Best Hesham A Hassaballa Podcasts (2025)

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AI Has Eliminated Your Job As A Radiologist, Right?: My Conversation With Dr. Safwan Halabi 40:38

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3d ago40:38

40:38

Not too long ago, some predicted that Artificial Intelligence will render Radiologists obsolete. So, I sat down with Dr. Safwan Halabi, Associate Professor of Radiology at Northwestern University and Vice-Chair of Imaging Informatics at Lurie's Children's Hospital, and asked him about the effect of AI on his field now and in the future. This conver…

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The Freedom Fighters of Medicine 5:32

11d ago5:32

5:32

On July 1, new doctors start their residency. On July 4, our nation celebrates its independence. This is fitting because, truly, we in the medical field are fighting for the freedom of our patients.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

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Is a Mean Arterial Pressure of 65 Harmful in Septic Shock? 5:26

24d ago5:26

5:26

Typically, we titrate Vascopressors to a mean arterial pressure of 65. Does this harm patient with septic shock? Dr. Hassabolus goes over the literature.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

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The Vindication Of Dr. Hassabolus 13:25

1M ago13:25

13:25

I am clearly in the aggressive fluid resuscitation camp for patients who present with septic shock or sepsis-induced hypotension. And I have been vindicated by the literature. CLASSIC: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2202707 CLOVERS: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2212663 CHEST Review: https://journal.chestnet.org/article/S…

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Do Doctors Gaslight Their Patients?: My Conversation with Dr. Chailee Moss 20:14

1M ago20:14

20:14

I was taken aback by the term, "Medical Gaslighting," used in this recent article. So, I sat down with the principal author and discussed the article and its larger implications beyond Gynecology. Article link: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2833711By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

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Are All Plaintiff Attorneys Bad People?: My Conversation With Dr. Jeff Willis 41:25

1M ago41:25

41:25

A malpractice lawsuit can be very stressful for physicians - it sure was stressful for me. So, are all plaintiff attorneys bad people? What about those physicians who are expert witnesses for plaintiffs? I asked this and much more of Dr. Jeff Willis, an Emergency Medicine physician who left bedside practice to do medical legal consulting full time.…

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How To Do The SEP-1 Bundle Right 13:18

2M ago13:18

13:18

Like it or not, compliance with the SEP-1 Bundle is here to stay, despite its questionable effect on outcomes. We can either rail against it or learn to how do it well. In this episode, to culminate Critical Care Awareness Month, Dr. Hassaballa shares tips on how to achieve good results with the SEP-1 bundle.…

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The Man Behind PulmCCM: Great Minds in Medicine 36:13

2M ago36:13

36:13

PulmCCM is one of the best Substacks out there. So, I sat down with Dr. Matt Hoffman, Critical Care physician and creator of PulmCCM to discuss his journey and evidence-based medicine in general. Substack Link: www.pulmccm.org When Death Comes To The Intensivist: https://www.sensible-med.com/p/when-death-comes-to-the-intensivist…

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Tips For A Good Night’s Sleep 11:35

2M ago11:35

11:35

In the last episode of the “Sleep in the ICU” series, Dr. Hassaballa goes through several easy tips to help get a good night’s sleep. American Academy of Sleep Medicine Tips: https://sleepeducation.org/healthy-sleep/healthy-sleep-habits/By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

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I Was A Nurse For A Day: It Wasn’t Pretty 7:53

2M ago7:53

7:53

Dr. Hassaballa tells the story of when he filled in as a Tele-ICU Nurse. It wasn’t a pretty picture, and it highlights how important nurses truly are to the healthcare field. A very Happy Nurses Week to every nurse in the world! There is no “care” in healthcare without nurses.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

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Sleep In The ICU: The Guidelines and What We Should Do 11:10

3M ago11:10

11:10

In Part 2 of the Sleep in the ICU series, Dr. Hassaballa discusses the SCCM guidelines with respect to sleep in critically ill adults and what we should do in the ICU. SCCM Guidelines: https://www.sccm.org/clinical-resources/guidelines/guidelines/guidelines-for-the-prevention-and-management-of-pa SCCM Update: https://sccm.org/clinical-resources/gui…

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"They Don't Make Them Like They Used To": My Conversation with Dr. Adam Cifu 45:27

3M ago45:27

45:27

Dr. Adam Cifu is an award-winning Medical Educator and general internist at the University of Chicago. He also writes for the fantastic Substack, Sensible Medicine. I had a wonderful conversation with him about Medical Education and how it has changed and not changed over the years. Dr. Cifu's books: https://www.adamcifu.com/books Sensible Medicine…

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Sleep in the ICU: The Classic Experiments 12:14

3M ago12:14

12:14

In the first of a two-part series about sleep in the intensive care unit, Dr. Hassaballa discusses the classic sleep deprivation studies and their implications on our own sleep.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

