Learning to Lead

What does it take to lead with both head and heart in academic medicine?  In this candid conversation, Boston-trained Internist and Dean of Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, Dr. Lisa Coplit shares the pivotal moments that shaped her leadership philosophy as an authentic, purpose driven leader—from her first crisis as a chief resident to launching a new medical school and mentoring hundreds of...

In this episode, Dr. Andrea “Andi” Cooley, DO, a cardiothoracic surgeon and Assistant Dean at UT Tyler School of Medicine, shares her journey from surgery to innovation and education. Guided by her motto “never say never,” Andi shares how witnessing rural health disparities inspired her to use technology and AI to drive equitable change. She reframes pitching as co-creating solutions, not selling...

In this episode, Dave Tomczyk, Ph. D.—entrepreneurship professor and founder of Cyber Wizard Games—unpacks the often-overlooked skill of pitching. He explains that pitching isn’t just for entrepreneurs or startups; it’s a vital communication skill for anyone looking to inspire action or spark change. Pitching isn’t merely about selling ideas—it’s about starting meaningful conversations, adding val...

In this Leadership Hack, Dave Tomczyk, Ph. D., discusses the importance of embracing failure as a vital leadership tool. He explains that effective leaders own their mistakes—by acknowledging, apologizing, and correcting them—while also creating a culture that allows employees to fail, learn, and grow. This conversation reinforces that leaders should encourage learning through mistakes, model owne...

In this conversation, Brooklynn Weber and classmates Grace Jefferies and Dean Raymond from Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine discuss an effective leadership hack, focusing on the metaphor of 'staying on your side of the net' to enhance communication and conflict resolution. They explore its application in both personal and professional settings, particularly in healthcare, emphasizing the impo...

In this episode, Dr. Sarah Smithson, physician and co-founder of Relational Leadership Partners, shares insights on the power of storytelling in healthcare and leadership. She reflects on her own journey into primary care and illustrates how stories reveal values more effectively than statements alone. Sarah explains frameworks like “challenge, choice, outcome” and emphasizes authenticity, listeni...

Dr. Sarah Smithson, physician-educator and co-founder of Relational Leadership Partners, shares a simple leadership hack: “Noticing.” When a hard emotion flares—your “hand on the hot stove”—pause, name it, spot the trigger, and choose an intentional next step. A quick, practical way to build agency at work and in life. Stay tuned for our upcoming episode with Sarah on becoming a better storyteller...

In this episode, Dr. Miklos Fogarasi, hematologist-oncologist and medical educator at Quinnipiac University’s Frank H. Netter School of Medicine, explores the concept of Ikigai—a Japanese philosophy often described as “a reason to get up in the morning.” Dr. Fogarasi explains that Ikigai is found at the intersection of four elements: what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and w...

In this leadership hack, Dr. Miklos Fogarasi, physician and educator at the Netter School of Medicine, highlights the value of giving others a “second impression.” He shares how revisiting initial interactions especially negative ones—can foster stronger relationships, improve collaboration, and create space for authentic connection. Listeners are reminded that empathy, patience, and optimism can...

In this quick Leadership Hack, we explore how a tiny habit  of self-reflection can strengthen your ability to lead with clarity, courage, and purpose. Drawing from the Harvard Business Review article “Don’t Underestimate the Power of Self-Reflection,”  we’ll share a simple, two-minute daily practice to align your head (thinking), heart (feelings), and hands (actions). You’ll learn how three intent...

In this powerful episode, Joshua Hartzell MD, a retired Army Colonel and seasoned physician-educator, explores what it truly means to lead with care in healthcare. Drawing from his military and medical experience, Dr. Hartzell shares insights on developing cultures of compassion, fostering professional growth, and the power of followership. He challenges traditional notions of leadership by emphas...

In this mini-episode, Dr. Joshua Hartzell, physician, educator, leader, coach, and author shares a powerful leadership hack: intentionally investing in the careers of those around you. Through stories and insights, he highlights how small, thoughtful actions—like connecting team members with mentors or offering growth opportunities—can create a culture of support and professional development. Dr....

In this mini-episode, graduating medical students Amber Vargas, Adebowale Babalola, Emmanuel Dwomoh and Liza Landry from the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine share the advice they would give to their first-year (M1) selves—lessons on managing stress, embracing self-care, and overcoming imposter syndrome. They explore the importance of resilience, community, and celebrating small wins along th...

This episode features a heartfelt and inspiring conversation with fourth-year medical students from the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine as they reflect on their journey through medical school. Amber Vargas facilitates the discussion as Liza, Adebowale, and Emmanuel share personal stories of how they got into medical school, the fears and challenges they faced, their evolving career goals, an...

What does it take to lead with both head and heart in academic medicine?  In this candid conversation, Boston-trained Internist and incoming interim Dean of Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, Dr. Lisa Coplit shares the pivotal moments that shaped her leadership philosophy as an authentic, purpose driven leader—from her first crisis as a chief resident to launching a new medical school and ment...

What’s the fastest way to lower the temperature in a heated conversation? Listen—really listen.  In this quick-hit “Leadership Hack” mini-episode, Dr. Lisa Coplit shares her go-to tool for defusing conflict: calm, intentional listening that lets the other person feel heard and safe. Hear how she quiets her own “amygdala hijack,” reflects back what she’s heard, and creates space to respond thoughtf...

In this episode, we explore a leadership hack that promotes self-reflection and sharing—the Rose-Bud-Thorn concept—with our guest, Renee Scott, MSW. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onleadinginhealthcare.substack.com

In the second part of this episode, we continue sharing personal stories, including some of our leadership failures. We also introduce the Rose-Bud-Thorn concept, which can be used to enhance your professional relationships. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onleadinginhealthcare.substack.com

In the first part of this episode, we introduce ourselves, share some personal stories, and explore the origins of this podcast and the inspiration behind its focus on leadership in healthcare. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onleadinginhealthcare.substack.com

Learning to Lead focuses on developing and supporting emerging healthcare leaders—students, trainees and early-career healthcare professionals—through conversations with leaders about their experiences and insights (“leader journeys”), foundational leadership concepts (“deep dives”), and the most useful and impactful tools to become better leaders (“leadership hacks”).”  You will be connecting to...