Justin J. Badal, MD

Justin J. Badal, MD

Baylor College of Medicine

Houston, Texas

Dr. Badal is an urologic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive and robotic surgery.  He received his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine. With a strong foundation from his training at UC Davis and a fellowship at the City of Hope National Cancer Center, he is committed to integrating emerging technologies into patient care. Currently based in Houston, Dr. Badal focuses on providing the highest level of care for patients with urologic conditions, emphasizing compassionate and empathetic approaches in his practice.

Talks by Justin J. Badal, MD

Key Principles from the 2024 AUA Guidelines Updates on Salvage Prostate Cancer Therapy

Key Principles from the 2024 AUA Guidelines Updates on Salvage Prostate Cancer Therapy

Posted by | Jan 2025

Justin J. Badal, MD, reviews the updated 2024 guidelines for advanced prostate cancer, reflecting substantial advancements since the last revision in 2013. The revision synthesizes evidence from numerous trials to reshape recommendations, focusing particularly on treatment strategies for biochemical recurrence (BCR) following radical prostatectomy.

In this 18-minute presentation, Badal shares guidelines emphasizing utilizing prognostic factors, such as PSA doubling time and Gleason grade, to stratify patient risk and guide treatment timing. He notes that ultra-sensitive PSA testing for high-risk individuals and PET imaging, particularly PSMA PET scans, is recognized as valuable tools for detecting biochemical recurrence.

The integration of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with SRT is advised for patients showing high-risk features, while, for those without high-risk markers, radiation monotherapy remains an option. For recurrent or node-positive cases post-primary therapy, combined modality approaches, including the use of expanded radiation fields and intensified androgen receptor suppression, are encouraged within a clinical trial setting.

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Diagnosing Renal Masses: Do Advanced Imaging Techniques and Biomarkers Play an Important Role?

Diagnosing Renal Masses: Do Advanced Imaging Techniques and Biomarkers Play an Important Role?

Posted by | Aug 2024

Justin J. Badal, MD, explores the prognostic and predictive value of biomarkers and imaging in the diagnosis of renal conditions. He begins by reviewing the history of biomarkers and their use in the diagnosis and treatment of renal conditions.

Dr. Badal then addresses potential predictive uses of renal condition biomarkers. He presents data from the Checkmate 025 and INmotion150 studies which did not support the predictive value of certain prognostic biomarkers, and future directions for identifying predictive biomarkers.

Dr. Badal concludes with an overview of the effectiveness of combining biomarker detection with imaging technologies to improve prognostic and predictive accuracy. He presents data from the ZIRCON study, and discusses the potential integration of AI in biomarker detection.

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Cognitive Bias in Practice and Training

Cognitive Bias in Practice and Training

Posted by | Jul 2024

Justin J. Badal, MD, examines the impact of cognitive bias in medical training and practice on clinical decision-making, diagnostic accuracy, and patient outcomes. He begins by defining cognitive bias, and analyzing common biases, including:

Representativeness Bias
Misconception of Regression Bias
Availability Bias
Adjustment and Anchoring Bias

Dr. Badal demonstrates examples of the impact of each bias in diagnostic testing, clinical decision-making, and patient outcomes. He concludes by making recommendations for counteracting cognitive bias in practice with evidence that bias training improves overall clinician performance.

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Diagnosing Renal Masses: Do Advanced Imaging Techniques and Biomarkers Play an Important Role?

Diagnosing Renal Masses: Do Advanced Imaging Techniques and Biomarkers Play an Important Role?

Posted by | Dec 2023

Justin J. Badal, MD, explores how advancements in imaging techniques and biomarkers enhance diagnostic accuracy, inform treatment decisions, and potentially improve patient outcomes. He acknowledges the limitations of traditional imaging modalities, such as ultrasound and computed tomography (CT), and emphasizes the need for more precise tools.
Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI), positron emission tomography (PET) combined with CT or MRI, and the use of biomarkers are all analyzed. These advanced diagnostic tools have the potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy, guide treatment decisions, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. They are a significant step forward in the personalized management of renal cancer.

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Cognitive Bias in Training and Practice

Cognitive Bias in Training and Practice

Posted by | Dec 2023

Justin J. Badal, MD, examines the impact of cognitive bias in medical training and practice on clinical decision-making, diagnostic accuracy, and patient outcomes. He begins by defining cognitive bias, and analyzing common biases, including:

Representativeness Bias
Misconception of Regression Bias
Availability Bias
Adjustment and Anchoring Bias

Dr. Badal demonstrates examples of the impact of each bias in diagnostic testing, clinical decision-making, and patient outcomes. He concludes by making recommendations for counteracting cognitive bias in practice with evidence that bias training improves overall clinician performance.

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