Where informed patients make confident treatment decisions.
Save Your Thyroid with Jennifer Holkem

PODCAST EPISODES

110
Nov. 25, 2025

RFA for Thyroid Cancer? Inside Taiwan's Advanced Techniques | Dr. Chan Jung Chang

The Future of Thyroid Treatment: Advanced RFA, Microcarcinoma, and Taiwan's "One-Stop Shop" Model 🇹🇼 This episode of Save Your Thyroid unveils the groundbreaking world of Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA). Host Jennifer Holkem speaks with Dr. Chan Jung Chang, an expert Otolaryngologist from Taiwan, about the future of non-surgical thyroid treatment for both thyroid nodules and papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. Dr. Chang details why RFA is so widely preferred in Taiwan—driven by a cultural de...
109
Nov. 11, 2025

Thyroid Nodules: RFA vs. Surgery (All the Details) | Dr. Wolfe

What are the real risks of thyroid surgery? A top otolaryngologist (ENT) surgeon, Dr. Michael J. Wolfe, joins me to discuss how to protect your voice and parathyroid glands—and when non-surgical Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a better option. In this episode, Dr. Michael J. Wolfe explains the crucial role ENTs play in thyroid care due to their deep expertise in neck anatomy. We explore the full diagnostic process for thyroid nodules, what your biopsy results really mean, and have a candid disc...
108
Oct. 28, 2025

Is Insulin Resistance Causing Your Thyroid Nodules? (A Non-Surgical Fix)

What's the hidden link between insulin resistance and thyroid nodules? Top endocrinologist Dr. Ahmet Ergin (@SugarMDs) joins me for an enlightening conversation about holistic thyroid health. In this powerful discussion, Dr. Ergin shares how integrative endocrinology, which blends traditional methods with functional medicine, is key to managing thyroid disorders. We explore the critical role of patient education and how lifestyle changes in diet, sleep, and exercise can profoundly impact your he...
107
Oct. 27, 2025

BEYOND SURGERY: The PAST, PRESENT, and FUTURE of treating thyroid nodules

In this episode of Save Your Thyroid, Jennifer Holkem discusses the latest advancements in thyroid care, focusing on thyroid nodules and the innovative non-surgical treatment known as radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Joined by Dr. John Interlandi, they explore the history of thyroid treatment, the impact of nodular thyroid disease, and the benefits of RFA as a safe and effective alternative to surgery. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding thyroid health, the evolution of tre...
106
Sept. 23, 2025

What is nPULSE Ablation REALLY Like? Natalie's Honest Experience

In this episode of Save Your Thyroid, host Jennifer Holkem interviews Natalie Suarez, who shares her personal journey with thyroid nodules and her experience with nanosecond pulse field ablation (nsPFA). The conversation covers Natalie's initial diagnosis, the challenges of navigating medical opinions and biopsies, and her decision to pursue nsPFA as a non-surgical treatment option. Natalie details her procedure day experience, recovery, and the positive outcomes she has experienced since the tr...
105
Sept. 9, 2025

A Surgeon's "Wake-Up Call": Dr. Merry Sebelik on the RFA Paradigm Shift

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Merry Sebelik, a pioneer in the field of thyroid care, discusses the transformative impact of Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) on thyroid treatment. She shares her journey as a surgeon and educator, emphasizing the importance of ultrasound in thyroid surgery and the global health implications of RFA. The discussion covers the advantages of RFA over traditional surgery, the challenges of implementing this technology in various healthcare settings, and the crit...
104
Aug. 26, 2025

Thyroid Care WITHOUT Surgery: RFA and the Future of Thyroid Cancer Treatment

In this episode, Dr. James Suliburk and Dr. Ray Grogan discuss the advancements in thyroid care, particularly focusing on radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for treating thyroid nodules and papillary thyroid cancer. They explore the evolution of RFA in the US, the safety concerns surrounding the procedure, and the importance of patient-centered care and shared decision-making. The conversation also delves into the criteria for RFA candidacy, the role of molecular testing in thyroid care, and the challenges of conducting randomized controlled trials in this field. The episode concludes with insights into the future of non-surgical thyroid care and the importance of finding experienced clinical teams for optimal patient outcomes.
103
Aug. 12, 2025

The Thyroid Nodule Treatment Doctors Aren't Telling You About | Murfreesboro, TN ENT

In this episode, Dr. Britni Caplin, an expert ENT surgeon, discusses Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), a minimally invasive procedure to shrink thyroid nodules and avoid surgery. Based in Murfreesboro, TN, Dr. Caplin discusses her expertise in thyroid care, focusing on the innovative non-surgical options for thyroid nodules like Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) and Ethanol Ablation. She emphasizes the importance of patient-centered care, collaboration between ENT and endocrinology, and the challenges of insurance coverage for these procedures. Dr. Caplin shares insights on how she helps patients choose between RFA and surgery, the significance of her ACTPS designation, and the integrated care model that enhances patient experience.
102
July 29, 2025

Astra's Story: How nsPFA Shrinks Thyroid Nodules Without Surgery!

