Preview Mode Links will not work in preview mode

The Nocturnists

The Nocturnists is an award-winning, independent medical storytelling podcast, hosted by Emily Silverman, MD. We share stories that aim to humanize healthcare and foster meaningful public dialogue about the practice of medicine. Each episode brings the humanity of healthcare workers to the fore, from stories told at The Nocturnists live shows, to raw audio diary recordings in our special documentary series, to insightful conversations with authors and filmmakers whose work intersects with health and medicine. Welcome to our community.

Learn more at thenocturnists.com

Oct 25, 2022

1 in 10 physicians will get sued at some point in their career – but physicians rarely discuss this, much less prepare for it. How do we bring litigation, and all the stress and shame associated with it, out of the shadows?

Find show notes, discussion guide, transcript, and more at


Oct 18, 2022

For most clinicians, the idea of harming a patient is a worst nightmare. But in a high-stakes profession, practiced by humans in a dysfunctional system, errors are nearly inevitable. So how do we deal with the shame that follows?

Find show notes, discussion guide, transcript, and more at


Oct 11, 2022

In medical culture, shame is often wielded as a teaching tool. We shame learners for not knowing, for forgetting, for making mistakes. When does this serve us? When is it harmful? Is there a better way?

Find show notes, discussion guide, transcript, and more at


Oct 4, 2022

On the path to medicine, we’re constantly taking tests: MCAT, shelf exams, step exams, boards, and more. What are these numbers good for? What are they not good for? What is the emotional impact of these tests, and their scores, on medical learners?

Find show notes, discussion guide, transcript, and more at