Podcasts about academic medicine

This week on the Faculty Factory Podcast, we're talking about education once again, and this time it's all about exploring teaching that goes way beyond the status quo for a very special "best of" episode. The snippets from today's podcast focus on technology, meeting learners where they are, avoiding cognitive overload, and introducing clinical and micro-scale instructional approaches. We're featuring important highlights from three episodes in our archive: Episode 283 – Tiny Talks, Academic Medicine and the Clinical Learning Environment with Anna Handorf, MD Episode 158 – Just in Time Teaching (JiTT), Evidence-based Knowledge, and Technology with Alice Fornari, EdD, FAMEE, RDN Episode 297 – The Art and Science of Delivering “Micro Resources” in Academic Medicine with Alice Fornari, EdD, FAMEE, RDN We start out hearing from Dr. Handorf about the three rules of Tiny Talks. These three guidelines are so important to consider when crafting learning materials at any level. After that, we move on to back-to-back interviews with Dr. Fornari, who is constantly incorporating the latest technology and applications to bring just-in-time teaching elements and “micro resources” to learners. Our education-themed archive of content is robust here at the Faculty Factory. We've organized this content into its own dedicated section on our website, so it's never been easier to find the next episode that might inspire you.

Every shadow on a scan carries weight. And every patient deserves someone who knows how to read between the shadows—and then, to speak gently about what they see. Sonal Kumar reflects on clinical observation, which is not just a skill, but a language that must be taught deliberately and with care. The essay read in this episode was published in the Teaching and Learning Moments column in the April 2026 issue of Academic Medicine. Read the essay at https://academic.oup.com/academicmedicine.

In this episode, Claudia Lucchinetti, MD, VP of Medical Affairs and Dean of the UT Austin Dell Medical School, discusses building an AI-native academic medical center, expanding access to advanced care in Central Texas, and integrating research, education, and clinical care into one connected ecosystem.

In this episode, Alexander Vaccaro, MD, PhD, MBA, President of Rothman Orthopaedics, discusses balancing surgeon autonomy with the realities of modern healthcare systems, aligning academic and clinical priorities, and preparing organizations for rapid technological and operational change.

In this episode, Alexander Vaccaro, MD, PhD, MBA, President of Rothman Orthopaedics, discusses balancing surgeon autonomy with the realities of modern healthcare systems, aligning academic and clinical priorities, and preparing organizations for rapid technological and operational change.

In this episode, Alexander Vaccaro, MD, PhD, MBA, President of Rothman Orthopaedics, discusses balancing surgeon autonomy with the realities of modern healthcare systems, aligning academic and clinical priorities, and preparing organizations for rapid technological and operational change.

Medicine was not just about what we did for patients—it was about how we walked with them through life and death. A typical day for me might be a patient's most vulnerable and life-defining moment. Leonard Kuan-Pei Wang reflects on participating in an honor walk, a solemn tradition where hospital staff, family, and friends gather to pay their respects to a patient donating their organs. The essay read in this episode was published in the Teaching and Learning Moments column in the February 2026 issue of Academic Medicine. Read the essay at https://academic.oup.com/academicmedicine.  

When it comes to exploring senior roles in academic medicine and understanding how one goes about achieving them, we have the perfect guest this week on the Faculty Factory Podcast as we welcome Jenny Mladenovic, MD, MBA, MACP. She joins us to help make sense of the opportunities available and to shed light on the variables to consider when pursuing one. "I do think it's really important to recognize that faculty have chapters in their life and they may not be interested now, or there may not be opportunity now, but it is still important to understand what these roles are, what they mean, and why we have them," she said. She also reminds us that if you ever think you are overreaching for a job, you have nothing to lose by applying, except perhaps your pride. "The reality is that there is no perfect job and you will never know everything going into a job. Once you start with that, it makes it a little easier," she said. In leadership, communication skills are essential, as are operational expertise, discipline, and at least some level of financial management. The good news is that all of these skills can be developed. "I have my personal biases, so everything I say should be filtered through that. But I believe a dean's role is most important in recruiting and managing faculty. They have to have some mix of charisma and operational expertise," she said. About Dr. Mladenovic Dr. Jenny Mladenovic is President and CEO of the Center for Women in Academic Medicine and Science (CWAMS) and Chair/Founder of the GEMS Alliance. Previously she was Executive Vice-President and Provost at Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU) and has held positions as senior associate dean at two institutions. Additionally, Dr. Mladenovic is an AOA graduate of the University of Washington and trained at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Stanford University, and the University of Washington.  For nearly two decades, she had an NIH/VA funded laboratory focused on hematopoietic cell differentiation. She holds an MBA from the University of Miami and is a certified mediator.

The candles ignited my pants that evening. But the real culprit was my anxiety over making a good first impression: in an effort to avoid the approaching dean, I unwittingly backpedaled into an open flame. Matthew R. Klein reflects on an embarrassing incident in medical school and the importance of sharing vulnerability with learners and patients. The essay read in this episode was published in the Teaching and Learning Moments column in the January 2026 issue of Academic Medicine. Read the essay at https://academic.oup.com/academicmedicine.

This week on the Faculty Factory Podcast, we are taking on the topic of education (and more specifically, the learner and faculty experience) by featuring important highlights and snippets from three very important episodes in our archive on that topic: Episode 270 – Elevating the Value of Teaching and Teacher Identity in Academic Medicine with Karen Moniz, MEd (HSE), PhD(c) Episode 299 – Best Supporting Practices and Strategies for Stressed-Out Learners and Faculty with Jessica Seaman, EdD Episode 333 – Essential Tips for a Successful Clinical Education Career with Carla L. Spagnoletti, MD, MS The Faculty Factory's education-themed episodes cover everything from AI in the classroom to autonomy-supportive instruction, humanities integration, and the evolving identity of the teacher-clinician. We've recently organized this content into its own dedicated section on our website, so it's never been easier to find the episode that might inspire you. About Our Podcast Guests Karen Moniz, MEd (HSE), PhD(c), brings her wisdom and insights to the Faculty Factory while drawing from her extensive experience as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Alberta. She previously served as the Faculty and Staff Development Program Director at that institution from 2018 to 2023. Jessica Seaman, EdD, serves as Assistant Professor of Medical Humanities, Co-Director of the Gold Track Curriculum, and Assistant Dean of Faculty Development at Creighton University School of Medicine in Phoenix, Arizona. Carla L. Spagnoletti, MD, MS, serves as Professor of Medicine and holds the George H. Taber Endowed Chair in General Internal Medicine with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. In addition, she is the Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, the Associate Division Chief for Education in GIM, and the Associate Director of the Masters and Certificate Programs in Medical Education within the Institute for Clinical Research Education.

