Vital Capacity: Recent Episodes

Abhishek Bhardwaj, MD

A podcast providing clinical pearls and insight from experts in the field, plus the top headlines in pulmonary and critical care medicine.

View Details

In this episode, Serpil Erzurum, MD, draws on her vast experience at health care systems across the country to discuss the importance of compassion as a mentor and trainee when paving the path for others, breaking the cycle of self-doubt and learning from disappointment and failure in our careers.

  • Intro :01
  • The interview :18
  • Who is Dr. Erzurum as a person? Passions, interests and childhood 1:13
  • What have been your favorite parts of working in health care across the country? 5:22
  • How do you juggle and find balance between the many different roles in health care? 9:53
  • The importance of enjoying life above all 11:50
  • Erzurum on surrounding yourself with people that respect your life choices 15:00
  • Paving the path for others; being a good mentor and leader 16:35
  • Erzurum on trusting and communicating with your mentors 20:00
  • Working through ‘imposter syndrome’; dealing with failure and self-doubt 21:45
  • Times when Dr. Erzurum faced disappointment and failure. 25:32
  • What do you do for fun? 28:15
  • Have you inspired your daughters? 30:12
  • Why don’t we expose specialists and trainees to specialties outside their own institutions? 31:44
  • What skillsets should trainees work to improve during Fellowship? 36:02
  • Final thoughts 39:15
  • Outro 41:18

Serpil Erzurum, MD, is the chief research and academic officer at the Cleveland Clinic. She is also the chair of Lerner Research Institute.

We’d love to hear from you! Send your comments/questions to Dr. Bhardwaj at podcast@healio.com. Follow us on Twitter @HealioPulm @abhi_bhardwaj99.

Disclosures: Bhardwaj and Erzurum report no relevant financial disclosures.

View Details

We all will be at the receiving end of critical illness for ourselves or our loved ones. It is almost guaranteed. A family’s needs are the blind spot of the overstretched and dysfunctional health care system that needs to be addressed. Here, Kristin Flanary, also known as Lady Glaucomflecken, shares her experience, hoping to highlight the challenges of the families who are at the revived end of critical illness for their loved one.

Take-home lessons for health care professionals: While clinical excellence and focus on the patient is an absolute given, what sets a great HCP apart is clear and frequent communication, empathy and kindness. Let’s do better.

  • Intro :00
  • The interview :39
  • Tell me a bit about yourself. Where did you grow up? What was life like before and now? 3:40
  • Having to do CPR on your loved one 13:01
  • Can you share with me what exactly happened when your husband went into cardiac arrest? And what can we do better? 20:47
  • The experience of being in the hospital 28:42
  • How did you manage being kicked out of the hospital? How long was he in the ICU and in the hospital for? 47:25
  • The struggle starts for patients and families when they come home because now they don't have the same support system. Can you share some of those struggles? 55:10
  • We are almost 21 months out from the cardiac arrest at this point. How are you both doing now? 1:02:14
  • Spreading the message about sudden cardiac arrest and learning to do bystander CPR. 1:05:32
  • Can you share a happy moment or memory since the cardiac arrest event? 1:11:15
  • Flanary’s message to listeners 1:16:15
  • Thank you, Kristin Flanary 1:18:32

Kristin Flanary, MA, is administrator and communications manager at Belin-Blank Center for Gifted Education & Talent Development at the University of Iowa.

To read Flanary’s article in Journal of Cardiac Failure, click here: https://www.onlinejcf.com/action/showPdf?pii=S1071-9164%2821%2900403-6.

We’d love to hear from you! Send your comments/questions to Dr. Bhardwaj at podcast@healio.com. Follow us on Twitter @HealioPulm @abhi_bhardwaj99. You can follow Kristin Flanary on Twitter @LGlaucomflecken.

Disclosures: Bhardwaj and Flanary report no relevant financial disclosures.

View Details

View Details

Kristin B. Highland, MS, MD, does it all and makes it look easy. In this episode, we discuss how to follow your dreams, balance your life and define success on your own terms.

  • Intro :01
  • About Highland :16
  • The interview :33
  • At Cleveland Clinic, we don't care about your birth coordinates. We care about who you are and what you bring to the table. :54
  • Imposter syndrome 3:15
  • Tell me a bit about your background, your personal life, your professional life. Where did your journey start? 7:48
  • The nonlinear journey to success 30:48
  • The end of fellowship is not the end of your expertise 37:11
  • Balancing work and family as a single mother 39:38
  • Best advice to be a good mentee 45:43
  • What other skill sets should fellows acquire during training beyond clinical excellence? 46:51
  • Thank you, Dr. Highland 51:41

Kristin B. Highland, MS, MD, is fellowship trained in both pulmonary/critical care and rheumatology and is the respiratory institute research officer and associate program director for research and scholarship at the Cleveland Clinic.

We’d love to hear from you! Send your comments/questions to Dr. Bhardwaj at podcast@healio.com. Follow us on Twitter @HealioPulm @abhi_bhardwaj99.

View Details

In this episode, E. Wes Ely, MD, MPH, discusses the value of human connection with patients, reflects on the values of hope and mercy in patient care, and reads key excerpts from his book, Every Deep-Drawn Breath.

