Science and practice of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of physical and mental illnesses
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Are we chasing a standard of excellence that today's healthcare system can realistically sustain? On this episode of KeyLIME+, Adam speaks with medical education leaders Drs. Farhan Bhanji and Damon Dagnone about the future of medical education and healthcare in Canada. They explore Competence by Design, the tension between certification and licensure, the physician workforce crisis, and the changing role of internationally trained physicians in Canada. As pressures mount on healthcare systems, regulators, and training programs, the conversation explores an important question: how should medical education evolve to meet the needs of learners, physicians, and patients in today's healthcare environment Episode Length: 47:48 Resources to check-out John Norcini, Irina Grabovsky, Michael A Barone, M Brownell Anderson, Ravi S Pandian, Alex J Mechaber, The Associations Between United States Medical Licensing Examination Performance and Outcomes of Patient Care, Academic Medicine, Volume 99, Issue 3, March 2024, Pages 325–330, https://doi.org/10.1097/ACM.0000000000005480 Contact us: keylime@royalcollege.ca Follow: Dr. Adam Szulewski https://x.com/Adam_Szulewski
This episode focuses on a question that follows many professionals in academic medicine, healthcare, and research: “Can I actually retire?” Jon Gay and Amy Walls explain that the stress behind this question often does not come from a lack of money. It comes from a lack of visibility. Retirement accounts, pensions, 403(b)s, 457 plans, IRAs, and Social Security all produce separate statements. But none of those statements show how everything works together. That leaves people with pieces of information, but not a complete picture. Amy explains that the common instinct is to start with a number. People want to know how many millions they need before they can retire. But a number by itself does not answer the real question. Retirement planning has to start with life. What does life cost right now? What expenses will go away after retirement? What expenses have been postponed for years and will finally appear? For people whose identity is closely tied to their work, retirement can also feel like a loss before it feels like freedom. That makes it important to define the next chapter before deciding what financial number is enough. Retirement planning is more complicated for people in healthcare academia. A pension can be the centerpiece, but it often requires an irreversible decision between lifetime monthly income and a lump sum. That decision depends on health, a spouse, other income, investment accounts, and taxes. Amy also explains that 457 plans are often misunderstood. Governmental 457 plans can usually be accessed after separation from service without an early withdrawal penalty, while non-governmental plans work differently. That difference can change the order in which accounts should be used. Real confidence comes from testing the plan. Retirement readiness should not stay a feeling or a hypothesis. The plan needs to be stressed against hard questions. What happens if the market drops 30 percent in year two? What if someone lives to 97? What if long-term care is needed? When the plan still works under pressure, the question shifts from “Am I ready?” to “I am ready.” We share the example of a physician researcher who believed she was behind because her peers in private practice had built business equity. Once her full financial picture was mapped against her actual life and goals, she was comfortably on track. Nothing changed financially in that conversation. What changed was her relationship to the information. A retirement plan is not a one-time snapshot. Life changes, tax laws shift, markets move, and planning needs a rhythm. Annual reviews and updates help keep the plan connected to real life. The relief does not come from hitting a magic number. It comes from finally seeing the whole picture. (00:00) Intro (00:54) Why retirement uncertainty is really about visibility, not just money (02:31) Why starting with a “magic number” is usually the wrong approach (02:50) How to build retirement planning around actual life costs (03:25) Why retirement can feel like a loss before it feels like freedom (04:05) How pensions, 403(b)s, and 457 plans need to be viewed together (07:15) How stress testing turns “Am I ready?” into “I am ready” (10:06) Why retirement planning needs regular review, not a one-time snapshot To get in touch with Amy and her team at Thimbleberry Financial, call 503-610-6510 or visit thimbleberryfinancial.com.The ThimbleberryU Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions - https://jagpodcastproductions.com/
As a caregiver myself, this experience brought recognition of my need to take the time to grieve. Acknowledging my sadness over the neurodegenerative illness which has won out again despite my valiant efforts to assist the person who has fallen victim to the disease, but also my loss of the relationships with family and caregivers who, by their strength, resilience, kindness, appreciation and humor, have had a meaningful impact on my evolution as a person as well as a physician. Angela Scicutella reflects on the bond that forms between physicians and the family members and caregivers of their patients. The essay read in this episode was published in the Teaching and Learning Moments column in the June 2026 issue of Academic Medicine. Read the essay at https://academic.oup.com/academicmedicine.
