
The Curbsiders Teach
Curbsiders Teach is THE internal medicine podcast for all things medical education. We use expert interviews to inspire the next generation of medical educators by providing listeners with teaching pearls, practice-changing knowledge, and a learning objective-based dosing of Edutainment (medical education, made entertaining). Season 3 of this weekly mini-series will air every Tuesday starting April 4, 2023 on our website or wherever you get your podcasts!
We are so excited to bring you this new series in the Curbsiders Family focusing on medical education. Molly Heublein, MD and Era Kryzhanovskaya, MD are your hosts for the Curbsiders Teach- they are Clinician Educators with a passion for teaching. Whether you precept students, teach small groups, are involved in curricular design, or give CME lectures, we think you’ll find valuable skills. We have the pleasure of interviewing a variety of amazing experts in topics ranging from bedside teaching, feedback conversations, learner mental health, and time-variable competency based medical education. We can’t wait to share their expertise with you!
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Patreon | Free CME!| Youtube
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Send questions or suggestions to thecurbsidersteach@gmail.com
Latest episodes

Jul 2, 2025 • 50min
52: #54 Negotiation Skills from AIMW25 Tips for Advocating for your Learners and Program with Drs. Thomas Ciesielski and Gopal Yadavalli
Join esteemed guests Dr. Thomas Ciesielski (Washington University in St. Louis) and Dr. Gopal Yadavalli (@BMC_ID, Boston University) as they break down the art and science of negotiation, straight from AIMW25! From mastering the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument to navigating real-world power dynamics, this episode offers practical strategies to help clinician educators advocate effectively for their programs and learners. Don’t miss this energizing, insight-packed conversation that will level up your leadership game!
Claim CME for this episode at curbsiders.vcuhealth.org!
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Subscribe | Patreon | Free CME!| Youtube
thecurbsidersteach@gmail.com
Credits
Producer, Show notes, CME: Molly Heublein MD
Script: Era Kryzhanovskaya MD
Cover Art, Infographic: Rebecca Garber MD
Hosts, Editors: Era Kryzhanovskaya MD, Molly Heublein MD
Technical Support: Podpaste
Peer Reviewer: Keith Scott Dickerson MD, MS-BME
Guests: Thomas Ciesielski MD. Gopal Yadavalli MD FACP
Technical support: Podpaste
Theme Music: MorsyMusic
Show Segments
Intro, disclaimer, guest bio
Guest one-liner/ Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine AIMW25 reflections
Introduction to Negotiation Preparation
Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument
Interests and Positions
Distributive and Integrative Negotiation
BATNA and ZOPA
Preparing for the meeting
In the meeting itself
How to get better
Outro

Jun 18, 2025 • 1h 10min
51: #53 Adjusting During Crucial Conversations Based on Personality and Psychological Safety with guests: Julie Byington, C-TAGME, Ashley Johnson, C-TAGME, and Samatha Ankireddy, MD and Laura Thompson, MD
Join Julie Byington, a seasoned GME professional, Ashley Johnson, an experienced program coordinator, and chief residents Samatha Ankireddy and Laura Thompson as they share powerful strategies for mastering crucial conversations. They highlight how emotional intelligence and understanding personality types can transform difficult dialogues into productive discussions. Explore the importance of psychological safety, the value of tailoring communication styles, and the art of active listening in high-stakes situations.

Jun 4, 2025 • 1h 1min
50: #52: Glass Half Full: Best Practices for Teaching with an Anti-Deficit Framework with Dr. Chavon M. Onumah, MD, MPH, MEd
Dr. Chavon M. Onumah, a board-certified internal medicine and HIV specialist, dives into the transformative anti-deficit approach in medical education. She discusses recognizing strengths in learners to combat imposter syndrome and promote emotional well-being. The conversation highlights practical strategies for educators to create supportive, psychologically safe environments and foster a growth mindset. By focusing on holistic evaluations and inclusive practices, Dr. Onumah inspires a shift towards empowering future healthcare professionals.

May 28, 2025 • 56min
49: #51 From Bored to Board Ready: Reimagining Conference Didactics to Engage Learners from AIMW25 with Dr Rebecca Garber and Dr Beth Ward
Dr. Rebecca Garber, a chief resident passionate about medical education, and Dr. Beth Ward, a primary care physician and Disney enthusiast, share dynamic strategies to revive learner conferences. They discuss engaging techniques like Pecha Kucha presentations and gamification to foster active participation. The duo explores the challenges learners face due to increasing responsibilities and the necessity of adapting teaching methods to re-engage attendees. Their insights promise to transform didactic sessions into interactive learning experiences.

May 14, 2025 • 59min
#50 From Words to Wisdom: Teaching Communication with Real-time Feedback and Frameworks with Dr. Rene Claxton and Dr. Robert Arnold
Dr. Robert Arnold, a leader in palliative care education, and Dr. Rene Claxton, a dedicated medical educator, share their insights on enhancing communication skills in healthcare. They discuss effective feedback strategies that shift focus towards improvement, preparing trainees for challenging conversations. Key frameworks for real-time feedback are explored, along with the importance of empathetic communication and the role of AI in teaching these skills. Their practical tips aim to empower both educators and learners in delivering compassionate patient care.

