The Scope

The Scope Radio, University of Utah Health

Podcast series by The Scope, University of Utah Health.

Play

Open in

39 episodes
Avg 9 min
English

Episodes 39

Newest Oldest Longest

All19 Unplayed19 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

July 28 · 6 min
The Poop on Poop: What Parents Need to Know About Constipation in Kids
Constipation is one of the most common concerns parents bring to their pediatrician, but knowing what is normal can be confusing. Cindy Gellner, MD, explains why every child’s poop patterns are different, how to recognize true constipation, and why some common concerns may not actually be problems. Learn about the causes of constipation in kids and practical tips to help your child have softer, more comfortable bowel movements.
July 27 · 4 min
Line Drive to the Head—ER or Not?
You take a softball straight to the forehead. It hurts, you are rattled, and now you are wondering: Is this just a bruise, or something more serious? Emergency physician Jeffrey Druck, MD, explains how to spot the signs of a concussion, when head injuries need an immediate ER visit, and what symptoms are safe to monitor from the sidelines.
July 23 · 17 min
Botox vs. Fillers: What's the Difference and What's Right for You
Although the terms are used interchangeably online, Botox and fillers are different substances with different uses that work in completely different ways. Sarah Akkina, MD, a facial plastic surgeon, explains how Botox relaxes muscles while filler adds volume, debunks the myth that fillers can "lift," and walks through safety questions to ask before getting any injectable.
July 17 · 15 min
How Hand Reconstruction Can Save Function After Severe Injury
A severe hand injury does not always mean permanent disability or amputation. Advances in reconstructive microsurgery now allow surgeons to restore remarkable levels of movement, strength, and sensation. Hand surgeon Laura Wong, MD, PhD, explains what modern hand reconstruction can accomplish, how treatment decisions are tailored to each patient’s goals and lifestyle, why time is critical after an injury, and the essential role of rehabilitation in helping patients regain independence and return to the activities they love.
July 13 · 16 min
What to Expect at Your First Prenatal Visit
Your first prenatal visit does more than confirm the pregnancy, and it is where your care gets personalized. Abigail Rizk, CNM/MSN, Clinical Practice Director at BirthCare HealthCare and Division Chief of the Division of Midwifery at University of Utah Health, walks through what to expect: the bedside ultrasound, the panel of prenatal labs, genetic testing options, and how to come prepared with your family health history. She also explains how the midwifery team connects you to specialists in behavioral health, maternal-fetal medicine, and more, so your care fits your specific situation from day one.
July 1 · 18 min
Triptans, CGRPs, and Botox: Your Migraine Medication Options Explained
Migraine treatment is not a single pill; it is a toolbox. Karly Pippitt, MD, a family physician and headache specialist at the University of Utah Health headache clinic, walks through rescue medications like triptans and CGRP antagonists, prevention options ranging from blood pressure drugs to Botox, and why setting realistic expectations matters more than chasing a cure.
June 23 · 13 min
Bariatric Surgery in the GLP-1 Era: Who's a Candidate and Is It Safe?
Thinking about weight loss surgery but unsure where to start, especially with GLP-1 medications everywhere? Ellen H. Morrow, MD, MS, FACS, a surgeon with the bariatric surgery program at University of Utah Health, breaks down who qualifies, how safe it is, what life looks like afterward, and how to weigh surgery against GLP-1s when deciding which path fits your goals.
May 22 · 14 min
What Is Diabetes Burnout and What Can You Do About It?
Managing diabetes every day is exhausting, and over time, that weight can lead to something called diabetes burnout. Michelle Litchman, PhD, medical director of the Intensive Diabetes Education and Support Program at University of Utah Health, explains how burnout differs from everyday stress, the warning signs that it is setting in, and four concrete approaches to get back on track. Learn what resources are available and how to access them through your care team.
May 7 · 3 min
How to Recognize Measles Before the Rash Appears
Many people associate measles with its distinctive rash, but the illness actually begins days earlier with symptoms that look much like a severe cold. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains how to recognize the warning signs of measles, why the virus spreads so easily, and the serious complications it can cause in children and pregnant women. Learn what makes measles dangerous, how vaccination provides strong protection, and when to contact your child’s pediatrician.
May 7 · 17 min
Migraine or Just a Bad Headache? How to Tell the Difference
