The Hippocratic Society Podcast

What does it mean to be a good physician when cure is no longer possible? Palliative care physician and writer Dr. Sunita Puri reflects on suffering, the limits of medical treatment, and the moral work of being present with patients and families. Drawing on stories from her practice, she explores honest conversations about CPR and end-of-life care, the meaning of hope, and how physicians can accompany people through serious illness with compassion and courage.

What does it mean to flourish when illness changes our abilities? Medical student Hudson Baker explores how relationships shape human well-being and why this matters for medicine. Through philosophy and clinical examples, he considers disability, dementia, end-of-life care, and the patient–physician relationship, offering a vision of care grounded in connection, dignity, and accompaniment.

What does hope look like when cure is no longer possible? In Hope at the Bedside: Care Beyond Cure, Brazilian medical students Lucas and Mariana explore hope as a virtue between despair and wishful thinking. Drawing on philosophy and the patient–physician relationship, they consider how honest communication, compassionate presence, and attention to dignity can sustain meaningful care, even at the end of life.

In this episode of the Hippocratic Society Podcast, Dr. Meg Chisholm, Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and a certified Visual Thinking Strategies facilitator, joins Dr. Khalid ElZamzamy, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Kennedy Krieger Institute and Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins. Together, they explore how art can deepen reflection, strengthen community, and support the cultivation of virtue in medicine.

In this abstract session of the Hippocratic Society Conference, Dr. William Stigall, Vice President and Chief Research Officer at Cook Children's Healthcare System, discusses the art of medicine under an Aristotelean framework. He strategically parses out what makes the medical profession distinct in its essence from other professions and types of work.

In this abstract session of the Hippocratic Society Conference, Dr. William Stigall, Vice President and Chief Research Officer at Cook Children's Healthcare System, discusses the art of medicine under an Aristotelean framework. He strategically parses out what makes the medical profession distinct in its essence from other professions and types of work.

Recorded at the 2nd Annual Hippocratic Society Conference, this talk works through the question using two texts Dr. Quaranta teaches at Duke: Stephen Jay Gould's essay "The Median Isn't the Message," written after his own diagnosis with an incurable cancer, and Akira Kurosawa's 1952 film Ikiru, in which a Tokyo bureaucrat is lied to about his stomach cancer and must decide what to do with the months he has left.

At the Hippsoc 2026 Conference, Dr. John Rhee and Dr. Farr Curlin guide the audience to dive more deeply on the subject of hope in the medical practice and how it might look day to day. In this lecture, the presenters discuss a clinical experience and shed light on how we might generate hope practically in the clinical setting.

At the 2026 Hippocratic Society Conference, Dr. Ben Frush and Dr. Brewer Eberly discuss how one can hope amidst the pressures and difficulties of the practice of medicine.

How can physicians be hopeful in the face of rising distrust in practitioners, bureaucratic pressures, time constraints, and the looming force of artificial intelligence? How can moral friendship sustain us? Drawing from philosophers and artist alike, Frush and Eberly offer a look at what it might mean to practice hope as a clinician.

At the 2026 Hippocratic Society Annual Conference, Dr. Allison Postell presents on the nature of hope.

Is hope an emotion? Is it a virtue? Can we deliberately foster hope in our own lives, in our patients, and in medical practice as a whole? Dr. Postell addresses these questions through a variety of lenses, drawing mainly from the philosophical and psychological framework of Thomas Aquinas.

In this episode, John and Michael lay out the nature of the virtue of sincerity and why it is important for physicians to be sincere, both to their patients and to themselves.

Is coffee moral bioenchancement? What does it mean to enhance our moral actions and what is medicine's role in that? Are the virtues still relevant in a world of enhancement?

Join us as with discuss these questions and much more with Dr. Fabrice Jotterand, a leading bioethicist at Oregon Health and Science University.

Check out his edited book on this topic: The Routledge Handbook of the Ethics of Human Enhancement (Routledge, 2023).

What does it mean to hope in medicine and for medicine? How do we foster hope in our patients? What is the object of hope when clinical improvement does not seem feasible?

Join John and Michael as they discuss the virtue of hope in medicine, addressing these questions and much more.

This discussion previews some of the topics that will be covered at the Hippocratic Society National Conference in Houston, June 5-7. Check out the website to find out more.

Did you know the...

In this episode of the Hippocratic Society podcast, Dr. Sofia Carozza discusses the intersection of neuroscience and the concept of the soul, exploring how modern science and medicine perceive the human person. The conversation delves into the historical context of these views, the implications of reductionism in neuroscience, and the importance of recognizing the soul in clinical practice. Both Dr. Carozza and Dr. Rhee share personal experiences that highlight the necessity of a holistic approach to patient care, emphasizing the integration of philosophical insights into medical practice. The discussion also touches on the impact of AI on our understanding...

