The Spark

The Nepal Episodes, Chapter Three: The Mind of a Learner Aug 14, 2024

What lessons can we learn from each other? At the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology in Kathmandu, Nepal, ophthalmologists from around the world convene to improve their surgical skills – and share lessons learned in patient care, community outreach, and global health. In this third and final "Nepal Episode," Chloe discusses the importance of patient education with Srijana Adhikari, MD, Head of the Tilganga Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology. Finally, Chloe reconnects with UCSF ophthalmologists Neeti Parikh, MD and Madeline Yung, MD, to discuss the "mind of a learner" and the importance of viewing each experience as a learning opportunity. In celebration of this final episode, we give a special thanks to everyone at the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology for their time, generosity, and hospitality in creating these "Nepal Episodes." Music by Podington Bear, licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0.

The Nepal Episodes, Chapter Two: Creating Sustainable Impact Jun 03, 2024

What are the similarities and differences in surgical training in Nepal versus the US? Chloe explores this question at the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology in Kathmandu, where expert physicians share their own training experiences from home and abroad. In this second of three "Nepal Episodes," Chloe interviews Anu Manandhar, MBBS, MD, Head of the Tilganga Uveitis Department, about her training both in Nepal and at UCSF. Chloe also speaks with resident physicians Saksham Tamang, MD and Anu Amatya, MD about their journeys to ophthalmology, and how teaching and learning can create lasting change. Music by Podington Bear, licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0.

The Nepal Episodes, Chapter One: By Hand or by Machine? Jan 29, 2024

When it comes to surgery, is "technologically advanced" always superior? Last summer, Chloe Sales (MS3) had the opportunity to explore this question in Kathmandu, Nepal, at the world-renowned Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology – whose doctors pioneered the use of a low-cost, low-tech procedure that's saved the vision of countless patients. In the first of three "Nepal Episodes," Chloe chats with UCSF ophthalmologists Neeti Parikh, MD and Madeline Yung, MD, about their experience in Nepal – including training in this surgical technique and expanding access to it in California. Chloe also chats with Nabin Kumar Rai, Director of Programs at Tilganga Institute, about lessons they can learn from each other. Music by Podington Bear, licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0.

Staying curious throughout your career with Chancellor Sam Hawgood Aug 25, 2023

In the last episode of our season, Paul and Chloe sit down with UCSF Chancellor Sam Hawgood, MBBS, to discuss the stages of his career, what's inspired him to stay at UCSF for over three decades, how keeping an open mind has led him to interesting places, and the importance of an inquisitive spirit as you take on new roles. Music by Podington Bear, licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0.

Leading from the middle with Dean Talmadge E. King, Jr. Jul 31, 2023

In the penultimate episode of the season, Paul chats with Dr. Talmadge E. King, Jr., Dean of the School of Medicine & Vice Chancellor for Medical Affairs at UCSF, about how clinicians and specialties choose each other, the intentionality of truly collaborative environments, and how his career has steered him towards leadership.

Using every experience to become a better person & clinician with Dr. Lorriana Leard Jun 29, 2023

Chloe chats with (then incoming) Associate Dean for Continuing Medical Education, Lorriana Leard, MD, about the value of physician coaching (for both coach and medical student), how AI tools like ChatGPT and Bard may change how students learn and physicians work, balancing personal and professional life goals, and what she's most looking forward to in her new role.

Following your heart down the winding road of medicine, with Dr. Valerie Gribben Jun 14, 2023

Chloe chats with Valerie Gribben, MD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, about embracing the unknown throughout training, adopting a growth mindset, and the power of storytelling in medicine. Music by Podington Bear, licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0.

Nurturing the mentor within with Dr. Peter Ureste Apr 21, 2023

Paul chats with Dr. Peter Ureste, Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Ureste has roles across campus that allow him to mentor the next generation of medical professionals, and he explains the journey that led him to that. Paul and Chloe also discuss what they look for in a mentor/mentee relationship.

