast E16 - Mazen Al-Mansour, MD
Send us Fan Mail Episode 16 of The Hernia Gods Podcast features a great discussion with Mazen Al-Mansour, MD regarding the stresses of being an international medical graduate and preliminary resident, the realities of being married to someone in the medical field, and his thoughts on teaching residents and the way parenthood has changed his approach. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not serve as a representation of or necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Orlando Health or any of our employers.
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S1 · E15
March 15 · 1 hr 37 min
The Hernia Gods Podcast E15 - Edward Felix, MD FACS
Send us Fan Mail Episode 15 of The Hernia Gods Podcast features a legendary conversation with Edward Felix, MD FACS where he discusses the origins of The Ten Commandments of the Myopectineal Orifice, his experience as one of the fist high volume laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgeons, and his opinion on the abandon the sac technique of inguinal hernia repair. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not serve as a representation of or necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Orlando Health or any of our employers.
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S1 · E14
March 10 · 1 hr 17 min
The Hernia Gods Podcast E14 - Shirin Towfigh, MD FACS
Send us Fan Mail Episode 14 of The Hernia Gods Podcast features Shirin Towfigh, MD FACS of The Beverly Hills Hernia Center talking about her passion for hernias of the groin and groin pain patients, growing her practice and online presence, and the under-representation of females in the hernia literature and algorithms. Check out this link to donate to female hernia research: http://beverlyhillsherniafoundation.org/donation Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not serve as a representation of or necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Orlando Health or any of our employers.
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S1 · E13
February 28 · 1 hr 51 min
The Hernia Gods Podcast E13 - Draga-Maria Mandi, MD, PhD
Send us Fan Mail Episode 13 of The Hernia Gods Podcast features Draga-Maria Mandi, MD, PhD from Romania having a incredible conversation about her early life in Romania, the difficulties of surgical training, and ergonomic gender biases in surgery. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not serve as a representation of or necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Orlando Health or any of our employers.
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Showing 1–20 of 23 episodes