Episode 96: Breast Sensibility: The Mind/Body Connection
DiepCJourney Podcast
On this episode of the my guest is Dr. Stefania Tuinder, a notable global expert in breast sensation for those undergoing mastectomy and breast reconstruction. Originally from Italy, she is now located in Maastricht in the south of the Netherlands and works at an academic hospital. Her main work there is microsurgery, not only breasts but for sure breasts is where she does the majority of her work. Dr. Tuinder does only autologous breast reconstruction using all kinds of flaps. She has an active research interest in breast sensibility. The word sensibility is often referred to as sensation in...
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Episode 95: Where Passion Meets Surgical Precision
DiepCJourney Podcast
As part of my work at , I am able to meet in person, well-known board-certified surgeons across the world. My guest is one such surgeon I know. I have been anxious to interview her. Two words I find myself choosing to describe her are: Adaptable and compassionate. Each time I see her at a conference, the conversation is so easy and comfortable. I can’t think it would be any different with her patients. is a plastic surgeon at the at Magee Women’s Hospital. Topics she covers in our interview include: · How she developed her passion for...
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Episode 94: A Breast Reconstruction Journey Toward Clarity & Confidence
DiepCJourney Podcast
Deciding which breast reconstruction path to take is rarely simple. Whether facing an active breast cancer diagnosis, navigating a high‑risk genetic mutation, or having a strong family history of cancer, the process demands research, planning, trust, and a strong circle of support. In this episode of the , we sit down with Marcy Goodman who is a wife, mother, and dedicated professional. She opens up about the many layers of her decision to pursue autologous (using her own tissue) breast reconstruction. Marcy shares how she evaluated her options, found the right surgical team, and ultimately...
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Episode 93: Navigating Healthcare as a Patient Advocate
DiepCJourney Podcast
Patient advocacy shows up in so many meaningful ways, and my guest on this episode of the has been part of my own journey since the very beginning. We first connected back in 2015, when I was just starting to write my blog. She offered guidance, encouragement, and wisdom at a time when I was still finding my footing. I’ve followed her story ever since, and her voice has continued to inspire me and so many others. As a valued member of the DiepCJourney® community, it felt only natural to invite her to share her experience with all of you. I’m delighted to welcome Rebecca Hogue, Becky...
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Episode 92: Completion of Prophylactic Surgeries
DiepCJourney Podcast
Facing a genetic mutation that significantly increases the risk of breast cancer means making decisions that truly feel life‑defining. Today’s guest on the t, Emily Koellner, knows this experience intimately. With a strong family history of cancer, a mutation inherited from her father’s side, and the unwavering support of her two sisters and loved ones, Emily navigated her choices with courage and clarity. Many of you will remember my earlier interview with her sisters about their own prophylactic DIEP flap journeys. Now it’s Emily’s turn to share her perspective, her strength,...
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Episode 91: A Message of Kindness, Gratitude, and Courage
DiepCJourney Podcast
Hi listeners. It’s that time of year when we all take a few of those precious moments between the holidays and starting the New Year to look back, plan ahead, and savor those moments before heading back to work. This is the final of 2025 and I decided to go solo for the first time since beginning this podcast during the pandemic in January of 2021. Let’s take a look back at what we have provided courtesy of my outstanding guests. I always say, a podcast is only as good as its guests, and I am so lucky to have met them via my podcast and many I have met in person. When I had my in...
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Episode 90: Shared Decision-Making in Healthcare: Insights from Dr. C
DiepCJourney Podcast
We are diving into a conversation that’s close to my heart and vital to the breast cancer community. On this episode of the are going to talk about the term, shared decision-making as it pertains to healthcare and take a deeper dive into its use in breast cancer surgery and breast reconstruction with a returning guest . Dr. C is the CEO of , Director of Professional Relations & Global Partnerships at , Founder, , and creator of the . You may have heard previous interviews on the topic of shared decision-making with me and my guest. You may also have seen via our that we are...
