Alert and Oriented

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...

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 re...

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 spen...

In this episode of The Doctor’s Playbook, we sit down with Dr. Sonali Khurana—academic hospitalist, educator, and core faculty at Rush University Medical Center. With a career spanning oncology hospitalist care, medical education leadership, and quality improvement, she brings a wealth of insight into both the bedside and the classroom.

We explore her clinical reasoning frameworks, the lessons oncology has taught her about seeing patients as whole people, and why debriefing difficult cases is essential for both patient care and physician well-being. Dr. Khurana also shares her journey as a teacher and reflects on how pare...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 k...

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...

Welcome to our first 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, Andrew Mohama, and Samantha Shih guide M1 student Adrian Jenson through a classic Alert and Oriented case. Joined by expert clinician Dr. Richard Abrams, they break down key clinical reasoning strategies, essential tips for early learners, and how to approach heart failure with reduced ejection fraction like a pro. Whether you're just starting clinical learning or refining your diagnostic skills, this episode is packed with valuable insights...

What does it take to master clinical reasoning in an ever-evolving medical landscape? Dr. Daniel Boctor, MD dives into the complexities of decision-making in medicine, why asking “why” is a skill every doctor should cultivate, and how AI can complement—but never replace—the human touch in healthcare. In this intellectually stimulating conversation, host Andrew Mohama seeks out Daniel's insights on clinical reasoning through frameworks and personal stories from his journey in medicine as an internal medicine resident physician at UCSF. Along the way, Daniel offers practical advice for learners and clinicians alike, making this episode a must-listen for anyone p...

In this inspiring episode of The Doctor's Playbook, host Andrew Mohama sits down with Dr. Richard Abrams, a distinguished internist, educator, and Associate Dean of Learning Environments at Rush University Medical Center. Dr. Abrams reflects on nearly 40 years in medicine, sharing insights on finding joy in patient care, mentorship, and personal growth.

We explore the evolution of medicine, from diversifying medical teams to the shift toward team-based care, and discuss how connection—both with patients and colleagues—enriches clinical practice. Dr. Abrams recounts pivotal moments in his career, including memorable patient encounters, lessons learned from mistakes, and the...

In this episode, hosts Kevin Grudzinski & Caroline Wang present a clinical case of volume overload to medical students Andrew Mohama (Rush M3) & Samantha Shih (Rush M3). Listen along as this one takes many unexpected turns!

Hosts: Kevin Grudzinski & Caroline Wang

Discussants: Andrew Mohama & Samantha Shih

Produced By: Kevin Grudzinski & 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...

In this special first episode of The Doctor’s Playbook, we turn the spotlight on our very own host, Kevin Grudzinski, the mind behind Alert and Oriented. Join us as we delve into Kevin's journey through the world of medicine—how he got started, the challenges he's faced, and the moments that shaped his path as a clinician. Kevin shares invaluable insights into the art and science of clinical reasoning, discussing strategies that help healthcare professionals navigate complex cases with clarity and confidence.

We also explore Kevin's passion for mentoring early learners in medicine, and how he help...

We’re back where Alert & Oriented began to kick off Season 4! In this episode, hosts Kevin Grudzinski and Koushik Kondapi present a clinical case of jaundice to medical students Caroline Wang (Rush M1) and Andrew Mohama (Rush M3), diving deep into the differential diagnosis and clinical reasoning process.

Hosts: Koushik Kondapi & Kevin Grudzinski

Discussants: Caroline Wang & Andrew Mohama

A&O Team Member: Rich Abrams

Produced By: Kevin Grudzinski, Koushik Kondapi & Rich Abrams

Alert & Oriented is a medical student-run clinical reasoning podcast dedicated to providing a unique platform for early le...

Nathan Kudlapur and Koushik Kondapi lead medical students Ateh Fonteh & Sam Reyes through a case of acute abdominal pain.

Hosts: Koushik Kondapi & Nathan Kudlapur

Discussants: Ateh Fonteh & Sam Reyes

A&O Team Member: Kevin Grudzinski

Produced By: Kevin Grudzinski, Nathan Kudlapur & Koushik Kondapi

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...

Nathan Kudlapur and Koushik Kondapi lead medical students Nami Kadambi & Michael Saporito through a case of markedly elevated liver tests.

Hosts: Koushik Kondapi & Nathan Kudlapur

Discussants: Nami Kadambi & Michael Saporito

A&O Team Member: Kevin Grudzinski

Produced By: Kevin Grudzinski, Nathan Kudlapur & Koushik Kondapi

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...

Nathan Kudlapur and Koushik Kondapi lead medical students Janet Song & Julia Carter through a case of a post-solid organ transplant patient with a rash.

Hosts: Koushik Kondapi & Nathan Kudlapur

Discussants: Janet Song & Julia Carter

A&O Team Member: Kevin Grudzinski

Produced By: Kevin Grudzinski, Nathan Kudlapur & Koushik Kondapi

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...

Nathan Kudlapur and Koushik Kondapi lead medical students Fikayo Olamigoke & Saihej Basra through a case of a refugee with fever and headache.

