The Science Behind Workforce Well-Being
May 28, 2025
We chat with Michael Stadler, MD, Associate Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology at the Medical College of Wisconsin and former Chief Medical Officer of Froedtert Hospital, to discuss a transformative statewide initiative to support the well-being of Wisconsin’s health workforce. As the champion of this ambitious effort funded by the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment, Dr. Stadler shares challenges and solutions related to professional burnout among Wisconsin’s health workers.
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The Science Behind Pediatric Feeding and Nutrition Disorders
March 27, 2025
We chat with Alan Silverman, PhD, Professor of Pediatrics and Director of Pediatric Psychology Training at MCW, as we explore feeding and nutrition disorders in pediatrics, their prevalence, and where parents can find support.
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The Science Behind Hunger
February 27, 2025
We chat with Srividya (Vidya) Kidambi, MD, MS, Chief of the Division of Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine and Professor of Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, about the body's physiological adaptations to a fasted state or calorie restriction and the implications for successful weight loss.
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The Science Behind Heart Health
January 30, 2025
We chat with Michael Widlansky, MD, MPH, Northwestern Mutual Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine, department of medicine and pharmacology, and director of the Cardiovascular Center at the Medical College of Wisconsin, about optimizing our endothelial cell function and why it’s important.
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The Science Behind Sickle Cell Disease
December 18, 2024
We chat with Cheryl Stucky, PhD, Marvin Wagner Endowed Professor, Medical College of Wisconsin, about the neural basis of Sickle Cell Disease pain and discuss recent advancements in pain management strategies.
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The Science Behind Increasing Healthy Food Access
November 13, 2024
We chat with Dr. Leslie Ruffalo, Associate Professor of Family and Community Medicine at MCW, about how building trusted relationships between communities and farmers can help address nutrition insecurity.
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The Science Behind Pancreatic Cancer Therapeutics
October 30, 2024
We chat with with Gustavo W. Leone, PhD, Director of Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center and Senior Associate Dean of Cancer Research at the Medical College of Wisconsin, about urgent research and cutting-edge therapies that are transforming the fight against pancreatic cancer.
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The Science Behind Premature Respiratory Disease
September 25, 2024
We chat with Girija Ganesh Konduri, MD, Pediatrician and Neonatologist with Children’s Wisconsin and Professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin, about the urgent and often life-threatening challenges of neonatal respiratory failure and pulmonary hypertension in premature babies—conditions that demand immediate attention and expert care..
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The Science Behind Reducing Opioid Overdoses
August 28, 2024
We chat with Julia Dickson-Gomez, PhD, anthropologist in the Institute for Health & Equity and professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin, about how we can tackle the complex and evolving overdose crisis in our communities.
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The Science Behind Rising Syphilis Rates
July 30, 2024
We chat with Allison Linton, MD MPH, Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin, about the latest trends in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and why syphilis is on the rise.
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The Science Behind Combatting Youth Sex Trafficking
June 26, 2024
We chat with Angela Rabbitt, DO, Child Abuse Pediatrics at Children’s Wisconsin and Professor in the Department of Child Advocacy and Protection at the Medical College of Wisconsin, on the systems changes needed to detect, prevent, and treat youth who are sex trafficked.
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The Science Behind Collaborative Diabetes Management Interventions
May 28, 2024
We chat with Dr. David Nelson, PhD, Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, on the systems changes needed for health integration and delivery for diabetes prevention.
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The Science Behind Integrative Dementia Care
April 24, 2024
We chat with Leslie Ruffalo, PhD, Associate Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, on how imagination and creative communication strategies could increase caregiver and patient relations for persons living with dementia.
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The Science Behind Self-Compassion and Weight Management
March 20, 2024
We chat with Dr. Alexander Buhk as we explore the correlation between self-compassion and weight management, and discuss the tools to help love yourself at any size.
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The Science Behind AI in Healthcare
February 14, 2024
Chat with Bradley Crotty, MD, MPH, Chief Digital Officer for The Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin Health System, Chief Medical Officer and Interim President for Inception Health, and Associate Professor of Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, on the science behind AI and healthcare.
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The Science Behind the Grieving Brain
January 17, 2024
We chat with Joseph Goveas, MD, Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine and Institute for Health and Equity and Vice-Chair and Director, Geriatric Psychiatry at the Medical College of Wisconsin, on the risks, symptoms, and interventions for prolonged grief.
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The Science Behind Bacteria-Human Coexistence
December 12, 2023
We chat with Dr. Nita Salzman, MD, PhD, professor, Pediatrics and Microbiology & Immunology; Director, Medical Scientist Training Program; Founding Director, Center for Microbiome Research at the Medical College of Wisconsin, to learn about the role bacteria play in our bodies, forming microbiome communities that are crucial for our good health.
