Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare

In this episode of Compassion & Courage Conversations in Healthcare, Marcus speaks with Dr. Melinda Shultice, who shares her journey from an accidental start in healthcare to becoming a leader and educator. She emphasizes the importance of compassion, active listening, and emotional intelligence in healthcare leadership. Dr. Shultice discusses the challenges of burnout and the need for personal growth, reflecting on her own experiences and the impact of her professors during difficult times. The conversation highlights the significance of being present and the transformative power of human connection in the healthcare field.

Resources for you: 

• More communication tips and resources for how to cultivate compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/
• Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/
• Connect with Malinda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malinda-shultice-dhs-mpa-lnha-43225052/
• Learn more about M.S. Healthcare Consulting: https://www.malindashultice.com
• Learn more about Marcus’ Books: https://marcusengel.com/store/
• Subscribe to our podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to our podcast through YouTube: https://bit.ly/Youtube-MarcusEngelPodcast

About Dr. Malinda Shultice:

Dr. Malinda Shultice is a healthcare leader, educator, and consultant committed to advancing excellence and innovation across the healthcare industry. She serves as a professor at Iowa State University and Barcelona Executive Business School, preparing future healthcare leaders to navigate complex and evolving systems. As the Founder and CEO of M.S. Healthcare Consulting, Dr. Shultice empowers healthcare professionals through leadership development and workforce training designed to strengthen organizations and improve patient outcomes. Before entering academia, she managed continuing care retirement communities, gaining extensive experience in senior living operations, regulatory compliance, and workforce development. These experiences continue to inform her evidence-based approach to leadership education and organizational strategy. Dr. Shultice earned her Doctorate in Health Sciences from MCPHS University in 2022 and remains dedicated to building an adaptable, compassionate healthcare workforce for the future.

Date: 11/17/2025 

Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare 

Episode number and title: Episode 175 – Experiences Shape our Purpose and Drive with Dr. Malinda Shultice

keywords

healthcare, leadership, compassion, emotional intelligence, active listening, personal growth, burnout, resilience, healthcare management, teaching

In this episode of Compassion & Courage Conversations in Healthcare, Marcus speaks with Dr. Steven Goldberg, Chief Medical Officer of HealthTrackRx. They discuss the importance of compassionate communication in healthcare, the challenges of antibiotic resistance, and the innovations in infectious disease testing. Dr. Goldberg shares personal stories of compassion in medicine, emphasizing the significance of listening to patients. The conversation also touches on the future of personalized medicine and the need for accessible healthcare for all.

Resources for you: 

• More communication tips and resources for how to cultivate compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/
• Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/
• Connect with Steven on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/segrxmd/
• Learn more about HealthTrackRx: www.HealthTrackRx.com
• Learn more about Marcus’ Books: https://marcusengel.com/store/
• Subscribe to our podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to our podcast through YouTube: https://bit.ly/Youtube-MarcusEngelPodcast

About Dr. Steven Goldberg:

Dr. Steven Goldberg is a visionary healthcare leader recognized as one of the “100 Most Influential in Healthcare” by Modern Healthcare in 2020, ranking #39. With a strong commitment to population health and financial performance, he has established himself as a Chief Clinical Executive with a national reputation for excellence.

Dr. Goldberg has a proven track record of transforming clinical operations to contribute multimillion-dollar gains to organizational profitability through enhanced revenue, margin improvement, and clinical outcomes. He has successfully led large teams of up to 1,500 full-time employees, focusing on boosting employee engagement and morale while fostering a culture of mentorship and empowerment.

His strategic acumen shines in large, complex organizations where he drives initiatives that yield significant business results. An energetic and sought-after communicator, Dr. Goldberg combines a meticulous attention to detail with a collaborative approach, making him a respected figure in healthcare leadership.

Date: 10/20/2025 

Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare 

Episode number and title: Episode 174 – Improving the Science of Diagnosis with Steven Goldberg, MD, MBA

In this episode of Compassion & Courage, Marcus Engel speaks with Trisha Choi about her journey from being a patient to a healthcare professional, emphasizing the importance of compassion in patient care. They discuss personal experiences of kindness, innovative self-care practices at conferences, leadership lessons, and the significance of forgiveness and recovery in personal and professional growth.

