This Clinical Life | Presented by Practicing Excellence

Human Connection in Modern Medicine with Laura Cooley, PhD

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:00:00 -0400

In this episode of This Clinical Life, we welcome Dr. Laura Cooley, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Patient Experience, an academic, open-access, peer-reviewed publication dedicated to transforming health and care experiences.

Dr. Cooley joins us to discuss what patient experience really means beyond metrics and satisfaction scores, how communication drives outcomes, and how clinicians and leaders can bring research into everyday clinical practice. She also shares practical ways to elevate human connection at scale, ensuring that every patient interaction reflects both empathy and evidence-based care.

Practicing Excellence is a human development company. We help coach and develop the healthcare workforce to make a meaningful impact by building proven skills in patient connection, team collaboration, and leadership effectiveness.

Learn more about our approach to empowering health systems, care teams, and individuals at PracticingExcellence.com.

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Why Burnout Isn’t Failure and What We Can Do About It with Patrick Riecke

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0400

In this episode of This Clinical Life, we welcome Patrick Riecke, a burnout survivor, healthcare leader, author, and coach dedicated to helping clinicians and leaders prevent, understand, and recover from burnout with research-based, practical tools.

Patrick draws on personal experience and years of leading teams through high-stress environments to explore how burnout develops, what it really feels like, and what individuals and systems can do to foster resilience, well-being, and meaning in demanding clinical settings. If you’re feeling depleted, questioning your career, or leading others through stress, this conversation brings both hope and actionable direction.

Purposeful Leadership in a Disconnected World with Zach Mercurio, PhD

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0500

Welcome to This Clinical Life, proudly presented by Practicing Excellence. In this podcast, we explore the transformational impact of skill development for physicians, nurses, teams and leaders to power better healthcare.

In this episode of This Clinical Life, we sit down with Dr. Zach Mercurio, a leading researcher, author, and speaker on purposeful leadership and meaningful work. Zach shares insights from his work on why mattering, the fundamental human need to feel seen, heard, valued, and needed, is critical to human thriving and effective leadership. We unpack how these ideas apply not just to organizational life but clinical settings where connection, well‐being, and motivation are paramount. Together we explore how purpose and daily interactions can transform culture, deepen engagement, and strengthen resilience in an era where many feel invisible.

Leading Through Complexity: Trust, Accountability, and the Human Element with Dr. Kierstin Kennedy

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0500

Healthcare leadership is no longer just about decisions and outcomes it’s about how leaders show up for the people doing the work. In this episode, Kierstin Kennedy, MD, MSHA, FACP, SFHM, Chief Medical Officer at UAB Medicine, reflects on the leadership principles that sustain teams in complex, high-pressure environments.

From navigating accountability with humanity to strengthening quality and safety through trust, Dr. Kennedy shares lessons from the frontlines of executive leadership. This conversation explores how emotional intelligence and servant leadership quietly shape culture, performance, and patient outcomes and why the future of healthcare depends on leaders who can balance clarity, compassion, and courage.

Connection First: A New Model for Leadership and Well-Being with Mark Greenawald, MD

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Mark Greenawald, Medical Director for Carilion Clinic’s Institute for Leadership Effectiveness and Director of the AAFP Chief Resident Leadership Development Program, to explore the importance of care team well-being and what it means to truly lead in healthcare today.

The Case for Compassion: Why Caring Heals with Anthony Mazzarelli, MD, JD, MBE

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 13:00:00 -0400

In this episode we cover the profound impact of compassion, kindness and caring for others on both the giver and receiver. I'm here with Dr. Anthony Mazzarelli, an emergency medicine physician, attorney, health system CEO, and co-author of the bestselling books Compassionomics and Wonder Drug to dive deep into the data and science of compassion and kindness and the impact and results they create.

Humanizing Healthcare in the Digital Age with Bridget Duffy, MD

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Welcome to This Clinical Life, proudly presented by Practicing Excellence. In this podcast, we explore the transformational impact of investing in the growth and development of our healthcare workforce — a powerful yet often overlooked catalyst for positive change.

