The Science Behind Viagra with Dr. Arthur Burnett

madman · 2026-02-17T22:08:38-0600

In this episode of Med School Minutes, we sit down with Dr. Arthur Burnett, a Johns Hopkins urologist, researcher, and professor whose work helped unlock the science behind Viagra and reshape how medicine understands male sexual health.

In recognition of Black History Month, we reflect on Dr. Burnett’s groundbreaking career, his impact on men’s health research, and the importance of representation and mentorship in medicine.

In recognition of Black History Month, we reflect on Dr. Burnett’s groundbreaking career, his impact on men’s health research, and the importance of representation and mentorship in medicine.

Topics covered:

• The science behind erectile dysfunction

• Nitric oxide and vascular health

• Aging, longevity, and prostate cancer

• Representation and mentorship in medicine

• Why there’s no shortcut to becoming an MD

Chapters

00:00 Introduction & Episode Overview
00:41 Meet Dr. Arthur Burnett (Johns Hopkins, Urology & Research)
05:50 The Science Behind Viagra and Nitric Oxide
12:42 How ED Research Changed Medicine and Culture
23:05 Aging, Longevity, and Men’s Vascular Health
28:10 Prostate Cancer, Screening, and What Men Should Know
38:43 Representation, Mentorship, and Diversity in Medicine
47:44 Advice for Future Physicians and Final Thoughts

madman · 2026-02-17T22:09:47-0600

Thread 'Sildenafil, 25 Years Later'

May 26, 2023

Sildenafil: 25 Years Later – Summary

Twenty-five years ago, the FDA’s approval of sildenafil (Viagra) radically reshaped the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Editor-in-Chief of Grand Rounds in Urology, E. David Crawford, MD, sits down to discuss the history and future of PDE5 inhibitors with three of the people responsible for their initial approval: Mark Hirsch, MD, Raymond Rosen, Ph.D., and Irwin Goldstein, MD.

Dr. Hirsch, Dr. Rosen, and Dr. Goldstein reflect on the approval process, particularly the development of the International Index of...