Listen’s to Today’s Episode

Watch the full podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcast

Episode’s Description

From Neurosurgery to Regenerative Medicine: Dr. Jeff Gross on the Future of Stem Cells

Neurosurgeons are at the top of the medical hierarchy-years of intense training, mastering complex surgeries, and performing life-altering procedures. But what happens when a neurosurgeon decides to step away from the scalpel and embrace regenerative medicine?

In this episode of Postcall: Beyond the White Coat, Dr Selina Chew sits down with Dr. Jeff Gross, a neurosurgeon turned regenerative medicine expert, to explore his fascinating transition from traditional surgery to cutting-edge stem cell treatments.

This is not just a conversation about medicine. It’s about challenging long-held beliefs, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and rethinking the way we treat spinal and musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.

Inside This Conversation

Dr. Jeff Gross: A Neurosurgeon’s Journey

• What drew Dr. Gross to neurosurgery?
• The intense challenges of training in one of medicine’s most demanding specialties.
• The reality of neurosurgical culture-was bullying a real issue?
• The moment he realized he was meant to be a surgeon.

From Surgery to Stem Cells: A Mindset Shift

• Why would a neurosurgeon move away from operating rooms to explore regenerative medicine?
• The shift from “fixing” with surgery to healing with biologics.
• Does he miss surgery, or has regenerative medicine opened new doors?

Breaking Down Stem Cells and Biologics

Stem Cells 101: The Science We Didn’t Learn in Medical School

• What exactly are stem cells, and how do they work?
• The difference between totipotent, pluripotent, and multipotent stem cells-and why it matters in real-world treatments.
• How does the body’s natural stem cell mobilization compare to direct stem cell therapy?

Biologics: More Than Just Stem Cells

• What’s included under the umbrella of “biologics”?
• PRP, exosomes, and stem cells-what are they, and how do they work?
• Are these treatments FDA-approved, and where does regulation stand today?

Stem Cell Therapy for Spine and MSK Conditions

Regenerative Medicine vs. Surgery

• Can stem cells treat all spinal and musculoskeletal conditions?
• Who are the best candidates for stem cell therapy-and who isn’t?
• How do stem cells repair cartilage, ligaments, and joints?

Can Stem Cells Reverse Disc Degeneration?

• How do stem cells work in regenerating damaged spinal discs?
• Are they more effective in early degeneration vs. advanced cases?
• Can stem cells restore the structure of a prolapsed disc rather than just reducing inflammation?
• How does stem cell therapy compare to traditional surgery or steroid injections?

Optimizing Stem Cell Therapy for Maximum Results

• The difference between IV injections vs. direct joint injections.
• How quickly can patients see results?
• Why isn’t this treatment mainstream yet?

Pushing the Boundaries: Stem Cells and Paralysis

The Christopher Reeve Case

• Would he have been a good candidate for stem cell therapy?
• What is the current state of stem cell research in spinal cord injuries?
• Is curing paralysis possible with stem cells?

Extreme Cases: Can Stem Cells Salvage Damaged Tissue?

• A shocking case: A man suffers severe electrical burns-could stem cells have helped save his arms?
• Where do we draw the line between what’s salvageable and what’s beyond repair?

Stem Cells in Sports Medicine: Ethics, Recovery & Performance

Athletes and Regenerative Medicine

• Are stem cells allowed in professional sports, or are they considered a performance enhancer?
• Big names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Nadal, and Tiger Woods have reportedly used stem cells-do they have an unfair advantage?
• The ethical debate: Where do we draw the line between recovery and performance enhancement?
• How do stem cells compare to traditional performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs)?

Using Stem Cells for Injury Prevention and Longevity

• Can weekend warriors use stem cell therapy to recover faster and perform better?
• Is there a preventive protocol for athletes who want to extend their careers and avoid injuries?
• Should we be injecting ourselves with stem cells regularly?

The Future of Surgery and Regenerative Medicine

Will Surgeons Still Be Operating in 20 Years?

• Could stem cell therapy replace spinal surgeries in the future?
• The role of AI, robotics, and regenerative medicine in the next generation of spine care.

How to Get Started in Regenerative Medicine

• Where can doctors learn and train in stem cell therapy?
• What skills do you need to integrate regenerative treatments into your practice?

To catch up on our previous discussion, check out our last podcast episode, where we covered ‘Doctor to FAANG: Breaking into Healthcare Tech. FB, Apple, AWS, Netflix, Google.’ Also, listen on podcast related to stem cell, where we talk about ‘What Doctors Were Never Taught About Stem Cells: Christian Drapeau Explains’ here.