Palo Alto, CA — In a recent episode of the RFAMD podcast, host Philip James welcomed a trailblazer in the field of thyroid treatment, Dr. Julia Noel of Stanford University School of Medicine. Known for her pioneering work in thyroid ablation, Dr. Noel shared insights on the evolving landscape of thyroid care, emphasizing innovative ablation technologies that are reshaping patient experiences.
Dr. Noel’s journey into the medical field was not typical. Initially drawn to mathematics, inspired by her father, she found her calling in surgery, where she could blend problem-solving skills with a hands-on approach. This unique blend of analytical thinking and surgical precision has defined her career.
Central to Dr. Noel’s practice is thyroid ablation, a technique that offers an alternative to traditional surgery. With over thousands of surgeries to her credit, she has been a vocal advocate for techniques like radiofrequency, ethanol, and microwave ablation. These methods, she notes, are crucial in reducing the need for invasive procedures, preserving thyroid function, and improving quality of life.
During the interview, Dr. Noel highlighted the rapid advancement in ablation technology. She pointed out that while radiofrequency ablation is currently the most user-friendly and researched method, emerging technologies promise even more groundbreaking developments. These future techniques may not even rely on heat generation, opening new avenues for treatment.
With any medical procedure come risks, and thyroid ablation is no exception. Dr. Noel candidly discussed potential complications like voice changes, discomfort, and nodal rupture. However, she reassured that most of these risks are minor and reversible, underlining the importance of skilled execution and patient awareness.
An interesting aspect of Dr. Noel’s work is her approach to patient education and outreach, particularly through social media. She stressed the importance of accurate, high-quality information in guiding both patients and physicians, acknowledging the growing role of digital platforms in patient advocacy.
As thyroid ablation gains popularity, Dr. Noel emphasized the need for standardized training and guidelines. She expressed concern over the “Wild Wild West” atmosphere as more doctors seek to learn these techniques, underscoring the need for cautious and well-guided adoption of the technology.
Addressing the practical aspects of thyroid ablation, Dr. Noel spoke about the variability in insurance coverage and costs in the United States. She noted that while some patients on the West Coast enjoy substantial coverage, others face significant out-of-pocket expenses, highlighting the need for broader insurance acceptance.
Dr. Noel’s vision for the future of thyroid treatment is one of optimism, contingent on the acceptance of new medical codes and continued technological innovation. She sees a world where thyroid nodules and cancer are treated more efficiently and less invasively, a testament to the dynamic nature of medical progress.
Dr. Julia Noel’s interview on the RFAMD podcast provides a compelling look into the future of thyroid care. Her dedication to advancing treatment options, patient education, and the safe adoption of new technologies sets a benchmark in the field of thyroid health. As these technologies evolve, Dr. Noel’s insights offer a valuable perspective on the potential for improved patient care and the importance of informed medical choices.
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As the host of the popular RFAMD and Doctor Thyroid podcasts, Philip James remains committed to sharing inspiring stories, valuable insights, and groundbreaking discoveries in the world of healthcare, making a positive impact on the lives of countless listeners.
Philip’s thought-provoking interviews have covered a wide range of healthcare topics, from cutting-edge technologies and surgical advancements to patient experiences and the impact of medical research on society.
Thyroid disorders, particularly those requiring surgery, have long been a concern for patients due to the potential lifelong dependence on medication and associated quality of life changes. However, a significant shift is occurring in thyroid treatment with the advent of thyroid ablation, a technique that is rapidly gaining preference among patients and physicians alike.
In a recent podcast interview on RFAMD, Dr. Erivelto Volpi, a renowned head and neck surgeon from São Paulo, Brazil, shared his extensive experience in thyroid ablation. Dr. Volpi, who has performed around 8,000 thyroid surgeries and 400 thyroid ablations in over 35 years, notes the growing trend towards thyroid ablation. He attributes this shift primarily to the preservation of the patient’s quality of life, a crucial factor often overshadowed in traditional surgical approaches.
Dr. Volpi explains that most patients seeking thyroid ablation do so not just to avoid surgery but to maintain their quality of life. They fear the changes that lifelong medication post-surgery might bring, having seen friends or family struggle with hormone replacements. Thyroid ablation, which involves radiofrequency or microwave treatment, offers an effective alternative. It shrinks benign thyroid nodules and even treats initial cancers, preserving thyroid function and thus the patient’s pre-existing quality of life.
Thyroid ablation is not just a localized phenomenon. Dr. Volpi highlights its rapid adoption worldwide, with countries like South Korea, Brazil, Italy, France, Spain, Turkey, and Egypt leading in this practice. This global acceptance is partly due to patient advocacy and the internet, which have empowered patients to seek the best treatment options, often traveling across borders to access this care.
Compared to conventional surgery, thyroid ablation is minimally invasive, with fewer complications like voice changes. Recovery is swift, often within 24 to 48 hours, significantly quicker than traditional surgery. This aspect further reinforces its preference among patients.
Get listed on the directory at www.rfamd.com ✅
🔷🔷🔷🔷
As the host of the popular RFAMD and Doctor Thyroid podcasts, Philip James remains committed to sharing inspiring stories, valuable insights, and groundbreaking discoveries in the world of healthcare, making a positive impact on the lives of countless listeners.
