HSS Presents

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 Austin explains why outdated advice to simply "do less" is being replaced by evidence-based recommendations highlighting the benefits of combined aerobic and strength training.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.

In this episode of HSS Presents, orthopedic surgery resident Dr. Mark Megerian sits down with Dr. Mark Figgie, a hip and knee replacement surgeon who has spent four decades at HSS advising residents, fellows, and attendings as they transition to practice. Dr. Figgie shares practical guidance on evaluating a first job, from leveraging the HSS alumni network and vetting potential partners to reading the fine print on buy-in structures, non-compete clauses, and malpractice tail coverage. They also discuss how to negotiate for specific technology, approach salary conversations without alienating a prospective employer, and weigh private versus academic career paths.

In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Peter Sculco sits down with colleague Dr. Alberto Carli, a specialist in hip and knee arthroplasty and infection, to discuss the current state and future of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). They cover the evolving diagnostic landscape, indications for DAIR versus implant removal, and the key elements of a high-quality debridement, including antiseptic solutions and the growing role of intraosseous vancomycin. For surgeons managing these challenging cases or looking to standardize their infection protocol, this is essential listening.

In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Evelyn Murphy joins Dr. S. Robert Rozbruch to discuss a complex case involving a quadrilateral amputee seeking mobility solutions after post-sepsis limb loss; the case was published in the March 2026 issue of "Grand Rounds from HSS: Management of Complex Cases." The discussion highlights the potential of osseointegration limb replacement for patients struggling with traditional socket fit, short residual limbs, and poor soft tissue envelopes. Dr. Rozbruch details the patient selection process, a multi-phase rehabilitation protocol involving gradual loading, and the improvements in proprioception and daily endurance. Touching on surgical innovations like custom 3D-printed implants and concurrent nerve reconstructions, this episode provides a fascinating look at how bone-anchored prosthetics are redefining independence and quality of life for amputees. Read more about the case: HSS Library Link

This podcast was originally broadcast on and is the intellectual property of The AOFAS Orthopod-Cast. In this episode of the AOFAS Orthopod-Cast, co-hosts Dr. Matthew Conti and Dr. Joseph Park sit down with Dr. Martin O'Malley to investigate the alarming spike in Achilles tendon ruptures among NBA players. The group explores the impact of single-sport specialization and year-round training on tendon health, while debating the merits of operative versus non-operative care for elite and recreational athletes. Dr. O'Malley shares his rationale for preferring open surgical repair to maximize tension and outlines his specific rehab protocols, including the use of slant boards to prevent atrophy. This conversation offers essential insights for surgeons and sports enthusiasts seeking to understand the mechanics behind these career-altering injuries and the path to optimal recovery.

Chronic pain that doesn't respond to medications or surgery can feel like a dead end, but for some patients, spinal cord stimulation offers a path forward. In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Jeffrey Ciccone sits down with pain specialists Dr. Seth Waldman and Dr. Vladimir Kramskiy to break down how neurostimulation works, who it's right for, and what the latest science says about targeting the dorsal column versus the dorsal root ganglion. From the gate control theory of the 1960s to today's burst and high-frequency waveforms, they explore both the promise and the honest limitations of this evolving technology — and why patient selection makes all the difference.

In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Jeffrey Ciccone sits down with Dr. Heidi Prather to explore the vital difference between lifespan (how long you live) and healthspan (how long you stay healthy). As the founder of the HSS Lifestyle Medicine Program, Dr. Prather breaks down the six pillars of a healthy lifestyle—including nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management—and how they reduce harmful inflammation in the body. The conversation explains how everyday habits can help treat joint pain, reverse type 2 diabetes, and help patients recover faster and safer from surgery. With practical advice on tracking your health and using pain as a motivation for change, this episode offers a clear look at how lifestyle choices can dramatically improve your long-term mobility and well-being.

In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Matt Conti sits down with Dr. A. Holly Johnson to discuss the rapid progress and clinical benefits of minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery. The conversation explores how percutaneous techniques utilizing specialized burrs lead to smaller incisions, reduced soft tissue damage, and significantly faster recovery times for patients. Dr. Johnson candidly shares her own learning curve and highlights the most impactful minimally invasive procedures in her practice, from calcaneal osteotomies to bunion corrections and first MTP fusions. Balancing enthusiasm with caution, the experts also debate the complexities of the MIS Lapidus and lesser toe procedures, offering practical advice for surgeons looking to incorporate these game-changing techniques into their own practice.

