In this engaging episode of The Life of Flow Podcast, we welcome Dr. Constantino Peña, Section Head of Interventional Radiology at the Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute. Dr. Peña shares insights into his extensive work in Latin America, the collaborative spirit in advancing vascular care, and his involvement in transformative conferences like the ISET meeting.



The conversation spans from reminiscing about pivotal moments in vascular care to discussing the evolution of medical education, the integration of cutting-edge technologies, and the challenges of democratizing healthcare tools globally. Dr. Peña’s stories of ingenuity and perseverance highlight the creativity required to overcome resource limitations, making this episode both inspiring and educational.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Latin American Impact:
• The profound influence of Latin American collaborations on global vascular care.
• How regional expertise is shaping global practices.
• Transforming Medical Conferences:
• The legacy and future of the ISET meeting.
• The importance of live case demonstrations and interactive learning.
• Innovation in Challenging Environments:
• Stories of resourceful medical practices in underserved regions.
• Local development of medical devices in Brazil and Mexico.
• Future Frontiers:
• The role of AI in education and patient care.
• Decentralizing healthcare systems and creating integrated networks for accessible care.

Takeaways from Dr. Peña:

• Collaboration and innovation are key to advancing medical care, even in resource-limited settings.
• Conferences and meetings should adapt to modern learning styles, focusing on nuanced discussions and cutting-edge technologies.
• A vision for a decentralized, accessible healthcare model that integrates hospitals, outpatient centers, and communities.

In this compelling episode of The Life of Flow Podcast, host Miguel is joined by Shon Chakrabarti MD MPH, CMO of Limflow, Michael Siah, Director of Limb Salvage at UT Southwestern Medical Center, and Lucas. Together, they explore the groundbreaking acquisition of Limflow by Inari and its potential to revolutionize the treatment landscape for CLTI patients. Through dynamic discussion and candid reflections, the group unpacks the clinical, technical, and business implications of this strategic merger, highlighting its impact on patient outcomes, institutional approaches, and the future of endovascular therapies.Key Topics Covered:

1. Understanding the Inari-Limflow Synergy (00:01 - 09:52):

• Why the acquisition makes sense for unmet patient needs.
• Strategic alignment with Inari’s ethos of purpose-built solutions.
• Overlaps in vascular innovations and CLTI management.

1. Clinical and Economic Implications of CLTI Therapies (09:53 - 24:04):

• The importance of vertical integration in hospitals for CLTI programs.
• Addressing misconceptions about the costs and outcomes of amputations.
• New reimbursement codes and economic incentives for hospitals.

1. Evolution of DBA Techniques (24:05 - 38:43):

• The journey of deep vein arterialization from experimental to commercial viability.
• Insights into procedural advancements, including new access points and technologies.
• The collaborative WhatsApp group fostering a global exchange of ideas.

1. The Path Forward: Research, Collaboration, and Education (38:44 - 48:24):

• The role of continued peer-to-peer training and global education in scaling CLTI solutions.
• Investigator-Initiated Research Programs to address pressing clinical questions.
• Future product developments and their potential to expand patient reach.

1. What Lies Ahead for CLTI Therapies (48:25 - End):

• Predicting the evolution of the field over the next 5-10 years.
• Controversial yet thought-provoking ideas about preemptive applications of DBA.
• Reflections on patient outcomes and the transformative impact of new therapies.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Inari and Limflow are united by a commitment to tackling large unmet patient needs with purpose-built solutions.” – Shon Chakrabarti
• “Even when DBA patency declines, patients often end up better off than when they started—this is a game changer.” – Miguel

Connect with Us:

• Miguel – https://www.linkedin.com/in/miguel-montero-baker-a44354214/
• Lucas – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasferrermd

Guests:

• Shon Chakrabarti – https://www.linkedin.com/in/shon-chakrabarti-md-mph-018a7394/
• Michael Siah – https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-siah-965585b1/

Stay tuned for future episodes diving deeper into groundbreaking innovations in cardiovascular and endovascular medicine. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with colleagues passionate about transforming patient care!

In this episode of The Life of Flow Podcast, hosts Miguel and Lucas sit down with Jillian Acosta, a registered dietitian and founder of the Root Cause Method. Jillian shares her unique approach to nutrition, which integrates trauma-informed care, emotional healing, and innovative modalities like psychedelics. The conversation covers the intersection of diet, emotional well-being, and systemic challenges in healthcare. Topics include the emotional triggers behind eating habits, the complexities of food addiction, and how Jillian uses ketamine therapy to guide clients through transformative journeys.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Food as More Than Nutrition: Jillian explains how food often represents comfort, safety, or dissociation for people with unresolved emotional experiences.

