Tag: season_1

  • Wind Beneath Their Wings: Improving a County Healthcare System

    Chief Communications Officer, Caryn Stancik, and General Counsel, Elizabeth Reidy, recognized the value of having a highly functional government healthcare system to care for the medically underserved population of Cook County.  Their careers were devoted to helping guide Cook County Hospital through the Affordable Care Act, a transition to an independent health system board; they provided stability through a series of CEOs. They describe their motivation for working in government, in health care, and how the mission sustained them as they developed legal and communications strategies to navigate a series of crises—and, they managed to retain their sense of humor.  Find out what it takes to thrive in a no-frills work environment.

    Chief Communications Officer, Caryn Stancik, and General Counsel, Elizabeth Reidy, recognized the value of having a highly functional government healthcare system to care for the medically underserved population of Cook County.  Their careers were devoted to helping guide Cook County Hospital through the Affordable Care Act, a transition to an independent health system board; they provided stability through a series of CEOs. They describe their motivation for working in government, in health care, and how the mission sustained them as they developed legal and communications strategies to navigate a series of crises—and, they managed to retain their sense of humor.  Find out what it takes to thrive in a no-frills work environment.

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  • Leadership With Laughter: The Triple Threat Doctor

    Leadership With Laughter: The Triple Threat Doctor

    Dr. Robert (Bob) A. Weinstein, former Chair of Medicine at Cook County Hospital, describes a career formed early as an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer investigating hospital outbreaks at the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.  A single investigation led to decades of research & inquiry, and international leadership. With characteristic humor, he provides advice on life and leadership. Epilogue by Denise Cardo, former Director of the Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion at CDC. 

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  • Essential Items for Your Medical Bag

    Essential Items for Your Medical Bag

    When asked, “What is the one item, literal or figurative, that you would put in your medical bag?”, seventeen former Cook County Hospital healthcare workers provided responses that sustained them during challenging but fulfilling, mission-oriented careers. Collectively, they distill hundreds of years of patient care into advice that is critical to pack with you during a healthcare career.

    Laryngoscopy: From Head Mirrors to Fiberoptics

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  • Running Toward Chaos: Emergency Medicine, with Dr. Jeff Schaider

    Running Toward Chaos: Emergency Medicine, with Dr. Jeff Schaider

    Dr. Jeff Schaider thrived in his career as an emergency medicine physician in Cook County Hospital’s storied Emergency Department.  From the “routine” chaos of a Friday night in the ER to the stress of resuscitating a dying patient, he enjoyed having his brain activated by the rapid pace of medical care and his hand on the pulse of the city.  Jeff reflects on his career, the patients, the hospital, and Hollywood’s adaptation of the original “ER”. Epilogue provided by Dr. Steve Aks, toxicologist and emergency department colleague.

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  • Legacies in Medicine: Marcus Welby to Smartphones with Drs. Peter Clarke & Chris Smith

    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 with Dr. Benjamin Mba (Part 2)

    Deep Roots of Inclusion & Caring for Family with Dr. Benjamin Mba (Part 2)

    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 with Dr. Benjamin Mba (Part 1)

    Teaching Thinking: A Master Educator’s Methods with Dr. Benjamin Mba (Part 1)

    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 with Mary Driscoll

    Healing Connections: The Organizer who Wove Community into Healthcare with Mary Driscoll

    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 with Dr. Jen Smith

    Treating Addiction: Compassion meets Courage with Dr. Jen Smith

    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 with Drs. Mildred Williamson & Toyin Falusi-Nwafor

    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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