Should I Call a Doctor?

What you’ll learn:Should smokers and nonsmokers be screened for lung cancer? Inova Schar Cancer’s Dr. Mahajan explains what you should know about lung cancer screening, your personal history and risk factors, and groundbreaking early detection and treatment options – so you can take charge of your health. Featured guest:Dr. Amit “Bobby” Mahajan, Medical Director, Interventional Pulmonology Inova Schar Cancer Key takeaways with chapter markers:How age and smoking history guide screening [5:46-6:27]Interventional pulmonology [3:31]How lung cancer treatment is advancing [3:52]Early-stage lung cancer does not have symptoms, making detection of lung nodules critical [4:35 – 5:13]A growing number of nonsmokers are developing lung cancer. [6:59 – 7:18]Those with EGFR gene mutations have a higher instance of developing lung cancer [7:30 – 8:08]Those who have a family member who has had a nonsmoking lung cancer should also get screened [9:49 – 10:05]Inova offers a low-cost screening option. [10:16 – 10:35]In five years, over 10,000 incidental nodules were detected by Inova’s incidental lung nodule program. 1-2% were cancerous, the program helps diagnose more early stage lung cancer cases [13:30 – 15:33]Mutation analysis is key to better treatment. There are seven or eight mutations that are really actionable [16:55 – 17:14]Early-stage lung cancer can be treated with minimally invasive options, with exceptional survival rates. [18:02 – 18:10]Inova’s incidental lung nodule detection program streamlines care and dramatically reduces the time between detection and treatment [25:55-27:47]FAQsWhat is lung cancer screening?Annual lung cancer screening uses low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) to detect cancer in its earliest, most treatable stage. LDCT technology generates cross-sectional images of the body, using less ionizing radiation than a conventional CT scan. Who should be screened for lung cancer?Annual lung cancer screening is recommended for adults ages 50 to 80 who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke, or have quit within the past 15 years. Should I be screened if I have a family history of lung cancer?If you have a family history of lung cancer you should discuss your risk factors with your doctor to determine if screening is right for you. You can also take our online Lung Cancer Risk Assessment What are the benefits of lung cancer screening?Screening can detect lung cancer at an earlier stage when it is more treatable. Leading to higher survival rates and a better quality of life. 

What you’ll learnConfused about when to start breast cancer screening, what breast density means, or whether you need genetic testing? Inova’s Dr. Kaltman explains risk, red-flags, and next steps—so you know which care to choose and how personalized risk assessments are reshaping early detection.Featured guest:Dr. Rebecca KaltmanExecutive DirectorInova Saville Cancer Screening and Prevention Center ________________________ Key takeaways with chapter markersHow age, family history (maternal & paternal), and red flags guide screening (13:50)What dense breasts mean and when to add supplemental imaging (19:06)When to consider genetic counseling/testing and how group sessions work (5:06)Where primary care fits for lifestyle/metabolic risk and referrals (8:21)Imaging choices (mammogram, MRI, ultrasound, contrast-enhanced) (10:04)Mobile screening (23:45)Multi-cancer blood test clinical trial at Inova (24:52)________________________ FAQsWhen should most women start screening? Most begin at age 40, but earlier for higher-risk patients (often 10 years before the youngest family diagnosis). Ask your Primary Care doctor/OB-GYN for a formal risk assessment. Do dense breasts change my screening plan? Possibly. Dense tissue can mask findings on mammography; your clinician may recommend supplemental imaging (e.g., MRI; ultrasound or contrast-enhanced mammography when appropriate). Who should consider genetic counseling/testing? Anyone with strong family history (maternal or paternal), early cancers, or unknown history. Testing now uses multi-gene panels and is far more accessible than in the past. Are self-breast exams still recommended? Be breast-aware and know your normal, but routine self-exams alone are not enough. Report new changes (lump, nipple retraction, rash, contour change). Can lifestyle changes reduce risk? Yes—weight, activity, and nutrition matter. Primary care can connect you with dietitians/health coaching and, when needed, medical weight-loss support.

Your digestive system plays a crucial role in overall health. But when something feels off, it can be both confusing and uncomfortable.In this episode, we're joined by Neha Nigam, MD, for a conversation about gastrointestinal (GI) health and common conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and more.Whether you're curious about how your gut works or dealing with chronic digestive issues, this episode offers practical insights to help you better understand and support your GI health.

A cancer diagnosis doesn't just impact the patient, it affects everyone who loves and supports them. Whether you're a caregiver, family member, or friend, the moment you hear that someone close to you has cancer, it can feel overwhelming. In this episode, we explore what it means to navigate life when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer. We're joined by Jennifer Bires, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, Executive Director of Inova Peterson Life with Cancer and a leader in psychological oncology with over 15 years of experience designing patient and family-centered support programs.Jennifer shares insights and actionable steps to help you be present, compassionate, and resilient—whether you are providing hands-on care or simply showing up in meaningful ways. Learn how the Peterson Life with Cancer team of behavioral health therapists, social workers, nurse navigators, and oncology dietitians are making support more accessible and why no one has to go through this alone.