Academic medicine affects patient care in important ways. Julia Cormano, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., Assistant Dean for Clinical Curriculum, Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Sciences, UC San Diego, explains how medical students, resident physicians, and fellows contribute to care in a supervised teaching hospital environment. Cormano defines the role of each learner, outlines how they participate in hospitals and clinics, and shows how team-based care can bring more attention, more listening, and up-to-date medical knowledge to each patient's case. She also explains that attending physicians oversee every decision, combining experienced judgment with the energy and perspective of learners. This work helps clarify how academic medicine supports both patient care and physician training and points toward a broader understanding of why teaching hospitals play an important role in healthcare. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41180]

Academic medicine affects patient care in important ways. Julia Cormano, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., Assistant Dean for Clinical Curriculum, Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Sciences, UC San Diego, explains how medical students, resident physicians, and fellows contribute to care in a supervised teaching hospital environment. Cormano defines the role of each learner, outlines how they participate in hospitals and clinics, and shows how team-based care can bring more attention, more listening, and up-to-date medical knowledge to each patient's case. She also explains that attending physicians oversee every decision, combining experienced judgment with the energy and perspective of learners. This work helps clarify how academic medicine supports both patient care and physician training and points toward a broader understanding of why teaching hospitals play an important role in healthcare. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41180]

Academic medicine affects patient care in important ways. Julia Cormano, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., Assistant Dean for Clinical Curriculum, Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Sciences, UC San Diego, explains how medical students, resident physicians, and fellows contribute to care in a supervised teaching hospital environment. Cormano defines the role of each learner, outlines how they participate in hospitals and clinics, and shows how team-based care can bring more attention, more listening, and up-to-date medical knowledge to each patient's case. She also explains that attending physicians oversee every decision, combining experienced judgment with the energy and perspective of learners. This work helps clarify how academic medicine supports both patient care and physician training and points toward a broader understanding of why teaching hospitals play an important role in healthcare. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41180]

Academic medicine affects patient care in important ways. Julia Cormano, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., Assistant Dean for Clinical Curriculum, Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Sciences, UC San Diego, explains how medical students, resident physicians, and fellows contribute to care in a supervised teaching hospital environment. Cormano defines the role of each learner, outlines how they participate in hospitals and clinics, and shows how team-based care can bring more attention, more listening, and up-to-date medical knowledge to each patient's case. She also explains that attending physicians oversee every decision, combining experienced judgment with the energy and perspective of learners. This work helps clarify how academic medicine supports both patient care and physician training and points toward a broader understanding of why teaching hospitals play an important role in healthcare. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41180]

Academic medicine affects patient care in important ways. Julia Cormano, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., Assistant Dean for Clinical Curriculum, Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Sciences, UC San Diego, explains how medical students, resident physicians, and fellows contribute to care in a supervised teaching hospital environment. Cormano defines the role of each learner, outlines how they participate in hospitals and clinics, and shows how team-based care can bring more attention, more listening, and up-to-date medical knowledge to each patient's case. She also explains that attending physicians oversee every decision, combining experienced judgment with the energy and perspective of learners. This work helps clarify how academic medicine supports both patient care and physician training and points toward a broader understanding of why teaching hospitals play an important role in healthcare. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41180]

This week on the Faculty Factory Podcast, Heather Whelan, MD examines the health risks of a changing world and their implications for medical education and academic medicine. Dr. Whelan serves as Director, Climate Ambassador Program, UC Center for Climate, Health and Equity with University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). "Healthcare professionals are among the most trusted people to talk about climate change with the public. We can take advantage of that opportunity to educate and inquire about how climate change is affecting people,”  Dr. Whelan said at the end of the interview. Here are some of the links from today's conversation with Dr. Whelan that we encourage you to visit: Dr. Whelan's Podcast called Climate Crossing Info on UC Climate Ambassador Program Climate Ambassador Resources google drive link Dr. Whelan is a colleague of past Faculty Factory Podcast guest, Andrew Orr, MD, MSEd. We are grateful to Dr. Orr for making the introduction to her as a referral to us for this interview! You can revisit the interview with Dr. Orr about How Introverts Can Excel in Academic Medicine. As a side note, please feel free to send us your recommendations for a future guest by emailing the show through visiting this link and send us a quick note of who you'd like to nominate and why.

We do not always rage against the dying of the light. Sometimes, we allow the light to fade gently, with grace, in the presence of love. Nezienwa Ezenwa reflects on a patient who demonstrated that medicine is not just about defying death. It is about honoring life. This essay placed first in the 2025 Hope Babette Tang Humanism in Healthcare Essay Contest and was published in the December 2025 issue of Academic Medicine. Read the essay at academicmedicine.org.

Adam D. Wolfe, MD, PhD, joins the Faculty Factory Podcast this week to discuss peer mentoring for faculty and the power of building a culture of mutual support in academic medicine. It is his third time on our show, and we could not be happier to have him back for an important chat on peer mentoring. He also shares the findings from his work co-authoring, "Outcomes of a Peer Mentoring Circle: An Innovation to Improve Academic Physician Career Advancement in a Community Hospital Setting," published in the peer-reviewed journal Academic Medicine. You can read more about that article by visiting PubMed. Dr. Wolfe is Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Program Director of the Pediatric Residency Program. He also serves as Assistant Dean of Medical Education and holds the Jann L. Harrison Endowed Chair in Pediatric Graduate Medical Education at Baylor College of Medicine in San Antonio at CHRISTUS Children's. "I think creating a peer mentoring circle requires a group of people who have some shared goals and a little bit of willingness to work together, and you can go through the steps I outlined. I think these steps would be germane for any group that wants to accomplish, or help each other accomplish their goals," Dr. Wolfe said. As mentioned, this is Dr. Wolfe's third time appearing on the Faculty Factory Podcast, please be sure to visit his previous appearances here: Visit episode 320 – Self-Promotion and Other Challenges to Embrace in Academic Medicine Check out episode 326 – Key Communication Tips for Better Relationships in Academic Medicine

Something shifted after that conversation. It wasn't a dramatic overnight change, but it was there—the slightest flicker of fight in him again. He started pushing himself a little more, engaging in physical therapy instead of just going through the motions. He cracked a joke with the nurses. Roz Agheli reflects on a patient who was kept alive by medicine but kept fighting because of hope. This essay placed first in the 2025 Hope Babette Tang Humanism in Healthcare Essay Contest and was published in the December 2025 issue of Academic Medicine. Read the essay at academicmedicine.org.

