Genes and Your Health Series: Colon Cancer

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. Guest: Edward V. Loftus JR, M.D. Inflammatory Bowel Disease is somewhat of an umbrella term for a group of chronic inflammatory conditions of the GI tract. The most common types include ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s Disease. While there are similarities between the two, there are also differences. For many individuals with inflammatory bowel disease, it’s only a mild illness. Unfortunately for some, it can lead to severe disability and potentially life-threatening complications. What are the similarities and differences between ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s? When should we suspect a patient has an inflammatory bowel disease? What’s the best way to establish a diagnosis and finally, what treatment options do we have? These are just some of the questions I’ll be asking my guest, Edward V. Loftus JR, M.D., from the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Mayo Clinic as we discuss “Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Its Treatment”. https://ce.mayo.edu/content/mayo-clinic-talks-inflammatory-bowel-disease Connect with us and learn more here: https://ce.mayo.edu/online-education/content/mayo-clinic-podcasts 

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. Guests: David H. Bruining, M.D., and Nayantara Coelho-Prabhu, M.B.B.S. An early diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease is important in preventing long-term complications. Prompt treatment can improve quality of life, reduce the likelihood of hospitalizations, and help maintain remissions. However, establishing a diagnosis is often challenging due to the nonspecific and fluctuating nature of symptoms. Inflammatory bowel disease can also mimic other GI conditions. In addition, diagnostic confirmation usually requires a combination of blood tests, imaging, endoscopy, and histological analysis, making the process both time consuming and complex.  The topic for today's podcast is “Diagnosing Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Monitoring Modalities” and my guests are David H. Bruining, M.D., and Nayantara Coelho-Prabhu, M.B.B.S., from the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Rochester campus of the Mayo Clinic. https://ce.mayo.edu/content/mayo-clinic-talks-inflammatory-bowel-disease   Connect with us and learn more here: https://ce.mayo.edu/online-education/content/mayo-clinic-podcasts   

Host: Denise M. Dupras, M.D., Ph.D. Guest: Melissa Davis, Ph.D., Director of the Institute of Translational Genomic Medicine at Morehouse School of Medicine In this insightful episode, Dr. Melissa Davis delves into the profound influence of genetic ancestry on health outcomes and disparities. Her pioneering work in disparities genomics sheds light on how biological determinants intersect with systemic marginalization to exacerbate cancer health disparities. Dr. Davis discusses groundbreaking research linking ancestry to tumor biology, particularly in breast, prostate, and gynecologic cancers. This episode offers a compelling narrative on the evolving immune system's role in tumor aggressiveness and resistance to standard care, offering a new lens for addressing health inequities. Connect with us and learn more here: https://ce.mayo.edu/online-education/content/mayo-clinic-podcasts 

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. Guests: Jesse D. Bracamonte, D.O., Casey Martinez, Kiyan Heybati If you’re a physician, there are several events during your medical journey that you’ll always remember, receiving your letter of acceptance for medical school, medical school graduation and Match Day. For those of you who aren’t physicians, Match Day is a very exciting day for medical students. It represents the day students learn where they’ll be doing their residency training. It’s a complicated process that uses an algorithm to match students and residency positions. But what happens if a student doesn’t match with a residency program, what are their options? What do residency programs consider when ranking the numerous student candidates?  What are some common mistakes students make during the match process and how can students maximize their chances of matching with one of their top residency choices? These are questions I’ll be asking my guests, Jesse D. Bracamonte, D.O., a family physician and Associate Dean of Student Affairs at the Arizona campus of the Mayo Clinic, as well as Casey Martinez and Kiyan Heybati, both senior medical students from the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine. Our topic of discussion for this podcast will be “Navigating the Match: What Every Medical Student Should Know”. Connect with us and learn more here: https://ce.mayo.edu/online-education/content/mayo-clinic-podcasts

Host: Denise M. Dupras, M.D., Ph.D. Guest: John R. Giudicessi, M.D., Ph.D. Dr. Giudicessi, a leader in cardiovascular genetics and gene therapy research, discusses the latest advancements in understanding and treating genetic arrhythmias and cardiomyopathies. This episode provides a comprehensive look at how genetics is revolutionizing cardiovascular care, empowering physicians to offer more precise, patient-centered treatments. Dr. Giudicessi’s insights underscore the transformative potential of genetic research in improving outcomes for patients with inheritable cardiovascular diseases. Connect with us and learn more here: https://ce.mayo.edu/online-education/content/mayo-clinic-podcasts 

