The Nocturnists

Dr. Marcy Bolster, Dr. Jason Liebowitz, and Dr. Philip Seo join us to discuss their newly published anthology, A Masterclass in Medicine: Lessons from the Experts. They created this compelling essay series to explore what it means to be a master clinician, featuring lessons from their own clinical heroes as well as other renowned physicians. Through these essays, they highlight the essential qualities of exceptional doctoring—empathy, clinical reasoning, and lifelong learning. In this conversation, they share the insights that shaped their careers, reflect on the impact of mentorship, and examine the enduring art of patient-centered care.

Find show notes, transcript, and more at thenocturnists.org.

The Nocturnists is made possible by the California Medical Association and donations from listeners like you.

Physician and New Yorker writer Dhruv Khullar argues that modern medicine is in a Gilded Age—one where groundbreaking innovations mask deep systemic issues, including misaligned incentives, escalating costs, and growing dissatisfaction. From the influence of private equity on healthcare to the flaws of Medicare Advantage and the crucial role of data as the 'oil' of the healthcare system, this conversation explores the challenges of contemporary medicine while underscoring the importance of frontline clinicians actively engaging in health policy debates.

Find show notes, transcript, and more at thenocturnists.org.

The Nocturnists is made possible by the California Medical Association and donations from listeners like you.

Susannah Fox discusses her book Rebel Health: A Field Guide to the Patient-Led Revolution in Medical Care. Drawing from decades of research, Susannah shares stories of patients and caregivers who, when faced with challenges mainstream medicine couldn't solve, stepped up as innovators. From parents hacking their own medical devices to build DIY artificial pancreases to communities collecting critical data for rare diseases, Susannah highlights the power of grassroots healthcare innovation.

Find show notes, transcript, and more at thenocturnists.org.

The Nocturnists is made possible by the California Medical Association and donations from listeners like you.

Jamie Metzl, author of Superconvergence, explores the convergence of technologies shaping humanity's future. From the genetics revolution to artificial intelligence, he unpacks how these technologies intersect, the ethical dilemmas they pose, and their potential to reshape life, work, and health. With insight and optimism, Jamie challenges us to harness humanity's newfound powers wisely to create a better world for all.

Find show notes, transcript, and more at thenocturnists.org.

The Nocturnists is made possible by the California Medical Association and donations from listeners like you.

This episode of The Nocturnists is sponsored by the Bucksbaum-Siegler Institute for Clinical Excellence at The University of Chicago. The Institute is dedicated to fostering compassionate doctor-patient relationships and advancing clinical care. Each year, the Bucksbaum-Siegler Institute recognizes extraordinary healthcare professionals through The National Clinical Excellence Award. To learn more about the award and to nominate a deserving clinician, visit bucksbauminstitute.uchicago.edu.

Journalist Sarah DiGregorio delves into the history and humanity of nursing in her book, Taking Care: The Story of Nursing and Its Power to Change Our World. Tracing the ancient roots of caregiving to the critical role of nurses in modern healthcare, she uncovers untold stories that illuminate the complexities and significance of this often undervalued profession. Through meticulous research and compelling narratives, DiGregorio portrays nursing as both a fundamental human act and and cornerstone of healthcare.

Find show notes, transcript, and more at thenocturnists.org.

The Nocturnists is made possible by the California Medical Association and donations from listeners like you.

This episode of The Nocturnists is sponsored by the Bucksbaum-Siegler Institute for Clinical Excellence at The University of Chicago. The Institute is dedicated to fostering compassionate doctor-patient relationships and advancing clinical care. Each year, the Bucksbaum-Siegler Institute recognizes extraordinary healthcare professionals through The National Clinical Excellence Award. To learn more about the award, and to nominate a deserving clinician, visit bucksbauminstitute.uchicago.edu.

Dr. Rana Awdish, critical care physician and author of In Shock, reflects on her near-death experience and its transformative impact on her understanding of medicine and healing. Written seven years ago, In Shock marked her "first pass" at recovery. Now, as she prepares for her second book, she reframes healing as a recursive process rather than a linear journey, uncovering deeper layers of growth and emphasizing the power of listening, connection, and embodiment.

Find show notes, transcript, and more at thenocturnists.org.

The Nocturnists is made possible by the California Medical Association and donations from listeners like you.

This episode of The Nocturnists is sponsored by the Bucksbaum-Siegler Institute for Clinical Excellence at The University of Chicago. The Institute is dedicated to fostering compassionate doctor-patient relationships and advancing clinical care. Each year, the Bucksbaum-Siegler Institute recognizes extraordinary healthcare professionals through The National Clinical Excellence Award. To learn more about the award, and to nominate a deserving clinician, visit bucksbauminstitute.uchicago.edu.

Playwright and memoirist Sarah Ruhl discusses her book Smile, which chronicles her journey with Bell's Palsy and the emotional and spiritual challenges of chronic illness. She reflects on the idea of the "slow" or "partial" recovery, how her work as a playwright informs her perspective, the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, and the power of storytelling to heal both writer and reader.

Find show notes, transcript, and more at thenocturnists.org.

The Nocturnists is made possible by the California Medical Association and donations from listeners like you.

This episode of The Nocturnists is sponsored by the Bucksbaum-Siegler Institute for Clinical Excellence at The University of Chicago. The Institute is dedicated to fostering compassionate doctor-patient relationships and advancing clinical care. Each year, the Bucksbaum-Siegler Institute recognizes extraordinary healthcare professionals through The National Clinical Excellence Award. To learn more about the award, and to nominate a deserving clinician, visit bucksbauminstitute.uchicago.edu.

The Nocturnists is supported by donations from listeners like you. This Giving Tuesday, help us reach our $10,000 goal to support The Nocturnists' podcast, webinars, and programs. Your donation will support our upcoming documentary series, Uncertainty in Medicine, and bring the live stories from our recent Satellites partners to the podcast. Thank you for being part of The Nocturnists family and for helping us bring these stories to life.

In this episode of Conversations, Dr. Jessi Gold, psychiatrist and Chief Wellness Officer at the University of Tennessee, discusses the mental health challenges faced by healthcare workers. Jessi shares insights from her new book, How Do You Feel? One Doctor's Search for Humanity in Medicine, and explores how burnout, moral injury, and wellness are shaping the future of medicine. The conversation delves into topics ranging from telemedicine's influence on mental health care to breaking down the stigma that prevents clinicians from seeking help.

Find show notes, transcript, and more at thenocturnists.org.

The Nocturnists is made possible by the California Medical Association and donations from listeners like you.

In this episode of Conversations, Ruth Madievsky, clinical pharmacist and author of the national bestseller "All-Night Pharmacy," shares the inspiration behind her darkly poetic novel about sisterhood, addiction, and intergenerational trauma. Ruth reflects on how her Moldovan roots, her healthcare career, and her love of poetry have shaped her writing. We also dive into the mysticism that permeates her work and explore how trauma and healing intersect in her life and fiction.

Find show notes, transcript, and more at thenocturnists.org.

The Nocturnists is made possible by the California Medical Association and donations from listeners like you.