In the Season 5 finale of The Confidence Doc, Houston-based board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rukmini Vinaya Rednam sits down with Dr. Eric Smith, a board-certified general, bariatric, and robotic surgeon, to explore the world of weight loss surgery. Dr. Smith shares how his surgical journey began, from performing open bariatric procedures to mastering laparoscopic techniques, and why he founded his own bariatric surgery program. They discuss the critical role of Centers of Excellence in bariatrics, including what it takes to achieve certification and why these standards matter for patient safety and outcomes.

Dr. Smith explains how robotic surgery has revolutionized bariatrics and how AI is beginning to assist surgeons in delivering better, more precise results. He opens up about his decision to join TLC’s 1,000-Lb Sisters, initially hesitant about the portrayal of obesity and weight loss on television, but ultimately embracing the opportunity to change the narrative. Dr. Smith also introduces his supplement line, BariBalance, and shares the launch of Protein Water—created to support long-term wellness after weight loss surgery, but beneficial for anyone looking to meet their daily protein and vitamin needs.

Key Topics Covered:

• Dr. Smith’s journey from general surgery to bariatrics
• The evolution of open to laparoscopic and robotic surgery
• What a Bariatric Center of Excellence is and why it matters
• How AI is transforming surgical precision
• Navigating public narratives through 1,000-Lb Sisters
• Supplements and protein water tailored for weight loss patients

Listen for Dr. Smith’s insights on how surgical innovation, robotic technology, and AI are transforming bariatric procedures, and how personal commitment and patient support play a vital role in long-term weight loss success.

Follow Dr. Eric Smith:
Kentucky Bariatric Institute: https://kentuckybariatricinstitute.com/
Instagram @doctorericsmith_
Dr.Smith’s Protein Water:https://drsmithsproteinwater.com/
BariBalance: https://baribalance.com/

Request your consultation here:
Contact Rukmini Rednam, MD in Houston TX and The Woodlands (drrukminirednam.com)

In this episode of The Confidence Doc, Dr. Rukmini Vinaya Rednam sits down with Dr. Kristy Hamilton, a Houston-based board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Dr. Hamilton shares her journey into plastic surgery, beginning with a childhood injury that introduced her to the field. She explains the concept of preservation breast augmentation, a technique gaining popularity in the U.S., and how it benefits active women by placing implants in front of the muscle, often complemented by techniques like fat grafting.

Dr. Hamilton also breaks down the undetectable facelift, and why she prefers the deep plane facelift technique for natural, long-lasting results. She explains why Motiva breast implants are her preferred choice and how they complement her surgical approach. She also touches on emerging innovations like AlloClae, a donor-derived fat product currently being explored as a future option for body contouring. Dr. Hamilton discusses the challenge of learning the business side of medicine and the importance of asking colleagues about their experiences.

Key Topics Covered:

• Preservation breast augmentation and fat grafting techniques
• Benefits of going over the muscle with breast implants
• Deep plane facelifts vs. traditional facelifts
• Why Dr. Hamilton prefers Motiva breast implants
• Future of plastic surgery with AlloClae
• Navigating the business side of medicine

Tune in to hear Dr. Hamilton’s insights on innovative surgical techniques, implant choices, and what’s next in the evolving world of plastic surgery.

Follow Dr. Kristy Hamilton:
Instagram: @drkristyhamilton
Facebook: @drkristyhamilton
TikTok: @drkristyhamilton
Website: www.drkristyhamilton.com

Request your consultation here:
Contact Rukmini Rednam, MD in Houston TX and The Woodlands (drrukminirednam.com)

In this episode of The Confidence Doc, Dr. Rukmini Vinaya Rednam sits down with Whitney Ray Di Bona, a former personal injury lawyer turned holistic health coach. Whitney shares her experience representing clients affected by mesothelioma from cosmetic products and botched plastic surgery, highlighting the risks of choosing unlicensed providers or underqualified med spas. They discuss the key difference between board-certified plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons, and why doing your research is crucial before any aesthetic procedure.

