Prospective Doctor (from MedSchoolCoach)
Erkeda DeRouen, MD
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Physicians with admission committee experience share tips, strategies, and experiences to help premed students succeed at becoming a doctor. Guest speakers provide insight into applying to medical school, selecting a medical specialty, and applying for residency. The Prospective Doctor podcast is for anyone considering, or on the path to, practicing medicine!
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6 days ago
The Heart of Your Application: Unveiling Your 'Why' for Medical School
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Andrea O’Brien, the Director of Residential Admissions at A.T. Still University. They talk about communicating your why in medical school applications and the mistakes to avoid.
* [00:57] Introducing Andrea O’Brien
* [02:27] Ways to Stand Out as a Med School Applicant
* [08:21] Med School Application Mistakes
* [17:25] A.T. Still University’s Waitlist System
* [19:09] When to Submit Your Medical School Application
* [22:51] What Andrea O’Brien Would Change About Healthcare
Know Your Why for Pursuing Medicine
Medicine is a difficult profession, so schools would like to see your authenticity and passion come through your application. Accumulating experience over the long term can really set you apart from other applicants. Medical schools want to see that you’ve been preparing for it not just in the last few months. Community service and cultural competency are also things you want to highlight in your resume. “Know Your Why” by Simon Sinek is a book that can help you communicate your motive for pursuing medicine.
Avoid These Mistakes in Your Med School Application
Choose schools where you’re going to feel most comfortable and supported. Align your own goals to the school’s mission. If you have encountered a challenging situation which affected your application, be sure to address it. The admissions committee notices any unusual changes and would appreciate an explanation.
Another mistake to avoid is rushing to submit your application. Take all the time you need to build a strong resume. Rejected or waitlisted students would do well to follow any feedback and advice given to improve their application.
Best Time to Apply for Medical School
As a general rule, it is always better to submit your application sooner rather than later. Applications that are severely lacking may be rejected immediately. It’s wise to let the school know if you’re retaking the MCAT so they can wait for your new score. Submitting your application at the very end of the cycle would be disadvantageous because by then, most slots would already be filled. Late August or early September are ideal times to apply for medical school.
To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at Prospective Doctor.
You can also reach us through our social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MedSchoolCoach
Dr. Erkeda’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctordgram/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ProspectiveDoctor
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Sep 21, 2023
Decoding the Medical School Admissions Process
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dimple Patel, the Associate Dean of Admissions at the University of Minnesota Medical School. They talk about the deliberation process for accepting applicants into medical school.
* [01:04] Introducing Dimple Patel
* [01:46] How Medical Schools Deliberate
* [07:18] Showcase Your Core Competencies
[09:41] Tips for Waitlisted Applicants
* [13:17] What Dimple Patel Would Change About Healthcare
Transparency in Medical Schools’ Admissions Process
When applicants are rejected, they often feel like they’re not qualified to become medical students. In reality, there are a lot of factors that affect admissions. For example, the University of Minnesota Medical School allocates 80% of its slots for Minnesota residents, and the remaining 20% for non-residents. As a result, non-resident applicants face much stiffer competition. Each school will have its own criteria and mission that will influence their deliberation process. Applicants would be able to increase their chances of acceptance if they can demonstrate how their personal values align with the institution’s own goals.
Attributes of Good Medical School Applicants
Different medical schools will differ in the core competencies they’re looking for. But generally, critical thinking, socio-cultural humility, and an orientation towards service are great attributes. In your application, prove that you possess those qualities by citing your experiences. It’s also helpful to share any changes and learning outcomes that you’ve gained. This will provide the admissions team with further insight into who you are.
Tips for Waitlisted and Rejected Applicants
If you have not been granted an interview, review your application again. Maybe you can improve how you present your learning outcomes or other core competencies. Include stories of how you overcame challenges in life or when your values were tested. If you have been denied after an interview, it may just be a matter of brushing up on your communication skills.
To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at Prospective Doctor.
You can also reach us through our social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MedSchoolCoach
Dr. Erkeda’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctordgram/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ProspectiveDoctor
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Sep 14, 2023
Rising Above the Rest: Creating a Standout Med School Application
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Deanna Hughes, the Director of Admissions at A.T. Still University. They talk about building a competitive medical school application and the faux pas to avoid.
* [01:01] Introducing Deanna Hughes
* [02:51] How Competitive are Medical School Applications?
* [06:02] Strengthen Your Med School Application
* [12:27] What NOT to Do in Your Application
* [15:23] What Deanna Hughes Would Change About Healthcare
Limited Admissions into Medical School
At A.T. Still University, the most number of applicants they've received is from 8,000 students. However, they only have 150 available slots. The admissions process is very competitive, so most students would do well to start preparing as early as high school or college. Non-traditional applicants are also encouraged to apply, as medical schools also value diversity.
How to Build a Strong Portfolio
Each medical school has its own unique mission statement. Before anything else, students should choose schools that align with their own values and mission. Pre-meds can start to build a competitive resume by shadowing both MD and DO physicians. Getting letters of recommendation from both doctors is advantageous. Being a member or leader in pre-med organizations is also great for your portfolio. In addition to clinical work, community service makes for a well-rounded application. All these experiences and extracurricular activities are important, but don’t forget to keep an eye on your grades.
Mistakes to Avoid in Your Application
Students might think that mentioning faculty members or staff can give them a leg up in admissions, but it actually has the opposite effect. Name dropping is generally frowned upon. Another practice that might hurt your application is gushing about a school’s location instead of the school itself and its values. What you want to highlight is how aligned you are with your chosen school’s values and mission statement, making you the perfect fit in their environment.
To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at Prospective Doctor.
You can also reach us through our social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MedSchoolCoach
Dr. Erkeda’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctordgram/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ProspectiveDoctor
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Sep 7, 2023
Best of Both Worlds - Doctor and Film Maker
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Love Nafi, a family medicine physician and an award winning filmmaker. They talk about cultivating creativity in medicine to honor every individual’s authentic self.
* [01:12] Introducing Dr. Love Nafi
* [04:07] Keeping Creativity Alive in Medicine
* [07:02] Dr. Nafi’s Latest Film “Crown”
* [12:16] Healthcare in Media
* [14:56] What Dr. Nafi Would Change About Healthcare
Cultivating Creativity in Medicine
In the journey to becoming a physician, it’s important to remain true to who you are. Don’t give up your passions outside of medicine. Instead, make an effort to keep your creativity alive. It may be as simple as visiting art galleries, reading books, or listening to stories. Continue to make time for things that make you happy.
Dr. Love Nafi’s Latest Film “Crown”
Crown is a 20 minute short film that was co-written and directed by Dr. Nafi and her partner. It depicts a young Black girl who struggles to style her hair for her ballet audition. The film takes its name from the “Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair” (C.R.O.W.N) Act. Hair discrimination is still prevalent in different fields, even in medicine. Dr. Nafi’s film aims to highlight this issue, while honoring each individual’s right to express themselves authentically.
Healthcare in Social Media
Patients consume all kinds of media every day. When making medical content, remember to maintain a level of professionalism and to differentiate between pop culture and verified findings. When patients open up about what they’ve learned online, it can be a good segue to help them access resources that are trustworthy and relevant.
You can reach Dr. Love Nafi through her Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram. Check out her website and YouTube channel for more details about her films.
To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at Prospective Doctor.
You can also reach us through our social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MedSchoolCoach
Dr. Erkeda’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctordgram/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ProspectiveDoctor
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Aug 31, 2023
Fostering Inclusivity: Safe Spaces in Healthcare and Sex Tech
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Arielle Egozi, an award-winning creative, strategist, and author. She is also a founding member of Women of SexTech. They talk about creating a safe space in healthcare for marginalized groups.
* [00:39] Introducing Arielle Egozi
* [04:45] Feeling Judged from Healthcare Practitioners
* [10:05] Creating Safe Spaces for All Patients
* [18:52] What is Sex Tech?
* [24:17] What Arielle Would Change About Healthcare
Judgment and Medical Gaslighting
Arielle recalls an experience with her gynecologist. The physician asked about her sexual history, to which she responded by saying that she was not sexually active. Despite Arielle’s honesty, her gynecologist kept on prodding her because she was unconvinced. Arielle felt as if her doctor had made certain assumptions about her which left her feeling ashamed. Instead of discrediting them, healthcare professionals should be empathetic to their patients because they are being vulnerable.
Why Healthcare Should Be a Safe Space for Everyone
Physicians are putting patients at risk when they project their biases and beliefs onto them. Marginalized groups such as sex workers, LGBTQIA+, African Americans, and others may refuse proper treatment because they feel judged by healthcare practitioners. When we can make space for all kinds of people, everybody wins. Every patient deserves to be authentically who they are in the healthcare system. Physicians can become more culturally competent by being open to feedback and being compassionately curious about their patients.
The Emerging Sex Tech Industry
Sex Tech is a burgeoning field that seeks to educate and utilize sexual wellness. There are numerous applications ranging from sex toys, creative media, to AI and chatbots. What all of these have in common is that sex tech aims to understand pleasure not just for cisgender men, but for everyone. It seeks to destigmatize sexual experiences and promote diversity and inclusivity through new technology.
You can reach Arielle Egozi through her LinkedIn or Instagram. Check out her website for details about her upcoming book.
To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at Prospective Doctor.
You can also reach us through our social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MedSchoolCoach
Dr. Erkeda’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctordgram/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ProspectiveDoctor
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Aug 24, 2023
Gaining Acceptance into Medical School and Surviving The First Year
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Jeffery SooHoo, the Assistant Dean of Admissions at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. They talk about how to put your best foot forward in applications and how to survive your first year in medical school.
* [00:47] Introducing Dr. Jeffery SooHoo
* [03:13] Adjusting to Medical School
* [09:56] Best Way to Impress Medical School Admissions
* [13:16] Reapplying to Med Schools
* [15:05] Advice for Pre-Meds and Medical Students
* [16:30] What Dr. SooHoo Would Change About Healthcare
The First Year of Medical School
Majority of students are taken aback by how challenging medical school can be. The first year of medical school is definitely an adjustment period where you may need to adopt new study habits or learning styles. A mistake that new students make is that they don’t ask for help soon enough. Teachers and peers can provide helpful resources that students can utilize. It’s a time to experiment and try new things, but do so one at a time.
Increase Your Chances of Acceptance into Medical School
It would be helpful to know what kinds of skills and competencies medical schools are looking for. Get to know your strengths as well so you can communicate how you best fit into the school. Remember that it’s not enough to just speak about your passions. It’s crucial to have experiences that showcase your interest and dedication to medicine. Impress your interviewer by talking about your experiences in a reflective and nuanced way.
Should you be waitlisted or rejected, don’t fret! Have someone else take a look at and evaluate your application. Typically, the issue may lie in your paper application, your interviewing skills or your selection of schools. If there are gaps in your resume, try to remedy them so you can increase your chances of acceptance on your reapplication.
