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Dr. Christopher Loo, a full-time entrepreneur, coach, and speaker, shares his journey to financial freedom and gives tips on how you can set yourself up for financial success in medicine.   [00:42] Dr. Loo’s Medical Journey and Career [04:20] Combined MD-PhD Program [06:59] The Dilemma of Being a Physician [10:12] SEAK Non-Clinical Careers Conference [12:37] Coaching Physicians in Financial Literacy [14:21] Resources & Tips to Help You Reach Financial Freedom [21:56] Comparing Careers as an Orthopedic Surgeon and Entrepreneur [26:58] Dr. Loo’s Advice to Pre-Meds and Medical Students   Full show notes

Dr. Amiethab Aiyer, Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Miami and co-founder of Orthomentor, talks about accessible learning resources for medical students worldwide.   [00:46] Dr. Aiyer’s Background [04:02] Why Orthopedic Surgery? [10:31] Finding Balance Requires Flexibility [13:22] Dr. Aiyer’s Residency Matching Experience [19:37] Be Transparent about Your Struggles and Learn from It [23:51] Orthomentor [36:45] Biggest Change in 2020 [41:42] Dr. Aiyer’s Advice to Pre-Meds and Medical Students   Full show notes

Dr. Amanda Price and Dr. Aaditya Verma give advice for how to do well in rotations and share their experience having a spouse in medicine.   [02:25] Why Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation? [04:05] Learning from Audition Rotations [06:13] Pursuing a Career in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation [09:22] When to Refer to a Physiatrist [12:01] How to Stand Out During PM&R Rotations [14:52] PM&R Specialization: Osteopathic VS Allopathic Training [16:39] Dr. Verma’s and Dr. Price’s Love Story [17:59] Would You Work in the Same Facility as Your Spouse? [20:14] Dr. Verma & Dr. Price’s Advice to Pre-Meds and Medical Students   Full show notes

Dr. Barbara Hamilton discusses intervention radiology and her journey to inspire more women to take up male-dominated medical fields.   [01:40] Dr. Hamilton's Journey to Interventional Radiology [04:23] Being a Woman in a Male-dominated field [09:05] How Women in Medicine Can Find Mentors [12:17] How Medical Practitioners and Students Can Leverage The Power of Social Media [15:08] An Insight into Dr. Hamilton's New Book [18:13] Qualities of a Good Medical Student and How to Build Leadership Skills  [21:27] Lessons Learnt During Medical Training   Full show notes

Dr. David Banach, an infectious diseases physician and assistant professor at UConn Health, discuss his work as an epidemiologist and COVID-19 vaccines.   [02:16] How Dr. Banach Entered the Field of Epidemiology [06:04] Patient and Healthcare Worker Safety During COVID-19 [09:33] COVID-19 Vaccine Development [14:36] Differences Between the Moderna and Pfizer Vaccines [16:49] Why Do the COVID-19 Vaccines Require Two Shots? [17:55] When Does Immunity Start After COVID-19 Vaccination? [18:59] Do I Need to Wear a Mask After Vaccination? [20:32] Addressing Patient Concerns About Vaccination [25:16] Dr. Banach’s Advice to Pre-Meds and Medical Students   Full show notes

Stacey Jackson-Roberts, a licenced clinical social worker (LCSW), discusses integrated healthcare, providing gender-affirming healthcare to the LGBTQ community and advocating for anti-racism and anti-oppression training. [03:02] The Importance of LCSWs For Integrated Healthcare [10:30] Providing Effective Care to Marginalized Groups [12:25] Being a Better Ally in and out of Healthcare [15:10] Intersectional Visibility in Effective Integrative Healthcare [18:06] Advice for Early-career Doctors Looking to Provide Care for Trans People [34:05] Stacey’s Advice to Pre-meds and Medical Students   Full Show Notes

In this bonus episode, Chase DiMarco joins to discuss clinical rotations that occur during the 3rd and 4th years of medical school (for most programs). Hear 5 tips for clinical rotations from the experts, audio from Chase's podcast The 1-Minute Preceptor Podcast is tied in throughout the episode. [4:12] What are clinical rotations? [14:02] #1. Be Proactive (Dr. Ted O'Connell) [18:22] #2. Be Inclusive and Avoid Your Own Bias (Dr. Nicole Washington) [21:37] #3. Be a Team Player (Dr. Andrew Tisser) [24:03] #4. Set Goals and Have a Vision for your Education (Dr. Elsie Koh) [30:47] #5. Focus on the Patient (Dr. Jack Ende)   The 1-Minute Preceptor Podcast

Dr. Cynthia Calixte talks about family medicine, her work in women’s health, and how doctors can advocate for their patients efficiently.   [01:31] Why Family Medicine? [02:30] Dr. Calixte’s Current Work in Family Medicine & Women’s Health [08:08] Pursuing a Master’s Degree and a Fellowship [11:21] Choosing a Women’s Health Fellowship over OB-GYN [14:10] Balancing Several Jobs as a Healthcare Provider [17:01] How to Advocate for Patients [19:36] Speaking Up Makes an Impact [22:55] Dr. Calixte’s Advice to Pre-Meds and Medical Students   Full Show Notes