Check out Nathan's YouTube Channel for concise and high-yield MedEd videos!

Host: Koushik Kondapi & Nathan Kudlapur

Discussants: Fikayo Olamigoke & Saihej Basra

A&O Team Member: Kevin Grudzinski

Produced By: Kevin Grudzinski, Nathan Kudlapur & Koushik Kondapi

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...

Kevin Grudzinski is joined by special guest Dr. Bruce Henschen, Northwestern's IM clerkship director and everyone's favorite medical educator! Kevin and Bruce present a case of progressive altered mental status to A&O Hosts, Koushik Kondapi and Nathan Kudlapur. Listen along to hear how they handle being back in the hot seat.

Host: Kevin Grudzinski

Special Guest: Bruce Henschen

Discussants: Koushik Kondapi & Nathan Kudlapur

Produced By: Kevin Grudzinski

Alert & Oriented is a medical student-run clinical reasoning podcast dedicated to providing a unique platform for early learners to practice their...

Koushik Kondapi & Nathan Kudlapur lead Northwestern M4's Brandon Rafidi & Allie Valenzuela with a case of a young woman who presents with lower extremity swelling and a tremor.

Hosts: Koushik Kondapi & Nathan Kudlapur

Discussants: Brandon Rafidi & Allie Valenzuela

A&O Team Member: Kevin Grudzinski

Produced By: Kevin Grudzinski, Nathan Kudlapur & Koushik Kondapi

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...

Cherie Lo leads Northwestern M4's Lauren Yoo & Twisha Sabloak through a case of a patient who presented from clinic with lower extremity edema.

Hosts: Cherie Lo

Discussants: Lauren Yoo & Twisha Sabloak

A&O Team Member: Kevin Grudzinski

Produced By: Kevin Grudzinski & Cherie Lo

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...

Nathan Kudlapur leads Northwestern M4's Tina Shehata & Trish Kaundinya with a case of a post-transplant patient presenting with fatigue.

Hosts: Nathan Kudlapur & Koushik Kondapi

Discussants: Tina Shehata & Trish Kaundinya

A&O Team Member: Kevin Grudzinski

Produced By: Kevin Grudzinski, Nathan Kudlapur & Koushik Kondapi

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...

We welcome our new hosts for season 3, Nathan Kudlapur and Koushik Kondapi! Northwestern M4s Lena Volpe & Devyn Coskey team up to discuss a case of a young refugee woman presenting with a fever.

Host: Nathan Kudlapur & Koushik Kondapi

Discussants: Lena Volpe & Devyn Coskey

A&O Team Member: Kevin Grudzinski

Produced by: Kevin Grudzinski, Nathan Kudlapur & Koushik Kondapi

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...

Kevin Grudzinski presents a case to his good friend and co-resident, Ali Hammoud, a PGY-2 at Northwestern and aspiring pulmonary & critical care doc. Without headache, Ali reasons through a case of a patient having recurrent seizures. Listen for Dr. Hammoud's favorite antibiotic!

Host: Kevin GrudzinskiDiscussants: Ali Hammoud

Produced by: Kevin Grudzinski

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...

Kevin Grudzinski presents a case to his good friend and co-resident, Ali Hammoud, a PGY-2 at Northwestern and aspiring cardiologist. Without headache, Ali reasons through a case of a patient having recurrent seizures. Listen for Dr. Hammoud's favorite antibiotic!

Host: Kevin GrudzinskiDiscussants: Ali Hammoud

Produced by: Kevin Grudzinski

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...

Good pals and rising M4s at Northwestern, Nathan Kudlapur and Alek Gorzewski, take the hot seat to discuss a case of upper GI bleed! We are joined by a returning special guest, Dr. Aashish Didwania.

Host: Daniel Matthew

Discussants: Nathan Kudlapur, Alek Gorzewski

Guest: Dr. Aashish Didwania

A&O Team Member: Kevin Grudzinski & Lauren Smith

Produced by: Kevin Grudzinski, Daniel Matthew & Lauren Smith

Alert & Oriented is a medical student-run clinical reasoning podcast dedicated to providing a unique platform for early learners to practice their skills as...

The team presents a case to Rush M3's Sarah Basharkhah & Samantha Steinhall. Listen as they discuss a case of a young adult presenting with fever & neck pain.

Host: Nick Rigler

Discussants: Sarah Basharkhah & Samantha Steinhall

A&O Team Member: Kevin Grudzinski & Rich Abrams

Produced by: Kevin Grudzinski, Nick Rigler & Rich Abrams

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...

We are back for our first episode in 2023! Koushik Kondapi and Tony Kang discuss a case of a patient who presented and was diagnosed after their workup in clinic.

Hosts: Lauren Smith & Daniel Mathew

Discussants: Koushik Kondapi & Tony Kang

A&O Team Member: Kevin Grudzinski

Produced by: Kevin Grudzinski, Lauren Smith & Daniel Mathew

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...

