MedCast: The Podcast from MedChi, The Maryland State Medical Society

The Maryland State Medical Society (MedChi) brings a special edition of MedCast to its members and the public. This recording of the 2026 Carol & Dr. Thomas Allen Annual Ethics Lecture on "Vaccine Mandates Ethical & Legal Perspectives" features three distinguished guests: Nicole Cimino-Fiallos, MD, an Emergency Medicine physician at Mid-Atlantic Permanente Group; Mark Graber, JD, PHD, a professor...

In this episode of MedCast, Dr. Stephen Rockower talks with clinical psychologist Dr. Jonathan Stea about misinformation in the medical and mental health space. For much of his career, Dr. Stea has been helping treat patients with concurrent addiction and psychiatric disorders. Over the last 5-7 years, Dr. Stea has been engaging in science communication to debunk misinformation in pseudoscience th...

Oct. 20, 2025: In this episode of MedCast, Dr. Stephen Rockower sits down with Dr. Eric Wargotz, a pathologist from Queen Anne's County and the MedChi President for 2025-2026. The two discuss Dr. Wargotz' fascinating path to medicine, including a stint as a working actor, and his interest in politics. Join Dr. Rockower to learn more about Dr. Wargotz' interest in food insecurity and access to food...

Sept. 8, 2025: In this episode of MedCast, a podcast of the Maryland State Medical Society, Dr. Stephen Rockower speaks with Dr. Farzaneh Sabi, an obstetrician gynecologist at Kaiser Permanente and a member of the Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC). They discuss the differences between integrated medicine and fee for service care models, utilizing AI-related technology, and Dr. Sabi’s...

In this episode of MedCast, Dr. Stephen Rockower talks with Dr. Douglas Reh, an otolaryngologist in Baltimore County. They discuss all things noses and ears, including legislation that found its way working through the Maryland General Assembly and how advocacy directly from otolaryngologists played a role in shaping that legislative effort.

In this episode of MedCast, Dr. Steven Rockower welcomes special guest Dr. Jennifer Christie. Dr. Christie is currently Division Director of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. She is also the past President of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE). Dr. Christie talks about the Colorectal Cancer Screening Project that MedChi i...

The seventeenth episode of MedCast features Drs. Padmini D Ranasinghe & Megan Srinivas. Dr. Ranasinghe is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Johns Hopkins Medicine. Dr. Srinivas is the host of Project FirstLines Stories of Care Podcast and member of the Iowa State Legislature. They both join Dr. Rockower to discuss infectious disease control.

The sixteenth episode of MedCast features Dr. Jim York, MedChi’s Board President. Dr. York has worked tirelessly with MedChi’s government relations team to get bills passed. He also established the first task force on child behavioral health. Listen in as Dr. Stephen Rockower speaks with Dr. York about a wide variety of topics.

The fifteenth episode of MedCast features Dr. Martin Rusinowitz, Medical Director for the Maryland Physician Health Program (MPHP). Listen in as Dr. Rockower speaks with Dr. Rusinowitz about his personal experiences to share resources and offer compassion to others going through the same thing.

The fourteenth episode of MedCast features, Mr. Corey Feist, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation. In this episode, Mr. Feist talks about his sister-in-law's story and physician mental health.

The thirteenth episode of MedCast features Dr. Ilse R. Levin, a board-certified Internist from Silver Spring. Dr. Levin discusses her background as a DO, addiction medicine, and the AMA.

Welcome back to MedCast, the podcast from MedChi, the Maryland State Medical Society. In episode 12, Dr. Stephen Rockower speaks with Dr. Allan Jensen, a Ophthalmologist from Baltimore. They discuss Dr. Jensen's background, Opera and medicine, and Dr. Jensen's work in Maryland. Enjoy the show.

Welcome back to MedCast, the podcast from MedChi, the Maryland State Medical Society. In episode 11, Dr. Stephen Rockower speaks with Dr. Howard Haft, a Senior Medical Advisor with the Maryland Primary Care Program. They discuss Dr. Haft's background, primary care in Maryland, and Dr. Haft's key role in Maryland's Covid-19 response, along with some fun side notes for everyone. Enjoy the show.