Dr. Kamaria Cayton Vaught discusses reproductive health in women, the appropriate age to undergo egg freezing, and shares family planning advice for medical practitioners.    [0:20] The Six-year Medical School Program [09:45] Why Dr. Cayton Vaught Became an OBGYN [18:27] Why Women Need to Think About Their Reproductive Health [20:30] Egg Freezing [[24:15] Advice to Medical Practitioners about Reproductive Health [26:45] The Process of Reproductive Planning   Full Show Notes

Dr. Ariela Marshall, a practicing benign hematology doctor at Mayo Clinic, discusses developing leadership skills and prioritizing personal wellness while in medical school.   [01:08] Why Hematology? [03:07] Medical Students’ Role in Patient Care [06:45] How to Develop Medical Students’ Leadership Skills [11:00] Prioritizing Personal Wellness in Medical School [16:57] COVID-19’s Impact on Residency & Fellowship Transition [22:46] Dr. Marshall’s Advice to Pre-Meds and Medical Students   Full Show Notes

Dr. Eric Gantwerker, medical director of Level Ex, discusses the role of technology and mentorship in medical education. Level Ex is a company that develops professional video games to help physicians further their clinical skills. [02:23] Why Pediatric Otolaryngology? [05:32] Dr. Gantwerker’s Passion for Medical Education [07:57] Networking Leads to New Opportunities [10:30] Seeking Out Mentors in Medical School [14:46] Level Ex: Medical Video Games for Doctors [18:00] Dr. Gantwerker’s Role in Level Ex [19:30] Level Ex Game Based Training for COVID-19 [21:44] New Level Ex Projects in Development [23:56] Internship and Career Openings at Level Ex [26:35] The Future of Medical Education [30:18] Dr. Gantwerker’s Advice to Pre-Meds and Medical Students View detailed show notes

Dr. Andrew Tisser discusses choosing a specialty, non-clinical careers paths for physicians, and developing financial literacy.   [01:28] Talk2MeDoc [03:42] Why Dr. Tisser Chose Emergency Medicine [05:03] Advice for Med Students Choosing a Career [07:50] Building a Life that Aligns with Your Core Values [10:44] Diversifying Your Income and Maximizing Your Degree [14:55] The Importance of Financial Literacy [18:51] Dr. Tisser’s Advice to Pre-meds and Medical Students   Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Andrew Tisser, DO. Dr. Tisser is an emergency physician and podcaster at Talk2MeDoc which focuses on issues relating to the early-career physician. He is also the owner and president of Talk2MeDoc LLC which helps early-career doctors develop career strategies, navigate career transitions and design the life they want. In this episode, Erkeda talks to Dr. Tisser about choosing a specialty, non-clinical careers paths and developing your financial literacy. Talk2MeDoc Dr. Tisser initially started Talk2MeDoc to explore the experiences of other healthcare professionals and discuss the details of healthcare communication. Over time, however, Dr. Tisser realised that his passion was helping new doctors which led to the consulting arm of Talk2MeDoc. The theme of his podcast is “Keep Talking” and attempts to promote enhanced communication. It explores the intricacies of healthcare at every level, hosting guests from all areas of healthcare and beyond. Why Dr. Tisser Chose Emergency Medicine Dr. Tisser was a firefighter and EMT in college and continued in the first few years of medical school. He always knew he would eventually practice emergency medicine, and though he tried, other specialties failed to capture his attention. When choosing a specialty, Dr. Tisser suggests that students start by making a list of all the available options and then crossing items off the list, as opposed to adding specialties to a list as they pique your interest. An important part of this exercise is identifying what you do not like about the specific field you are crossing off. Dr. Tisser discovered early on that he did not like obstetrics, and concluded his aversion was contingent on his dislike of the OR. In addition, this allowed him to eliminate all surgical specialties. This process of elimination also allows the student to distinguish whether their feelings towards a specialty is based on the specialty itself, or a bad experience or attending. Diversifying Your Income Dr. Tisser loves to talk about money and thinks that you should do it more often because money is important. While there are varying opinions on diversifying one’s income, Dr. Tisser's advice is that you should do what's right for you. Educating yourself about money is an important first step in developing a plan to monetize your degree and finding a career you love either inside or outside of medicine that allows you to meet your personal goals.   Dr. Tisser cites the sunk cost fallacy as a reason many doctors choose to become doctors. People often become anxious over what they feel they have put in and feel like they have to go on to become a doctor, to recoup the time and money they have spent in medical school. In order to build a life you can love, Dr. Tisser urges students and physicians to do what makes you feel fulfilled and aligns with your core values.   Setting Yourself Up Financially Make mistakes, but not big, bad mistakes. Doctors are often scared by areas they feel they are not proficient in, like financial planning. Acquiring a basic grasp of financial literacy is the first step in taking control of your financial health and ensuring that your life is not ruled by financial anxiety. Medical school is a massive expense, but loans and the accompanying stress should not run your life; the loans can be managed. Avoiding debts at all costs is also not always reasonable; it is important to remember to live life. Dr. Tisser’s Advice to Pre-Meds and Medical Students “There is no failure in life, just feedback.” Everything teaches you a lesson, it is your responsibility to keep learning. See something, say something. Dr. Tisser also urges students to speak up when they experience something that makes them uncomfortable. Go for it. As with anything else you want in life, you need to identify it, develop a plan to get it, and go for it. Dr. Tisser urges students to actively pursue their career goals, including non-clinical paths, by seeking out mentors, polishing their resumes and scouring LinkedIn for opportunities. Even if you are rejected, you lose nothing.  