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Every Measles Death Is Too Many 6:44

3M ago6:44

6:44

Unless one has lost a child, then he or she can never know the horror of the parents who just lost a child to measles in Texas. For the latest on the Texas Measles Outbreak: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts/measles-outbreak-2025By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

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Faith in the ICU: Stories of Wonder 4:10

4M ago4:10

4:10

In the latest installment of the Faith in the ICU Series, Dr. Hassaballa recounts a story that has always stayed with him.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

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ICU Lecture Series: The ICU Liberation Bundle 23:53

4M ago23:53

23:53

In this latest episode of the ICU Lecture Series, Dr. Hassaballa lectures to staff about the ICU Liberation Bundle. Link: https://sccm.org/clinical-resources/iculiberation-home/abcdef-bundlesBy Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

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What Is A Blood Transfusion, Truly? 7:20

4M ago7:20

7:20

Despite multiple specialty society guidelines recommending not to transfuse blood if the hemoglobin levels are above 7-8 g/dL, many physicians disregard the recommendations. Why is that? Dr. Hassaballa discusses this issue. Article referenced in the show: https://www.pulmccm.org/p/guidelines-on-red-cell-transfusion…

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ICU Lecture Series: Metabolic Acidosis 16:43

4M ago16:43

16:43

In this latest ICU lecture series, Dr. Hassaballa discusses metabolic acidosis: how to diagnose it and what to do about it.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

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Great Minds in Medicine: Dr. Elaine Chen 43:25

5M ago43:25

43:25

What would someone who is BOTH a Critical Care and Palliative Care Doctor say about palliative care in the ICU? I asked one. Links from the show: The Coleman Palliative Medicine Training Program: https://colemanpalliative.org/ Research Articles referenced in the episode: Norton SA, Hogan LA, Holloway RG, Temkin-Greener H, Buckley MJ, Quill TE. Proa…

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From the Appeals Desk: Coding Clinics and Sepsis 7:14

5M ago7:14

7:14

Many payers state that a 2016 Coding Clinics article allows them to deny sepsis DRGs. This is not true, and Dr. Hassaballa goes into the article and what is specifically says about sepsis. And, he issues an unequivocal condemnation of the murder of Brian Thompson.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

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Great Minds in Medicine: Dr. Sergio Zanotti 40:32

5M ago40:32

40:32

In the latest installment of the "Great Minds in Medicine" series, I sit down with Dr. Sergio Zanotti, Critical Care Chief Medical Officer for Sound Physicians. We had a wide-ranging discussion about medicine, critical care, and healthcare in general. It was, perhaps, one of my favorite conversations. Discussed during the podcast: The Ventilator (H…

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Faith in the ICU: Does Being a Physician Weaken My Faith? 6:40

5M ago6:40

6:40

Given that physicians frequently make life and death decisions, especially in the ICU, does being a physician weaken one's faith? Dr. Hassaballa reflects on his own experience of faith and being a doctor.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

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Most Oncologists Do Not Refer to Palliative Care. What? 12:34

5M ago12:34

12:34

Despite a strong recommendation by the American Society of Clinical Oncology in its guidelines, recent surveys indicate very few, if any at all, Oncologists refer patients to Palliative Care. This is a huge disservice.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

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Great Minds in Medicine: Dr. Mohammad Alo 50:18

6M ago50:18

50:18

I sit down with Dr. Mohammad Alo, America's Cardiologist and great friend of mine, and we discuss all things cholesterol and social media best practices for Doctors. Dr. Mohammad Alo on X: https://x.com/MohammedAlo Website: dralo.net/linksBy Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

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What If An Unresponsive Patient Is Actually "In There"? 13:07

6M ago13:07

13:07

Recent research shows that a substantial minority of patients have cognitive motor dissociation. This has many important implications for our practice of critical care medicine. NEJM Study: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2400645 NY Times Column: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/11/opinion/covert-consciousness-unresponsive-brain.html…

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Journal Club: Is Rapid Correction of Hyponatremia Dangerous? 9:10

6M ago9:10

9:10

Dr. Hassaballa discusses this recent review article and meta-analysis of the correction rate of hyponatremia and clinical outcomes.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

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Journal Club: Small-bore vs Large-bore Chest Tube for Hemothorax 10:44

6M ago10:44

10:44

In this episode of Journal Club, Dr. Hassaballa discusses the recent study comparing small-bore to large-bore chest tubes for hemothorax drainage.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

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Happy Birthday, Booboo. 3:27

7M ago3:27

3:27

Daddy misses you so much.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

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Faith in the ICU: Doctors Should Not Shy Away 5:42

7M ago5:42

5:42

In a new series on Healthcare Musings, Dr. Hassaballa discusses faith in the ICU and how Doctors should not shy away from faith. It can be an added asset in the right circumstance.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

