Episoder

  • Imagine your credentials as a physician being misused, making it impossible for you to work. Dr. Leah Houston went through this identity theft nightmare. This experience led her to start HPEC, a decentralized autonomous organization of practicing physicians—essentially a digital physician guild.

    Dr. Houston, an emergency medicine physician turned pioneer in digital identity security for doctors, speaks with host Dr. Erkeda DeRouen on this episode about how she turned crisis into innovation and resilience. They discuss physicians' staggering administrative challenges, the nuances of digital identity management, the burdensome credentialing process, and the importance of safeguarding one's medical credentials.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    Identity Management in Healthcare: Dr. Leah Houston shares her personal experience with Medicare and Medicaid identity fraud, shedding light on the often overlooked issue of identity management and credentialing in the medical field. She explains how administrative burdens can persist well beyond medical school and residency, impacting your ability to practice medicine.

    Innovation and Technological Solutions: Discover how Dr. Houston turned her challenges into a groundbreaking solution by developing a decentralized identity management system. This tool not only simplifies the credentialing process but also enhances security, allowing physicians to hold and share pre-verified data effortlessly.

    Exploring New Career Avenues: Our host, Dr. Erkeda DeRouen, emphasizes the importance of networking and exploring opportunities outside traditional medical pathways. If you're keen on innovation or startup environments, take Dr. Houston's advice to heart: immerse yourself in tech, reach out to industry leaders, and even consider internships to broaden your horizons and make an impact in the evolving healthcare landscape.

    Jump into the conversation:

    00:00 Introduction to The Prospective Doctor podcast with host Dr. Erkeda DeRouen and special guest Dr. Leah Houston

    02:04 Impact of Medicare/Medicaid identity fraud on her ability to work

    04:40 The burdensome nature of the current system

    06:02 Introducing a digital wallet for doctors to hold pre-verified credentials

    08:18 Importance of networking and collaboration with tech innovators

    11:05 Encouraging students to have confidence in their problem-solving abilities

    16:45 Importance of showing genuine interest and offering tangible help to emerging startups

    18:50 Importance of fair contracts and seeking legal advice.

    Where you can find Dr. Houston:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahhoustonmd/

    More on HPEC: https://www.hpec.io/

    To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at www.prospectivedoctor.com/

    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/@MedSchoolCoach

  • Burnout is real, and it’s more than just stress—it's an occupational phenomenon. Dr. Svetlana Chamoun, a cardiologist and Founder and President of CardioSeeds and host of the CardioSeeds Podcast joins Dr. Erkeda DeRouen to speak about burnout prevention and how it’s directly related to heart health and chronic disease.

    Dr. Chamoun is dedicated to shedding light on the mental health challenges that medical students and professionals face. Her acclaimed book Resilience in Scrubs and the upcoming Women Physician Survival Guide showcase her commitment to reducing burnout in the healthcare sector.

    Join the conversation as they discuss strategies for managing stress and burnout, from setting personal boundaries and engaging in fulfilling hobbies to building robust support networks. Discover how Cardioseeds is making a difference with its innovative wellness programs and why lifestyle medicine and resilience training should be integral parts of medical education.

    In this episode, you’ll learn to:

    Prioritize Your Mental Health: Dr. Svetlana Chamoun and Dr. Erkeda DeRouen delve into the significance of addressing mental health in the medical field. They spotlight the Doctor Lorna Breen Healthcare Provider Protection Act, which encourages medical professionals to seek mental health help without fear of repercussions. Remember, your well-being is just as critical as your patients’.

    Embrace Personal Wellness: Discover strategies for maintaining mental wellness amid the demanding medical environment. From setting boundaries and engaging in hobbies to building a supportive network and aligning with your core values, these tips will help you stay mentally fit and ready to conquer the medical world.

    Combat Burnout: Dr. Chamoun shares insightful tips on recognizing and tackling burnout. Learn about symptoms like chronic fatigue, insomnia, and emotional detachment, and explore proactive measures like lifestyle medicine, resilience training, and mindfulness to set yourself up for a rewarding and sustainable medical career.

