Tag: season_1

Dr. Steven Aks led the Toxicology Division and served as a physician in the legendary Emergency Department at Cook County Hospital—the real-life Pitt. As the frontline expert for life-threatening poisonings, he managed fentanyl overdoses, rat poison laced synthetic cannabinoids “fake weed” that went by the name Spice, and accidental ingestion of puffer-fish (Fugu). Steve describes the risks of drug smuggling or evasion through body stuffing and body packing, as shown in Season 3 of Euphoria. Human curiosity, thrill-seeking, and desperation continually fueled new threats, many of which uncovered larger outbreaks solved through investigations by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and the Illinois Department of Health. What would an emergency room toxicologist have in their doctor’s bag?

Intro music composed by Kevin MacLeod and downloaded at https://incompetech.com/

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What prepares a physician for the pace of Cook County Hospital? For Jay Shannon, it started with growing up among 11 siblings. After training at Parkland Hospital, Dr. Shannon began his career at Cook County Hospital, fulfilling a scholarship commitment to work in a medically underserved community. He developed a deep connection to Cook County Hospital, appreciating its extraordinary diversity—patients, colleagues, housestaff, and clinical cases. 

Dr. Shannon transitioned from primary care physician to lung specialist to CEO, navigating intense political and operational challenges for an uncommonly long six-year tenure. He spearheaded a critical transformation: shifting Cook County from a system centered on charity care to one designed to serve the newly insured under the Affordable Care Act. Under his leadership, the institution built the region’s largest Medicaid Managed Care Organization and embraced innovative programs that addressed the root causes of poor health that arise far beyond the hospital’s walls. 

This episode explores what it takes to drive systemic change in one of the nation’s largest governmental safety-net health systems. 

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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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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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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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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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