Alert and Oriented

by Alert and Oriented

#59 - Doctor's Playbook - Lee Jones, MD: Following a Compass of Curiosity

Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Lee Jones, who is a clinician, medical educator, mentor, and leader. Dr. Jones completed his bachelor of arts in psychology at Dartmouth, his doctorate of medicine at Columbia, and his residency in psychiatry at UCLA. Dr. Jones then served as chief resident at UCLA, before completing a fellowship in clinical and research consultation-liaison at Memorial Sloan-Kettering, and another research fellowship at UCSD. At Rush Medical College, Dr. Jones is the Vice Dean for Education and Student Experience. Dr. Jones has worked across the full spectrum of health care. His roles have ranged from clinician and educator to chief of multiple services, medical school dean, and national leadership positions with the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Throughout his career, he has led efforts in regulatory compliance, accreditation, and conflict resolution within large, multi-specialty medical organizations. Nationally, he has served on the LCME, and in numerous roles at the AAMC. His clinical practice has focused on emergency medicine and consultation-liaison psychiatry. Come along as the conversation ebbs and flows from the technical to the philosophical. Host: Samantha Shih Guest: Lee Jones Produced By: Samantha Shih Alert & Oriented is a medical student-run clinical reasoning podcast dedicated to providing a unique platform for early learners to practice their skills as a team in real time. In each episode of ‘The Doctor’s Playbook’ series, one medical student host interviews an expert attending clinician or leader in the medical field. Guests are recruited from diverse specialties and backgrounds. Through structured, yet conversational interviews, the host engages the guest to reflect on their clinical journey – giving listeners insight into the guest’s career trajectory. Follow the team on X: A&O A fantastic resource, by learners, for learners in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Surgery, Primary Care, Emergency Medicine, and Hospital Medicine.

E59

Feb 26, 2026

56:46

#58 – Early Clinical Learners Series: Cracking the Joint Pain Differential

Welcome to the fourth episode of our Early Clinical Learners Series, a series dedicated to fostering clinical reasoning skills and strategies in early clinical trainees. This episode focuses on the musculoskeletal (MSK) block and uses a clinical case to guide listeners through approaching joint pain, identifying key red flags, and narrowing a differential diagnosis. Hosts: Caroline Wang, Samantha Shih, Dr. Richard Abrams Guests: Christopher Song, Grant Primer Produced By: Caroline Wang, Samantha Shih Alert & Oriented is a medical student-run clinical reasoning podcast dedicated to providing a unique platform for early learners to practice their skills as a team in real time. Through our podcast, we strive to foster a learning environment where medical students can engage with one another, share knowledge, and gain valuable experience in clinical reasoning. We aim to provide a comprehensive and supportive platform for early learners to develop their clinical reasoning skills, build confidence in their craft, and become the best clinicians they can be. Follow the team on Twitter: A&O A fantastic resource, by learners, for learners in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Primary Care, Emergency Medicine, and Hospital Medicine.

E58

Dec 8, 2025

33:55

#57 – Leading by Influence: Dr. Bruce Henschen, MD, MPH on Coaching, Culture, and Care in Medicine

In this episode of The Doctor’s Playbook, we sit down with Dr. Bruce Henschen, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Medicine and Program Director of the Internal Medicine Residency at Northwestern University McGaw Medical Center. Dr. Henschen shares how leading by influence has shaped his approach to medical education, clinical reasoning, and patient care. We explore what it means to build a positive learning environment, the role of vulnerability in training, and how any physician can cultivate cultures of trust, curiosity, and growth. From his early days as a learner to his current leadership role, Dr. Henschen reflects on mentorship, teaching, and the values that guide him. Lead Host: Andrew Mohama Supporting Host: Kevin Grudzinski, MD Guest: Benjamin Singer, MD Produced By: Andrew Mohama Show Notes: Continuity With Patients, Preceptors, and Peers Improves Primary Care Training: A Randomized Medical Education Trial Dr. Henschen's favorite app for organization and tasks: https://www.todoist.com/ Alert & Oriented is a medical student-run clinical reasoning podcast dedicated to providing a unique platform for early learners to practice their skills as a team in real time. Through our podcast, we strive to foster a learning environment where medical students can engage with one another, share knowledge, and gain valuable experience in clinical reasoning. We aim to provide a comprehensive and supportive platform for early learners to develop their clinical reasoning skills, build confidence in their craft, and become the best clinicians they can be. Follow the team on X: A&O Andrew Mohama Rich Abrams NU Internal Med Connect on LinkedIn Andrew Mohama A fantastic resource, by learners, for learners in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Primary Care, Emergency Medicine, and Hospital Medicine.

