The Clinical Excellence Podcast
The Clinical Excellence Podcast is sponsored by the Bucksbaum Institute for Clinical Excellence and hosted by Drs. Adam Cifu and Matthew Sorrentino. It is a biweekly show that explores the doctor-patient relationship and clinical care. Episodes use three formats: conversations between doctors and patients, discussions with authors of research relevant to improving clinical care, and talks with physicians about challenges in practice and physician life. The podcast is aimed at clinicians and others interested in strengthening patient care and the human side of medicine.
Episodes
Humanities in Medicine with Dr. Nathaniel Glasser
Dr. Nathaniel Glasser joins Dr. Adam Cifu to discuss how art, sociology, and medicine have come together throughout his career. They explore how appearance, identity, and social pressures can shape patients’ health behaviors, sometimes in ways that are easy to misunderstand. Dr. Glasser also reflects on what the humanities can teach physicians about relationships and patient care, while e
Humanities in Medicine with Dr. Doriane Miller
How can writing and theater enrich the lives of doctors and the communities they serve? Dr. Adam Cifu welcomes Dr. Doriane Miller, a University of Chicago professor of medicine, playwright, and co-founder of the Wellness Resilience Arts Program (WRAP) for youth. Drawing on her work with patients and her experience writing plays, Dr. Miller explores the power of stories to make people feel
Combining Patient Care and Innovation in a Medical Career
Dr. Nundy reflects on building a career that spans patient care, health systems, and technology. He describes thinking of himself as an “accidental technologist” and explains how his interest in innovation grew from a practical question: can new ideas actually work for patients in the real world? The conversation also turns to meaning in medicine. Dr. Nundy talks about why he still finds
A Career Attending to, and Teaching About, the Patient-Doctor Relationship
Dr. Michelle Kittleson and Dr. Adam Cifu get real about the patient-doctor relationship, especially when the stakes are high and the answers are not simple. She shares a small move that can ease a patient’s anxiety in seconds: showing you came prepared, with their story already in your hands. They talk through shared decision making, why patients should steer, and why clinicians still nee
The Patient-Doctor Relationship in an Evolving Cardiology Practice
Dr. Adam Cifu sits down with cardiologist Dr. Amber Johnson to peel back the curtain on what happens behind the clinic door. Dr. Johnson gets candid about her career evolution, from the reserved, impersonal style she once thought was required of a doctor to a physician who now shares personal experiences to build trust with patients. The two dive into the silent tug-of-war of shared decis
How the Patient-Doctor Relationship Evolves in the Early Years of a Medical Career
Dr. Adam Cifu talks with Dr. Tom Yates, a general internist and assistant professor at the University of Chicago, about how a physician’s approach to care evolves during the early years of practice and how that shapes patient relationships and clinical decision making. Dr. Yates talks about resisting the urge to rush into problem lists and instead listening for what patients care about mo
The Patient-Trauma Surgeon Relationship
Trauma surgery doesn’t end when the operation is over. Dr. Tanya Zakrison joins Dr. Adam Cifu to reflect on the patient-trauma surgeon relationship, and the frustration of caring deeply for patients while knowing you cannot fix everything that led them there. She discusses how trauma care exposes challenges rooted in patients’ living conditions and circumstances, why surgeons cannot ignor
How Modern Genetic Medicine Interacts with the Patient-Doctor Relationship
Genetic information can raise the stakes of a clinical conversation in ways that go far beyond test results. Dr. Adam Cifu and Dr. Sonia Kupfer reflect on how uncertainty, evolving evidence, and family implications shape the way physicians counsel patients. Kupfer draws from her experience in clinic to illustrate how recommendations may shift over time, while emphasizing the responsibilit
A Conversation with the Winner of the 2025 Bucksbaum-Siegler Institute Clinical Excellence Award
Winner of the 2025 Bucksbaum-Siegler Institute Clinical Excellence Award, Dr. Kertesz reflects on the work of building a relationship before clinical decisions take shape, particularly with patients who arrive wary after difficult experiences with healthcare. He describes how poorly chosen language can instantly make a patient feel judged, forcing him to slow down and work his way back in