In this episode, we take you inside Child Life Services at Inova, shining a light on the dedicated Child Life Specialists who support children and their families through some of their most vulnerable moments. Our guest, Jamie Gentille, System Director of Child Life Services and Community Engagement at Inova, answers common questions and gives an in-depth look at how she and her team help young patients navigate the emotional and psychological challenges of hospitalization or during an exam or procedure.Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or medical professional this episode offers a moving and informative look into a role that blends clinical understanding with compassion and creativity. Tune in to discover the vital role Child Life Specialists play in pediatric care!

In this episode, we're tackling an important topic—colon cancer, particularly its rise in younger adults. We are joined by Tim Cannon, MD, Sheridan Director, Molecular Tumor Board and Co-Director of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Program at Inova. Dr. Cannon breaks down the latest in colon cancer prevention, screening, and clinical research. KayAnn Schoenman, one of Dr. Cannon’s former patients, shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with colon cancer at age 40, and becoming an advocate. With our co-hosts, they discuss the importance of early detection, debunk common myths, and offer hope to those facing a similar battle. Whether you're looking for medical knowledge or personal inspiration, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss!

In this episode, we dive into the incredible impact of blood donation and why your contribution can save lives. Blood products are essential for treating trauma victims, cancer patients, individuals undergoing surgery, and many others – but it’s a resource that can’t be manufactured, only donated. Nick Lilly, MBA, Senior Director of Inova Blood Donor Services joins us to discuss why blood donation is a cornerstone of healthcare.

In this episode, we continue our discussion with Paula Pinell-Salles, MD, FACC, who is a co-founder of the Inova Women’s Cardiovascular program. She is board certified in cardiovascular disease and specializes in general cardiology and vascular medicine. In part 2 of this episode Dr. Pinell-Salles discusses hormone replacement therapy and a study in the news by Kaiser that showed the risk of women having one alcoholic drink per day raises their risk of heart disease. In part 1 of this episode, we uncover the unique challenges women face with heart disease and ways you can partner with your provider to prioritize your heart health. Tune into episode #4. 

In this episode, we dive into what every woman needs to know about heart health, from common symptoms that often go overlooked to proactive steps you can take to protect your heart. We are joined by Paula Pinell-Salles, MD, FACC, who is a co-founder of the Inova Women’s Cardiovascular program. She is board certified in cardiovascular disease and specializes in general cardiology and vascular medicine. In part 1 of this episode, we uncover the unique challenges women face with heart disease and ways you can partner with your provider to prioritize your heart health!In part 2 of this episode Dr. Pinell-Salles discusses hormone replacement therapy and a study in the news by Kaiser that showed the risk of women having one alcoholic drink per day raises their risk of heart disease. Tune into to episode #5. 

In this episode, we explore the important topic of concussions, which affects not only athletes but also parents, coaches, and anyone concerned about brain health. We are joined by Melissa Womble, PhD, a fellowship-trained neuropsychologist and Director of Inova Sports Medicine Concussion Program and co-director of the Inova Concussion Program. Dr. Womble specializes in concussion research and treatment. In this episode, we address common misconceptions about concussions and provide clarity on this often misunderstood subject. 

In this episode we are discussing a topic that has been all over the news —  weight loss with Drs. Amir Moazzez and Meetal Mehta with Inova Weight Loss Services. We discuss surgical and non-surgical options, the risks and benefits of each, who is eligible and more!Guest bios:Amir Moazzez, MDDr. Moazzez is a board-certified bariatric surgeon with extensive training and experience in the field of weight loss surgery. Since 2003, he has been working exclusively to individuals diagnosed with obesity, helping his patients resolve co-morbid conditions and improve their quality of life.Dr. Moazzez is one of the top bariatric surgeons in the Washington, DC, region, having performed over 5,000 weight loss surgeries. Most recently, Dr. Moazzez served as the chief of surgery at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital and is the medical director of the Inova Weight Loss Surgery Program.Meetal Mehta, MDDr. Mehta is a board-certified Obesity Medicine specialist with a background in Internal Medicine. For the last 4 years she has focused her practice on the prevention and treatment of obesity and related comorbidities. She started her practice in Boston, MA and recently joined Inova's Nonsurgical Weight Management Program.  Welcome and thank you for joining us today. Tell us a little about yourselves and what you do at Inova.

Welcome to the first episode of “Should I Call A Doctor,” the podcast that dives into trending health topics to separate fact from fiction. Hosted by Dr. Sam Elgawly, Internal Medicine Physician and Chief of Resource Stewardship, and Tracey Schroeder, Chief Communications and External Affairs Officer at Inova, the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in the Northern Virginia and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.In this episode, Dr. Marc Childress, a primary care physician board certified in family medicine and sports medicine, talks about the importance of the annual physical and the role they play in building a strong foundation for and maintaining one’s good health.  Dr. Childress joined Inova in 2020 and has been practicing since 2004. 

Welcome to “Should I Call a Doctor?” The podcast where we dive into trending health topics to separate fact from fiction.