Dr. Larry Benz, a physical therapist and founder of Confluent Health discusses the application of positive psychology and empathy in medicine.   [00:41] Dr. Benz’s Background in Physical Therapy and Positive Psychology [03:51] Positive Psychology Courses [05:46] The Importance of Doctor-Patient Relationships [08:42] How to Cultivate Empathy [10:22] Humanities in Medical School Curriculums [12:55] Technology and AI in Healthcare [17:32] Virtual Reality Therapy for Chronic Pain [20:44] Burnout and Dehumanization Among Doctors [28:50] Needed Change in Current Healthcare System [30:29] Direct Primary Care Movement [32:02] Dr. Benz’s Advice to Pre-Med and Medical Student   Dr. Larry Benz is a physical therapy doctor with a master’s degree in applied positive psychology. He is the co-founder of Confluent Health; a physical therapy company that aims to lower healthcare costs while improving overall health for everybody. Recently, Dr. Benz published Called to Care: A Medical Provider's Guide for Humanizing Healthcare. In his book, he talks about the application of positive psychology and empathy in medicine. The Importance of Doctor-Patient Relationships Doctors have an extensive knowledge about diseases, diagnoses, and interventions. Objective expertise is important but doctors should also pay attention to how they interact with patients. Establishing a good doctor-patient relationship has a positive effect on treatment outcomes. Not only that, but a quality connection between doctors and patients also prevents physician burnout. From a business standpoint, showing that you genuinely care for your patients can become a competitive advantage. How to Cultivate Empathy Everyone is born with different capacities for empathy. Although some people are more gifted, empathy is a skill that can be developed the more you put it into practice. Empathy has several facets and people may score differently on its constructs. When students graduate medical school, they have even less empathy than when they started. Fortunately, studies have shown that empathy can be taught and replenished. Medical schools are including philosophy, literature, and humanities once again in their curriculums. To cultivate empathy, people need to be constantly reminded and taught. Technology and AI in Healthcare Technology and AI should be used to make healthcare more efficient. A good example of leveraging the use of tech is virtual reality therapy for chronic pain. After just 6 sessions, chronic pain patients have reported decreased hospital visits, depression, and anxiety. However, there is still no substitute for human interaction in administering care. Delivering care in an indifferent manner has been found to be less effective due to the lack of connection. Physicians should also take note of non-verbal cues like body language, facial expression, and changes in tone to be able to have meaningful interactions. Emphasizing the human element in care leads to better outcome and lower costs. Quality connections also improve doctor well-being. Burnout and Dehumanization Among Doctors Doctors spend a lot of time on documentation, approval, and authorization. External hassles compete for their time to practice medicine. Prolonged exposure to these factors can lead to burnout wherein doctors no longer feel effective and happy. Burnout develops over the years, but physicians also face the problem of dehumanization in everyday practice.  Dehumanization occurs when doctors view patients as cases rather than as unique individuals. This may happen when physicians are overwhelmed with their workload. To cope, doctors detach themselves when seeing patients. Burnout and dehumanization can be overcome by reminding yourself of the reasons you entered a career in medicine and by engaging in stress relieving activities. Needed Change in Current Healthcare System The current healthcare system is very complex, with too much regulatory constraints that do not bring value to medical professionals or patients. As a consequence, there are many who need medical attention but there are not enough care givers. Treating patients instead of filling out paperwork would be a more effective use of a doctor’s time. We need to bring “care” back into healthcare by letting physicians practice in their field of expertise. The long and exhausting regulatory and administrative processes lessen the impact of healthcare and this needs to change.   Dr. Benz’s Advice to Pre-Med and Medical Students As we deal with daily stressors, we forget why we were called to become doctors. We take our patients for granted because we have become so accustomed to the heroism in medicine that it no longer becomes meaningful. Look back at the reasons why you entered healthcare to rekindle your passion. Healthcare practitioners must put in regular effort to prevent burnout and dehumanization. Dr. Benz’s book, Called to Care: A Medical Provider's Guide for Humanizing Healthcare, describes these issues in great detail and discusses the role of positive psychology in medicine. It is available on the book’s official website and on Amazon. All proceeds will be donated to non-profit organizations.

