The latest HIV cure research: Destroying a virus that hides (Guest: Mario Stevenson, Ph.D.)
After more than four decades of investigation, scientists may be on the precipice of finding a cure for HIV, a virus that currently can be reduced to undetectable levels in the body but not completely eradicated. Although HIV can be suppressed using antiretroviral therapy (ART), it cannot yet be cured. This is because the virus integrates itself into host cells and may become dormant but remains ready to emerge from the cell reservoirs when ART stops. Thus, individuals with HIV require lifelong adherence to medication.
/podcast/inside-umiami-medicine/2023/the-latest-hiv-cure-research-destroying-a-virus-that-hidesStem cell-derived islet cell therapy promising for type 1 diabetes (Guest: Matthias G. von Herrath)
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) has long posed significant challenges for patients and researchers alike. But now, microscopic clusters of organisms are providing a glimmer of hope. Emerging as a new frontier in T1D treatment, stem cell-derived islet cell therapy is a novel approach that may revolutionize the lives of patients with this chronic disease. “The hope is that this can make a real difference by replacing damaged cells with lab-generated human islet-like cell clusters that produce normal amounts of insulin on demand,” said Matthias von Herrath, M.D., Scientific director of the Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
/podcast/inside-umiami-medicine/2023/stem-cell-derived-islet-cell-therapy-promising-for-type-1-diabetesMastering medical school: Insights from two chief residents (Guests: Sarah Sukkar, M.D., and Josh Kronenfeld, M.D.)
The path to medicine is a remarkable journey, marked by challenges, triumphs and pivotal decision-making. In the latest edition of “Inside U Miami Medicine,” two chief residents, Sarah Sukkar, M.D., and Josh Kronenfeld, M.D., open up about excelling in medical school, choosing a specialty, surviving the couples match, getting involved in community outreach and more. Listen to this fascinating episode, guest hosted by Amar Deshpande, M.D., association dean for medical education.
/podcast/inside-umiami-medicine/2023/mastering-medical-school-insights-from-two-chief-residentsA new era in type 1 diabetes treatment (Guest: Matthias G. von Herrath)
Could insulin dependency be a burden of the past for patients with type 1 diabetes? Matthias von Herrath, M.D., scientific director of the Diabetes Research Institute, is hopeful. Dr. von Herrath joined Inside U Miami Medicine to share how he and his teams are working on the ultimate T1D moonshot: To restore or preserve natural insulin production and normalize blood sugar levels without imposing other risks that accompany immune suppression. In episode one of this two-part conversation, Dr. von Herrath reviews the current understandings of the pathogenesis of T1D and describes the mechanisms of the first FDA-approved treatment for delaying T1D for those at risk: Tzield (teplizumab-mzwv), an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody.
/podcast/inside-umiami-medicine/2023/a-new-era-in-type-1-diabetes-treatmentThe evolving culture of academic medicine and higher education (Guest: Alison Mincey, J.D.)
The culture of academia is a dynamic and multifaceted tapestry, characterized by an intricate interplay of innovation, tradition and societal changes. In this episode of “Inside U Miami Medicine,” Alison Mincey, J.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for the University of Miami, UHealth and the Miller School of Medicine, explores this dynamic and sheds light on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Mincey points out that all industries are in an era of rapid change and leaders are grappling with complex issues like burnout, mental well-being, technology shifts and remote work.
/podcast/inside-umiami-medicine/2023/the-evolving-culture-of-academic-medicine-and-higher-educationA cancer doctor embraces vulnerability in healing (Guest: Mikkael A. Sekeres, M.D., M.S.)
When physicians haven’t be trained to tackle a disease, how do they provide the best care for patients? In the face of long COVID, medical practitioners are finding themselves at a crossroads, grappling with how to effectively treat patients. Both patients and health care providers continue to navigate the complexities of this condition, including ambiguous definitions, varying medical opinions and symptoms that overlap with a multitude of other illnesses.
