Thriving at PSOM is a new podcast by and for our faculty, where we discuss topics that matter to us with school leadership, COAP members, and PSOM's amazing innovators. This is a chat amongst colleagues and friends, not an extension of policy. Go to our show notes for policy, Our host is Meryl Cohen, MD, Professor of Pediatrics, PSOM COAP Member, and Associate Dean of Faculty Development. Welcome!
To see all episodes, open the show in Spotify.
Jump To Season One Episodes on the PSOM Promotion Process
Presenting Season Two: Strategies for Longitudinal Success in Academic Medicine
Episode 2.1: You're Doing that Thing Again: Dealing with Difficult People
- Guest: Jody Foster, MD, MBA, Chair, Department of Psychiatry, Pennsylvania Hospital Assistant Dean For Professionalism, Perelman School Of Medicine Clinical Professor of Psychiatry
- Audience: All Faculty
What do you do with that colleague who just won't stop doing that one, disruptive thing? Our guest, Dr. Jody Foster, MD, MBA, is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Pennsylvania Hospital, leads the Professionalism Program at Penn Medicine as the Executive Clinical Director, and is the Assistant Dean for Professionalism at Perelman School of Medicine. She's here to talk about that schmuck in your office.
She has co-authored the book on the topic titled "The Schmuck in My Office: How to Deal Effectively with Difficult People at Work" alongside Dr. Michelle Joy, MD. Host Meryl Cohen asks her the secret to working with difficult people, which problematic traits are more common in medicine, and tips on how to connect with that schmuck that's doing that thing again.
Episode 2.2: Becoming part of the Conversation: Getting Your Science Beyond Journals and Labs
- Guests: David Fajgenbaum, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine in Translational Medicine & Human Genetics and Diana Montoya-Williams, MD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics (Neonatology and Newborn Services)
- Audience: All Faculty
How do you convey your findings to the public in a way that creates a lasting impact? Our guests Dr. David Fajgenbaum, and Dr. Diana Montoya-Williams.
Dr. Fajgenbaum is an Associate Professor of Medicine in Translational Medicine & Human Genetics at the University of Pennsylvania, Founding Director of the Center for Cytokine Storm Treatment & Laboratory (CSTL), Associate Director, Patient Impact of the Penn Orphan Disease Center, and Co-Founder/President of the Castleman Disease Collaborative Network (CDCN). He is also the national bestselling author of Chasing My Cure: A Doctor's Race to Turn Hope into Action.
Dr. Montoya-Williams has conducted several studies on social determinants of perinatal health, including evaluations of paid family leave policies and prenatal risk screening. In addition to her research interests, Dr. Montoya-Williams actively engages in immigrant child health advocacy at local and national levels.
Both guests have spoken to innumerable demographics of the public from presidents to parents and lobbyists to leaders. Host Meryl Cohen dives into what speaking to the public means for those in medicine and tackles topics like media training, the best ways to prepare for a big speaking event, and how to balance your wide knowledge and research with conveying a concise message for your audience. They also discuss what inspired them to turn their expertise outward and advocate for change.
Episode 2.3: The Latest Overnight Discovery Twenty Years in the Making: Thinking About Your Science
- Guest: Jonathon A Epstein, MD, Interim Executive Vice President of the University of Pennsylvania for the Health System and the William Wikoff Smith Professor
- Audience: All Faculty
How does scientific innovation really happen and how long does that process take? Our guest, Dr. Jonathan Epstein, is currently serving as Interim Executive Vice President of the University of Pennsylvania for the Health System, the William Wikoff Smith Professor, Executive Vice Dean and Chief Scientific Officer at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. He shares a bit of his own journey to the forefront of medical innovation, as well as the trends he's seen during his tenure at Penn.
Host Meryl Cohen discusses RNA discoveries, immune health, and how these groundbreaking new therapies emerge after decades of research, funding, and heart with Dr. Epstein. He also discusses the new Institute for RNA Innovation.
Episode 2.4: To Post or Not to Post: Leveraging Social Media in Medicine
- Guests: Dr. Daniel Hashimoto, MD, MSTR, Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania & Dr. Florencia Greer Polite, MD, Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Audience: All Faculty
Can using social media really enhance your impact and career trajectory in medicine? Our guests Dr. Daniel Hashimoto and Dr. Florencia Greer Polite share their own success in social media alongside best (and worst) practices. Dr. Daniel Hashimoto, MD, MSTR, is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, an affiliated faculty, General Robotics Automation Sensing and Perception (GRASP) Laboratory at UPenn's School of Engineering and Applied Science, and a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine. Dr. Florencia Greer Polite, MD, is Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, serves as Chief of the Division of General Obstetrics and Gynecology for the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, and is Vice Chair of Clinical Operations for the Department of OBGYN.