To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at Prospective Doctor.
You can also reach us through our social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MedSchoolCoach
Dr. Erkeda’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctordgram/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ProspectiveDoctor
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Aug 17, 2023
Synergizing Passions: Integrating Art and Medicine
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Jennifer Jeboda, a recent MD graduate who aspires to be a pediatric anesthesiologist. They talk about her adventurous journey in medicine and how she manages to keep her passion for art alive.
* [00:50] Introducing Dr. Jennifer Jeboda
* [07:44] US Healthcare versus UK Healthcare System
* [10:04] Incorporating Art Into Medicine
* [13:08] Advice for Pre-Meds and Medical Students
* [15:00] What Dr. Jeboda Would Change About Medical Education
Differences Between the US and UK Healthcare Systems
Having experienced both during her training, Dr. Jeboda has observed that the biggest difference is that the UK healthcare system is free while the US healthcare system is not. Unsurprisingly, there is a long waitlist for patients in the United Kingdom. They try to carefully investigate the symptoms before testing patients since diagnostics can be expensive. Another difference is that the two systems do not use the same type of measurement system.
Understanding Anatomy Through Art
Before entering medicine, Dr. Jeboda has always been interested in different forms of art. But as she got busy, she started to focus more on illustrations and has even created a business that combines both medicine and art. She creates fun but informative anatomy worksheets and coloring pages. Having struggled with anatomy herself, Dr. Jeboda hopes that her artworks can help other students with the subject.
Prepare for the Unexpected
Becoming a physician is not easy. And things can get crazier when unexpected things like rejection, natural disasters, or life changes happen. It’s good to set goals for yourself and to plan for the future, but don’t forget to be open to what life has in store and to explore other opportunities.
You can reach Dr. Jennifer Jeboda through her LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram. Check out her website and Etsy shop.
To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at Prospective Doctor.
You can also reach us through our social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MedSchoolCoach
Dr. Erkeda’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctordgram/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ProspectiveDoctor
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Aug 10, 2023
From Doctor to Voice Over Artist
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Claudia Anglade, who is a board certified family physician and voice over artist. They talk about navigating shifting priorities in medicine and how to make space for new interests.
* [00:55] Introducing Dr. Claudia Anglade
* [08:18] Exploring Interests Outside of Medicine
* [12:47] Have Meetings with Yourself
* [18:56] Choose What Makes You Happy
* [25:24] What Dr. Anglade Would Change About Healthcare
Exploring Your Passions and Interests
As a person of multiple interests, Dr. Anglade has been involved in OBGYN, emergency medicine, and family medicine. When she got pregnant, she decided to take a break from practicing medicine. She found a job in utilization management that allowed her to work from home. Dr. Anglade has always been curious about voice acting, and so she explored this interest by joining a class. After honing her skills even further, she has been a voice over talent since 2019.
Don’t Lose Yourself in Medicine
Becoming a physician is a long and arduous process. Get to know yourself and your purpose for getting into medicine. Every now and then, evaluate if what you’re doing still makes you happy. Sometimes priorities shift and that’s okay. Acknowledge the changes and then re-align your lifestyle to your purpose. Have meetings with yourself regularly to make sure you’re on the right track. Choose a school or residency program that makes you feel fulfilled. If you have something you want to pursue, take initiative to make it happen by talking to your superiors, joining a community, or simply trying it out.
You can reach Dr. Claudia Anglade through her LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or send her an email at claudia.anglade@gmail.com.
To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at Prospective Doctor.
You can also reach us through our social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MedSchoolCoach
Dr. Erkeda’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctordgram/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ProspectiveDoctor
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Aug 3, 2023
Behind the Admissions Curtain: How Medical Schools Screen Applications
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Ian Hagemann, the Assistant Dean for Admissions at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. They talk about how medical schools screen applications and the future of admissions in the advent of AI and chatbots.
* [00:44] Introducing Dr. Ian Hagemann
* [06:46] What Happens to Your Med School Applications
* [13:25] Medical School Admissions & Screening Process
* [19:12] Preparing for Reapplication
* [27:18] AI and Chatbots in Medical School Applications
* [29:58] What Dr.Hagemann Would Change About Healthcare
What Happens to Your Medical School Applications
After students submit their applications, the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) verifies and converts grades into a standardized scale. Next, the completed applications are sent to the schools, which have their own reviewing process.
Generally, schools will check that each portfolio has all of the required documents. Depending on their criteria, schools will then send out secondary applications. There is typically an application fee, but students can apply to waiver programs to ease the financial burden.
Evaluating Medical School Applicants
Medical schools review applicants both qualitatively and quantitatively. Know the mission and values of a school, and you can quickly figure out what they’re looking for in a potential student. Once schools have determined applicants who best fit their learning environment, they will invite them for an interview. Interview schedules vary per institution. Students who apply early have an advantage, as they will be offered interview slots first.
Increase your Chances of Admission in Reapplications
In some cases, students who have strong portfolios may have chosen incompatible schools. It would be a good idea to choose schools that are aligned with your personal values and to diversify your list. But what is true for all reapplicants is that they need to make use of the year to showcase significant growth. Rewriting your essay is not enough. Immerse yourself in opportunities that show your dedication to medicine. If you’re unable to do so due to financial reasons, you must be able to articulate your story in a way that resonates with the school.
Can Artificial Learning Help in Medical School Applications?
Most schools do not allow students to use AI or ChatGPT to write their essays for them. However, students can seek assistance from family, friends, mentors or other devices. Artificial intelligence programs can be especially helpful in helping students generate a personalized school list. In the future, medical schools may employ the help of AI to screen applications.
To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at Prospective Doctor. You can also reach us through our social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MedSchoolCoach
Dr. Erkeda’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctordgram/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ProspectiveDoctor
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Jul 27, 2023
Med School Applications Decoded: Anatomy of Success
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Leila Amiri, Ph.D, the associate dean for admissions at Robert Lerner M.D. College of Medicine at the University of Vermont. They talk about how to address blemishes on your medical school application and how to stand out as a reapplicant.
* [01:01] Introducing Leila Amiri, Ph.D
* [02:31] Anatomy of a Successful Medical School Application
* [06:42] Addressing Issues in Your Med School Application
* [14:11] Communicate Your Personal Why
* [19:53] Re-applying to Med Schools
* [23:16] What Leila Amiri Would Change About Healthcare
Do These Before You Apply to Medical School
There is no perfect timing to start applying to medical schools. Students must apply when they feel academically and emotionally ready. Becoming a physician is a long journey, you must be certain of your why. Students don’t have to apply to every medical school. Instead, choose institutions that have mission statements that resonate with you. Consider learning environments that would be most conducive to your development.
Applying with Low Grades or a Disciplinary Record
Academics is a big factor in medical school applications. There is a standard score in order to be admitted. If you’re having trouble with poor grades, try hiring a tutor or enrolling in further education. Retaking a class will not necessarily boost your GPA. Figure out your level of mastery and then come up with a plan to improve your scores.
Another blemish to address in your application may be a negative disciplinary record. An incident will not disqualify you from getting into a medical school, but you must be transparent about what happened. Highlight what you’ve learned from this experience.
Authenticity in Your Personal Statement
During interviews, it’s typical to want to please the admission committee. Instead of trying to be the ideal candidate, be yourself. No matter the outcome, being genuine will help you match into a school that is best suited to you.
The personal statement is another way to let yourself be known. Clearly state why you want to pursue medicine and mention the relevant opportunities you’ve had in the field. The essay should give the admissions committee a picture of who you are. Use personal analogies and provide appropriate context.
Standing Out as a Med School Reapplicant
Didn’t get into a medical school on your first round of applications? It’s okay, this doesn’t mean you’re unqualified. Sometimes, schools have very limited slots to offer. Take this time instead to strengthen your application by adding more experience, research, or leadership opportunities. Don’t wait for a rejection notice to start improving your résumé. Admissions committees want to see the growth you’ve had in between your first and second round of medical school applications.
To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at Prospective Doctor. You can also reach us through our social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MedSchoolCoach
Dr. Erkeda’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctordgram/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ProspectiveDoctor
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Jul 20, 2023
From Data to Action: Leveraging Meaningful Research in Public Health Initiatives
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Marissa Robinson, the initiative coordinator for Ending the HIV Epidemic under the U.S. Department of Health. They talk about how each person can make an impact on public health.
* [00:38] Introducing Marissa Robinson
* [04:41] Conducting Meaningful Research
* [08:33] Ending HIV for Black Women
* [20:13] The Stigma of HIV
* [23:55] Choosing a Public Health Advocacy
Meaningful Research is Personal
For Dr. Robinson's dissertation, she chose a topic that merged her passion for public health and her identity as Black cisgender woman. Hence, she conducted a qualitative study about black women's attitudes and perceptions about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). This medicine has been proven to be 99% effective in preventing HIV transmission. Despite it being approved by the FDA in 2012, the number of Black women who have been using PrEP have not significantly increased. Dr. Robinson’s findings have highlighted the need to de-stigmatize infectious diseases like HIV, so we can improve public health.
Making an Impact in Public Health
There are a lot of available resources about infectious diseases such as hiv.gov and cdc.gov. Educate yourself about the latest research and talk to people about their experiences with the healthcare system. From there, you can determine how you'd like to help.
Medicine is not the only way to positively impact public health. Explore other avenues and find a niche that matches your skills and interests. This is how each of us can uniquely contribute towards better care. If you still find that medicine is your calling, all these experiences will definitely help you become a well-rounded med school candidate and physician.
You can reach Dr. Marissa Robinson through her LinkedIn, Twitter, or send her an email at drmarissarob@gmail.com.
To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at Prospective Doctor. You can also reach us through our social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MedSchoolCoach
Dr. Erkeda’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctordgram/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ProspectiveDoctor
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Jul 13, 2023
Building Your Pre-Med Network
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Alexia Childress, the CEO and co-founder of the National Pre-Health Community. They talk about the founding story of the NPHC, building connections in healthcare, and pre-med admissions.
* [00:37] Introducing Alexia Childress
* [03:20] Forming the National Pre-Health Community
* [07:53] NPHC 2023 Annual Conference
* [11:38] How to Network Online
* [14:45] What Alexia Would Change About Med School Applications
* [21:09] What Alexia Would Change About Healthcare
Building Your Pre-Med Network
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of opportunities for pre-meds were canceled. There was a lot of change and uncertainty, making it tough for students to prepare for med school applications. As a response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, Alexia Childress and Alejandra Bahena formed the National Pre-Health Community. Within two months, they organized a free virtual event for students interested in healthcare careers. Since its inaugural con…
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Jul 6, 2023
Application Tips from a Harvard Med Student
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Olivia Brumfield who is currently a third year student at Harvard Medical School. They talk about applying to medical schools with intention and personalizing medical education.