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. Guest: John W. Wilson, M.D. Tuberculosis remains a significant health concern. Globally, in 2023, an estimated 10 million individuals developed active tuberculosis and over one million died of the disease. In the U.S., just under 10, 000 individuals in the U.S. were diagnosed with TB, representing an increase over 2022. While tuberculosis remains a treatable disease, it’s important to suspect and recognize those who may have it. A class 5 tuberculosis case is part of a TB classification system and refers to a suspected tuberculosis infection that requires further investigation. Symptoms may or may not be present and these patients may have an active TB case that could be contagious. This podcast is about class 5 tuberculosis cases, and my guest is infectious disease specialist, John W. Wilson, M.D., from the Mayo Clinic. Connect with us and learn more here: https://ce.mayo.edu/online-education/content/mayo-clinic-podcasts

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. Guests: Mary Lang; Caroline M. Gearin; Nick R. Winder, SPT Students in the various fields of medicine deal with a variety of stresses. Perhaps one of the biggest stresses is getting accepted into their respective school to begin their training. Once enrolled, they’re then provided a large amount of information to be memorized and essentially need to learn a new language. They have pressure to do well on exams and spend countless hours in study or on the wards. Many students deal with financial stresses, often graduating with a tremendous student loan debt. So, what’s life like as a student? How do students deal with these stresses?  What’s the application procedure like and are there ways to increase the chances of getting accepted? Do our schools devote enough time to our students’ wellness and burn-out prevention? These are some of the questions we’ll cover in this podcast as we discuss “Life as a Student”. My three guests are all students in a variety of medical training programs. Mary Lang is a 2nd year medical student at the Mayo Alix School of Medicine after obtaining a degree in biomedical engineering. Caroline Gearin is a 2nd year physician assistant student at the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences and also has a bachelor’s degree in health science. Nick Winder is a 2nd year physical therapy student at the Mayo Clinic physical therapy doctoral program. Connect with us and learn more here: https://ce.mayo.edu/online-education/content/mayo-clinic-podcasts 

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. Guest: Robert L. Scott, M.D., Ph.D. Pulmonary hypertension is an important medical condition and often underrecognized in primary care. It has a variety of causes, and its most common presenting symptom is dyspnea. As primary care clinicians, we often see patients with symptoms of dyspnea and pulmonary hypertension is not a health problem we commonly encounter. Yet, early recognition and diagnosis is important and has major implications for patient outcomes. What are some clues that a patient might have pulmonary hypertension? What are its most common causes and what are the potential complications if it goes unrecognized? These are some of the questions I’ll be asking my guest, Robert L. Scott, M.D., Ph.D., from the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Arizona campus of the Mayo Clinic as we discuss “Pulmonary Hypertension”. ** Course link-- https://ce.mayo.edu/pulmonary-medicine/content/mayo-clinic-pulmonary-hypertension-symposium-2025 **Seats are limited, so visit our website to register now!  Connect with us and learn more here: https://ce.mayo.edu/online-education/content/mayo-clinic-podcasts 

Host: Denise M. Dupras, M.D., Ph.D. Guest: Jewel J. Samadder, M.D., Gastroenterologist and Professor, Mayo Clinic In this episode of Mayo Clinic Talks, Dr. Denise Dupras interviews Dr. Jewel Samadder about colon cancer, with a focus on how genetics and family history influence cancer risk and screening strategies. Dr. Samadder emphasizes empowering primary care providers to identify patients who may benefit from genetic evaluation and early colonoscopy. He encourages clinicians to take thorough family histories and use them to guide screening strategies, helping catch cancer early — or prevent it entirely. Connect with us and learn more here: https://ce.mayo.edu/online-education/content/mayo-clinic-podcasts 

Host: Danielle O’Laughlin, PA-C, MS and Jenna Wygant, APRN, CNP, DNP Guest: Nicole Callahan, APRN, CNP, MS In this episode, along with guest Nicole Callahan, APRN, CNP, MS, we explore reproductive health challenges. Starting with the different types of miscarriage—identifying their unique anatomic changes, symptoms, and outcomes. We will cover the basics of both female and male infertility, including when it’s the ideal time to refer patients for specialized care. Finally, we explore ectopic pregnancy, discussing common locations, risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, and treatment options. By the end of this podcasts, listeners will be able to:  Identify the differences in anatomic changes, symptoms, and outcomes in the types of miscarriage. Understand the basics in female and male infertility and when to refer for more advanced care. Describe an ectopic pregnancy in regard to most common location, risk factors, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. Learn more about this series: Mayo Clinic Talks: Obstetric and Gynecologic Health | Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development Connect and listen with Mayo Clinic Podcasts | Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development