In this conversation, Astra Mathis shares her personal journey with thyroid nodules and her experience with nanosecond pulsed field ablation (nsPFA). The discussion covers the symptoms, diagnosis, and the decision-making process for choosing non-surgical options over traditional thyroidectomy. Astra details the procedure itself, her recovery, and the significant reduction in her nodule size, emphasizing the benefits of nsPFA. The conversation concludes with Astra offering advice to others considering similar treatments and reflecting on her overall experience.
101
July 15, 2025

Cutting-Edge Thyroid Treatments: A Surgeon’s Perspective on RFA and nsPFA (Dr. Richard Harding)

In this conversation, Dr. Richard Harding discusses the advancements in thyroid nodule treatment, focusing on two primary techniques: Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) and Nanosecond Pulsed Field Ablation (NSPFA). He explains the mechanisms, benefits, and patient experiences associated with each method, emphasizing the safety and efficacy of NSPFA, especially in delicate areas near critical structures like the recurrent laryngeal nerve. The discussion also covers patient feedback, ideal candidates for each procedure, and the future of these technologies in mainstream thyroid care.
100
July 1, 2025

A Raw Conversation About Trust, Fear, and Thyroid Choices: with Dr. Jon Russell

In this episode, we have a reversal of roles. Host, Jennifer Holkem shares her journey as a thyroid patient, emphasizing the importance of patient advocacy and education. Interviewed by guest host, Dr. John Russell, they discuss the challenges patients face within the healthcare system, the significance of informed decision-making, and the emotional aspects of navigating treatment options. The conversation highlights the need for trust between patients and healthcare providers, the role of alter...
99
June 17, 2025

Toxic Thyroid Nodules: RFA vs. RAI

What Patients Need to Know with Dr. Ian OrozcoToxic Thyroid Nodules: RFA vs. RAI—What’s the Difference?In this episode, endocrinologist Dr. Ian Orozco joins Jennifer Holkem to break down the two main non-surgical treatment options for toxic thyroid nodules: radioactive iodine (RAI) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Learn how these treatments work, who they’re right for, and what every patient needs to know before choosing a path. If you've been told surgery is your only option, this episode is a must-watch.🔹 What is a toxic thyroid nodule?🔹 RFA vs. RAI: key differences, benefits, and risks🔹 How to preserve thyroid function and avoid unnecessary surgery🔹 Real-world considerations: lifestyle, fertility, and recovery🔹 Why the experience of your provider matters
98
June 3, 2025

Is Your Thyroid Ultrasound Telling the Whole Story? With Dr. Alireza Falahati

Today, we’re talking about how new 3D ultrasound technology is giving doctors a clearer, more accurate view of the thyroid and helping patients get better answers faster.Joining me is Dr. Alireza Falahati — a Mayo Clinic–trained, board-certified endocrinologist with a specialized focus on the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid and parathyroid tumors. He was the first U.S. physician to implement the advanced 3D Ultrasound System by PIUR Imaging.
97
May 20, 2025

A New Era in Thyroid Nodule Treatment: Understanding nsPFA with Dr. Ralph Tufano

In this episode, Dr. Ralph P. Tufano discusses the innovative non-thermal treatment for thyroid nodules known as Nanosecond Pulsed Field Ablation (nsPFA). This technique offers a safe and effective alternative to traditional thermal ablation methods, focusing on preserving healthy thyroid tissue while effectively reducing the size of benign nodules. The conversation covers the mechanism of action, patient selection criteria, efficacy, and the overall patient experience during and after the procedure. Dr. Tufano emphasizes the importance of patient advocacy and the need for ongoing research in this evolving field of thyroid care.
96
May 6, 2025

Toxic Nodule Triumphs: Thyroid RFA Success Stories with Dr. Jules Aljammal

In this episode of Save Your Thyroid with Jennifer Holkem, Jen is joined by Dr. Jules Aljammal to discuss the impact of thyroid nodules and the innovative non-surgical treatment option of radiofrequency ablation (RFA). They explore the nature of toxic thyroid nodules, the symptoms they cause, and the various treatment options available, including medication, surgery, and radioactive iodine. The episode features 2 patient testimonials highlighting their experiences with RFA treatment, emphasizing its effectiveness and the importance of patient choice in treatment options. Dr. Aljammal also shares exciting news about opening a new practice in Washington state, expanding access to thyroid care.
95
April 22, 2025

Ethanol Ablation vs. Radiofrequency Ablation: Dr. Shuchie Jaggi (NY)

Today's guest is Dr. Shuchie Jaggi, a leading endocrinologist, co-director of the interdisciplinary thyroid program at Lenox Hill Hospital (NY), and a specialist in advanced thyroid imaging and minimally invasive treatments.Here’s what we’ll be covering today:✅ The role of neck imaging in diagnosing and guiding treatment✅ How ethanol ablation works and why it’s ideal for thyroid cysts✅ The science behind radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and its growing use in clinical practice✅ How these two techniques compare—when to choose one over the other✅ The future of thyroid care and what’s on the horizon for nonsurgical intervention
94
April 8, 2025

Decoding my DNA with Susan Robbins

Today, we’re joined by epigenetic expert Susan Robbins, a Precision Health coach and award-winning leader in genetic optimization. With a no-nonsense approach, Susan blends cutting-edge science with real-life experience to help you unlock your full potential. She’s battled autoimmune issues, Lyme Disease, and the stress of law enforcement, making her insights both personal and powerful.In today’s episode, we explore how DNA testing can illuminate the mysteries of both general and thyroid health and empower you to take control of your well-being!