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Episode 89: A Holistic Approach to Breast Reconstruction
DiepCJourney Podcast
What does it mean to truly heal after breast cancer? In this episode of the , we sit down with of Tucson Plastic Surgery to explore a holistic approach to breast reconstruction—one that goes beyond surgical technique to embrace emotional well-being, shared decision-making, and compassionate care. From honoring each patient’s story to integrating wellness into recovery, Dr. Kurtovic offers insights that empower survivors to reclaim their bodies and their confidence with grace. Dr. Silvia Kurtovic is part of the team of surgeons at . She works with performing a number of...
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Episode 88: PRMA's TruSense® in Breast Reconstruction for Sensate Breasts
DiepCJourney Podcast
This interview was conducted at the practice in San Antonio during Breast Reconstruction Awareness week. discusses PRMA’s and sensation to the breasts. With extensive background training and twenty-five years of experience with the , Dr. Nastala is particularly interested in the sensation of the breast, nerve repair, and optimizing outcomes for their breast reconstruction patients. They achieve this through ongoing research and improvement in surgical techniques at PRMA. He discusses the nerve anatomy of the breasts and some of the limitations of the body’s own ability to...
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Episode 87: The Other 50%: Marcylle Combs on Career, Cancer, And Courage
DiepCJourney Podcast
In the world of podcasting, you meet folks you feel like you’ve known for a while because of your connections, and you’ve only seen them through the lens of your laptop camera. This is the case for my guest on this episode of the , host of the podcast ! Marcylle Combs, MS, RN is an Entrepreneur, Leadership Expert, , Author, and Podcast Host committed to leveraging her experience in empowering individuals to realize their highest potential. She spent over 30 years leading a large healthcare organization, which she owned, operated, and grew from a small home health agency to a...
info_outlineHave ever been you curious about the networking, conversations, and education that happens among colleagues at medical conferences? Or are there topics you see online but are not aware of the stories behind the social media posts from these conferences?
I invite a returning guest to give you a behind the scenes look at one such conference, the annual conference of The American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery. We chose a few highlights and topics from the conference to share our experience so you can learn more about these rich learning events.
Here to share the highpoints and a few of our favorite topics is one of the presenters at the conference himself, Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo. He is the current president of PRMA in San Antonio, Texas who works with a team of nine microsurgeons that perform primarily tissue-based breast reconstruction for those affected by breast cancer. He is a welcome returning guest to the DiepCJourney podcast.
In addition to his microsurgical prowess, he is an entrepreneur. Dr. Chrysopoulo founded Toliman Health and is the creator of Toliman’s flagship award winning app, Breast Advocate app, the first shared decision-making app for breast cancer surgery and breast reconstruction.
He begins by highlighting the diversity of global skill represented at the conference sharing the moving moment when the “Best Case/Best Save” presentations were made. This is the most attended session at the meeting. It is a packed room. This year’s winner was an especially inspiring case of a young Ukrainian woman whose lower face was reconstructed due to a horrific shrapnel injury and repaired by Dr. Adam Maciejewski of Poland.
We touch on the keynote address from CEO and Founder of the Proximie Surgical Learning Platform System, Nadine Hachach-Haram. Dr. C points out the mission of the Proximie system is to expand surgical education and improve patient access to surgical expertise.
We revisit other topics like breast sensation, shared decision-making, and patient advocacy. Links to these topics can be found below.
Dr. C congratulates the ASRM team for putting together another impressive conference from global leaders in microsurgery. We are happy to share our experience.
Learn more about resources mentioned and topics related to the Podcast:
JAMA article on AI and chat box responses
Shared Decision-Making blog with Dr. Chrysopoulo
DiepCJourney podcasts on Breast Sensation
Connect with those mentioned in the Podcast:
Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo on LinkedIn
Dr. Nadine Hachach-Haram (Plast) BEM on LinkedIn
American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery: Instagram