In this conversation, Col. (Ret.) Chris Lisanti, MD, joins Dr. John Rhee and Michael Egan to explore the intrinsic goodness of medicine, the role of basic goods, and the implications of new natural law theory in healthcare. They discuss the challenges posed by institutional pressures, and practical strategies for renewing joy in medical work. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of personal intention in pursuing the good in medicine.

In today's episode, Dr. John Rhee discusses anamnesis, the art of taking a patient’s history. In medicine, anamnesis isn’t just about collecting facts; it’s about listening to the patient’s background, their experiences, and their story. By attending to a person’s history in this way, physicians can better understand not only the roots of an ailment, but also the personality and context of the one who suffers. Dr. Rhee helps us see how anamnesis grounds medical practice in the whole person, reminding us that every diagnosis begins with a story.

In this episode, Dr. Anthony Weiss reveals the importance of narrative in medicine. He describes how the narrative of the patient not only gives insight into the patient's affliction, but also humanizes the patient by revealing how the affliction is impacting the patient's life. By understanding the narrative of our patients, we can more personally engage in the healing process.

When is curiosity a virtue? Why is it important in clinical practice? How can we care for patients better with curiosity? Join us as we discuss how curiosity will help you flourish in medicine and life.

In this episode, we hear about Keri Brenner's journey to medicine and why she finds Therapeutic Presence so vital to her work as a Psychiatrist and Palliative care physician. We'll also learn how this simple practice can transform all our interactions as well as some practical tips for bringing therapeutic presence into our own lives.

In this episode, we hear about Keri Brenner's journey to medicine and why she find Therapeutic Presence so vital to her work as a Psychiatrist and Palliative care physician. We'll also learn how this simple practice can transform all our interactions as well as some practical tips for bringing therapeutic presence into our own lives.

What is self-reflection and how is it different from mindfulness? Why is self-reflection so vital to quality patient care? How can we fruitfully reflect on our experiences without falling into navel-gazing?

In this episode, we explore reflection as key to the practice good medicine, revealing how this simple habit is crucial to personal and professional growth, identity formation, and flourishing.

Further Reading/References

Physician Resilience: What It Means, Why It Matters, and How to Promote It, Ronald M. Epstein and Michael S. Krasner (2013), Academic Medicine
link

Cultivating the Inner Life of a Physician Through Written Reflection, Andrea Vicini, Allen F. Shaughnessy, and Ashley P. Duggan (2017), Annals of Family Medicine
link

Slow Medical Education, Richard M. Frankel and Howard S. Beckman (2015), Academic Medicine
link

Mindful Practice, Ronald M. Epstein (1999), Journal of the American Medical Association
link

Integrity and the Virtues of Reason: Leading a Convincing Life, Greg Scherkoske (2013), Cambridge University Press
link

What is self-reflection and how is it different from mindfulness? Why is self-reflection so vital to quality patient care? How can we fruitfully reflect on our experiences without falling into navel-gazing?

In this episode, we explore reflection as key to the practice good medicine, revealing how this simple habit is crucial to personal and professional growth, identity formation, and flourishing.

Further Reading/References

Physician Resilience: What It Means, Why It Matters, and How to Promote It, Ronald M. Epstein and Michael S. Krasner (2013), Academic Medicine
link

Cultivating the Inner Life of a Physician Through Written Reflection, Andrea Vicini, Allen F. Shaughnessy, and Ashley P. Duggan (2017), Annals of Family Medicine
link

Slow Medical Education, Richard M. Frankel and Howard S. Beckman (2015), Academic Medicine
link

Mindful Practice, Ronald M. Epstein (1999), Journal of the American Medical Association
link

Integrity and the Virtues of Reason: Leading a Convincing Life, Greg Scherkoske (2013), Cambridge University Press
link

What is the role of the moral imagination in medicine? How can engagement with the arts shape better clinicians? What does it mean to cultivate human flourishing through medical education?

Join us as we discuss with Dr. Margaret Chisholm how art can deepen moral imagination in healthcare and why it is essential to the practice of compassionate medicine. Dr. Chisholm is a professor of psychiatry at Johns Hopkins and a leader in integrating the humanities into medical training.

Further Reading/References

The Paul McHugh Program for Human Flourishing

In this episode of The Hippocratic Society Podcast, Michael and Dr. John Rhee dive into the essential role of compassion in medicine. Building on their previous discussion with Dr. Kristen Collier, they explore how true compassion goes beyond emotion—it is an intentional act rooted in wisdom.

Through a compelling patient story and reflections on suffering, virtue, and moral imagination, they offer insights into cultivating compassion even in the most challenging clinical situations. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on how to grow in empathy and care for patients with greater depth and purpose.

Further Reading/References

Are You Experiencing Compassion Fatigue, Rebecca A. Clay (2020), American Psychological Association

Compassion in Healthcare: An Updated Scoping Review of the Literature, Malenfant S, Jaggi P, Hayden KA, Sinclair S (2022), BMC Palliative Care, 21(1):1-28

The Anfortas Question, M.S. Sanatani (2010), Canadian Medical Association Journal, 182(11)

The Philosophy of Medicine Reborn: A Pellegrino Reader, Edmund D. Pellegrino (2008), University of Notre Dame Press

The Rebirth of the Clinic: An Introduction to Spirituality in Health Care, Daniel P. Sulmasy (2006), Georgetown University Press

The Tamworth Reading Room (from Discussions and Arguments), John Henry Newman (1841), Longmans, Green & Co.

Physician Burnout: Its Origin, Symptoms, and Five Main Causes, Dike Drummond, MD (2015), Family Practice Management, 22(5):42-47

Practicing Medicine and Ethics: Integrating Wisdom, Conscience, and Goals of Care, Lauris C. Kaldjian (2014), Cambridge University Press

Resident and Fellow Well-Being: Everything You Need to Know About Resident and Fellow Burnout, My Well-Being Index (n.d.), MyWellBeingIndex.org

⁠The True Value of Reframing⁠, OptimalWork