The PLA Podcast

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In this episode of the PLA Podcast, host Dr. Stephanie Costa sits down with Dr. Danny Eiferman, Ohio State surgeon, educator, and author of Cut Open: A Surgeon’s Stories of Loss, Resilience, and Growth.
 
Dr. Eiferman shares an honest, deeply human look at the realities of surgical practice, the emotional weight of complications, and the healing power of community. He discusses what inspired him to write his upcoming book, how storytelling reveals meaning in suffering, and why physicians need safe spaces to talk openly about mistakes, self-doubt, and the pressures of modern medicine.
 
Together, they explore themes core to the PLA experience: vulnerability, peer support, post-traumatic growth, and leading with humanity. This conversation offers reassurance to physicians who feel isolated and inspiration to those seeking renewed purpose in their work.
 
 Find updates on Dr. Eiferman's book here: https://integritysurgery.org/

Produced by the Columbus Medical Association

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In part two of this heartfelt conversation, host Dr. Stephanie Costa and PLA founder Phil Cass continue their dialogue with contemplative forester and longtime meditation teacher Jim Dresher.

Together, they explore the essential role of community in physicians’ well-being, the deeper meaning of boundaries, and how solitude and self-care expand our capacity to serve. Listeners will gain thoughtful insight on cultivating agency, balance, and connection—practical wisdom to restore both personal and professional vitality.

Produced by the Columbus Medical Association

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In this episode of The PLA Podcast, host Dr. Stephanie Costa is joined by Dr. Phil Cass, founder of the Physicians Leadership Academy. Drs. Costa and Cass have a heartfelt conversation with contemplative forester, longtime meditation teacher, and PLA faculty member Jim Dresher. 

Together, they explore the value of solitary retreat, the lessons nature offers on resilience, and the power of community for physicians and leaders alike. Listeners will gain insights on mindfulness, boundaries, and agency in leadership—practical wisdom to enrich both professional practice and personal life.
 
 🐦 Produced by the Columbus Medical Association.
 🔗 Learn more at physiciansleadershipacademy.org

Produced by the Columbus Medical Association

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In this episode of the PLA Podcast, host Stephanie Costa (Director of the Alumni Program at the Physicians Leadership Academy) sits down with PLA alum and pediatrician Dr. Mary Lynn Niland for a candid and powerful conversation about The Pitt, an HBO Max medical drama that’s strikingly resonant with physicians across the country.

Far from just another TV show, The Pitt dives into the realities of working in emergency medicine—depicting burnout, moral injury, staffing shortages, and the deep emotional toll of caregiving. Dr. Costa and Dr. Niland explore why this series is hitting home for so many clinicians, and how it reflects the current state of healthcare in a post-pandemic world.

Together, they unpack the show's realism, the power of peer support, and how storytelling like this can foster empathy, reflection, and change in the culture of medicine. Whether you’ve watched the show or not, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating or supporting the healthcare profession.

Produced by the Columbus Medical Association

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In this joyful and thoughtful episode of the Physicians Leadership Academy Podcast, host Dr. Stephanie Costa is joined by Dr. Mike Prats—emergency physician, educator, and creator of the Worldwide GEL Podcast—for a conversation about mindfulness, medicine, and birding.
 
Mike shares how a neighbor's curiosity sparked a hobby that became both a personal joy and a practice of presence. Together, they explore how birding helps physicians tune in to the moment, connect with their senses, and manage stress in a demanding profession. From the parallels between differential diagnosis and bird identification to the humor of binocular etiquette, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and actionable ways to integrate mindfulness into everyday life—no hours-long hikes required.
 
Whether you’re new to mindfulness or have a life list of warblers, this episode reminds us that stillness, joy, and wonder are often perched just outside your window.
 
 🐦 Produced by the Columbus Medical Association.
 🔗 Learn more at physiciansleadershipacademy.org

Produced by the Columbus Medical Association

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In this calming and deeply affirming episode of the Physicians Leadership Academy (PLA) Podcast, hosts Dr. Stephanie Costa and Phil Cass are joined by beloved PLA meditation coach Janice Glowski for a thoughtful exploration of meditation, mindfulness, and what it means to “remember your wholeness.”
 
This episode offers a powerful reminder that you are not something to fix—you are already complete. Together, they discuss how mindfulness supports physician well-being, why perfectionism is so deeply ingrained, and how small, consistent meditation moments can transform your day. Janice also shares practical, judgment-free advice for making meditation accessible—even in the busiest schedules—and highlights the value of community in sustaining the practice.
 
Whether you're an experienced meditator or just looking to reconnect, this episode is an invitation to pause, breathe, and come home to yourself.
 
 🧘‍♀️ Produced by the Columbus Medical Association.
 🔗 Learn more at physiciansleadershipacademy.org

Produced by the Columbus Medical Association

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In Part 2 of the Physicians Leadership Academy (PLA) Podcast’s conversation with transformation expert Jim Marsden, hosts Dr. Stephanie Costa and Phil Cass continue their deep and compassionate exploration of physician burnout. 
 
Part 1 focused on practical strategies for overcoming burnout. This episode offers a refreshing, non-judgmental approach to stepping off the "hamster wheel" through small, intentional actions that reconnect you with purpose, creativity, and community. Jim introduces his "three Cs"—connection, creativity, and contribution—as accessible pathways to healing, while also unpacking how reframing daily routines and acknowledging external stressors can help restore agency and clarity.
 
Whether you’re overwhelmed by mounting responsibilities or paralyzed by forces outside your control, this episode provides real, human-centered strategies to move from exhaustion to empowerment—and reminds you that you're not alone.
 
 🎧 Produced by the Columbus Medical Association. Learn more at physiciansleadershipacademy.org

Produced by the Columbus Medical Association

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In this episode of the Physicians Leadership Academy Podcast, hosts Dr. Stephanie Costa and Phil Cass are joined by transformation expert and coach Jim Marsden to explore burnout through a new lens. With deep experience across healthcare and corporate sectors, Jim introduces a powerful metaphor—the “left and right sides of the road”—to help leaders understand the inner tension behind burnout and how to reconnect with what truly matters.
 
This episode offers insight, reflection, and encouragement for physicians navigating exhaustion, cynicism, or disconnection in a high-demand system. Whether you're a current PLA participant or an alum seeking renewal, you'll gain meaningful tools and a fresh perspective to begin your journey back to purpose, vitality, and presence.
 
 🌱 Be sure to listen to Part 2, where we share practical strategies to move from burnout to transformation.
 🔗 Learn more at: physiciansleadershipacademy.org

Produced by the Columbus Medical Association

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Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Physicians Leadership Academy (PLA) Podcast, brought to you by the Columbus Medical Association. Hosts Dr. Stephanie Costa and Dr. Phil Cass sit down with complexity theorist and dialogue practitioner Chris Corrigan for a rich conversation on why linear thinking falls short when tackling healthcare’s most difficult challenges.
 
From ER staffing issues to physician burnout, Chris explores how complexity theory and participatory dialogue can help leaders navigate uncertainty, foster innovation, and create more life-giving work environments. This episode is a must-listen for physicians seeking to lead with meaning, resilience, and connection—both in the exam room and beyond.
 
 🔗 Learn more at: physiciansleadershipacademy.org

Chris Corrigan lives with his family on Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada. Find out more about him at www.chriscorrigan.com.

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