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In this episode of “The UMB Pulse,” we hear from Deborah Shlian, MD ’72, MBA, an accomplished alumna of the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Shlian shares her career journey from being a medical doctor to becoming a successful writer in the medical thriller genre. She discusses her early inspirations, partnership with her husband, Joel, and their collaborative ventures in both medicine and writing.

The conversation explores her transition to running a medical management consulting firm, establishing a niche in physician executive searches, and ultimately retiring to focus on her passion for writing. The episode also highlights her contributions to nonfiction literature, especially in spotlighting women leaders in STEM fields.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Deborah Shlian
02:25 Early Life and Medical Education
03:35 Career in Medical Management
10:11 Transition to Writing
11:40 Writing Medical Thrillers
20:23 Women in STEM and Leadership
26:44 Challenges and Future Projects
32:19 Advice for Aspiring Physicians and Writers
35:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Listen to The UMB Pulse on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you like to listen. The UMB Pulse is also now on YouTube.

Visit our website at umaryland.edu/pulse or email us at umbpulse@umaryland.edu.

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In this episode of "The UMB Pulse" podcast, hosts Charles Schelle, MS, and Dana Rampolla chat with Wilbur Chen, MD, MS ’08, the Frank M. Calia, MD Endowed Professor of Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) and chief of the adult clinical studies section at UMSOM's Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health.

Chen highlights the importance of federally funded research and the importance of global health efforts for local stability.

In addition, Chen addresses current concerns such as the resurgence of measles in the United States and the avian flu outbreak, emphasizing the need for widespread vaccination and sustained research. The episode provides a comprehensive overview of how the University of Maryland, Baltimore is driving forward public health initiatives that have both local and global implications.

00:00 Introduction to UMB's Mission
00:42 Meet Dr. Wilbur Chen
02:59 Dr. Chen's Journey into Infectious Disease Research
09:59 The Importance of Indirect Costs in Research
18:16 Current Research and Global Health Impact
25:12 Measles Outbreaks in the U.S.
35:45 Avian Flu and Its Implications
47:55 Global Health Challenges and Future Pandemics
58:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Listen to The UMB Pulse on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you like to listen. The UMB Pulse is also now on YouTube.

Visit our website at umaryland.edu/pulse or email us at umbpulse@umaryland.edu.

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In this episode of The UMB Pulse, Jody Olsen, PhD, MSW '72, a distinguished leader in global public service and former Peace Corps director shares her journey from aspiring social worker to influential advocate for women's empowerment, cross-cultural understanding, and global citizenship.

Olsen, an alumna of the University of Maryland School of Social Work, shares in detail about her experiences leading transformative Peace Corps programs, overcoming challenges, and her ongoing contributions to the University of Maryland, Baltimore community.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Jody Olsen
02:37 Early Life and Career Beginnings
05:09 Navigating Leadership Challenges
09:04 Impact of the Peace Corps in Eastern Europe
17:20 Women's Empowerment and Mentorship
36:36 Global Community Building and UMB's Role
43:33 Memorable Moments and Reflections
49:31 Advice to the Younger Generation

Listen to The UMB Pulse on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you like to listen. The UMB Pulse is also now on YouTube.

Visit our website at umaryland.edu/pulse or email us at umbpulse@umaryland.edu.