* [00:39] Introducing Olivia Brumfield
* [02:20] Medical School Application Tips
* [10:55] Learning American Sign Language
* [15:06] Transition into Medical School
* [18:13] What Olivia Would Change About Healthcare
* [21:23] What Olivia Would Change About Medical Education
Apply to Medical Schools with Intention
Having gone through medical school applications herself, Olivia reminds students to be mindful of their mental health. Take breaks and stay connected to your why so you don’t lose yourself in the process. Your passion for medicine will help you power through difficult moments.
Be selective about the med schools you’re considering. Will this institution help you serve the population you want to care for? Do their values align with the kind of doctor you wa…
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Jun 29, 2023
Never Say Never - A Story of Perseverance from a Breast Fellow
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Adam Johnson, a general surgeon who has recently matched into a breast surgical oncology fellowship. They talk about his passion for breast oncology and how he overcame the setbacks in his medical journey.
* [00:58] Introducing Dr. Adam Johnson
* [05:22] Early Medical School Selection Program at Boston University
* [09:44] Medical School & USMLE Step 1
* [14:55] Surgery Rotations
* [16:53] Failing the USMLE Step 2
* [24:27] Matching into Surgery
* [33:21] The Power of Never Giving Up
Why Breast Surgical Oncology?
Dr. Johnson’s family had a history of breast cancer that has afflicted his grandmother, mother, and aunt. His sister had to go through a mastectomy after finding out that she carried the BRCA1 gene. From an early age, Dr. Johnson saw and experienced the huge impact that breast cancer has on the patient and their family. As such, he is passionate about the prevention and treatment of this disease.
Despite Failure, Never Give U…
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Jun 22, 2023
Tales From a Breast Surgeon
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Valentina Bonev, a board certified and fellowship trained breast surgical oncologist. They talk about how she decided on her subspecialty and how to seek out mentors in your chosen field.
* [00:47] Introducing Dr. Valentina Bonev
* [02:37] Why Breast Surgical Oncology?
* [07:30] How to Make Your Application Stand Out
* [09:46] Finding Mentors in Medicine
* [15:52] Dr. Bonev’s Passions Outside of Medicine
* [17:48] What Dr. Bonev Would Change About Healthcare
Be an Exceptional Surgical Applicant
Even before residency applications start, show interest during rotations. Make your enthusiasm known by being proactive. This will surely leave a good impression. It’s helpful to find a mentor who you can form a relationship with and learn from. By working closely together, they can write a letter of recommendation to endorse your strengths. Aside from this, it’s also a good idea to participate in relevant research. If the paper is published o…
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Jun 15, 2023
A Dentist's Transition to Medical School
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Justin Middleton, who is an oral and maxillofacial surgery resident at Boston Medical Center. They talk about the differences between dentistry and medicine, and how to find your specialization in either field.
* [00:50] Introducing Dr. Justin Middleton
* [02:27] Dental School VS Medical School
* [04:49] Oral Surgery Training
* [07:24] How to Find Your Specialization
* [11:33] What Dr. Middleton Would Change About Healthcare
Training to Become an Oral Surgeon
Dentists who aspire to become oral surgeons must go through training and residency. This is a general overview of what those four years will entail. The first year is regarded as the intern year, where dentists see and triage patients. They also assist in case planning and in optimizing patients for treatments.
During the second year, dentists spend most of their time in general surgery, and then in anesthesia. Finally, in the third and fourth year, oral surgeons-to-be start to work on…
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Jun 8, 2023
Intimacy in Medicine
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Sadaf Lodhi, a board-certified OBGYN and intimacy coach based in New York. They talk about women’s sexual and reproductive health, as well as intimacy in relationships.
* [00:50] Introducing Dr. Sadaf Lodhi
* [01:36] How to Match into OBGYN
* [03:20] Why OBGYN?
* [05:22] Intimacy Coaching and Sexual Health
* [10:30] Maintaining Intimacy in Relationships
* [14:25] Trust and Communication with Patients
* [21:02] What Dr. Lodhi Would Change About Healthcare
OBGYN, Sex Education, and Intimacy Coaching
Dr. Lodhi chose to specialize in OBGYN because it combines medicine and surgery, both of which she thoroughly enjoys. As a physician, she noticed that her patients had concerns about sex, but felt ill-equipped to answer their questions. This led her to become an intimacy coach so she could learn more about sexual and reproductive health. With her training as an OBGYN and intimacy coach, she can educate more women and empower them to make info…
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Jun 1, 2023
Thalamus GME: A Game-Changer for Medical Education & Training Advancements
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Jason Reminick, founder and CEO of ThalamusGME and Thalamus.Org. They talk about how Thalamus came about, its features, and how it can help change systems and processes of both medical institutions and practitioners.
* [00:22] Introducing Dr. Jason Reminick
* [03:43] What is Thalamus?
* [09:03] AAMC and Thalamus Strategic Collaboration
* [20:00] Key Pieces of Advice for Medical Students
* [28:16] Comparison is the Root of All Evil
* [35:39] What Dr. Reminick Would Change About Healthcare
What is Thalamus?
Thalamus is a SaaS (software as a service) company currently on its growth stage out of Silicon Valley. They are a mission-driven company with the main mission of ensuring that the right doctor gets to the right hospital to treat the right patient, and vice versa. Individual residency, fellowship programs, and entire hospital systems purchase the software and use it to integrate with the electronic residency application service through AA…
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May 25, 2023
How to Showcase Your Personality during Medical School Interviews
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Erika Aragona who is a double board-certified family physician in osteopathic and allopathic medicine. She also serves as a faculty member at the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine. Today Erkeda chats with Dr. Aragona about how to set yourself apart during medical school interviews and what students can do to advocate for women’s health.
* [00:23] Dr. Aragona’s Medical Journey and Background
* [02:58] Becoming Human in Patient Interactions
* [04:40] Cultivate Passions Outside of Medicine
* [07:26] Letting Your Personality Shine in Interviews
* [16:41] Dr. Aragona’s Advocacy for Women’s Health
* [20:25] How Can Students Advocate for Women’s Health?
* [28:15] Best Advice that Dr. Aragona Has Received Becoming Human in Patient Interactions
When we’re too engrossed in the clinical side of medicine, we sometimes forget to connect with patients. We also lose sight of our personal passions instead of making time for them. Being a…
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May 18, 2023
Telling the Truth about Medicine
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Julia Huber who is a board-certified physician practicing telemedicine. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine. For 13 years now, Dr. Huber has been coaching physicians and other professionals on stress, health, and wellness.
* [01:00] Dr. Huber’s Medical Journey and Background
* [06:53] How to Prioritize Student Wellness
* [11:36] A Broader View on Wellness
* [24:54] Dr. Huber’s Passions Outside of Medicine
* [20:32] Why Doctors Should Ask for Help
* [30:39] Best Piece of Advice Dr. Huber Received Choosing Wellness in High-Stress Environments
Medical school can get hectic, but it helps to keep a mindset of choice. Remind yourself that you are in a privileged position to become a physician. When things get tough, go back to your why. Sacrifices can be painful, but the rewards are meaningful. There will always be tough situations, always try to be honest with yourself so you can grow from difficult experiences. L…
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May 4, 2023
How AI is Transforming Medical Education and Training
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Liudmila Schafer who is a medical oncologist and the founder of The Doctor Connect consultancy. They talk about the impact of artificial intelligence in medicine, and how physicians and students can use AI tools responsibly.
* [00:52] Introducing Dr. Liudmila Schafer
* [03:20] The Doctor Connect
* [06:24] Artificial Intelligence’s Impact on Healthcare
* [08:58] Using AI for Medical Education
* [15:33] Responsible use of AI Tools for Physicians
Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
Artificial intelligence is gaining popularity, even in healthcare. When used appropriately, it can help generate ideas and aid in research. However, it can also cause misunderstandings between physicians and patients. It would be wise to educate patients not to rely too heavily on AI because it’s not entirely accurate.
Learning Medicine Through AI Tools
New and advanced tools can facilitate learning by providing more data and different solutions to problems.…
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Apr 27, 2023
How to Avoid Medical Malpractice
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Laura Fortner, a board certified OB/GYN with 21 years of experience. She is also a certified life coach who helps physicians overcome adverse events and medical malpractice. They talk about how to cope with emotional stress that comes from lawsuits and traumatic medical cases.
* [01:04] Introducing Dr. Laura Fortner
* [05:26] Medical Malpractice is Real
* [09:25] Coping with Distress
* [12:25] How Coaching Can Help with PTSD
* [18:15] Quick Ways to Overcome Triggers
* [23:03] How to Prevent Malpractice Lawsuits
Medical Malpractice Lawsuits Happen
There is a high likelihood that physicians, most especially surgeons, will get sued at least once. A medical malpractice lawsuit can shake your confidence, leaving you with a lot of doubts about your competence. Unfortunately, there is very little training or support for physicians to help them navigate this challenging process.
Coaching Can Help with PTSD
PTSD can be addressed through coaching,…
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Apr 20, 2023
Navigating the Unknown: A Guide to Surviving Your First Year of Residency
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Kelvin Liao, an Internal Medicine resident interning at the University of Maryland. They talk about ways for new residents to deal with impostor syndrome, improve their skills, and succeed during their intern year.
Time Stamps
* [00:36] Introducing Dr. Kelvin Liao
* [5:45] Recommendations for New Residents to Succeed in an Intern Year
* [8:56] Dealing with Impostor Syndrome
* [10:37] How to Ask for Feedback Better
* [15:38] What Interns Should Avoid
* [17:03] The Importance of Self-Care
* [19:50] What Dr. Kelvin Liao Change in Healthcare
* [23:06] Wrapping Up
Dealing with Impostor Syndrome
Dr. Liao understands how in the first few weeks of the internship, you’ll still feel like a medical student. Regular tasks may feel daunting. To get over this fear of inadequacy, Dr. Liao recommends throwing yourself into things and asking for help along the way. Remember that the tasks that seem challenging now are going to be what you’ll regul…
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Apr 13, 2023
It's Never Too Early to Think about Fertility in Your Medical Career
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Carolina Sueldo, a fertility specialist who is double board certified in both obstetrics and gynecology, as well as reproductive endocrinology and infertility. They talk about fertility, family planning and the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process.
[00:43] Introducing Dr. Carolina Sueldo
[02:50] Why OBGYN and REI?
[10:12] Fertility education is empowerment
[15:57] Costs of Fertility Treatment
[18:45] IVF Treatment and Process
[22:50] What Dr. Sueldo Would Change About Healthcare
Understanding Women’s Biological Clocks
Females are born with all the eggs they will ever have. Fertility peaks during the late teens or early twenties. The chances of pregnancy, the risk of miscarriage, and the risk of genetic problems remain stable until age 35. Afterwards, women’s eggs will show a progressive decline in quantity and quality.
