Why Empathy Still Matters in an AI World (Feat: Mike Graziani)

Why Empathy Still Matters in an AI World (Feat: Mike Graziani)

As artificial intelligence continues to transform healthcare, one question remains: what aspects of medicine can never be automated? In this episode of Val-You Based Care, Dr. Kimberly Ku welcomes Mike Graziani, CEO of Haymarket Media US, for a thoughtful conversation about empathy, communication, leadership, curiosity, and the future of healthcare. Together, they explore the evolving role of AI and why technological advancement should not come at the expense of human connection. From tactical empathy and active listening to the importance of seeing every patient as a unique individual, the discussion highlights the enduring skills that build trust and strengthen relationships. Dr. Ku and Graziani also discuss the power of curiosity, the value of interdisciplinary thinking, and how meaningful innovation often emerges when people are willing to challenge assumptions and engage with perspectives outside their own. At a time when healthcare is rapidly evolving, this episode offers a powerful reminder that empathy is not a soft skill—it is a critical skill. And as AI continues to reshape medicine, the providers who communicate effectively, listen deeply, and connect authentically may become more valuable than ever. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:14 Why Empathy Still Matters in an AI World 8:37 The Role of Communication in Healthcare 15:22 Curiosity as a Professional Advantage 22:45 AI and the Future of Medicine 31:18 Every Patient Is an N of One 39:56 Building Trust Through Human Connection 47:12 Final Thoughts

Rethinking the Cancer Clinic: A Better Model for Modern Oncology (Feat: Dr. Shawn Seibert)

In this episode of Val-You Based Care, Dr. Kimberly Ku sits down with Dr. Shawn Seibert of Illinois CancerCare to explore what it really takes to build a better model for modern oncology. With years of experience developing and refining the community cancer clinic model, Shawn brings a grounded and practical perspective to one of healthcare’s most pressing challenges: how to meet growing patient demand while navigating workforce shortages and provider burnout. Together, they examine the evolving role of oncology in coordination with hospitalists, the tension between traditional systems and emerging care models, and the importance of designing structures that actually work for both patients and providers. The conversation highlights how private and public partnerships can play a meaningful role in scaling care without sacrificing quality. Shawn’s recognition as the 2025 Cure-ageous Rock Doc of the Year reflects the values he brings to his work—commitment to community, dedication to patients, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. The episode also explores his passion for working across disciplines and mentoring the next generation of care providers. At its core, this conversation is about building something better—rethinking not just how care is delivered, but how it is experienced by those who give it and those who receive it. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 1:30 - Dr. Seibert's background and growth 9:42 - The refreshing nature of his work 19:40 - Gaining traction on new care concept 26:06 - Lessons for newer physicians 37:53 - Reflecting on a successful year 32:40 - Taking initiative to create change 45:28 - Active listening in medicine 47:32 - Closing remarks

The Future of Oncology Is Personal (Feat: Elizabeth Klumpp)

In this episode of Val-You Based Care, Dr. Kimberly Ku sits down with Elizabeth Klumpp, Group Editorial Director at Haymarket Oncology, for a wide-ranging conversation on some of the most important clinical trial presentations emerging from ASCO—and what they reveal about the future of cancer care. Together, they explore several groundbreaking studies reshaping oncology across pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, and sarcoma. The discussion highlights how cancer treatment is increasingly moving away from one-size-fits-all approaches and toward biomarker-driven, biology-focused care. The episode examines the excitement surrounding the Rasolute 302 study in pancreatic cancer and its potential to introduce new oral treatment options beyond traditional chemotherapy. It also explores the Proteus study and the growing role of treatment intensification and multidisciplinary collaboration in localized prostate cancer care. Dr. Ku and Klumpp further discuss the Libretto 432 study and the evolution of precision oncology into earlier-stage disease settings, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive molecular testing at diagnosis. They also unpack the Sarco41 study as an example of how oncology is beginning to transcend organ-based classifications in favor of targeting shared tumor biology. Finally, the conversation turns toward the future—examining how artificial intelligence may fundamentally change clinical trial design and cancer treatment itself. From “AI twins” to adaptive treatment modeling, this episode offers a thoughtful look at where oncology may be headed next. At its core, this discussion is about possibility: how innovation, collaboration, and evolving scientific thinking may redefine what cancer care looks like in the years ahead. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 0:42 - The Rasolute 302 study 3:20 - Clinical signals in prostate cancer analysis 5:37 - The value of genetic testing 6:55 - The Sarco41 study 12:38 - Closing remarks

Seen and Unseen: The Roles That Hold Healthcare Together (Feat: Jessica Everett)

In this episode of Val-You Based Care, Dr. Kimberly Ku sits down with genetic counselor Jessica Everett to explore the often unseen roles that quietly hold healthcare together. From their shared work within the PRECEDE consortium—a global effort advancing early detection for pancreatic cancer—to the evolving landscape of cancer genetics, this conversation highlights the critical contributions of professionals who spend the most time with patients, yet are often underrecognized within the system. Jessica reflects on her journey as a genetic counselor, a field that has transformed from being largely unknown to increasingly central in patient-driven care. Together, they discuss the “double-edged sword” of frontline roles—deep patient connection paired with limited visibility and mobility—and the broader implications this has on workforce sustainability. The episode also examines shifting communication dynamics, the importance of reading today’s patient audience, and the power of public-private partnerships in advancing large-scale research efforts like PRECEDE. At its core, this conversation is about partnership—what it looks like when physicians and care teams elevate one another, and how that collaboration ultimately shapes trust, innovation, and better patient outcomes. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 1:35 - Jessica's research with pancreatic cancer 5:56 - Past observations 15:25 - Private and public sectors working together 26:50 - The diamond in the rough 36:20 - Increasing the advocacy behind cancer research 43:25 - Helping people feel heard 47:53 - Closing remarks

Protecting the Profession: Burnout, Violence, and the Future of Medicine (Feat: Dr. Noelle LoConte)

In this deeply personal episode of Val-You Based Care, Dr. Kimberly Ku reconnects with longtime colleague and friend Dr. Noelle LoConte for an honest conversation about protecting the heart of medicine. Having trained together and formed a meaningful friendship early in their careers, this discussion reflects on the conviction that sustains physicians through decades of practice. Dr. LoConte shares her vision for building intentional culture within her lab and mentoring the next generation of clinicians—creating a microcosm of care rooted in integrity, accountability, and humanity. The episode also confronts difficult realities: burnout, emotional exhaustion, and the growing concern of violence against healthcare providers. Together, they explore what it means to safeguard not just patients—but the profession itself. The conversation closes with a powerful reflection on leadership in today’s global climate and what the future of medicine demands from those willing to lead it forward. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 1:50 - Working in academic medicine 6:28 - Having authentic conversations 14:45 - The polarization existing in medical care 25:35 - Bringing empathy to healthcare 35:31 - What is your leader identity? 44:26 - Doctors making poor health decisions 51:46 - When leaders aren't actually looking out for you 53:10 - Closing remarks