Welcome to MedCast, the podcast from MedChi, the Maryland State Medical Society. In episode 10, Dr. Stephen Rockower speaks with Dr. Karen Dionesotes, a psychiatry resident at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. They discuss Dr. Dionesotes' background, behavioral health, organized medicine and public policy.

Welcome to  MedCast , the podcast from MedChi, the Maryland State Medical Society. In episode Nine, Dr. Stephen Rockower speaks with Dr. Senator Clarence Lam, a Public Health Specialist and representative for Maryland State District 12. Join us for a discussion on the legislature’s role in healthcare and the state of public health. You'll find it all right here, on MedCast. Be sure to tune in next...

Welcome to  MedCast , the podcast from MedChi, the Maryland State Medical Society. In episode eight, Dr. Stephen Rockower speaks with Dr. Benjamin Lowentriit, a Urologist in Baltimore County about his background, his work with MedChi, and the issues that drive his advocacy. Then, stick around for a peek at Dr. Lowentritt’s COVID-19 watchlist.   You'll find it all right here, on MedCast. Be sure to...

Welcome to  MedCast , the podcast from MedChi, the Maryland State Medical Society. In episode seven, Dr. Stephen Rockower sits down with Dr. Carolyn O’Conor, a family physician in Montgomery County ( and his personal physician ) for a look at medicine from her vantage point. Dr. O’Conor discusses her family medicine, her background, and her time in organized medicine, serving on MedChi’s Idea Task...

Welcome to MedCast , the podcast from MedChi, the Maryland State Medical Society. In episode six, Dr. Stephen Rockower hosts Dr. Gary Pushkin, an Orthopedic Surgeon based in Baltimore. Dr. Pushkin shares his insider's view on MedChi's Opioid taskforce, and his time as President of MedChi. Well before he became MedChi President in 2018, Dr Gary Pushkin was passionate about educating physicians abou...

Welcome to MedCast , the podcast from MedChi, the Maryland State Medical Society. In episode five, Dr. Stephen Rockower hosts Dr. Harry Ajrawat, a urologist based in Prince George's County. Dr. Ajrawat shares his journey in organized medicine and his experience with ACOs and the Affordable Care Act around Maryland. Then, stick around for an update on the recent legislative successes for physicians...

Welcome to MedCast , the podcast from MedChi, the Maryland State Medical Society. In episode four, host Dr. Stephen Rockower is joined by Delegate Dr. Terri Hill, a plastic surgeon and State Delegate representing district 12 in Baltimore and Howard Counties. Delegate Hill shares her unique journey to plastic surgery and policy leadership on the health and government operations committee. Listen in...

Welcome to MedCast , the podcast from MedChi, the Maryland State Medical Society. In episode three, host Dr. Stephen Rockower is joined by Dr. Tuesday Cook, a surgeon with Adventist Health. Dr. Cook shares her  journey from Brooklyn to the Caribbean Islands and then back to Pace University in New York turned out to be the best possible preparation for successful practice where patients from all ba...

Welcome to MedCast , the podcast from MedChi, the Maryland State Medical Society. In episode two, host Dr. Stephen Rockower is joined by Dr. Willarda Edwards, Internist in Baltimore, AMA Delegate, and candidate for AMA President-elect. Dr. Edwards shares her background, why she became a doctor, and the critical role she sees for generational collaboration in today's healthcare system. Dr. Rockower...

Welcome to MedCast , the podcast from MedChi, the Maryland State Medical Society. In episode one, host Dr. Stephen Rockower sits down with Dr. Loralie Ma, President of MedChi and a radiologist in Howard County, for a conversation about her background, passion, and experiences organizing colleagues to speak with a collective voice and advocate for medical professionals. Be sure to tune in on May 30...

Thank you for joining us on MedCast, the Maryland State Medical Society Podcast. In each episode, we’ll be bringing you an insider’s look at the issues facing medicine today. We hope you’ll join us on Monday for our first episode with special guest, Dr. Loralie Ma, President of MedChi.