Something shifted after that conversation. It wasn't a dramatic overnight change, but it was there—the slightest flicker of fight in him again. He started pushing himself a little more, engaging in physical therapy instead of just going through the motions. He cracked a joke with the nurses. Roz Agheli reflects on a patient who was kept alive by medicine but kept fighting because of hope. This essay placed first in the 2025 Hope Babette Tang Humanism in Healthcare Essay Contest and was published in the December 2025 issue of Academic Medicine. Read the essay at academicmedicine.org.

Entrepreneurship in academic medicine often means scaling solutions developed in your own clinic so that others can benefit. Ashish Shah, M.D., shares lessons from launching multiple startups while practicing at UAB. Learn how physicians can vet ideas, find mentors, pursue grant support, and work with university innovation programs to bring new solutions to market.

Discussing Academic Medicine's and MedEdPORTAL's new policy guiding the use of AI tools in the peer review process are editors-in-chief Laura Roberts, MD, MA, and Lauren Maggio, PhD, MS(LIS), Academic Medicine associate editor Krisztina Fischer, MD, PhD, MMSc, and AAMC director of journals Mary Beth DeVilbiss. They provide an overview of the journals' new policy and use a series of common peer review scenarios to explore what's appropriate, what's not, and what you should think about before using AI as a reviewer. Check out the resources discussed, including the journals' AI policies for reviewers and authors, and access the episode transcript at academicmedicineblog.org.

Professor of clinical psychiatry Michael F. Myers discusses his book Physicians With Lived Experience: How Their Stories Offer Clinical Guidance and the article "Breaking the silence: mental health and racism in medical school." The conversation highlights the journey of Dr. Chris Veal, a Black gay physician who overcame a seven year depression and the trauma of losing five family members to COVID 19. Michael explores the intersection of academic pressure and systemic racism, detailing how a phone call to his godmother saved Dr. Veal from suicide. The discussion outlines Dr. Veal's brave decision to publish his story in Academic Medicine despite warnings that it might hurt his career. Discover how authenticity and vulnerability can transform clinical practice and save the lives of others. Partner with me on the KevinMD platform. With over three million monthly readers and half a million social media followers, I give you direct access to the doctors and patients who matter most. Whether you need a sponsored article, email campaign, video interview, or a spot right here on the podcast, I offer the trusted space your brand deserves to be heard. Let's work together to tell your story. PARTNER WITH KEVINMD → https://kevinmd.com/influencer SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Mrs. Jones didn't need a cure. She needed a witness to her grief—someone to sit with her in the silence, to validate the love she had for her husband and the life they built. She needed to be heard. Christine Dianne Nepomuceno reflects on a patient who taught her that healing is not always about medicine. Sometimes it is about holding space for someone in their most vulnerable moments. This essay placed second in the 2025 Hope Babette Tang Humanism in Healthcare Essay Contest and was published in the November 2025 issue of Academic Medicine. Read the essay at academicmedicine.org.

This week we're excited to revisit some of the best interviews from this podcast's +360-episode archive about making transformative, life- or career-changing transition decisions. This “Best of the Faculty Factory” compilation episode features clips from three important episodes in the Faculty Factory archive. (If you're interested in hearing the full conversations, you can find the original episodes below). Appearing in order are the episodes that were clipped for this podcast: A Faculty Factory Interview with Peter Densen, MD: https://youtu.be/3IikA7FUa_A Considerations for Life After Full-Time Employment in Academic Medicine with Lawrence Appel, MD, MPH: https://youtu.be/kFPjXOq8yfY Key Factors to Consider When Shifting to a New Leadership Role with Maria Oliva-Hemker, MD: https://youtu.be/OBkibXyO7tQ If this episode interests you, you can also revisit our episode called, “Making a Decision to Transition in Academic Medicine”:  https://youtu.be/hqr8yDx8rZk Which featured snippets from the following episodes: Navigating a “Decision to Transition” in Academic Medicine with Jochen Reiser, MD, PhD: https://youtu.be/hqr8yDx8rZk Navigating a Transition from Academia to Industry and Back with Ludy Shih, MD, MMSc: https://youtu.be/9nH8QexHJ5M Adaptability for Success at Any Stage of Your Academic Medicine Career with Janet Bickel, MA: https://youtu.be/5Nxkv-2yHc0

Dora taught me that care is not just found in grand gestures or lifesaving procedures. It is in the quiet moments when someone chooses to listen, to sit beside another in their suffering, and to act when no one else will. Maria Jose Gomez reflects on a patient who taught her that compassion does not require a title, a degree, or authority.  This essay placed second in the 2025 Hope Babette Tang Humanism in Healthcare Essay Contest and was published in the November 2025 issue of Academic Medicine. Read the essay at academicmedicine.org.

Stacey Rubin Rose, MD, FACP, FIDSA, makes her memorable Faculty Factory Podcast debut this week with an overview of strategies for autonomy-supportive teaching. Dr. Rose is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine (Infectious Diseases). She is also an Associate Professor in the Huffington Department of Education, Innovation, and Technology and the Associate Director of the Center for Professionalism at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. “The goal of this faculty development for autonomy-supportive teaching is to help faculty create better learning environments for trainees and for themselves,” Dr. Rose said. “When you can foster a supportive learning environment, everyone benefits and you see far less burnout,” Dr. Rose added in the opening moments of the interview. Another goal of this educational push and the faculty development workshop mentioned in this episode is to connect self-determination theory with medical well-being and medical education. For a refresher on self-determination theory, you can revisit Faculty Factory Episode No. 69, “Self-Determination Theory in Academic Medicine with Jeffrey M. Lyness, MD, FACPsych”: https://facultyfactory.org/self-determination-theory-in-academic-medicine/ “If you can teach and educate in a clinical learning environment that is supportive of autonomy, belonging, and competence—with autonomy as the anchor—then everyone wins,” she said. As also mentioned in this episode, if you want to hear more about Baylor's Center for Professionalism you can listen to Faculty Factory Episode No. 359, “Promoting Positive Professionalism with Ellen M. Friedman, MD, FACS, FAAP”: https://facultyfactory.org/ellen-friedman/

