Clinician's Roundtable

Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Brennan Spiegel, MD, MSHS With colorectal cancer screening rates still lagging, blood-based liquid biopsy tests are emerging as a promising strategy to improve adherence, especially among those reluctant to undergo traditional screening methods. However, these tests come with some challenges that may limit their real-world effectiveness. Joining Dr. Charles Turck to discuss these potential benefits and barriers is Dr. Brennan Spiegel, a Professor of Medicine in Public Health and the Director of Health Services Research at Cedar-Sinai in Los Angeles.

Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Samuel Muench, MD With colorectal cancer screening rates still falling short of national goals, new strategies are gaining attention—particularly blood-based tests. A recent modeling study compared this emerging tool to other options like stool-based testing and colonoscopy, exploring its potential as a colorectal cancer screening method and barriers to its adoption. Joining Dr. Charles Turck to break down the study and discuss the role of blood-based screening tests in shaping the colorectal cancer screening landscape is Dr. Samuel Muench. Dr. Muench is a board-certified and fellowship-trained gastroenterologist at Capital Digestive Care in Washington, DC.

Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Jane McElroy, PhD Guest: Jean Wang, MD, PhD Guest: Nuha Wareg, MPH, MBBS Colorectal cancer screening remains underutilized across several underserved populations, including racial minorities and rural communities. That’s why Dr. Charles Turck speaks with Drs. Jane McElroy, Jean Wang, and Nuha Wareg to learn about practical, evidence-based strategies we can implement to improve screening uptake, reduce disparities, and promote high-quality, equitable care. Dr. McElroy is a Professor in the University of Missouri’s Family and Community Medicine Department and the Co-Director of its Rural Health Research Center, Dr. Wang is a Professor of Medicine and Surgery in the Division of Gastroenterology at Washington University School of Medicine, and Dr. Wareg serves as a Practice Facilitator for the Missouri Partnership to Improve Colorectal Cancer Screening program at the University of Missouri.

Guest: Jessica Shull, PhD Guest: Joshua Solomon, MD Host: Ryan Quigley Patients with pulmonary fibrosis often face anxiety and emotional distress that go unadressed during their care. Given this unmet need, a digital cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) platform was designed to support emotional wellbeing alonside medical treatment. Mr. Ryan Quigley sits down with Drs. Jessica Shull and Joshua Solomon, who presented at the 2025 American Thoracic Society International Conference to explore how this platform may enhance quality of life, support therapy adherence, and integrate into routine care. Dr. Shull is the Director of Digital Health and a Clinical Science Liaison at Vicore Pharma, and Dr. Solomon is a Professor of Medicine in Pulmonary Care and the Director of the Interstitial Lung Disease Program at National Jewish Health.

Guest: Divya Shankar, MD A recent study investigated whether pulse-dose corticosteroids offer a benefit over lower doses in managing acute exacerbations of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Join Dr. Divya Shankar as she explains the real-world data, variability in prescribing patterns, and outcomes observed in different levels of care. Divya Shankar is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine as well as a Pulmonary and Critical Care Physician at Boston Medical Center, and she spoke about this topic at the 2025 American Thoracic Society International Conference.

Guest: Daniel Paul Vena, PhD A recent study explored whether lateral wall collapse can predict hypoglossal nerve stimulation efficacy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Join Dr. Daniel Vena as he explains the findings from this research and areas for future explanation. Dr. Vena is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, and he spoke about this topic at the 2025 American Thoracic Society International Conference.

Guest: Isabel Bazan, MD, BA As race-neutral reference equations have become the standard in pulmonary function tests (PFTs), a recent study explored the potential impact of this change on diagnosis and treatment of severe asthma. Join Dr. Isabel Bazan as she dives into the data and explains its implications for patient categorization and access to care. Dr. Bazan is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Yale School of Medicine, and she spoke about this topic at the 2025 American Thoracic Society International Conference.

Guest: Ihtisham Ahmad Preclinical findings in animal models have shown that activating cannibinoid receptors can shrink prostate tumors in animal models. To explore whether these effects translate to human populations, a recent study examined a potential link between cannabis use and the development of prostate cancer. Hear from Ihtisham Ahmad, a fourth-year medical student at the University of Toronto, as he explains the methodology and findings from his research, which he presented at the American Urological Association 2025 Annual Meeting.

Host: Brian P. McDonough, MD, FAAFP Guest: Carolyn Rutter, PhD Guest: Gloria Coronado, PhD Colorectal cancer screening strategies have significantly evolved in recent years, with noninvasive options like stool and blood-based tests explored for their potential to boost adherence. Drs. Gloria Coronado and Carolyn Rutter join Dr. Brian McDonough to evaluate how these methods compare to traditional colonoscopy in terms of cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and their ability to overcome screening barriers, particularly in underserved populations. Dr. Coronado is a Professor of Epidemiology and the Associate Director of Population Science for the University of Arizona Cancer Center, and Dr. Rutter is a Professor in the Biostatistics Program and Principal Investigator for a Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network team at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center.

