In the latest episode of Primary Care Matters, host Sue Bornstein, MD, MACP, co-lead of the Texas Primary Care Consortium, speaks with Janet A. Jokela, MD, MPH, FIDSA, MACP, FRCP (London), Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease and Senior Associate Dean of Engagement at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
In the latest episode of Primary Care Matters, host Sue Bornstein, MD, MACP, co-lead of the Texas Primary Care Consortium, speaks with Janet A. Jokela, MD, MPH, FIDSA, MACP, FRCP (London), Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease and Senior Associate Dean of Engagement at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
They discuss the central role of trust in primary care and public health, noting how historical events have eroded it. The conversation highlights challenges created by the abundance of often conflicting health information online. They emphasize the need to communicate medical uncertainty in ways that build trust and confidence, and underscore the importance of humility in medicine for fostering strong, lasting relationships with patients.
Janet A. Jokela, MD, MPH, FIDSA, MACP, FRCP (London)
Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease
Senior Associate Dean of Engagement, Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Dr. Jokela has served in numerous leadership capacities throughout her career, including Acting Regional Dean University of Illinois College of Medicine Urbana-Champaign (2017-2022), Regent of the American College of Physicians (ACP) (2017-2021), and as national ACP Treasurer (2022-2025). She is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, including the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award, Alpha Omega Alpha, and the national Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) Fellowship. She is an elected Master of the ACP, Fellow of the Infectious Disease Society of America, and Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (London). She cared for internal medicine and infectious diseases patients at a rural Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Danville, IL, for twenty years. Prior to moving to Illinois, she had a busy primary care practice at the Massachusetts General Hospital-Revere Health Care Center in the Boston area.
About Primary Care Matters
Primary Care Matters is a bold, interview-driven podcast hosted by Sue Bornstein, MD, MACP, a recognized leader in primary care, and produced by the Texas Primary Care Consortium. Each episode explores the challenges and innovations transforming primary care—featuring candid conversations with clinicians, policymakers, innovators, advocates, and more.
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We would love to hear what you thought of today’s episode! If you would like to provide feedback on Primary Care Matters, please contact communications@texashealthinstitute.org.
The Texas Primary Care Consortium is a statewide collaborative between Texas Health Institute and the Texas Medical Home Initiative. THI provides the financial and administrative support for the TPCC team and work. To learn more about THI, please visit texashealthinstitute.org.
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