The Spark

Presenting the people and stories behind medical education at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine and our community of learners.

What Patients and Doctors Want from Artificial Intelligence with Dr. Maria Wei 09/04/2025

What Patients and Doctors Want from Artificial Intelligence with Dr. Maria Wei In this episode, Chloe and Dr. Maria Wei discuss the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into dermatology, particularly in skin cancer diagnosis and patient care. They explore the various applications of AI, the importance of precision medicine, and patient attitudes towards AI in clinical settings. The conversation highlights the challenges of robust data in AI training, the balance between AI benefits and risks, and the future directions for AI in dermatology. References & Resources Artificial intelligence-enabled precision medicine for inflammatory skin diseases. ArXiv. 2025 May 14. Tang A, Wei ML, Haemel A, La C, Sirota M, Lee EY. PMID: 40463698; PMCID: PMC12133082. Stress testing reveals gaps in clinic readiness of image-based diagnostic artificial intelligence models. NPJ Digit Med. 2021 Jan 21; 4(1):10. Young AT, Fernandez K, Pfau J, Reddy R, Cao NA, von Franque MY, Johal A, Wu BV, Wu RR, Chen JY, Fadadu RP, Vasquez JA, Tam A, Keiser MJ, Wei ML. PMID: 33479460; PMCID: PMC7820258. Young AT, Xiong M, Pfau J, Keiser MJ, Wei ML. Artificial Intelligence in Dermatology: A Primer. J Invest Dermatol. 2020;140(8):1504-1512. doi:10.1016/j.jid.2020.02.02 Young AT, Amara D, Bhattacharya A, Wei ML. Patient and general public attitudes towards clinical artificial intelligence: a mixed methods systematic review. Lancet Digit Health. 2021;3(9):e599-e611. doi:10.1016/S2589-7500(21)00132-1 /episode/index/show/ucsfmedicine/id/38089825

AI, Storytelling, and Health Policy with Dr. Jack Resneck, Jr. 07/28/2025

AI, Storytelling, and Health Policy with Dr. Jack Resneck, Jr. In this episode, Chloe speaks with Dr. Jack Resneck, Jr. about his journey from self-proclaimed “policy nerd” to dermatologist, former President of the American Medical Association, and prominent figure in national and global health policy. He discusses the importance of physician storytelling in advocating for patients, the lessons learned from past technological revolutions in healthcare, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI in medicine. Dr. Resneck emphasizes the need for physician involvement in the development of AI tools to ensure they address real healthcare challenges and improve patient care. He also highlights the importance of ethical patient inclusion in research and the many implications of using AI in healthcare. Additional Resources /episode/index/show/ucsfmedicine/id/37536155

The Nepal Episodes, Chapter Three: The Mind of a Learner 08/14/2024

The Nepal Episodes, Chapter Three: The Mind of a Learner What lessons can we learn from each other? At the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology in Kathmandu, Nepal, ophthalmologists from around the world convene to improve their surgical skills – and share lessons learned in patient care, community outreach, and global health. In this third and final "Nepal Episode," Chloe discusses the importance of patient education with Srijana Adhikari, MD, Head of the Tilganga Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology. Finally, Chloe reconnects with UCSF ophthalmologists Neeti Parikh, MD and Madeline Yung, MD, to discuss the "mind of a learner" and the importance of viewing each experience as a learning opportunity. In celebration of this final episode, we give a special thanks to everyone at the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology for their time, generosity, and hospitality in creating these "Nepal Episodes." Music by Podington Bear, licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0. /episode/index/show/ucsfmedicine/id/32581127

The Nepal Episodes, Chapter Two: Creating Sustainable Impact 06/03/2024

The Nepal Episodes, Chapter Two: Creating Sustainable Impact What are the similarities and differences in surgical training in Nepal versus the US? Chloe explores this question at the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology in Kathmandu, where expert physicians share their own training experiences from home and abroad. In this second of three "Nepal Episodes," Chloe interviews Anu Manandhar, MBBS, MD, Head of the Tilganga Uveitis Department, about her training both in Nepal and at UCSF. Chloe also speaks with resident physicians Saksham Tamang, MD and Anu Amatya, MD about their journeys to ophthalmology, and how teaching and learning can create lasting change. Music by Podington Bear, licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0. /episode/index/show/ucsfmedicine/id/31590232