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The Science Behind Autism Diagnosis
November 29, 2023
Take a virtual coffee break with the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) and the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment as we chat with Dr. Kathleen A. Koth, DO, DFAACAP, associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), to learn about autism spectrum disorder (ASD), diagnosis, and advancements in care.
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The Science Behind Immunizations
September 29, 2023
Take a virtual coffee break with the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) and the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment as we chat with Carlos Figueroa Castro, MD, assistant professor of infectious disease at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) to learn about the importance of immunizations, early detection, and infection prevention.
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The Science Behind Sweeteners and Our Metabolic and Reproductive Health
July 31, 2023
We chat with Dr. Stephanie Olivier-Van Stichelen, PhD, Assistant Professor in Biochemistry; Secondary Faculty in Obstetrics & Gynecology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, about the intersection of sweeteners, pregnancy, development, and metabolism.
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The Science Behind Social Media and Youth Mental Health
June 27, 2023
Dr. Jeff Karst, PhD, pediatric psychologist in the MACC Fund Center at Children’s Wisconsin and associate professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin talks about the new cautionary effects of social media on young people.
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The Science Behind Maternal Morbidity
May 31, 2023
Dr. Anna Palatnik, MD, maternal fetal health medicine physician and associate professor at Froedtert, and the Medical College of Wisconsin talk about racial and ethnic disparities across selected measures of maternal and infant health and discuss the factors that drive these disparities.
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The Science Behind Effective Dieting
April 26, 2023
Take a virtual coffee break with the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) and the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment as we chat with Lisa Morselli, MD, PhD, endocrinologist, and assistant professor at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin about the trends, facts, and misconceptions associated with effective weight-loss diets.
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The Science Behind Vasectomies
March 21, 2023
Approximately 500,000 men in the United States get vasectomies each year, and many of them get scheduled during March Madness. Why is that? Tune in as we discuss the science behind vasectomies and what’s driving the uptick in procedures. Take a virtual coffee break with the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) and the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment as we chat with Jay Sandlow, MD, urologist and professor at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin. Presented in partnership with the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment.
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The Science and Trends Behind Losing Weight
February 21, 2023
Take a virtual coffee break with the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) and the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment as we chat with Tammy Kindel, MD, PhD, bariatric surgeon and associate professor at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin.
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The Science and Trends Behind Seasonal Respiratory Illness
January 31, 2023
Take a virtual coffee break with the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) and the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment as we chat with John Meurer, MD, MBA, professor of pediatrics and community health at the Medical College of Wisconsin, as we guide you through the signs of seasonal respiratory illnesses—COVID, influenza, and RSV—and share what you can do about them.
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The Science Behind Seasonal Affective Disorder
December 12, 2022
Take a virtual coffee break with the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) and the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment as we chat with Himanshu Agrawal, MD, DFAPA, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
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The Science Behind Genetic Counseling
November 14, 2022
Host Michael Zimmermann, PhD, director of the bioinformatics research and development lab in the Clinical and Translational Science Institute at the Medical College of Wisconsin chatted with Jenny Geurts, MS, CGC, director of the genetic counseling program and assistant professor in the Institute for Health & Equity at the Medical College of Wisconsin about the science behind genetic counseling.
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The Science Behind Monkeypox
November 4, 2022
Andrew Petroll, MS, MD, professor of medicine in the MCW division of infectious diseases chatted with Mary Beth Graham, MD, FIDSA, FACP, associate chief and professor of medicine in the MCW division of infectious diseases about the science behind monkeypox.
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The Science Behind Breast Cancer
October 27, 2022
Adrienne Cobb, MD, MS, assistant professor of surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin, discussed the science behind breast cancer.
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The Science Behind Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussion
September 21, 2022
Dr. Michael McCrea, the Shekar N. Kurpad, MD, PhD, Chair in Neurosurgery; professor; vice chair of Research; co-director, Neurotrauma Research Center; director, Clinical Trials Office (CTO) in the Neuroscience Institute at MCW, chatted with host Dr. Terri deRoon Cassini, professor of surgery and the executive director of the MCW Comprehensive Injury Center at MCW, about the science behind traumatic brain injury and concussion.
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The Science Behind Bullying and Suicide Prevention
August 17, 2022
Sara Kohlbeck, Director of the Division of Suicide Prevention at MCW, chatted with host Dr. Staci Young, Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Healthy Communities and Research at MCW, about bullying and suicide prevention.
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The Science Behind Parkinson’s Disease
July 27, 2022
Take a virtual coffee break with the Medical College of Wisconsin as we chat with Dr. Cecilia Hillard, Associate Dean for Research; Director of the MCW Neuroscience Research Center; G. Frederick Kasten, Jr. Endowed Chair in Parkinson’s Disease Research, as she chats with host, Dr. Cassie Ferguson, associate professor at MCW, about the science behind Parkinson’s Disease.