Alongside host Meryl Cohen, they discuss how social media helped them get their information out, leading to awards for efforts in COVID vaccinations and international speaking opportunities. They explain which platforms work best for their purposes, as well as how they learned to use social media effectively. Ultimately, the discussion strategizes how social media can bring professional fulfillment and improve your reach to new audiences.
Episode 2.5: Be Well and Do Well: Balancing Wellness and Work as a Leader
- Guests: Dr. Benoit Dubé, the University of Pennsylvania’s Chief Wellness Officer, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Perelman School of Medicine & Dr. Miriam Stewart, Assistant Vice President and Chief Well-being Officer at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine
- Audience: All Faculty
Is burnout inevitable, or is there a way to achieve balance between work, home, and personal obligations? Our guests share their insights and philosophies on wellness, as well as offering some best practices to those who lead and teach others. We are joined by Dr. Benoit Dubé, the University of Pennsylvania’s inaugural Chief Wellness Officer as well as Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Perelman School of Medicine. We are also joined by Dr. Miriam Stewart, Assistant Vice President and Chief Well-being Officer at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine, and an Attending Physician at Justin Michael Ingerman Center for Palliative Care.
Alongside host Meryl Cohen, the discussion touches on how common burnout really is, what true work-life balance looks like, and how you can make sure you and those around you are doing alright. The differences between individuals across generations and various stages of their career are discussed, and strategies for managing wellness expectations take top priority. Join us for this lively discussion and learn the strategies that these experts use to ensure that work remains a source of energy and fulfillment.
Episode 2.6: Starting off Strong: Strategies for your First Years on Faculty
- Guests: Dr. Lisa Bellini, MD, the Senior Vice Dean for Academic Affairs at Perelman School of Medicine, Vice Chair of Education and Inpatient Services for the Department of Medicine, Professor of Medicine
- Audience: New Faculty
What does it take to find your niche in academic medicine? This episode shares what faculty can do to start off strong in their new role. Our guest is Dr. Lisa Bellini, MD, the Senior Vice Dean for Academic Affairs at Perelman School of Medicine, Vice Chair of Education and Inpatient Services for the Department of Medicine, Professor of Medicine, and winner of numerous teaching awards. Most recently, she was awarded the Association of American Medical Colleges’ Alpha Omega Alpha Robert J. Glaser Distinguished Teacher Award.
Alongside host Meryl Cohen, the discussion explains why being too diffuse is such a common pitfall for new faculty and why saying no early in your career makes each "yes" that much more impactful. They share strategies for time management, including why a busy individual may not read your overly detailed email and why having a single calendar helps them stay on schedule with family, mentors, and learners alike. Join us for this conversation that all new faculty members- as well as those starting any new leadership role- can enjoy!
Episode 2.7: The 3AM Call from Sweden: Dr. Katalin Karikó and Dr. Drew Weissman Share their Nobel Prize-Winning Trajectory
- Guests: Dr. Drew Weissman, Roberts Family Professor of Vaccine Research in the Perelman School of Medicine, the Director of Vaccine Research in the Division of Infectious Diseases, and the Director of the Institute for RNA Innovation at the University of Pennsylvania & Dr. Karikó, adjunct professor of Neurosurgery in Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine
- Audience: All Faculty
How will know when your work is leading to a discovery that can help improve and save the lives of millions, and what does it take to persevere through the obstacles in achieving that work? This special epsiode looks at what happens when chocolate and peanut butter meet and greatness occurs. Our guests are the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine recipients Dr. Katalin Karikó, PhD, and Dr. Drew Weissman, MD, PhD. Their discoveries lead to develop of an mRNA vaccine for COVID-19 and opens the door to new ways to manage disease through new approaches to vaccine development, immunology, and more. Dr. Karikó is an adjunct professor of Neurosurgery in Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine, and has recently published her memoir "Breaking Through: My Life in Science". Dr. Drew Weissman is the Roberts Family Professor of Vaccine Research in the Perelman School of Medicine, the Director of Vaccine Research in the Division of Infectious Diseases, and the Director of the Institute for RNA Innovation at the University of Pennsylvania.
Alongside host Meryl Cohen, the Nobel Prize winners share how they got started in science and recount the trajectory that led them to today. They share how passion and curiosity are the ultimate driving force agains thte failure and rejection that research brings, look ahead to how the science they've research can be used to innovate medicine in the future, and share the surreal experience of getting the call that they've won the Nobel prize. This is a can't miss episode for anyone interested in science, academic medicine, or even those curious to know the people behind one of the most notable scientific innovations of our time.
Coming soon...