Resources for you:

• More communication tips and resources for how to cultivate compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/
• Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/
• Connect with Trisha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trishachoi
• Learn more about The Bahay Kubo: www.bahaykuboretreat.com
• Reach out to Trisha on social media: @gametollhouse FB & Instagram 
• Learn more about Marcus’ Books: https://marcusengel.com/store/
• Subscribe to our podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to our podcast through YouTube: https://bit.ly/Youtube-MarcusEngelPodcast

About Trisha Choi:
Trisha Choi is a seasoned leader with 30 years of experience in healthcare, specializing in patient experience, leadership coaching, and organizational transformation. Her career has spanned various roles in top institutions, including Duke University Hospital, Cone Health, and New York-Presbyterian Hospital, where she has made a lasting impact on patient care, team development, and system-wide policy creation.

At Duke University Hospital during the pandemic, Trisha led initiatives that maintained top decile patient experience scores for three years, managing a team of 100 across eight departments while coaching C-suite leaders and ensuring service excellence. She was instrumental in building cross-hospital collaboration and prioritizing care and kindness for both patients and staff. Trisha's role as Senior Manager of Patient Experience at Cone Health expanded her expertise in managing surge plans and developing communication tools for the broader healthcare community. 

Her extensive experience at New York-Presbyterian spanned over 17 years and included roles in patient experience, volunteer management, and program development, including the build of the Inpatient Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department unit and residency programs at Weill Cornell and Columbia Medical Centers.

With a background in Public Relations, Marketing, and Personal Assistance to celebrities, Trisha's transition to healthcare is marked by a unique blend of leadership and service excellence. She holds a Master of Arts in Change Leadership from Columbia University and a B.A. in Health Education from the University of Mount Saint Vincent.

Date: 8/25/2025 
Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare 
Episode number and title: Episode 173 – The Journey from Patient to Advocate with Trisha Choi, MA, CPXP

keywords
healthcare, patient experience, compassion, leadership, self-care, forgiveness, recovery, narrative medicine, change management, resilience

In this episode of Compassion & Courage, Marcus Engel engages with guests Erin Hart and Peter Murphy Lewis to discuss the vital role of caregivers in long-term care settings and some of the creative work in healthcare. They explore the often-overlooked stories of compassion, joy, and community within these facilities, highlighting the importance of caregiver relationships with residents. Listeners are encouraged to explore resources for entering the long-term care field and to appreciate the meaningful work being done by caregivers across the country to support our elders.

Resources for you: 

• More communication tips and resources for how to cultivate compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/
• Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/
• Connect with Erin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-hart-7a2a4959/
• Connect with Peter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petermurphylewis/
• Learn more about Ohio Health Care Association: https://www.ohca.org/people_worth_caring_about
• Learn more about People Worth Caring About: https://peopleworthcaringabout.com/
• Watch People Worth Caring About: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnSunMzy_Hvt4zWtFMvuKUg
• Learn more about Peter’s work: https://strategicpete.com/
• Learn more about Marcus’ Books: https://marcusengel.com/store/
• Subscribe to our podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to our podcast through YouTube: https://bit.ly/Youtube-MarcusEngelPodcast

About Peter Murphy Lewis:

Peter Murphy Lewis is a seasoned Chief Marketing Officer and documentary filmmaker whose work bridges the analytical and the emotional with uncommon authenticity. As a fractional CMO, Peter helps CEOs transform overwhelming data into clear, revenue-generating strategies. He’s also the creator and host of multiple TV shows and a documentary series called "People Worth Caring About", driven by his deep commitment to human connection and storytelling. With over 15 years in Chile and now based in the U.S., Peter’s journey spans continents, careers, and causes.

