In this episode of MedEd Thread, we talk with Dr. Marissa Zhu, Director of Assessment at Wayne State University School of Medicine, to discuss the evolving challenges of preparing medical students for the USMLE Step 1 exam. With pass rates declining since the shift to pass/fail scoring, Dr. Zhu shares insights into how AI-powered tools like Stepwise can help bridge the gap between faculty-authored resources and third-party study materials. Tune in to learn how thoughtful integration of technology and human validation can improve educational outcomes and restore student confidence in formal medical curricula.

In this episode of MedEd Thread, we talk with Shanell Hill and Michael Moreland, nursing professional development specialists at Cleveland Clinic, about the Howley Nurse Scholars Program. Designed to support high school students from underrepresented communities, the program offers immersive education, mentorship, and hands-on experiences that span from junior year through college graduation. Learn how this innovative initiative is shaping the next generation of nursing professionals and creating pathways to meaningful careers in healthcare.

In this episode of MedEd Thread, Lenore Gregg, Certified Surgical Technologist, and Cora Barnes, Certified Sterile Processing Educator, share how the Howley ASPIRE Pathways Program is preparing high school students for careers in surgical technology, sterile processing, and respiratory therapy. Through hands-on training, mentorship, and paid workforce opportunities, students gain real-world experience and a clear path into healthcare. Tune in to learn how this innovative program is building a pipeline of skilled professionals and transforming lives across Northeast Ohio.

In this episode of MedEd Thread, Dr. Tony Tizzano talks with Dr. Nicholas Libertin and Dr. Meana Gerges, enterprise physician advisors at Cleveland Clinic, about the evolving role of physician advisors in healthcare. They share how their work in utilization management, clinical documentation, and regulatory compliance improves patient access, safety, and financial health. Tune in to learn how Cleveland Clinic is educating future physicians on the business of medicine and shaping the future of this emerging specialty.

In this episode of MedEd Thread, we talk with Dr. Pamela Combs, Director of the Howley ASPIRE Program, and EJ Clark, Caregiver Support Specialist, who share how a visionary partnership between the Howley Foundation and Cleveland Clinic is transforming career pathways for high school students. Designed for juniors interested in nursing, respiratory therapy, surgical technology, and sterile processing, the Howley ASPIRE Program offers immersive, hands-on experiences, mentorship, and academic support to help students transition into higher education and the healthcare workforce. Dr. Combs and EJ discuss the program’s structure, its holistic coaching model, and the wraparound services that foster student success. Tune in to learn how this innovative initiative is building a diverse pipeline of future caregivers and inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals.

In this episode of MedEd Thread, Dr. Nicole Brown, Senior Education Simulation Specialist at Cleveland Clinic, explores the psychological phenomenon of inattention blindness—the tendency to overlook visible and important details when our attention is diverted. Drawing from her nursing background and recent research, Dr. Brown discusses how this phenomenon impacts clinical judgment, patient assessments and the delivery of high-quality care. Through relatable examples and insights from simulation-based education, the conversation highlights the challenges healthcare professionals face in noticing subtle changes in patients amidst the noise of busy clinical environments. Tune in to learn how understanding inattention blindness could reshape medical education and improve patient outcomes.

In this episode of MedEd Thread, Dr. Eduardo Mireles, Kim Sherry, and Dr. Matt Olivero discuss how in-situ simulation is used at Cleveland Clinic to uncover hidden safety risks in real clinical settings. They explain how these simulations improve teamwork, empower caregivers to speak up, and help standardize best practices across the enterprise—all to enhance patient safety. Tune in to learn how simulation is shaping a safer, more responsive healthcare system.

In this episode of MedEd Thread, we talk with Dr. Jessica Donato, Graduate Medical Education Liaison for Safety, Quality, and Patient Experience at Cleveland Clinic, who shares how the institution is training the next generation of physicians to lead with safety, quality and compassion. Dr. Donato explores the essential role of psychological safety, systems-based thinking and interprofessional collaboration in shaping a culture where trainees feel empowered to speak up and improve care. She discusses the evolution of morbidity and mortality conferences, the importance of role modeling and how data-driven insights and team-based quality improvement projects are transforming medical education. Tune in to learn how Cleveland Clinic is preparing residents to become safety champions and change agents in healthcare.