What's the difference between standard skin cancer removal and Mohs surgery? Ashley McGuinness, MD, FAAD breaks down this specialized technique that achieves remarkable 98-99% cure rates while preserving healthy tissue. While standard excisions examine only 1-2% of margins, Mohs surgery meticulously evaluates 100% through a precise mapping approach.

During this eye-opening conversation with host Dr. Jason Edwards, Dr. McGuinness addresses the alarming 1.8% annual rise in skin cancer rates since 2000. She attributes this to better detection methods, our aging population, and the consequences of tanning bed popularity in past decades. When discussing internet myths claiming sunscreen causes cancer, she provides clear evidence of UV radiation's harmful effects while offering practical alternatives like physical blockers or UPF clothing for those with chemical concerns.

The discussion takes a fascinating turn toward technology as Dr. McGuinness reveals how AI is transforming dermatology. From full-body mole mapping to algorithms that detect subtle changes invisible to the human eye, these advances complement clinical expertise without replacing it. For self-examination, she emphasizes the critical "ABCDE" approach to identify potential melanomas: check for Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variations, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and most importantly, Evolution over time.

Beyond cancer detection, the conversation explores factors in skin aging, from UV exposure and dehydration to facial movements and lifestyle choices. Dr. McGuinness shares simple strategies anyone can implement: staying well-hydrated, using daily sunscreen, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol. Whether you're concerned about skin cancer prevention or preserving your skin's youthful appearance, this episode delivers practical wisdom from a leading specialist in the field.

Jason Edwards welcomes back Jared Barton, CRNA, to discuss the Dave Ramsey baby steps program and how it transformed his financial life and mindset about money.

• Jared discovered Dave Ramsey while working in the steel industry making $38,000 annually in the late 1990s
• Tracking every expense gave Jared an immediate $500 monthly "raise" without changing his income
• The debt snowball method (paying smallest debts first) provides psychological wins that help maintain momentum
• Financial discipline doesn't necessarily reduce quality of life or happiness
• Research shows purchases provide only temporary happiness boosts before returning to baseline
• Current housing challenges can be overcome through starting with modest properties and building equity gradually
• DIY skills significantly reduce home maintenance costs and build pride in ownership
• The final baby step focuses on wealth building to enable generous giving to others
• Financial freedom isn't about deprivation but about intentionality and respecting your future self

Take control of your financial future today by tracking your expenses, building an emergency fund, and taking the first steps toward debt freedom.

What happens when medical legacy intersects with personal passion? In this captivating conversation, host Jason Edwards sits down with general surgeon Dr. Christopher Cronin, who shares the remarkable story of his grandfather, AJ Cronin—a physician who transformed an illness-induced retreat into a groundbreaking writing career.

The discussion reveals how AJ Cronin's seminal work "The Citadel" critically examined the British health system in 1937, addressing corruption, unethical practices, and healthcare inequality decades ahead of its time. This literary perspective from a practicing physician ultimately helped shape the National Health Service established a decade later. Dr. Cronin's reflections on this family legacy provide a unique window into how literature can drive healthcare reform and professional ethics.

But this episode goes beyond family history to explore the formative experiences that shape surgical careers. Dr. Cronin shares his evolution from aspiring orthopedic surgeon to general surgeon specializing in thyroid procedures—a journey influenced not by his famous grandfather but by the transformative power of mentorship during his training. His compelling account of working in a challenging DC hospital under an inspirational chief resident illuminates how profound these relationships can be in medical training.

The conversation takes a fascinating comparative turn as Dr. Cronin details his year training in Australia, highlighting the stark differences in surgical education systems worldwide. His insights on surgical hierarchy, the art of teaching technical skills, and the critical importance of repetition in surgical training reveal the complex balance between supervision and independence that creates competent surgeons. As duty hour restrictions change how surgeons are trained, these reflections become even more valuable.

Listen as these two physicians discuss the delicate art of mentorship, the trust that develops between surgical partners, and how the best teaching surgeons know when to step in and when to let trainees work through challenges. Whether you're in healthcare or simply curious about how great surgeons are made, this episode offers memorable insights into the human side of surgical training. Ready to hear more? Contact Dr. Cronin's practice at 314-434-1211.