Fresh Take: Why Human Connection Matters in Medicine with Dr. Alan R. Cohen

2026-06-19

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As technology improves medicine, and AI accelerates change, how do we maintain the human connection that must exist between doctor and patient? Pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Alan R. Cohen, author of the new book COMFORT ALWAYS, explains what he's learned in four decades of working with families in extremely intense situations, and how being a "humble physician" remains the most important part of his work. In this episode, we discuss: Why empathy is a skill worth intention and focus The benefits and drawbacks of electronic...

As technology improves medicine, and AI accelerates change, how do we maintain the human connection that must exist between doctor and patient?

Pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Alan R. Cohen, author of the new book COMFORT ALWAYS, explains what he's learned in four decades of working with families in extremely intense situations, and how being a "humble physician" remains the most important part of his work.

In this episode, we discuss:

Why empathy is a skill worth intention and focus
The benefits and drawbacks of electronic medical records
Why parents' instincts remain a crucial part of their children's care
How to advocate for yourself with a disconnected provider
Why uncertainty is part of medicine—and part of life

Here's where you can find Dr. Cohen:

https://www.dralanrcohen.com/
Buy COMFORT ALWAYS: https://bookshop.org/a/12099/9798895656198

What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables.

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