Bringing love into clinical settings with Dr. Shieva Khayam-Bashi Mar 16, 2023

"You will not always know enough, but you will always be enough." These are the words of wisdom that Dr. Khayam-Bashi shares with each new class, encouraging them to tap into useful emotions when caring for patients. Paul and Chloe talk about the perspective this lesson has given them in their medical education.

Dr. Justin Sewell Feb 17, 2023

Dr. Justin Sewell, Professor of Medicine, joins Paul and Chloe to discuss getting into med school on the first try (or not), maintaining boundaries between professional and personal lives, and the dream of living in the moment even as you look to the future.

Dr. Andy Josephson Jan 23, 2023

Chloe and Paul are joined by Dr. Andy Josephson, Professor and Chair of the Department of Neurology. They discuss the importance of mentorship, how teaching is a skill that can be taught and learned, and the ways medical school offers opportunities to try new things, even for those on a straightforward path.

Dr. Anna Chang Nov 29, 2022

In the first episode of the season we meet our new hosts, Chloe Sales (MS2) and Paul Brandfonbrener (MS1). Chloe talks to Anna Chang, MD, a professor in the Department of Medicine's Division of Geriatrics. Dr. Chang also directs the School of Medicine's Bridges Curriculum Clinical Microsystems Clerkship, the integrated clinical skills and health systems curriculum for all first- and second-year medical students. They discuss Dr. Chang's career, finding and hanging onto meaning over the arc of a long and challenging career, and the importance of asking oneself, "have you done something that made you happy today?" Music by Podington Bear, licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0.

Season 5 Trailer Nov 28, 2022

Welcome our new hosts, Chloe Sales (MS2) and Paul Brandfonbrener (MS1), as they present guests with the question: Where do you find joy, meaning, or purpose in your work?

Special Episode - Dr. Lee Jones Jun 08, 2021

In this episode, Mihir Joshi interviews Dr. Lee Jones, then-Associate Dean for Students at the UCSF School of Medicine. Dr Jones will join Georgetown University’s School of Medicine as the Dean of Medical Education later this summer.

*Please excuse any background noises as our interviewers & interviewees are speaking remotely via video chat.

Music by Podington Bear. Licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0.

The Spark, Episode 22 - A Tale of Two Reopenings (Part 2) Jan 06, 2021

(Recorded in Fall 2020) This episode is part 2 of 2 in our "Tale of Two Reopenings" miniseries. Dan Cummins first speaks with Drs. Alan Shindel, MD and Tami Rowen, MD, each faculty with UCSF, about what is has been like to be parents of young children and busy physicians during COVID-19, educational and broader inequalities underscored by the virus, and the prospect of returning to in-person schooling. Dan then speaks with Hyun "Honey" Kim, a teacher at East Side Union High School in San Jose, about the difficulties of remote education and the concerns many teachers have, both for remote education and returning to in-person classes.

Music: "Sneaker Chase" and "Operatives" by Podington Bear. Licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0.

The Spark, Episode 21 - A Tale of Two Reopenings (Part 1) Nov 17, 2020

This episode is part 1 of 2 in our "Tale of Two Reopenings" mini-series. Dan Cummins speaks with Xavier 'Abe' Cortez, a third-year medical student reflecting on his experiences returning to the clinical wards after being removed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Then, Mihir Joshi speaks with Fiona Miller, a second-year medical student and mother of three, speaking on the process of stopping and starting school both for herself and her children.

Music: "Sneaker Chase" and "Operatives" by Podington Bear. Licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0.

The Spark, Episode 20 - Gender in Medicine May 26, 2020

For much of medicine’s history as a profession, it was a crime for women to be doctors. While women gained the right to study and practice medicine in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, by 1965 less than 10% of medical school graduates were women. That changed dramatically in the 1970s with the Equal Rights Amendment and Title IX. Today, more women than men are enrolled in medical school but have we reached equity? And how do other identities such as race intersect with gender? Host Tessnim Ahmad (resident) is joined by Dr. Urmimala Sarkar (Professor of Medicine) and Dr. LaMisha Hill (Director of the Multicultural Resource Center).