Why Fertility and Reproductive Education Matters
Very few people are educated about fertility. Knowing what is normal for y…
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Apr 6, 2023
Finding Love in a White Coat: A Dating App for Health Professionals
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Chrystene Nguyen, the founder of White Coat Romance (WCR). She is a board-certified physician in family and lifestyle medicine. They talk about online dating for health professionals and the process behind building the White Coat Romance platform.
[00:56] Introducing Dr. Chrystene Nguyen
[01:39] White Coat Romance
[07:30] User Verification on White Coat Romance
[12:16] Dating Tips for Health Professionals & Students
[16:01] What Dr. Nguyen Would Change About Healthcare
The White Coat Romance Dating App
Before the WCR platform was built, it started out as an online Facebook group in July 2020. Within that community, health professionals provided each other with support, friendship, and even romance! The COVID-19 quarantine highlighted the need for relationship and community. As the group grew larger, Dr. Chrystene saw the need to develop a dating app to facilitate connection among physicians.
How Does White Coat Romance Verify its Users?…
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Mar 30, 2023
Doc2Doc Lending: A Financial Lifeline for Early Physicians
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Kenton Allen, the Co-Founder of Doc2Doc Lending. He also serves as the vice chairman of the Department of Anesthesiology at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover. They talk about financial situation of physicians and 4th year medical students, and how Doc2Doc Lending can help.
[01:13] Introducing Dr. Kenton Allen
[05:16] Driving Positive Change through Medicine
[09:10] The Financial Struggles of an Early Physician
[12:25] About Doc2Doc Lending
[17:44] Learn about the Business of Medicine
The Financial Struggles of an Early Physician
During residency, Dr. Allen was under a lot of financial stress. The cost of living was expensive in Boston, and he struggled to make ends meet. At the time, he was also paying off his student debt.
To supplement his income, he wanted to get a loan but traditional lending institutions would either reject his application or offer predatory interest rates. Despite Dr. Allen’s promising career trajectory, banks…
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Mar 23, 2023
From Symptoms to Solutions: How PM&R and Functional Medicine Work in Tandem
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Janice Brown, a physiatrist who is certified in acupuncture and functional medicine. They talk about the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation, functional medicine, and Dr. Brown’s own way of practicing medicine.
[01:08] Introducing Dr. Janice Brown
[03:43] Why Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation?
[09:16] Functional Medicine
[13:42] Practice Your Own Style of Medicine
Becoming a PM&R Physician
Dr. Brown always regarded herself as a healer, but not necessarily a doctor. After college, she spent 6 years exploring multiple paths before deciding to pursue medicine. She chose to become a physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physician because she is passionate about addressing the root cause of health problems, not just in managing symptoms. As a physiatrist, she can examine both the musculoskeletal and nervous systems to see what’s causing pain or illness.
Functional Medicine
Unsurprisingly, Dr. Brown is certified in fun…
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Mar 16, 2023
Beating Burnout and Imposter Syndrome: Tips for High-Achievers
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Mary Leung, a full-time physician who specializes in oncology and hematology. She is also a certified life coach. They talk the signs of burnout and how to overcome it, along with imposter syndrome.
[01:03] Introducing Dr. Mary Leung
[02:51] Why Oncology and Hematology?
[06:02] Recognizing Burnout
[11:14] The Arrival Fallacy
[15:17] Imposter Syndrome
[17:30] Dr. Mary Leung’s Advice to Pre-Meds and Medical Students
Signs of Burnout
Anyone is susceptible to experiencing burnout. It can feel physically, emotionally, and spiritually draining—almost as if you’re running on an empty tank. You can start to become cynical when you lose sight of your purpose.
The most important piece is to recognize when you feel burnt out. Take a step back to find out why you feel this way. Burnout is by no means your fault, it happens to all of us. But it is a sign that you need to take better care of yourself. A life coach can help you address burnout by r…
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Mar 9, 2023
Global Health Fellowship Programs for Med Students and Doctors
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Sheneka Horne, a global health pediatrician and the founder of The Blk Doctor. They talk about global health fellowship programs and how students and doctors of color can find support on their journey in medicine.
[01:00] Introducing Dr. Sheneka Horne
[05:09] Global Health Fellowship
[09:48] Making an Impact Globally and Locally
[13:17] The Blk Doctor
[18:15] Finding Support for Marginalized Students
How to Get Involved in Global Health
Dr. Horne had several opportunities to travel locally and internationally to see how different health systems work. She advises anyone interested to choose a program carefully. Preferably the organization should have an ongoing presence, which means that they are using local interventions and teaching the natives how to continue the work they are doing. The more sustainable the effort, the better. While traveling, be mindful not to take photos that perpetuate stereotypes of impoverished communities.
Making an Im…
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Mar 2, 2023
Did Disney Just Save Healthcare?
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Katie Baca-Motes, co-founder of the Scripps Research Digital Trials Center. She is also the senior director for Scripps Research's strategic initiatives. They talk about the best Walt Disney Imagineering concepts and practices that can be applied to improve medicine and healthcare.
[01:14] Introducing Katie Baca-Motes
[05:03] Walt Disney Imagineering
[07:46] Imagineering in Healthcare
[12:29] Digital Research Opportunities
[15:13] What Would You Change in Healthcare?
Lessons from Walt Disney Imagineers
After graduating from business school, Katie had the opportunity to work at Walt Disney. Being an imagineer entailed behind the scenes work such as producing special effects, conceptualizing rides, or in Katie’s case, researching behavioral economics and consumer behavior.
Drawing on her past experiences as an imagineer, Katie believes there’s a lot of approaches that can be applied to healthcare. One of them was “blue sky thinking” w…
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Feb 23, 2023
Preparing Medical Students for Board Exams with MedEd Cloud
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen is joined by Dr. Raji Akileh, a D.O. and CEO of MedEd Cloud. Dr. Raji will take us through how MedEd Cloud operates and how it can help equip medical students with information before they take their board exams. He will also take on the topic of revolutionizing the medical healthcare system in the United States.
[00:21] Introduction of Dr. Raji Akileh
[02:20] The Medical Education System
[04:03] MedEd Cloud
[08:03] Opportunities in MedEd for Board Studies
[13:21] Participation for MedEd Cloud
[14:50] Modules and Opportunities from Outside Medicine
[16:13] What Would You Change in the Healthcare system
[19:24] How to Connect with Dr. Raji
Keeping Up With Trends
A lot of medical students out there would work hard to pass their boards, and a big proponent of these tests is the knowledge and updates they take from their respective schools. Many schools still take the more traditional approach and practices when it comes to medical education. This situat…
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Feb 16, 2023
The Pulse on Physician Protection: Why Life Insurance is a Vital Prescription for Doctors
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen is joined again by Dr. Stephanie Pearson. In this episode, Dr. Pearson steers from disability insurances to life insurances. She will give us an insight of the different types of life insurances and how medical professionals and students can choose which type of insurance they can select from depending on their lifestyle.
[00:21] Re-Introduction of Stephanie Pearson
[03:54] About Life Insurances
[07:26] Why Buy Life Insurance?
[11:05] Difference Between Term and Whole Insurance
[16:22] Figuring Out the Right Coverage For You
[21:00] What Would You Change in the Healthcare System
Life Insurances
Unlike disability insurances, life insurances serve more as an umbrella insurance for individuals regarding health, benefits, and other safety nets depending on ones’ lifestyle. For medical students and practitioners, life insurance will be an essential purchase down the line particularly for individuals who plan to start or have a family. Life insurances are…
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Feb 9, 2023
The Future of Surgery in a Post-COVID World
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen is joined by Joshua Roshal. Joshua is currently a surgery resident from Brigham and Women’s Department of Surgery. He’s done 7 years in medical school and has already taken up leadership and teaching roles. He joins Dr. Erkida as he talks more about his research focus on education for medical students.
[00:23] Introduction to Joshua Roshal
[03:39] New Era of Medical Education
[08:47] Surgical Simulation at Home
[11:38] Tips for Surgery Students
[15:41] Changes You’d Want to Make in Healthcare
[18:35] How to Reach Joshua
Surgical Studies Amidst the Pandemic
Surgical education is more hands-on than other medical fields due to their nature of work being on the ground for patients. Unlike other doctors from other fields, surgical experts are the key performers when patients undergo surgery. The practice calls for students to be on the field to conduct their field of expertise. At the height of the pandemic, the education on surgical studies became a speed b…
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Feb 2, 2023
Unlocking the Opportunities and Challenges of Medical Research
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen is joined by Dr. Jia Ng. She is a board-certified nephrologist and epidemiologist and today, she talks about the world of research for medical students. Dr. Jia describes the opportunities and procedures she encountered from doing research, as well as the conditions they need to be in for them to thrive in the field.
[00:28] Introduction of Dr. Jia Ng
[01:35] Transitioning and Opportunities in Research
[03:18] Recommendation for Research Pursual
[06:41] Importance of Research in Residency
[11:51] Dr. Jia: Why the US over Australia?
[15:47] How to Get Involved in Research
Research
Dr. Jia mentions that Research is more complex than students and experts should perceive. According to her, research is a field that not only takes on the basic know-hows of medicine, but also the data driving the knowledge that caters to how medicine works along the evolution of society. Research allows the industry to adapt new knowledge for medical practitioners to not only develo…
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Jan 12, 2023
Navigating Social Media as a Medical Student: Opportunities and Pitfalls
Dr. Erkeda is joined by Dr. Dana Corriel, she is an internist by training as well as a successful entrepreneur. As a medical practitioner who’s taken the traditional route to where she is now, Dr. Corriel is now devoted to using her business skills to help promote the autonomy of doctors and practitioners. She’s already launched her own venture called SoMeDocs to help medical students and seasoned doctors promote themselves and their areas of expertise.
[00:23] Introduction of Dr. Corriel
[02:13] About SoMeDocs
[07:13] Essentials for Social Media Awareness
[12:16] About Medical Branding
[14:14] Opportunities for SoMeDocs
[16:09] Desired Changes in Healthcare
The Power of Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurial skills are underrated skills acquired in the medical field. A lot of students and experts neglect the entrepreneurial side of being in the medical field. While it is one achievement to be a professional, there is also the factor of gaining clients or patients that avail your…
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Jan 9, 2023
The Future of Medicine: ChatGPT & AI
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Harvey Castro, an emergency medicine physician, healthcare consultant, and the author of "ChatGPT Healthcare”. He’s here today to talk about the applications of AI technology like ChatGPT to medicine.
[00:43] Dr. Castro’s Medical Journey and Background
[01:15] AI in Healthcare
[05:10] Writing ChatGPT Healthcare
[06:33] Using AI for Innovation and Learning in Medicine
[12:35] Dr. Castro’s Advice for a Successful Medical Career
AI & ChatGPT Healthcare
AI tools like ChatGPT are gaining popularity nowadays—is there any way can we use it for medicine? Although not yet FDA approved, it can have potential applications for diagnosis and learning. Medical professionals should familiarize themselves with AI tools so they can benefit from the tech and properly advise patients.