The Nepal Episodes, Chapter One: By Hand or by Machine? 01/29/2024

The Nepal Episodes, Chapter One: By Hand or by Machine? When it comes to surgery, is "technologically advanced" always superior? Last summer, Chloe Sales (MS3) had the opportunity to explore this question in Kathmandu, Nepal, at the world-renowned Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology – whose doctors pioneered the use of a low-cost, low-tech procedure that's saved the vision of countless patients. In the first of three "Nepal Episodes," Chloe chats with UCSF ophthalmologists Neeti Parikh, MD and Madeline Yung, MD, about their experience in Nepal – including training in this surgical technique and expanding access to it in California. Chloe also chats with Nabin Kumar Rai, Director of Programs at Tilganga Institute, about lessons they can learn from each other. Music by Podington Bear, licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0. /episode/index/show/ucsfmedicine/id/29637693

Staying curious throughout your career with Chancellor Sam Hawgood 08/25/2023

Staying curious throughout your career with Chancellor Sam Hawgood In the last episode of our season, Paul and Chloe sit down with UCSF Chancellor Sam Hawgood, MBBS, to discuss the stages of his career, what's inspired him to stay at UCSF for over three decades, how keeping an open mind has led him to interesting places, and the importance of an inquisitive spirit as you take on new roles. Music by Podington Bear, licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0. /episode/index/show/ucsfmedicine/id/27845058

Leading from the middle with Dean Talmadge E. King, Jr. 07/31/2023

Leading from the middle with Dean Talmadge E. King, Jr. In the penultimate episode of the season, Paul chats with Dr. Talmadge E. King, Jr., Dean of the School of Medicine & Vice Chancellor for Medical Affairs at UCSF, about how clinicians and specialties choose each other, the intentionality of truly collaborative environments, and how his career has steered him towards leadership. /episode/index/show/ucsfmedicine/id/27597759

Using every experience to become a better person & clinician with Dr. Lorriana Leard 06/29/2023

Using every experience to become a better person & clinician with Dr. Lorriana Leard Chloe chats with (then incoming) Associate Dean for Continuing Medical Education, Lorriana Leard, MD, about the value of physician coaching (for both coach and medical student), how AI tools like ChatGPT and Bard may change how students learn and physicians work, balancing personal and professional life goals, and what she's most looking forward to in her new role. /episode/index/show/ucsfmedicine/id/27324342

Following your heart down the winding road of medicine, with Dr. Valerie Gribben 06/14/2023

Following your heart down the winding road of medicine, with Dr. Valerie Gribben Chloe chats with Valerie Gribben, MD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, about embracing the unknown throughout training, adopting a growth mindset, and the power of storytelling in medicine. Music by Podington Bear, licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0. /episode/index/show/ucsfmedicine/id/27142302

Nurturing the mentor within with Dr. Peter Ureste 04/21/2023

Nurturing the mentor within with Dr. Peter Ureste Paul chats with Dr. Peter Ureste, Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Ureste has roles across campus that allow him to mentor the next generation of medical professionals, and he explains the journey that led him to that. Paul and Chloe also discuss what they look for in a mentor/mentee relationship. /episode/index/show/ucsfmedicine/id/26605536

Bringing love into clinical settings with Dr. Shieva Khayam-Bashi 03/16/2023

Bringing love into clinical settings with Dr. Shieva Khayam-Bashi "You will not always know enough, but you will always be enough." These are the words of wisdom that Dr. Khayam-Bashi shares with each new class, encouraging them to tap into useful emotions when caring for patients. Paul and Chloe talk about the perspective this lesson has given them in their medical education. /episode/index/show/ucsfmedicine/id/26241462

Dr. Justin Sewell 02/17/2023

Dr. Justin Sewell Dr. Justin Sewell, Professor of Medicine, joins Paul and Chloe to discuss getting into med school on the first try (or not), maintaining boundaries between professional and personal lives, and the dream of living in the moment even as you look to the future. /episode/index/show/ucsfmedicine/id/25967727