In this episode:  Dr. Jeremy Lucabaugh, Tom Bradshaw, Emi Barresi, Dr. Kim Derryberry, Natasha Desjardines, Nicolas Krueger, LindaAnn Rogers, Rich Cruz   I/O Career Accelerator Course: https://www.seboc.com/job Visit us https://www.seboc.com/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/sebocLI Join an open-mic event: https://www.seboc.com/events   References Cannon-Bowers, J. A., Bowers, C. A., Carlson, C. E., Doherty, S. L., Evans, J., & Hall, J. (2023). Workplace coaching: a meta-analysis and recommendations for advancing the science of coaching. Frontiers in psychology, 14, 1204166.   Lacerenza, C. N., Reyes, D. L., Marlow, S. L., Joseph, D. L., & Salas, E. (2017). Leadership training design, delivery, and implementation: A meta-analysis. Journal of applied psychology, 102(12), 1686.   Su, W., Lyu, B., & London, M. (2022). Relationships between developmental feedback, intrinsic motivation, and creative personality and performance. Psihologija, 55(1), 25-44.   Womack, V. Y., Wood, C. V., House, S. C., Quinn, S. C., Thomas, S. B., McGee, R., & Byars-Winston, A. (2020). Culturally aware mentorship: Lasting impacts of a novel intervention on academic administrators and faculty. PloS One, 15(8), e0236983. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0236983   Malhotra, K., Davitadze, M., & Melson, E. (2024). Mentorship Without Borders: The Transformative Impact on Inclusivity, International Collaborations, and Cross-Cultural Competence. Academic Medicine, 99(6), e20–e21. https://doi.org/10.1097/ACM.0000000000005531

In the fast-paced world of health care, it's easy to focus on numbers, treatments, and protocols. But humanism requires us to pause, to listen, to acknowledge the fears, hopes, and humanity of our patients. Vonnie Cesar reflects on learning that listening is not just a skill—it is a form of healing. This essay placed third in the 2025 Hope Babette Tang Humanism in Healthcare Essay Contest and was published in the October 2025 issue of Academic Medicine. Read the essay at academicmedicine.org.

In this second deep dive, Gerber discusses his appointment as Chair of Surgery at the University of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, and his vision for advancing a century-long legacy of excellence. He reflects on how military and academic leadership shaped his approach to mentorship and accountability, explores the future of equity in surgical training, and offers advice to aspiring academic leaders.  Timestamps:  01:00 – Role as Chair of Surgery  02:55 – Building legacy  04:50 – Military experience  07:13 – Makeup of surgery trainees  09:09 – Early career advice 

Unfortunately, bad leadership is common, with 50% of American's leaving a job because of a bad boss, and medicine is no exception.  Saul and Stefan, with a combined 60 years in academic medicine and clinical practice, share personal experiences and anecdotes that highlight the characteristics of dysfunctional and toxic leaders, and discuss their implications for health care training and practice environment, including the trickledown effect on patients. They consider why and how bad leaders end up in positions of power, and what to do about it, acknowledging the difficulties in identifying and promoting effective leaders.

This week on the Faculty Factory Podcast, author Joshua Hartzell, MD, MS-HPEd, FACP, FIDSA, is back on the show, and we're taking a deep dive into feedback. We discuss how to give and receive feedback more effectively—a topic that we all should strive to improve in our professional lives. With 25 years of experience in military medicine, Dr. Hartzell is a retired army colonel as well as a practicing internist and infectious diseases physician. Feedback is meant to be a conversation, helping each other better understand where the other individual is coming from. After all, we're never sure what is going on in someone's life until we ask. How do we get better at feedback? Yes, you can read books and consume podcasts like this on it, but explicitly asking someone to give you feedback about yourself may be an even stronger starting point. Dr. Hartzell also encourages getting feedback on your feedback, as it takes practice. "When we give people feedback, it tells them whether their performance aligns with our expectations or not; it really clarifies our expectations. I think that's really important because, without that, it's sort of left up to people to decide: 'Am I doing a good job?'" he told us. Another crucial element surrounding this interview is the critically important notion that a lack of feedback is still a form of feedback so there are no doubt consequences of choosing silence and inaction. Explore Resources from this Podcast Dr. Hartzell's first appearance on our Faculty Factory Podcast, titled “A Comprehensive Look at Developing Excellent Leadership in Medicine” can be found here:  https://facultyfactory.org/joshua-hartzell/ You can learn more about Dr. Hartzell's book, “A Prescription for Caring in Healthcare Leadership: Building a Culture of Compassion and Excellence”, here: https://www.amazon.com/Prescription-Caring-Healthcare-Leadership-Compassion/dp/B0DSQ4276K   Disclaimer: The opinions and assertions expressed herein are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Army, Navy, Air Force, the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences or the Department of War. References: Kim Scott, Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity (New York: St. Martin's Press, 2019).  Ende J. Feedback in clinical medical education. JAMA. 1983 Aug 12;250(6):777-81.

In this episode, Dr. Nestor Rodriguez joins Eric Malzone to unpack what the future of health, fitness, and medicine really looks like—and why the traditional healthcare model is falling short. Dr. Rodriguez shares the origin story of Carbon World Health, a fully integrated model that blends medical care, fitness, recovery, hormones, aesthetics, and longevity under one roof. Drawing from his background in emergency medicine, work with professional athletes, and experience inside broken hospital systems, he explains why we've normalized suboptimal health—and how data-driven, personalized care can change that. The conversation dives into hormones, labs, VO₂ max, recovery, peptides, telehealth, and why accountability matters more than any tool. They also explore the growing role of AI, the rise of longevity culture, and what true collaboration between the medical and fitness industries should look like moving forward.

Our stories make us human and shape the doctors we become. Yet, we rarely let our pasts show from beneath our white coats. Sydney Katz reflects on how little trainees and attendings know about one another outside of the hospital. The essay read in this episode was published in the Teaching and Learning Moments column in the December 2025 issue of Academic Medicine. Read the essay at academicmedicine.org.