In this episode of Hema Now, Megan Melody speaks about the evolution of CAR-T cell therapy and its impact on lymphoma care. She explores the major advances that have transformed outcomes for patients with relapsed and refractory disease, the unanswered questions shaping current research, and the practical challenges of building successful cellular therapy programmes. The conversation also covers equitable access to treatment, the role of quality standards and accreditation, personalised approaches to CAR-T therapy, and the importance of physician leadership and mentorship in shaping the future of academic haematology. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:13 – Journey into Haematology and Lymphoma 04:19 – Major Advances in CAR-T 06:00 – Unanswered Questions After CAR-T 07:45 – Building Successful Cellular Therapy Programmes 09:06 – Improving Access to CAR-T 12:55 – Evolving Standards in Cellular Therapy 14:16 – Towards Personalised CAR-T Treatment 16:00 – Physician Leadership in Academic Medicine 17:10 – Career Advice for Future Specialists 19:02 – Future Directions in Cellular Therapy
The following article of the Health industry is: “The Social Accountability of Academic Medicine” by Jorge Eugenio Valdez García, Chief Strategy Relations Officer, TecSalud.
While acknowledging her embarrassment, I encouraged her to hold fast to that part of her—the part that was so moved by the work she did to help a child heal that tears escaped. Those tears express our human experience, love for the patient, and deep appreciation for the healing process. Cara E. Texler reflects on the importance of retaining humanism in medicine amidst the interruptions and tasks that inundate physicians' days. The essay read in this episode was published in the Teaching and Learning Moments column in the May 2026 issue of Academic Medicine. Read the essay at https://academic.oup.com/academicmedicine.
In this episode, Kemi explores the changing landscape of academic medicine and public health, highlighting why professionals in these fields crave more variety. She tackles a common myth that leaving academia for a new path is simply an easy escape. Kemi points out that while the temptation to find an easier route is strong, true fulfillment takes hard work and a clear understanding of your personal goals. Listen in to discover how to question traditional structures and find ways to pursue your passions both inside and outside of the medical field. This episode is a great reminder that while making a career change can be intimidating, it often leads to deep satisfaction when you take deliberate, focused action. Order Dr. Kemi's Book: A Terrible Strength: The Hidden Crisis of the Black Womb and Your Survival Guide to Healing If you'd like to learn more foundational career navigation concepts for women of color in academic medicine and public health, sign up for our KD Coaching Foundations Series: www.kemidoll.com/foundations. Text Dr. Kemi directly.
Celebrating Academic Medicine's 100th anniversary are past editors-in-chief Addeane Caelleigh, Steven Kanter, MD, and David Sklar, MD, and current editor-in-chief Laura Roberts, MD, MA. Together, they reflect on where the journal has been and what the future might hold. They discuss how they approached the role of editor, the journal's unique place in the community and achievements over the years, and the importance of peer review, publication ethics, and mentorship in building skills, advancing knowledge, and improving health. Access the episode transcript at academicmedicineblog.org.
