The Clinical Excellence Podcast

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 deep fulf...

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 need to give...

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 decision makin...

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 most. They...

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 ignore what ha...

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 responsibility of help...

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 into the i...

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 how that...

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 in the ro...

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 exam roo...

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.

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 also disc...

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 of widesp...

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 colleagues t...

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 provide as...

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 sacrifices of s...

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 ability...

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 schedules...

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 developing...

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 communicatio...

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 fo...

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...

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. Dr. Cifu...

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 evolving...

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 hea...