In this episode, Robert Rowe speaks with Dr. Ronald Falk—renowned nephrologist, mentor, and former Chair of Medicine at UNC School of Medicine. Dr. Falk reflects on his journey from aspiring virologist to leader in kidney disease research (2:15), the transformative role of mentorship (5:54), and the enduring magic of UNC’s culture (9:32). From early days as a resident drawing blood and inserting dialysis catheters to helping shape UNC’s supportive, resident-led environment, Dr. Falk shares insights on lifelong learning, leadership, and why he’s remained at UNC for decades.
Don’t miss Part 2, where we dive into imposter syndrome, rebuilding trust in medicine, and the power of listening.
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(2:15) - Dr. Falk's medical journey
(5:54) - The transformative role of mentorship
(9:32) - What makes a career at UNC special
(12:43) - How residency at UNC has changed over time
(17:16) - Creating a balance between specialization and well-roundedness
(21:28) - How patients of this era are different
(23:21) The importance of life-long learning
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