Author: William Trick

  • Burn Unit to Microwave Safety

    Pediatrician Kyran Quinlan and occupational therapist Marla Robinson witnessed severe scald burns among young children in their hospital’s burn unit. They embarked on an epidemiologic evaluation that turned into a nearly two-decades odyssey to improve microwave safety.  They partnered with Underwriters Laboratory, the Consumer Products Safety Commission, impacted families, engineering and design students from Northwestern and the University of Michigan to child-proof future microwave ovens. They describe the challenges and the thrill of eventually seeing safer ovens on store shelves.  Epilogue provided by Joe Musso, former Standards Program Manager at Underwriters Laboratory, who was responsible for microwave standards.
    Will Consumer Safety Survive Partisan Pandering?

    Pediatrician Kyran Quinlan and occupational therapist Marla Robinson witnessed severe scald burns among young children in their hospital’s burn unit. They embarked on an epidemiologic evaluation that turned into a nearly two-decades odyssey to improve microwave safety.  They partnered with Underwriters Laboratory, the Consumer Products Safety Commission, impacted families, engineering and design students from Northwestern and the University of Michigan to child-proof future microwave ovens. They describe the challenges and the thrill of eventually seeing safer ovens on store shelves.  Epilogue provided by Joe Musso, former Standards Program Manager at Underwriters Laboratory, who was responsible for microwave standards.
    Will Consumer Safety Survive Partisan Pandering?

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  • Legacies in Medicine: Marcus Welby to Smartphones

    Legendary leaders of Cook County Hospital’s internal medicine program for trainees and medical students, and expert clinicians, Peter Clarke and Chris Smith, share their wisdom.  They discuss caring for patients, educating the next generation of physicians, and their evolution as healers.  Epilogue by former internal medicine training program director, Dr. Christine Acob.

    Legendary leaders of Cook County Hospital’s internal medicine program for trainees and medical students, and expert clinicians, Peter Clarke and Chris Smith, share their wisdom.  They discuss caring for patients, educating the next generation of physicians, and their evolution as healers.  Epilogue by former internal medicine training program director, Dr. Christine Acob.

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  • Deep Roots of Inclusion & Caring for Family

    Deep Roots of Inclusion & Caring for Family

    With roots across continents and religions, inclusion comes naturally to Dr. Benjamin Mba. He shares insights on why inclusion is the requisite factor for meaningful DEI efforts, for the success of organizations beyond healthcare.  Ben explores the challenges faced by healthcare workers when guiding families through illness and the healing role of kindness. With so many options, Ben reveals his preferred destination for a family reunion.  Epilogue provided by former Cook County Hospital Chief Resident Farah Ciftci.

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  • Teaching Thinking: A Master Educator’s Methods

    Teaching Thinking: A Master Educator’s Methods

    Dr. Benjamin Mba is a nationally renowned clinical educator of internal medicine trainees and medical students.  Effortless?? No!  Ben shares insights he learned observing mentors and through decades of honing the craft, teaching medical trainees during rounds and morning reports, presentations, and discussions of challenging diagnostic cases.  Now at Yale School of Medicine, Ben reflects fondly on his career at Cook County Hospital. Epilogue by Dr. Sanjay Saint, Professor at the University of Michigan Medical School and author of “Teaching Inpatient Medicine: What Every Physician Needs to Know”.   Sanjay observed Ben as part of a nationwide evaluation of exemplary teachers.

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  • Healing Connections: The Organizer who Wove Community into Healthcare

    Healing Connections: The Organizer who Wove Community into Healthcare

    We hear the inspiring story of Mary Driscoll, who repurposed the skills she acquired during community organizing for peace and civil rights to Cook County Hospital and the Illinois Department of Public Health.  Through tireless advocacy and relationship-building, she built bridges between neighborhoods and public health systems—recognizing that sustainable healing begins with community connections.  Epilogue by Dr. Ellen Mason, who, in the words of John Lewis, recognized Mary’s penchant for “Good Trouble”.

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  • Treating Addiction: Compassion meets Courage

    Treating Addiction: Compassion meets Courage

    After medical school and training, Doctor Jen Smith knew how to treat the medical complications from harmful use of alcohol and drugs, but not how to help people avoid those risks through the treatment of their addiction. Through resolute dedication to self-education, listening to patients in the depths of their struggle, and guiding the evolution of Cook County Hospital’s treatment approach, she made a difference. Epilogue provided by Peter Clarke, former colleague, esteemed educator, and primary care “doc” at Cook County Hospital.

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  • Women Healing Women with HIV/AIDS

    At a time when many were reluctant to provide care for people with AIDS, staff at Cook County Hospital rose to the challenge.  With support from a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant, the Midwest’s largest provider of HIV services emerged with a welcoming and nurturing clinical center for women & children living with HIV.  Mildred & Toyin share the perspectives of a social worker and physician on compassionate patient-centered care. Epilogue provided by John Peller, CEO & President at the @AIDS Foundation of Chicago. 

    At a time when many were reluctant to provide care for people with AIDS, staff at Cook County Hospital rose to the challenge.  With support from a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant, the Midwest’s largest provider of HIV services emerged with a welcoming and nurturing clinical center for women & children living with HIV.  Mildred & Toyin share the perspectives of a social worker and physician on compassionate patient-centered care. Epilogue provided by John Peller, CEO & President at the @AIDS Foundation of Chicago. 

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  • County Hospital’s Past & Present: A Candid Conversation

    County Hospital’s Past & Present: A Candid Conversation

    With the looming cutbacks to Medicaid, safety net health systems are vital.  After three decades at County, Dr. David Schwartz explores its tumultuous history—one filled with challenge and progress.  As a young doctor, he grappled with the frustrations of witnessing sometimes indifferent medical care, which improved under strong leadership and reduced political interference.  Join us for stories of clinical care and our nation’s first blood “bank”.  Epilogue provided by Scott Fridkin, former Cook County Hospital fellow and CDC epidemiologist. 

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  • Healthcare Behind Bars at Cook County Jail (Part 2)

    Healthcare Behind Bars at Cook County Jail (Part 2)

    While working in Guatemala, Dr. Jack Raba is recruited back to Cook County Hospital to be the medical director for Cook County Jail. He negotiates and spearheads the transformation of healthcare at the jail, and champions public health initiatives to combat tuberculosis, smoking, and sexually transmitted infections. He courageously works to reduce the use of excessive force within the walls of the jail and pre-arrival by Chicago Police. Epilogue provided by Doctors Jane Leonardson and Connie Mennella, two Northwestern Medical Students who made correctional healthcare a career after hearing Dr. Raba’s guest lecture.

    A Doctor’s Life in Correctional Healthcare, Dr. Jack Raba

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  • Cook County Jail: Patients, Public Health, & Prevention (Part 1)

    Cook County Jail: Patients, Public Health, & Prevention (Part 1)

    In Part 1, Dr. Jack Raba recounts his transformative high-school volunteer experience at Cook County Hospital, his return to Cook County as a student at Northwestern Medical School.  Seeking to build clinical confidence, he took a year off to work in hospitals in Mexico and Guatemala.  As a physician-in-training at Cook County Hospital, he and his colleagues grappled with the ethical dilemma of physicians going on strike.  Hear about the brief incarceration of the strike organizers and Jack’s accidental escape from Cook County Jail.  Epilogue provided by Ken Brucks, longtime friend and sometimes rival on Christ the King basketball courts.

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