  • Intro :01
  • About Ely :21
  • About Every Deep-Drawn Breath :49
  • The interview 1:20
  • Impact of Ely’s work 1:37
  • Tell me a bit about your background. Where did this all start? 5:32
  • Do you think if you spend enough time and cater deeply enough, you can create that human connection? 9:24
  • The other side of the bed 15:00
  • The story of Jimmy Johnson 29:49
  • Bringing back normalcy in the ICU for patient healing 35:11
  • How do you bring hope during this dark period? 40:20
  • Spirituality in patient care 44:57
  • Significance of Every Deep-Drawn Breath 51:03
  • Thank you, Dr. Ely 53:50

Wes Ely, MD, MPH, is professor of medicine and critical care at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and associate director of aging research at VA Tennessee Valley Geriatric Research and Education Clinical Center.

We’d love to hear from you! Send your comments/questions to Dr. Bhardwaj at podcast@healio.com. Follow us on Twitter @HealioPulm @abhi_bhardwaj99. You can reach Dr. Ely on Twitter @WesElyMD.

Disclosures: Bhardwaj reports no relevant financial disclosures. Ely is author of Every Deep-Drawn Breath.

View Details

In this episode, Bhardwaj’s mentor, Benjamin S. Abella, MD, MPhil, FACEP, FAHA, discusses the importance of a strong mentor-mentee relationship, his path into internal and emergency medicine training and much more.

  • Intro :00
  • Welcome to another episode of Vital Capacity :19
  • About Abella :28
  • The interview 1:40
  • Tell me a bit about yourself in your own words 1:54
  • The importance of blending the personal and professional aspects of academic mentorship 5:00
  • How do you find balance? Define a day for me 8:41
  • You’re one of the few people in the country who are trained in both internal medicine and emergency medicine … Can you share with me how that started? 11:50
  • If someone wants to have a physician-scientist career, what advice would you give them and do you have any experiences and examples you can share? 18:21
  • After you were trained in emergency medicine residency and the resuscitation fellowship, you are now leading all these efforts at Penn. When did that transition happen? 21:14
  • Can you share some of the ways you navigate talking to other physicians and convey the message of timing of cardiac care after cardiac arrest? 29:11
  • Can you tell us the story about the soldier and the use of cardiac cooling? 34:53
  • Thanks so much, Ben 39:33

Benjamin S. Abella, MD, MPhil, FACEP, FAHA, is the professor and vice chair of research at University of Pennsylvania’s Department of Emergency Medicine. He directs the Center for Resuscitation Science and the Penn Acute Research Collaboration at the University.

We’d love to hear from you! Send your comments/questions to Dr. Bhardwaj at podcast@healio.com. Follow us on Twitter @HealioPulm @abhi_bhardwaj99. You can reach Abella on Twitter @benjaminabella.

Disclosures: Abella reports receiving honoraria from Becton Dickinson, Stryker and Zoll; research fees from Becton Dickinson, NIH and PCORI; and ownership in MD Ally and VOC Health. Bhardwaj reports no relevant financial disclosures.

View Details

This week, FDA advisory committee unanimously recommends Moderna booster shot; the USPSTF advises against aspirin for primary CVD prevention for adults 60 years or older; FDA permits marketing of new e-cigarette products; and more.

Read the full coverage here:

FDA advisory committee unanimously recommends Moderna booster shot

USPSTF advises against aspirin for primary CVD prevention for adults 60 years or older

FDA permits marketing of new e-cigarette products, marking first authorization of its kind

More than half of COVID-19 survivors experience symptoms 6 months after recovery

FDA issues new guidance on sodium, calls it ‘pivotal’ moment in US health

References:

FDA Press Release

USPSTF Statement

Press Release

Groff D, et al. JAMA Network Open. 2021;doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.28568.

FDA Conference Call

View Details

This week, use of systemic corticosteroids is linked with worse covid-19 outcomes; an investigational antiviral drug reduces risk for hospitalization and death by about 50% in patients with COVID-19; Pfizer-BioNTech submit vaccine data for children aged 5 to 11 to FDA; and more.

Read the full coverage here:

Use of systemic corticosteroids linked with worse COVID-19 outcomes

Antiviral reduces risk for hospitalization, death by about 50% in patients with COVID-19

Pfizer-BioNTech submit vaccine data for children aged 5 to 11 to FDA

Unlike flu, cold viruses persisted during pandemic, study finds

AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine 74% effective, protects against asymptomatic disease

References:

Yochai A, et al. Asthma treatment: clinical and translational science. Presented at: European Respiratory Society International Congress; Sept. 5-8, 2021 (virtual meeting).

Press Release

Press Release

Rankin, DA, et al. Abstract 154. Presented at: IDWeek; Sept. 29-Oct. 3, 2021 (virtual meeting).

Sobieszczyk M, et al. Abstract LB6. Presented at: IDWeek; Sept. 29-Oct. 3, 2021 (virtual meeting).

View Details

Eduardo Mireles-Cabodevila, MD, is an internationally renowned "Guru of Mechanical Ventilation and Neuromuscular Disease." He is also a fearless leader in the ICU. In this episode, he shares his journey into medicine and how he developed the “10 commandments” of fellowship research.