Some of the data on leadership is from Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic's book, Why Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders? (And How to Fix It). Special thanks to Sarah Ahmad, neurology fellow at UCSF, whose research on microaggressions helped spur the creation of this episode.

Music: Sneaker Chase by Podington Bear. Licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0.

The Spark, Episode 19– Climate and Health: A Busy Two-Way Street Feb 28, 2020

Host Tessnim Ahmad (MS4) discusses the health and health-system impacts of climate change with Dr. Katherine Gundling, Clinical Professor Emerita and former practice chief for the Allergy/Immunology faculty practice; Dr. Seema Gandhi, Associate Clinical Professor in the department of anesthesia; and MS3s Colin Baylen and Nuzhat Islam, who helped found the Human Health and Climate Change student group.

The Spark, Episode 18 - Burnout (Part 2) Nov 22, 2019

Burnout is part of the American vernacular. It refers to the emotional exhaustion brought on by chronic work-related stress, and can manifest as cynicism and feeling like your work lacks meaning. The term was coined in the 1970s by psychologist Herbert Freudenberger. He volunteered in a free clinic for patients with drug addiction and he used “burnout” to describe the exhaustion suffered by workers in helping professions, such as medicine, which carry rigorous demands and high ideals. While the term has been applied to other professions, burnout is particularly high in healthcare: a report released last month from the National Academy of Medicine describes rampant burnout, with up to half of doctors feeling it. There are many causes such as demanding work schedules and little autonomy. System changes have also created burdensome administrative tasks and new care models, leading some to feel the emphasis is on documentation billing and performance metrics instead of patient care. Like clinicians, trainees also suffer burnout – an estimated 60%. The path to medical school and then residency and fellowship is long and challenging, and it's becoming more competitive. The average test scores at most medical schools are rising, even while medical advances mean there's much more to learn now to be a competent physician. Host Tessnim Ahmad (MS4) is joined by Nikhil Rajapuram (MS4) and Dr. Lee Jones, Associate Dean for Students.

Get in touch with Nikhil: Nikhil.Rajapuram@ucsf.edu

Burnout Survey: http://bit.ly/31U5qBj

Transcript: http://tiny.ucsf.edu/uYNXk2

Music: Sneaker Chase by Podington Bear. Licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0.

The Spark, Episode 17 - Burnout (Part 1) Nov 22, 2019

Burnout is part of the American vernacular. It refers to the emotional exhaustion brought on by chronic work-related stress, and can manifest as cynicism and feeling like your work lacks meaning. The term was coined in the 1970s by psychologist Herbert Freudenberger. He volunteered in a free clinic for patients with drug addiction and he used “burnout” to describe the exhaustion suffered by workers in helping professions, such as medicine, which carry rigorous demands and high ideals. While the term has been applied to other professions, burnout is particularly high in healthcare: a report released last month from the National Academy of Medicine describes rampant burnout, with up to half of doctors feeling it. There are many causes such as demanding work schedules and little autonomy. System changes have also created burdensome administrative tasks and new care models, leading some to feel the emphasis is on documentation billing and performance metrics instead of patient care. Like clinicians, trainees also suffer burnout – an estimated 60%. The path to medical school and then residency and fellowship is long and challenging, and it's becoming more competitive. The average test scores at most medical schools are rising, even while medical advances mean there's much more to learn now to be a competent physician. Host Tessnim Ahmad (MS4) is joined by Nikhil Rajapuram (MS4) and Dr. Lee Jones, Associate Dean for Students.

Get in touch with Nikhil: Nikhil.Rajapuram@ucsf.edu

Burnout Survey: http://bit.ly/31U5qBj

Transcript: http://tiny.ucsf.edu/uYNXk2

Music: Sneaker Chase by Podington Bear. Licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0.

