To say Dan Collins had a hand in Mercy Medical Center's new "Meeting of Medical Minds" video series would be a bit of an understatement.
Behind the scenes, Collins came up with the idea for the series, scripted it, hired actors and, in some cases, costumed them, recruited doctors for the series' panel discussions, and figured out how to have a live audience for taping. In front of the camera, Collins stars as the series' moderator.
"It took a lot of work," he admits, "but it was a labor of love."
The first four of what Collins, the Baltimore medical hub's senior director of media relations, hopes will be many segments in the series were posted to Mercy's YouTube channel in early March.
Tip of the hat to a PBS program
The series is a nod to one Collins admired as a teenager called "Meeting of Minds." That series aired on PBS from 1977-1981. In it, broadcaster Steve Allen interviewed actors portraying historic figures such as Plato, Charles Darwin and Florence Nightingale. Even though Allen's many hats included that of comedian, the series played more for education than laughs. So does Collins' homage.
In "Meeting of Medical Minds," Collins takes on the role of host. His first four visitors from the past are Hippocrates, the Greek physician known as the "father of Western medicine"; Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first American woman to earn a medical degree; Dr. Joseph Lister, considered the "father of modern antiseptic surgery"; and Dr. Charles Drew, the African American physician who organized America's first large-scale blood bank.
In each segment, Collins questions his esteemed guests about their lives and accomplishments. Across the table is a Mercy physician, who weighs in about the impact of the historic figure's legacies, how the doctor and others are building on those legacies, and the doctor's own medical experiences.
Semi-scripted talk show
Collins carefully scripted the actors' parts to ensure they are historically accurate. He keeps a bibliography of his sources, in case anyone asks. He also coached the actors on how to present themselves on camera so as to best bring their subjects to life. He even outfitted some of them, courtesy of his own collection from years in community theater. Dr. Lister's top hat, frock coat, vest and cane all came from Collins' closet.
The doctors who join the discussion see the scripts in advance, with notes about where it would be appropriate to weigh in, but their comments are their own.
The banter between Collins, the scripted actors and the unscripted doctors gives the segments a vibe reminiscent of a talk show. So does the fact that the segments were taped before a live audience, whose reactions and applause can be heard and who are invited at the end to ask questions.
Live audience of students
The audience is another part of the series' educational aspect. Each one was made up of students from the Women in Medicine program, a partnership between the all-girl Mercy High School and Mercy Medical Center.
The students in the program visit the hospital monthly to learn about health care careers. Freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors come in separate groups. Collins timed the taping of the "Meeting of Medical Minds" segments so each class could attend one while on the medical campus.
"Given the Mercy High School students' interest in medical and health-related matters, it was a natural connection to have them take part," Collins says.
Eileen Phelps, director of signature programs at Mercy High School, praises his effort. "The 'Meeting of Medical Minds' series was so unique, and our students really enjoyed learning about various physicians who have shaped how doctors practice today in such a fun and interactive way," she says.
The series was taped in an on-campus studio that Mercy added in 2022. The studio has become the home of Mercy's ongoing "Medoscopy" program that explores medical topics and spotlights Mercy providers and patients. It is also the home of "Mercy Medcast," a podcast that launched in March and features Mercy professionals sharing medical expertise, personal stories and practical health insights.
Spotlighting diversity and Mercy
In creating "Meeting of Medical Minds," Collins was intentional about spotlighting a diverse group of medical innovators, past and present. He sees part of the series' mission as showcasing Mercy, which serves an urban population and boasts providers from various backgrounds.
In his 30 years with the medical center, he has seen its services and mission expand. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1874, it is now a 183-licensed-bed acute care hospital with a network of sites in and around Baltimore.
"I call this the little hospital that could. We've grown tremendously and dramatically, more in the last 30 years than in the previous 120 in my opinion," Collins says. "And to me this little project, 'Meeting of Medical Minds,' is another indication of the growth of Mercy, of trying new things."