  • Intro :00
  • Mireles, thank you for joining me today :19
  • The interview 1:07
  • In your own words, tell me about your journey … How did this start? 1:13
  • How many years is med school in Mexico? 4:45
  • And you did internal medicine residency after that? 5:43
  • So, you did you 2 years of training there and then moved to the U.S.? 6:36
  • I have heard that you had tried to call the secretary back in the day at the Cleveland Clinic and you were not getting to the person … and then eventually you became the boss of the same secretary. 9:43
  • You just briefly touched on the value that your wife played in your life. Can you tell me a little bit more about your family? 11:23
  • Were the initial few years hard in the U.S.? 12:40
  • What other challenges did you navigate? 15:03
  • How did you become so fearless? 18:26
  • How did you get into these different roles? 23:29
  • Tell me a little bit about how, after almost a decade of this leadership position that you have, how do you prevent burnout? 32:13
  • Where are some of the favorite places you have traveled? 37:43
  • Do you read a lot apart from the books that you need to double up your expertise beyond what everyone does? 39:53
  • You’re known as the “ventilator guru,” and that’s how you’re educating the world, not just the Cleveland Clinic. How did you get better at it? 41:45
  • I remember being told a story that you were working on a research project, and you didn’t find anything meaningful there and you turned that disappointment into the 10 commandments. Can you share with me what that was? 46:25
  • What’s your most important advice to the listener? 49:38
  • Thank you so much for your time, Dr. Mireles 50:23

Eduardo Mireles-Cabodevila, MD, is the director of the Medical Intensive Care Unit and medical director of the Simulation and Advanced Skills Center at the Cleveland Clinic.

We’d love to hear from you! Send your comments/questions to Dr. Bhardwaj at podcast@healio.com. Follow us on Twitter @HealioPulm @abhi_bhardwaj99.

Disclosures: Bhardwaj and Mireles-Cabodevila report no relevant financial disclosures.

View Details

In this episode, Atul C. Mehta, MB, BS, discusses his path to become a physician, his early struggles once he arrived in the United States and some of the changes he’s witnessed in how bronchoscopies are performed.

  • Intro :00
  • About Mehta :23
  • The interview 1:25
  • In your own words … how did you get into medicine? 2:14
  • Can you share a little bit about your initial struggle coming to the United States? 7:10
  • Is your altruistic nature as a physician and mentor a result of coming from a humble background when you started your medical career? 13:14
  • You still work 15, 16 hours a day for almost 50 years … How do you have the energy to do that? 17:10
  • What have you seen that has changed from when you saw your first flexible bronchoscopy to now? 20:07
  • How do you find time for family with all you do and how do you do justice with that? 24:53
  • How do you prevent burnout in this demanding career? 28:21
  • You have worked in different countries … how did those things happen? 33:15
  • How old were your kids during your time working in India and Abu Dhabi? 37:01
  • I know you have family in Bollywood … are you a big fan of Bollywood? 39:42
  • Do you have a moment to share any failures that you felt were really important to learn from? 40:30
  • Do you have very fond memories from your childhood, or any med school quotes that you think of? 43:37
  • Is there anything else you’d like to share? 45:40
  • Thanks for listening! 45:49

Atul C. Mehta, MB, BS, is professor of medicine, Lerner College of Medicine; endowed chair in lung transplantation, Cleveland Clinic and founder and president of the American Association of Bronchoscopy.

We’d love to hear from you! Send your comments/questions to Dr. Bhardwaj at podcast@healio.com. Follow us on Twitter @HealioPulm @abhi_bhardwaj99.

Disclosures: Bhardwaj and Mehta report no relevant financial disclosures.

View Details

This week, symptoms after first mRNA vaccine dose linked to previous SARS-CoV-2 infection; US to offer booster shots to fully vaccinated Americans starting Sept. 20; CBD eases emotional exhaustion, burnout symptoms in study of frontline health care workers; and more.

Read the full coverage here:

Symptoms after first mRNA vaccine dose linked to previous SARS-CoV-2 infection

US to offer booster shots to fully vaccinated Americans starting Sept. 20

CBD eases emotional exhaustion, burnout symptoms in study of frontline health care workers

Vegan diet provides most health benefits among plant-based eating patterns

Dexamethasone may be ‘underused’ among critically ill patients with COVID-19

References:

Debes AK, et al. JAMA Intern Med. 2021;doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2021.4580.

Press Conference

Crippa JAS, et al. JAMA Netw Open. 2021;doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.20603.

Jardine M, et al. D-18. Presented at: ADCES21; Aug. 12-15, 2021 (virtual meeting).

Mehta HB, et al. 2021;doi: Ann Intern Med. doi:10.7326/M21-0857.

View Details

This week, the FDA approves single-use bronchoscopes; a study finds the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective in adolescents; CMS nixes the most-favored nation pricing model for Medicare Part B; and more.

Read the full coverage here:

Single-use bronchoscope receives FDA clearance

Moderna COVID-19 vaccine safe, efficacious in adolescents

Adoption of newer antifibrotic medications for IPF low in US in everyday practice: Study

FDA allows third dose of COVID-19 vaccine for immunocompromised patients

CMS nixes 'most-favored nation' pricing model for Medicare Part B

References:

Ali K, et al. N Engl J Med. 2021;doi:10.1057/NEJMoa2109522.

CMS proposed rule.

Dempsey TM, et al. Ann Am Thorac Soc. 2021;doi:10.1513/AnnalsATS.202007-901OC.

Press Release.

Press Release.

View Details

This week, the CDC confirms a fatal case of melioidosis in Georgia; Moderna says its vaccine is 93% effective at 6 months; a survey shows patients prefer that physicians wear white coats; and more.