Philip’s thought-provoking interviews have covered a wide range of healthcare topics, from cutting-edge technologies and surgical advancements to patient experiences and the impact of medical research on society.
FIND A THYROID ABLATION DOCTOR at www.rfamd.com FOLLOW @DoctorThyroid #thyroid #thyroidcancer #ultrasound
Introduction
⦿ Host: Welcome by the host of the RFAMD podcast.
⦿ Guest: Introduction of Dr. Giovanni Mauri, a medical professional from Milan, Italy.
Dr. Mauri's Journey into Medicine
⦿ Childhood Influence: Inspired by his father, a radiologist.
⦿ Career Choice: Fascination with radiology and interventional radiology.
⦿ Family Background: His father worked in diagnostic radiology in an oncological hospital.
History of Ablation in Italy
⦿ Early Adoption: Discussion of pioneers in ablation treatments in Italy, starting in the 1980s.
⦿ Development: The evolution of ablation techniques, from ethanol ablation for liver cancers to radiofrequency ablation.
Dr. Mauri's Specialization
⦿ Scope of Ablation: Treating various cancers (liver, kidney, lung, bone, soft tissues) with thermal ablation.
⦿ Focus on Thyroid Ablation: Special emphasis on treating both benign and malignant thyroid diseases.
Patient Success Stories
⦿ Personal Case: A female patient treated multiple times for lymph node metastasis, avoiding further surgery.
⦿ Impact on Patients: Emphasizing the success and life-changing effects of successful thyroid ablation treatments.
Thyroid Surgery vs. Ablation
⦿ Patient Perspective: Benefits in terms of invasiveness and future hormonal treatment.
⦿ Medical Community: Surgeons appreciating the option of ablation to manage resources and time effectively.
Global Trends in Thyroid Ablation
⦿ FDA Approval: The significant impact of FDA approval in the U.S. in 2018.
⦿ Rapid Growth: Thyroid ablation as the fastest-growing field in ablation treatments worldwide.
Dangers of Rapid Growth
⦿ Training and Expertise: Emphasizing the necessity of proper training and the risks posed by inexperienced practitioners.
⦿ Comparison of Techniques: Differences between traditional surgery and ultrasound-guided ablation procedures.
Pioneers in Thyroid Ablation
⦿ Innovations: Introduction of specifically designed needles and techniques in Korea and Italy. ⦿ Global Adoption: The spread of thyroid ablation practices to countries like South America, North America, and Europe.
Risks of Thyroid Ablation
⦿ Medical Risks: Potential damages during the procedure, such as bleeding or nerve damage.
⦿ Technical Challenges: Importance of ultrasound skills and adjunctive techniques to minimize risks.
Risks of Thyroid Ablation
⦿ Medical Risks: Potential damages during the procedure, such as bleeding or nerve damage.
⦿ Technical Challenges: Importance of ultrasound skills and adjunctive techniques to minimize risks.
Unsuccessful Cases
⦿ Benign Nodules: Rare unsuccessful cases, often due to initial under-treatment.
⦿ Malignant Tumors: Possibility of incomplete ablation, with options for re-treatment.
Selecting the Right Provider
⦿ Criteria for Choosing: Experience of the physician, ideally in a hospital setting for beginners.
⦿ Importance of Supervision: Emphasis on proper environment and supervision for new practitioners.
Addressing Skepticism
⦿ Literature and Communication: Using scientific evidence and open discussions to address concerns.
⦿ Surgical Alternatives: Emphasizing ablation as a reversible option compared to definitive surgery.
Types of Ablation
⦿ Radiofrequency vs. Microwave: Discussion on the advantages and risks of each type in thyroid treatments.
Guidelines and Clinical Experience
⦿ Lag in Guidelines: The delay in incorporating new treatments like ablation into official guidelines.
⦿ Individualized Treatment: Tailoring treatment options based on clinical experience, despite guidelines.
Guidelines and Clinical Experience
⦿ Lag in Guidelines: The delay in incorporating new treatments like ablation into official guidelines.
⦿ Individualized Treatment: Tailoring treatment options based on clinical experience, despite guidelines.
Patient Perception and Decision Making
⦿ Overdiagnosis and Overtreatment: Addressing the issue of overdiagnosis in thyroid cancer and the role of minimally invasive treatments.
⦿ Patient Preferences: Understanding patient choices in treatment options, including active surveillance.
Second Opinions and Treatment Choices
⦿ Changing Treatment Plans: Cases where patients change their mind after seeking a second opinion.
⦿ Informed Decision Making: The importance of providing comprehensive information to patients.
Innovations in Thyroid Treatment
⦿ New Technologies: Exploring new treatments like embolization, expanding the scope of minimally invasive procedures.
Conclusion and Rapid Fire Questions
⦿ Future of Thyroid Treatment: Predictions about the shift towards ablation in the next decade.
⦿ Importance of Communication: The crucial role of clear communication in discussing cancer treatments with patients.
For podcast inquiries or if you would like to be a guest. Contact: philip@rfamd.com