Using Tech and AI for Student Learning
ChatGPT can also be used for studying. Students can ask AI to help create flashcards, mnemonics, and to explain complex topics more s…
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Dec 29, 2022
Pitching Yourself in an Interview Rebroadcast
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen welcomes Dr. Basma Faris, a former registered dietician and now OB-GYN and Culinary Medicine Specialist. She shares her storied journey from starting out as a dietician and finally into medicine school, but not without a few bumps along the way. She also shares valuable tips on how to ace your med school interviews through the media training she received.
* [00:22] Introducing Dr. Basma Faris
* [06:53] How Dr. Faris Controlled Her Narrative
* [13:23] How to Showcase Yourself During Med School Interviews
* [18:39] The Importance of Practicing
* [22:16] Tips for Rotation
* [26:19] Culinary Medicine
* [33:10] Dr. Faris’ Best Piece of Advice
* [34:47] Where to Find Dr. Faris
To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at Prospective Doctor.
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Dec 9, 2022
How a Lifechanging Injury Changed My Career
Dr. Erkeda is joined by Dr. Stephanie Pearson, an OBGYN turned insurance broker who changed her career from a practitioner to safety net provider for medical experts. Almost 10 years ago, Dr. Pearson sustained an injury during an operation procedure and was left with a career unable to pursue the work she studied for. Since then, she’s had a change of heart and now uses her skills and knowledge in the medical industry to help other people who are unintentionally placed in that same position, by creating a disability insurance firm for physicians and other healthcare providers.
* [00:23] Introduction of Dr. Pearson
* [01:57] Adapting to Post-Injury
* [06:49] About Disability Insurances
* [12:55] Advice for Physicians with Disabilities
* [16:56] Group Benefits vs Private Benefits
* [22:36] What Dr. Pearson Would Change in Healthcare
What Happens to Physicians After Injuries
For a professional in the medical field, it can be a confusing moment in life when you suddenly su…
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Dec 1, 2022
How to Obtain Research Experience
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Anita Lwanga, a kinesiologist, internist, and geriatrician who is actively involved in educating the next generation of physicians. She’s here today to share her best tips for how pre-meds, medical students, and residents can obtain research experience.
* [00:56] Dr. Lwanga’s Medical Journey and Background
* [02:50] Why Internal Medicine?
* [05:47] How Important is Research Experience?
* [12:20] How to Obtain Research Experience
* [18:14] What Dr. Lwanga Would Change in Healthcare
Why You Need Research Experience
Having research experience on your resume can help your application stand out from the crowd.
As a pre-medical student, it’s nice to learn research skills early, which will serve you later on as a medical student and physician. Medical students need to have ample research projects so the dean can write a strong letter of recommendation.
Physicians who want to move up in academic institutions will be able to do so based on th…
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Nov 24, 2022
Exploring Alternative Careers in Medicine That Allow Well Being
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen is joined by Dr. Jattu Senesie, an OBGYN physician from the company Essence of Strength. Today, Dr. Jattu narrates her journey as a child aspiring to become a physician to leading her own firm as well as the key takeaways and learnings that she can give for aspiring physicians in the field.
* [00:57] Introduction of Dr. Jattu Senesie
* [04:38] Dr. Jattu’s Attending Experience
* [09:58] Looking After your Mental Health
* [11:00] Current Activities and What to Expect
* [17:37] Summarizing Sustainable Well-Being
* [20:47] Advice for Non-Traditional Path Takers
* [26:52] Changes in the US Healthcare System
* [28:46] Conclusion
Full show notes
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Nov 17, 2022
Becoming a Physician Scientist with an MD-PHD Student
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Jake Khoussine who is currently a fifth year student of a combined MD-PhD program. As the founder of Madrasa Advising, he advises students on how to prepare for an MD-PhD program so they can become successful physician-scientists.
* [00:58] Jake’s Medical Journey and Background
* [04:42] Why Apply to an MD-PhD Program?
* [10:55] How to Get Accepted into an MD-PhD Program
* [16:58] Study Tips for MCAT and Medical School
* [20:51] What Jake Would Change in Healthcare
Full show notes
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Oct 20, 2022
From Housekeeper to Neurosurgeon (Rebroadcast)
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Kojo Sarpong who is a student at the Georgetown University School of Medicine. He is an incoming resident at Vanderbilt Neurosurgery. Dr. Sarpong shares his inspiring story of how he started as a housekeeper and became a neurosurgeon.
* [01:03] Moving from Ghana to the United States
* [05:43] Pivot to Medicine
* [10:08] The African Research Academies for Women
* [16:34] From Housekeeper to Neurosurgeon
* [26:38] How to Match in Competitive Specialties
* [31:49] Dr. Sarpong’s Advice: Own Your Story
Full show notes
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Oct 13, 2022
Introducing the World of Podiatry
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen is joined by Dr. Tea Nguyen, the show’s very first podiatrist. Dr. Nguyen is a podiatrist who has her own private practice in Sta. Cruz, California. She joins Dr. Erkeda to discuss the world of podiatry and how diverse this branch of the medical field can be.
[01:06] Dr. Tea Nguyen and Choosing Podiatry
[04:55] Training for Podiatrist
[07:06] Ways to Work in the Field
[09:25] Learnings from Podiatry
[10:58] Tracks to Employment
[12:32] Pearls for Podiatry (for takeaway)
[14:00] What Would You Change in Healthcare
Full show notes
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Oct 6, 2022
Getting Involved in Global Healthcare Development Organizations
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen is joined by Shital Vora, a physical therapist and co-founder of the Global Brigades organization. As a founder of the Global Brigades, Shital tells the story of how she founded the organization and the milestones they have achieved to help communities in need of sustainable healthcare and economic resources.
* [01:30] Roles of Physical Therapist in Healthcare
* [05:10] The Global Brigades
* [11:07] How Students Can Get Involved in The Global Brigades
* [15:56] What Would You Change in Healthcare?
* [19:22] Involvement in Local Areas and Organizations
Full show notes
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Sep 29, 2022
Integrating Integrative Care into Practice
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Delia Chiaramonte who is an integrative and palliative medicine physician. She is the founder and CEO of The Institute for Integrative Palliative Medicine, where physicians are trained in evidence-based symptom management.
* [01:03] Integrating Integrative Care into Dr. Chiaramonte’s Practice
* [05:07] Evidence-based Medicine
* [08:04] What is Palliative Care?
* [16:04] Gain Exposure to Palliative Medicine
* [20:27] Talking to End of Life Patients
* [26:30] What Dr. Chiaramonte Would Change in Healthcare
Full show notes
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Sep 15, 2022
How to Practice Radiant Living While Living as a Student
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Sheetal Ajmani who is a pediatrician, entrepreneur, yoga teacher and ayurveda consultant. As the founder of the Radiant Living Institute, Dr. Ajmani shares her framework for how to practice radiant living as a student.
* [02:00] Why Pediatrics?
* [05:51] Self-care for Students
* [07:41] Radiant Living Method
* [14:09] Radiant Living Institute
* [16:19] The Best Way to Learn about Business
* [19:40] What Dr. Ajmani Would Change in Healthcare
Full show notes
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Sep 8, 2022
Taking Charge of Your Career in Medical Career
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Susan Baumgaertel, who is the founder of myMDadvocate and Menopause Menu. Today she talks about her medical journey and how she took charge of her career in medicine.
* [01:05] Dr. Baumgaertel’s Medical Journey and Background
* [05:46] myMDadvocate
* [15:57] MenopauseMenu
* [22:05] What Dr. Baumgaertel Would Change in Healthcare
Full show notes
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Sep 1, 2022
From Biomedical Engineer to Obesity Medicine Specialist in Private Practice
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Kerry Reller who is a board certified family medicine and obesity medicine physician. Dr. Reller shares about how she transitioned from being a biomedical engineer into becoming an obesity medicine specialist in private practice.
* [00:58] Dr. Reller’s Medical Journey and Background
* [04:23] Why Family Medicine?
* [07:18] Dr. Reller’s Private Practice
* [14:11] Obesity Medicine Board Certification
* [19:12] How to Incorporate Obesity Medicine in Your Practice
* [25:22] What Dr. Reller Would Change in Healthcare
Full show notes
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Aug 25, 2022
Tackling Time Management
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Martha Kenney who is a board certified pediatric anesthesiologist, clinical researcher, and productivity coach. Dr. Kenney shares her top tips for tackling time management as a medical student and physician.
[01:03] Why Pediatric Anesthesiology?
[06:20] Values, Habits, and Systems (VHS) approach
[16:14] Time Management Tools
[22:15] Productivity in your Clinical Years
[25:49] What Dr. Kenney Would Change in Healthcare
Full show notes
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Aug 18, 2022
How Media Can Help Healthcare
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Liudmilla Schafer who is an award-winning oncologist, associate professor, speaker, business coach, and the founder of The Doctor Connect. Today, she talks about how the media can be utilized to help improve healthcare.
[01:22] Introducing Dr. Liudmilla Schafer
[03:59] The Doctor Connect
[10:55] Advocating for patients through media
[13:36] Media training for physicians
[17:04] What Dr. Schafer would do differently
Full show notes
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Aug 11, 2022
Exploring Anesthesia
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Claudia Sotillo who is the Associate Program Director for the Tufts Medical Center anesthesiology residency program. Today, Dr. Sotillo shares her experience exploring and pursuing the field of anesthesia and how you can do the same.
* [01:10] Introducing Dr. Claudia Sotillo
* [08:09] Why Anesthesiology?
* [14:52] Qualities of a Great Anesthesiology Applicant
* [17:34] How to Get Exposure to Anesthesiology
* [24:44] What Dr. Sotillo Would Change About Healthcare
* [27:02] Dr. Sotillo’s Advice to Pre-meds and Medical Students
Full show notes
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Aug 4, 2022
Switching Specialties with MD/PhD
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen is joined by Dr. Ram Rao, a physician scientist, and Pediatric Hematology Oncology Fellow at Stanford University. In this episode, he gives advice on doing MD/PhDs and what to do when switching specialties.
* [00:44] Introducing Dr. Rao
* [03:56] Process of Doing MD/PhD
* [05:40] Advise on Switching Specialties
* [12:20] Passions Outside of Medicine
* [14:27] Dr. Rao’s Best Piece of Advice
Full show notes
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Jul 28, 2022
Orthopedic Sports Medicine
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Megan Flynn who is an orthopedic surgeon in sports medicine. Outside of medicine, she is the founding manager of fitness studio Rise Nation Chicago. Today, Dr. Flynn talks about the practice of orthopedic sports medicine and how students can gain exposure in that field.
* [00:56] Why Orthopedic Sports Medicine?
* [07:39] How to Practice Orthopedic Sports Medicine
* [14:35] Gain Experience in Sports Medicine
* [17:50] Dr. Flynn’s Passions Outside of Medicine
* [19:57] Dr. Flynn’s Advice to Pre-meds and Medical Students
Full show notes
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Jul 21, 2022
Getting Through Medical School
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Dolapo Babalola, a triple-board certified physician who specializes in family, lifestyle, and obesity medicine. She is currently a professor at the Morehouse School of Medicine, a wellness company owner, and a podcaster. For today’s episode, Dr. Babalola gives advice on how students can cope with medical school.