Read the full coverage here:

CDC confirms fatal case of melioidosis in Georgia, links it to previous US cases

Moderna COVID-19 vaccine 93% effective, ‘durable’ at 6 months, company says

Casual attire is becoming more popular among physicians, but patients prefer white coats

Modified Mediterranean-ketogenic diet may reduce cognitive decline

Coexistence of bronchiectasis with asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis common

References:

Kawas MI, et al. Modified Mediterranean Ketogenic diet resolves default node network connectivity differences between adults with normal and impaired cognition: A pilot study. Presented at: Alzheimer’s Association International Conference; July 26-30, 2021 (virtual meeting).

Press Release.

Press Release.

Sheng H, et al. BMC Pulm Med. 2021;doi:10.1186/s12890-021-01575-7.

Xun H, et al. JAMA Netw Open. 2021;doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.17779.

View Details

This week, Pfizer says a third dose of the vaccine boosts protection, even against the delta variant; US News and World Report ranks Mayo Clinic number 1 for pulmonology and lung surgery; the FDA approves IV selexipag for adults with PAH; and more.

Read the full coverage here:

Pfizer says third dose of vaccine boosts protection, including against delta variant

CDC alters mask guidance, says even vaccinated Americans need them in some places

Mayo Clinic ranked No. 1 hospital in US for pulmonology, lung surgery

FDA approves selexipag for IV use in adults with PAH

FDA approves Saphnelo, first new lupus treatment since 2011

References:

AstraZeneca press release.

Lupus Research Alliance press release.

Pfizer. Second quarter 2021 earnings teleconference. July 28, 2021. https://s21.q4cdn.com/317678438/files/doc_financials/2021/q2/Q2-2021-Earnings-Charts-FINAL.pdf. Accessed on July 28, 2021.

Press Conference.

Press Release.

U.S. News & World Report.

View Details

This week, CHEST issues guidelines for low-dose CT screening for lung cancer; severe COVID-19 survivors experience pulmonary impairment; the FDA approves Prograf to prevent lung transplant rejection; and more.

Read the full coverage here:

CHEST issues new guideline on benefits, harms, use of low-dose CT screening for lung cancer

Pulmonary impairment ‘highly prevalent’ in severe COVID-19 survivors following discharge

FDA approves Prograf to prevent organ rejection in lung transplant recipients

In omega-3 fatty acid trials, EPA alone yields greater CV risk reduction vs. EPA plus DHA

Benefit of full-dose heparin for patients with COVID-19 warrants ‘new standard of care’

References:

González J, et al. Chest. 2021;doi:10.1016/j.chest.2021.02.062.

Khan SU, et al. eClinical Medicine. 2021;doi:10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.100997.

Mazzone PJ, et al. Chest. 2021;doi:10.1016/j.chest.2021.06.063.

Press Release.

Sholzberg M, et al. medRxiv. 2021;doi:10.1101/2021.07.08.21259351.

View Details

In this episode, the original “zentensivisit” Matt Siuba, DO, sits down with me to discuss the concept of zentensivism, tips for social media, and much more. Don’t miss his top critical care papers every fellow should know.

  • Intro :15
  • About Siuba :41
  • The interview 1:30
  • Tell me a bit about yourself in your own words 1:54
  • Did you always know you wanted to be a doctor? 3:59
  • The whole concept of zentensivism … how did it start? 6:30
  • When did you get involved with Twitter? 11:26
  • Do you have advice for people who want to minimize negative attraction on social media? 13:50
  • How do you manage time? 16:44
  • Has this time management strategy been something you have been doing for very long? 19:48
  • Have you ever experienced imposter syndrome? 21:41
  • Do you have some examples from your med school or residency days where you felt like you were too hard on yourself? 25:16
  • What makes you happy? What fun things do you like to do? 27:44
  • Any examples of things in your professional life that you were disappointed in or wished could have gone differently? 32:35
  • Are there strategies to minimize and delay burnout and have more resilience? 37:06
  • Do you have any specific advice for the listeners apart from the three points of ‘sleep more,’ ‘less is more’ and ‘be more curious?’ 42:51
  • Have you noticed the difference in how foreign-born DOs go through a much harder time? 44:20
  • Can you share with me some of the important papers that every critical care fellow needs to know? 47:03
  • Thanks for listening 50:47

Matt Siuba, DO, is an intensivist at the Cleveland Clinic. His interests include circulatory shock as well as severe forms of respiratory failure, especially acute respiratory distress syndrome. He is invested in zentensivism: minimally invasive, maximally attentive medical care. Siuba is enrolled in the M.S. in Clinical Research program at Case Western Reserve University.

We’d love to hear from you! Send your comments/questions to Dr. Bhardwaj at podcast@healio.com. Follow us on Twitter @HealioPulm @abhi_bhardwaj99. Dr. Siuba can be reached on Twitter @msiuba.

Disclosures: Bhardwaj and Siuba report no relevant financial disclosures.

View Details

This week, surging caseloads are linked to nearly one quarter of US COVID-19 deaths; booster doses may not be necessary for the Pfizer vaccine; the FDA calls for an investigation into the recent Alzheimer’s drug approval; cancer death rates continue to decline; and frailty is tied to longer mechanical ventilation.

Read the full coverage here:

23% of COVID-19 deaths at US hospitals linked to surging caseloads

CDC, FDA say booster doses not needed as Pfizer eyes authorization

FDA calls for a federal investigation into Aduhelm approval

Declines in cancer death rates continue, but not for all common types

Frailty tied to longer mechanical ventilation, identifies those less likely to be liberated

References:

BioNTech. Pfizer and BioNTech provide update on booster program in light of the delta-variant. https://investors.biontech.de/news-releases/news-release-details/pfizer-and-biontech-provide-update-booster-program-light-delta. Accessed on July 9, 2021.

