Advance with MUSC Health

Eye problems, while often benign, can sometimes be the first sign of a serious health condition. Peter Tang, MD, PhD, is an ophthalmologist at the MUSC Health Storm Eye Institute, where he specializes in retina surgery and ocular oncology, or cancer in and around the eye. In this episode, Dr. Tang discusses Storm Eye’s collaborative and holistic approach to eye care, the latest innovations in treating ocular oncology, and the connection between eye health and overall health.

Breast cancer survival rates are higher than they’ve ever been. For patients requiring surgery, high-quality breast reconstruction that is both aesthetic and safe can be crucial to long-term well-being. Advances in technology and surgical techniques at MUSC are leading to more natural options for reconstruction, allowing women to look and feel more like themselves following surgery. Joining the show is Dr. Andrea Abbott, a surgical oncologist at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. She specializes in advanced surgical techniques for breast cancer patients that improve cosmetic outcomes without compromising care.

We are marking Colon Cancer Awareness Month with a valuable discussion about the importance of early detection of colorectal cancer as well as the latest treatments that can offer hope and improved outcomes for patients. In this episode, two colorectal surgeons from MUSC Health Midlands division, Dr. Kasim Mirza and Dr. Jarrott Moore, discuss MUSC’s multidisciplinary approach and full spectrum of treatment options for patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the Midlands Division.

Colorectal cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in the world. While older Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, it has been on the rise in people under the age of 50 in recent decades. In this episode, Dr. Maggie Westfal discusses details on new screening recommendations aimed to catch the disease in younger people. Dr. Maggie Westfal is a MUSC Health colon and rectal surgeon and a member of the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center.

Spine issues, which often result in neck, mid-back, or low-back pain, can make every day a challenge. In fact, spine-related pain is one of the most common reasons people contact a doctor. In this episode, MUSC Health neurosurgeon Adam Back, MD, shares new approaches and personalized treatment plans available to MUSC patients with spinal issues. Dr. Back talks about surgical and non-surgical ways to alleviate back and neck problems, which can also improve your overall quality of life.

More women are surviving breast cancer than ever before yet, the statistic remains that breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. In this episode, Dr. Abi Siva, a MUSC Health breast oncologist, explains the latest offerings in treatment and early detection from MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, that are helping more women live longer, healthier lives after a breast cancer diagnosis.

Pancreatic cancer is among the deadliest of cancers. But in the last few decades, far more people are surviving this disease. In this episode, William Hawkins, MD, a surgical oncologist at MUSC Health, explains why pancreatic cancer is so difficult to treat while also providing hope for those who may be undergoing treatment. Hawkins also highlights the role of cancer research in saving lives, including cutting-edge therapies being developed at MUSC Health. As the new Deputy Director of MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, Hawkins aims to bring more research developments to patients through translational science and clinical trials.

An innovator and expert in both robotic surgery and general surgical education, Kevin Roggin, MD, was recently appointed Chief of Surgical Oncology at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. He brings more than 20 years of experience in surgical oncology to his new role. Roggin shares his vision for the division, his views on patient-centered care in surgical oncology, and how robotics may enhance many complex surgical oncology procedures.

Dysphagia is a swallowing condition that causes challenges when eating or drinking and can lead to serious complications such as choking or pneumonia infections caused by aspiration. In this episode, Erin Ward, a speech language pathologist from the MUSC Health Florence Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, talks about this condition and treatments offered at MUSC Health.

MUSC Hollings Cancer Center is establishing a new precision oncology program and a precision oncology tumor board that will improve cancer care across South Carolina. Thai Ho, MD, PhD is leading this effort and in this episode shares insight into precision oncology offerings at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, the precision oncology tumor board, as well as his expertise in treating and studying kidney cancer.