The Patient-Doctor Relationship in Hepatology
Dr. Mary Rinella, a transplant hepatologist, talks with Dr. Adam Cifu about the human side of caring for patients with complex liver disease. She describes how she approaches patients who arrive guarded or resistant and how digging into the fear that drives their behavior helps her build trust with them. The conversation touches on the time she invests in nurturing those relationships and
The Patient–Doctor Relationship When It Also Involves Parents, Teens, and Preteens
Dr. Adam Cifu talks with pediatric dermatologist Dr. Sarah Stein about the tricky triangle between doctor, teen, and parent. She reflects on finding the right balance between a young patient’s growing independence and a parent’s need to stay involved, and how empathy, trust, and experience shape those interactions. Together they explore what genuine communication looks like when everyone
Integrating the Patient’s Social and Medical Histories
Dr. Julie Oyler talks about the art of balancing social and medical care for older patients. She reflects on how her approach has evolved, from the early days of handwritten notes to today’s tech-assisted visits, and how she’s learned to keep the focus on the person behind the chart. She shares the tug-of-war between efficiency and empathy, the challenge of managing family dynamics in the
The Doctor–Patient Relationship in Mid-Career Primary Care
Dr. Jason Alexander joins Dr. Adam Cifu to discuss how the doctor–patient relationship evolves once you’re no longer a new physician. He reflects on the confidence that comes with experience, knowing when to listen and when to step in, and how caring for colleagues and families adds both complexity and meaning. He also shares how embracing uncertainty and being genuine help build trust.
Exploring the Doctor–Patient Relationship in Hematology and Oncology
Join us for a conversation with hematologist–oncologist and geneticist Dr. Michael Drazer for a wide-ranging discussion on caring for people with hereditary blood and cancer syndromes, including patients with leukemia. He talks about how watching mentors with very different bedside styles influenced how his approach to the doctor–patient relationship has evolved throughout his career. We
The Doctor–Patient Relationship as Seen by a Senior Physician
This episode dives into the real-life evolution of the doctor–patient relationship through the eyes of a senior physician. Dr. Alex Lickerman shares how decades in medicine have shaped his approach to balancing authority and empathy while moving toward more relaxed, genuine conversations. He also explains why building trust with patients matters more now than ever, especially in the face
The Third Phase of an Academic Medicine Career
In this season finale episode, Dr. Adam Cifu sits down with transplant nephrologist Dr. Michelle Josephson to explore the unique challenges and opportunities that arise in the later stages of an academic medical career. Dr. Josephson openly discusses the struggle to maintain a sense of relevance, the need to redefine one's priorities and goals, and the bittersweet experience of losing col
From ER to Advanced Illness Management - A Physician's Varied Career Journey
In this episode, we speak with Dr. Jennifer Brokaw about her varied and impressive career in medicine. Dr. Brokaw shares how she transitioned from emergency medicine into founding a private practice focused on advanced illness management and end-of-life care, driven by a desire to tackle complex societal challenges she witnessed in the ER. She discusses the unique value she was able to pr
Clinical Training So Far - Surgical Resident
In this installment of our series talking with medical trainees, we're joined by Dr. Ava Ferguson Bryan, a general surgery resident at the University of Chicago. Dr. Ferguson Bryan shares her winding path to medicine, from initially pursuing English and art history, to discovering a passion for surgery during her clinical rotations.She provides an honest look at the challenges and sacrifi
Clinical Training So Far - Chief Medical Resident
Gaining an inside look at the realities of medical training, this episode features a conversation with Layne Keating, a chief medical resident at the University of Chicago. Layne shares her experiences navigating the transition from medical school at the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University to residency, highlighting the importance of being given autonomy and the
Clinical Training So Far - Medical Resident
In this episode, we continue our series exploring the experiences of medical trainees. Dr. Adam Cifu is joined by Arman Shahriar, MD, a third-year internal medicine resident at the University of Chicago. Arman shares his nontraditional path to medicine, including teaching in Ecuador and working in the medical device industry. He provides a candid look at residency life, from the grueling