In this episode, John and Michael discuss the importance of balance as a virtue in medicine, emphasizing the need for integration of work and life rather than separation. They explore how unity of life can enhance relationships and personal growth, and offer practical tips for achieving balance through self-reflection and prioritization of meaningful relationships.

Michael and John are joined by Dr. Jay Lynch to discuss the centrality of the physician patient relationship in the practice of medicine. Together, they explore what this relationship would look like, how it has been de-emphasized in modern medical practice, and how to balance technical expertise with human connection

Following upon their conversation about the good in medicine with Dr. Chris Lisanti, John and Michael explore the challenges healthcare professionals face in maintaining cheerfulness amidst emotional turmoil. They highlight the importance of acknowledging emotions and the impact of patient interactions on the physician-patient relationship.

In this conversation, Col. (Ret.) Chris Lisanti, MD, joins Dr. John Rhee and Michael Egan to explore the intrinsic goodness of medicine, the role of basic goods, and the implications of new natural law theory in healthcare. They discuss the challenges posed by institutional pressures, and practical strategies for renewing joy in medical work. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of personal intention in pursuing the good in medicine.

In today's episode, Dr. John Rhee discusses anamnesis, the art of taking a patient’s history. In medicine, anamnesis isn’t just about collecting facts; it’s about listening to the patient’s background, their experiences, and their story. By attending to a person’s history in this way, physicians can better understand not only the roots of an ailment, but also the personality and context of the one who suffers. Dr. Rhee helps us see how anamnesis grounds medical practice in the whole person, reminding us that every diagnosis begins with a story.

In this episode, Dr. Anthony Weiss reveals the importance of narrative in medicine. He describes how the narrative of the patient not only gives insight into the patient's affliction, but also humanizes the patient by revealing how the affliction is impacting the patient's life. By understanding the narrative of our patients, we can more personally engage in the healing process.

When is curiosity a virtue? Why is it important in clinical practice? How can we care for patients better with curiosity? Join us as we discuss how curiosity will help you flourish in medicine and life.

In this episode, we hear about Keri Brenner's journey to medicine and why she finds Therapeutic Presence so vital to her work as a Psychiatrist and Palliative care physician. We'll also learn how this simple practice can transform all our interactions as well as some practical tips for bringing therapeutic presence into our own lives.

In this episode, we hear about Keri Brenner's journey to medicine and why she find Therapeutic Presence so vital to her work as a Psychiatrist and Palliative care physician. We'll also learn how this simple practice can transform all our interactions as well as some practical tips for bringing therapeutic presence into our own lives.

What is self-reflection and how is it different from mindfulness? Why is self-reflection so vital to quality patient care? How can we fruitfully reflect on our experiences without falling into navel-gazing?

In this episode, we explore reflection as key to the practice good medicine, revealing how this simple habit is crucial to personal and professional growth, identity formation, and flourishing.

Further Reading/References

Physician Resilience: What It Means, Why It Matters, and How to Promote It, Ronald M. Epstein and Michael S. Krasner (2013), Academic Medicine
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What is self-reflection and how is it different from mindfulness? Why is self-reflection so vital to quality patient care? How can we fruitfully reflect on our experiences without falling into navel-gazing?

In this episode, we explore reflection as key to the practice good medicine, revealing how this simple habit is crucial to personal and professional growth, identity formation, and flourishing.

Further Reading/References

Physician Resilience: What It Means, Why It Matters, and How to Promote It, Ronald M. Epstein and Michael S. Krasner (2013), Academic Medicine
link<...

What is the role of the moral imagination in medicine? How can engagement with the arts shape better clinicians? What does it mean to cultivate human flourishing through medical education?

Join us as we discuss with Dr. Margaret Chisholm how art can deepen moral imagination in healthcare and why it is essential to the practice of compassionate medicine. Dr. Chisholm is a professor of psychiatry at Johns Hopkins and a leader in integrating the humanities into medical training.

Further Reading/References

The Paul McHugh Program for Human...

What is the role of the moral imagination in medicine? How can engagement with the arts shape better clinicians? What does it mean to cultivate human flourishing through medical education?

Join us as we discuss with Dr. Margaret Chisholm how art can deepen moral imagination in healthcare and why it is essential to the practice of compassionate medicine. Dr. Chisholm is a professor of psychiatry at Johns Hopkins and a leader in integrating the humanities into medical training.

Further Reading/References

The Paul McHugh Program for Human Flourishing

In this episode of The Hippocratic Society Podcast, Michael and Dr. John Rhee dive into the essential role of compassion in medicine. Building on their previous discussion with Dr. Kristen Collier, they explore how true compassion goes beyond emotion—it is an intentional act rooted in wisdom.

Through a compelling patient story and reflections on suffering, virtue, and moral imagination, they offer insights into cultivating compassion even in the most challenging clinical situations. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on how to grow in empathy and care for patients with greater depth and purpose.

