Inspired To Heal

Dr. Denise Cardo and David Henderson are infectious diseases physicians and leaders in healthcare epidemiology—the medical discipline that studies the causes and solutions to prevent infections, use antibiotics wisely, and prevent the spread of "superbugs" in healthcare settings. Dr. Cardo led the Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion at Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and Dr. Henderson was the Associate D...

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 near 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 Un...

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&apos...

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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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, ...

Medical crises often require time to recuperate in a clean and safe environment—but what happens when someone leaves the hospital with no place to recover?  Without access to basic hygiene, secure medication storage, or protection for wounds, recovery can be nearly impossible.  In this episode, Christine Haley and Keiki Hinami share how they successfully developed a low-barrier medical respite center during the COVID-19 pandemic, a...

With roots across continents and religions, inclusion comes natural to Dr. Benjamin Mba. He shares insights on why inclusion is the requisite factor for meaningful DEI efforts, for 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....

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.

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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...

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 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.

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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-cent...

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 fi...

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 ...

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 abo...

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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In Chicago to Chinle: A Journey from Urban to Tribal Health Justice, Dr. David Goldberg discusses his over 30-year career spanning Cook County & the Indian Health Service with characteristic humility and thoughtfulness. Join this deep thinker as he describes how his dreams of being a physicist evolved into a career addressing health disparities—as a frontline clinician, preventive medicine champion, and social justice advocate....

In Episode #2 "Academics Advance Mission", Dr. Brian Lucas discusses his experience as a clinician, educator, & researcher at Cook County Hospital. A serial innovator, he founded the hospital medicine program, bedside ultrasound and procedure services, and short-stay unit for rapid assessment & treatment of patients. A national expert in bedside ultrasound, he now works at the Dartmouth Institute of Health Policy ...

Dr. Cathy Deamant was drawn to the mission of Cook County Hospital as a medical student and during her residency training.  After providing care as a general internist and caring for patients hospitalized with HIV/AIDS, she was motivated to improve the care of patients with terminal illnesses.  This included hospice care for dying patients, and when requested, facilitating a return to their country of origin for immigrant patients ...