Impacts of Heat Waves on Human Health Across the United States, climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heat waves. A heat wave is defined as a persistent period of high temperature days. Although unusually hot days are a natural part of day-to-day variations in weather, heat waves are becoming more common alongside the rapidly accelerating climate crisis. In major cities across the country, the number of heat waves has increased steadily, from two heat waves per year in the 1960s to six per year into the 2010s and 2020s. In the 1960s, the average heat wave was 2.0 degrees above the local 85th percentile threshold, while the average heat wave during the 2020s has been 2.5 degrees above the local threshold. Approximately 210 million Americans, or two thirds of the population, live in counties vulnerable to health threats from high temperatures. As temperatures increase, the number of heat-related illnesses, emergency room visits, and deaths simultaneously increase. As we head further into the 21st century, adaptive measures to protect human health from the effects of extreme heat waves will be necessary in the face of rising climate risk. Protecting yourself during extreme heat Over the past three decades, heat waves have been the leading cause of weather-related fatalities across the nation. In addition to rising heat-related illnesses and deaths, extreme heat can also worsen health outcomes from chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and acute kidney injury. Extreme temperatures compromise the body's ability to regulate its internal temperature, resulting in illness, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and hyperthermia. Individuals living in densely populated cities are extremely vulnerable to the urban heat island effect, which exacerbates high heat temperatures as man made surfaces absorb sunlight during the day and radiate the stored energy at night as heat. Children, the elderly, people experiencing homelessness, low-income communities and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are at the greatest risk to the adverse effects of extreme heat. As temperatures continue to rise, it is necessary that individuals take on adaptive measures to protect themselves from the health risks posed by extreme heat. Action can be taken on both a policy and an individual level. Local governments can take steps to help residents reduce their vulnerability to heat through heat management plans and vulnerability assessments. For example, officials can create early warning systems and urban cooling centers for individuals to find refuge. On an individual scale, when you need to go outside, taking preventive measures such as sun protection, hats, and umbrellas is vital to stay cool. Trying to stay inside as much as possible and finding refuge from the heat will help one avoid the risks of heatstroke. More educational initiatives will be vital in informing individuals on risk factors, symptoms, and treatment steps to keep people safe and informed. Benefits of protecting oneself during extreme heat During periods of extreme heat, it is important to take proper care of yourself in order to mitigate the health effects that result from high temperatures such as dehydration, heat stroke, exhaustion, and slowed cognitive function. Taking extreme heat seriously is vital, as the effects of extreme temperatures can be as serious as sudden events like heart attack or stroke. Prolonged periods of heat and humidity make your body work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, so taking such precautions is necessary to protect yourself and your loved ones. As extreme heat-related weather events become more common, becoming accustomed to the ways you can keep yourself safe is imperative in a warming world. More progress can be made If we fail to take adaptation measures on both an individual and policy level, we will be unprepared to respond to the impacts of extreme heat. As extreme heat rises in prevalence, more awareness on the ways to respond to increasingly high temperatures can help individuals adapt to such events. Currently, heat is already the weather phenomenon that kills the most people in the United States, so taking care of yourself, family, and neighbors during heat waves is essential to saving lives. For residents who do not have the resources or cooling systems in place to seek protection during a heat wave, the use of cooling centers in cities can provide short-term relief. Important to note, however, is that the increased use of cooling systems will heighten electricity costs due to increasing demand, thereby generating more greenhouse gas emissions from rising power generation. If leaks are to occur, concerns can also arise around the potential release of potent refrigerant gasses, which worsen climate change and damage the ozone layer. This creates a self-perpetuating cycle in that air conditioning is used to treat extreme temperatures, but effectively worsens the climate crisis in doing so. More innovative solutions will be necessary to curtail emissions while keeping individuals safe. Beyond individual actions during times of crisis, cities also need to help their residents respond to rising temperatures in the long-term by redesigning public spaces, planting trees to provide cooling, painting rooftops white to repel sunlight, and incorporating new cooling technologies in buildings and homes. About our guest Dr. David Sklar is an Assistant Dean at the Arizona State University School of Medicine and Advanced Medical Engineering, is a Professor at the ASU College of Health Solutions and works as an emergency physician. Former Editor in Chief of Academic Medicine, Dr. Sklar now works as a senior advisor in health policy and health professions education at ASU Health. Dr. Sklar works to increase awareness on mitigative steps individuals can take to decrease their health risks from extreme heat events. Resources Indiana University: Adaptation strategies for extreme heat and public health NRDC: Climate Change and Health: Extreme Heat EPA: Climate Change Indicators: Heat Waves WHO: Heat and Health NIH: Temperature-related Death and Illness Further Reading Penn State: Climate-driven extreme heat may make parts of Earth too hot for humans Arch Daily:How to Adapt Cities to Extreme Heat White House: Planning Tools for Combatting Extreme Heat For a transcript, please visit https://climatebreak.org/staying-safe-in-extreme-heat-with-dr-david-sklar/
Whenever a patient or learner asked a question, instead of answering, I would look at the senior resident and WAIT for them to answer it. Turns out, in the vast majority of cases the resident handled it just fine on their own. Matthew Soltys reflects on the power of silence to make space for learners to grow independently. The essay read in this episode was published in the Teaching and Learning Moments column in the May 2026 issue of Academic Medicine. Read the essay at https://academic.oup.com/academicmedicine.
