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Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project

Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project

By: Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development
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 The bar for human performance is higher than it’s ever been. As a result, we all feel the need to do MORE. At the same time, we are becoming increasingly aware of the value of sleep, rest, recovery, and wellness. Accordingly, we also feel the need to do LESS. If you’re like most people, it can be challenging to reconcile this conflict of feeling the need to do MORE and LESS simultaneously, and that is likely contributing to high rates of burnout and decreased performance. So how do we reconcile these seemingly competing desires? That is where Human Optimization comes in. Human Optimization is the process of achieving more (however you define that for yourself) while simultaneously improving your wellness and well-being. Although it’s not easy, it’s certainly possible. Not only is it possible, but it is becoming increasingly essential. In this Mayo Clinic Talks Mini-Series, we are going to dive into the topic of Human Optimization and will focus on a few key areas including: exercise, nutrition, culture, emotional intelligence, and finding joy in all you do.

Learn more about the Human Optimization Project at:
https://ce.mayo.edu/optimize
X: @MayoHumanOpProj
Instagram: @MayoHumanOpProj
YouTube: The Human Optimization Project - YouTube
Email: optimize@mayo.edu

Listening is free and no CME Credit is available for this series.Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • Tomorrow's Cure - 3D Bioprinted Skin: Breakthroughs in Regenerative Medicine

    Tomorrow's Cure - 3D Bioprinted Skin: Breakthroughs in Regenerative Medicine
    Mar 18 2026

    Host: Cathy Wurzer

    Guest: Dermatologist and regenerative medicine expert Dr. Saranya Wyles of Mayo Clinic and biomedical engineer Dr. Adam Feinberg of Carnegie Mellon University

    Today, we are sharing an episode from our sister podcast Tomorrow’s Cure. Produced by our Mayo Clinic colleagues, this chart-topping and Ambie Award-finalist podcast explores the future of medicine – from the rise of chronic disease and autoimmune disorders to new research revealing how early immune changes can develop into certain types of leukemia.

    In this particular episode, you’ll hear from dermatologist and regenerative medicine expert Dr. Saranya Wyles of Mayo Clinic and biomedical engineer Dr. Adam Feinberg of Carnegie Mellon University about “SkinSpan” and the fast-moving world of 3D bioprinted skin. They explore how layered, living skin models built from human cells and collagen are helping researchers study conditions like eczema, chronic wounds, burns, and age-related changes in skin structure and pigment.

    You listen to other episodes of Tomorrow’s Cure here: https://play.megaphone.fm/3qwbajhmswc0jz1xfy7dbg

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    41 mins
  • E55 Overcoming Self Doubt and Imposter Syndrome

    E55 Overcoming Self Doubt and Imposter Syndrome
    Mar 11 2026

    Host: Christopher L. Camp, M.D., Creator & Guide | Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project

    Guest: Cade Cowan, Managing Partner | Executive Development Consulting – Atlanta, GA

    If you’ve ever experienced self-doubt, felt like you didn’t have what it takes, or were fearful of being “found out”, this episode is for you. We have all had the unfortunate experience of improperly doubting ourselves and our abilities to the extent that they had a negative impact on how we feel about ourselves and diminished our performance. Self-doubt and imposter syndrome can be paralyzing, but life is too short for us to live with constant fear and doubt about our abilities. Our expert guest here to help us with this is author and executive consultant, Cade Cowan. The three big questions Cade is going to walk us through are: 1. What exactly is “imposter syndrome”? What are the downsides? 2. How common is self-doubt and how can we tell if it’s impacting us? 3. What steps can we take to overcome imposter syndrome and develop healthy confidence to become our best selves? How to start a Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project “Pod-Club”: Step 1: Find 2-30 friends who want to get better Step 2: Choose your episodes (can be focused on specific themes or random) Step 3: Listen to/watch the episodes Step 4: Meet with your group to work through the provided discussion questions for each episode, and feel free to add your own! Step 5: Celebrate the fact that you are turning passive knowledge into action! Discussion Questions for this Episode: 1. The podcast distinguishes between imposter syndrome (high competence, low confidence) and low self-confidence (global lack of belief in ability). Think about a time when you experienced one versus the other. How did your actions or feelings differ in those situations? 2. Cade mentions the Dunning-Kruger effect as the opposite of imposter syndrome (low competence, high confidence). How might recognizing both imposter syndrome and the Dunning-Kruger effect help us achieve a more balanced and realistic self-assessment? 3. The discussion highlights the "cycle of imposter syndrome" – a trigger event leading to anxiety, overwork or procrastination, success, and then explaining that success away. Think about a time when you experienced this cycle. What was the most challenging aspect for you? 4. The speakers discuss how environmental factors, such as work culture or societal pressures (like social media's "highlight reels"), can exacerbate imposter syndrome. What specific aspects of your current environment might be contributing to feelings of self-doubt? What is one way you might address this? 5. Cade shares a personal story about presenting to a CEO at 28, realizing he should "stay in his zone of expertise." Consider your own "zone of expertise." What helps you feel comfortable sharing what you don't know in professional or personal settings? 6. The idea of "confident humility" is introduced, emphasizing the ability to say "I don't know" while still being confident in one's ability to learn. How can you practice this balance in your daily interactions? 7. The podcast suggests that imposter syndrome is a "universal experience" and that "everybody else is doing it." How does knowing this change how you interact with others who might be experiencing imposter syndrome? 8. Cade shares his "keepers file" of positive emails and notes. What is one tangible way you could start collecting and revisiting evidence of your own successes and positive impact to combat imposter syndrome? Learn more about the Human Optimization Project at: https://ce.mayo.edu/optimize X: @MayoHumanOpProj Instagram: @MayoHumanOpProj YouTube: The Human Optimization Project - YouTube Email: optimize@mayo.edu
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    58 mins
  • E54 How to Set Your Personal Vision: Define What You Want to Accomplish in Life