We have all heard the saying: "New Year, New You!" Yet, embracing change is never easy, as it comes with uncertainty and the possibility of (gulp) failure. However, there is no real “failure,” only learning opportunities when your mindset is in the right framework. We will be back next week with brand new episodes for the Year 7/Season 7 debut of the Faculty Factory podcast. This week, we're excited to ring in the new year by exploring some of the best interviews we've had over this podcast's lifespan on how to make a transition decision. Interested in hearing the full conversations from these episodes? Click on the links below to explore each episode in its entirety: Navigating a “Decision to Transition” in Academic Medicine with Jochen Reiser, MD, PhD: https://facultyfactory.org/jochen-reiser/ Navigating a Transition from Academia to Industry and Back with Ludy Shih, MD, MMSc: https://facultyfactory.org/ludy-shih/ Adaptability for Success at Any Stage of Your Academic Medicine Career with Janet Bickel, MA: https://facultyfactory.org/adaptability-for-success/ First up, we hear from Jochen Reiser, MD, PhD. Dr. Reiser is the President of the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) and CEO of the UTMB Health System. He is a professor in the John Sealy School of Medicine and holds the John D. Stobo, MD Distinguished Chair. Next, we have an excerpt from a great conversation with Ludy Shih, MD, MMSc. Dr. Shih currently serves as Associate Professor of Neurology in the Department of Neurology at Boston University School of Medicine. Finally, Janet Bickel, MA, joins the show to share timeless advice on adaptability in the face of major change. We firmly believe that these interviews comprising this “best of” podcast can help faculty members or really anyone looking for a fresh start in 2026! Happy New Year to all our community and family! Learn more: https://facultyfactory.org/ 

In this episode of "Money Meets Medicine," Dr. Jimmy Turner shares his journey transitioning from nearly 20 years at Wake Forest to a private practice role at Iredell Memorial Hospital. He and host Justin Harvey discuss the professional, financial, and personal factors behind the move, including healthcare consolidation, contract negotiation, and work-life balance. Dr. Turner reflects on identity, adapting to new clinical environments, and the importance of maintaining professional relationships. The episode offers practical advice for physicians considering career changes, emphasizing thoughtful decision-making, self-advocacy, and aligning work with personal values. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Denise J. Jamieson, MD, MPH, Vice President for Medical Affairs and Dean of the Carver College of Medicine at University of Iowa Health Care, shares her journey from the CDC to academic leadership, the mission of serving Iowa, and her priorities around physician workforce development, mentorship, and sustaining impact in healthcare.

Co-Creating Care: Lessons from the Stage (EP:44) With Marco Antonio de Carvalho Filho, MD, PHD If medical education is meant to prepare people for the emotional realities of patient care, what might change if we taught students not only to do the work, but to fully inhabit the person they are becoming while doing it? Join host Stacy Craft, and guest Professor Dr. Carvalho Filho, as we explore an unexpected but deeply powerful intersection: the meeting of theater and medical education. Dr. Marco shares how the traditions of the stage, presence, imagination, emotional awareness, and co-creation, offer transformative possibilities for how we train future clinicians. Through stories of working with actors, facilitating embodied learning, and creating safe spaces for vulnerability, he reveals how theater can move education beyond checklists and simulations into something far more human. We discuss why presence matters more than prescribed communication “skills,” how students can reclaim their identities while learning to care for others, and why cultivating joy, curiosity, and emotional resilience may be essential to the health of both clinicians and the profession itself. From co-constructed simulations to long-form theatrical workshops, this episode invites us to rethink what meaningful learning and meaningful care can look like. Questions? Feedback? Ideas? Contact us at edufi@mayo.edu Audio Editing: Celina Bertoncini Additional Resources: Medical Education Empowered by Theater (MEET)Batista, M. P., & Rios, I. C. (2020). Medical education empowered by theater: The MEET model. Academic Medicine, 95(4), 578–583. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32134785/ Curtis, F., Lamont, Z., & Waldman, O. (2024). Zoom improv is accessible and enhances medical student empathy: A randomized controlled study. BMC Medical Education, 24, Article 6017. https://bmcmededuc.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12909-024-06017-6 Vigone, G., et al. (2025). Medicine at theatre: A tool for well-being and health-care education. BMC Medical Education, 25, Article 6793. https://bmcmededuc.biomedcentral.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s12909-025-06793-9.pdf Sato, B., & Pinho, V. (2020). Forum theatre as a teaching strategy in health care education. BMC Medical Education, 20, Article 1965. https://bmcmededuc.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12909-020-1965-4 Rzepka, M., & Jagielski, P. (2025). Investigating the influence of role-playing on empathy and perspective-taking in medical learners. Perspectives on Medical Education, 14(1). https://pmejournal.org/en/articles/10.5334/pme.1482 Song, H. J., & Lee, S. (2025). Could empathy be taught? A systematic review of empathy training in medical education. Journal of Medical Systems, 49, Article 2144. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10916-025-02144-9 Thompson, R., & Vyas, K. (2024). The effectiveness of immersive virtual reality in teaching empathy to health-care students. Virtual Reality, 28, 1019–1032. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10055-024-01019-7 Shapiro, J., Morrison, E., & Boker, J. (2011). Using medical humanities to teach empathy to medical students: A scoping review. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 26(8), 981–987. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21268921/

Although discussions about language services like interpreters or translators, patient–provider concordance, and linguistic equity merit much greater consideration, I can offer one reflection: the human connection we all share is more important than the languages we do not. Akila V. Muthukumar reflects on building a connection with patients when using phone interpreter services to communicate. The essay read in this episode was published in the Teaching and Learning Moments column in the November 2025 issue of Academic Medicine. Read the essay at academicmedicine.org.

When I am in the hospital, there is at least a semblance of humanity. In a room with a patient, there is the possibility of the unexpected. Alone with my computer, there is only the ruthless pursuit of the correct, and the colorful pie chart of my inadequacy. Anna Dovre reflects on how studying for medical board exams feels like a process of denaturing. The essay read in this episode was published in the Teaching and Learning Moments column in the November 2025 issue of Academic Medicine. Read the essay at academicmedicine.org.

As I brought the blade to the patient, I tried to infer the right depth, weight, and speed by matching to my pictured recollection of all the other incisions I had seen—an act, perhaps, akin to Ansel Adams's technique of photographic previsualization. Benjamin A. Freeman reflects on how studying photography can be beneficial to medical education. The essay read in this episode was published in the Teaching and Learning Moments column in the November 2025 issue of Academic Medicine. Read the essay at academicmedicine.org.

