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.

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Dee Fenner, the first recipient of the Bucksbaum National Award for Clinical Excellence. A trailblazer in the field of urogynecology, Dr. Fenner shares her remarkable journey - from being one of the few women in her medical school class to becoming a nationally recognized expert in pelvic floor disorders and reconstructive surgery.

Dr. Fenner discusses how she found her passion in obstetrics and gynecology, and how she helped advance the burgeoning field of urogynecology. She reflects on the importance of creating a safe, comfortable environment for her vulnerable patients, and the challenges of training the next generation of surgeons.

As she looks to the future, Dr. Fenner is both excited and apprehensive about how data science and AI will impact patient care. At the same time, she remains focused on mentoring her colleagues and ensuring her department's continued success.

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

How do you measure clinical excellence?

Host Dr. Adam Cifu welcomes guest Dr. Anna Volerman to discuss the realities of clinical excellence, diving deep into the challenges of delivering impactful care beyond clinic walls. Dr. Volerman candidly shares her experiences with self-doubt, the importance of understanding patients' daily environments, and her work to address health inequities. Dr. Cifu adds thought-provoking insights on the art of medicine, as together they explore the shift from merely treating patients to transforming systems for better health outcomes. This episode offers a heartfelt look into healthcare's complexities, making it a must-listen for those passionate about medicine’s future.

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

What does it take to practice excellent nursing in a busy primary care setting?

In this insightful episode, Adam Cifu, MD, sits down with Sybil Caruthers, RN, a nurse with 38 years of experience and a recipient of the Nursing Professional Excellence Award. They discuss the core elements of clinical excellence in nursing, focusing on the vital importance of collaboration and communication among healthcare professionals.

Sybil shares her unique journey into the profession, which began unexpectedly. From her early days as an oncology triage nurse to her current role in primary care, she highlights the importance of patient advocacy and adapting to the growing demands of healthcare.

Join us as we explore the lessons learned from their journey and the transformative power of teamwork in improving patient outcomes.

Dr. Victoria Barbosa, an expert in dermatology and director of the Hair Loss Program at the University of Chicago, explores the challenges in the patient-doctor relationship within dermatology and alopecia. This episode highlights the impact of cultural understanding and diversity in patient care, including race concordance and discordant care. Dr. Barbosa provides insights into the psychological aspects of hair loss and the importance of empathetic, hopeful communication, while also discussing the role of these factors in fostering strong, trusting patient relationships.

A conversation exploring clinical excellence in physical therapy, examining its crucial role within primary care. This discussion delves into how these elements contribute to exceptional patient outcomes, while also acknowledging the importance of empathy and patient rapport.