Lauren Maggio, PhD, MS(LIS), Editor-in-Chief of MedEdPORTAL, visits the Faculty Factory this week for a comprehensive look at the value of submitting to this open-access, peer-reviewed publication and why utilizing its resources throughout your career is a must. In addition to her role with MedEdPORTAL, Dr. Maggio is a Professor and the Director of Research in the Department of Medical Education at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. She also serves on the editorial boards of Academic Medicine and Perspectives on Medical Education. Founded in 2005, MedEdPORTAL is the Association of American Medical Colleges' journal of teaching and learning. "MedEdPORTAL is a diamond open access journal. And what that means is that not only can everyone around the world read what's in MedEdPORTAL for no charge, there's also no charge for you to publish in MedEdPORTAL. So there are no fees for the authors and for the readers. Which to me, as someone who came up in information science and open access, is incredibly important," Dr. Maggio said. MedEdPORTAL also supports the creative commons approach to protecting the intellectual property of those who are published, while allowing others to utilize its value. "We use Creative Commons licenses, which ensure that you have your copyright, that you will get credit for your work, but you are allowing others to reuse your work and modify it for their own context. Because at the end of the day we want our colleagues around the world to be able to take those off the shelf and put them into play in their classroom," Dr. Maggio added.
This episode recorded live at the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. William Levine, Frank E. Stinchfield Professor and Chair, Orthopedic Surgery Department, Chief, Shoulder Service, and Co-Director, Center for Shoulder, Elbow and Sports Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian Columbia University Medical Center. He discusses navigating financial and operational pressures in academic medicine, expanding ambulatory care, and the leadership principles that help organizations adapt and thrive during times of constant change.
This episode recorded live at the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. William Levine, Frank E. Stinchfield Professor and Chair, Orthopedic Surgery Department, Chief, Shoulder Service, and Co-Director, Center for Shoulder, Elbow and Sports Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian Columbia University Medical Center. He discusses navigating financial and operational pressures in academic medicine, expanding ambulatory care, and the leadership principles that help organizations adapt and thrive during times of constant change.
This episode recorded live at the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. William Levine, Frank E. Stinchfield Professor and Chair, Orthopedic Surgery Department, Chief, Shoulder Service, and Co-Director, Center for Shoulder, Elbow and Sports Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian Columbia University Medical Center. He discusses navigating financial and operational pressures in academic medicine, expanding ambulatory care, and the leadership principles that help organizations adapt and thrive during times of constant change.
Every patient is the protagonist in their own story. When we open our hearts to their narratives, we see ourselves reflected in them. We are invigorated to connect with the patients we are accompanying on their healing path, to bring forth our best selves. We heal, from our hearts to their hearts. Emily S. Hagen and Sari Hart reflect on a patient who reminded them that human relationships are at the heart of the healing experience. 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.
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]
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 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.
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.
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/
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.