Whether you refer to it as “imposter syndrome” or the “imposter phenomenon,” one thing is abundantly clear: you are not alone when it comes to dealing with it as a professional in academic medicine. This week on the Faculty Factory Podcast, we are blending together two incredible interviews from our archives that dissect this phenomenon with the precision and evidence-based arguments we cherish here on our podcast for a very special “best of” episode. First up, we hear from Cynthia Rand, PhD, who discusses imposter syndrome and how it can impact leadership roles in academia, including the tendency for individuals to make dispositional attributions to others and situational attributions to ourselves—which can exacerbate feelings of being an imposter. Next up, it's Donna L. Vogel, MD, PhD, who joined the Faculty Factory to share timeless advice on dealing with imposter syndrome, centered around her succinct takeaways for overcoming it over the long term as a faculty member. Both interviews we've clipped for this “best of” broadcast can help faculty members (especially those who are transitioning into a new role) and this advice is applicable to overcoming imposter syndrome in any environment. Interested in hearing the full conversations from these episodes? Click on the links below to explore each episode in its entirety: Episode 197 – Imposter Syndrome and Leadership Roles in Academia with Cynthia Rand, PhD Episode 84 – Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with Donna L. Vogel, MD, PhD

This episode is sponsored by Lightstone DIRECT. Lightstone DIRECT invites you to partner with a $12B AUM real estate institution as you grow your portfolio. Access the same single-asset multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital – Lightstone co-invests a minimum of 20% in each deal alongside individual investors like you. You're an institution. Time to invest like one.  How do you rise in academic medicine without losing your sense of purpose?Dr. Bradley Block joins Dr. Joseph Losee  for a powerful conversation about the real path to academic advancement. Drawing from over two decades as a department chair, program director, and mentor, Dr. Losee reveals how saying “yes” shaped his journey from young faculty member to national leader—and why the same word must be used intentionally at different seasons of life.The discussion explores the balance between sacrifice and wellbeing, the shifting culture of academic medicine, and how meaning and mentorship sustain long-term fulfillment. Dr. Losee also shares insights on conflict resolution, leadership development, and his latest venture, Clarity Med Solutions, where he pioneers early dispute mediation to restore trust and healing between physicians, patients, and health systems.This episode is a roadmap for physicians seeking impact, growth, and balance—without losing sight of what truly matters.Three Actionable Takeaways:Say Yes With Intention: Early in your career, saying yes opens doors, builds credibility, and creates opportunities. But as your life evolves, align your yeses with your passions—and protect your energy for what truly matters.Sacrifice is the Path to Leadership: Every leader pays a price for impact. True advancement in academic medicine requires time, service, and persistence—but when rooted in purpose, those sacrifices yield meaning and legacy.Relationships Are the Real Reward: From mentoring residents to mediating patient disputes, relationships—not titles—define success. Meaning in medicine comes from connection, compassion, and helping others thrive.About the Show:Succeed In Medicine  covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!About the Guest:Dr. Joseph Losee is Vice Dean for Faculty Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and the Dr. Ross H. Musgrave Endowed Chair of Pediatric Plastic Surgery. A nationally recognized surgeon, educator, and leader, he has authored over 250 publications, edited seven textbooks, and led multiple professional societies.He co-chairs the UPMC Physician Wellbeing Initiative, teaches leadership in the Katz Graduate School of Business, and is the founder of Clarity Med Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in leadership coaching and conflict resolution.

Susan Matulevicius, MD, MSCS, a national expert on resilience and work-life integration, joins the Faculty Factory Podcast this week for a discussion to help us better deal with life's inevitable stumbling blocks. Dr. Matulevicius serves as Associate Dean of Faculty Wellness and is a Professor of Internal Medicine, Cardiology, at the UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. To help us think about how to create professional well-being in academic medicine, she discusses the 5 Ps: Person Purpose Path Prioritization Permission “When you get down to it, our values generally align with our purpose, and it helps us refocus when we encounter those little stumbling blocks that life puts in our way,” she said. She also touches on the value of understanding your purpose in relation to Self-Determination Theory, which is an important paradigm related to this conversation. With reassurance, Dr. Matulevicius warmly reminds us midway through the conversation of something we all need to hear occasionally: “Sometimes it's okay to not be okay." “Life and work are not always predictable, and sometimes your emotions aren't predictable in the moment. It's okay to recognize that you need more support to help you through that moment,” she said.  Learn More: https://facultyfactory.org/Susan-Matulevicius

Mapping the Landscape of Technical Standards: A Nationwide Review of Medical Schools Interviewees: Carol Haywood, PhD, OTR/L — Assistant Professor, Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chris Moreland, MD, MPH — Professor of Internal Medicine; Division Chief for Hospital Medicine; Interim Associate Chair for Faculty Affairs and Development, Dell Medical School (Comments made in ASL and voiced through interpreters) Interviewer: Lisa Meeks, PhD, MA — Guest Editor, Academic Medicine Supplement on Disability Inclusion in Undergraduate Medical Education Description: In this episode of Stories Behind the Science, we sit down with Dr. Carol Haywood and Dr. Chris Moreland to explore a deceptively powerful document: the medical school technical standards. These quietly influential statements—often tucked deep in an admissions webpage—shape who feels welcome to apply, who gains access, and how institutions imagine the future of their profession. Haywood and Moreland, co-authors of a national analysis featured in the Academic Medicine supplement on Disability Inclusion in Undergraduate Medical Education, unpack what happens when ambiguous language, outdated assumptions, and vague expectations collide with real people making real decisions about their careers. Together, they dig into the nuances of functional vs. organic standards, the importance of clarity for applicants who lack insider knowledge, and the ripple effects of inequitable policies across a learner's entire training experience. What emerges is both sobering and hopeful: a field undergoing change, a growing recognition that words matter, and a roadmap for institutions ready to bring their values into alignment with their practices. The discussion reviews: How technical standards became a gatekeeper—and why revising a single sentence can shift an entire culture. Why students with disabilities read these documents differently—and why that matters for equity. How ambiguity in admissions can deter talented future physicians long before they step foot in a classroom. What schools can do now to create standards that prioritize competence, flexibility, and inclusion. Dr. Haywood brings a researcher's lens and an occupational therapist's creativity to the conversation, illuminating how functional expectations—not assumptions about bodies—should guide medical training. Dr. Moreland shares deeply personal reflections on navigating technical standards as a deaf physician, offering rare insight into how these documents land on applicants with lived experience. This episode invites the audience to imagine a medical education landscape where technical standards do what they should do—define competence, set expectations, and open doors—rather than unintentionally closing them. Bios:  Carol Haywood, PhD, OTR/L, is Assistant Professor of Medical Social Sciences in the Determinants of Health Division and core faculty in the Center for Health Services and Outcomes Research at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, IL. Building from her work as an occupational therapist in acute rehabilitation, she completed a PhD in occupational science at the University of Southern California and a postdoctoral fellowship in health services and outcomes research at Northwestern University. Using qualitative, mixed methods, and community-engaged research approaches, she studies disability in a variety of contexts, as well as health care access, coordination, and quality. She is driven by a vision of health care that facilitates equity for people with disabilities. Chris Moreland, MD MPH, is a professor of medicine, interim associate department chair for faculty affairs, and division chief for hospital medicine at Dell Medical School at UT Austin. He practices clinically as a hospitalist. As a career-long clinician educator, his teaching has been recognized regionally and nationally. His collaborative advocacy and research efforts describe the experiences of our healthcare workforce and learners with disabilities, as well as strategies to foster pathways to thriving clinicians. He has served as president and longtime board member for the Association of Medical Professionals with Hearing Losses; he holds current roles on the Docs with Disabilities Initiative advisory board, the AAMC Group on Diversity and Inclusion steering committee, and as a consultant with the National Deaf Center. Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/18hUPguWf_jWeDC1fmOgSKSXPv4xGnkQIPUi3zhfH540/edit?usp=sharing Resources: Singer, Tracey; Madanguit, Lance MD; Fok, King T. MD, MSc; Stauffer, Catherine E. MD; Meeks, Lisa M. PhD, MA; Moreland, Christopher J. MD, MPH; Huang, Lynn MS; Case, Benjamin MPH; Lagu, Tara MD, MPH; Kannam, Allison MD; Haywood, Carol PhD, OTR/L. Mapping the Landscape of Technical Standards: A Nationwide Review of Medical Schools. Academic Medicine 100(10S):p S144-S151, October 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/ACM.0000000000006135   McKee, M.M., Gay, S., Ailey, S., Meeks, L.M. (2020). Technical Standards. In: Meeks, L., Neal-Boylan, L. (eds) Disability as Diversity. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-46187-4_9 Equal Access for Students with Disabilities: The Guide for Health Science and Professional Education (2nd Ed). Meeks LM, Jain NR, & Laird EP. Springer Publishing, 2020. Key Words: Disability inclusion · Technical standards · Medical education · Admissions · Accessibility · Equity · Policy reform