A migraine is not just a bad headache, and you do not need to be curled up in a dark room for it to count. Karly Pippitt, MD, a family physician and headache specialist at the University of Utah Health headache clinic, explains how migraines are diagnosed, what triggers them, what aura is, and when to seek treatment.
April 14 · 5 min
Measles or Something Else? How to Tell Common Childhood Rashes Apart
Measles is on every parent's radar right now, but the disease is just one of many childhood rashes that can look alarming. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, details the most common viral rashes in kids—from measles and chickenpox to scarlet fever, roseola, and hand, foot, and mouth disease—and explains when to call your child's pediatrician.
March 30 · 16 min
How Modern Glaucoma Treatment Can Protect Your Vision Long Term
A glaucoma diagnosis can feel alarming, especially knowing that optic nerve damage cannot be reversed. Rachel Simpson, MD, a glaucoma specialist at the John A. Moran Eye Center at University of Utah, explains what glaucoma does to your vision over time, why the treatment approach has shifted toward laser as a first-line option over eye drops, and how a new category of minimally invasive procedures is giving patients more options than ever before.
March 13 · 19 min
What to Know About Cataracts and Your Lens Options Before Surgery
Blurry vision, glare around headlights, and duller colors are classic signs of cataracts. Austin Nakatsuka, MD, a glaucoma and cataract specialist at the John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah, explains what cataracts are, how UV exposure accelerates them, and how to choose between the lens options available to you, from standard insurance-covered lenses to multifocal, extended depth of focus, and light adjustable alternatives.
March 10 · 13 min
What It Means to Be a Glaucoma Suspect and What Happens Next
Being called a glaucoma suspect can feel like a half-diagnosis—enough to worry, but not enough to know what to do. Rachel Simpson, MD, ophthalmologist and glaucoma specialist at John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah, explains what the label actually means, how doctors weigh risk factors like optic nerve appearance, eye pressure, and family history to determine low versus high risk, and when monitoring turns into treatment.
February 26 · 16 min
How Rehab Helps Patients Wake Up After Severe Brain Injury
Rehabilitation after a severe brain injury is not just about survival—it is about creating the best chance for meaningful recovery. Derrick Allred, MD, from Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital, describes how a disorders of consciousness program differs from typical inpatient rehabilitation and why patients who cannot yet participate in three hours of therapy a day still benefit from specialized care. Learn how teams identify small but important signs of progress, how medications and environmental strategies may support emerging consciousness, and why families and referring providers should reach out even when they are unsure if a patient qualifies.
January 30 · 3 min
Seven Questions for a Dermatologist
When should you see a dermatologist? What does “pay attention to your skin” really mean? And which warning signs should not wait? Luke Johnson, MD, a dermatologist at University of Utah Health, answers common questions about dermatology. Learn simple, effective acne treatments, how moisturizers support your skin barrier, and why sun protection is the best daily habit for long-term skin health.
January 16 · 2 min
Seven Questions for a Neuro-Ophthalmologist
Sudden vision changes can be a brain problem, not just an eye problem—and luckily, there are specialists trained for the job. Judith Warner, MD, a neuro-ophthalmologist, explains how the eyes and brain work together, the red-flag symptoms you should never ignore (like a brief “black curtain” over one eye), and the most common reasons people get referred (unexplained vision loss and double vision).
Dec 17, 2025 · 8 min
How Cavities Form and What You Can Do to Stop Them
Cavities do not appear overnight—and waiting for pain is often the biggest mistake people make. James Bekker, DDS, breaks down how cavities form, why frequent sugar exposure is more damaging than occasional treats, and how everyday habits quietly increase risk. Learn how brushing, flossing, diet choices, and saliva chemistry all play a role in tooth decay, what early warning signs to take seriously, and why catching a cavity early can make all the difference.
Dec 5, 2025 · 2 min
The Basics: Finding the Right Formula for Your Baby
Choosing a baby formula does not come with a one-size-fits-all answer. Babies tolerate formulas differently—some thrive on standard milk-based options while others need sensitive, reflux-friendly, or specialized formulations. Pediatrian Cindy Gellner, MD, gives guidelines on how to spot what works best for your baby and why your pediatrician’s guidance can help you choose with confidence.

Showing 21–39 of 39 episodes