The Clinical Excellence Podcast

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

Dr. Anna Volerman, a primary care physician and director of research at the Bucksbaum Institute, discusses the true meaning of clinical excellence. She tackles the complexities of healthcare delivery and the impact of social determinants on health. Volerman shares her personal battles with self-doubt and emphasizes the necessity of understanding patients' environments. The conversation also highlights the importance of mentorship and recognition in fostering clinician confidence, aiming for systemic transformation for better health outcomes.

Dr. Wei Wei Lee, a general internist and medical professor specializing in patient-centered care, joins to discuss the vital blend of technology and human connection in healthcare. She emphasizes the importance of shared vulnerability in patient-physician relationships. As AI becomes more prevalent, conversations turn to the risks it poses to these connections. The duo reflects on fostering empathy in a rapidly evolving medical landscape while stressing that personal interaction must remain central to effective patient care.

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.

We've all heard grand predictions about how AI will transform the future of medicine. But what about the here and now? In this episode, we dive into the ways AI is already reshaping healthcare. Discover how these technologies are not just promises for tomorrow, but are making an impact today. Tune in to explore the exciting developments happening right now and what they mean for the future of medicine.

Dr. Lisa Vinci joins the Clinical Excellence Podcast to discuss the nuances of quality measures in primary care. Delve into the complexities of healthcare metrics and their impact on patient care, with insights on navigating between standardized measures and personalized medicine.

Knowing about the patient who has a disease is as important as knowing about the disease the patient has. But how well do you need to know them?