Whitney also talks about the dangers of unregulated recovery homes and the impact of lack of oversight on patients. Whitney opens up about her own transformation, leaving the legal field after motherhood to become a certified coach and business owner. She now helps moms grow their brands on social media and navigate career transitions with confidence. Together, she and Dr. Rednam reflect on personal growth and the meaning of coaching.

Key Topics Covered:

• Legal risks in cosmetic procedures and med spa treatments
• Why board certification matters in plastic surgery
• The dangers of unlicensed recovery homes
• Career reinvention after motherhood
• Starting a business and coaching with purpose
• How social media empowers women in transition

Listen for a powerful conversation on reclaiming identity, protecting your body, and building a career that aligns with your season of life.

Follow Whitney Ray Di Bona:
Low Tox Lawyer: www.lowtoxlawyer.com
Instagram: @lowtoxlawyer
Podcast: The Wellness Verdict

Request your consultation here:
Contact Rukmini Rednam, MD in Houston TX and The Woodlands (drrukminirednam.com)

In this episode of The Confidence Doc, Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Rukmini Vinaya Rednam sits down with Dr. Kyle Hoedebecke, a Certified Physician Executive with over 20 years of experience in clinical medicine, innovation, and leadership. Dr. Hoedebecke explains what it means to be a Certified Physician Executive, the education and experience needed, and how physicians can follow unique paths into leadership roles. He also shares the personal motivations behind his journey and the steps he took to become a leader in the healthcare space.

They explore general investments in healthcare and how Dr. Hoedebecke co-founded 1836 Ventures to help physicians create alternative revenue streams. He emphasizes the importance of understanding what you're investing in. The conversation also dives into AI in medicine, including the distinction between true AI and mislabeled tools, as well as the rise of new technologies that reduce reliance on medications and allow treatment without in-person visits.

Key Topics Covered:

• What it means to be a Certified Physician Executive
• Career pathways for physicians in leadership
• Healthcare investing and launching 1836 Ventures
• Artificial intelligence and tech innovation in medicine
• Programs that reduce medication use and support remote care

This episode offers powerful insights into medical leadership, AI in healthcare, and the future of innovation for physicians and professionals in Houston and beyond.

Follow Dr. Kyle Hoedebecke:
X: @khoedebecke
LinkedIn: @khoedebecke
Instagram: @1836vc
Email: kyle@1836-vc.com

Request your consultation here:
Contact Rukmini Rednam, MD in Houston TX and The Woodlands (drrukminirednam.com)

In this episode of The Confidence Doc, Houston board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rukmini Vinaya Rednam sits down with Dr. Algie LaBrasca, board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of LaBrasca Plastic Surgery. Dr. LaBrasca shares how his grandmother inspired his path into medicine and what ultimately led him to open his own practice. He reflects on his favorite procedures and how the pandemic pushed him to show his true personality through social media, creating authentic connections with his audience.

They discuss how he approaches patient care, especially for out-of-town clients, and how he integrates mental health awareness into every consultation. Dr. LaBrasca details the technologies available in his practice, including VASER liposuction, power-assisted lipo, and lasers in his medspa. He also shares his excitement for the role AI will play in the future of plastic surgery and outlines what’s next for his practice.

Key Topics Covered:

• Dr. Algie LaBrasca’s journey into plastic surgery
• How the pandemic inspired a more authentic social media presence
• Supporting patients’ mental health during their surgical journey
• Advanced tools at LaBrasca Plastic Surgery: VASER, PAL, and laser technology
• Personalized treatment plans for in-town and out-of-town patients
• The future of plastic surgery and the role of AI in patient care

This episode gives an inside look at how Dr. LaBrasca blends innovation, transparency, and compassion to deliver personalized care in the world of modern plastic surgery.

Follow Dr. Algie LaBrasca:
Website: LaBrasca Plastic Surgery
Instagram: dr.labrasca
Tiktok: @dr.labrasca

Request your consultation here:
Contact Rukmini Rednam, MD in Houston TX and The Woodlands (drrukminirednam.com)

In this episode of The Confidence Doc, Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Rukmini Vinaya Rednam sits down with Amber Hurdle, a globally recognized brand strategist and keynote speaker. Amber shares how she helps companies, from Fortune 100s to fast-growing startups, build magnetic brand experiences by aligning identity, purpose, and strategy. She reflects on her journey into branding and explains why true branding goes far beyond logos and colors, diving into values, personality, and impact.