The Spark, Episode 16: The Opioid Epidemic Sep 30, 2019

Host Tessnim Ahmad (MS4) discusses opiate prescribing and related research with Dr. Wen Shen, Professor in the UCSF Department of Surgery, and his former mentee, Stephanie Kwan.. Music: Sneaker Chase by Podington Bear. Licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0.

The Spark, Episode 15: Gun Violence Aug 27, 2019

Gun violence is one of the biggest Health & policy epidemics gripping the country right now. In 2017, nearly 40,000 people in the United States died from guns. Perhaps more surprising, in the United States of America firearms are the second leading cause of death for children. Suicide accounts for the majority of gun deaths, followed by homicides including mass shooting. While Suicide is complex and a product of a myriad of psychosocial and biological factors, access to firearms is associated with higher suicide completion rate, and studies have shown that the presence of a gun in the home increases the risk of suicide for all members of that household. In terms of mass shootings, they've become more common and deadlier in recent years. The shooting in Las Vegas in 2017 was the deadliest mass shooting in US history, killing 58, and last year was the worst on record for school shootings. Children in the US are 36 times more likely to be killed by guns compared to kids in other high-income countries, and there are substantial disparities by race and socioeconomic status with African-Americans especially likely to be affected by gun violence. Join your host Tessnim Ahmad (MS4) as she discusses the role of medical professionals in the firearm policy debate with Dr. Jahan Fahimi, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and Board Member of SAFE: Scrubs Addressing the Firearm Epidemic, and fellow students Daniela Cordero and Mary Turocy. Music: Sneaker Chase by Podington Bear. Licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0.

The Spark, Episode 14: Improving the Care of Dementias Jan 15, 2019

In this episode, we showcase the latest research and patient care initiatives at UCSF and its School of Medicine focused on treating people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementias, including student work in this area. Music: Sneaker Chase by Podington Bear. Licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0.

The Spark, Episode 13: Treatment of Chronic Pain Nov 16, 2018

In this episode, we showcase the latest research and patient care initiatives at UCSF and its School of Medicine focused on treating people with chronic pain, including student work in this area. We’ll hear from Dr. Mark Schumacher, MD, PhD, Professor and Chief of the Division of Pain Medicine in the Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, as well as third-year medical student Emma Levine. Music: Sneaker Chase by Podington Bear. Licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0.

The Spark, Episode 12: Health Care Equity Oct 09, 2018

In this episode, we feature initiatives in the School of Medicine focused on diversity, equity and inclusion – both in approaches to patient care and research, as well as in medical education via the Bridges Curriculum. We’ll hear from Dr. Michelle Guy, a professor of medicine and a dean’s diversity leader in the Differences Matter Initiative, as well as second year medical student Daniella Cordero, who has been instrumental in activism around gun violence prevention, White Coats for Black Lives, as well as gender and health equity. Music: Sneaker Chase by Podington Bear. Licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0.

The Spark, Episode 11: Sleep Disorders Aug 14, 2018

In this episode, we feature UCSF initiatives and research aimed at caring for people with sleep disorders. We’ll hear from Dr. David Claman, a sleep disorders specialist who directs the UCSF Sleep Disorders Center. We also talk to fourth-year medical student Daniel Schwartz, who completed a research project in this area as part of his learning in the Bridges Curriculum. Music: Sneaker Chase by Podington Bear. Licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0.

The Spark, Episode 10 May 04, 2018

Music: Sneaker Chase by Podington Bear. Licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0.

The Spark, Episode 9: Advances in the treatment of substance use disorder at UCSF. Apr 09, 2018

In this episode, we’ll hear from Dr. Scott Steiger, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine and Psychiatry, and Deputy Medical Director of the Opiate Treatment Outpatient Program at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital (ZSFG). Dr. Steiger will discuss his research and patient care initiatives in treating people with substance use disorders in some of the city’s most vulnerable communities. We also talk to a first-year medical student who shadowed Dr. Steiger at ZSFG, and who will be pursuing a summer research experience in addiction medicine for adolescents. Music: Sneaker Chase by Podington Bear. Licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0.