- Multiple Generations in Academic Medicine: Strategies for Working, Learning, and Communicating Together
- Write it Up: Strategies to Increase Your Productivity and Efficacy
- Increase Your Reach and Reputation: Strategies for Utilizing Social Media in Academic Medicine
- Leadership: Strategies for Building Large-Scale Programs and Initiatives
- Feedback: Strategies for Providing Meaningful Feedback to Learners
- Mid-Career Reboots: Strategies for Reinvigorating Your Career
- Sabbaticals: Strategies for Making them Happen (Logistically)
Season One: PSOM COAP Behind the Scenes
Episode 1 - Documenting Your Career Path, What Should and Shouldn't Go on Your CV
- Guest: David Mankoff, MD, PhD, COAP Member, Matthew J. Wilson Professor of Research Radiology, Vice Chair of Research in Radiology, Associate Director of Education and Research, Abramson Cancer Center
- Audience: CE, RES, TEN
- Show Notes: https://www.med.upenn.edu/oaa/faculty-affairs/curriculum-vitae/
Episode 2 - Career Trajectory & Impact on the AC Track, Part 1
- Guest: Jim Callahan, MD, Chair of the COAP Subcommittee for ACs and Clinical Track Faculty, Professor of Pediatric Medicine, Education Officer for Pediatrics
- Audience: AC
- Show Notes: https://www.med.upenn.edu/oaa/faculty-career-development/academic-clinician.html
Episode 3 - Career Trajectory & Impact on the AC Track, Part 2
- Guest: Jim Callahan, MD, Chair of the COAP Subcommittee for ACs and Clinical Track Faculty, Professor of Pediatric Medicine, Education Officer for Pediatrics
- Audience: AC
- Show Notes: https://www.med.upenn.edu/oaa/faculty-career-development/academic-clinician.html
Episode 4 - Educational Impact: How to Build your Education Portfolio
- Guests: Guest: Jim Callahan, MD, Chair of the COAP Subcommittee for ACs and Clinical Track Faculty, Professor of Pediatric Medicine, Education Officer for Pediatrics, Jessica Dine, MD, Associate Dean of Assessment, Associate Professor of Medicine
- Audience: AC, CE TEN
- Show Notes
- Expectations & Evaluations: https://www.med.upenn.edu/oaa/faculty-career-development/education-expectations/
- Improving Effectiveness as an Educator: https://www.med.upenn.edu/oaa/faculty-career-development/effectiveness/
Episode 5 - Extensions to the Probationary Period
This episode was recorded in front of a live audience in a JMEC classroom, so our audio will sound a little different.
- Guests: David Margolis, MD, PhD, Former Chair of the PSOM COAP, Professor of Dermatology, Professor of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Vice Chair of Faculty Affairs for Dermatology, and Jane Waltman, Director of Academic Review and All-Around Wonder Person
- Audience: CE, RES, TEN
- Show Notes: https://www.med.upenn.edu/oaa/faculty-affairs/extensions.html
Episode 6 - Trajectory & Impact on the Tenure Track
- Guest: Roderic Eckenhoff, MD, Co-Chair of the PSOM COAP, Austin Lamont Professor of Anesthesia
- Audience: TEN
- Show Notes: https://www.med.upenn.edu/oaa/faculty-career-development/tenure/
Episode 7 - Who is Asked and Why: Understanding the Role of Extramural Consultants
- Guests: Arberetta Bowles, Executive Director of the Office of Academic Affairs and David Margolis, MD, PhD, Former Chair of the PSOM COAP, Professor of Dermatology, Professor of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Vice Chair of Faculty Affairs for Dermatology
- Audience: CE, RES, TEN
- Show Notes: https://www.med.upenn.edu/oaa/faculty-affairs/extramural-consultants.html
Episode 8 - Tell Your Story: the Personal Statement
- Guest: David Margolis, MD, PhD, Former Chair of the PSOM COAP, Professor of Dermatology, Professor of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Vice Chair of Faculty Affairs for Dermatology and Sigrid Veasy, MD, COAP Member, Professor of Medicine
- Audience: CE RES, TEN
- Show Notes: https://www.med.upenn.edu/oaa/faculty-affairs/the-personal-statement/
Episode 9 - Mentorship & Sponsorship, Developing a Team to Get You Promoted
- Guest: Steven Kowat, MD, Professor of Medicine, Director, Pulmonary Vascular Disease Research Program, Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Director, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine Executive Committee, and the most recent recipient of the Arthur K. Asbury Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award
- Audience: AC, CE, RES, TEN
- Show Notes: https://www.med.upenn.edu/oaa/faculty-career-development/faculty-mentors.html
Episode 10 - Trajectory & Impact on the CE Track
- Guest: Erica Thaler, MD, Co-Chair of the PSOM COAP, Professor of Otorhinolaryngology, Vice Dean of Faculty Affairs
- Audience: CE
- Show Notes: https://www.med.upenn.edu/oaa/faculty-career-development/clinician-educator/
To see all episodes, open the show in Spotify.