HHS. Joint CDC and FDA statement on vaccine boosters. https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2021/07/08/joint-cdc-and-fda-statement-vaccine-boosters.html. Accessed on July 9, 2021.

Islami F, et al. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2021;doi:10.1093/jnci/djab131.

Kadri SS, et al. Ann Intern Med. 2021;doi:10.7326/M21-1213.

Okahara S, et al. Ann Am Thorac Soc. 2021;doi:10.1513/AnnalsATS.202102-178OC.

STAT. FDA calls for federal investigation into its controversial Alzheimer’s drug approval. Available at: https://www.statnews.com/2021/07/09/fda-investigation-alzheimers-drug-approval/?utm_source=STAT+Newsletters&utm_campaign=972fd2c048-breaking_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8cab1d7961-972fd2c048-151965521. Accessed July 9, 2021.

View Details

This week, low-dose azithromycin did not improve cough in patients with IPF; tele-pulmonary rehab may lower barriers to care; the J&J vaccine provides 8-month protection from the delta variant; a daily ECMO liberation protocol was found to be safe and feasible; and portable air cleaners could reduce exposure to SARS-CoV-2 aerosols.

Read the full coverage here:

Study does not support low-dose azithromycin to treat chronic cough in IPF

Telehealth pulmonary rehabilitation program for COPD accessible, feasible, safe

J&J vaccine protects against delta variant for at least 8 months, studies find

ECMO-free protocol feasible, may aid earlier identification of patients for decannulation

Portable air cleaners could reduce exposure to SARS-CoV-2 aerosols, study finds

References:

Alwakeel AJ, et al. Ann Am Thorac Soc. 2021;doi:10.1513/AnnalsATS.202006-638OC.

Gannon WD, et al. Chest. 2021;doi:10.1016/j.chest.2021.05.066.

Guler SA, et al. Ann Am Thorac Soc. 2021;doi:10.1513/AnnalsATS.202103-266OC.

Lindsley WG, et al. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2021;doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7027e1.

View Details

This week, the FDA issues an EUA for tocilizumab in COVID-19; an electronic tool detects ovarian and pancreatic cancers; the delta variant accounts for 20% of new COVID-19 cases; researchers uncover variables linked with COVID-19 fatalities; and the ACIP recommends the dengue vaccine for children in endemic areas.

Read the full coverage here:

FDA issues EUA for tocilizumab to treat patients hospitalized with COVID-19

‘Electronic nose’ accurately detects ovarian, pancreatic cancers

Fauci: 20% of new COVID-19 cases are from delta variant

Researchers identify variables associated with COVID-19 fatalities during first wave

ACIP unanimously recommends dengue vaccine for children aged 9 to 16 years

References:

CDC. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/index.html. Accessed June 24, 2021.

FDA press release.

Genentech press release.

Johnson ATC, et al. Abstract 9004. Presented at: ASCO Annual Meeting (virtual meeting); June 4-8, 2021.

Millar JA, et al. Risk factors for increased COVID-19 case-fatality in the United States: A county-level analysis during the first wave. Presented at World Microbe Forum; June 20-24, 2021 (virtual meeting).

View Details

James Stoller, MD, MS, is chair of the Education Institute at Cleveland Clinic. His love for patient care and passion for medical education is palpable. In this episode we discuss burnout, imposter syndrome and thought leadership.

  • Intro :34
  • About Stoller :38
  • The interview 2:03

  • Tell me about yourself 2:04

  • Do you remember making an active effort to create such a positive training environment here at Cleveland Clinic? 3:26

  • Becoming a doctor is intrinsically arduous 6:11
  • Did you plan to be in the role you’re in today? 6:56
  • How do you overcome internal doubt, and can leadership traits be cultivated? 13:34
  • Do you agree there’s a role for leadership curriculum in medical school training? 21:07
  • How have you managed to attend every one of your son’s NFL games? 23:14
  • Lessons from the pandemic 26:55
  • As a kid, were you always this disciplined? 29:17
  • Are there any memories from your training that stand out? 34:56
  • What are some of the happiest memories from your childhood? 38:52
  • Is there any other way that you double up resilience in your trainees so that they can continue and have a long, fulfilling career? 40:50
  • What are some of the challenges you face on a daily basis? 41:12
  • What advice would you give your younger self? 47:11
  • Do you have advice for the listeners? 48:18
  • Thank you, Dr. Stoller 50:57

James Stoller, MD, MS, is executive director of physician leadership development and chair of the Education Institute at Cleveland Clinic.

We’d love to hear from you! Send your comments/questions to Dr. Bhardwaj at podcast@healio.com. Follow us on Twitter @HealioPulm @abhi_bhardwaj99.

Disclosures: Bhardwaj and Stoller report no relevant financial disclosures.

View Details

This week, the FDA grants approval on two treatments: oral omadacycline for community-acquired bacterial pneumonia and Trikafta for children aged 6 to 11 with cystic fibrosis; more than 70% of COVID-19 patients experience at least one persistent symptom; many patients self-identify the need for pulmonary rehab following COVID-19 hospitalization; and children who had mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 do not need to be cleared for sports, according to the AAP.

