Helping Physicians Transition Successfully Into Retirement

In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Heidi Prather, founder and medical director of the HSS Lifestyle Medicine Program, is joined by Dr. James Loomis, medical director of the Barnard Medical Center and Center for Plant-Based Living, and registered dietitian and diabetes educator Ruthie Greenfield to discuss insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and their impact on musculoskeletal health and chronic pain. Together, they explain the underlying mechanisms of insulin resistance, address common misconceptions about carbohydrates and dietary fat, and highlight the role of a high-fiber, plant-predominant eating pattern in prevention and treatment. The conversation also explores how continuous glucose monitors can provide personalized insights into the effects of food, exercise, sleep, and stress, while offering practical strategies for sustainable behavior change. They conclude by examining how lifestyle medicine can help patients improve metabolic health, reduce pain, and extend not only lifespan, but healthspan. Resources: Learn more about the HSS Lifestyle Medicine Program at https://www.hss.edu/departments/medicine/lifestyle-medicine-program and explore the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) at https://contentwithpurpose.co.uk/aclm/projectremission/.

In this episode of HSS Presents, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Matthew Conti speaks with Dr. Harry Agress Jr., a nationally recognized speaker, author, and retirement enthusiast who spent 36 years as a diagnostic radiologist and nuclear medicine physician. Together, they explore how physicians and other healthcare professionals can successfully navigate the transition into retirement. Dr. Agress discusses why leaving clinical practice can be especially challenging when identity and purpose have long been tied to medicine, and shares practical strategies for preparing for this major life transition. The conversation highlights the value of self-reflection, discovering new sources of fulfillment, and embracing opportunities for continued growth through teaching, volunteering, creative pursuits, and lifelong learning. Dr. Agress also explains how shifting away from perfectionism and external measures of success can help create a retirement defined by purpose, curiosity, and meaningful engagement.

In this episode of HSS Presents, David M. Dines, MD, an attending orthopedic surgeon on the Sports and Shoulder Service at HSS and professor of orthopedic surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College, speaks with HSS colleagues Lawrence V. Gulotta, MD, and Joshua S. Dines, MD, about shoulder injuries in overhead athletes. They examine how injury patterns and treatment demands differ among baseball, tennis, volleyball, swimming, and lacrosse athletes, with a focus on the adaptations and pathologies commonly seen in throwers. The discussion explores internal impingement, microinstability, labral and rotator cuff injuries, eccentric muscle injuries, and the importance of evaluating the entire kinetic chain. The experts emphasize specialized physical therapy, progressive strengthening, and structured throwing programs as the foundation of treatment, while considering the limited and selective roles of injections and surgery. They also discuss evolving surgical strategies that minimize overtightening and set realistic expectations for returning athletes to high-level play.

In this episode of HSS Presents, radiologist Dr. Harry G. Greditzer IV speaks with Dr. Hollis G. Potter, MD, Chair of Radiology and Imaging at Hospital for Special Surgery and holder of the Coleman Chair in MRI Research, about the evolution of musculoskeletal MRI and its transformative impact on orthopedic care. Together, they explore the early days of MRI at HSS, advances in cartilage imaging, metal artifact reduction, and innovations that have improved diagnostic accuracy and patient care. Dr. Potter also discusses the importance of collaboration between radiologists and surgeons, the role of mentorship in advancing the field, and how emerging technologies such as quantitative imaging and artificial intelligence may shape the future of musculoskeletal radiology, personalized treatment, and return-to-play decision-making.

In this episode of HSS Presents, radiologist Dr. Harry G. Greditzer IV speaks with Dr. Andrew D. Pearle, Chief Emeritus of the Sports Medicine Institute at HSS, about the evolution of computer-assisted surgery and the emerging role of digital twins in orthopedics. Dr. Pearle explains how patient-specific MRI models, computational biomechanics, and additional data inputs may help clinicians assess ACL-injury risk, simulate surgical approaches, and personalize treatment planning. The conversation highlights neuromuscular training—a combination of strength, agility, plyometric, and landing-stabilization exercises—as an important strategy for reducing injuries among young athletes. Looking ahead, they also discuss how digital twins could support more individualized prevention, informed decision-making, and treatments designed around each patient’s anatomy, movement patterns, and activity goals.

In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Scott Rodeo, Director of the Center for Regenerative Medicine at HSS, talks with sports medicine surgeon Dr. Yianni Apostolakos about the massive public interest and clinical realities surrounding Body Protection Compound 157 (BPC-157). Prompted by a widely read systematic review, the experts contrast promising preclinical animal data with the current lack of robust, human clinical trials. They discuss the shifting regulatory landscape—including recent FDA updates on compounding restrictions—and explain why these substances remain banned by WADA and major sports leagues. This conversation provides evidence for clinicians looking to ethically counsel both elite and recreational athletes on the use of these substances. Read the HSS Journal systematic review: Emerging Use of BPC-157 in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: A Systematic Review.

In this episode of HSS Presents, host Dr. James Robinson is joined by sports medicine physician Dr. Ashley Austin to debunk common myths surrounding exercise during pregnancy. Drawing from her professional expertise and personal experience, Dr. Austin explains why outdated advice to simply "do less" is being replaced by evidence-based recommendations highlighting the benefits of combined aerobic and strength training. The conversation explores practical modifications using perceived exertion instead of heart rate, the safety of continued core and resistance training, and critical warning signs to monitor. Highlighting specialized resources like the HSS Perinatal Wellness Center, this episode is an empowering guide for expecting mothers looking to safely embrace movement as medicine.

Why is Tommy John surgery suddenly everywhere, even among 11-year-olds? On this episode of HSS Presents, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Josh Dines, sports medicine specialist Dr. James "Beamer" Carr, and physical therapist Terrance Sgroi dig into the UCL injury epidemic fueled by baseball's obsession with velocity, and how they diagnose it using exam techniques and the elbow-stressing "FEVER" MRI view. They break down when surgery is truly necessary versus when conservative treatment has a real shot, plus the murky world of PRP and stem cells. They cover the evolution of the surgery itself, from Frank Jobe's original 1974 procedure to today's bone-preserving docking technique, and why modern rehab timelines have gotten longer, not shorter, to safely return high-velocity throwers to the mound.

In this episode of HSS Presents, residents Dr. Mark Megerian and Dr. Austin Kaidi host an insightful conversation with HSS orthopedic trauma surgeon Dr. Aleksey Dvorzhinskiy to explore the vital role of mentorship in surgical training. Dr. Dvorzhinskiy reflects on the ideological frameworks passed down by his own influential mentors, focusing on the core pillars of being morally incorruptible, pursuing technical excellence, and suppressing ego in the operating room. The panel dives into the nuances of surgical instruction, discussing how effective mentors distinguish between "tough love" and encouragement based on a resident's intrinsic motivation. Blending perspectives from a junior resident, a chief resident, and an attending, this episode offers a thoughtful roadmap on how to actively engage as a mentee and successfully transition into a surgical leader.

In this episode of HSS Presents, orthopedic resident Dr. Tyler Khilnani sits down with Dr. Samuel A. Taylor, a sports medicine orthopedic surgeon at HSS and associate team physician for the New York Giants. Drawing from his own background as a former Harvard varsity football player, Dr. Taylor pulls back the curtain on the intense, year-round responsibilities of caring for elite athletes. From navigating the high-stakes environment of the NFL Combine to managing evolving game-day injuries on the sidelines, he highlights the critical role of communication in a multidisciplinary sports medicine team. Ultimately, Dr. Taylor discusses the balancing act between clinical practice, resident education, and family life, offering invaluable advice for trainees aspiring to enter the field of team coverage.