In this episode of The Hippocratic Society Podcast, Michael and Dr. John Rhee dive into the essential role of compassion in medicine. Building on their previous discussion with Dr. Kristen Collier, they explore how true compassion goes beyond emotion—it is an intentional act rooted in wisdom.

Through a compelling patient story and reflections on suffering, virtue, and moral imagination, they offer insights into cultivating compassion even in the most challenging clinical situations. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on how to grow in empathy and care for patients with greater depth and purpose.

F...

What is the place of wisdom in medicine? What are the consequences of a medicine without wisdom? How to we appreciate the importance of medical wisdom both on an individual and institutional level?

Join us as we discuss with Dr. Kristin Collier the place of medical wisdom in healthcare today and why we need the humanities to bring flourishing to medicine.

Further Reading/References

Practical wisdom in medicine through the eyes of medical students and physicians, Lauris C Kaldjian, John Yoon, Tavinder K Ark, Laura Shinkunas, Fabrice...

What is the place of wisdom in medicine? What are the consequences of a medicine without wisdom? How to we appreciate the importance of medical wisdom both on an individual and institutional level?

Join us as we discuss with Dr. Kristin Collier the place of medical wisdom in healthcare today and why we need the humanities to bring flourishing to medicine.

Further Reading/References

Practical wisdom in medicine through the eyes of medical students and physicians, Lauris C Kaldjian, John Yoon, Tavinder K Ark, Laura Shinkunas, Fabrice...

What does it mean to truly be there for our patients? Why is presence so vital to patient care? How can we grow in attention to our patients and those we love?

Join us as we discuss the mindful approach to treating patients and how our practice of presence can help us in and out of the hospital.

References/Further Reading:

"Brief, daily meditation enhances...

What does it mean to truly be there for our patients? Why is presence so vital to patient care? How can we grow in attention to our patients and those we love?

Join us as we discuss the mindful approach to treating patients and how our practice of presence can help us in and out of the hospital.

References/Further Reading:

"Brief, daily meditation enhances...

Suffering affects all people from all walks of life, but what does it actually mean to suffer? How do we find meaning within suffering? How can we respond to the suffering of another?

In this episode, we discuss these important questions with Wes Ely, a critical care physician responsible for changing the face of ICU care in the U.S. Join us as we reflect on how we can flourish in our own suffering and by responding to that of others.

Suffering affects all people from all walks of life, but what does it actually mean to suffer? How do we find meaning within suffering? How can we respond to the suffering of another?

In this episode, we discuss these important questions with Wes Ely, a critical care physician responsible for changing the face of ICU care in the U.S. Join us as we reflect on how we can flourish in our own suffering and by responding to that of others.

Where do ideals come into play in medicine? How do we build trust in patients? What do we do when situations suggest that we act contrary to our values? Join us as we discuss Integrity's irreplaceable role in medicine and how developing this virtue contributes to the flourishing of ourselves and our patients.

References/Further Reading:

Virtues in the Medical Practice, Thomasma and Pellegrino

The Not-My-Problem Problem, Lisa Rosenbaum

Integrity, Damian Cox, Marguerite La Caze, and Michael Levine

⁠Mature Care and the Virtue of Integrity⁠, Vigdis Ekeb...

Where do ideals come into play in medicine? How do we build trust in patients? What do we do when situations suggest that we act contrary to our values? Join us as we discuss Integrity's irreplaceable role in medicine and how developing this virtue contributes to the flourishing of ourselves and our patients.

References/Further Reading:

Virtues in the Medical Practice, Thomasma and Pellegrino

The Not-My-Problem Problem, Lisa Rosenbaum

Integrity, Damian Cox, Marguerite La Caze, and Michael Levine

⁠Mature Care and the Virtue of Integrity⁠, Vigdis Ekeb...

What does the ideal physician look like? How do we get there? What influences our identity as physicians as we go through training? Where do we look for guidance in this journey?

Join us as we delve into the personal journeys of our guests, examine the concept of "professionalism," and explore the ideal physician, including the role of the moral and spiritual dimensions in medical practice.

Our discussion touches on the historical and cultural factors that have contributed to the evolution of the modern physician as well as the...

What does the ideal physician look like? How do we get there? What influences our identity as physicians as we go through training? Where do we look for guidance in this journey?

Join us as we delve into the personal journeys of our guests, examine the concept of "professionalism," and explore the ideal physician, including the role of the moral and spiritual dimensions in medical practice.

Our discussion touches on the historical and cultural factors that have contributed to the evolution of the modern physician as well as the...

How can we live a strong family life with a busy medical career? How do we balance the demands of a flourishing profession and a flourishing family? How can we develop our family relationships in the demanding time of medical training? Join us as we explore the beautiful struggle of pursuing both family and medicine. Come away with some practical tips to love family well amid the particular challenges of medicine.

References/Further Reading:

The Positive Impact of Family Life on Physician Well-Being, Elizabeth Landry