What does it mean to lead with humanity in a system driven by technology, metrics, and burnout? In this episode of This Clinical Life, we sit down with Dr. Bridget Duffy, the nation's first Chief Experience Officer in healthcare and a nationally recognized advocate for humanizing care, to talk about restoring purpose for clinicians, reimagining the patient experience, and designing digital tools that deepen rather than dilute connection. Drawing from decades of leadership and innovation, Dr. Duffy shares stories, strategies, and a vision for a future where compassion and clinical excellence walk hand in hand.

Leadership as a Systemic Imperative: Perspectives from Dr. Tim Porter-O’Grady

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 11:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we sit down with the legendary Dr. Tim Porter-O’Grady, a trailblazer in clinical leadership, governance models, and organizational innovation with five decades of experience in healthcare. We explore what truly builds strong, future-ready leaders, the hidden barriers holding organizations back, and how to navigate the chaos of change with purpose.

Leading With Purpose For Lasting Impact with Dennis Pullin

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In this podcast, we explore the transformational impact of investing in the growth and development of our healthcare workforce — a powerful yet often overlooked catalyst for positive change. We're thrilled to be joined in this episode by Dennis Pullin. Dennis is the president and CEO of Virtua Health and recent author of his new book, Suited for Leadership: How to Show Up with Purpose to Make Lasting Impact.

Building Everyday Leadership In Healthcare with Leon Moores, MD

Thu, 15 May 2025 14:00:00 -0400

This Clinical Life brings you a discussion between Stephen Beeson, MD and Leon Moores, MD, author of All Physicians Lead. They talk about the need for every physician to recognize their leadership role—not just a select few. They cover developing essential skills like self-awareness and emotional intelligence, managing stress effectively, and how one inconsistent leader can significantly reduce team energy and ambition.

Rethinking How To Strengthen Healthcare Team Engagement with Bob Garry

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 12:00:00 -0400

This Clinical Life brings you a discussion between Stephen Beeson, MD and Bob Garry, senior advisor for team engagement, as they talk about the current healthcare workforce landscape. Bob and Dr. Beeson share insights of how effective leadership and team building nurtures organizational alignment and development.

Advancing Harm Reduction Through Human Development with Heidi Wald, MD, MSPH

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0400

This Clinical Life brings you an important discussion between Stephen Beeson, MD and Heidi Wald, MD, MSPH, as they talk about the importance of leadership, accountability, and commitment from all members of an organization to advance safety culture and harm reduction in healthcare. They dive into the need for continuous improvement, effective leadership, and clinician engagement in promoting patient safety and reducing unnecessary harm.

Why Human Connection Matters in Healthcare with Kathleen Reeves, MD, FAAP

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 15:00:00 -0500

This Clinical Life brings you a dynamic discussion between host Stephen Beeson, MD and special guest Kathleen Reeves, MD, FAAP, President and CEO of The Arnold P. Gold Foundation.

In this episode, Dr. Reeves discusses importance of human connection in healthcare, emphasizing the need for intentional connection between clinicians and patients. She also shares about the need for broader organizational and team commitment to prioritize connection and humanism in healthcare.

The Arnold P. Gold Foundation

AI in American Medicine: Empowering Systems, Clinicians, and Patients with Robert Pearl, MD

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 15:00:00 -0500

This Clinical Life brings you an insightful discussion between host Stephen Beeson, MD and special guest Robert Pearl, MD is the former CEO of The Permanente Medical Group and author of ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine.

In this episode, Dr. Pearl discusses the profound effects of artificial intelligence technologies on American healthcare and how AI empowers healthcare professionals and patients while ensuring that human connection remains central to care.

Dr. Robert Pearl's website.

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Humanizing Healthcare Through Professional Development with Graham McMahon, MD, MMSc

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 14:00:00 -0400

Can a holistic approach to professional development transform the way we connect with each other and deliver patient care?

This Clinical Life brings you an insightful discussion between host Stephen Beeson, MD and special guest Graham McMahon, MD, MMSc, President and CEO of the ACCME. In this episode, we explore the shift in healthcare professional development from a focus on technical skills to a more comprehensive framework.

Join us as we unpack the far-reaching implications of this shift and how it could redefine what it means to be a truly exceptional healthcare professional in today’s world.

