The Hippocratic Society Podcast

What does it mean to hope in medicine and for medicine? How do we foster hope in our patients? What is the object of hope when clinical improvement does not seem feasible?Join John and Michael as they discuss the virtue of hope in medicine, addressing these questions and much more. This discussion previews some of the topics that will be covered at the Hippocratic Society National Conference in Houston, June 5-7. Check out the website to find out more. Did you know the Hippocratic Society podcast is a video podcast? Check out our Youtube channel for our video podcast episodes and more!

In this episode of the Hippocratic Society podcast, Dr. Sofia Carozza discusses the intersection of neuroscience and the concept of the soul, exploring how modern science and medicine perceive the human person. The conversation delves into the historical context of these views, the implications of reductionism in neuroscience, and the importance of recognizing the soul in clinical practice. Both Dr. Carozza and Dr. Rhee share personal experiences that highlight the necessity of a holistic approach to patient care, emphasizing the integration of philosophical insights into medical practice. The discussion also touches on the impact of AI on our understanding of the soul and concludes with practical resolutions for fostering a deeper recognition of the soul in both personal and professional contexts.

In this episode, John and Michael discuss the importance of balance as a virtue in medicine, emphasizing the need for integration of work and life rather than separation. They explore how unity of life can enhance relationships and personal growth, and offer practical tips for achieving balance through self-reflection and prioritization of meaningful relationships.

Michael and John are joined by Dr. Jay Lynch to discuss the centrality of the physician patient relationship in the practice of medicine. Together, they explore what this relationship would look like, how it has been de-emphasized in modern medical practice, and how to balance technical expertise with human connection

Following upon their conversation about the good in medicine with Dr. Chris Lisanti, John and Michael explore the challenges healthcare professionals face in maintaining cheerfulness amidst emotional turmoil. They highlight the importance of acknowledging emotions and the impact of patient interactions on the physician-patient relationship.

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.

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 Medicinelink Cultivating the Inner Life of a Physician Through Written Reflection, Andrea Vicini, Allen F. Shaughnessy, and Ashley P. Duggan (2017), Annals of Family Medicinelink Slow Medical Education, Richard M. Frankel and Howard S. Beckman (2015), Academic Medicinelink Mindful Practice, Ronald M. Epstein (1999), Journal of the American Medical Associationlink Integrity and the Virtues of Reason: Leading a Convincing Life, Greg Scherkoske (2013), Cambridge University Presslink

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

What is the place of wisdom in medicine? What are the consequences of a medicine without wisdom? How to we appreciate the importance of medical wisdom both on an individual and institutional level?Join us as we discuss with Dr. Kristin Collier the place of medical wisdom in healthcare today and why we need the humanities to bring flourishing to medicine. Further Reading/ReferencesPractical wisdom in medicine through the eyes of medical students and physicians, Lauris C Kaldjian, John Yoon, Tavinder K Ark, Laura Shinkunas, Fabrice JotterandWhat is medicine for?, Kristin CollierThe Rock, T.S. EliotThe Sabbath: Its Meaning for Modern Man, Abraham HeschelWhy Conscience Matters: A Defense of Conscientious Objection in Healthcare, Xavier Symons

What does it mean to truly be there for our patients? Why is presence so vital to patient care? How can we grow in attention to our patients and those we love? Join us as we discuss the mindful approach to treating patients and how our practice of presence can help us in and out of the hospital. References/Further Reading: "What is clinician presence? A qualitative interview study comparing physician and non-physician insights about practices of human connection," Brown-Johnson et al. (2019) - British Medical Journal"Brief, daily meditation enhances attention, memory, mood, and emotional regulation in non-experienced meditators," Basso et al. (2019)"Patient as Gift: Understanding the Clinical Relationship," Dugdale (2020)"Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being," Emmons & McCullough (2003)"Mindfulness, APA Dictionary of Psychology," VandenBos (Ed.) (2007)"Practices to Foster Physician Presence and Connection With Patients in the Clinical Encounter," Zulman et al. (2020)"Mindfulness meditation improves cognition: evidence of brief mental training," Zeidan et al. (2010)"The Neuroscience of Gratitude and Effects on the Brain," Chowdhury (2019)

Suffering affects all people from all walks of life, but what does it actually mean to suffer? How do we find meaning within suffering? How can we respond to the suffering of another? In this episode, we discuss these important questions with Wes Ely, a critical care physician responsible for changing the face of ICU care in the U.S. Join us as we reflect on how we can flourish in our own suffering and by responding to that of others.

Where do ideals come into play in medicine? How do we build trust in patients? What do we do when situations suggest that we act contrary to our values? Join us as we discuss Integrity's irreplaceable role in medicine and how developing this virtue contributes to the flourishing of ourselves and our patients. References/Further Reading: Virtues in the Medical Practice, Thomasma and Pellegrino The Not-My-Problem Problem, Lisa Rosenbaum Integrity, Damian Cox, Marguerite La Caze, and Michael Levine ⁠Mature Care and the Virtue of Integrity⁠, Vigdis Ekeberg Review of "Integrity and the Virtues of Reason", Andrea Westlund (Integrity and the Virtues of Reason, Greg Sherkoske)

What does the ideal physician look like? How do we get there? What influences our identity as physicians as we go through training? Where do we look for guidance in this journey? Join us as we delve into the personal journeys of our guests, examine the concept of "professionalism," and explore the ideal physician, including the role of the moral and spiritual dimensions in medical practice. Our discussion touches on the historical and cultural factors that have contributed to the evolution of the modern physician as well as the challenges of cultivating a deeper sense of meaning in medicine. References Berger, P. L. The homeless mind. 1973 Bishop, J. P. The anticipatory corpse. 2011 Buchanan, M. The rest of God. 2007 Hauerwas, S. Suffering presence. 1986 Kinghorn, W. A. Medical education as moral formation. 2010 Kinghorn, W. A., McEvoy, M. D., Michel, A., & Balboni, M. The emperor has no clothes. 2007 Kinghorn, W. A. Against the Moral/Medical Divide. 2024 Marti-Ibáñez, F. To be a doctor. 1960 May, W. F. The physician's covenant. 1983 McKenney, G. P. (Ed.). To relieve the human condition. 1997 Pellegrino, E. D., & Thomasma, D. C. The practice of medicine. 1981 Optimal Work, Kevin Majeres Theology, Medicine, and Culture Initiative

How can we live a strong family life with a busy medical career? How do we balance the demands of a flourishing profession and a flourishing family? How can we develop our family relationships in the demanding time of medical training? Join us as we explore the beautiful struggle of pursuing both family and medicine. Come away with some practical tips to love family well amid the particular challenges of medicine.     References/Further Reading: The Positive Impact of Family Life on Physician Well-Being, Elizabeth Landry   Physicians and their primary relationships: How to be successful in both personal and professional realms, Gordon Cochrane   Doctors and their families, Susan Benbow   Medical Marriages, Jennifer Casaletto and Gillian Shmitz