In this episode of Out of Network, Dr. Ryon Parker sits down with Dr. Dan Barrera, a talented hepatobiliary surgeon and subspecialty specialist, to explore what it's really like to be a surgeon in today's challenging healthcare landscape. From the realities of the OR to navigating Las Vegas healthcare stereotypes, Dr. Dan shares his journey from medical student to attending surgeon, discusses the complexities of pancreatic surgery, and opens up about being a gay physician in a traditionally conservative field.

What You'll Learn

• The demanding 14-year journey to become a specialized surgeon (undergrad through fellowship)
• Why Las Vegas healthcare deserves better than its "third world" reputation
• How insurance bureaucracy creates dangerous delays in patient care
• The future of robotic surgery and its impact on patient outcomes
• Navigating identity and authenticity as an LGBTQ+ physician in medicine

Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction and Dr. Dan's background
03:15 – What inspired Dr. Dan to become a surgeon
05:45 – The long road: Medical education journey breakdown
08:30 – Hepatobiliary surgery and pancreatic cancer treatment
12:00 – Las Vegas healthcare stereotypes and reality
16:30 – Insurance bureaucracy horror stories
22:00 – Coming out as a gay physician in surgery
31:00 – The future of robotic surgery
37:00 – Advice for future surgeons
42:55 – Closing thoughts on healthcare reform

About Our Guest

Dr. Dan Barrera is a hepatobiliary and advanced GI surgical oncology specialist practicing in Las Vegas. He completed his general surgery residency in Denver, Colorado, and his fellowship training in Florida. Dr. Dan specializes in complex pancreatic surgeries and is passionate about advancing robotic surgical techniques.

Read more about him here > https://www.southernnvsurgery.com/dr-daniel-a-barrera

Connect with Out of Network

• Website: https://www.outofnetworkpod.com/
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Connect with the Hosts

• Parker Medical - Las Vegas, NV → https://parkermedical.org/
• Dr. Ryon Parker → https://www.instagram.com/dr.ryonparker/
• Seth Premiere Medical - Tampa, FL → https://sethmedical.com/
• Dr. Rishi Seth → https://www.instagram.com/drrishiseth/

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