Finding Your Why: How Purpose Powers the Clinician and Patient Experience with Jonathan Fisher, MD, FACC

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 16:00:00 -0400

How can purpose help shape the way we provide care to ourselves and to the patients and communities we serve? In this episode of This Clinical Life, our host, Stephen Beeson, MD, sits down with cardiologist, healthcare leader, and best-selling author Jonathan Fisher, MD, FACC, to explore the impact of clinician well-being on patient care, the power of purpose, and actionable strategies to help combat burnout through a purpose-driven clinical life.

Helpful resources:

Dr. Fisher's book, Just One Heart, can be purchased here: https://www.amazon.com/Just-One-Heart-Cardiologists-Happiness/dp/1636760007

From Burnout to Balance: Cultivating Compassion for Care Teams and Patients with Beth Lown, MD

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 16:00:00 -0400

From witnessing unprecedented levels of illness and suffering to dealing with high rates of fear, burnout, anxiety, and depression, healthcare workers have endured immense challenges over the last couple of years. In this episode of This Clinical Life, our host, Stephen Beeson, MD sits down with Beth Lown, MD, the Chief Medical Officer of The Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare, to discuss the importance of building compassionate cultures in healthcare and its transformative impact on both healthcare workers’ well-being and patient care.

Shaping the Future of Nursing: Leveraging Research to Maximize Nurse Leader Impact with Lesly Kelly, PhD, RN, FAAN and Marla Weston, PhD, RN, FAAN

Wed, 29 May 2024 16:00:00 -0400

How can we leverage nursing research to foster a culture where nurses feel empowered and equipped to improve care delivery?

In this episode of This Clinical Life, hosted by nurses for nurses, we’re joined by Marla J. Weston, PhD, RN, FAAN, and Lesly Kelly, PhD, RN, FAAN. Together, we’ll discuss the current state of nursing, explore the demographic and technological shifts facing the profession, and examine how research informs our efforts to cultivate a culture where nurses stay engaged and address the challenges we’re facing today.

Thriving Together: Cultivating Gender Equity and Engagement in the Healthcare Workforce with Shikha Jain, MD, FACP

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 16:00:00 -0400

In this episode of This Clinical Life, Stephen Beeson, MD sits down with Shikha Jain, MD, FACP, an esteemed oncologist, community builder, and prominent advocate for gender equity. Together, they will explore impactful strategies aimed at advancing gender equity in healthcare, and share tips to foster a collaborative and supportive environment to enhance engagement among care teams.

Elevating the Human Experience Through Skill Building in Healthcare with Jason Wolf, PhD, CPXP, President and CEO of The Beryl Institute

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 16:00:00 -0400

Given the challenges facing healthcare, is it possible to enhance the human experience for both patients and providers while also addressing margin pressures and mitigating care team member burnout?

In this episode of This Clinical Life, our host, Stephen Beeson, MD, sat down with Jason Wolf, PhD, CPXP, President and CEO of The Beryl Institute, to discuss the current state of healthcare and explore strategies to improve the human experience as we shape the future of the industry.

Living to Give - Our Most Proven Wonder Drug with Stephen Trzeciak, MD, MPH

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 16:00:00 -0500

Does caring make a difference? In this episode of This Clinical Life, our host, Stephen Beeson, MD, sits down with Stephen Trzeciak, MD, MPH, a physician-scientist, professor, and best-selling author of Compassionomics and Wonder Drug, to explore the role of compassion and human connection in healthcare.

In this discussion, they will cover a range of topics, including:

The most pressing problem of our time: lack of compassion.
The abundant scientific evidence supporting human connection as a powerful way to curb burnout.
The role of human connection in tackling healthcare's greatest challenges.

Micro Steps, Macro Impact: Transforming Healthcare Through Microlearning with Resa Lewiss, MD and Adaira Landry, MD MEd

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 15:00:00 -0500

Did you know that we tend to forget almost 80% of what we learn within 30 days? How do we offset this forgetting curve?

In this episode of This Clinical Life, our host, Dr. Stephen Beeson, sits down with Dr. Resa Lewiss and Dr. Adaira Landry to explore how breaking down complex skills into bite-sized, easily-digestible pieces of information can transform the way our clinicians connect with their patients, collaborate with their teams, and lead in a way that inspires meaningful change.

Driving Change Through Effective Leadership With Retired US Army LTG Mark Hertling

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 19:00:00 -0400

In healthcare, leadership extends beyond decision-making. Now, more than ever, there is an immense need for healthcare leaders to engage teams, advance culture, and develop the skills required to retain clinical talent.

