In this episode of The Doctor’s Playbook, we sit down with Dr. Ben Singer—pulmonary critical care physician, scientist, and two-time Medical Jeopardy national champion. A leader in ICU and pulmonary medicine, he was a trusted voice during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to be the go-to expert for tackling the toughest clinical cases.

We explore the art of clinical reasoning in an era of rapid recall, strategies to sharpen diagnostic skills, and how to balance efficiency with deep thinking. Dr. Singer also shares his insights on vulnerability and humility in medicine—why true confidence comes from knowing your limits, challenging assumptions, and embracing uncertainty.

Plus, we dive into his experience leading Northwestern’s Socrates Project, solving medical mysteries, and the strategy behind his Jeopardy wins. Whether you’re a medical student, resident, or seasoned physician, this episode is packed with wisdom to refine your clinical approach and enhance patient care.

Lead Host: Andrew Mohama

Supporting Host: Kevin Grudzinski, MD

Guest: Benjamin Singer, MD

Produced By: Andrew Mohama

Alert & Oriented is a medical student-run clinical reasoning podcast dedicated to providing a unique platform for early learners to practice their skills as a team in real time. Through our podcast, we strive to foster a learning environment where medical students can engage with one another, share knowledge, and gain valuable experience in clinical reasoning. We aim to provide a comprehensive and supportive platform for early learners to develop their clinical reasoning skills, build confidence in their craft, and become the best clinicians they can be.

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Andrew Mohama

A fantastic resource, by learners, for learners in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Primary Care, Emergency Medicine, and Hospital Medicine.