E57

Sep 26, 2025

46:58

#56 - Inside the Hospital Ethics Pager with Rev. Clayton Thomason: A Special Episode on Ethics, Spirituality & Medicine

This special episode of The Doctor’s Playbook steps outside the usual clinical lens to explore the ethical, spiritual, and human dimensions of medicine. My guest is The Reverend Clayton L. Thomason, J.D., M.Div., who holds the Bishop Anderson Endowed Chair of Religion and Ethics in Medicine at Rush University Medical Center, where he serves as Chair of the Department of Religion, Health & Human Values and Director of the Healthcare Ethics Program. Rev. Thomason’s career bridges law, theology, and medicine. He has chaired state commissions on end-of-life care, served on national ethics boards, and spent decades guiding clinicians, patients, and families through some of healthcare’s most profound dilemmas. His work focuses on community-based research addressing health disparities, the role of virtue in professional development, and public policy in palliative and end-of-life care. In our conversation, we talk about what it means to be human in medicine, how ethics and spirituality influence the care we provide, and the stories that have shaped his career. This episode is not just about medicine — it’s about meaning, values, and the questions that stay with us long after a case is closed. Lead Host: Andrew Mohama Guest: Reverend Clayton L. Thomason, J.D., M.Div. Produced By: Andrew Mohama Alert & Oriented is a medical student-run clinical reasoning podcast dedicated to providing a unique platform for early learners to practice their skills as a team in real time. Through our podcast, we strive to foster a learning environment where medical students can engage with one another, share knowledge, and gain valuable experience in clinical reasoning. We aim to provide a comprehensive and supportive platform for early learners to develop their clinical reasoning skills, build confidence in their craft, and become the best clinicians they can be. Follow the team on X: A&O Andrew Mohama Rich Abrams Connect on LinkedIn Andrew Mohama A fantastic resource, by learners, for learners in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Primary Care, Emergency Medicine, and Hospital Medicine.

E56

Sep 11, 2025

40:32

#54 – Early Clinical Learners Series: Esophageal Disorders and GI Pearls

Welcome to our third episode of the Early Clinical Learners Series - a series dedicated towards fostering clinical reasoning skills and strategies in early clinical learners. This episode is sponsored by LearningCortex - visit www.learningcortex.com to start learning smarter today! Hosts: Caroline Wang, Andrew Mohama, Mohan Bhadriraju Guests: Nicole Glick, John Kim Produced By: Caroline Wang, Andrew Mohama Alert & Oriented is a medical student-run clinical reasoning podcast dedicated to providing a unique platform for early learners to practice their skills as a team in real time. Through our podcast, we strive to foster a learning environment where medical students can engage with one another, share knowledge, and gain valuable experience in clinical reasoning. We aim to provide a comprehensive and supportive platform for early learners to develop their clinical reasoning skills, build confidence in their craft, and become the best clinicians they can be. Follow the team on Twitter: A&O A fantastic resource, by learners, for learners in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Primary Care, Emergency Medicine, and Hospital Medicine.

E54

Aug 29, 2025

50:30

#53 - Doctor's Playbook - Christine Tsai, MD: When Past Wounds Become Future Gifts

Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Christine Tsai, a doctor, educator, and mentor whose career exemplifies excellence in medicine. Dr. Tsai is an associate professor of medicine and attending physician of hospital medicine at RUSH medical center. She completed her B.A. in biochemical sciences at Harvard, her M.D. at Columbia, and her residency in internal medicine at Oregon Health and Science University. Over her 12 years as a practicing physician, Dr. Tsai has demonstrated a devotion to medical education and clinical practice. She has served as the Director of Clinical Skills, Practitioner Role Leader, and the Internal Medicine Sub-Internship Co-Director, shaping both the preclinical and clinical curriculum at Rush Medical College. Dr. Tsai also embodies a passion for mentorship of numerous medical students, residents, and junior faculty members. Come along as the conversation merges from the technical to the philosophical. Host: Samantha Shih Guest: Christine (Steen) Tsai Produced By: Samantha Shih Alert & Oriented is a medical student-run clinical reasoning podcast dedicated to providing a unique platform for early learners to practice their skills as a team in real time. Through our podcast, we strive to foster a learning environment where medical students can engage with one another, share knowledge, and gain valuable experience in clinical reasoning. We aim to provide a comprehensive and supportive platform for early learners to develop their clinical reasoning skills, build confidence in their craft, and become the best clinicians they can be. Follow the team on X: A&O A fantastic resource, by learners, for learners in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Primary Care, Emergency Medicine, and Hospital Medicine.

E53

Apr 8, 2025

1:29:31

#52 – Early Clinical Learners Series: Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis and Pulmonary Care Pearls

Welcome to our second episode of the Early Clinical Learners Series - a series dedicated towards fostering clinical reasoning skills and strategies in early clinical learners! In this episode, hosts Caroline Wang, Dr. Kevin Grudzinski, and Samantha Shih guide M1 students Kenny Pham and Naomi Bennett through a classic Alert and Oriented case discussing a farmer's cough. Next, our hosts share clinical pearls and strategies regarding pulmonary diagnostic workups and pulmonary function tests. Hosts: Caroline Wang, Dr. Kevin Grudzinski, Samantha Shih Guests: Kenny Pham, Naomi Bennett Produced By: Caroline Wang Alert & Oriented is a medical student-run clinical reasoning podcast dedicated to providing a unique platform for early learners to practice their skills as a team in real time. Through our podcast, we strive to foster a learning environment where medical students can engage with one another, share knowledge, and gain valuable experience in clinical reasoning. We aim to provide a comprehensive and supportive platform for early learners to develop their clinical reasoning skills, build confidence in their craft, and become the best clinicians they can be. Follow the team on Twitter: A&O A fantastic resource, by learners, for learners in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Primary Care, Emergency Medicine, and Hospital Medicine.