Tim Anderson, Executive Vice President of RCM Services at Infinx, shares the unique dynamics, challenges, and opportunities involved in supporting academic medical centers. From multi-specialty billing and grant-funded research to faculty oversight and revenue integrity, he explains how deep expertise and flexibility drive lasting partnerships in this complex sector.

The importance of the four R's to keep top of mind as you navigate your leadership journey is presented by Joseph E. Losee, MD, MBA, FACS, FAAP, a beloved return guest, on the Faculty Factory Podcast this week. Dr. Losee is Vice Dean for Faculty Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, the Dr. Ross H. Musgrave Endowed Chair in Pediatric Plastic Surgery, a Professor and Executive Vice Chair of the Department of Plastic Surgery, and a Professor of Business Administration at Katz Graduate School of Business. You can revisit his other episodes with us here: Embracing Resilience in Academic Medicine: https://facultyfactory.org/joseph-losee/ Examining the Need for Scientist Wellbeing Initiatives: https://facultyfactory.org/scientist-burnout/ You can also see slides from his “Four R's of Leadership” presentation here. [pdf] As discussed, leaders are often hired for their IQ but get fired for a lack of emotional intelligence (EQ). The good news? EQ can be learned, exercised, and grown. The four R's or leadership are as follows: Responsibility Regulation Resilience Relationships Recommended readings from this episode include Executive Presence 2.0 by Sylvia Ann Hewlett. How you act, speak, and appear—all matter as a leader, according to this literature, which Dr. Losee mentioned in the opening moments of the podcast. He also referenced the TEDx Talk "Let's Face It: Charisma Matters" by John Antonakis, which you can view here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEDvD1IICfE “Charisma matters and it can be taught and learned,” as Dr. Losee told us. Other books and resources mentioned include: Teaming: How Organizations Learn, Innovate, and Compete in the Knowledge Economy by Amy C. Edmondson The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth by Amy C. Edmondson TED Talk: Lucy Hone — The Three Secrets of Resilient People Building a Resilience Bank Account article by Michael A. Maddaus, MD: https://www.annalsthoracicsurgery.org/article/S0003-4975(19)31352-9/fulltext Burnout and Satisfaction With Work-Life Balance Among U.S. Physicians Relative to the General U.S. Population: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/1351351

Conflict, stressors, broaching difficult conversations, and learning to say no—these are some of the “spookiest” challenges we've identified and addressed over the years on the Faculty Factory Podcast. Since our 2019 inception, we've explored how to handle these issues with confidence and grace, featuring a series of incredible interview guests. We're excited to share highlights from five of these conversations with four different guests in this week's episode. Since today is October 31st, we're delighted to present this “Best Of” episode of the Faculty Factory Podcast, showcasing some of the  most “spooky” challenges in academic medicine. These may be the things keeping you up at night, but rest assured, they are common and manageable. This “Best of” show includes highlights from the following episodes: Episode 299 – Best Supporting Practices and Strategies for Stressed-Out Learners and Faculty with Jessica Seaman, EdD Episode 79 – Managing Difficult Issues with Charles G. Irvin, Ph.D., DE, ATSF, FERS Episode 75 – How to Handle Conflict with Dave Yousem, MD, MBA Episode 72 – The Art of Navigating a Difficult Conversation with Dave Yousem, MD, MBA Episode 46 – Prioritizing and the Art of Saying No with Jennifer Haythornthwaite, PhD Interested in hearing the full conversations from any of these episodes? Click on the links above to explore each episode in-depth. About Today's Speakers Jessica Seaman, EdD, serves as Assistant Professor of Medical Humanities, Co-Director of the Gold Track Curriculum, and Assistant Dean of Faculty Development at Creighton University School of Medicine in Phoenix, Arizona. Jennifer Haythornthwaite, PhD, has joined the Faculty Factory for memorable episodes over the years with important feedback for our audience when it comes to time management and much more. Dr. Haythornthwaite is a professor in the department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md Charles G. Irvin, PhD, DE, ATSF, FERS, is a Professor of Medicine, Professor of Physiology and Biophysics, Vice Chairman for Research Department of Medicine and Director of the Vermont Lung Center at the University of Vermont. He was named Associate Dean for Faculty for the College of Medicine in 2012. Dave Yousem, MD, MBA, is a frequent contributor to the Faculty Factory Podcast. He serves as Associate Dean for Professional Development at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He is also the Vice Chairman of Program Development at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institution.