Dr. Jade Anderson discusses transitioning from orthopedic surgery to radiology, and shares advice for residency applications and interviews. Dr. Anderson is a radiology resident at Norwalk Hospital in Connecticut.   [01:14] Why Switch from Orthopedic Surgery to Radiology? [05:03] Applying for a Position in Radiology [07:14] Switching Specialties in Medicine [09:44] Transition from Orthopedic Surgery to Radiology [12:25] How to Be a Standout Applicant [15:17] Applying for a Residency During COVID-19 [21:13] Tips for Nailing Your Residency Interview [22:52] Dr. Anderson’s Advice to Pre-Meds and Medical Students   Erkeda DeRouen chats with Dr. Jade Anderson, a radiology resident at Norwalk Hospital in Connecticut. Prior to her current position, she was an orthopedic surgeon for 2 years. Realizing that her true calling was in radiology, she made the difficult decision to switch specializations. Switching Residencies from Orthopedic Surgery to Radiology From a young age, Dr. Anderson knew she wanted to become an orthopedic surgeon. As an orthopedics resident, she found that reading and interpreting imaging was what she enjoyed the most. She even taught several radiology classes in her spare time. Looking back, her interest in radiology has always been there. A self-evaluation made her realize that maybe radiology would be a better fit for her. Dr. Anderson reached out to other doctors who switched from orthopedics to radiology. Their journeys resonated so much with what she was feeling. Her friends encouraged her to make the switch and so she did. It was a tough decision but it proved to be the correct one as Dr. Anderson is currently thriving in her new field. Most medical students are unaware that that they can switch residencies but it is indeed possible. Dr. Anderson admits that her laser focus on becoming an orthopedic surgeon has blinded her from considering other options. Take a moment to pause every once in a while to evaluate your happiness in your chosen field.   Transition from Orthopedic Surgery to Radiology Switching specialties will come with new challenges. For Dr. Anderson, she had to build her knowledge and skills in radiology while re-learning past lessons in medicine. She’s an expert in the musculoskeletal system but there are other areas she needed to brush up on.   Thankfully, she was able to adjust to her new specialization fairly quickly. Radiologists are the physician’s physician. Doctors rely on them to interpret imaging results, to identify possible complications, and to evaluate the success of surgeries. A radiologist makes vital decisions that could affect a patient’s outcome. Applying for a Residency During COVID-19 The coronavirus pandemic has forced hospitals and schools to cancel in person interviews. Assessments will be conducted virtually. This also means that applicants won’t get the chance to visit the hospital and see its facilities and systems in action. On the other hand, students are applying to more places because they don’t have to attend interviews in person. Programs are well aware of this and are adjusting to accommodate time differences. Interviewers may ask standardized questions as a comparative scale to screen applicants. Since face to face interviews are not possible, admission committees will have to rely more on documents. Board scores matter but they also consider grades, rotations, and the dean’s letter. All these requirements paint a picture of how you work with others and how you treat patients. Tips for Nailing Your Residency Interview Familiarize yourself with common questions and have your answers ready. No need to memorize a script, but instead answer authentically using your outline as a guide. Go with the flow of the conversation, adding or removing talking points as needed. Practicing in front of a mirror helps to build confidence. Check your gadget, video conference software, and internet connection beforehand to guarantee that your interview will run smoothly on the day of. The interviewer will use this meeting to assess whether you will fit in with the department. An outgoing personality is not necessary but use this opportunity to show that you are approachable, responsible, and cooperative. Dr. Anderson’s Advice to Pre-Meds and Medical Students As you become a resident, you will be tasked with more responsibilities. Double checking is very important to avoid mistakes. Check up on your colleagues, juniors, and staff to see if tasks have been completed. Inspect your own work to ensure everything is in order. Take everything you hear with a grain of salt. Get into the habit of verifying information¾this will save you a lot of trouble in the future.

