This episode features a heartfelt and inspiring conversation with fourth-year medical students from the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine as they reflect on their journey through medical school. Amber Vargas facilitates the discussion as Liza, Adebowale, and Emmanuel share personal stories of how they got into medical school, the fears and challenges they faced, their evolving career goals, and what ultimately led them to their chosen specialties. The episode highlights themes of self-discovery, resilience, leadership development, and the importance of community and authenticity in medicine. It concludes with match day announcements, takeaways for future students, and a celebration of growth through the highs and lows of becoming a physician.

What does it take to lead with both head and heart in academic medicine? 

In this candid conversation, Boston-trained Internist and incoming interim Dean of Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, Dr. Lisa Coplit shares the pivotal moments that shaped her leadership philosophy as an authentic, purpose driven leader—from her first crisis as a chief resident to launching a new medical school and mentoring hundreds of faculty and students. 

Inside the episode: 
• How embracing vulnerability and cultivating a “growth-mindset” turns setbacks into superpowers 
• The art of multiplying others’ talent (and the hardest habits to unlearn on the way up)  

• Pearls to navigate transitions in leadership  

Whether you’re a student, early-career clinician, or seasoned leader, Lisa’s story will inspire you to lead with purpose, serve with integrity, and keep learning—always. 

Listen now—and come away with at least one tactic you can try this week. 

What’s the fastest way to lower the temperature in a heated conversation? Listen—really listen. 

In this quick-hit “Leadership Hack” mini-episode, Dr. Lisa Coplit shares her go-to tool for defusing conflict: calm, intentional listening that lets the other person feel heard and safe. Hear how she quiets her own “amygdala hijack,” reflects back what she’s heard, and creates space to respond thoughtfully rather than react reflexively. 

Gain a bite-sized, research-backed tactic you can apply in your next tense meeting. 

Get a preview of next week’s full-length episode on Dr. Coplit’s leadership journey—packed with pearls for leaders at every level. 

Check it out, practice the hack, and watch your conversations and leadership improve.

In this episode, we explore a leadership hack that promotes

In the second part of this episode, we continue sharing personal stories, including some of our leadership failures. We also introduce the Rose-Bud-Thorn concept, which can be used to enhance your professional relationships.

In the first part of this episode, we introduce ourselves, share some personal stories, and explore the origins of this podcast and the inspiration behind its focus on leadership in healthcare.  

Learning to Lead focuses on developing and supporting emerging healthcare leaders—students, trainees and early-career healthcare professionals—through conversations with leaders about their experiences and insights (“leader journeys”), foundational leadership concepts (“deep dives”), and the most useful and impactful tools to become better leaders (“leadership hacks”).” 

You will be connecting to a community where you can learn, grow, and transform into a more capable and confident leader, ready to reimagine the healthcare system. 

Learning to Lead is a production of the Quinnipiac University podcast studio, in partnership with the Schools of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.   

Creators Rahul Anand, Maya Doyle, Peter Longley, Amber Vargas and Brooklynn Weber.  

Student Producer: Brooklynn Weber 

Executive Producer: David DesRoches 

Connect with us @LearningToLeadPod or email us at [email protected]