Read the full coverage here:

FDA approves omadacycline oral regimen for community-acquired bacterial pneumonia

FDA approves Trikafta for children aged 6 to 11 with cystic fibrosis

More than 70% of COVID-19 patients experience at least one persistent symptom

Many patients self-identify need for pulmonary rehab following COVID-19 hospitalization

AAP: Children who had mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 do not need to be cleared for sports

View Details

This week, the ATS issued a new clinical practice guideline for noninfluenza viral pathogen testing in community-acquired pneumonia; the FDA issued two approvals: the first new Alzheimer’s treatment since 2003, as well as once-weekly semaglutide for weight loss; and Healio spoke with experts regarding the use of face masks among children, and the link between COVID-19 vaccination and tinnitus.

View Details

This week, the CDC reported that breakthrough infections are rare among the first 101 million fully vaccinated people; tai chi is found to be effective to reduce belly fat in older adults; the CDC’s COVID-19 vaccine safety group says its reviewed ‘few’ reports of myocarditis in young people; a follow-up analysis supports tocilizumab in moderate-to-severe COVID-19-associated pneumonia; and lidocaine throat spray reduces cough frequency in patients with refractory chronic cough.

Read the full coverage here:

Breakthrough infections rare among first 101 million fully vaccinated people, CDC finds

Tai chi ‘effective approach’ in reducing belly fat in older adults

CDC’s COVID-19 vaccine safety group reviews ‘few’ reports of myocarditis in young people

Trial supports tocilizumab in moderate-to-severe COVID-19-associated pneumonia

Lidocaine throat spray reduces cough frequency in patients with refractory chronic cough

View Details

In this episode, I sit down with Sumita Khatri, MD, director of the Asthma Center at Cleveland Clinic, to discuss unconscious bias, advocating for immigrant physicians, overcoming imposter syndrome and balancing work and family life.

Brought to you by Amgen and AstraZeneca.

  • Intro :15
  • About Khatri :39
  • The interview 1:12
  • You have so many hats you wear … how do you do justice to this? 2:49
  • Is there a strategy to working with and instructing fellows? 4:25
  • You are a strong ally and a strong advocate for both immigrant physicians or foreign graduates … and you’re a role model to women in medicine. How did you manage to do that? 7:29
  • Do you have any advice for people who are aware of the unconscious bias between male and female physicians and who want to do more? 13:30
  • How did you manage raising triplets while balancing your career? 17:00
  • In your own words, describe your journey 21:02
  • Is there a solution to that level of anxiety when it comes to fellows finding a good job? 25:47
  • What did you do to be more disciplined about work and personal life? How did you make it more personalized? 28:23
  • Do you have any specific experiences from med school and residency that have always stayed with you? 30:00
  • How do you get over your impostor syndrome? How do you get over your fears? 33:57
  • How do you handle your successes and failures? 35:36
  • You’re a full professor and you started a leadership program for women … how did that start? 39:23
  • You are also involved with advocacy and you’re a part of the leadership at the American Lung Association. How did that happen? 42:25
  • As an advocate, as a leader, as a clinician, as a teacher, as a researcher, how do you do justice to family time? 44:09
  • You love traveling. What have been some of your favorite places to travel to? 49:01
  • Some of Khatri’s favorite books 50:29
  • Final words of advice for the listeners 53:28
  • Thank you so much for joining today 53:46

Sumita Khatri, MD, MS, is a professor of medicine at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine/Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and an adult pulmonary and ICU physician with a specialized focus in asthma patient care and clinical research. Khatri is also the director of the Asthma Center at Cleveland Clinic and cares for patients in the Medical ICU.

We’d love to hear from you! Send your comments/questions to Dr. Bhardwaj at podcast@healio.com. Follow us on Twitter @HealioPulm @abhi_bhardwaj99.

Disclosures: Bhardwaj and Khatri report no relevant financial disclosures.

View Details

This week, a monoclonal antibody cocktail cut COVID-19 hospitalization and death by 70% in an outpatient setting; removing race correction in lung function tests shows more severe disease in Black patients; gefapixant reduces chronic cough frequency in a large pooled analysis; daily probiotics reduced upper respiratory tract infection symptoms; and moderate alcohol intake lowers stress-related brain activity and may reduce CVD risk.

Read the full coverage here:

Monoclonal antibody cocktail cut COVID-19 hospitalization, death by 70% in outpatient setting

Removing race correction in lung function tests shows more severe disease in Black patients

Gefapixant reduces chronic cough frequency in large pooled analysis

Probiotics, reduction in upper respiratory tract infection symptoms

Moderate alcohol intake lowers stress-related brain activity, may reduce CVD risk

View Details

Neal Chaisson, MD, is the program director of the Critical Care Medicine fellowship at Cleveland Clinic. He is an innovator at heart and a renowned clinician with expertise in pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease. He is a phenomenal educator with a special interest in pulmonary hemodynamics and shock management. He is an outstanding proceduralist and fellows love him for his procedure teaching skills. Listen to his inspiring journey and learn how he is able to do justice to all the different roles he plays at work and in life.