Clinical Training So Far - Medical Student
Kicking off a series of talks with people in medical training, this episode features third-year student Nihar Rama discussing his experiences and insights so far. Nihar discusses how his personal background as a patient has shaped his empathetic approach to caring for patients. He reflects on the importance of maintaining confidence while also expressing humility, and the challenges of de
The Cancer Journey
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 comm
Winner of the Bucksbaum National Award for Clinical Excellence
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 ho
Ethical Questions in End of Life Care
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
Measuring Clinical Excellence and the Impact of the Bucksbaum-Siegler Institute
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. D
The Future of Clinical Excellence: Bridging Technology and Human Connection
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
Clinical Excellence in Nursing
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 a
Clinical Excellence in Dermatology
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 psych
Clinical Excellence in Physical Therapy
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.
AI in Medicine: The Present
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 futur
Quality Measures in Primary Care
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.
The Social History
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?
Patient Discussion #6
Ms. Peeples shares her personal story, reflecting on her career, experiences with healthcare providers, and navigating the healthcare system. Drs. Chin and Klein provide insights into their interactions with Ms. Peeples as their patient and their approaches to patient care. The episode explores both positive and challenging experiences in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of good pat
A Life in Medicine in Chicago
Charles Martinez, a longtime physician and author from Chicago, talks about his life and career.
Graphic Medicine with MK Czerwiec
MK Czerwiec, a nurse, cartoonist, educator, and co-founder of the field of Graphic Medicine, discusses her work and the utility of graphic medicine.
Physician Coaching
Diane Rogers, a healthcare consultant and leadership coach discusses the challenges of physician coaching, emphasizing the importance of being present for patients and creating a space for meaningful conversations with colleagues. Diane shares insights from her diverse career journey, highlighting the significance of connecting to purpose in healthcare.
International Medicine
Cultivating a career in global health with a worldwide impact.
Patient Discussion #5
Working with your doctor to care for your parents.
Opioids, Homelessness and Crafting a Non-Traditional Career in Academic Medicine
Dr. Kertesz discusses the winding path to a non-traditional but productive and successful career in academic medicine.
Patient Doctor Discussion #4
The patient's side of the patient-centered longitudinal care experience.
The Bucksbaum Institute Clinical Excellence Award
📢 Announcing the 1st Annual Bucksbaum Institute Clinical Excellence Award
Philosophy in Medicine
Philosophy's place in medicine, and what does it mean to find your personal “why”.
Family Planning
The dynamics of family planning and its intricate interaction with the fields of medicine, politics, and societal forces are subjects of profound significance.
Pre Med
What is on the minds of premedical students today and how has the pandemic affected the application process?
Patient-Centered Longitudinal Experience
Can we teach medical students by teaming them up with patients?
The Family History and Social History
Making the family and social history a meaningful part of the medical history.
Medicine as a Vocation
Many physicians perceive their profession as a vocation. In this episode we talk about how this affects our lives and our practice.
Lifestyle Medicine
What is lifestyle medicine and how can it add value to traditional primary care medicine.
Caring for Colleagues
What needs to be considered when caring for people with whom you work.
Patient-Doctor Discussion #3
A patient recounts years of interacting with the medical field.
Broaching Difficult Topics
Dr. Stacy Lindau, the director of PRISM, of the Program in Integrative Sexual Medicine, talks about discussing sensitive topics with patients.
Retiring as a Physician
Two retired internists reflect on how retirement affects one's self-image and how to succeed in retirement.
