Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In this episode of The Vitals podcast, Leslie Schlachter, PA, Chief Physician Assistant in the Department of Neurosurgery, hosts a wide-ranging discussion about resilience. She is joined by Dennis S. Charney, MD, the Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and President for Academic Affairs for the Mount Sinai Health System.
The discussion touches on assassination attempts of health care professionals (including Dean Charney); the importance of physical fitness in building resilience; basketball; and the necessity of self-care. They also discuss how a person can enhance their resilience.
00:00 – Introduction
Host Leslie Schlachter introduces the episode and guest, Dr. Dennis Charney, renowned psychiatrist and resilience researcher.
00:55 – Dr. Charney's Background
Dr. Charney discusses his early life, medical training, and what led him to study stress and resilience.
03:35 – Defining Resilience
What does it mean to be resilient? Dr. Charney explains the science and psychology behind human resilience.
06:10 – Personal Trauma: The Shooting Incident
Dr. Charney recounts surviving a targeted shooting in 2016 and how it tested and validated his own research on resilience.
10:20 – Recovery and Support Systems
The role his family, friends, and medical team played in his physical and emotional recovery.
13:05 – The Science of Bouncing Back
Discussion of biological and psychological mechanisms that support resilience.
15:45 – Lessons from Navy SEALs and Other Survivors
Insights from interviews with Navy SEALs, trauma survivors, and how their stories shaped Dr. Charney's resilience model.
18:30 – Building Resilience in Everyday Life
Tips for viewers: How to build resilience through mindset, community, and purpose.
21:15 – The Role of Faith and Optimism
How spiritual beliefs, optimism, and a positive outlook contribute to resilience.
23:00 – Leslie Reflects on Her Own Journey
Leslie shares her personal experiences and how Dr. Charney’s research influenced her work and life.
25:50 – Advice for Healthcare Workers
Dr. Charney offers resilience strategies for frontline medical professionals, especially post-pandemic.
28:10 – Final Thoughts on Hope and Healing
Closing reflections on resilience as a lifelong journey and the power of the human spirit.
30:00 – Outro and Gratitude
Leslie thanks Dr. Charney and previews what's next on The Vitals.
In this episode of The Vitals podcast, Leslie Schlachter, PA, Chief Physician Assistant in the Department of Neurosurgery, hosts a wide-ranging discussion about resilience. She is joined by Dennis S. Charney, MD, the Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and President for Academic Affairs for the Mount Sinai Health System.
The discussion touches on assassination attempts of health care professionals (including Dean Charney); the importance of physical fitness in building resilience; basketball; and the necessity of self-care. They also discuss how a person can enhance their resilience.
00:00 – Introduction
Host Leslie Schlachter introduces the episode and guest, Dr. Dennis Charney, renowned psychiatrist and resilience researcher.
00:55 – Dr. Charney's Background
Dr. Charney discusses his early life, medical training, and what led him to study stress and resilience.
03:35 – Defining Resilience
What does it mean to be resilient? Dr. Charney explains the science and psychology behind human resilience.
06:10 – Personal Trauma: The Shooting Incident
Dr. Charney recounts surviving a targeted shooting in 2016 and how it tested and validated his own research on resilience.
10:20 – Recovery and Support Systems
The role his family, friends, and medical team played in his physical and emotional recovery.
13:05 – The Science of Bouncing Back
Discussion of biological and psychological mechanisms that support resilience.
15:45 – Lessons from Navy SEALs and Other Survivors
Insights from interviews with Navy SEALs, trauma survivors, and how their stories shaped Dr. Charney's resilience model.
18:30 – Building Resilience in Everyday Life
Tips for viewers: How to build resilience through mindset, community, and purpose.
21:15 – The Role of Faith and Optimism
How spiritual beliefs, optimism, and a positive outlook contribute to resilience.
23:00 – Leslie Reflects on Her Own Journey
Leslie shares her personal experiences and how Dr. Charney’s research influenced her work and life.
25:50 – Advice for Healthcare Workers
Dr. Charney offers resilience strategies for frontline medical professionals, especially post-pandemic.
28:10 – Final Thoughts on Hope and Healing
Closing reflections on resilience as a lifelong journey and the power of the human spirit.
30:00 – Outro and Gratitude
Leslie thanks Dr. Charney and previews what's next on The Vitals.