Episode 123: Evaluating Disability-Inclusive Content on U.S. Medical Schools' Websites—A National Study Interviewees: Ifeoma Ikedionwu, MD — Psychiatry and Internal Medicine Dual Intern, UT Southwestern Dominique Cook — Fourth-Year Medical Student, University of South Florida Interviewer: Lisa Meeks, PhD, MA — Guest Editor, Academic Medicine Supplement on Disability Inclusion in Undergraduate Medical Education Description: In this episode of Stories Behind the Science, Dr. Lisa Meeks sits down with Dr. Ifeoma Ikedionwu and Dominique Cook, co-authors of the first national study examining how medical school websites communicate disability inclusion. Their paper, Evaluating Disability-Inclusive Content on U.S. Medical Schools' Websites: A National Study, is part of the Academic Medicine supplement on Disability Inclusion in Undergraduate Medical Education. What do medical schools' digital front doors say about who belongs? The conversation explores how public-facing messages shape applicants' sense of access, belonging, and possibility—and why visibility is the first step toward equity. Ikedionwu and Cook share how their lived experiences as medical students with and without disabilities inspired a research project that merges advocacy, analysis, and systemic change. Together, they unpack the challenges of quantifying inclusivity, the nuance of intersecting identities, and the powerful role of student-led research in shaping institutional accountability. The episode underscores how every mission statement, technical standard, and accessibility page sends a message—and how aligning those messages with institutional values can create a more inclusive path for future physicians. Listeners will leave with actionable insights: Audit your institution's website for clarity, tone, and accessibility. Engage learners with lived experience in reviewing public materials. Translate inclusion from policy into practice—and from practice into visibility. Because as Ikedionwu reminds us, “It's not enough to do the work—you have to share it, so others can find their way.” Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UmiXVs8wESM28eRYAM-d13IuJTV6VzR2khagExHF12A/edit?usp=sharing Resources: Article from Today's Talk: Ikedionwu I, Cook D, Kim N, Cotts J, Case B, Meeks LM. Evaluating Disability-Inclusive Content on U.S. Medical Schools' Websites: A National Study. Academic Medicine. 2025;100(10S):S60–S67. Read the full article here → Related Reading: Equal Access for Students with Disabilities: The Guide for Health Science and Professional Education (2nd Ed). Meeks LM, Jain NR, & Laird EP. Springer Publishing, 2020.

Interviewees: Matthew Sullivan, PhD, Assistant Director of Disability Resources, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis Suchita “Suchi” Rastogi, PhD. MPH Candidate, University of Illinois Chicago; CEO, Disability in Medicine Mutual Mentorship Program Interviewer: Lisa Meeks, PhD, MA, Guest Editor, Academic Medicine Supplement on Disability Inclusion in Undergraduate Medical Education Description: In this episode of Stories Behind the Science, Dr. Lisa Meeks talks with Matt Sullivan (Washington University School of Medicine) and Suchita “Suchi” Rastogi (UIC; DM3P) about their paper, “Standardized Language for Clinical Accommodations in U.S. Undergraduate Medical Training: Results From a National Modified Delphi Consensus Study,”part of the Academic Medicine supplement on Disability Inclusion in UME. Their conversation explores how a grassroots idea—born from students' lived experiences and practitioners' urgent need for clarity—grew into the first national, evidence-based language guide for clinical accommodations. Together, they unpack how a modified Delphi process brought students, Disability Resource Professionals, and leaders together to build consensus around the precise language that transforms intention into implementation. The trio discuss how language and word choices can make the difference between support and confusion, and how transparent, shared language strengthens trust and access for all. Dr. Meeks, Sullivan, and Rastogi also reflect on the collaborative model that made this project possible—one that centers disabled voices, encourages vulnerability in leadership, and demonstrates how clarity in communication is the foundation of equity. Listeners will come away with practical takeaways for institutions and leaders: audit your accommodation templates, build structured partnerships between DRPs and Student Affairs, and engage students as co-creators in designing accessible clinical environments. Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ooJ5TP8V8s4t35EECoWHNTta7qqwbKlx-Fgu_WIiPG4/edit?usp=sharing Bios: Matt Sullivan PhD Dr. Sullivan is the Assistant Director of Disability Resources, At Washington University in St. Louis, and serves as DR's liaison to WashU's School of Medicine, acting as the primary contact for SoM faculty/staff, students, and prospective students.  In this role, Matt works closely with all parties to create an accessible and inclusive educational environment for disabled students pursuing their degrees within Health Sciences and Medicine. Dr. Sullivan is a research-oriented practitioner dedicated to promoting disability awareness and inclusion within the higher education environment.  In his student affairs roles, Dr. Sullivan has experience providing leadership and direction for a variety of programs and services in the areas of disability, testing, tutoring, Supplemental Instruction, and academic coaching.  Working in the field of disability services for more than a decade, Matt has dedicated his time and energy to the education and development of students, faculty, and staff surrounding the intersectionality of disability with race, culture, gender, and other prominent identity factors. Suchita “Suchi” Rastogi PhD Suchi is an MPH student at the University of Illinois Chicago and CEO of the Disability in Medicine Mutual Mentorship Program (DM3P). A former MD-PhD student at Stanford University, she advocates for accessible medical education and leads community-based efforts to promote disability inclusion and peer mentorship. As a South Asian disability activist, she values health equity and compassionately designed systems that serve all people with dignity. She believes everyone deserves respect, access to material resources, and psychosocial support. These values compel her to improve healthcare and public health infrastructure for disabled patients, increase disability representation in medicine, and shift attitudes towards persons with disability. To accomplish this, she 1) run a mentorship program (DM3P) for healthcare professionals with disability, 2) conducts disability health equity research, and 3) advocates for evidence-based policies that center accessibility. Key Words: Clinical accommodations · Disability inclusion · Medical students · Disability Resource Professionals ADA Resources: Article from Today's Talk: Dhanani Z, Rastogi S, Sullivan M, Betchkal R, Poullos P, Meeks LM. Standardized Language for Clinical Accommodations in U.S. Undergraduate Medical Training: Results From a National Modified Delphi Consensus Study.Academic Medicine. 2025;100(10S):S92–S97. DOI: 10.1097/ACM.0000000000006150 Read the full article here → Equal Access for Students with Disabilities: The Guide for Health Science and Professional Education (2nd Ed). Meeks LM, Jain NR, & Laird EP. Springer Publishing, 2020. Read here → The Docs With Disabilities Podcast: https://www.docswithdisabilities.org/docswithpodcast