/podcast/inside-umiami-medicine/2023/a-cancer-doctor-embraces-vulnerability-in-healingHarnessing the amazing power of stem cells (Guest: Joshua M. Hare, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.A.H.A.)
What if doctors could mitigate the impact of strokes by regenerating neurological pathways? How about reducing the need for heart transplants, while simultaneously improving lung function? According to Dr. Joshua Hare, it all boils down to harnessing the amazing power of stem cells. On the latest episode of Inside U Miami Medicine, Dr. Hare – who is the director of the Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine – shares groundbreaking discoveries in stem cell-based therapy. He and his team are dedicated to studying and leveraging the properties that allow stem cells not only to differentiate into any cell type in the body, but also to reprogram other cells and repair their damaged tissue.
/podcast/inside-umiami-medicine/2023/harnessing-the-amazing-power-of-stem-cellsAnalyzing genetic sequencing to better treat GI diseases (Guest: Dr. Maria Abreu.)
Is mining genetic data the key to identifying susceptibility for GI diseases? Dr. Maria Abreu, director of the Crohn’s and Colitis Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, thinks it might be – particularly for groups that are disproportionately affected by these illnesses. She joined Inside U Miami Medicine to share her work collecting and analyzing the genetics of Hispanic patients to better understand inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in that community. For Dr. Abreu, who grew up in a Cuban family and didn’t learn English until she started school, this work is particularly close to her heart. Tune in to hear more about Dr. Abreu’s journey in medicine, her fascinating research, and her upcoming leadership of the largest gastroenterological association in the U.S. In addition to testing on NFL, Formula 1, and NCAA athletes, the technology was also used to rule out traumatic brain injury in another subset of individuals – U.S. government employees who experienced “Havana Syndrome.” In 2016, embassy employees in Havana reported severe, unexplained health problems, including ear pain, dizziness, and other neurological disturbances. Dr. Hoffer was on the frontlines of this medical mystery that engrossed the world.
/podcast/inside-umiami-medicine/2023/analyzing-genetic-sequencing-to-better-treat-gi-diseasesAI, organoids revolutionize glioblastoma treatment (Guest: Antonio Iavarone)
Antonio Iavarone, M.D., deputy director of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, joined the latest episode of Inside U Miami Medicine to share how he and his team are using a suite of innovative tools, including artificial intelligence (AI) and tumor organoids (also known as patient avatars), to combat these tough-to-tackle tumors.
/podcast/inside-umiami-medicine/2023/ai-organoids-revolutionize-glioblastoma-treatmentA Sleep Scientist on Tech and Rest as a Social Justice Issue (Guest: Azizi A. Seixas, Ph.D.)
While the study of sleep is a relatively new field, researchers over the past two decades have revealed the powerful effects of sleep — or the lack of it — on overall health and well-being. But who are these slumber scientists, who research a realm that begins when their patients slip into a dream state? Meet Azizi Seixas, Ph.D. Dr. Seixas dedicates his career to advancing our knowledge of sleep to improve the health of communities, particularly those that are underserved. She joined Inside U Miami Medicine to share her work collecting and analyzing the genetics of Hispanic patients to better understand inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in that community. For Dr. Abreu, who grew up in a Cuban family and didn’t learn English until she started school, this work is particularly close to her heart. Tune in to hear more about Dr. Abreu’s journey in medicine, her fascinating research, and her upcoming leadership of the largest gastroenterological association in the U.S. In addition to testing on NFL, Formula 1, and NCAA athletes, the technology was also used to rule out traumatic brain injury in another subset of individuals – U.S. government employees who experienced “Havana Syndrome.” In 2016, embassy employees in Havana reported severe, unexplained health problems, including ear pain, dizziness, and other neurological disturbances. Dr. Hoffer was on the frontlines of this medical mystery that engrossed the world.
/podcast/inside-umiami-medicine/2023/a-sleep-scientist-on-tech-and-rest-as-a-social-justice-issue