In this episode, interventional spine physician Dr. Abhishek Gupta and spine surgeon Dr. Matthew Cunningham team up to tackle the tricky diagnosis and management of axial low back pain. They break down how to spot the differences between muscle issues, disc problems, and facet joint pain, using simple clues like whether a patient hurts more while standing or sitting. The duo also chats about why MRIs don't always tell the whole story and why diagnostic blocks can be a game-changer for pinpointing the source of pain. From conservative rehab and radiofrequency ablation to surgery, they outline a collaborative approach to finding patients lasting relief.

In this episode of HSS Presents, physical therapist Snehal Patel sits down with Dr. Riley Williams, Chief of the Sports Medicine Institute at HSS, and Michael Chronert from DARI Motion to talk about the future of motion capture in patient care. They discuss how DARI’s AI-driven tech is changing the game by offering a quick, markerless way to analyze movement without needing a full biomechanics lab. Dr. Williams explains how swapping manual exams for this kind of objective data—measuring things like limb symmetry and loading—leads to smarter "return to sport" decisions. It’s a great look at how the field is moving from simple observation to high-tech precision to get athletes back in the game safely.

In this episode of HSS Presents, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Peter K. Sculco sits down with Dr. Fernando Quevedo-González, PhD, to demystify the world of computational modeling and its transformative impact on joint reconstruction. They explore how technologies like finite element analysis allow researchers to break down complex physics into manageable pieces to predict how implants will interact with a patient's unique bone structure. The discussion highlights a future where AI-driven solvers and data from wearable tech could provide surgeons with real-time guidance on the optimal alignment and fixation for every individual. This episode is a must-listen for surgeons and engineers interested in how "digital twins" and predictive analytics are moving from the research lab to the operating room to improve outcomes in complex hip and knee surgeries.

In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Carlo Milani is joined by occupational hand therapist Dr. Aviva Wolff to uncover the unique musculoskeletal demands placed on musicians. The discussion challenges the traditional medical approach to vague overuse injuries, advocating instead for a holistic framework that treats musicians as high-performance athletes. From analyzing the biomechanics of instrument positioning to "micro-dosing" rest and correcting scapular instability, Dr. Wolff shares her evidence-based strategies for prevention and longevity. Ideal for providers and performers alike, this episode provides a roadmap for managing the intense physical endurance required for a life in music.

In this episode of HSS Presents, rheumatologist Dr. Caroline Siegel is joined by HSS colleagues Dr. Lisa Sammaritano and Dr. Jane Salmon to discuss managing pregnancy for patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. They emphasize that most patients have successful pregnancies, but conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) carry greater risks, including preeclampsia and placental insufficiency. Successful outcomes rely on preconception planning, which includes achieving quiescent disease for about six months on pregnancy-compatible medications and screening for antibodies. Dr. Salmon also shares exciting clinical trial results using a TNF inhibitor to improve pregnancy outcomes in high-risk APS patients.

In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Melody Hrubes, the medical director of the HSS Performing Arts Collaborative, speaks with physical therapist Alyson Mackay about specialized assessment and treatment for dancers. They utilize DARI (Dynamic Athlete Research Institute), a marker-free 3D motion capture analysis, to assess strength and movement patterns in functional and dance-specific movements. Other specialized tools include force plates for measuring even weight-bearing during jumps and the Kinvent dynamometer for objective strength assessments like the hamstring-to-quadriceps ratio. The episode highlights injury prevention, the value of cross-training (like Pilates), and specialized concussion goggles to guide return-to-turn and dance after injury.

In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Josh Bram speaks with orthopedic surgeons Dr. Peter Fabricant and Dr. Daniel Green about ACL reconstruction in skeletally immature athletes. They explain why traditional techniques risk growth plate injury and discuss specialized physeal-sparing procedures, including the modified MacIntosh IT band technique and all-epiphyseal reconstructions. The conversation highlights patient selection, imaging strategies, and graft choices that reduce re-injury rates while protecting long-term knee health. With insights from large multicenter studies and decades of pediatric sports medicine experience, the experts share best practices for safely returning young athletes to play.

In this episode of HSS Presents, orthopedic resident Dr. Austin Kaidi speaks with sports medicine physician Dr. Jordan Metzl about using social media to authentically market a medical practice. Dr. Metzl traces his journey from early digital outreach to building the IronStrength community and offers insights on developing a credible online presence, engaging patients responsibly, and balancing traditional and digital media. The discussion covers professionalism, authenticity, and the risks of oversharing or product endorsement. Listeners will learn how young physicians can use social platforms to share evidence-based messages, build community, and strengthen their personal and professional brands.