Dr. Shanedelle Norford discusses her experience in forensic pathology, the effect of COVID-19 on the field, and advice to students in pathology rotations. [01:33] Why Pathology? [03:02] How to Get Exposure to Pathology [05:29] Tips to Succeed on a Pathology Rotation [06:56] How COVID-19 Has Affected Forensic Pathology [09:09] COVID-19 in Florida [10:12] The Importance of Wearing Masks [13:03] Pathophysiology of COVID19 [14:49] Dr. Norford’s Most Unusual Forensic Pathology Case [18:19] Advice to Pathology Students [19:44] Why Pursue an MBA [22:18] Dr. Norford’s Advice to Pre-Meds and Medical Students Why Pathology? Dr. Norford chose to specialize in pathology to have a deeper understanding of diseases. Early on, she realized that clinical medicine is primarily concerned with diagnoses and how to treat them. However, she was much more interested in the why and how behind the development of illnesses. It was in pathology that she found most of the answers to her burning questions. How to Get Exposure to Pathology Very few medical students choose to specialize in pathology¾this may be due in part to the lack of exposure to the field. Students must purposefully seek out opportunities to know more about this specialization. Fortunately, most medical schools have electives in general and forensic pathology. Feel free to approach doctors or administrative staff to ask about available programs or rotations in pathology at your own school. Tips to Succeed on a Pathology Rotation Show genuine interest by asking questions, arriving on time, and doing more of what’s asked of you. Doctors can tell the difference between enthusiastic and uninterested students. Pathology classes help in building a good foundation in medicine. Likewise, view the pathology rotation as a learning experience to maximize what you can get out of it. As a future doctor, this knowledge may be useful to you someday. How COVID-19 Has Affected Forensic Pathology As an associate medical examiner, Dr. Norford has seen an increase in her case load by 50% compared to last year. The sustained influx of cases brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic has put a huge strain on the resources and personnel of the medical examiner’s office. Their team has lost staff members from resignations and from the coronavirus itself. Not much is known about the pathophysiology of COVID-19. What we do know is that the virus can affect several organs and body systems all at once. Its effects may linger months after it has been contracted. This novel coronavirus has taken countless of lives, as seen in the number of cases that Dr. Norford handles every day. She urges everyone to continue practicing safety measures like wearing masks¾a simple precaution that saves lives. Why Pursue an MBA Dr. Norford dreams of becoming a chief medical examiner someday. Her pursuit of an MBA degree will help her transition into that role in the future. Currently, she recognizes that she lacks sufficient knowledge and experience in business, administration, and leadership. Pursuing an MBA makes sense because she eventually wants to shift to a more administrative role. It is also worth knowing the business side of medicine because it gives insight as to how it affects her as a physician as well as her patients. Dr. Norford’s Advice to Pre-Meds and Medical Students Instead of following the trends, go after what you want. Don’t let your decision be swayed by the opinion of others. It takes years and years of medical school to become a doctor. Don’t waste all those periods of training to enter a career path you don’t like. Time is your most limited asset, so invest it in a career you are passionate about. The road to becoming a doctor is paved with challenges, but just stay on course because your hard work will pay off in the end.

Dr. Max Madhere discusses cardiac anesthesiology, Pulse of Perseverance, and the many hurdles he overcame in his journey to medicine.   [00:36] What Inspired Max to Become a Doctor [03:00] Max’s Medical School Experience [04:41] How to Prepare for Tests [08:42] Accessibility of Resources Through Technology [10:35] Why Anesthesiology? [13:34] Fellowship in Cardiac Anesthesiology [15:10] Advice for Anesthesia Rotations [19:03] Pulse of Perseverance [22:04] Importance of Mentorship and Giving Back [26:23] Structural Systemic Racism [28:11] The Community’s Role in the Youth’s Future [29:38] Flawed Education System [37:14] Dr. Madhere’s Advice to Pre-Meds and Medical Students   Erkeda DeRouen interviews Dr. Max Madhere, a practicing cardiac anesthesiologist in Louisiana. He is also one of the founders of Pulse of Perseverance, an organization dedicated to helping kids from disadvantaged backgrounds succeed. In this episode, Dr. Madhere shares his journey to becoming a physician despite the many hurdles he faced. Dr. Madhere’s Journey to Becoming a Doctor Initially having no interest in medicine, Dr. Madhere volunteered at his local hospital because he needed money to graduate high school. During his time as a volunteer, he saw black doctors in positions of leadership. This inspired him to become a doctor himself. The first two times he took the MCAT, he was not satisfied with his scores. Setbacks did not stop him from trying a third time, which finally produced results that got him accepted into Xavier University of Louisiana.   Preparation for Tests Tests do not measure intelligence, but rather preparation. Those who are privileged with access to good education and a supportive environment certainly have an advantage. However, success is not solely defined by these factors. It may take a person with fewer resources longer, but with enough preparation, he/she can succeed as well. Assess the areas you need to improve on and work hard at them. Take advantage of today’s technology to access information and ask for help. Learning opportunities are endless, try different sources until you find what works for you.  Why Anesthesia? Dr. Madhere was originally interested in pursuing neuroscience and surgery. But as he gained more experience during rotations, he realized that these specializations did not suit him. During one of his surgery rotations, his curiosity was piqued by the anesthesiologist in the operating room. Dr. David took Dr. Madhere under his wing and taught him more about the field. The constant application of anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology in anesthesiology fascinated him. Dr. Madhere found it impressive that anesthesiologists have such a wide skillset, as shown in their ability to administer anesthesia in countless ways. Fellowship in Cardiac Anesthesiology While the surgeon operates, it’s Dr. Madhere’s job to keep the patient alive through the management of several drugs and drips. All aspects of medicine are applied in the operating room. Being in this field keeps him on his toes because of the complex issues that may arise in severe cases. Improving the outcome of extremely sick patients is fulfilling for Dr. Madhere as a cardiac anesthesiologist. Giving Back to the Community  The current schooling system is flawed, favoring the haves over the have-nots of society. This reality is further reflected in the low percentage of practicing black doctors. To help address this situation, Dr. Madhere and two of his friends formed the Pulse of Perseverance as way to give back to the community. Their goal is to empower and inspire young black youth by providing them with resources for success. Scholarships are available for deserving students who are driven to succeed. They have also developed a mentoring platform app to give underprivileged kids a chance to connect with professionals. Odds for success increase drastically when disadvantaged youth have mentors who will nurture them.  Dr. Madhere’s Advice to Pre-Meds and Medical Students Students should continuously look for ways to acquire information efficiently. Expose yourself to the medical field you want to be in by gaining shadowing experiences and learning terminologies. It’s not enough to show up on time during rotations; be early. Let your personality and enthusiasm set you apart. Resident and attending doctors take notice when you go the extra mile to help. When things get tough, just keep going. Dr. Madhere urges students to continue chasing their dream of becoming doctors for themselves, their future patients, and the community. Remember that you play a significant role in making the world a better place. The Pulse of Perseverance recognizes the challenges and costs that come with pursuing a good education. They’ve already helped a number of kids through high school and college. Learn more about their scholarship program and what they offer through their website. To get updates on their initiatives, follow the Pulse of Perseverance on Instagram.