[00:44] Introducing Dr. Dolapo Babalola
[02:50] Wellness Recommendation for Medical Students
[06:50] Extra Certifications for Family Medications
[12:15] Dr. Babalola's Other Activities
[14:55] Changes in the Current Healthcare System
[[19:58] Advice for Medical Students
Full show notes
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Jul 14, 2022
Finding Home with Medicine
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Penny Liu, the Director of Neuroanesthesia at Tufts Medical Center, Boston. She has been a specialist in the field for 10 years. She is also an assistant professor at Tufts Medical School.
* [00:59] Dr. Liu’s Background and Medical Journey
* [08:07] Why Neuroanesthesia?
* [12:12] Qualities of a Prospective Doctor
* [17:41] How to Talk About Your Weaknesses in Interviews
* [20:39] Dr. Liu’s Advice to Pre-meds and Medical Students
Full show notes
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Jul 7, 2022
Diving into Sports Medicine
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Faustine Ramirez, a Pediatrics resident at University of San Francisco and Master Tutor for Med School Coach. Today,
[00:44] Introducing Dr. Ramirez
[03:08] Why Dr. Ramirez Chose Pediatrics
[07:17] Sports Medicine
[13:23] Pursuing Sports Medicine
[17:13] Dr. Ramirez’s Passions
[19:26] Best Piece of Advice from Dr. Ramirez
[23:26] Closing Notes
Full show notes
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Jun 30, 2022
How to Connect with Patients on the Wards: Tips from a Pediatrician-Chocolatier-Podcaster
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Heather Johnston, a pediatrician turned chocolatier turned podcaster. For 10 years, she practiced as a pediatrician and taught as a faculty member at the University of Chicago. Today, Dr. Johnston talks about connecting with ward patients to deliver quality care.
* [01:00] Why Medicine?
* [03:03] Pediatrician-Chocolatier-Podcaster
* [07:20] How to Connect with Patients on the Wards
* [11:52] Dr. Patient Podcast
* [15:35] Dr. Johnston’s Advice to Pre-meds and Medical Students
Full show notes
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Jun 23, 2022
Navigating Application Cycles
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen welcomes back Dr. Blair Nelson, a radio DJ turned physician. He has decades of experience as an emergency room doctor and is also an educator, mentor, and coach.
Today, Dr. Nelson talks about navigating application cycles for medical school.
* [02:25] Tips for a Successful Application
* [08:13] How to Write Personal Statements
* [10:29] Application Mistakes to Avoid
* [16:51] Medical School Interview Preparation
* [22:47] Rejection and Reapplication to Med School
* [29:05] Dr. Nelson’s Advice to Pre-meds and Medical Students
Full show notes
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Jun 17, 2022
Step By Step Process of Applying to Medical School
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Hilary C. McCrary, the chief resident in the Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Utah. Dr. McCrary also has prior admission committee experience at the University of Arizona.
Today, Dr. McCary talks about what it takes to get into the medical school of your choice, how to stand out from other applicants, and increase your chances of getting accepted.
[00:50] Getting to Know DR. Hilary McCary
[02:45] The Medical School Application Process
[07:03] How to Make Your Application Stand Out
[10:11] Common Mistakes Students Make When Applying
[12:45] How to Address the Question Marks In Your Profile
[13:46] Dr. McCary’s Advice to Potential Applicants
[15:05] Parting Thoughts
Full show notes
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May 26, 2022
Shining the Light on Sports Medicine
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Jennifer Gourdin who is a family and primary care sports doctor. She earned her MD from the University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill School of Medicine. Afterwards, she did her residency and fellowship training at University of Maryland Medical Center. Today, Dr. Gourdin shines the light on sports medicine: what it is and how to practice it.
* [01:01] Dr. Gourdin’s Medical Journey and Background
* [06:07] What is Sports Medicine?
* [11:29] Exercise and Nutrition on a Busy Schedule
* [16:13] What Dr. Gourdin would Change about Healthcare
Full show notes
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May 19, 2022
Diving into DPC
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Cynthia Villacis, the family physician and owner of Health Connections Direct Primary Care in Florence, Kentucky. She is also a certified life coach for physicians. As a direct primary care doctor, Dr. Villacis dives into the DPC model for us and explains how it works.
* [01:01] Dr. Villacis’ Medical Journey and Background
* [05:02] Embracing the Non-traditional Path to Medicine
* [09:46] What is Direct Primary Care?
* [15:17] Where to Learn More about DPC
* [19:03] Life Coaching for Physicians and Med Students
* [22:02] What Dr. Villacis would Change about Healthcare
Full show notes
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May 12, 2022
Navigating Burnout
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Benjamin Morrell, a Mental Health Physician and a High-Performance Coach whose primary mission is to help people achieve their best mental health through honest conversation, education, empowerment, and guidance. Today, Dr. Morrell shares how he overcame his struggles with mental health and how medics can create a life of joy, fulfillment, and free of burnout.
* [00:55] Getting to Know Dr. Benjamin Morrell
* [07:44] The Benefits of Meditation for Mental Health
* [10:14] Why Dr. Morrell Chose to Quit Residency Training
* [17:04] Why It's Okay to Change Your Area of Speciality
* [19:10] The Prevalence of Burnout Among Medics
* [24:43] Parting Thoughts
Full show notes
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May 5, 2022
Diving into Innovative Therapies for Treatment Resistant Depression
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Teresa M. Anderson, a private practice psychiatrist who specializes in anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), postpartum depression, and other mood disorders. Today, Dr. Anderson talks about the innovative therapies that she offers to help her clients with treatment-resistant depression.
* [00:59] Dr. Anderson’s Medical Journey and Background
* [05:11] Ketamine Infusions
* [09:35] PrTMS
* [15:18] A typical day in Dr. Anderson’s life
* [16:34] Psych Waves Podcast
* [18:57] What Dr. Anderson would Change about Healthcare
* [24:02] Dr. Anderson’s Advice to Pre-meds and Medical Student
Full show notes
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Apr 28, 2022
When the Doctor Becomes the Patient
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Kelly Adams, an epidemiologist and neonatologist turned writer. Dr. Adams recounts her journey to medicine and how her career was brought to an untimely stop due to medical bias and misdiagnosis.
* [01:00] Dr. Adam’s Medical Journey
* [04:51] From Doctor to Patient
* [09:20] Planning for Disability
* [12:53] How to Reduce Bias in Medicine
* [17:00] Dr. Adam’s Advice to Pre-meds and Medical Students
Full show notes
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Apr 14, 2022
Mastering the Professional Look for Rotations and Interviews
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Yolanda “Yo” Taylor, a wardrobe strategist for female entrepreneurs, business women, public speakers, and politicians. She also runs a fashion and lifestyle blog called “At The Style Table”. Her motto is to “help busy women style for success.” In this episode, Yo gives us style tips to master the professional look for rotations and interviews.
* [01:09] Wardrobe Style and Self-care
* [02:59] Yolanda’s Experience as a Caregiver
* [08:43] Caregivers as allies in Care
* [17:55] How to Look Professional on a Budget
Full show notes
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Mar 31, 2022
Journey to Finding Yourself as a Physician
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Francis Yoo who is a private practice osteopathic physician in New York. As an inner work specialist and personal development consultant, he helps other physicians find their authentic selves through breathwork, meditation, Enneagram coaching and other techniques.
* [01:00] Dr. Yoo’s Medical Journey and Background
* [06:46] Training and Residency in New York
* [14:16] Becoming an Inner Work Specialist
* [16:15] Can the Enneagram Help You Choose a Specialty?
* [20:39] Dr. Yoo’s Advice to Pre-Meds and Medical Students
* [23:34] What Dr. Yoo would Change about Healthcare
Full show notes
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Mar 24, 2022
The Wealthy Mom MD - How to Approach Finances Throughout your Medical Journey
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Bonnie Koo, a board-certified dermatologist who received her MD from Columbia University. As the Wealthy Mom MD, she serves as a financial coach to female physicians, helping them build wealth through education and mentorship.
* [01:19] Wealthy Mom MD
* [08:40] Financial Advice for Medical Students and Residents
* [17:12] Loan Forgiveness and Repayment
* [21:41] Defining Wealth for Women
* [26:16] There are Many Ways to Practice Medicine
* [29:24] Best Piece of Advice Dr. Koo Has Ever Received
Full show notes
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Mar 17, 2022
The Crunchy Allergists's Advice on Building Patient Trust
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Kara Wada who is a triple board-certified adult and pediatric allergy/immunology and lifestyle medicine physician. She is also the Assistant Fellowship Director and Assistant Clinical Professor at The Ohio State University.
Dr. Wada shares what it’s like to have Sjogren's Syndrome and how being an autoimmune patient has taught her how to build trust and better rapport with patients.
* [00:56] Why Immunology?
* [04:36] A Typical Day in Dr. Wada’s life
* [07:12] Being Diagnosed with Sjorgen’s Syndrome
* [11:12] Medical Gaslighting and Building Patient Trust
* [20:33] Dr. Wada’s Passions Outside of Medicine
* [24:32] Best Piece of Advice Dr. Wada Has Ever Received
Full show notes
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Mar 10, 2022
An MD/PHD's Journey to Medicine
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Dawit Johar who is currently an internal medicine resident at Dalhousie University. Dr. Johar shares how studying for his PhD led him to medicine and his passion for mentoring underrepresented medical students.
* [00:58] Studying for a PHD and MD
* [02:55] Why Gastroenterology?
* [06:29] Mentorship for Underrepresented Students
* [08:53] What Makes a Great Med School Applicant?
* [12:46] Navigating Medicine Interviews
Full show notes
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Mar 3, 2022
The Pre-Med Survival Guide: How to Get Your Mindset Right
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Manna Hagos, an anesthesiologist, keynote speaker, and author of The PreMed Survival Guide. Dr. Hagos shares insights into the premed survival guide, how to overcome imposter syndrome, and the anatomy of a successful premed student.
[00:30] Getting to Know Dr. Manna Hagos
[01:38] Why Dr. Hagos Wrote The Premed Survival Guide
[07:00] Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Medicine
[12:40] The Anatomy of a Succesful Pre-Med Student
[20:04] Physician Burnout is Real
[22:30] How to Become a Top-Archiving Pre-Med Student
[23:50] Dr. Hagos’ Passion for Natural Sciences
[28:30] Parting Thoughts
Full show notes
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Feb 24, 2022
Launching into the First Year of Med School and MCATGo
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen welcomes back Sam Smith, the creator of the MCAT Basics podcast. Previously, he talked about how to successfully re-apply to medical school.
Now in his first year of med school, Sam shares his personal experiences and reveals his newest project: MCATGo.
