The Hernia Gods Podcast

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In this episode, Dr. Luke Elms speaks with Dr. Marta Bućaj, an abdominal wall surgeon from Poznań, Poland, about her journey into hernia surgery, the challenges of practicing with limited resources and support, and the emotional realities of being a surgeon and a mother.
Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not serve as a representation of or necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of any of our employers.

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On this episode of the Hernia Gods Podcast, Dr. Luke Elms sits down with Dr. Salvatore Docimo to explore what drives a surgeon to take on the cases others won’t.
From complex abdominal wall reconstruction and the rise of robotics to the mindset, work ethic, and experiences that shaped his career, this is a candid conversation about pushing boundaries and tackling the toughest hernia cases.
If you want to know what it takes to become the surgeon everyone calls when the case gets difficult, you won’t want to miss this episode.
Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not serve as a representation of or necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of any of our employers.

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On this episode of the Hernia Gods Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Andrea Pakula, a surgeon specializing in robotic surgery, complex hernia repair, and abdominal wall reconstruction. Dr. Pakula shares her journey from trauma and acute care surgery to developing her expertise in hernia surgery and minimally invasive techniques. 
We discuss the robotic learning curve, pushing the boundaries of traditional surgical approaches, learning from complications, and the importance of tailoring each repair to the individual patient. Dr. Pakula also shares insights on mentorship, innovation, and the lessons that have shaped her approach to surgery and patient care. 
Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not serve as a representation of or necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of any of our employers.

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In this episode of the Hernia Gods Podcast, Dr. Luke Elms sits down with Dr. Philip George, Assistant Professor of Surgery at Columbia University Medical Center, to talk about his unconventional journey into medicine, surgery, and ultimately the world of hernia.
From discovering surgery through mentors like Dr. Brian Jacob and Dr. Igor Belyansky, to navigating fellowship during the COVID-19 pandemic and making the leap from private practice to academic surgery — Philip shares the experiences and people that helped shape his career.
A great conversation about mentorship, finding your path, and paying it forward.
Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not serve as a representation of or necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of any of our employers.

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In this special episode of the Hernia Gods Podcast, Dr. Luke Elms, takes listeners behind the scenes to share the story of how the podcast began and the purpose behind it. Luke talks about his own experiences with imposter syndrome, the inspiration he found at the American Hernia Society conference, and why he believes even the most respected surgeons are ultimately “mere mortals” facing many of the same challenges.
He also discusses the importance of community, mentorship, balancing surgery and family, and creating a space where surgeons can have honest conversations beyond the operating room. 
Luke also drops a sneak peek at something new coming to the Hernia Gods Podcast…
 You’ll have to listen to find out!
Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast belong solely to the hosts and guests, and do not serve as a representation of or necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Orlando Health or any of our employers.