Dr. Cain, president & CEO of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM), discusses osteopathic medicine, including MD vs DO. [01:37] Osteopathy’s Visibility in Current Events [05:53] Differences Between Osteopathy and Allopathy [09:02] Cooperation Between DO and MD Doctors [09:50] The AACOM’s Role in Osteopathic Education [11:35] Statistic of DO Doctors [12:14] Why Ragav Chose Osteopathic Medicine [13:52] Application of DO’s Biomechanics Training [17:12] DO and MD Program Merger and How it Will Affect Medical Students [19:59] Advice to DO Students Applying for Residency [21:29] AACOM’s Position about the COMLEX [24:25] Study Tips for the UMLE and COMLEX [25:37] Future of Osteopathic Medicine [27:28] How to Get Exposure to Osteopathic Medicine   On one hand, both presidential candidates have a DO as their primary physician – President Trump with Dr. Sean Conley DO, and Vice President Biden with Dr. Kevin O’Connor DO. Yet on the other hand, a prominent physician clothing company, FIGS, is accused of publishing disparaging advertisements towards DOs and female physicians – which caused quite an uproar on social media. Add to this that medical television shows, like Grey’s Anatomy, always refer to doctors with an “MD” and not a “DO.” So why does there seem to be this tug of war between the two? What is the difference between a DO and an MD? Is one practice better? We get to the bottom of this with the president of American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM), the organization that supports the 37 accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine in the United States. Dr. Sahil Mehta chats with Dr. Robert Cain, a pulmonology specialist. He was also the former dean of clinical education at Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Currently, he serves as the president and CEO of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM). Also joining in today’s episode is Ragav Sharma, a 4th year osteopathic student and MedSchoolCoach. He hosts The Preventive Medicine Podcast.   Differences Between Osteopathic and Allopathic Medicine There is no practical difference between osteopathic doctors (DOs) and allopathic doctors (MDs) they are both licensed to practice medicine in the United States. MD and DO students take up the same subjects, with the exception of biomechanics, which is emphasized more in DO education. In addition, osteopathic medicine emphasizes training students to become physician-servants, and orientation that influences the practice of medicine. Medical students should consider what type of physician they’d like to be before deciding on an MD or DO degree. Dr. Cain likes to think of MD and DO doctors as complementary to one another. With the US’s complex healthcare system, cooperation between MD and DO doctors is crucial to improving the lives of more patients. When it comes down to it, both types of doctors are working towards the same goal of progressing healthcare. Why Osteopathy? Osteopathy was introduced to Ragav, a fourth year med student, by his father, who knew that his son had an interest in muscoloskeletal medicine. Ragav proceeded to apply to both DO and MD medical schools. Eventually, he chose to go to Midwestern University Chicago to pursue Osteopathic Medicine. He believes the holistic philosophy and the manual medicine training from a DO education will supplement his skillset as a future practitioner of musculoskeletal medicine.   Application of DO’s Biomechanic Training To this day, Dr. Cain still applies his DO training in the field of pulmonology. Not many people may know this, but the respiratory system is biomechanical. He cites exacerbated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as an example. Patients with this condition have an increased work of breathing. As a DO physician, Dr. Cain prescribes medicine to relieve symptoms but he also checks for changes in the chest wall, since removing any obstructions will decrease the likelihood of respiratory failure. Ragav also mentions an instance where he was able to apply of his osteopathy knowledge. He encountered a stroke patient who could not breathe well during his in-patient rehab rotation. He suspected that the patient’s lung muscles have not fully recovered from the stroke, which made breathing more difficult. As a result of his suggestion, treatment changes were made to include more respiratory therapy and to shift bed positioning. Ragav’s osteopathic training led him to make a suggestion which ultimately made a difference in the patient’s outcome.   Advice to DO Students Applying for Residency Ragav’s advice to fellow students is to focus on things you can control such as board scores, clinical rotation performance, and capacity for learning. As long as you put in your best efforts you are setting yourself up to succeed. Keep working hard towards the chosen field you have in mind. It’s also helpful to be aware of specializations that have a preference for DO over MD students and vice versa.    Study Tips for the USMLE and COMLEX The content in both licensure exams are similar, but the questions are posed differently. To save on time, you may study for the USMLE and the COMLEX with the same resources. The main difference between the two is that the COMLEX also covers osteopathic medicine. DO students should use osteopathy’s holistic philosophy as a lens when answering questions on the test. For additional preparation, look for reviewer questions that mimic the COMLEX’s questions. Future of Osteopathic Medicine With the merger of the MD and DO education programs, AACOM hopes to ease the matching system for students and their chosen residencies, and simplify the licensure exams for DO students. It is also the AACOM’s goal to eliminate the need for DO students take the USMLE because a specialization requires them to do so. Another challenge that DO students face are the restrictive regulations for shadowing experiences. The AACOM recognizes this, and is already looking for alternative ways to increase exposure to osteopathy. Recent developments and events have increased the visibility of osteopathic medicine more than ever. This is an opportunity to solidify osteopathy in US healthcare system. Dr. Cain hopes to see increased interest and acceptance of osteopathic medicine through ongoing education and awareness efforts of the AACOM. Learn more about the osteopathic profession on the Prospective Doctor website. Also, visit AACOM’s website for a list of schools offering a DO program. 

