Author: William Trick

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Dr. Christine Acob trained at Cook County Hospital and ended her 30-year career as the Chair of the Internal Medicine Residency Program.  She provided calm and compassionate leadership before, during, and after the COVID pandemic.  But, perhaps, she is best remembered as the drummer for resident rock bands.  Commentary provided by former vocalist, Dr. Paula Eryacizi.

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