They explore how personal identity shapes brand voice and why authenticity is essential in digital communication. Amber breaks down how she uses AI to enhance branding efforts without losing the human touch, including training her own AI to replicate her tone for more natural-sounding, on-brand content. She emphasizes the value of using templates as a foundation for personalized, impactful messaging.

Key Topics Covered:

• Amber Hurdle’s journey into branding and strategy
• Why branding is more than just visuals
• How to use personality to shape your brand
• Staying authentic while using AI tools
• Communicating with purpose and clarity
• Real examples of branding with AI

Tune in for a conversation on brand alignment, personal growth, and the tools that help businesses and individuals leave a lasting impression.

Follow Amber Hurdle:
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/theamberhurdle
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theamberhurdle
Twitter: https://twitter.com/theamberhurdle
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theamberhurdle/
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amberhurdle/

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Request your consultation here:
Contact Rukmini Rednam, MD in Houston TX and The Woodlands (drrukminirednam.com)

In this episode of The Confidence Doc, recorded in the heart of Paris, France, Dr. Rukmini Vinaya Rednam sits down with internationally acclaimed fashion designer Kobi Halperin. Known for his signature blend of timeless elegance and detailed craftsmanship, Kobi shares his unique journey through the fashion world—from his earliest inspirations to becoming a globally celebrated designer whose work is deeply rooted in heritage and storytelling.

Throughout their conversation, Kobi reflects on how fashion can serve as a powerful language for connection, identity, and personal empowerment. He emphasizes the value of embracing change, challenging creative limits, and staying true to one’s vision. Kobi also shares personal insights into his family life, his evolving sources of inspiration, and what lies ahead for his brand and the future of fashion.

Key Topics Covered:

• Kobi Halperin’s journey to becoming a fashion designer
• How fashion fosters connection and celebrates individuality
• The importance of personal and creative growth
• Finding inspiration and pushing creative boundaries
• A glimpse into the future of fashion and design

Tune in for an inspiring conversation with Kobi Halperin, where creativity meets transformation!

Follow Kobi Halperin:
📌 kobihalperin.com
📌 Instagram: @Kobi_KGM | @KobiHalperin

Request your consultation here:
Contact Rukmini Rednam, MD in Houston TX and The Woodlands (drrukminirednam.com)

In this episode of The Confidence Doc, Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Rukmini Vinaya Rednam sits down with Dr. Rebecca Knackstedt, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon who specializes in breast reconstruction, microsurgery, and gender-affirmation surgery. Dr. Knackstedt shares her journey into plastic surgery and what it means to be an academic surgeon.

They explore the concept of surgical prehabilitation—how improving nutrition, stress, and sleep can lead to better outcomes. Dr. Knackstedt breaks down functional medicine, how it focuses on lifestyle changes, and why it can be confusing based on a provider’s background. They also touch on the issue of insurance not covering helpful pre-surgery treatments.

The conversation covers the future of plastic surgery, including how AI could help create personalized treatment plans. Dr. Knackstedt explains her approach to surgical decision-making and reminds patients their choices can change over time. The episode ends with insights on neurotization, current research, and the importance of lifelong learning in surgery.

Key Topics Covered:

• Prehabilitation: The role of optimizing nutrition, stress, and sleep for better surgical outcomes
• Functional medicine: What it is and why it can be confusing for patients
• Insurance challenges: Why beneficial pre-surgical treatments often aren't covered
• Personalized care: How AI could support personalized surgery plans
• Evolving decisions: Surgical choices don't have to be permanent

Follow Dr. Rebecca Knackstedt on Instagram @rknackstedtmdphd
Visit clararecovery.com for more resources
Follow Surgical Recovery on Instagram @surgical_recovery, on TikTok @surgicalrecovery, on YouTube @Surgical_Recovery, and on Facebook at Surgical Recovery

Request your consultation here:
Contact Rukmini Rednam, MD in Houston TX and The Woodlands (drrukminirednam.com)