  • Intro :15
  • About Chaisson :39
  • How did this all start? What made you choose this career and this path? 1:12
  • What encompasses a regular day? 6:23
  • Are you the type of person who waits until the end to get everything done at the same time or are you meticulous that you cannot sleep until all your tasks are arranged and in order? 8:12
  • What makes you happy as a program director and what are the challenges that come with this role? 10:09
  • How are you able to gather a team of motivated, driven residents transitioning into fellowship? Is there a secret sauce for that? 13:56
  • Is there anything that you are looking for in a fellowship candidate that stands out in the application process? 15:30
  • When you started or when you were about to finish your fellowship, did you know that this was the career path that was built for you? 17:26
  • When you became the program director, was the reality of the job the same as you imagined? 21:25
  • Your specific interest is in pulmonary arterial hypertension congenital heart disease … how did that start? 27:00
  • How do you manage and make a balance between work and your personal life? 33:04
  • Do you have any good or fun memories from med school, or residency days or fellowship days? 36:47
  • Is there any other way that you double up resilience in your trainees so that they can continue and have a long, fulfilling career? 40:50
  • Do you watch any TV shows or movies … what do you like to do as a family? 45:48
  • Do you like travelling? 47:27
  • What is the most important piece of advice that you would give to the listeners? 49:20
  • Thank you for coming to the show 52:59
  • Thanks for listening 53:17

Neal Chaisson, MD, is an assistant professor of medicine and the program director of the Critical Care Medicine Fellowship in the Respiratory Institute at Cleveland Clinic.

We’d love to hear from you! Send your comments/questions to Dr. Bhardwaj at podcast@healio.com. Follow us on Twitter @HealioPulm @abhi_bhardwaj99.

Disclosures: Bhardwaj and Chaisson report no relevant financial disclosures.

View Details

This week, a study identifies two distinct phenotypes of COVID-19-associated ARDS; COVID-19 ‘long haulers’ face ‘substantial burden of health loss’; disparities in COVID-19 are ‘striking’ according to the director of the CDC; and some weight loss and sports supplements contain potentially harmful stimulants.

Read the full coverage here:

Study identifies two distinct phenotypes of COVID-19-associated ARDS

COVID-19 ‘long haulers’ face ‘substantial burden of health loss’

CDC director: Disparities in COVID-19 are ‘striking’

Some weight loss, sports supplements contain potentially harmful stimulants

View Details

This week, the question of whether we’ll need COVID-19 booster shots; the ACIP recommends resuming use of the J&J COVID-19 vaccine; humans in the UK transmitted SARS-CoV-2 to their cats; an NBA study shows that persistent positive cases do not transmit COVID-19 after recovery; and neurological symptoms with COVID-19 serve as an ‘important predictor’ of poor outcomes.

Read the full coverage here:

Will we need COVID-19 booster shots?

CDC advisory group recommends resuming use of J&J COVID-19 vaccine

New study demonstrates human-to-cat SARS-CoV-2 transmission

NBA study shows persistent positive cases do not transmit COVID-19 after recovery

Neurological symptoms with COVID-19 serve as ‘important predictor’ of poor outcomes

References:

Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

Hosie MJ, et al. Vet Rec. 2021;doi:10.1002/vetr.24.

Mack CD, et al. JAMA Intern Med. 2021;doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2021.2114.

Paul N, et al. Acute hospital outcomes COVID-19 associated neurological dysfunction. Presented at: American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting; April 17-22, 2021 (virtual meeting).

View Details

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the journey of a role model educator. As the program director of one of the most prestigious pulmonary and critical care medicine fellowship programs in the country, Rendell Ashton, MD, has mentored, inspired and shaped the careers of hundreds of physicians. Listen to his inspiring story of grit, passion and perseverance; we hope that afterwards you can reflect on the positive in your life, find meaning in your work and take away the message that kindness and care matter above all. #belikeRen

  • Intro :15
  • About Ashton :37
  • The interview 1:13
  • How did this all start? What made you choose this career and this path? 1:51
  • Who all are in your family and what do you do for fun with them? 4:33
  • What makes you happy as a program director and what are some of the challenges that come with this role? 7:23
  • What advice do you have for prospective fellows when they go through the application process? 11:03
  • When you became a program director, were administrative tasks very heavy on you? Did it take away some of the joy of teaching? 15:08
  • Is there a specific way a fellow can stand out in their program that will make them likely to have a successful career path in that field? 17:49
  • How do you do justice to family and your work having so many responsibilities? 21:09
  • How do you prevent burnout in your own life and how do you help the fellows not get burned out at the beginning of their careers? 25:35
  • Have you heard of people having imposter syndrome? 32:11
  • Do you have any specific examples of setbacks that you were able to recover from? 35:56
  • You shared one story about your med school days that were so profound about you from day one … do you have some examples from your time in residency and fellowship? 42:38
  • Do you have any advice on how to handle failure? 49:58
  • Do you have any other recommendations for must-read papers for fellows? 53:50
  • What’s the most important advice you have for listeners? 55:27
  • Thank you, Dr. Ashton 57:48

Rendell Ashton, MD, is program director of the Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship at Cleveland Clinic.

We’d love to hear from you! Send your comments/questions to Dr. Bhardwaj at podcast@healio.com. Follow us on Twitter @HealioPulm @abhi_bhardwaj99.

Disclosures: Ashton and Bhardwaj report no relevant financial disclosures.

View Details

This week, the benefits of using telemedicine to address sleep disorders and provide cystic fibrosis care; rituximab may be an effective adjuvant treatment for systemic sclerosis and PAH; the FDA says facilities should move away from crisis capacity conservation measures; and researchers call for standardization to identify and categorize environmental exposures when assessing interstitial lung disease progression.