E52

Apr 3, 2025

46:51

#51 - Doctor's Playbook - Navigating Medicine with Tim Rowe, MD: Teaching, Mentorship, and Critical Care Insights

Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Tim Rowe, a leader in pulmonary and critical care medicine. In this episode, Dr. Rowe shares his journey through medicine, his passion for teaching and mentorship, and his expertise in critical care and point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). Whether you're a medical student, resident, or seasoned physician, you'll gain valuable perspectives on navigating the challenges of medicine and fostering growth in the next generation of healthcare professionals. Hosts: Caroline Wang, Kevin Grudzinski Guest: Tim Rowe Produced By: Caroline Wang Alert & Oriented is a medical student-run clinical reasoning podcast dedicated to providing a unique platform for early learners to practice their skills as a team in real time. Through our podcast, we strive to foster a learning environment where medical students can engage with one another, share knowledge, and gain valuable experience in clinical reasoning. We aim to provide a comprehensive and supportive platform for early learners to develop their clinical reasoning skills, build confidence in their craft, and become the best clinicians they can be. Follow the team on X: A&O A fantastic resource, by learners, for learners in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Primary Care, Emergency Medicine, and Hospital Medicine.

E51

Mar 12, 2025

51:21

#50 - Doctor's Playbook - Benjamin Singer, MD: Medical Jeopardy Champion Turned Master Physician-Scientist

In this episode of The Doctor’s Playbook, we sit down with Dr. Ben Singer—pulmonary critical care physician, scientist, and two-time Medical Jeopardy national champion. A leader in ICU and pulmonary medicine, he was a trusted voice during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to be the go-to expert for tackling the toughest clinical cases. We explore the art of clinical reasoning in an era of rapid recall, strategies to sharpen diagnostic skills, and how to balance efficiency with deep thinking. Dr. Singer also shares his insights on vulnerability and humility in medicine—why true confidence comes from knowing your limits, challenging assumptions, and embracing uncertainty. Plus, we dive into his experience leading Northwestern’s Socrates Project, solving medical mysteries, and the strategy behind his Jeopardy wins. Whether you’re a medical student, resident, or seasoned physician, this episode is packed with wisdom to refine your clinical approach and enhance patient care. Lead Host: Andrew Mohama Supporting Host: Kevin Grudzinski, MD Guest: Benjamin Singer, MD Produced By: Andrew Mohama Alert & Oriented is a medical student-run clinical reasoning podcast dedicated to providing a unique platform for early learners to practice their skills as a team in real time. Through our podcast, we strive to foster a learning environment where medical students can engage with one another, share knowledge, and gain valuable experience in clinical reasoning. We aim to provide a comprehensive and supportive platform for early learners to develop their clinical reasoning skills, build confidence in their craft, and become the best clinicians they can be. Follow the team on X: A&O Andrew Mohama Rich Abrams NU Internal Med Connect on LinkedIn Andrew Mohama A fantastic resource, by learners, for learners in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Primary Care, Emergency Medicine, and Hospital Medicine.

E50

Mar 10, 2025

44:04

#49 - Doctor’s Playbook - 12 Years, 3 IM Residencies, 3 Countries: Naim Battikh, MD's Journey of Clinical Mastery

Dr. Naim Batik’s journey through medicine is nothing short of extraordinary—12 years of Internal Medicine training across three countries, multiple visa rejections, and an unrelenting drive to become the best physician he can be. From 8 years of combined residency in Syria and Qatar to finally landing at Cook County Hospital in Chicago for his third IM residency, Naim’s path is a masterclass in perseverance, adaptability, and clinical excellence. In this episode, we dive into his unique training experiences, his approach to clinical reasoning, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Whether you're a medical student, resident, or seasoned physician, you’ll walk away inspired—and maybe a little in awe of his relentless dedication. Host: Andrew Mohama Guest: Naim Battikh Produced By: Andrew Mohama Alert & Oriented is a medical student-run clinical reasoning podcast dedicated to providing a unique platform for early learners to practice their skills as a team in real time. Through our podcast, we strive to foster a learning environment where medical students can engage with one another, share knowledge, and gain valuable experience in clinical reasoning. We aim to provide a comprehensive and supportive platform for early learners to develop their clinical reasoning skills, build confidence in their craft, and become the best clinicians they can be. Follow the team on X: A&O Andrew Mohama Rich Abrams NU Internal Med A fantastic resource, by learners, for learners in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Primary Care, Emergency Medicine, and Hospital Medicine.

E49

Feb 22, 2025

47:54

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