DeepSummary
The interview features Dr. Brian Cole, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in cartilage restoration, orthobiologics, and advanced surgical techniques for treating knee, elbow, and shoulder injuries. He discusses his novel approach to ACL tears, one of the most common sports injuries, and his research on enhancing healing and recovery time after ACL reconstructions. Cole also talks about new advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques and exciting developments in using stem cell treatments and bone marrow aspirate for injuries.
Cole provides an overview of his work at Midwest Orthopaedics and Rush University Medical Center, where he is a professor and manages the Cartilage Research and Restoration Center. He also shares his experiences as the team physician for the Chicago Bulls and co-team physician for the Chicago White Sox, highlighting the challenges and rewards of working with professional athletes.
The interview delves into Cole's philosophy of treating the patient rather than just the X-ray or MRI, emphasizing the importance of understanding the patient's goals, natural history of disease, and exploring non-surgical options before surgery. Cole also discusses the potential of stem cell treatments, regenerative therapies, and using autologous tissue to enhance healing and reduce complications.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Dr. Brian Cole emphasizes a holistic approach to treating patients, focusing on understanding their goals, natural history of disease, and exploring non-surgical options before considering surgery.
- Cole is a pioneer in the field of orthobiologics, investigating the use of stem cells, bone marrow aspirate, and autologous tissue to enhance healing and reduce complications in orthopedic procedures.
- As a team physician for the Chicago Bulls and co-team physician for the Chicago White Sox, Cole has unique insights into managing injuries in professional athletes and navigating the complex dynamics involved.
- Cole's research focuses on novel approaches to common injuries like ACL tears, aiming to improve healing, recovery time, and long-term outcomes for patients.
- Minimally invasive surgical techniques and cartilage restoration are areas of expertise for Cole, who is at the forefront of developing new treatments for degenerative joint diseases and cartilage defects.
- Cole emphasizes the importance of responsible and evidence-based application of emerging treatments like stem cell therapies, cautioning against unrealistic public perceptions and unsubstantiated claims.
- As a professor and the head of the Cartilage Research and Restoration Center at Rush University Medical Center, Cole is involved in educating the next generation of orthopedic surgeons and advancing scientific research.
- Cole's approach to medicine is shaped by his belief in treating patients as individuals, understanding their concerns, and providing education and reassurance throughout the treatment process.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “The reality is, it's not nearly a competitive enough major. So I doubled major with biology, which was far more typical and a little less risk in terms of what goes on when you start to apply to medical school.“ by Brian Cole
- “There was this concept of technology over reason that he really considered when evaluating patients. And he felt that there was just an enormous amount of sort of medical paternalism in our world.“ by Brian Cole
- “Unfortunately, public perception has been the billboard on the side of the road where it shows an X-ray with bone on bone arthritis. And after they've had, quote, regenerative therapy, they see that the joint space has been recreated. You can just fly on American Airlines and pick up the airlines magazine and see the same thing. And the challenge here is fact from fiction.“ by Brian Cole
- “The reverse replacement, where the ball, if you will, is placed on the socket and the socket is placed on the humeral side, is a biomechanical operation that obviates the need to have a functioning rotator cuff and provides a stable joint replacement that leads to pain relief and functional return, probably more reliably than any other procedure I do in the body.“ by Brian Cole
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Episode Information
STEM-Talk
Dawn Kernagis and Ken Ford
6/28/23