Date: 8/25/2025 

Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare 

Episode number and title: Episode 172 – Finding Joy in Long-Term Care – Erin Hart and Peter Murphy Lewis

keywords

healthcare, long-term care, caregivers, compassion, recruitment, workforce development, storytelling, nursing, elder care, community

In this episode of Compassion & Courage, Marcus Engel speaks with Beth Cavenaugh, a longtime hospice nurse, about her journey into nursing, the importance of compassionate communication, and the role of narrative medicine in healthcare. They discuss the challenges of end-of-life care, the significance of hospice support, and how to navigate difficult conversations with patients and families. Beth shares personal stories that highlight the power of being present for patients and the emotional impact of caregiving. The conversation emphasizes the need for humility, compassion, and understanding in healthcare.

Resources for you: 

• More communication tips and resources for how to cultivate compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/
• Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/ 
• Connect with Beth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-cavenaugh/ 
• Learn more about Beth and her Books: https://www.bethcavenaugh.com
• Learn more about Hopewell House: https://hopewellhousepdx.org/ 
• Learn more about Marcus’ Books: https://marcusengel.com/store/ 
• Subscribe to our podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast 
• Subscribe to our podcast through YouTube: https://bit.ly/Youtube-MarcusEngelPodcast

About Beth Cavenaugh:
I have been a nurse for 28 years and am certified in Hospice and Palliative Care (since 2009). I helped to take care of my mom when she died in 1998 and realized the profound nature of this work and the difficulties of caring for someone you love. I started working as a hospice nurse in 2006 and continue to feel a deep call to this work. Presently, I am studying at Columbia University to attain a Master’s in Narrative Medicine.

I write and educate about end-of-life care because I hope to demystify death and dying so that more people will walk toward this powerful life event rather than run away from it. I want everyone to exit this world knowing their wishes will be respected, they will be taken care of, and they will be comfortable in the final stage of their beautiful life.

Date: 6/2/2025 
Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare 
Episode number and title: Episode 171 – Humility, Compassion, and Understanding in Healthcare. – With Beth Cavenaugh RN, BSN, CHPN

In this episode of Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare, Marcus Engel speaks with James Pinkston Jr., RN/NREMTP, about the importance of presence in caregiving, and the journey into healthcare leadership. They discuss the significance of community support and the need for resilience in the face of traumatic experiences for both the caregiver and patient.

Resources for you: 

• More communication tips and resources for how to cultivate compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/ 
• Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/ 
• Learn more about Marcus’ Books: https://marcusengel.com/store/ 
• Subscribe to our podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast 
• Subscribe to our podcast through YouTube: https://bit.ly/Youtube-MarcusEngelPodcast

Date: 6/2/2025 
Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare 
Episode number and title: Episode 170 – Life is Too Short – With James Pinkston Jr., RN/NREMTP

In this episode of Compassion and Courage, host Marcus Engel speaks with nurse Hannah Fowler about her journey into nursing, the realities of bedside care, and the importance of compassion in healthcare. Hannah shares her personal experiences as a patient and how they shaped her approach to nursing. She discusses her work in pediatric nursing, the challenges and joys of caring for children, and her involvement with Victory Junction, a camp for kids with chronic illnesses. The conversation emphasizes the significance of building relationships with patients and their families, and the profound impact of compassionate care.

Resources for you: 

• More communication tips and resources for how to cultivate compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/
• Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/
• Learn more about Victory Junction: https://victoryjunction.org
• Learn more about Marcus’ Books: https://marcusengel.com/store/
• Subscribe to our podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to our podcast through YouTube: https://bit.ly/Youtube-MarcusEngelPodcast

More about Hannah Fowler, RN:

I am Hannah Fowler. I have been a registered nurse for almost 3 years! I work in a Pediatric ICU as well as a pediatric doctor’s office. I also love spending time a Victory Junction, a camp for children with chronic illnesses!

Date: 6/2/2025 

Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare 

Episode number and title: Episode 169 – The Heart of Nursing – With Hannah Fowler, RN

keywords

nursing, compassion, healthcare, pediatric nursing, patient care, personal stories, resilience, Victory Junction, healthcare communication, nursing journey

In this episode of Compassion and Courage, Marcus and David Norris discuss the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. They explore how AI can alleviate administrative burdens on healthcare professionals, enhance patient safety, and improve the overall quality of care. The conversation addresses common misconceptions about AI, emphasizing its role as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for human providers. David shares success stories demonstrating AI's positive impact on healthcare delivery and patient outcomes, highlighting the potential for AI to revolutionize the healthcare landscape.