Dr. Andy Josephson 01/23/2023

Dr. Andy Josephson Chloe and Paul are joined by Dr. Andy Josephson, Professor and Chair of the Department of Neurology. They discuss the importance of mentorship, how teaching is a skill that can be taught and learned, and the ways medical school offers opportunities to try new things, even for those on a straightforward path. /episode/index/show/ucsfmedicine/id/25701468

Dr. Anna Chang 11/29/2022

Dr. Anna Chang In the first episode of the season we meet our new hosts, Chloe Sales (MS2) and Paul Brandfonbrener (MS1). Chloe talks to Anna Chang, MD, a professor in the Department of Medicine's Division of Geriatrics. Dr. Chang also directs the School of Medicine's Bridges Curriculum Clinical Microsystems Clerkship, the integrated clinical skills and health systems curriculum for all first- and second-year medical students. They discuss Dr. Chang's career, finding and hanging onto meaning over the arc of a long and challenging career, and the importance of asking oneself, "have you done something that made you happy today?" Music by Podington Bear, licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0. /episode/index/show/ucsfmedicine/id/25153176

Season 5 Trailer 11/28/2022

Season 5 Trailer Welcome our new hosts, Chloe Sales (MS2) and Paul Brandfonbrener (MS1), as they present guests with the question: Where do you find joy, meaning, or purpose in your work? /episode/index/show/ucsfmedicine/id/25153023

Special Episode - Dr. Lee Jones 06/08/2021

Special Episode - Dr. Lee Jones In this episode, Mihir Joshi interviews Dr. Lee Jones, then-Associate Dean for Students at the UCSF School of Medicine. Dr. Jones will join Georgetown University’s School of Medicine as the Dean of Medical Education later this summer. /episode/index/show/ucsfmedicine/id/19402352

The Spark, Episode 22 - A Tale of Two Reopenings (Part 2) 01/06/2021

The Spark, Episode 22 - A Tale of Two Reopenings (Part 2) (Recorded in Fall 2020) This episode is part 2 of 2 in our "Tale of Two Reopenings" miniseries. Dan Cummins first speaks with Drs. Alan Shindel, MD and Tami Rowen, MD, each faculty with UCSF. He then speaks with Hyun "Honey" Kim, a teacher at East Side Union High School in San Jose. /episode/index/show/ucsfmedicine/id/17448857

The Spark, Episode 21 - A Tale of Two Reopenings (Part 1) 11/17/2020

The Spark, Episode 21 - A Tale of Two Reopenings (Part 1) This episode is part 1 of 2 in our "Tale of Two Reopenings" mini-series. Dan Cummins speaks with Xavier 'Abe' Cortez, a third-year medical student reflecting on his experiences returning to the clinical wards after being removed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Then, Mihir Joshi speaks with Fiona Miller, a second-year medical student and mother of three, speaking on the process of stopping and starting school both for herself and her children. /episode/index/show/ucsfmedicine/id/16847207

The Spark, Episode 20 - Gender in Medicine 05/26/2020

The Spark, Episode 20 - Gender in Medicine For much of medicine’s history as a profession, it was a crime for women to be doctors. Today, more women than men are enrolled in medical school but have we reached equity? And how do other identities such as race intersect with gender? /episode/index/show/ucsfmedicine/id/14575775

The Spark, Episode 19– Climate and Health: A Busy Two-Way Street 02/28/2020

The Spark, Episode 19– Climate and Health: A Busy Two-Way Street Host Tessnim Ahmad (MS4) discusses the health and health system impacts of climate change with Dr. Katherine Gundling, Clinical Professor Emerita and former practice chief for the Allergy/Immunology faculty practice, Dr. Seema Gandhi, Associate Clinical Professor in the department of anesthesia and MS3s Colin Baylen and Nuzhat Islam, who helped found the Human Health and Climate Change student group. /episode/index/show/ucsfmedicine/id/13342520

The Spark, Episode 18 - Burnout (Part 2) 11/22/2019

The Spark, Episode 18 - Burnout (Part 2) Tessnim Ahmad (MS4) is joined by Nikhil Rajapuram (MS4) and Dr. Lee Jones, Associate Dean for Students, for a discussion of physician & trainee burnout. Music: Sneaker Chase by Podington Bear. Licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0. /episode/index/show/ucsfmedicine/id/13314977