May 7, 2025 • 1h 5min
#49 AIMW25 Recap: Pearls and (Educational) Practice Changing Knowledge from the Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine with guests Drs. Vidya Gopinath, Chavon Onumah, Jen Spicer, and Sarah Vick
Join Drs. Vidya Gopinath, Chavon Onumah, Jen Spicer, and Sarah Vick for a vibrant recap of AIMW25! Gopinath, a women's health advocate, shares insights on improving feedback and board pass rates. Onumah emphasizes effective communication in academic medicine, tackling challenges in emotional conversations. Infectious disease expert Spicer discusses innovative education strategies, while Vick highlights the importance of community and mentorship in combating burnout. This lively discussion is a treasure trove for health professions educators!

Apr 30, 2025 • 59min
#48 Channeling the Afterglow, not the Aftermath: Tips from AIMW25 for Navigating during and after Feedback Conversations with Drs. Reeni Abraham and Liz Petersen
Dr. Reeni Abraham is a distinguished medical educator and Associate Vice Chair of Undergraduate Medical Education at UT Southwestern. Alongside Dr. Liz Petersen, they delve into effective feedback conversations in medical training. They share personal anecdotes, emphasize the REMAP approach, and discuss the emotional dynamics of feedback. Listeners will learn about practical strategies to enhance communication skills, the importance of reflection, and managing emotions during discussions. Plus, enjoy some light-hearted banter on work-life balance during COVID!

Aug 7, 2024 • 47min
48: #47 Leveraging Mission to Recruit and Retain a Diverse Workforce With Erica N. Johnson, MD, FACP, FIDSA
Join us as Dr. Erica Johnson, Program Director at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, shares her experiences and best practices for recruitment and retention of a diverse medical workforce. Following the residency’s mission to reflect and serve the broader community guided her to build a residency program that stresses the importance of understanding the history of Baltimore and building trust within that community. You’ll hear tips to help diverse trainees thrive in a ``training program and be inspired to reflect on how to improve recruitment and retention practices in medical education.
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Subscribe | Patreon | CME!| Youtube
thecurbsidersteach@gmail.com
Show Segments
Intro, disclaimer
01:08 Guest bio
02:10 Getting to Know Dr. Erica Johnson
05:50 Picks of the Week
08:23 Case from Kashlak
09:50 Recruitment to Reflect Community
12:40 Steward of the Mission: Dr. Johnson’s Approach to Recruitment at Bayview Hopkins
15:33 Defining Diversity
17:29 Opportunities for Improvement in Recruitment
21:05 Leadership team’s approach to highlighting mission and training setting
23:09 Resident Thriving
26:07 Individualized Mentorship
30:09 Holistic Review
32:45 Recruitment and Retention of Faculty
35:23 Importance and Examples of Pathway Programs
38:40 Selfless Service and Aligning Work with Mission
40:20 Importance of Program Director Community
42:48 Take Home Points
44:29 Outro
Credits
Producer, Show Notes, CME: Era Kryzhanovskaya MD
Infographic, Cover Art: Paige Spata MD
Reviewer: Keith Dickerson, MD
Hosts, Script, Editors: Era Kryzhanovskaya MD, Molly Heublein MD
Guest: Erica Johnson, MD
Technical support: Podpaste
Theme Music: MorsyMusic

Jul 24, 2024 • 1h 15min
47: #46 Mentoring 2.0: Best Practices for Mentoring across Differences With O. N. Ray Bignall II, MD, FAAP, FASN
Join us as Dr Ray Bignall (@DrRayMD) delves into the transformative power of mentorship in career development. Learn to cultivate diverse mentor relationships, the importance of genuine connections, and navigating feedback across different identities. Whether you're a mentor or a mentee, this episode is packed with invaluable insights to help you thrive in your professional journey.
Forgive us for taking the opportunity to be mentored by Dr Bignall for the first 20 minutes, if you really want to jump ahead to the case, it starts at 21:33.
Sorry, no CME for this one!
Show Segments
Intro, disclaimer, guest bio
Advice- slowing down, taking time during training and beyond, saying “not right now”
14:33 Picks of the Week
21:33 Case from Kashlak
22:05 Dr Bignall’s Mentors
29:00 How Dr Bignall Approaches Mentorship/Coaching Trees
36:00 Mentoring across Identify Differences
48:15 Mentoring across Generational Differences
58:01 Helping Mentees Process Feedback
01:03:55 Continuous Improvement for Mentors
01:07:00 Take Home Points
Credits
Producer, show notes: Molly Heublein MD
Infographic, Cover Art: Paige Spata MD
Hosts, Script, Editors: Era Kryzhanovskaya MD, Molly Heublein MD
Guest: O. N. Ray Bignall II, MD, FAAP, FASN
Technical support: Podpaste
Theme Music: MorsyMusic

4 snips
Jul 10, 2024 • 55min
46: #45 Clinical Reasoning Remediation With Sarah Vick, MD
Dr. Sarah Vick, a medical expert in teaching clinical reasoning, joins the conversation to share her insights. She discusses practical strategies for diagnosing and addressing clinical reasoning gaps among healthcare learners. Key topics include the Pyramid Framework for assessment, differences between System 1 and System 2 thinking, and the pitfalls of premature closure in diagnosis. Dr. Vick also introduces the React and IDEA Frameworks, emphasizing the importance of structured teaching to enhance clinical decision-making skills in medical education.