For the first time, we recorded an episode as a full team! The A&O Team at Rush hosted our Northwestern team in a fun crossover episode. Megan and Nick present a recent case from when Dr. Abrams was on service. Lauren and Daniel team up in the hot seat for the first time as discussants. Listen along as they smoothly navigate this challenging case.

Stay tuned for part two - where the roles will flip with our Rush team visiting Northwestern!

Hosts: Megan Kotzin & Nick Rigler

Discussants: Lauren Smith & Daniel Mathew

Lauren & Dan lead Northwestern M4's, Joy & Zalman, through a case of a young woman presenting with abdominal pain after returning from a trip to Mexico. Test your clinical reasoning as you listen along!

Hosts: Lauren Smith & Daniel Mathew

Discussants: Joy Huang & Zalman Faltushanskiy

A&O Team Member: Kevin Grudzinski

Produced by: Lauren Smith, Daniel Mathew & Kevin Grudzinski

Follow the team on Twitter:

A&O

Rich Abrams

Lauren Smith

NU Internal Med

A fantastic resource, by learners, for learners...

Megan hosts Dr. Casey Gashti for a high-yield episode covering everything you wish you knew about the different types of dialysis, how they work, and the different means of access. Dr. Gashti is a nephrologist at Rush and renowned medical educator, loved by all medical students, residents and fellows that work with him; after listening to this episode, you'll understand why.

Host: Megan Kotzin

Guest: Dr. Casey Gashti

Produced by: Megan Kotzin & Kevin Grudzinski

Follow the team on Twitter:

Dr. Casey Gashti - Rush Nephrology

A&O<...

Our Rush team, led by Megan Kotzin, Nick Rigler and Dr. Abrams, present a not so basic case to Rush M4's, Hannah Silverman and Kat Tehaney. We have had several episodes with unremarkable labs; however, you may start sweating once the first set of labs for this case come back. Test your clinical reasoning as you listen along!

Host: Nick Rigler & Megan Kotzin

Discussants: Hannah Silverman & Kat Tehaney

A&O Team Member: Dr. Rich Abrams

Produced by: Nick Rigler, Megan Kotzin & Kevin Grudzinski

Follow the team on Twitter:<...

Our newest team member, Northwestern M4 Daniel Mathew, leads his classmates, Ryan Tang and Osama Siddiqui, a clinical reasoning duo-extraordinaire, through a case of dysuria that is accompanied by a complaint I bet you do not hear very often.

Not only is their discussion fantastic, but were so lucky to be joined by friend of the pod & Northwestern IM residency program director, Dr. Aashish Didwania, as a special guest. He continues to be a huge support of our project. We hope you enjoy the clinical pearls sprinkled in throughout.

Host: Daniel Matthew

Guest...

Lauren Smith presents a case of a red eye to Northwestern M4s Phoebe Newell & Chen Chen. The team covers their approach to a patient with HIV and multiple other problems. Test your reasoning as you listen along. Do you know the four key features that our ophthalmology colleagues love for you to cover when calling a consult? Listen along to find out!

Follow us on Twitter:

A&O

Rich Abrams

Lauren Smith

A fantastic resource, by learners, for learners in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Primary Care, Emergency...

Very alert, a little disoriented - The team got together after hours to have cocktails and talk medicine. It was a dynamic discussion, filled with digressions and reflections, that covered 1) hypertensive intervention in the inpatient setting, 2) procalcitonin, 3) new acute leukemia presentation - what to watch out for. We hope you enjoy.

Listening is best paired with your favorite cocktail, cheers!

Here's a link for a 'Naked & Famous', which was enjoyed during this recording.

- The A&O Team - Kevin, Rich, Megan & Nick

(09:15) - Intervening on an inpatient with hypertension...

Megan Kotzin has been hard at work creating a high-yield topic-based clerkship review series. This episode provides an approach to hypercalcemia including important things to include on your differential as well as possible management strategies.

(02:30) - Corrected Calcium

(05:30) - Pseudohypercalcemia

(06:50) - PTH

(11:30) - Severity

(14:30) - Lab Data

(16:45) - Acute Treatment

(21:00) - Long Term Management

Follow us on Twitter:

A&O

Rich Abrams

A fantastic resource, by learners, for learners in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Primary Care...

A&O is excited to kick things off with the team we have been putting together at Northwestern. We are thrilled to introduce two new team members. Lauren Smith, who is a M4 student applying into IM, joins Kevin Grudzinski for this episode. You will soon also get to meet Dr. Bruce Henschen when he joins us during an upcoming episode.

Lauren presents a case that she saw on a consult service to Northwestern M4s Caroline Zhao & Kelly Vogel. The team discusses diarrhea, BRBPR, and proctitis in a returning traveler. We hope to leave you with...

The A&O team at Rush, led by Megan Kotzin & Nick Rigler, present a case of a patient initially seen in clinic to M4s Sameera Khan & Erin Keizur. The team has a wide-ranging discussion centered around the chief complaint of a new neck lump. Check out our post on Twitter that includes a clinical picture.

Follow us on Twitter:

A&O

Rich Abrams

A fantastic resource, by learners, for learners in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Primary Care, Emergency Medicine, and Hospital Medicine.