Same Surgeon Different Light Podcast
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.
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Episodes
2 days ago
2 days ago
Host Dr. Cherie Erkmen speaks with Dr. Tomislav Mihaljevic, cardiothoracic surgeon and CEO & President of the Cleveland Clinic, about his remarkable path from early life in Croatia to surgical training in Zurich and Boston, a journey that reflects the international growth of the Cleveland Clinic itself. Now at the helm of one of the world’s most prestigious healthcare systems, Dr. Mihaljevic shares how his global experiences continue to shape his vision for delivering exceptional care worldwide.
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
Host Dr. Cherie Erkmen sits down with Dr. Lisa Brown, thoracic surgeon at UC Davis Health, to explore the pivotal moments that shaped her unique journey in medicine — from working as a nursing assistant and contemplating PA school, to earning her medical degree and initially leaning toward emergency medicine, before ultimately finding her calling in thoracic surgery. Dr. Brown also shares her clinical passions and dives into the importance of her research in preoperative education and patient-reported outcomes — and why these areas matter so deeply to her.
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Co-hosts Dr. Cherie Erkmen and Dr. Sara Pereira have a fascinating conversation with Dr. Ross Ungerleider, a congenital heart surgeon at University of North Carolina Health, and his wife, Dr. Jamie Ungerleider, an educational psychologist, about their research and personal experiences supporting surgeons and their families, with a particular focus on spousal wellness. Their work emphasizes the importance of addressing the well-being of surgeons' significant others, who often face unique challenges that can impact both their relationships and personal lives.
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
In the latest episode of Same Surgeon, Different Light, live from #STS 2025, co-hosts Drs. Sara Pereira and Cherie Erkmen speak with Dr. Stephen Yang, a professor of surgery and medical oncology at Johns Hopkins University, about how the cardiothoracic specialty can be further diversified through initiatives such as the Looking to the Future Scholarship. They also discuss how providing medical students and residents with mentorship, networking opportunities, and exposure to innovators at the Annual Meeting can inspire more of them to pursue cardiothoracic surgery. You'll also hear about his personal interests and hobbies, as well as how he stays in touch with his very first mentor—his high school biology teacher.
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
Dr. Sara Pereira sits down with Dr. A.J. Carpenter from the University of Texas Health San Antonio to discuss the significance of mentorship—both giving and receiving—and shares valuable insights on how women can navigate challenging professional environments.
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
In the latest episode of Same Surgeon, Different Light, new co-host Dr. Cherie Erkmen explores the inspiring story of Dr. Andrea Wolf, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Mount Sinai Hospital who is also a single mom. Dr. Wolf shares the challenges and rewards of balancing her career with motherhood, highlighting how her son has influenced both her professional and personal life. Tune in to hear about her unique career path and the personal growth she has experienced along the way.
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
In the season premiere of Same Surgeon, Different Light, new co-hosts Dr. Cherie Erkmen and Dr. Sara Pereira sit down with Dr. David T. Cooke, professor in the Division of General Thoracic Surgery at UC Davis Health, and Dr. Thomas Varghese, professor and section chief of General Thoracic Surgery at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Together, they reflect on the surprising and inspiring stories shared throughout previous seasons. The episode wraps up with Drs. Cooke and Varghese turning the tables on the hosts, asking about what’s in store for the upcoming season of Same Surgeon, Different Light.