Academic Medicine Podcast

I head into my third-year rotations, acknowledging this distance between expectations and hopes, but knowing it is my responsibility and privilege to strive for more, to bridge the gaps where I can.

Annika N. Hiredesai reflects on where the art of medicine lies—in the gap between patient expectations and hopes.

The essay read in this episode was published in the Teaching and Learning Moments column in the August 2026 issue of Academic Medicine. Read the essay at https://academic.oup.com/academicmedicine/article/101/8/1038/8537902.

Maybe I am still stitching my white coat—thread by thread, moment by moment, one experience at a time—shaping it into something that fits the kind of doctor I want to be. Maybe I do not have it all figured out yet. But I am here. I am staying. And for now, that is enough.

Keemaya Gurudutt Joglekar reflects on how every task matters during clerkship and how the smallest act can have the biggest impact on patients.

The essay read in this episode was published in the Teaching and Learning Moments column in the July 2026 issue of Academic Medicine. Read the essay at https://academic.oup.com/academicmedicine.

Both faculty members and medical students can benefit by appreciating that their advising relationship "hits different" due to their respective generations. There may not be an easy translation of that expression to members of the Boomer generation. Perhaps it has to be left at this: IYKYK.

Richard Andrew Schaefer reflects on advising Gen Z medical students as a Baby Boomer and how different generations can learn from one another.

The essay read in this episode was published in the Teaching and Learning Moments column in the July 2026 issue of Academic Medicine. Read the essay at https://academic.oup.com/academicmedicine.

When I care for my patients, I think of her. I am grateful for her; she gave me this opportunity to trust myself. I am grateful for her; she showed me my calling to be a physician.

Megan K. Scharner reflects on a patient who helped her realize that she wanted to switch careers and go to medical school.

The essay read in this episode was published in the Teaching and Learning Moments column in the July 2026 issue of Academic Medicine. Read the essay at https://academic.oup.com/academicmedicine.

As a caregiver myself, this experience brought recognition of my need to take the time to grieve. Acknowledging my sadness over the neurodegenerative illness which has won out again despite my valiant efforts to assist the person who has fallen victim to the disease, but also my loss of the relationships with family and caregivers who, by their strength, resilience, kindness, appreciation and humor, have had a meaningful impact on my evolution as a person as well as a physician.

Angela Scicutella reflects on the bond that forms between physicians and the family members and caregivers of their patients.

The essay read in this episode was published in the Teaching and Learning Moments column in the June 2026 issue of Academic Medicine. Read the essay at https://academic.oup.com/academicmedicine.

While acknowledging her embarrassment, I encouraged her to hold fast to that part of her—the part that was so moved by the work she did to help a child heal that tears escaped. Those tears express our human experience, love for the patient, and deep appreciation for the healing process.

Cara E. Texler reflects on the importance of retaining humanism in medicine amidst the interruptions and tasks that inundate physicians' days.

The essay read in this episode was published in the Teaching and Learning Moments column in the May 2026 issue of Academic Medicine. Read the essay at https://academic.oup.com/academicmedicine.

Celebrating Academic Medicine's 100th anniversary are past editors-in-chief Addeane Caelleigh, Steven Kanter, MD, and David Sklar, MD, and current editor-in-chief Laura Roberts, MD, MA. Together, they reflect on where the journal has been and what the future might hold. They discuss how they approached the role of editor, the journal's unique place in the community and achievements over the years, and the importance of peer review, publication ethics, and mentorship in building skills, advancing knowledge, and improving health.

Access the episode transcript at academicmedicineblog.org.

Whenever a patient or learner asked a question, instead of answering, I would look at the senior resident and WAIT for them to answer it. Turns out, in the vast majority of cases the resident handled it just fine on their own.

Matthew Soltys reflects on the power of silence to make space for learners to grow independently.

The essay read in this episode was published in the Teaching and Learning Moments column in the May 2026 issue of Academic Medicine. Read the essay at https://academic.oup.com/academicmedicine.

Every patient is the protagonist in their own story. When we open our hearts to their narratives, we see ourselves reflected in them. We are invigorated to connect with the patients we are accompanying on their healing path, to bring forth our best selves. We heal, from our hearts to their hearts.

Emily S. Hagen and Sari Hart reflect on a patient who reminded them that human relationships are at the heart of the healing experience.

The essay read in this episode was published in the Teaching and Learning Moments column in the April 2026 issue of Academic Medicine. Read the essay at https://academic.oup.com/academicmedicine.

Every shadow on a scan carries weight. And every patient deserves someone who knows how to read between the shadows—and then, to speak gently about what they see.

Sonal Kumar reflects on clinical observation, which is not just a skill, but a language that must be taught deliberately and with care.

The essay read in this episode was published in the Teaching and Learning Moments column in the April 2026 issue of Academic Medicine. Read the essay at https://academic.oup.com/academicmedicine.