Key Moments

• 00:00 – Introductions
• 00:40 – AI and Technology
• 08:30 – Benefits of Technology for Patients
• 14:40 – Misconceptions of AI in Healthcare
• 19:22 – Real Results of AI for Professionals
• 25:25 – Affineon Promotions
• 26:10 – David Norris “AI is going to make the most positive impact on healthcare that we have ever seen.”
• 26:55 – Conclusion and Thank Yous

Resources for you: 

• More communication tips and resources for how to cultivate compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/
• Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/
• Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidnorris430/
• Learn more about Affineon Health Inc.: https://www.affineon.com
• Learn more about Marcus’ Books: https://marcusengel.com/store/
• Subscribe to our podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to our podcast through YouTube: https://bit.ly/Youtube-MarcusEngelPodcast

More about David Norris:

Mr. Norris is senior executive with over 20 years of healthcare experience and a passion for improving our healthcare system. As a serial entrepreneur, he has founded and built companies multiple successful healthcare companies and most recently co-founded Affineon Health with AI Fund. He supports a number of charities, is on the board of a number of companies, loves dogs, and is a very active cyclist.

Date: 5/19/2025 

Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare 

Episode number and title: Episode 168 – AI: The Future of Compassionate Healthcare with David Norris

In this episode of Compassion and Courage, Marcus speaks with Susan Ryan, CEO of the Center for Innovation, about transforming elder care through compassion and person-centered practices. They discuss the importance of deinstitutionalizing care environments, teaching compassionate behaviors, and the impact of meaningful relationships on the well-being of both caregivers and care recipients. Susan shares inspiring real-world examples of how innovative models, like the greenhouse model, are changing the landscape of elder care, emphasizing the need for love and respect in all interactions.

Resources for you: 

• More communication tips and resources for how to cultivate compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/ 
• Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/ 
• Connect with Susan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanryan2018/ 
• Learn more about Marcus’ Books: https://marcusengel.com/store/ 
• Learn more about Center for Innovation: https://www.aginginnovation.org 
• Subscribe to our podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast 
• Subscribe to our podcast through YouTube: https://bit.ly/Youtube-MarcusEngelPodcast

More about Susan Ryan, RN, MA:
Susan Ryan serves as CEO of the Center for Innovation, the non-profit organization of The Green House Project and Pioneer Network, leading the organization on its mission to fundamentally transform eldercare in America and around the world. As a member of the Green House team since 2008, Ryan has become an internationally recognized leader in long-term care reform – with a particular focus on the organization’s vision for small-home eldercare campuses that provide person-directed alternatives to traditional nursing homes. At CFI, she works to create a future where every elder receives high-quality, person-directed living in the setting of their choice.

Date: 5/5/2025 
Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare 
Episode number and title: Episode 167 - The Joy of Knowing Another Person Deeply with Susan Ryan

keywords
elder care, compassionate communication, nursing, healthcare innovation, person-centered care, aging population, greenhouse model, meaningful relationships, caregiving, resilience

In this episode of Compassion and Courage, Marcus Engel talks about the release of his book The Other End of the Stethoscope on Audible! He shares this big announcement and the innovative use of AI for voice cloning, which allowed him to create an audiobook without the extensive time commitment typically required for someone with a visual impairment. Get your copy today!

Resources for you:

• More communication tips and resources for how to cultivate compassion: https://marcusengel.com/freeresources/
• Learn more about Marcus’ Books: https://marcusengel.com/store/
• Learn more about Marcus’ Audible: https://www.audible.com/author/Marcus-Engel/B003TOZJPU
• Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/
• Connect with The Hotness on Facebook: https://bit.ly/FB-Marvelyne
• Subscribe to the podcast on Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcast
• Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify: https://bit.ly/Spotify-MarcusEngelPodcast

Date: 4/21/2025

Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare 

Episode number and title: 166 – The Stethoscope Surprise