In this gripping episode of Untold: The Stories of Cook Children’s, Jeff Murray, M.D. takes us inside the emotionally charged world of pediatric oncology. For over 12 years, he led the Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Program at Cook Children’s—tackling some of the most complex cases, where the stakes couldn’t be higher.

But behind the scenes, Dr. Murray was fighting a battle of his own. The emotional weight of caring for children with life-threatening brain tumors—the leading cause of cancer-related death in kids—was slowly taking its toll. In a moment that changed everything, a heartfelt email from his nurse, Ashley, forced Jeff to confront a truth he had been avoiding: he was burned out.

Yet, Dr. Murray’s story doesn’t end there. He opens up about how competitive cycling and bodybuilding gave him a lifeline—a radically different world where he could push himself physically while finding balance emotionally. His journey is a powerful testament to the importance of redefining success and refusing to let a career define your identity.

Get ready for an unforgettable conversation about resilience, reinvention, and the fight to protect not just your patients, but yourself.

In this episode of Untold: The Stories of Cook Children’s, we sit down with Megan Chavez, Vice President for the Cook Children's Experience, to explore the deeply personal and evolving world of patient experience. Megan shares her journey from growing up in hospitals as the daughter of a dedicated nurse to becoming a leader in the movement to humanize healthcare.

She discusses the critical balance between clinical expertise and emotional connection, how patient outcomes improve with strong therapeutic relationships, and why caring for caregivers is just as important as caring for patients. With powerful personal stories—including a touching moment with her own mother—Megan highlights the importance of protecting the well-being of healthcare workers so they can continue to give their best to the families they serve.

Join us as we uncover the humanity behind healthcare and learn why patient experience is more than a profession—it’s a calling.

In this episode of Untold: The Stories of Cook Children's, we dive into the fascinating world of pediatric neurology with Dr. Scott Perry, head of Neurosciences and director of the Institute for Mind Health. From childhood dreams of becoming an astronaut to unraveling the mysteries of the brain, Dr. Perry shares his personal journey into medicine, his passion for understanding epilepsy, and how storytelling plays a crucial role in diagnosing and treating patients.

Discover how rare genetic epilepsies led him to international recognition, why Cook Children's stood out as his perfect home, and how his dedication to research is transforming the future of neurological care. Plus, we explore how art and neuroscience intersect in a way that heals, inspires, and brings the community together.

Join us for a powerful conversation about innovation, perseverance, and the human connection behind medicine.

At Untold: The Stories of Cook Children's, we go beyond the hospital walls to uncover the heartwarming, inspiring, and deeply human stories behind the people who make a difference in children’s lives every day. In this episode, we sit down with Jill Koss, Director of Family Support Services, as she reflects on her incredible 30+ year journey at Cook Children’s. From playing with kids and facility dogs to spearheading groundbreaking child life programs, Jill shares how her passion for child development and emotional safety has shaped countless lives. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about resilience, healing through play, and the powerful connections that last a lifetime.

Physicians dedicate their lives to healing others, but what happens when the healers themselves are struggling? In this episode of Untold: The Stories of Cook Children's, we sit down with Dr. Kirk Pinto and Dr. Sarah Garza, the passionate voices behind Cook Children's Office of Physician Wellbeing.

They pull back the curtain on the realities of burnout in modern medicine, why corporate healthcare is driving unprecedented levels of stress, and how they’re working to reimagine the way doctors practice. From the evolution of work-life balance to deeply personal journeys that shaped their mission, this episode is an eye-opening look at the hidden struggles doctors face—and the hope for a healthier future.

If you've ever wondered what it takes to restore the passion for medicine, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

In this heartwarming episode, we hear the incredible story of Alice Phillips, M.D., Medical Director of Ambulatory Quality and Safety at Cook Children's, and her daughter, Annie Phillips, an Outpatient Dietitian in the pediatric Cardiology Department at Cook Children's. Dr. Phillips shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Texas to becoming a doctor and a leader in the health care field, all while balancing family and the challenges of being a woman in medicine. Annie discusses how her mother’s path influenced her own career choices and the bond they share working together in healthcare. Together, they reflect on the challenges of motherhood, the importance of resilience, and the power of family support. Tune in to hear a mother and daughter who are not only committed to improving children’s health but also to growing and supporting each other along the way.

In this episode of Untold: The Stories of Cook Children’s, we meet Frances Wampler, a program coordinator at Cook Children's Center for Community Health, whose life journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Diagnosed with the rare condition arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, Frances faced incredible challenges from birth, including being told she might never walk. Now, as a mother and advocate, she reflects on how Cook Children’s not only helped her overcome physical obstacles but also inspired her life’s work. Listen as Frances shares her powerful story of resilience, determination, and her unwavering commitment to giving back to the community that once cared for her.

Today on Untold: The Stories of Cook Children’s, we hear from Shanna Combs, M.D., a physician whose unique path from ballet dancer to pediatric gynecologist is as inspiring as it is unexpected.

Tune in to hear about her early days in the world of dance, the pivotal moment that led her to pursue medicine, and her experiences training and practicing in the field. You’ll also discover why Dr. Combs is so dedicated to caring for young patients and how she balances her medical career with her passion for teaching and mentoring.

Welcome to Untold: The Stories of Cook Children's, where we share the remarkable journeys of those who make a difference. Today’s episode centers on Dr. Tonya Fuqua, a dentist whose passion for smiles goes beyond the clinic. With nearly 30 years of experience, Dr. Fuqua has devoted herself to improving children’s oral health, spearheading community programs like Save a Smile, and bridging the gap between dental care and overall wellness. Join us as we delve into Dr. Fuqua’s story—an inspiring journey of compassion, dedication, and her belief in the power of a smile.

Today on Untold: The Stories of Cook Children’s, we spend time with Paul Thornton, M.D. How did a kid from Ireland, told he needed a backup plan for his dream of becoming a doctor, end up as one of the world’s leading experts in a rare disease?

Tune in to hear Dr. Thornton's incredible journey to the United States and his groundbreaking work on hyperinsulinism, a condition affecting only 80 to 120 babies in the U.S. each year.