Trauma Surgery
Dr. Selwyn Rogers, the founding director of the University of Chicago Medicine Trauma Center, talks about trauma care and the importance of a team of skilled collaborators.
Non-traditional Paths Into Medicine
A hospitalist and clinical researcher discusses her wandering path into medicine.
Education and the Doctor-Patient Relationship
Dr. Bree Andrews is the Chief Wellness and Vitality Officer at the University of Chicago. She discusses how early education and training of undergraduate students can help students gain key skills and experience needed to become a physician. She will also discuss her new role as Chief Wellness and Vitality Officer charged with assessing the state of wellness and implementation of programs
Turning a Difficult Clinical Experience into Something Positive
A patient recounts a difficult and painful experience and discusses how she turned it into something positive for herself and for medicine.
Discontinuing Cancer Treatment
An oncologist discusses the conversation that takes place around discontinuing cancer treatment.
Direct Primary Care
Dr. Alex Lickerman from ImagineMD talks about the direct primary care model and what it can mean for the doctor-patient relationship.
Physician Advocacy
Physician advocacy: what's necessary, how to do it, what are the pitfalls?
Discussing, Accepting and Learning from Our Medical Errors
Living with and learning from medical errors.
Complexity in Medicine and Medical Education
Simple? Complicated? Complex? Complexity in Medicine and Medical Education.
Long COVID and the Doctor-Patient Relationship
Dr. Karnik, who works in the University of Chicago's Post-COVID Recovery Clinic, talks about taking care of patients with persistent symptoms after COVID infections and reflects on the doctor-patient relationship in this setting.
Patient-Doctor Discussion #2
A patient talks about vaccines and long-term relationships.
Graphic Medicine and the Doctor-Patient Relationship
Dr. Brian Callender is interested in clinical education, global health education, clinical ethics, the patient experience, and the use of graphic narrative in medicine. Dr. Matthew Sorrentino will lead a discussion with Dr. Callender on the role of graphic medicine and its impact on the doctor-patient relationship.
Countertransference in the Patient-Doctor Relationship
Psychiatrist Dr. Martin Greenwald talks about countertransference in the patient-doctor relationship.
Technology and the Doctor-Patient Relationship
Dr. Valerie Press' work primarily focuses on improving patient-centered education for underserved patients with chronic disease and limited health literacy through novel interventions in the community and hospital settings targeted at both patients and clinicians. Dr. Matthew Sorrentino will discuss Dr. Press's latest research projects.
Terminating a Patient-Doctor Relationship
Unsalvageable relationships. Terminating the physician-patient relationship.
Patient-Doctor Discussion #1
A patient talks about Dr./Pt communication.
Giving Unwanted Second Opinions
Dealing with patients who aren't happy when a second opinion turns out to be the same as the first.
Burnout for Physicians who Hate Discussing Burnout
Physician burnout for physicians who hate hearing about burnout.
Breaking Bad News in Surgical Practice
Breaking bad news in surgical practice and preparing patients for the possibility of bad news.
The Clinical Excellence Podcast: Teaser
Drs. Adam Cifu and Matthew Sorrentino discuss the new Clinical Excellence podcast. The podcast has three formats: discussions between doctors and patients, discussions with authors of research pertinent to improving clinical care and the doctor-patient relationship and discussions with physicians about challenges in the doctor-patient relationship or in the life of a physician.
Recommended
megahired.com
Hard Knocks Podcast
Effective Weight Loss for Moms | High protein, Strength Training, Lose Weight, Meal Planning, Fat Loss, Healthy Habits
The Human-Animal Connection - Pet Life Radio Original
Infinite Health with Dr. Arasi Maran
The Daily
World News Tonight with David Muir
The Joe Rogan Experience
English Vocabulary Help
TED Talks Daily
Learn English B1 with Daily News | English Listening Practice
Talk About Talk - Executive & Leadership Communication Skills