    E54 How to Set Your Personal Vision: Define What You Want to Accomplish in Life
    Mar 4 2026

    Host: Christopher L. Camp, M.D., Creator & Guide | Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project

    Guest: Greg Couser, MD, MPH, Preventive and Occupational Medicine Physician and Psychiatrist | Mayo Clinic – Rochester, MN

    Can you easily and clearly answer the following question...WHAT do you want to achieve with your life? The question is simple, but it’s challenging for most of us to answer in a clear, concise, and convincing way. While we may have a rough or general idea of what we want to accomplish as human beings, very few of us can clearly articulate that in a way that is at the forefront of our minds and drives our behaviors. Time for that to change, and our guest here to teach you how is Dr. Greg Couser, the creator and director of the Mayo Clinic “Optimizing Potential” course. The three big questions Greg is going to answer for us are: 1. What exactly is “vision” and why do we need one? 2. Why do so many of us struggle to clearly articulate what we want to accomplish in life? 3. What practical steps should we take to set the ideal vision for ourselves? How to start a Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project “Pod-Club”: Step 1: Find 2-30 friends who want to get better Step 2: Choose your episodes (can be focused on specific themes or random) Step 3: Listen to/watch the episodes Step 4: Meet with your group to work through the provided discussion questions for each episode, and feel free to add your own! Step 5: Celebrate the fact that you are turning passive knowledge into action! Discussion Questions for this Episode: 1. The podcast defines a personal vision as a "big want" that fuels you, rooted in values and purpose. How might your core values inform what your "big want" for your life truly is? 2. Dr. Couser suggests that a good vision should be simple, clearly articulated, and concise (1-2 sentences). Why do you think it's so challenging for many people to distill their life's aspirations into such a brief statement? 3. The speakers emphasize that having a personal vision can bring joy, meaning, and motivation, and make life "easier" by providing direction. Can you recall a time when a clear sense of purpose or direction made a difficult situation in your life feel more manageable or even enjoyable? 4. The discussion highlights that many people struggle with vision setting due to perfectionism or fear of failure, especially in a "left-brain information society." How might you overcome these tendencies to allow yourself to explore and articulate your personal vision without judgment? 5. The "ideal retirement party" exercise is suggested as a way to brainstorm your vision. If you were at your ideal retirement party, what would you want friends, family, and colleagues to say about the legacy you've built and the person you've been? 6. The podcast encourages making your vision "not specific to your vocation" because jobs can change. How can you craft a personal vision that is universal enough to apply across different roles and stages of your life, rather than being tied to a specific career? 7. The idea of "Greg the automaton" is how Dr. Couser describes himself when living on autopilot. What are some of your own "autopilot" behaviors or reactions? This week, commit to asking "why" (as suggested in the podcast) to help you uncover deeper insights for your personal vision. 8. Once a vision is crafted, the advice is to "look at it often" and "visit it often." What practical strategies could you implement in your daily life to keep your personal vision at the forefront of your mind and guide your actions? Learn more about the Human Optimization Project at: https://ce.mayo.edu/optimize X: @MayoHumanOpProj Instagram: @MayoHumanOpProj YouTube: The Human Optimization Project - YouTube Email: optimize@mayo.edu
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    49 mins
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