* [01:12] Life as an M1 Student
* [04:30] What Sam Wishes He Knew Before Med School
* [09:27] What Study Techniques Should You Follow?
* [14:04] USMLE Step 1 as Pass/Fail: Pros and Cons
* [18:34] About MCAT Go
* [21:15] Sam’s Advice to Pre-Meds and Medical Students
Full show notes
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Feb 17, 2022
From Track Star to Med Student with the Evolving Medic
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to JR Smith, a second year medical student at the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine and a content creator at Evolving Medic. Today Erkeda chats with JR about his journey from being an Olympic hopeful to a medical student. They also discuss JR’s experience in applying for medical schools and how he improved his study habits.
* [01:30] From Track and Field to Medicine
* [07:22] JR’s Medical School Applications
* [12:10] Effective Study Techniques, Tools, and Routine
* [15:11] A typical day in JR Smith’s life
* [18:36] What would JR do differently?
* [21:45] Best Advice that JR Has Received
* [23:50] Helping Others Through Evolving Medic
Full show notes
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Feb 10, 2022
How a Post-Bacc Program Can Help You Achieve Your Dream
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Caleb Marsh, the Admissions Director of Temple University’s CST Post Baccalaureate Pre-Health Program. He has 18 years of combined experience as a Health Profession Advisor at multiple universities including Baylor University, the University of Texas at Austin, and Temple University.
Today Erkeda chats with Caleb about how a post-bacc program can help pre-med and non pre-med students alike towards their dream of becoming a healthcare professional.
* [00:37] Caleb’s Career and Background
* [01:40] Temple University's Post Baccalaureate Programs
* [05:41] Ideal Candidates for Post-Bacc Programs
* [10:18] Clinical Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic
* [14:35] How to Impress Virtual Interviewers
* [17:27] Best Advice that Caleb Has Received
Full show notes
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Jan 27, 2022
How Driving Lyft Helped Me Lift my MCAT Score
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Corey Andrews, a two-time alumnus from Georgia State University with a Bachelors in Neuroscience and a Masters in Chemistry, specializing in Biochemistry. He decided during his Masters that he wanted to pursue medicine and he shares his tips on how we was able to pass the MCAT with flying colors.
* [00:22] Introducing Corey Andrews
* [02:34] MCAT Tips
* [06:29] Balancing Work with Study
* [11:20] Things to Avoid When Studying for the MCAT
* [16:09] Best Piece of Advice
* [21:24] Closing Notes
Full show notes
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Jan 20, 2022
Thinking Outside of the Sandbox to Address Pediatric SDOH
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Omolara Uwemedimo, a pediatrician with 14 years of experience practicing across the United States, Latin America, Asia, and Africa. She is also the CEO and founder of two organizations: Melanin & Medicine and Strong Children Wellness.
Today, Dr. Erkeda chats with Dr. Omolara Uwemedimo about how her social enterprises aim to improve the social determinants of health and the journey behind each one.
* [00:38] Dr. Uwemedimo’s Medical Journey and Background
* [02:04] Why Pediatrics?
* [04:03] Melanin & Medicine
* [12:16] Strong Children Wellness
* [22:25] What Dr. Uwemedimo would Change about Healthcare
* [26:16] Dr. Uwemedimo’s Passions Outside of Medicine
* [28:27] Dr. Uwemedimo’s Advice to Pre-Meds and Medical Students
Full show notes
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Jan 13, 2022
Renaissance Doctor
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Eva Cesnek, a practicing family medicine physician for 15 years. She is also a nutritionist, a podcast host, and a bestselling author. Today, Dr. Erkeda chats with Dr. Cesnek about her medical journey and her apprenticeship experience in infertility medicine.
* [00:54] Dr. Cesnek’s Medical Journey and Background
* [04:04] Why Family Medicine?
* [05:40] Infertility Medicine and Technology
* [12:23] Don’t Delay Family Planning
* [14:40] Ways to Practice Family Medicine
* [17:09] Dr. Cesnek’s Passions Outside of Medicine
* [21:36] Dr. Cesnek’s Advice to Pre-meds and Medical Students
Full show notes
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Jan 6, 2022
Overcoming Obstacles in Medicine and Obesity
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Alicia Shelly, a board certified internal medicine and obesity medicine physician. She is also the host of the Back on Track: Overcoming Weight Regain podcast. For more than 7 years now, she has been helping people lose and maintain weight to achieve better health.
Today, Dr. Erkeda chats with Dr. Shelly about her medical journey, obesity medicine, and tips for how to stay in shape with a hectic schedule.
* [00:34] Dr. Shelly’s Medical Journey and Background
* [06:25] Why Internal Medicine?
* [14:33] Obesity Medicine
* [18:22] Staying Healthy with a Busy Schedule
* [25:50] Dr. Shelly’s Passions Outside of Medicine
* [30:42] Dr. Shelly’s Advice to Pre-meds and Medical Students
Full show notes
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Dec 30, 2021
End of Life
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen welcomes back Dr. Qiratulanne “Annie” Khan, who is a board certified and globally trained family physician. She also holds a master’s degree in public health.
Today, Dr. Erkeda chats with Dr. Khan about end of life care, her experience working with Navajo patients, and her preference for palliative care outside of the hospital.
* [00:31] Dr. Khan’s Medical Journey and Background
* [03:55] Memorable Experiences with End of Life Patients
* [09:23] Diverse Cultural Meanings of Death and Quality of Life
* [13:58] Communication of Prognosis
* [21:19] Palliative Care at Home
* [26:30] How to Gain Experience with End of Life Care
* [31:35] Dr. Khan’s Advice to Pre-meds and Medical Students
Full show notes
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Dec 23, 2021
Emergency Physician and CEO of UR Caring Docs
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Tamara Beckford, a board-certified emergency physician in Houston, Texas. She has been practicing emergency medicine for more than a decade now across America. In 2020, she founded UR Caring Docs which is a telemedicine service, platform, and community that aims to promote wellness and combat medical misinformation online.
Today, Dr. Erkeda chats with Dr. Tamara Beckford about what it’s like in the ER during the pandemic and her advocacy for self-care with UR Caring Docs.
* [00:35] Dr. Beckford’s Medical Journey and Background
* [02:47] Why Emergency Medicine?
* [07:05] Working at the ER during COVID-19
* [14:58] UR Caring Docs
* [18:54] What Dr. Beckford would Change about Healthcare
* [21:50] Dr. Beckford’s Advice to Pre-Meds and Medical Students
Full show notes
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Dec 16, 2021
DPC and other Ways to Practice Pediatrics
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Marina Capella who is a direct primary care pediatrician in Salt Lake City. She obtained her bachelor's degree in Biology from Stanford University and then went on to obtain her MD from U.S. San Diego School of Medicine.
Today, Dr. Erkeda chats with Dr. Marina Capella about her experience practicing pediatrics at a community health center, a hospital, an urgent care clinic, and now, at her own private practice.
* [00:38] Dr. Capella’s Medical Journey and Background
* [04:49] Why Pediatrics?
* [10:03] Different Ways to Practice Pediatrics
* [15:20] Direct Primary Care Model
* [20:41] The Future Minority Doctor Podcast
* [26:07] Dr. Capella’s Advice to Pre-Meds and Medical Students
Full show notes
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Dec 9, 2021
The Peds Pod
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Florencia Segura who is a board-certified pediatrician at Einstein Pediatrics in Northern Virginia. She also mentors and trains new pediatricians at INOVA Children's Hospital. Today, Dr. Erkeda chats with Dr. Florencia Segura about specializing in pediatrics, promoting COVID-19 safety and vaccines, and maintaining work-life balance.
* [00:45] Dr. Segura’s Medical Journey and Background
* [02:25] Why Pediatrics?
* [04:27] Life as an Outpatient Pediatrics Physician
* [09:01] Educating Parents on COVID-19 Safety
* [11:17] Pediatric Topics on Social Media
* [12:58] Tips for Work-Life Balance
* [18:18] Dr. Segura’s Advice to Pre-Meds and Medical Students
Full show notes
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Dec 2, 2021
An Oculoplastic Surgeon's Point of View on the State of Healthcare
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Elizabeth “Elisa” Chiang who is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship trained oculoplastic surgeon. She earned her medical and doctorate degrees in neuroscience from the MD/PhD program at Western Reserve University. On top of it all, she is also a certified life coach.
* [00:38] Dr. Chiang’s Medical Journey and Background
* [02:39] Why Ophthalmology and Oculoplastic Surgery?
* [06:09] Applications of coaching
* [13:07] Work-life balance and burn out
* [18:55] What Dr. Chiang would Change about Healthcare
* [23:23] Dr. Chiang’s Advice to Pre-Meds and Medical Students
Full show notes
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Nov 25, 2021
Reflections on the Evolution of Medicine
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Kay Durst who is a practicing family medicine physician in South Carolina. As a physician of over 20 years, Dr. Durst reminisces what it’s like to practice medicine before today’s technological advances. Erkeda also chats with her about her colorful journey to becoming a doctor and her passion for lifestyle and preventive medicine.
* [00:34] Dr. Durst’s Medical Journey and Background
* [06:37] Why Family Medicine?
* [12:53] The Evolution of Medicine
* [19:38] What Dr. Durst Would Change about Healthcare
* [23:36] Wellness and Lifestyle Medicine
* [25:05] Best Advice that Dr. Durst Has Received
Full show notes
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Nov 18, 2021
Mastering Intimacy During Medical School
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen chats with Dr. Alexandra Stockwell, a family medicine doctor and relationships & intimacy life coach. She shares her life’s journey throughout medical school, meeting her husband, having kids, and what led her to becoming a life coach.
* [00:22] Introducing Dr. Alexandra Stockwell and Her Story
* [06:15] Being a Wife, Mother, Businessperson, and Physician
* [11:33] The Journey of Life
* [17:41] Being in a Relationship
* [19:46] How Dr. Alexandra Started Working with Relationships and Intimacy
* [23:32] The Difference Between Family Medicine and Being a Relationship & Intimacy Coach
* [26:32] What Alexandra is Passionate About
* [27:42] Best Piece of Advice
Full show notes
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Nov 11, 2021
How to Align with your Mission in Medicine while Mastering Virtual Medical School Interviews
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Natasha Bray, a board-certified internal medicine physician in addiction medicine and Interim Dean of the Cherokee Nation Campus of Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences. She gives valuable advice on how to ace your medical school interview as application season approaches.
* [00:26] Introducing Dr. Natasha Bray
* [03:23] How Dr. Trina went into Addiction Medicine
* [07:35] The Importance of the Nation’s First College of Medicine Affiliated with a Tribe
* [13:37] The Impact of a Mission-Driven School in a Rural Environment
* [15:20] Features that Make a Great Medical School Candidate
* [19:35] How to Best Prepare for Virtual Interviews
* [23:38] The Best Piece of Advice
* [25:42] Where to Find Dr. Natasha Bray
Full show notes
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Nov 4, 2021
A Call for Help!
