MedEd Thread

In this episode of MedEd Thread, we speak with Dr. Jeremy Lipman, Director of Graduate Medical Education and Designated Institutional Official, Dr. Judith French, Educational Specialist and Vice Chair of Education in the Department of General Surgery, and Dr. Pooja Varman, General Surgery Resident and Surgical Education Research Fellow, about evolving approaches to resident and fellow selection. They explore the shift from score‑based screening to holistic review, the impact of virtual interviews and application volume and emerging strategies such as program signaling, audition rotations and potential uses of AI. Together, the guests share perspectives from leadership, education research and trainee experiences to highlight how programs can better align selection processes with program culture, learner fit and long‑term success. Tune in to learn how graduate medical education is rethinking recruitment to better support trainees, programs and patient care.

In this episode of MedEd Thread, we talk with Dr. Rendell Ashton, Program Director of Pulmonary and Critical Care, and Dr. Richard Wardrop, Vice Chair for Academic Affairs in the Department of Medicine, about developing leadership skills in graduate medical education. They discuss how leadership and professional identity are formed during training, the role of mentorship and reflection, and how intentional pathways—such as chief resident roles and clinician‑educator tracks—help prepare trainees to become effective physician leaders. Tune in to learn how leadership can be cultivated throughout medical training.

In this episode of MedEd Thread, we talk with Michael Simon, Enterprise Emergency Medical Services Education Manager, about how simulation‑based learning is advancing EMS education across Northeast Ohio. Michael describes Cleveland Clinic’s physician‑led, hands on simulation model, which replaces traditional lectures with high‑fidelity scenarios that build clinical skills, teamwork and real world readiness for EMS providers. He also discusses scaling education across more than 100 agencies and explores emerging innovations such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence in pre‑hospital training. Tune in to learn how simulation is helping prepare EMS professionals to deliver high‑quality care when seconds matter most.

In this episode of MedEd Thread, we talk with Dr. Cecile Foshee, Director of the Office of Interprofessional Learning; Dr. Aanchal Kapoor, Critical Care Physician and Associate Director of the Office of Interprofessional Learning; and Dr. Sabine Iben, Neonatologist and Neonatal Fellowship Director, about how Cleveland Clinic’s BOOST program strengthens collaboration and trust within clinical teams. They discuss how structured team coaching, shared reflection and facilitated in‑person sessions help clarify roles, surface assumptions, and build psychological safety—key elements of effective teamwork.
Tune in to learn how BOOST enhances team dynamics, supports clinicians and fosters better outcomes for patients and caregivers alike.

In this episode of MedEd Thread, we talk with Dr. Rick Rejeleene, Special Fellow for Artificial Intelligence and Education at Cleveland Clinic, about how AI is enhancing medical education through personalized learning, virtual patient simulations, automated assessment and streamlined administrative support. Dr. Rejeleene discusses the benefits these tools bring to both learners and faculty, the risks of cognitive de-skilling and the importance of thoughtful, human-centered integration. He also highlights current projects using AI to improve reflective writing feedback and communication practice, offering insight into how educators can responsibly leverage AI to better prepare future clinicians. Tune in to learn how AI can elevate training and better prepare the next generation of clinicians.

In this episode of MedEd Thread, we talk with Brian Polian, Vice President for Athletics and National Engagement at John Carroll University and a veteran collegiate football coach, about working effectively with Generation Z learners. Drawing on decades of leadership and coaching experience, Brian explores the defining characteristics of Gen Z, common misconceptions and how relationships, authenticity and psychological safety shape learning and performance. He shares practical strategies for communication, feedback and leadership adaptation, along with lessons from the COVID-19 era and insights on motivating, supporting and developing young professionals. Tune in to learn how educators and leaders can better connect with Gen Z and create environments where today’s learners can thrive.

In this episode of MedEd Thread, we talk with Dr. Stacey Algren, Associate Dean of Student Learning Environment at the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, and Dr. Tim Lacy, Director of Student Learning Environment at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, about the persistent challenge of medical student mistreatment in academic medicine. Dr. Algren and Dr. Lacy share national trends, institutional experiences and the nuanced ways mistreatment can manifest. They discuss why reporting remains essential, how psychological safety influences learning and performance and what institutions can do to create a healthier culture for trainees. Tune in to learn how coordinated efforts, open communication and student centered initiatives can strengthen the learning environment and support the next generation of physicians.

In this episode of MedEd Thread, we talk with Rachel King, J.D., Cleveland Clinic’s Director for Educational Integrity and Assistant Dean of Students for the School of Health Professions, about how conflict transformation can turn workplace tension into an opportunity for growth. Rachel shares why addressing conflict isn’t just about resolution—it’s about reshaping relationships, fostering understanding, and creating healthier team dynamics. They discuss the difference between resolution and transformation, how restorative practices and perspective-taking can reset strained interactions and why these skills are essential for leaders and educators. Tune in to learn how intentional strategies can make conflict a productive tool for collaboration and long term success.

In this episode of MedEd Thread, we talk with Dr. Alison Reiheld, Professor of Philosophy and medical ethicist at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, about how anti-fat bias impacts patient care and clinical decision-making. Dr. Reiheld shares why assumptions about body size can lead to delayed treatment, missed diagnoses and diminished trust—and offers strategies to counter these biases through patient-centered communication and systemic change. They discuss why conditioning care on weight loss is ethically problematic, how common scripts perpetuate stereotypes and what clinicians can do to ensure fat patients receive care in the bodies they have. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges assumptions and highlights steps toward more equitable healthcare.

In this episode of MedEd Thread, we talk with Dr. Ashley Reed, Assistant Director of Curriculum Services at the University of Michigan Medical School, about strategies that help students navigate the critical transition to medical school. Dr. Reed shares how her program leverages learning science, evidence-based study techniques, and even generative AI to empower students, normalize challenges, and foster resilience. We discuss why structured support matters, how peer collaboration and reflective frameworks can boost confidence, and why these efforts are essential for long-term success in medical education. Tune in to learn how intentional programming can transform the way students adapt and thrive during one of the most demanding phases of their training.