Read the full coverage here:

American Academy of Sleep Medicine updates guidance on telemedicine for sleep disorders

Rituximab safe, potentially effective adjuvant treatment for systemic sclerosis-PAH

Clinician survey highlights benefits of telehealth for cystic fibrosis care delivery

FDA says HCP can transition away from reusing disposable respirators

Insights on identification, remediation of environmental exposures in patients with ILD

References:

Copeland CR, et al. Chest. 2021;doi:10.1016/j.chest.2021.02.021.

FDA. FDA Recommends Transition from Use of Decontaminated Disposable Respirators - Letter to Health Care Personnel and Facilities. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/letters-health-care-providers/fda-recommends-transition-use-decontaminated-disposable-respirators-letter-health-care-personnel-and. Accessed April 9, 2021.

Perkins RC, et al. Ann Am Thorac Soc. 2021;doi:10.1513/AnnalsATS.202012-1484RL.

Shamim-Uzzaman QA, et al. J Clin Sleep Med. 2021;doi:10.5664/jcsm.9194.

Zamanian RT, et al. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2021;doi:10.1164/rccm.202009-3481OC.

View Details

In this episode, host Abhishek Bhardwaj, MD, FACP, discusses his path to medicine, the differences in the Indian and United States health care systems, being on the frontlines of a pandemic, and more.

  • Intro :00
  • About Bhardwaj :08
  • The interview :22
  • What’s something listeners should know about your early life? :31
  • What lessons did you learn during your time at Penn? What are some major takeaways from that experience? 2:53
  • If you didn’t go into the field of medicine, what career path would you have taken? 4:42
  • You mentioned initially going into internal medicine … what other avenues were you focusing on in addition to pulmonology and critical care? 5:53
  • How would you compare what you’ve seen of health care in India to the way health care is done in the United States? What are some of the major differences? 7:05
  • What’s one advantage the Indian health care system has over the U.S. model? 8:48
  • You have been on the frontlines of COVID-19 for almost a year now. What has that experience been like? Did you ever imagine you would be at the forefront of a global pandemic? 10:49
  • You’ve mentioned the role of essential workers as they’ve put their lives on hold. What has the mental toll been like as they have dealt with something that’s never been seen in recent history? 12:56
  • How do you avoid the burnout factor of the toll the pandemic has taken on you and other medical professionals? 14:45
  • As host of Vital Capacity, what are some of the most important things that you hope listeners from the pulmonology and critical care fields can take from this show? 16:15
  • How did your family play a role in the creation of this podcast? 19:07
  • What’s the biggest piece of advice you’ve received during your time in medical school that you carry with you to this day? 20:58
  • Is there anyone you’re looking forward to having on that is going to be a major player in the field of pulmonology and critical care that listeners will be excited to hear from? 22:23
  • Is there anything we haven’t discussed yet that is something that listeners would want to know? 23:56
  • Thank you Dr. Bhadrwaj 24:32

Abhishek Bhardwaj, MD, FACP, is a fellow in pulmonology and critical care medicine at the Cleveland Clinic. He is also the host of Vital Capacity.

We’d love to hear from you! Send your comments/questions to Dr. Bhardwaj at podcast@healio.com. Follow us on Twitter @HealioPulm @abhi_bhardwaj99.

Disclosures: Bhardwaj reports no relevant financial disclosures.

View Details

This week, gastroesophageal reflux disease may contribute to development of lung fibrosis; socioeconomic factors mediate the association of race/ethnicity with worse outcomes in COVID-19; long-term air pollution exposure may elevate risk for CV mortality in patients with COPD; and more.

Read Healio's full coverage here:

https://www.healio.com/news/pulmonology/20210324/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-may-contribute-to-development-of-lung-fibrosis

https://www.healio.com/news/pulmonology/20210322/socioeconomic-factors-mediate-association-of-raceethnicity-with-worse-outcomes-in-covid19

https://www.healio.com/news/pulmonology/20210323/longterm-air-pollution-exposure-may-elevate-risk-for-cv-mortality-in-patients-with-copd

https://www.healio.com/news/pulmonology/20210325/cpap-adherence-varies-by-neighborhood-racial-composition

https://www.healio.com/news/pulmonology/20210325/viral-codetection-linked-with-longer-duration-of-ventilation-in-critically-ill-infants

https://www.healio.com/news/pulmonology/20210323/pulmonary-rehabilitation-confers-longterm-benefits-in-patients-with-copd

View Details

This week, people with asthma not at higher risk for poor COVID-19 outcomes; adherence to asthma biologic therapy higher than inhaled corticosteroids; health care affordability, racial disparities persist in individuals with asthma, COPD; and more.

Read Healio's full coverage here:

https://www.healio.com/news/pulmonology/20210317/people-with-asthma-not-at-higher-risk-for-poor-covid19-outcomes-study-finds

https://www.healio.com/news/pulmonology/20210319/adherence-to-asthma-biologic-therapy-higher-than-inhaled-corticosteroids

https://www.healio.com/news/pulmonology/20210315/health-care-affordability-racial-disparities-persist-in-individuals-with-asthma-copd

https://www.healio.com/news/pulmonology/20210316/study-supports-early-discharge-ambulatory-rivaroxaban-in-lowrisk-pulmonary-embolism

https://www.healio.com/news/pulmonology/20210318/lowrisk-status-achieved-or-maintained-in-minority-of-patients-on-pah-combination-therapy

View Details

Coming soon, from Healio, Vital Capacity - a pulmonary and critical care podcast bringing you clinical pearls and insight from experts in the field, plus the top headlines. Be sure to subscribe for episode alerts, and follow us on twitter @HealioPulm.