Dr. Jason Williams shares his experiences in emergency and sports medicine, & financial advice for med students and physicians.   [01:40] Why Emergency Medicine? [02:39] Experience as an Emergency Doctor [04:52] Landscape & Business Aspect of Emergency Medicine [09:14] The Role of Finances in Choosing a Specialization [12:12] Tips for Building Good Financial Habits [16:19] Advice to Aspiring Medical Students [17:45] Suggested Reading for Personal Finance   Why Emergency Medicine? Growing up, Dr. Williams was surrounded by family members who worked in the hospital’s ER department. This familiarity helped develop a favorable bias towards emergency medicine. His personality was also a better fit for the hectic lifestyle of an emergency doctor. Being confined to a clinic all day long didn’t suit him. But more than that, he enjoyed helping people in their darkest times.   Experience as an Emergency Doctor For his first job after residency, Dr. Williams worked for a large healthcare system in Texas. This meant working at 3-4 different hospitals, with a regular number of shifts per month. After a while, he moved to a tertiary hospital with academic programs. Teaching residents and students was enjoyable. He was also exposed to many interesting emergency cases. A good portion of his career was spent in a similar setting. An opportunity arose for him to be a director of the event medicine department in a health care system. The role put him in charge of taking care of people during sporting events. More recently, he is back to working at a tertiary hospital and a few freestanding emergency medicine departments.   Landscape & Business Aspect of Emergency Medicine Emergency doctors can choose to work in rural hospitals, big hospitals, or free standing emergency departments Each workplace has its own advantages and disadvantages. Modest, democratic ER departments usually consist of locals who work with a hospital or community. In these rural hospitals, you have to be comfortable handling all kinds of patients. There won’t as many supporting clinicians to help. Most of the time, you will be on your own. If you work for larger entities such as health care systems or big hospitals, you will be taking in a lot of patients. There are many clinicians you can work and consult with. Severe cases are more common. Majority of emergency doctors work with large health contractors.   The Role of Finances in Choosing a Specialization Aspiring doctors should first determine what field they are most drawn to and how they want to interact with patients. Choosing a medical specialization based solely on compensation can lead to burnout. The key to a long and sustainable career in medicine is doing what you love. Once you’ve figured out your interests, it’s time to consider your financial situation.   Build Good Financial Habits If you can't pay for medical school, loans are understandable. However, don’t borrow more than what you need. Always keep in mind that the money you loaned is not yours, so don’t spend it needlessly. Good financial habits early on will help you down the road. If you learn to budget money early on, you don't have to worry about it later.   Advice to Aspiring Med Students Medicine is a lifelong learning experience. It’s important to do well in school and to maintain good relationships with mentors. Don’t neglect developing good financial habits early on. This will make you a better physician because you won’t be preoccupied with small things. As a student, it can’t hurt to earn a little bit of side income. Learn new skills outside of medicine which can help set you up for your future.   Suggested Reading for Personal Finance Dr. Williams recommends “The White Coat Investor” by Dr. Jim Dahle. The author is a practicing emergency medicine physician who started his blog and podcast in 2011. There are many other free resources online. Students should take advantage of this and learn as much as they can. 