In this episode of This Clinical Life, join Stephen Beeson, MD, and retired U.S. Army LTG Mark Hertling as they discuss the crucial role of leaders in ensuring workforce stability, advancing wellness, and enhancing the overall experience of care teams.

Creating Care Team Safety - It’s OK to Ask for Help with J. Corey Feist, JD, MBA

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 15:00:00 -0400

While there has been considerable emphasis on improving the well-being of clinicians, there is much to be done to alleviate the stress and burnout experienced by the entire healthcare workforce.

In this episode of This Clinical Life, we'll explore the importance of cultivating a work environment where everyone in healthcare feels safe to ask for help and is supported in receiving it. Gain valuable insights from Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation co-founder Corey Feist as we discuss establishing a network of safety, where peer support takes the forefront, people care for each other, and we tap the power of belonging to advance team well-being.

Charting a Path Forward - Empowering Nurses to Lead with Bob Dent

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 20:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Stephen Beeson, MD, and Bob Dent, DNP, RN, FAAN, discuss the significance of nurses in leadership roles and their profound impact on the quality of care delivery.

How can nurse leaders continue to bring their clinical expertise, leadership skills, and ability to drive positive change in an ever-changing healthcare landscape?

Rethinking Work-Life Balance From the Clinician's Perspective with Mark Shapiro, MD

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 14:00:00 -0400

In this episode of This Clinical Life, we are joined by Mark Shapiro, MD, hospitalist and host of the amazing Explore the Space Podcast, as he shares personal stories about pursuing high-impact endeavors to fuel passion, reignite purpose, and support personal growth.

Link to Ebook: https://practicingexcellence.com/ebook-bac/
Link to Dr. Shapiro's Explore The Space: https://www.explorethespaceshow.com/
About Practicing Excellence: https://practicingexcellence.com/about-us/

#Healthcare #Wellness #WellBeing

A Conversion About Workplace Violence with Mel Cortez, RN and Britt DiNatale, RN

Tue, 23 May 2023 15:00:00 -0400

How do we advance practical strategies and actions that address nurse workplace violence? How do we make it clear that violence should NOT be part of the job?

In this for nurses, by nurses episode of This Clinical Life LIVE, we are joined by Britt DiNatale and Mel Cortez - nurse leaders supporting and advocating for the safety of nurses in the workplace.

Get in contact with Mel and Britt on LinkedIn!
Mel Cortez, RN: https://bit.ly/3WyFloO
Britt DiNatale, RN: https://bit.ly/3osuv6Z

Value-Based Care in the Exam Room with Jennifer Main Rutberg, MD

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 16:00:00 -0400

Delivering clinical excellence for patients at a lower cost is one of the greatest challenges we are currently facing. In this episode, Jennifer Main Rutberg, MD, shares valuable insight on the importance of having clear and productive conversations about value-based care.

Through the Patient Lens with Stephanie Abbott

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 16:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Dr. Stephen Beeson sits down with Stephanie Abbott, Chief Experience Officer and CEO of Abbott Solutions, to discuss the importance of creating a frictionless care process and paying attention to the moments that transform and define the experience of patients.

Creating Patient Loyalty with Chris Malone

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 16:00:00 -0500

This episode features Chris Malone, founder and chairman of Fidelum Health, as well as coauthor of the award-winning book, The HUMAN Brand.

Chris has a unique, outside-in perspective on creating patient trust, loyalty, and connection to health care organizations. With our host, Dr. Stephen Beeson, Chris shares valuable insight on how to achieve widespread patient loyalty, as well as why it is so critical to the health care environment today.

Resources from the live event:
Building a Coaching Culture Ebook
Resources mentioned by Chris Malone

A Clinician's Search for Meaning with Dr. Stef Simmons

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 17:00:00 -0500

In this episode of This Clinical Life, Dr. Simmons shares stories about her search for meaning and the impact it has had on her life. Her story, for any clinician, provides a great framework for finding your "why medicine" again and leading a more fulfilling life.

Nurse Workforce Challenges with Marla J. Weston, PhD, RN, FAAN

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

This episode features Marla Weston, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, former CEO of the American Nurses Association. Join us as she shares her vision for the future of the nursing workforce and the big-picture thinking needed to get us there.