The Spark, Episode 17 - Burnout (Part 1) 11/22/2019

The Spark, Episode 17 - Burnout (Part 1) Tessnim Ahmad (MS4) is joined by Nikhil Rajapuram (MS4) and Dr. Lee Jones, Associate Dean for Students, for a discussion of physician & trainee burnout. Music: Sneaker Chase by Podington Bear. Licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0. /episode/index/show/ucsfmedicine/id/13314980

The Spark, Episode 16: The Opioid Epidemic 09/30/2019

The Spark, Episode 16: The Opioid Epidemic Host Tessnim Ahmad (MS4) discusses opiate prescribing and related research with Dr. Wen Shen, Professor in the UCSF Department of Surgery, and his former mentee, Stephanie Kwan.. Music: Sneaker Chase by Podington Bear. Licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0. /episode/index/show/ucsfmedicine/id/13314983

The Spark, Episode 15: Gun Violence 08/27/2019

The Spark, Episode 15: Gun Violence Host Tessnim Ahmad (MS4) discusses the role of medical professionals in the firearm policy debate with Dr. Jahan Fahimi, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and Board Member of SAFE: Scrubs Addressing the Firearm Epidemic, and fellow students Daniela Cordero and Mary Turocy. Music: Sneaker Chase by Podington Bear. Licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0. /episode/index/show/ucsfmedicine/id/13314986

The Spark, Episode 14: Improving the Care of Dementias 01/15/2019

The Spark, Episode 14: Improving the Care of Dementias In this episode, we showcase the latest research and patient care initiatives at UCSF and its School of Medicine focused on treating people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementias, including student work in this area. Music: Sneaker Chase by Podington Bear. Licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0. /episode/index/show/ucsfmedicine/id/13314989

The Spark, Episode 13: Treatment of Chronic Pain 11/16/2018

The Spark, Episode 13: Treatment of Chronic Pain In this episode, we showcase the latest research and patient care initiatives at UCSF and its School of Medicine focused on treating people with chronic pain, including student work in this area. We’ll hear from Dr. Mark Schumacher, MD, PhD, Professor and Chief of the Division of Pain Medicine in the Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, as well as third-year medical student Emma Levine. Music: Sneaker Chase by Podington Bear. Licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0. /episode/index/show/ucsfmedicine/id/13314992

The Spark, Episode 12: Health Care Equity 10/09/2018

The Spark, Episode 12: Health Care Equity In this episode, we feature initiatives in the School of Medicine focused on diversity, equity and inclusion – both in approaches to patient care and research, as well as in medical education via the Bridges Curriculum. Music: Sneaker Chase by Podington Bear. Licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0. /episode/index/show/ucsfmedicine/id/13314995

The Spark, Episode 11: Sleep Disorders 08/14/2018

The Spark, Episode 11: Sleep Disorders In this episode, we feature UCSF initiatives and research aimed at caring for people with sleep disorders. We’ll hear from Dr. David Claman, a sleep disorders specialist who directs the UCSF Sleep Disorders Center. We also talk to fourth-year medical student Daniel Schwartz, who completed a research project in this area as part of his learning in the Bridges Curriculum. Music: Sneaker Chase by Podington Bear. Licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0. /episode/index/show/ucsfmedicine/id/13314998

The Spark, Episode 10 05/04/2018

The Spark, Episode 10 Music: Sneaker Chase by Podington Bear. Licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0. /episode/index/show/ucsfmedicine/id/13315001

The Spark, Episode 9: Advances in the treatment of substance use disorder at UCSF. 04/09/2018

The Spark, Episode 9: Advances in the treatment of substance use disorder at UCSF. In this episode, we’ll hear from Dr. Scott Steiger, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine and Psychiatry, and Deputy Medical Director of the Opiate Treatment Outpatient Program at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital (ZSFG). Dr. Steiger will discuss his research and patient care initiatives in treating people with substance use disorders in some of the city’s most vulnerable communities. Music: Sneaker Chase by Podington Bear. Licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0. /episode/index/show/ucsfmedicine/id/13315004

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