As mysteriously as he disappeared last May, Dr. Jonathan I. Epstein resurfaces, calling for 'empowering patients'

Is he rehabbing his rep and planning an exit from Hopkins? He's keeping his own counsel.

By Howard Wolinsky

Top gun uropathologist Jonathan I. Epstein, MD, of Johns Hopkins, dropped from sight six months ago amidst shocking charges of bullying his staff and leaning on them to support opinions on his wife’s reads

Hillary Ross Epstein, MD, who trained with Dr. Jonathan Epstein, worked as a pathologist elsewhere in Maryland and patients funneled second opinions from Dr. Hillary to Dr. Jonathan Epstein.

Epstein denied all charges against him. Hopkins offered free second and third opinions on biopsies to rattled patients—though frankly I suspect his reads were solid.

Now out of the blue, there are signs of a reemerging Epstein. I wrote him a note to ask if he is coming out of seclusion, but uncharacteristically he is maintaining radio silence.

First off, an interview with him appeared in the American Reporter at https://www.theamericanreporter.com/empowering-patients-dr-jonathan-i-epstein-shares-advice-on-asking-the-right-questions-about-pathology/.

The article seems legit. In any case, I think it’s worth reading to learn about what pathology is and what the most common tests are in the field.

“Pathology in its broadest sense involves the examination of tissues and bodily fluids to diagnose and understand diseases,” Epstein notes.

“Pathology is a vital part of healthcare, bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and clinical application. An accurate pathology diagnosis is the cornerstone of all subsequent therapy. A patient could have the best clinician taking care of them, but if the pathology diagnosis is incorrect then the patient will receive the wrong treatment.” 

American Reporter cites a video AnCan did in 2020: [AnCan]. (2020, December 30). Webinar: Active Surveillance & Beyond – Dr. Jonathan Epstein – 30 Dec 20 [Video]. YouTube. )

The article is worth checking out. But why did it come out now? Is Epstein trying to rehab his rep, which no doubt took a blow in the Bullygate incident?

Secondly, in the rumor mill, there is a story—maybe not surprising—that Epstein is shopping for a new job in LA or the Big Apple. I asked Epstein but got no response.

If he can get past his issues and mend his image, he’d be a major catch at a major medical center or even a large group. He still has mad skills behind the microscope and in discussing results with patients,

Here’s coping he will be the Comeback Kid.

Join me at Your Prostate Cancer.help virtual meeting for AS patients

By Howard Wolinsky

Jan Manarite runs a wonderful support group on Active Surveillance. She has her own special style and digs in to help men.

I used to attend her meetings all the time.

But because of a family emergency, she missed her latest meeting.

I volunteered to fill in for Jan at 4-5 p.m. Eastern Wednesday, January 17.

Just click into Zoom at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85839374146?pwd=S05OUE52Q2JlNSs1Nkw4Y3VBSjEvdz09 

Hope I’ll see you there.

COVID-19 and PSAs—watch out

By Howard Wolinsky

COVID-19 is tending again. And that means your prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood could also be heading up a point or two.

Jeff Coleman, a Gleason 3+3 patient from near Baltimore, told the AnCan virtual support group for ACtive Surveillance this week about going to a New Year’s Eve party with friends and that they all came down with COVID. This wasn’t Jeff’s first COVID rodeo.

But he was concerned about his PSA shooting up.

David King Keller, PhD, an Active Surveillance patient from Jacksonville, Florida, happened to be David on the spot at the meeting and shared his experience. He had felt bone pain and worried he had metastases.

Turned out David had COVID. He was the man who confused a rising PSA. COVID caused his PSA to rise.

He shared his story at the meeting and in Medpage Medical News: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/989587

David said: “To my shock, my PSA had spiked over 2 points, to 9.9 from 7.8 a few months earlier. I freaked. Had my 3-cm tumor burst out into an aggressive cancer? Research on PubMed provided an array of studies showing what could cause PSA to suddenly rise, including a DRE performed 72 hours before the blood draw.^[ A week later, my PSA was back down to its normal 7.6.” 

Jeff is due for a PSA and wondered if he should postpone it because his PSA might be up. I suggested he ask his doctor—but joked that Jeff might want to ahead and have a little science experiment and see if his PSA is on the rise.

The multi-talented Jeff added his wiseacre comment to this MAD Magazine-style cartoon in response.

Best of luck, Jeff.

Join the ASPI webinar on genomics on Jan. 27

Register for an ASPI program on genetics and prostate cancer

January 27

12:00 - 1:30 PM EDT

REGISTER FOR ZOOM

SAVE THE DATE!

Join us for a free & informative webinar on SATURDAY, JANUARY 27th, from 12:00 - 1:30pm EST as Christina Nakamoto, Medical Science Liaison for Urology at Myriad Genetics, discusses the benefits of medical grade, genetic tests and how testing can provide personalized information about a patient's prostate cancer in facilitating an informed shared decision-making process between the patient and his medical team on Active Surveillance and/or other treatment options.  Michael Glode, MD, who serves on ASPI's Medical Advisory committee will join the discussion and field questions during a Q &A session.  Send your questions in advance to contactus@aspatients.org.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

While we’re at it: Join the ZERO support group on AS in March

By Howard Wolinsky

For the past three years, I have run a special Active Surveillance support group for ZERO. Last year, our virtual support meeting drew 60 patients to talk about AS. It was by far the biggest session of any at the annual ZERO Summit.

So sign up now and join us at 11 a.m. Eastern March 12, 2024.

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUsfuqgrjIoG9AWf7voMhzT_UjdqbQQbQPA