2. Physical vs. Emotional Hunger: Insightful distinctions between physiological needs and emotional cravings for food.

3. Ketamine Therapy for Healing: How psychedelics are used in Jillian’s practice to help clients confront emotional blocks and rebuild healthier relationships with food.

4. Challenges in Nutrition Education: The societal and systemic barriers to promoting better dietary habits, particularly in underserved communities.

5. The Role of Compassion: How deep empathy can transform patient care and why understanding the “why” behind behaviors is key to sustainable change.

6. Cultural and Systemic Factors: Exploring how food standards in the U.S. differ from other countries and the impact of lobbying and capitalism on public health.

Memorable Quotes:

• “It’s not about the food. There’s no string cheese addiction; it’s an unwillingness to feel discomfort.” – Jillian Acosta

• “We must heal in relationships, as we were wounded in relationships.” – Jillian Acosta

“The one thing getting someone through their day—their coping mechanism—we tell them to take it away. That’s why we fail.” – Lucas

In this episode of The Life of Flow Podcast, Dr. Eli Lutske takes us on a journey through his career as a vascular surgeon. From starting a vascular program from scratch to navigating the complexities of private practice versus hospital-based employment, Dr. Lutske shares invaluable insights into the medical profession, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.

He also opens up about his foray into social media with his popular Instagram account, "Veins and Gains," highlighting how humor and creativity help him connect with others in the field.

Whether you’re a medical professional, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes life of a surgeon, this episode is packed with thought-provoking discussion and practical advice.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How Dr. Lutske and his partner started a vascular program from the ground up.

• The pros and cons of private practice versus hospital-based employment.

• Why clear partnership paths in private practice contracts are critical for surgeons.

• Insights into hospital revenue models and surgeon compensation structures.

• The challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship in the medical field.

• Dr. Lutske’s personal take on evolving medical culture and teamwork in the OR.

• How Instagram has become a creative outlet and connection tool for surgeons.

Notable Quotes:

• “You can build something incredibly successful by focusing on what you love and letting the system handle the rest.”

• “If you're not tickled by entrepreneurship, don't go down that path—it’s taxing and requires constant attention to detail.”

• “Social media has been a surprising outlet for connection and creativity in what can otherwise be a very lonely profession.”

In this episode of the Life of Flow Podcast, Lorenzo Patrone, a trailblazer in medical education, discusses his groundbreaking approach to creating interactive and engaging conferences. From his revolutionary use of audience feedback tools to his commitment to fostering open dialogue between faculty and attendees, Lorenzo explains how he's transforming the stale traditional conference model into a vibrant, collaborative learning experience. Join us as we explore how innovation, humor, and audience connection are shaping the future of medical education.

In this episode, hosts Lucas Ferrer and Miguel Montero-Baker sit down with wellness coach Julian Bonnet, founder of Primal Wellness, to discuss the integration of physical fitness, mental resilience, and holistic wellness practices for those leading high-demand lives. Julian shares his journey from Miami to the mountains of North Carolina, driven by a love for both nature and helping people optimize their health. He discusses the challenges of building sustainable health habits, balancing work stress with personal wellness, and finding the right routines to enhance both physical and mental energy.

Listeners will gain insights on:

• Building healthy habits for busy schedules.

• Simple fitness tools and routines you can use at home.

• How exercise can positively impact sleep and energy levels.

• The importance of a balanced, nutrient-rich diet for maintaining focus and stamina.

Whether you’re looking to kick-start a new fitness routine or fine-tune your wellness approach, Julian’s tips are a practical guide for bringing more balance and flow to everyday life.

Featured Project:Check out the Amputation Nation documentary project, a six-part series shedding light on the underdiagnosed condition of peripheral arterial disease and the epidemic of amputations due to diabetes. Support and learn more at amputationnationthemovie.org.

In this engaging episode of the Life of Flow Podcast, hosts Dr. Lucas Ferrer and Dr. Miguel Montero-Baker welcome Dr. Jeffrey Dikis, a podiatrist specializing in sports and reconstructive surgery, to explore the intersection of podiatry and vascular surgery. The conversation dives into the practical challenges, collaboration opportunities, and the future of integrated medical care, with a focus on limb salvage, vascular screening, and multidisciplinary patient care models.

They also share personal insights from their podcasting journey, including the humorous story of how two vascular surgeons decided to start a podcast over drinks.

Resources Mentioned:

• Amputation Nation Documentary: https://amputationnationthemovie.org/

• SALSA Model: Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance (University of Arizona)

Back Table Podcast – A podcast for vascular professionals.

In this fun and candid episode, your hosts dive into audience questions, offering unfiltered opinions, insightful career advice, and entertaining banter. From choosing between private practice and academia to the challenges of fatherhood, the hosts explore personal growth, the importance of self-awareness, and balancing work with life. Tune in for laughs, life lessons, and an unapologetically honest perspective on the medical world (and string cheese).