Inspired To Heal

Join us for an exploration into product design, FDA history, and healthcare safety with Professor Laura Bix, Director of the renowned School of Packaging at Michigan State University. As a leader in medical packaging solutions, Professor Bix explores how design impacts patient health.

We trace the regulatory and engineering response to two historical crises: the mid-century child aspirin poisoning epidemic and the infamous 1980s Chicago Tylenol cyanide contamination crisis. Learn how public health agencies, corporate manufacturers, and academic innovators collaborated to invent child-resistant and tamper-evident packaging.

This episode explores an essential field, proving their motto true: “It's the industry that no one thinks about, but saves lives.”

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When asked, "What is the one item, literal or figurative, that you would put in your medical bag?", seventeen former Cook County Hospital healthcare workers provided responses that sustained them during challenging but fulfilling, mission-oriented careers. Collectively, they distill hundreds of years of patient care into advice that is critical to pack with you during a career in healthcare.

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Dr. Denise Cardo and David Henderson are infectious diseases physicians and leaders in healthcare epidemiology—the medical discipline that studies the causes and solutions to prevent infections, use antibiotics wisely, and prevent the spread of "superbugs" in healthcare settings. Dr. Cardo led the Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion at Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and Dr. Henderson was the Associate Director of NIH's Clinical Center.  

They pioneered the practice of providing post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV infection among healthcare workers exposed to blood through puncture wounds. Their research and collaboration saved the lives of countless healthcare workers. Epilogue by Dr. Julie Gerberding, who worked with Drs. Henderson and Cardo on post-exposure prophylaxis for healthcare workers.

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Pediatrician 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.

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.

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.

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 available at www.inspiredtoheal.net.  Please like and follow us on your favorite platform.

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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.

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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.

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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.inspiredtoheal.net.  Please like and follow us on your favorite platform.

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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.

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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 teachers.

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.