Shows
Inspired To HealBeyond Headlines Building Health with Anne SchuchatIn the 1980s, pediatricians often were called to evaluate febrile children for meningitis—a disease that could mean lifelong disability, or death. Today, that scene is dramatically less common, thanks to public health interventions championed by the CDC and lifesaving vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Dr. Anne Schuchat paused her clinical career to join CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service, which turned into decades of leadership at the CDC, including serving as Principal Deputy Director and twice as Acting Director. From solving outbreaks to leading astoundingly successful efforts to reduce bacterial meningitis in infants through vaccination and...
2025-12-3138 minInspired To HealChicken Livers in NYC & Guppies in Los Angeles: Public Health Responses with Sharon BalterDr. Sharon Balter, physician and poet, reflects on her career leading outbreak responses at the CDC and the public health departments of New York City and Los Angeles. Drawing on her experiences at the Federal level and in the United States’ two largest local public health jurisdictions, she offers a rare insider perspective on the strengths and complexities of the U.S. federated public health system. Amid unprecedented challenges facing the field, she also delivers an optimistic message about careers in public health, offering perspective, reassurance—a much-needed balm for a frustrated workforce. Additional guest inform...
2025-12-1737 minInspired To HealPublic Health Crises from CDC to Alaska with Dr. Jay ButlerAfter attaining zoology and medical degrees, Dr. Jay Butler’s medical career took an unexpected turn when he discovered the world of public health through the CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service. That discovery set him on a path that led to impactful roles with the Alaska Department of Health, the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. In every position, Jay sought out the latest crisis and in the spirit of the CDC’s mission, “ran to the fire.” His long and diverse career has...
2025-11-2942 minInspired To HealFoodNet: Monitoring Foodborne Illness for the United StatesIn the early 1990s, a devastating outbreak of contaminated beef led to kidney damage and death among children, sparking a call to action on food safety. In response, the CDC, USDA, FDA, and several state health departments launched FoodNet in 1995—a surveillance system designed to monitor the incidence and severity of foodborne illnesses across the United States. Dr. Kirk Smith, an epidemiologist, veterinarian, and director of Minnesota’s FoodNet site, he shares his insights from decades of work protecting the nation's food supply. Dr. Smith discusses how FoodNet works, best practices in food safet...
2025-11-1920 minInspired To HealSee·Believe·Create, with Tom FriedenDr. Tom Frieden has led public health institutions through some of the most defining moments of our time—from his stewardship of New York City’s Department of Health to his leadership of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In his new book, The Formula for Better Health: How to Save Millions of Lives—Including Your Own, he distills decades of experience into a powerful approach: See·Believe·Create. Dr. Frieden explains how rigorous surveillance and data serve as public health’s superpower, allowing leaders to identify urgent needs, design effective programs, and measure life-saving...
2025-11-0642 minInspired To HealGround Zero: Santa Clara County's COVID ResponseFor over two decades, Dr. Sara Cody devoted her career to protecting the health of her community as the Public Health Director for Santa Clara County. Her leadership was tested in early 2020, when COVID-19 arrived in her county—one of the first in the United States to detect community spread. As the virus spread rapidly, Dr. Cody faced the daunting task of making life-altering decisions with limited information, uncertainty, and intense scrutiny. Drawing from her formative years as a member of the CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service, Dr. Cody shares how investigating outbreaks of contaminated apple juice and r...
2025-10-2343 minInspired To HealBattling TB: Science, Service, & SpiritIn the shadow of the HIV epidemic, Drs. Bill Clapp and Jim McAuley faced a growing tuberculosis crisis in the United States as frontline clinicians and public health experts. In this episode, they discuss the science behind TB control, the values that guided their mission-driven work in government health systems, and the faith that sustained their commitment to service. Bill, a pulmonologist, cared for patients in one of Chicago’s impoverished neighborhoods before transitioning to public health and eventually returning to clinical medicine at Cook County Hospital. Jim, an infectious diseases physician, trained at the CDC, helped bui...
2025-10-0844 minInspired To HealToxic Burgers, Toxic Shock, and Vaccine Talk with Mike OsterholmPublic health expert Mike Osterholm discusses outbreak investigations, pandemics, and the risky path the United States is taking on vaccine recommendations and abandoning innovative technology. Mike’s motivation to leave his small town in Iowa to become a disease detective was driven by reading a steady diet of “The Medical Detectives” by Berton Roueche, journalist for the New Yorker. Mike helped solve hamburger-associated thyrotoxicosis, tampon-related epidemic of toxic-shock in 1980, and a decades-old cluster of mysterious pneumonia cases “Austin pneumonia”. Recently, he directed his energy toward filling the gap created when CDC’s science-backed Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices was dismantled a...