TheSpark, Episode 8: Promoting Professionalism and Respect in Medical Education Dec 12, 2017

This episode focuses on faculty excellence and professionalism in medical education. We’ll hear from Associate Professor of Medicine Dr. Stephanie Rennke, a recipient of this year’s Maxine Papadakis Awards for Professionalism and Respect. We also talk to a fourth-year medical student who nominated faculty for this year’s teaching excellence awards which were presented in October. Music: Sneaker Chase by Podington Bear. Licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0.

The Spark, Episode 7: Reflections on Medical School Nov 06, 2017

This episode is part 2 of a special edition to welcome this year’s incoming class of first-year UCSF medical students. We’ll hear from the School of Medicine Dean Dr. Talmadge King, as he reflects on medical career highlights, inspirations, and mentors such as Alvin Poussaint, MD. We also talk to first-year medical student Ryan Badiee with his thoughts on what’s most exciting embarking on medical school at UCSF. Music: Sneaker Chase by Podington Bear. Licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0.

TheSpark, Episode 6: New developments in breast cancer research and patient care Oct 11, 2017

This month’s episode is devoted to breast cancer awareness month. We talk to second-year medical student April Liang about her research project on breast mammography data and her goal to help improve breast cancer screening. We also interview Dr. Hope Rugo, a UCSF medical oncology and hematologist, who directs the UCSF Breast Oncology Clinical Trials program. Dr. Rugo gives perspectives on the latest advances in breast cancer research and patient care at UCSF. Music: Sneaker Chase by Podington Bear. Licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0.

TheSpark, Episode 5: PRIME, the Program in Medical Education for the Urban Underserved Sep 11, 2017

In this episode, we’re celebrating the 11-year anniversary of PRIME, the Program in Medical Education for the Urban Underserved. PRIME-US is a five-year track at the UCSF School of Medicine and the UC Berkeley-UCSF Joint Medical Program for students committed to working with urban underserved communities. Music: Sneaker Chase by Podington Bear. Licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0.

TheSpark, Episode 4: The Deans discuss medical school memories and motivators Aug 01, 2017

This episode is a special edition devoted to back-to-school week, and a welcome to this year’s incoming class of first-year medical students. We’ll hear from three School of Medicine education deans as they reflect on their medical career highlights, plus their medical school mentors and inspirations. Listen to interviews with Vice Dean for Medical Education and Executive Vice Dean for the School of Medicine Dr. Catherine Lucey, Associate Dean for Students Dr. Lee Jones, and Associate Dean for Competency Assessment and Professional Standards, Dr. Karen Hauer. Find out what topped their list of medical school memories and motivators. Music: Sneaker Chase by Podington Bear. Licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0.

The Spark, Episode 3: Infectious diseases research and the continually curious scientific mind Jul 07, 2017

In this episode, we talk to fourth-year medical student Christine Zachek, who explains her research on Chagas disease, a tropical parasitic illness, plus her upcoming research project in Brazil. We also talk to Professor of Medicine Dr. Peter Chin-Hong about his research into the detection and treatment of infectious diseases caused by the Zika virus, yellow fever, and dengue, how a continually curious scientific mind keeps pace with the rapid advances in this field. Music: Sneaker Chase by Podington Bear. Licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0.

The Spark, Episode 2: Spiral learning and innovations in medical education Jun 01, 2017

In this episode we talk with medical student Ogonna Nnamani about spiral learning and retiring Associate Dean Dr. Susan Masters about the innovations that inspired the Bridges curriculum at UCSF. Music: Sneaker Chase by Podington Bear. Licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0.

The Spark, Episode 1: Transforming medical education for better healthcare May 15, 2017

Our first episode features an interview with new Associate Dean for Curriculum John Davis, MD, PhD, as well as a general introduction to our podcast series.

Music: Sneaker Chase by Podington Bear. Licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0.

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