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Journal Club: Long Term Oxygen Therapy 10:48

7M ago10:48

10:48

A recent study showed that you don’t need oxygen all day, every day. That’s welcome news for patients needing chronic oxygen.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

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Social Media For Doctors: A Conversation with Austan Lundeen 31:04

7M ago31:04

31:04

Marketing is literally in Austan Lundeen’s blood. So, I sat down with him to get tips on how to best use social media as a clinician.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

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Why We Vaccinate Against Measles 11:10

8M ago11:10

11:10

This highly contagious virus can absolutely kill children.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

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Journal Club: IV vs. IO in Cardiac Arrest 9:09

8M ago9:09

9:09

A study showed no difference between IV and IO access in cardiac arrest. Yet, I have some questions. Study link: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2407616By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

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Great Minds in Medicine: Dr. Vivek Tirmal 28:28

8M ago28:28

28:28

Insurance companies will use obscure “Coding Clinics” articles to deny various DRGs. I asked appeal expert Dr. Vivek Tirmal of Sound Advisory Services all about this.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

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Beware the Potential Dangers of Cannabis 5:49

8M ago5:49

5:49

As cannabis use becomes more widespread, and more potent, clinicians need to be aware of its potential harms. NY Times article cited in show: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/04/us/cannabis-marijuana-risks-addiction.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShareBy Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

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Go Out And Vote 5:10

8M ago5:10

5:10

If we clinicians are not at the table, then we will be on the menu.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

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“Reducing Waste” in Healthcare 6:38

9M ago6:38

6:38

If we provide care consistent with our patients’ values and preferences, we are good stewards of scarce resources and provide compassionate effective care. Sign up below to get every episode in your email:http://eepurl.com/i1xuH2By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

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Great Minds in Medicine: Dr. Greg Johnson 37:27

9M ago37:27

37:27

In this next podcast in the “Great Minds in Medicine” series, I sit down with Dr. Greg Johnson, Chief Physician Executive at Unity Point Health. We discuss the state of healthcare and healthcare equity. Unequal Treatment (2003): https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/12875/unequal-treatment-confronting-racial-and-ethnic-disparities-in-health-car…

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How Patients and Their Families Can Prevent Clinician Burnout 3:44

9M ago3:44

3:44

It is very small and goes a very long way… Sign up here to get every episode of Healthcare Musings in your inbox.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

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Journal Club: Replacing Serum Potassium 9:53

9M ago9:53

9:53

In this latest Journal Club episode, Dr. Hassaballa discusses an article about potassium replacement after cardiac surgery. Could this be the beginning of a more sensible potassium replacement protocol? Study link: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2823246By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

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Know Your Sepsis 7:09

10M ago7:09

7:09

As we conclude Sepsis Awareness Month, Dr. Hassaballa discusses how the definition of sepsis changes depending on which insurance company the patient uses.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

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PLEASE Don’t Do THIS To Prevent Food Poisoning! 9:58

10M ago9:58

9:58

Some say drinking alcohol may prevent food poisoning. Umm…not really.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

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Raising Awareness of Physician Suicide 2:33

10M ago2:33

2:33

September 17 is Physician Suicide Awareness Day. I’ve seen the face of physician suicide, and it is devastating.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

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Great Minds in Medicine: Dr. Rob Bessler 41:10

10M ago41:10

41:10

Dr. Rob Bessler, CEO of Honest Health and Founder of Sound Physicians, talks with Dr. Hassaballa about where healthcare in America needs to go.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

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Sepsis Beware 4:36

10M ago4:36

4:36

In honor of Sepsis Awareness Month, Dr. Hassaballa remind us to always be on the lookout for sepsis, which can manifest as a variety of conditions.By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP

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Get Your Living Will Done Today 13:26

11M ago13:26

13:26

In this episode, Dr. Hassaballa discusses the utmost importance of having advanced directives in place now, when you’re healthy and of sound mind. Living Will Link: https://www.legalzoom.com/marketing/estate-planning/living-will Healthcare Power of Attorney: https://legaltemplates.net/form/lt/medical-power-of-attorney/…

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Great Minds in Medicine: Dr. Rob Zipper 57:05

11M ago57:05

57:05

With the continuing decrease in physician reimbursement from CMS, Dr. Hassaballa has a conversation with Dr. Rob Zipper, CMO of Advisory Services of Sound Physicians. Links mentioned in episode: Dartmouth Atlas: https://data.dartmouthatlas.org/ Documentation Rules: https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/2023-e-m-descriptors-guidelines.pdf CPT: https…

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Journal Club: Preoxygenation Prior To Intubation 13:20

11M ago13:20

13:20

Dr. Hassaballa discusses a recent study about using noninvasive ventilation for preoxygenation prior to intubation. Study link: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2313680By Hesham A. Hassaballa, MD, FCCP