Same Surgeon Different Light Podcast
Same Surgeon Different Light Podcast
Podcast Description
In this podcast series, we demystify cardiothoracic surgery by revealing the men and women behind their surgical masks. Hosts David Tom Cooke, MD, and Thomas K. Varghese Jr., MD, interview CT surgeons at every career stage about the obstacles, triumphs, tradeoffs, and pivotal moments that have shaped their careers. The guests offer powerful, candid stories that are funny, fascinating, heartfelt, and inspiring.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The series delves into various themes related to cardiothoracic surgery, featuring topics like career challenges, personal stories, and work-life balance. For example, an episode highlights Dr. Andrea Wolf's experiences as a single mom and a surgeon, while discussions also cover pivotal moments in guests' careers and their unique paths to success.

In this podcast series, we demystify cardiothoracic surgery by revealing the men and women behind their surgical masks. Hosts Cherie Erkmen, MD, and Sara Pereira, MD, interview CT surgeons at every career stage about the obstacles, triumphs, tradeoffs, and pivotal moments that have shaped their careers. The guests offer powerful, candid stories that are funny, fascinating, heartfelt, and inspiring.
In the Season 6 premiere episode, live from STS 2026, host Dr. Sara Pereira and guest co-host Dr. Fatima Wilder sit down with Dr. Doug Wood, who shares his extraordinary journey—from growing up on a farm in rural Michigan in a family that valued education, to attending the National Science Foundation Summer Science Program at Purdue University, to becoming a national champion rower at Harvard, and ultimately serving as a division chief, department chair, and leader in lung cancer surgery and advocacy. It’s a fascinating conversation, as he reflects on his career with humility and self-deprecating humor.

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