In this episode of MedEd Thread, we talk with Mikaela Baucco, Nursing Professional Development Specialist at Cleveland Clinic, about Communicating with Care, a program designed to strengthen professionalism, communication and teamwork across nursing teams. Mikaela discusses psychological safety, managing conflict, flattening hierarchy and practical communication strategies that empower caregivers to build stronger teams and improve patient care. Tune in to learn how intentional communication can foster a more collaborative and respectful healthcare environment.

In this episode of MedEd Thread, we talk with Stormy Sweitzer, PhD, MBA, MPH, PCC, Senior Program Manager in Cleveland Clinic's Office of Interprofessional Learning; Nichole Brown, PhD, MSN, RN, CHSE-A, Senior Education Specialist in the Simulation and Advanced Skills Center; and Maureen Washock, BSN, RN, CPN, CHSE , Simulation Education Specialist, about the use of generative AI to enhance simulation scenario development. They discuss how AI and human expertise can work together to create high-quality, standardized simulation experiences, reduce development time and support educational consistency across a global health system. Additionally, they explore the importance of expert validation, AI literacy and maintaining the human element in educational design. Tune in to learn how this innovative approach is shaping the future of simulation-based learning while preserving the critical role of educators and clinical experts.

In this episode of MedEd Thread, we talk with Dr. William Albabish, Director of Anatomy, and Dr. Andrea Di Sebastiano, Associate Director of Anatomy at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, about a novel fellowship designed to prepare PhD scientists from adjacent fields for careers in anatomy education. They discuss how immersive donor-based dissection, teaching, curriculum development, educational technology and structured mentorship are helping address a growing shortage of anatomy educators. Tune in to learn how this competency-based approach is creating new pathways into anatomy education while preparing faculty for the evolving needs of medical learners.

In this episode of MedEd Thread, we talk with Dr. Zenab Laiq, cardiologist and cardiac imaging specialist at Cleveland Clinic's Akron General Hospital, Dr. Samuel Wiles, pulmonary critical care physician and associate program director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Cleveland Clinic's Akron General Hospital, and Dr. Vasu Gupta, internal medicine resident and chief resident at Cleveland Clinic Akron General, about the development of an innovative focused cardiac ultrasound (FCU) curriculum for internal medicine residents. They discuss how simulation, online learning, case-based instruction and hands-on practice were combined to address a training gap, improve resident confidence and enhance bedside diagnostic skills. The guests also share lessons learned from implementation and their vision for expanding point-of-care ultrasound education across specialties to advance both medical education and patient care.

In this episode of MedEd Thread, we talk with Dr. Linda Gardner, Senior Director of Nursing Education and Professional Development at Cleveland Clinic, and Theresa Russo, Program Manager for Nursing Education, about Launchpad to Nursing Bootcamp, an innovative pipeline program designed to introduce middle and high school students to careers in nursing. They discuss how immersive, hands-on experiences, simulation activities, and mentorship opportunities help students explore the realities of nursing, develop healthcare knowledge, and envision future careers in the profession. The conversation also addresses the growing nursing shortage, the importance of early career exposure, and Cleveland Clinic’s efforts to build a sustainable nursing workforce through engaging educational pathways. Tune in to learn how Launchpad to Nursing is helping spark interest in healthcare careers and inspiring the next generation of nurses.

In this episode of MedEd Thread, we talk with Loren Hackett, Medical Librarian at Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest Hospital, and Michelle Kraft, Director of Library Services for the Cleveland Clinic Health System, to discuss Already Toast: Caregiving and Burnout in America by Kate Washington. Through the Hillcrest Book Club, they explore the emotional toll of caregiving, the challenges faced by families navigating complex healthcare needs and the importance of empathy, communication and support for caregivers. The discussion highlights how literature can deepen understanding of burnout and inspire more compassionate, patient- and family-centered care. Tune in to learn how storytelling can help healthcare professionals better understand the caregiver experience.

In this episode of MedEd Thread, we speak with Loren Hackett, Medical Librarian at Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest Hospital, and Michelle Kraft, Director of Library Services for the Cleveland Clinic Health System, about the growing role of fiction-based book clubs in medical education. They discuss how shared reading and discussion can foster empathy, encourage reflection, promote wellness and create spaces for exploring complex issues such as addiction, grief, identity and bias. The conversation also highlights how book clubs help break down hierarchy, strengthen interprofessional connections and deepen understanding of the patient experience. Tune in to learn how storytelling and literature can serve as powerful tools for professional growth, humanistic learning and compassionate patient care.

In this episode of MedEd Thread, we talk with Michelle Kraft, Director of Library Services, and Olivia Davis, Medical Librarian, about the growing impact of health misinformation on medical education and patient care. They discuss the differences between misinformation and disinformation, how social media and AI contribute to the spread of false information, and the risks posed by AI-generated “hallucinations,” bias, and fabricated sources. The conversation also highlights the evolving role of librarians in teaching critical evaluation skills, promoting strategies like the SIFT method, and helping learners navigate an increasingly complex information landscape. Tune in to learn how healthcare professionals and learners can build stronger critical thinking skills to identify trustworthy information and protect the integrity of clinical decision-making.