Guest: Mutahar Ahmed, MD Optimizing urinary diversion and continence techniques is essential for improving patient outcomes and quality of life following surgery. Join Dr. Mutahar Ahmed as he provides expert guidance on improving success in conduits and neobladders in the operating room and beyond. Dr. Ahmed is the Director of the Center for Bladder Cancer at Hackensack University Medical Center as well as a Professor of Urology and the Director of the Minimal Invasive Robotic Oncology and Urology Fellowship Program at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. He also presented on this topic at the 2025 American Urological Association Annual Meeting.

Guest: Wayne Kuang, MD In an exciting time for diagnostics and therapeutics in urology, the discussions at the American Urological Association’s 2025 Annual Meeting are redefining the landscape of men’s health. Dr. Wayne Kuang, CEO of MD for Men in Albuquerque and Founder of the ManVsProstate campaign, highlights some of the most anticipated topics at this year’s conference, including prioritizing early intervention, preserving vitality, and expanding the focus beyond the prostate to protect the bladder.

Guest: Wayne Kuang, MD The 2025 American Urology Association Annual Meeting promises to unite the global urology community across six continents around transformative education, game-changing trials, and a renewed focus on patient-centered care. Dr. Wayne Kuang, CEO of MD for Men in Albuquerque and Founder of the ManVsProstate campaign, dives into what makes this year’s conference truly exciting.

Guest: Wayne Kuang, MD Holistic health, fearless thinking, and proactive choices can be transformative in urological health. Dr. Wayne Kuang, CEO of MD for Men in Albuquerque and Founder of the ManVsProstate campaign, explores how we can create a future that works for everyone in the realm of urology.

Host: Peter Buch, MD, FACG, AGAF, FACP Guest: Michael Dougherty, MD Rural populations face unique challenges in accessing colorectal cancer screening, leaving many patients in these communities unscreened. However, mailed fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) may help address these barriers and improve adherence. Joining Dr. Peter Buch to discuss the benefits and limitations associated with FIT and its potential impact on the colorectal cancer screening landscape is Dr. Michael Dougherty. Dr. Dougherty is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine.

Host: Peter Buch, MD, FACG, AGAF, FACP Guest: A. Mark Fendrick, MD Colorectal cancer screening saves lives—but how do common methods like colonoscopy and non-invasive screening methods compare in their environmental effects? With the healthcare sector being responsible for over four percent of the global carbon footprint, researchers are looking into more environmentally friendly options that can still provide optimal outcomes for patients. Dr. Peter Buch sits down with Dr. Mark Fendrick to examine the carbon footprint of available colorectal cancer screening strategies and explore how a shift to noninvasive options could offer promising clinical and environmental impacts. Dr. Fendrick is a Professor of Internal Medicine and Health Management and Policy at the University of Michigan.

Host: Brian P. McDonough, MD, FAAFP Guest: Sheila Reddy, MD Guest: Carol M. Antequera, DMSc, PA-C When treating patients with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D), primary care providers have a variety of pharmacologic or behavioral options to choose from. Creating a personalized, integrative care plan can help address symptoms and maintain patient well-being. Join Dr. Brian McDonough, Dr. Sheila Reddy, and Ms. Carol Antequera as they share their perspectives on individualizing IBS-D care and facilitating communication with patients. Dr. Reddy is a board-certified gastroenterologist at Austin Gastroenterology in Texas, and Ms. Antequera is a physician assistant specializing in gastroenterology at the University of Miami Health System in Florida. Salix Pharmaceuticals400 Somerset Corporate Blvd.Bridgewater, NJ 08807© 2025 Salix Pharmaceuticals or its affiliates. MED-US-NPR-0060

Guest: Bilal Chughtai, MD Advancements in diagnostics and treatment have led to enhanced personalized care for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and overactive bladder (OAB). Minimally invasive treatments have the potential to replace medication for BPH, while a greater focus on bladder health can help differentiate the two conditions and improve outcomes. Learn how these advances are shaping BPH and OAB management with Dr. Bilal Chughtai, Chief of Urology at Plainview Hospital and Associate Professor of Urology at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.

Guest: Atul A. Deodhar, MD, MRCP Based on data from 25 studies, ixekizumab has a lower risk of common adverse events like depression, cardiovascular events, cancer, and uveitis that are often seen with other treatments for psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and axial spondyloarthritis. Here to share the safety findings on ixekizumab is Dr. Atul Deodhar, Professor of Medicine and the Medical Director of Rheumatology Clinics at Oregon Health & Science University

Guest: Katrina Abuabara, MD, FAAD Phototherapy, biologics, and JAK inhibitors can all play a role in atopic dermatitis treatment, but it’s essential to consider patient-specific factors before choosing one of these options. Dr. Katrina Abuabara, Associate Professor of Dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, explains how we should approach these decisions when caring for patients with atopic dermatitis. Dr. Abuabara also spoke on this topic at the 2025 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting.

Guest: Vernon K. Sondak, MD Melanoma treatment has undergone a rapid evolution. Immunotherapy has doubled survival rates, and timing the use of these drugs around surgery has shown to be even more effective. Dr. Vernon Sondak explores how the fight against melanoma is stronger than ever with new therapeutic combinations and evolving treatment strategies. Dr. Sondak is the Chair of the Department of Cutaneous Oncology at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute in Tampa, Florida.