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Rachel Cardona Barnett who is a survivor of domestic violence. Today, Dr. Erkeda chats with Rachel about her family’s escape from abuse. She shares her insights on how healthcare workers can help vulnerable victims as someone who has been in their shoes before.
* [01:46] Rachel’s Family and Background
* [05:31] Rachel’s escape and current situation
* [12:23] Becoming an ally to your patients
* [15:57] Helpful hotlines and resources
* [21:23] How to help victims of abuse
Full show notes
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Oct 28, 2021
Leading a Hospital
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Michael Goldberg, the executive director of Long Island Jewish (LIJ) Medical Center. He oversees the daily operations of the hospital to deliver the best care possible to their patients. Prior to him becoming the executive director, he was LIJ’s finance lead and has worked in financial and administrative roles since 2009.
Today, Dr. Erkeda chats with Michael about how he found himself in healthcare, what it’s like to lead a hospital and the challenges he faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
* [02:03] Why Work in Healthcare?
* [07:08] The Hardest Part of Managing a Hospital
* [08:32] Leading a Hospital During a Pandemic
* [14:13] What Michael Would Change about Healthcare
* [16:40] The Business of Medicine and Entrepreneurial Skills
* [21:42] Michael’s Advice to Pre-meds and Medical Students
Full show notes
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Oct 21, 2021
Mastering the Application and Interview
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Edward Lipsit who was a diagnostic radiologist for 20 years. Retired from medical practice, he is currently an associate professor of radiology, an educational consultant, and a faculty member at several schools including The George Washington University and the Virginia Commonwealth School of Medicine.
Today, Dr. Erkeda chats with Dr. Lipsit about how students can effectively plan for their medical school applications¾especially the AMCAS work and activities portion and the interview.
* [01:49] Dr. Lipsit’s Medical Journey and Background
* [06:27] Medical School Application Process
* [09:04] AMCAS Work and Activities
* [16:32] How to Ace Your Medical School Interview
* [25:15] What Dr. Lipsit Would Change about Healthcare
* [29:33] Dr. Lipsit’s Advice to Pre-meds and Medical Students
Full show notes
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Sep 30, 2021
Navigating Physician Employment Contracts (It's Never Too Early)
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Ashley Shaw, the founding lawyer of Contract Rx. With 15 years of legal experience, she has helped physicians navigate employment contracts to ensure they receive fair terms. Today, Dr. Erkeda chats with Ashley about Contract Rx and the importance of having legal counsel.
* [00:56] Ashley’s Background and Career
* [03:44] Why Ashley Started Contract Rx
* [08:05] Contract Rx’s Services and Flat Fee
* [11:18] Negotiating Physician Employee Contracts
* [16:48] Physician Non-Compete Clauses
* [18:43] Common Mistakes by Physicians in First Contracts
* [22:27] Legalities in the Practice of Medicine
* [25:16] CANE Beauty
* [28:28] The Best and Worst Advice Ashley has Received
Full show notes
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Sep 23, 2021
From Anesthesiologist to Venture Capitalist
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Navin Goyal. He received his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and completed his anesthesiology residency at The University of Chicago. After 13 years of private practice, Dr. Goyal went into entrepreneurship and venture capital investing. Currently, he is the CEO and co-founder of Loud Capital.
* [01:57] Why Anesthesiology?
* [03:54] SmileMD and Early Investments
* [07:42] Co-founding Loud Capital
* [14:40] Transferable Skills You Learn in Medicine
* [21:07] Financial Habits to Build Early On
* [23:16] How Dr. Goyal Maintains Work-Life Balance
* [25:44] Dr. Goyal’s Advice to Pre-meds and Medical Student
Full show notes
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Sep 16, 2021
Things They Didn't Teach in Med School
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Amita Kumar, a primary care physician, Internal Medicine Board-Certified. Her clinical practice focuses on preventive medicine with a special interest in postmenopausal symptom treatments, diabetes, hypertension, and eczema. Dr. Kumar talks about her journey to medicine and the things that should be taught in medical school.
* [00:34] Getting to Know Dr. Amita Kumar
* [04:13] Why Dr. Kumar Settled on Internal Medicine
* [06:58] The Things Dr. Kumar Believes Should Be Taught in Medical School
* [09:37] Benefits of Having Passions Outside of Medicine
* [10:24] The Big Changes Needed in Our Healthcare Systems
* [11:55] Best Piece of Advice Dr. Kumar Has Ever Received
Full show notes
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Sep 9, 2021
Life Lessons from a Neurologist
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Puja Aggarwal, a board-certified neurologist and epileptologist. In this episode, Dr. Aggarwal shares her journey to doing a combined program in medical school and how life coaching can help medical students.
* [00:26] Dr. Aggarwal’s Journey to Medicine
* [03:46] Tips for Doing a Combined Program
* [06:13] What Inspired Dr. Aggarwal to Enter Neurology and Epilepsy Medicine
* [08:22] Reshaping Your Career
* [10:12] How Life Coaching Can Help Medical Students
* [11:59] Transition Back to In-Person Care During the Pandemic
* [13:05] How Dr. Aggarwal Practices Work-Life Balance
* [15:55] Dr. Aggarwal’s Advice for Listeners
Full show notes
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Sep 2, 2021
Coaching with a Quality Driven Hospitalist
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Trina Dorrah, an internal medicine hospitalist and life coach. In this episode, Dr. Trina discusses her journey towards being both a physician and coach and how coaching can help physicians and medical students in their careers.
* [01:11] What Inspired Dr. Trina to Choose Internal Medicine
* [02:12] What is a Hospitalist?
* [03:13] How Quality Improvement Assisted Dr. Trina in her Career
* [05:06] How Could a Medical Student Benefit from Coaching?
* [09:37] What Dr. Trina Does to Maintain Work-Life Balance
* [11:03] Piece of Wisdom Dr. Trina Imparts on Medical Students
Full show notes
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Aug 26, 2021
Living with ADHD in Medicine
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Diana Mercado, a family medicine physician in Texas. At Jackson County Hospital District, she serves as the chief medical officer, clinical medical director, and nursing home medical director. Today, Dr. Erkeda chats with Dr. Mercado about her medical journey as an adult with ADHD and why it’s important to get diagnosed as soon as possible.
* [00:39] Dr. Mercado’s Medical Journey and Background
* [04:24] Managing symptoms of ADHD
* [10:19] Getting through Medical School with ADHD
* [17:16] How the ADHD diagnosis changed Dr. Mercado
* [26:24] ADHD Coaching and How it Helps
* [37:16] Dr. Mercado’s Advice to Pre-meds and Medical Student
Full show notes
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Aug 12, 2021
Heroic Medicine Woman of South Africa
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Mokgohloe "Moks" Tshabalala, a private practice obstetrician and gynecologist from South Africa. They talk about South Africa’s medical education system, her practice as an OB/GYN, and her book chapter in Medicine Women.
* [00:38] Dr. Tshabalala’s Medical Journey and Background
* [04:02] South Africa’s Medical Education
* [07:28] Why Obstetrics and Gynecology?
* [11:29] A typical day in Dr. Tshabalala’s life
* [13:52] Medicine Women
* [22:33] Dr. Tshabalala’s Advice to Pre-meds and Medical Student
Full show notes
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Aug 5, 2021
Men's Health & Primary Care
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Jason Singh, a board-certified physician in primary care from an accountable care organization in Northern Virginia. In this episode, Dr. Singh imparts his wisdom on new medical practitioners and the importance of men visiting their doctors.
* [01:42] Dr. Singh’s on Choosing Family Medicine
* [03:50] What Students Should Focus On Prior to Residency and Practice
* [07:17] The Importance of Men’s Health
* [09:31] How to Encourage More Men to Visit the Doctor
* [12:44] It’s Not Un-Manly to Talk About Mental Health
* [15:27] What Dr. Singh Would Change in Healthcare and His Pearls of Wisdom
Full show notes
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Jul 29, 2021
From DJ to Doctor
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Blair Nelson, an Emergency Room Physician who has been in the industry for 20 years. In this episode, Dr. Erkeda and Dr. Blair discuss why he chose the fast-paced field of Emergency Medicine, what he looks for in a medical school candidate, the nuances of the patients he encounters, and his previous career as a radio DJ.
* [00:23] Introduction on Dr. Blair Nelson
* [01:10] Why Dr. Blair Chose Emergency Medicine
* [05:53] The Type of Student that Makes an Excellent Medical School Candidate
* [10:46] Social, Psychological, and Cultural Aspect of Practicing Medicine
* [13:58] Dr. Blair’s Most Memorable Patient Moment
* [16:50] The Human Aspect of Medicine and the Importance of Self-Care
* [18:48] From DJ to Doctor
* [23:00] Dr. Blair’s Advice for Medical Students
Full show notes
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Jul 22, 2021
StressFreeMD
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Robyn Tiger, a diagnostic radiologist and a trauma-informed self-care coach. She is also the founder of StressFreeMD, a wellness practice that seeks to educate others about stress management in order to positively impact their well-being. Today, Dr. Erkeda chats with Dr. Tiger about her own medical journey and how she learned to practice self-care to combat chronic stress.
* [00:27] Dr. Tiger’s Medical Journey and Discovery of Self-Care
* [07:21] Why Dr. Tiger Started StressFreeMD
* [09:49] Why Practice Self-Care?
* [14:40] The Self-Care Formula
* [17:36] Rx Inner Peace: A Self-Care CME Accredited Program
* [22:33] Dr. Tiger’s Advice to Pre-meds and Medical Students
Full show notes
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Jul 15, 2021
Pain Medicine and Finding Balance
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Elisha Peterson who is triple board-certified in anesthesiology, pediatric anesthesiology, and pain medicine. She practices at a large freestanding children’s hospital. Today, Dr. Erkeda chats with Dr. Peterson about the field of pain medicine and what it really means to have a “work-life balance”.
* [01:27] Pain Medicine and its Treatment Methods
* [05:55] Is “Work-life Balance” Real?
* [10:30] What Dr. Peterson Wishes She Knew Before Becoming a Doctor
* [14:51] Different Ways to Practice Medicine
* [17:23] Dr. Peterson’s Advice to Pre-meds and Medical Students
Full show notes
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Jul 8, 2021
Part 2: COVID Vaccine
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen welcomes back Dr. Carolee Estelle, an infectious disease specialist and part of the large Infection Prevention team at Parkland Health & Hospital Systems, Dallas. They continue their conversation on infectious diseases, primarily focusing on COVID-19 vaccines, variants, and skepticism among Americans.
* [01:05] Getting to know Dr. Carolee Estelle
* [02:02] Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Medicine
* [04:20] Advantages and Challenges of Approved Vaccines
* [09:50] Easing Vaccine Concerns and Skepticism
* [11:50] Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines
* [18:40] New Virus Variants and Unvaccinated People
Full show notes
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