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Understanding The Science Behind Cardiovascular Health and Pregnancy
June 28, 2022
Dr. Jennifer McIntosh, Associate Professor of Maternal Fetal Medicine at MCW and clinician in the Froedtert & MCW Maternal Fetal Medicine Program, chatted with host, Dr. Nicole Lohr, cardiologist and chief of cardiovascular medicine at the Zablocki VA Medical Center, about the science behind cardiovascular health and pregnancy including misconceptions, risks and prevention.
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The Science Behind Seasonal Allergies
May 16, 2022
Dr. Asriani Chiu, Professor of Allergy and Immunology, and the interim section chief of Allergy at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Medical Director of Asthma and Allergy at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin chatted with host Dr. Jesse Ehrenfeld, director of the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment, about the science behind seasonal allergies including understanding the difference between allergies and illnesses such as the respiratory flu or COVID-19.
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The Science Behind Hearing Loss
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Join Dr. Chris Runge, professor in the Ear, Nose and Throat Department at the Medical College of Wisconsin and director of the Koss Cochlear Implant Program, as she chats with host, Dr. Jesse Ehrenfeld, director of the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment, about the science behind hearing loss, the most common types of hearing loss, and what you can do if you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of hearing loss.
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Understanding the Science Behind Sleep Health
Wednesday, March 23
Dr. B. Tucker Woodson, otolaryngologist and professor and chief of sleep medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, discussed the science behind sleep health.
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The Science of Cardiovascular Health: Understanding Your Risk and Tips for Prevention
Friday, February 25
Dr. Nicole Lohr, cardiologist and chief of cardiovascular medicine at the Zablocki VA Medical Center, chats with host, Julia Schmitt, about the science behind cardiovascular health, understanding your risk factors, and tips for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
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The Science of Health: Transitioning to a Plant-based Lifestyle
Wednesday, January 19
Dr. Stuart Wong, medical oncologist and director of the Medical College of Wisconsin’s Disease Prevention Research Center, chats with Dr. Rania Dempsey, lifestyle medicine physician and mom, about the science behind plant-based nutrition and tips on how to get started with some simple lifestyle modifications to improve your overall health.
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2021: The Year in Review
Wednesday, December 29, 2021
Join us as we take a look back at the most talked about coffee conversations from 2021. From COVID and vaccines to violence prevention and gender inclusivity, we talked to MCW’s leading
scientists to learn more about the public health topics that mattered most to you.
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Managing Mental Wellness: The Science Behind Stress, Anxiety, and Burnout
Thursday, November 18, 2021
‘Tis the season for … stress? Join Medical College of Wisconsin Associate Professor of Psychiatry Dr. David Cipriano to explore the science behind how stress, burnout, and anxiety can impact our overall well-being, and what we can do to support our mental wellness during the holiday season and beyond
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Kids & COVID-19: Vaccine Edition
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Join as Children's Wisconsin Chief Medical Officer Dr. Michael Gutzeit explores the science behind COVID-19 vaccines for kids and what the data says about safety and effictiveness, and the steps we can all take to keep our families healthy today
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The Science of Healthy Eating: How to Eat to Prevent Disease & Promote Health
September 15, 2021
Join Stuart Wong, MD, medical oncologist and director of the Medical College of Wisconsin’s Disease Prevention Research Center, and Ken Jacobsohn, MD, associate professor, as they explore the science-driven nutrition plan that can prevent disease, promote good health, and change our bodies and our communities for the better.
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Kids & COVID-19: A Conversation for Parents & Caregivers
August 3, 2021
Medical College of Wisconsin pediatric infectious disease specialist Dr. Frank Zhu talks with Calie Herbst, founder of Milwaukee with Kids, on the science behind COVID-19 in kids, and what parents and caregivers need to know about variants, vaccines, and the latest guidelines for keeping your family healthy this fall.
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Preventing Violence, Promoting Safe & Healthy Communities
July 13, 2021
As cities around the country reimagine public safety, Reggie Moore, director of violence prevention in the MCW Comprehensive Injury Center, and host Dr. Marc de Moya, Chief of Trauma Surgery at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin explore the science behind violence prevention
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Let's Talk About Sex, Gender & Health
June 2, 2021
Join nationally recognized LGBTQ health specialist Dr. Jessica Francis and host Dr. Jesse Ehrenfeld for a discussion on sex, gender identity, and health, as they explore what science tells us about how exclusion in health disparities and inequities, and why inclusion in medicine, science, and society matters to health.
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Tired & Overwhelmed During COVID-19
May 4, 2021
Why do so many of us feel tired and overwhelmed more than a year after the COVID-19 pandemic began? Health psychologist Dr. Terri deRoon-Cassini explores the science behind how our experiences today are shaping how we feel, and what we can do to give ourselves the break we need.
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A Conversation on COVID-19
April 8, 2021
Join us as nationally recognized infectious disease expert Dr. Joyce Sanchez explores the science behind what we know now about COVID-19 vaccines, variants, and being vigilant so that we can get back to the things we love and miss most.
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