The Clinical Excellence Podcast

Join us for a conversation with hematologist–oncologist and geneticist Dr. Michael Drazer for a wide-ranging discussion on caring for people with hereditary blood and cancer syndromes, including patients with leukemia. He talks about how watching mentors with very different bedside styles influenced how his approach to the doctor–patient relationship has evolved throughout his career. We also discuss how Dr. Drazer’s clinical work guides his team’s research, shifting the focus from ‘blue sky’ science to studies grounded in his patients’ real-world challenges.

In this season finale episode, Dr. Adam Cifu sits down with transplant nephrologist Dr. Michelle Josephson to explore the unique challenges and opportunities that arise in the later stages of an academic medical career. Dr. Josephson openly discusses the struggle to maintain a sense of relevance, the need to redefine one's priorities and goals, and the bittersweet experience of losing colleagues to retirement and passing. However, she also highlights the freedom and excitement that can come with this transitional phase, allowing her to pursue new global initiatives in areas like green nephrology. This provides an insightful look at navigating the "third phase" of a distinguished career.

In this installment of our series talking with medical trainees, we're joined by Dr. Ava Ferguson Bryan, a general surgery resident at the University of Chicago. Dr. Ferguson Bryan shares her winding path to medicine, from initially pursuing English and art history, to discovering a passion for surgery during her clinical rotations.She provides an honest look at the challenges and sacrifices of surgical training, including the lengthy 7-8 year commitment and the impact on work-life balance, especially as a woman having children during residency. Dr. Ferguson Bryan also discusses the evolving landscape of surgical education, including competency-based assessments that may allow for more flexibility in training duration.This episode offers valuable insights for aspiring physicians navigating the realities of surgical specialties and the broader effort to diversify the field. Dr. Ferguson Bryan's personal experience provides a nuanced perspective on the progress made, as well as the work still needed to support the next generation of surgeon-trainees.

In this episode, we continue our series exploring the experiences of medical trainees. Dr. Adam Cifu is joined by Arman Shahriar, MD, a third-year internal medicine resident at the University of Chicago. Arman shares his nontraditional path to medicine, including teaching in Ecuador and working in the medical device industry. He provides a candid look at residency life, from the grueling schedules to the unexpected challenges and the camaraderie forged during training.Arman is also the author of two compelling articles: On One-Liners and Doing No Harm, which explores the power of language in patient care, and The Wrong Fight—Prior Authorization, a personal account of navigating systemic barriers.To read Dr. Shahriar's above-mentioned articles, check them out here:• On One-Liners and Doing No Harm: https://journals.lww.com/academicmedicine/fulltext/2023/10000/on_one_liners_and_doing_no_harm.24.aspx• The Wrong Fight—Prior Authorization: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/article-abstract/2813580

In this episode, Dr. Adam Cifu sits down with Dr. Chadi Nabhan—a hematologist, oncologist, author, and healthcare leader—to discuss his inspiring career transitions and his latest book, The Cancer Journey: Understanding Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, and Prevention. They explore the phases of a cancer diagnosis, the emotional toll on patients and caregivers, and the critical role of communication and second opinions. Dr. Nabhan also shares insights from his work at a company advancing AI technology to accelerate clinical trials. He is also the author of Toxic Exposure: The True Story Behind the Monsanto Trials and the Search for Justice.To learn more about Dr. Nabhan's The Cancer Journey and read an article about the book, visit ASCO Connection: https://connection.asco.org/magazine/features/cancer-journey-dr-chadi-nabhan-uses-storytelling-plain-language-simplify-complex.

In this episode, Dr. Adam Cifu sits down with Dr. Micah Prochaska to explore the intricate ethical dilemmas surrounding end-of-life care. They delve into the complex issues of patient autonomy, relational autonomy, and the role of families in these deeply personal decisions. Through thought-provoking discussion, they challenge the traditional frameworks and reveal the nuances in balancing medical expertise, personal values, and the well-being of patients and their loved ones. This episode offers a poignant and insightful examination of the ethical quandaries faced by healthcare providers when guiding patients and families through the end-of-life journey.Dr. Prochaska also references a highly influential paper by Daniel P. Sulmasy, MD, PhD, and Lois Snyder, JD, titled "Substituted Interests and Best Judgments: An Integrated Model of Surrogate Decision Making.URL: https://tinyurl.com/yc2y9u5j

In this episode, Dr. Adam Cifu chats with Dr. Wei Wei Lee about the essence of clinical excellence, which she defines as the importance of shared vulnerability and meaningful human connection in patient care. Dr. Lee reflects on how advancements in artificial intelligence can threaten these connections if they prioritize efficiency over personal interaction. Join them as they discuss the evolving landscape of medicine and the challenge of maintaining empathy in a technology-driven world.Dive deeper into the fascinating conversations from this episode with two must-see resources related to the themes discussed:Episode featuring Dr. Shah – “AI in Medicine: The Present”: In this insightful episode, Dr. Shah highlights the transformative role of artificial intelligence in healthcare, examining how tools for ambient clinical documentation are changing the way physicians interact with patients. Discover how AI is enhancing clinical encounters by allowing doctors to focus more on care and less on paperwork: AI in Medicine: The Present.Article by Dr. Adam Cifu – “The Moment I Realized AI Will Introduce a Brave New World for Medicine”: In this article, Adam Cifu explores the complex relationship between artificial intelligence and the practice of medicine, cautioning against an over-reliance on technology and emphasizing the irreplaceable role of human clinicians in patient care: Article about AI in Medicine.