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, 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.

In this episode of MedEd Thread, we talk with Dr. Brian Mandell, Editor-in-Chief of the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, who discusses the evolving role of medical journal editors in an era of rapid research, digital transformation, and emerging technologies like AI. Dr. Mandell shares insights on managing peer review, maintaining editorial integrity, addressing predatory journals, and supporting trainee authors, while reflecting on how the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of open access have reshaped the publishing landscape.

In this episode of MedEd Thread, we talk with Dr. Cecile Foshee, Director of the Office of Interprofessional Learning, and Ronna Romano, Senior Project Manager in Education at Cleveland Clinic, who share how a national educational initiative is helping healthcare professionals better understand and address the impact of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and vaccine hesitancy. Dr. Foshee and Ronna discuss the development of differentiated learning pathways designed to meet the diverse needs of providers across the country—from rural hospitals to major academic centers. They explore how microlearning, modular content, and cognitive science principles were used to create flexible, engaging educational experiences. Tune in to learn how this innovative approach is empowering clinicians, combating misinformation, and promoting more informed, responsive care for vulnerable populations.

In this episode of MedEd Thread, we talk with Dr. Carl Tyler, Director of Geriatrics Education and Research in Cleveland Clinic’s Family Medicine Residency Program, who explores how we’re educating healthcare professionals to better serve patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Dr. Tyler shares insights into the historical marginalization of IDD populations, the resulting health disparities and the need for inclusive, patient-centered care. He discusses the role of advocacy, the impact of initiatives like the National Inclusive Curriculum for Health Education (NICHE) and how healthcare education is evolving to promote equitable treatment for all. Tune in to learn how these efforts are breaking down barriers and fostering a more compassionate, informed healthcare workforce.