MELA Moments: A Med-Ed Podcast
MELA Moments is a podcast about faculty development and clinical teaching excellence brought to you by the Medical Education Leadership Academy (MELA) at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
This podcast is for clinicians who are passionate about honing their skills as educators. In each episode, we explore practical strategies, share insights from experienced faculty, and offer evidence-based tools to help you grow as an educator.
Listen to MELA Moments on Spotify | Apple Podcasts
Podcast Team
Host:
Erin Giudice, MD
Director, Pediatric Residency Program
Contributors:
MELA Moments Podcast Collaborative:
Phil Dittmar, MD; Erin Giudice, MD; Caroline Knoop, MD; Susan Wolfsthal, MD
Executive Producer:
Caroline Knoop, MD
2026 MELA Moments Podcasts
September 11, 2026
Episode 7: Journal Club: Feedback Focus
On this episode, we discuss a recent article from Dr. Caroline Knoop about written feedback. Dr. Erin Giudice speaks with Dr. Knoop about the article and the key takeaways for medical educators.
June 1, 2026
Episode 6: Journal Club: Maximizing Learning at the Bedside
On this episode, we talk with Dr. Dara Farber about the critical importance of bedside teaching in the inpatient setting, emphasizing that effective clinical education significantly enhances the learning experience for medical students and residents. Throughout the episode, we explore practical strategies for maximizing learning during patient interactions. Dr. Farber shares her expertise in medical education and clinical practice, highlighting the necessity of preparing learners to engage with patients in a meaningful way. We delve into the intricacies of bedside teaching and provide actionable insights to enhance teaching practices in the clinical environment.
April 6, 2026
Episode 5: Teaching Technical Skills: Lessons from the Operating Room
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Laura Buchanan, an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, about teaching procedural skills. Dr. Buchanan gives us strategies to enhance the learning experience for medical trainees by emphasizing the necessity of breaking down complex tasks into manageable micro-steps and the importance of aligning instructional methods with the nature of the skill being taught.
March 2, 2026
Episode 4: Unlocking Teachable Moments in Ambulatory Care
On this episode, Dr. Erin Giudice talks with Dr. Danny Baek about finding the teachable moment in the ambulatory setting. Dr. Baek is the Program Director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program at the University of Maryland. As we delve into the intricacies of clinical teaching, we recognize that the ambulatory environment presents both unique challenges and rewarding opportunities for educators and learners alike. This episode emphasizes the importance of establishing effective communication and the need to navigate time constraints while fostering an enriching learning experience. Throughout our discussion, we explore practical strategies, such as the implementation of micro-teaching sessions and the thoughtful selection of patient cases, which can significantly enhance the educational experience for trainees.
February 2, 2026
Episode 3: From Vague to Valuable: Strategies for Narrative Assessment
Today, we delve into the critical subject of narrative assessment, a pivotal component for those engaged in the evaluation of learners. This episode features Dr. Nidhi Goel, who helps us understand the significance of employing a structured evaluative framework to enhance the efficacy of narrative assessments. We explore the inadequacies of traditional assessment methods and the advantages of competency-based evaluations, particularly in clinical settings. Throughout our discussion, we will highlight the importance of specificity and objectivity in feedback, as well as the necessity of addressing potential biases that may inadvertently influence assessments.
January 5, 2026
Episode 2: Enhancing Educator Effectiveness: The Importance of Setting Expectations
On this episode, our host, Dr. Erin Giudice, talks with Dr. Phil Dittmar about the critical significance of setting clear expectations for medical learners to enhance their educational experiences. They discuss the profound impact that well-articulated expectations have on learners’ performance, particularly in clinical settings. Dr. Dittmar emphasizes that these written guidelines not only demystify the parameters of successful performance but also mitigate learner anxiety, thereby fostering a conducive environment for self-directed learning. Join us as we delve into practical strategies and insights designed to optimize the educational journey for both learners and educators alike.