The Prep, The Procedure, and Prevention

Colon cancer screening saves lives—and starting at age 45,it’s more important than ever to get on the schedule. In this episode of the We Are Valley Podcast, we talk with Dr. Brandon Teng, gastroenterologist at Valley Medical Center, about why screening guidelines were lowered from age 50 to 45, how colonoscopies help detect and prevent colon cancer, and what patients can expect before, during, and after the procedure.

Dr. Teng also addresses common concerns about bowel prep, compares colonoscopies with at-home stool tests, and shares symptoms that may require screening before age 45. The conversation highlights the role of Valley’s GI Clinic and Endoscopy Center, including upper endoscopies, other digestive conditions, and Valley’s direct-access colonoscopy program designed to make preventive care as simple and seamless as possible.

Additional resources:

· To learn more or schedule a colonoscopy at Valley Medical Center, visit valleymed.org/colonoscopy.

· Learn more about digestive health and the role of a gastroenterologist: https://www.valleymed.org/gastroenterology

· Learn about our guest, Dr. Brandon Teng: https://www.valleymed.org/find-a-provider/t/brandon-j-teng

Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, or MIGS, is an advanced approach in gynecologic procedures that uses smaller or in some cases, no incisions. The benefits of MIGS procedures are faster recovery time and less pain than traditional surgery.

Hear from gynecologic surgeons Olga Valieva, DO and Eric Schmidt, DO discussing:

• What does the term minimally invasive gynecologic surgery mean?
• Some reasons why you may consider getting a MIGS procedure.
• Things to ask about if you are having consultations with a surgeon about a MIGS procedure.
• What getting a minimally invasive gynecologic surgery looks like at Valley
• What is vNOTES?

Learn more about MIGS options offered at Valley- https://www.valleymed.org/services/all-specialties/surgical-services/migsValley Women’s Healthcare Clinic - https://www.valleymed.org/services/all-specialties/obgyn-services

Our Guests:

• Olga Valieva, DO https://www.valleymed.org/find-a-provider/v/olga-valieva
• Eric Schmidt, DO https://www.valleymed.org/find-a-provider/s/eric-j-schmit

Valley Medical Center surgeons are experienced in minimally-invasive and robotic surgery approaches for a variety of conditions including:

• Endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids
• Ovarian cysts
• Polyps

When every second counts, what happens behind the doors of Valley’s Emergency Department? In this episode, Emergency Medicine leaders Dr. Cameron Buck and Katherine Bendickson share what it means for Valley to be one of Washington’s busiest Level III Trauma Centers. They explain the triage process, the teamwork that makes rapid response possible, and why most trauma cases aren’t what you might expect.

Learn more about Valley’s Emergency Department and Level III Trauma Center and find additional resources: https://www.valleymed.org/trauma