2025-09-2441 minInspired To HealDecoding a Legionnaire's Outbreak, New York CityUsing molecular methods and shoe-leather epidemiology, Don Weiss and Kim Musser teamed up to resolve a Legionnaires’ outbreak in the Bronx in 2015. It’s a classic tale of combining surveillance and field investigations with advanced molecular methods to pinpoint and eradicate the lethal source of infections. Future deaths were prevented when the New York City Department of Health, the New York State Department of Health, and the CDC worked together to realize this public health success story. You can read about this and other cases in Don’s new book Disease Detectives: True Stories of NYC Outbreaks.Addition...
2025-09-0948 minInspired To HealWind Beneath Their Wings: Improving a Government Healthcare SystemChief Communications Officer, Caryn Stancik, and General Counsel, Elizabeth Reidy, recognized the value of a functional government healthcare system to care for the medically underserved population of Cook County. They devoted their careers to guiding Cook County Hospital through transitions: the Affordable Care Act; an independent health system board; and a series of CEOs. How did they maintain their motivation in a “no frills” work environment? Mission of course—and humor. Epilogue by Glady Lopez, former Chief of Human Resources. Additional guest information & links to podcast platforms are available at www.inspiredtoheal.net. Please like and follow us on yo...
2025-08-2735 minInspired To HealMaking Microwaves Safer: Preventing Childhood BurnsPediatrician 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 University of Michigan to child-proof future microwave ovens. They describe the challenges and the thrill of eventually seeing safer ovens on store shelves. Epilogue provided by Joe Musso, former Standards Program Manager at Underwriters Laboratory who was responsible for microwave standards.
2025-07-0138 minInspired To HealRunning Toward Chaos (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.Additional guest information & links to podcast platforms are ava...
2025-06-1835 minInspired To HealLegacies: Marcus Welby to Smartphones (Peter Clarke and 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.Additional guest information & links to podcast platforms are available at www.inspiredtoheal.net. Please like and follow us on your favorite platform. Contact us with feedback and suggestions through the website.
2025-06-0448 minInspired To HealLeadership with Laughter: Triple-Threat Doctor (Bob Weinstein)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. Additional guest information & links to podcast platforms are available at www.inspiredtoheal.net. Please like and follow us on your favorite platform. Contact us wi...
2025-05-2238 minInspired To HealHealing when Unhoused: Creating a Medical Respite Center (Christine Haley and Keiki Hinami)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, and how that initiative evolved into a more permanent solution. Epilogue provided by Ed Stellon of the Illinois Public Health Institute.Additional guest information & links to podcast platforms are available at www.inspi...
2025-05-1442 minInspired To HealDeep Roots of Inclusion & Caring for Family (Part 2, Ben Mba)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. Epilogue provided by former Cook County Hospital Chief Resident Farah Ciftci.Additional guest information & links to podcast platforms are available at www.inspiredtoheal.net. Please like and follow us on your favorite plat...
2025-04-3026 minInspired To HealTeaching Thinking: A Master Educator’s Methods (Part 1, Ben Mba)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 University of Michigan Medical School and author of “Teaching Inpatient Medicine: What Every Physician Needs to Know”. Sanjay observed Ben as part of a nation-wide evaluation of exemplary...
2025-04-2332 minInspired To HealWeaving Community into Healthcare (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”.Additional guest information & links to podcast platforms are available at www.inspiredtoheal.net. Please like and follow us on your favorite platform.
2025-04-0930 minInspired To HealTreating Addiction with Compassion (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 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. Additional guest information & links to podcast...
2025-03-2733 minInspired To HealHealing Women with HIV/AIDS (Toyin Falusi & Mildred Williamson)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. Additional guest information & links to podcast platforms are a...
2025-03-2041 minInspired To HealCook County Hospital's Past & Present (Dave Schwartz)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. Visit major podcast platforms or www.inspiredtoheal.net to...
2025-03-1230 minInspired To HealCounty Jail: Public Health, & Prevention (Part 2, Jack Raba)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 lect...
2025-03-0538 minInspired To HealHealthcare Behind Bars & Beyond Borders (Part 1, Jack Raba)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 so...
2025-02-2641 minInspired To HealBeats & Balance: The Rhythm of Effective Leadership (Chris Acob)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.Additional guest information & links to podcast platforms are available at www.inspiredtoheal.net. Please like and follow us on your favorite platform. Contact us with feedback and suggestions through the website.
2025-02-1931 minInspired To HealChicago to Chinle: A Journey from Urban to Tribal Health Justice (David Goldberg)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. Commentary provided by Dr. Jen Smith.The book referenced by David is Family Properties by Beryl Satter.Additional guest information & links to pod...
2025-02-1336 minInspired To HealAcademics Advance Mission (Brian Lucas)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 & Clinical Practice. Brian discusses the value of academic excellence for patient care, and reveals an unconventional hobby! Commentary provided by Dr. Stefan Tchernodrinski.Additional guest information & links to podcast platforms are available at www.inspiredtoheal.net. P...
2025-02-0533 minInspired To HealCreating a Palliative Care Program (Cathy Deamant)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 at the end of their life. She built a nationally recognized program. Commentary is provided by Dr. Josh Baru.Additional guest information & links to podcast platforms are available at...
2025-01-1635 min