Dr. Erin Jones discusses family medicine clinical rotations and effective patient activism. She serves on the faculty at the University of Southern California and as a virtual healthcare professional at 98point6. [01:45] Why Family Medicine? [02:54] Tips to Succeed on a Clinical Rotation [05:03] Setting Expectations with Attendings [07:05] How Physicians Can Advocate for Patients [11:24] How Physicians Can Engage in Activism [19:07] Healthcare & Politics [24:24] Advice for Pre-Meds and Medical Students Dr. Erkeda DeRouen chats with Dr. Erin Jones, a family medicine physician who has lots of experience with teaching and caring for students. She is also fellowship-trained in adolescent and young adult care. Currently, she serves on the faculty at the University of Southern California and as a virtual healthcare professional at 98point6. Why Family Medicine? Dr. Jones is passionate about family medicine because it allows her to engage with the entirety of a patient or person. Her patients share their struggles, such as food insecurity, lack of support for an addiction, and their inability to pay medical bills. She is also interested in the dynamics of family, and how the struggles of parents can be passed on to their children. Tips to Succeed on a Clinical Rotation First, Dr. Jones encourages students to be excited, eager, well-slept, and eager to work hard for the day. Besides this, they should be willing to go beyond their expertise as physicians — for example, supporting someone through an IUD insertion, or helping a patient with a injury to get to their vehicle. This is all part of an ethical medical system. It is also crucial for students to determine the expectations of their attending. Students should ask for expectations at the very beginning of the rotation, and also frequently request feedback from their attending. How Physicians Can Advocate for Their Patients Dr. Jones has a three-step process for physicians to advocate for their patients: Listen to their struggles. It is impossible to adequately help without first listening. To count means to observe patterns in patients. For example, if there are disproportionately more younger patients compared to older patients, why? Asking this “why” is the third step. Once you can determine the “why” you can begin to advocate for patients. Physicians and Activism Due to COVID-19, there has emerged a slowdown, and an opening for discussing many social issues such as police brutality and climate change. Dr. Jones encourages physicians to use their voices, and to not separate issues like health care from racism and police brutality. Instead, they should acknowledge both systemic and individual oppression. It is difficult for a patient to trust a physician who will not, of their own volition, support basic human rights, and oppose brutality and injustice. Healthcare is political. Issues like the Affordable Care Act and the absence of universal healthcare in the US, as well as more local healthcare issues are determined by the policies of politicians, even though these should be nonpartisan issues. Therefore, remember to vote, and use every opportunity to encourage others to vote as well! Check out Dr. Jones’s LinkedIn.

Dave Etler discusses the role of the humanities & social sciences in a medical education, & the role that physicians can play in politics. Dave Etler is the Founder, Producer, and Host of The Short Coat Podcast. [01:03] How Dave Began Podcasting [04:54] Lessons That Dave Has Learned From Podcasting [06:46] The Role of the Humanities in a Medical Education [12:40] Paternalistic Medicine Versus Partner-Based Medicine [16:21] Systems of Power in Medicine [20:39] The Importance of Maintaining Interests Outside Medicine [24:06] Physician Involvement in Public Discourse and Politics Erkeda DeRouen chats with Dave Etler, the Founder, Producer and Host of The Short Coat podcast which looks at different aspects of a medical student’s experience. They discuss the role of the humanities and the social sciences in a medical school education, and the role that physicians can play in politics. The Short Coat Podcast Dave worked as a clerk at the Carver College of Medicine for many years. After gaining some experience, he proposed doing a podcast about medical students to his supervisor. Since then, he has enjoyed talking to medical students who he calls “creative”, “funny” and with “a stirring desire to do good.” He has also been pleasantly overwhelmed by the various types of jobs that someone in a medical profession can have — for example, becoming a medical journalist, teacher, serving your community, or simply becoming a specialist with lots of money. The Role of the Humanities in a Medical Education Dave describes some of the writing and literature classes at the humanities department of Carver College. These classes help medical students to write professional CVs, and personal statements, but also help medical students to develop good personal writing skills. Overall, he says that the humanities detail the stories that we tell ourselves, and help medical students to understand the dynamics and cultural context behind the people that physicians treat. One major reason that medical students should study the humanities is that indigenous, black and other people of color need a reason to trust doctors. For example, studies show that women of color have worse childbirth outcomes. Doctors need to understand why this is so, and take steps to mitigate it. Relatedly, doctors often take a paternalistic approach to treating their patients, speaking the language of “compliance” versus “noncompliance.” Instead, doctors need to understand why a patient does not comply with a given suggestion. For example, perhaps a patient is too poor to access fresh fruits and vegetables. An education in the humanities exposes doctors to this mindset. Historically, physicians avoid involvement in public discourse and politics. However, with politicians making healthcare decisions, Dave hopes that physicians will step up and use their humanities skills to engage in public discourse and social justice, and to argue for the wellbeing of patients and healthcare providers. Systems of Power in Medicine Even within medicine, there are systems of power. Dave talks about something called the “chair hierarchy.” When in a room with physicians and medical students, you often find the attendings sitting at the table, while the residents and medical students would not. These hierarchies can impact the kind of training or feedback that you get or give. With a humanities education, you learn how to better navigate these hierarchies — respecting the hierarchies that make sense (for example, the legal obligation of attendings versus nurses) and work against those that do not. Check out Dave Etler’s LinkedIn and Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Also check out The Short Coat podcast.