    Jump into the conversation:

    00:00 Dr. Erkeda DeRouen introduces the Prospective Doctor podcast with guest Dr. Svetlana Chamoun

    02:01 Dr. Chamoun on her journey through medical training and how burnout impacted her personal and professional life

    06:31 On the pervasive issue of mental health struggles in the medical field

    10:01 Align professional life with personal values by setting boundaries between work and personal life to maintain mental wellness

    15:01 Insight into Dr. Chamoun's book "Resilience in Scrubs" and organization, Cardioseeds, which offers wellness programs for medical trainees

    20:01 How burnout affects female healthcare professionals differently due to various factors such as cultural biases and the "double shift" phenomenon

    25:01 Differentiating between stress and burnout, with a focus on how chronic, unresolved work-related stress leads to burnout

    30:01 Lifestyle interventions and how to incorporate them into daily routines

    35:01 Highlighting the role of leadership in creating supportive environments and addressing toxic workplaces

    Where you can find Dr. Chamoun:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cardioseeds/

    More on CardioSeeds: https://cardioseeds.com/

    To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at www.prospectivedoctor.com/

    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/@MedSchoolCoach

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  • In this episode, host Dr. Erkeda DeRouen chats with Dr. Chiamaka Okorie, a recent graduate of Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. Dr. Okorie brings a unique perspective as an international student who excelled in the US system, acing the MCAT and building an impressive portfolio.

    Dr. Okorie shares practical advice for aspiring dermatologists, but her insights extend far beyond a single specialty. Tune in to learn about exploring career paths early, the power of networking, and the importance of self-advocacy. They'll delve into crafting a standout application, the value of passion-driven research, and the importance of building your support system.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    Depths of Dermatology: Dr. Chiamaka Okorie advises aspiring dermatologists to jump into the field early and seek guidance from professionals to build a competitive portfolio

    Self-Advocacy is Key: Both Dr. Chiamaka Okorie and our host, Dr. Erkeda DeRouen, emphasize the importance of actively showcasing your achievements and interests.

    Building Your Personal Board of Directors: Proactively reaching out to professionals and leveraging digital platforms can provide invaluable guidance and support in your medical journey, from medical school decisions to career development.

    Jump into the Conversation:

    [00:00] Introduction to the Prospective Doctor

    [02:01] Introduction to Dr. Chiamaka Okorie

    [02:43] Navigating getting into a US medical school for international students

    [04:16] - Tips for building a competitive portfolio early on, including the power of mentorship and networking

    [10:36] Dr. Okorie’s advice on fully committing to the desired specialty, including advocacy tips and strategies for standing out

    [15:14] The importance of research in building your portfolio

    [19:44] Building your network on LinkedIn, Instagram and other social media platforms

    [21:00] The competitive specialty of dermatology

    [28:37] Advocating for yourself in medical school

    Where you can find Dr. Okorie:

    Email: [email protected]

    Twitter: @AmakaOkorieMed

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chiamakaokorie/

    To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at www.prospectivedoctor.com/

    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/@MedSchoolCoach

  • “Why wait for change when you can create it yourself?” was the driving question that inspired Dr. Kim Tranquada to explore the innovative world where telehealth meets global health disparities.

    Dr. Kim Tranquada, passionately known as” Dr. T”, is an emergency physician with over 25 years of diverse experience, ranging from academic institutions to the VA healthcare system. Currently, she's pioneering the Healthcare Alliance for an Equitable World, an international telehealth initiative aimed at bridging the global healthcare workforce gap.

    She spoke with host, Dr. Erkeda DeRouen about how telehealth can help healthcare professionals provide essential services from anywhere in the world, the importance of stepping out of traditional medical roles and embracing innovative approaches to healthcare.

    In this episode, you’ll learn the importance of:

    Embracing Innovation: Leverage technology and think creatively to address global healthcare challenges, like using telehealth to bridge workforce gaps.

    Value of Global Health Experience: Gain exposure to different healthcare systems and needs worldwide to broaden your impact and understanding of global health.

    Empowering Your Medical Career: Take ownership of your career path, be visible, and create change within or outside traditional medical roles to make a meaningful impact.

    Jump into the Conversation:

    [00:00] Introduction

    [00:27] Meet Dr. T

    [02:36] The mission of Healthcare Alliance for an Equitable World

    [06:36] Joining the initiative

    [09:35] Impacting communities that need it

    [14:19] The doctor deficit

    [16:54] Innovating in the telehealth space

    [21:24] How would a global telehealth rotation change medicine?

    [23:53] Rotation opportunities for med students

    You can find Dr. Tranquada on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-tranquada-md-facep-faaem-899349259/

    Learn more about Healthcare Alliance for an Equitable World: https://haew.org/

    To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at www.prospectivedoctor.com/

    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/@MedSchoolCoach

  • “It's important to tune into yourself and really figure out what is it that you want. Being open to the possibilities and proactive about your career can lead you to unexpected and fulfilling paths.” Dr. Nishi Bhopal, a Board Certified Integrative Psychiatrist and Sleep Physician, delves into the diverse and often unexpected paths that a medical career can take with host, Dr. Erkeda DeRouen.

    Dr. Nishi Bhopal shares her personal journey, detailing her transition from internal medicine to psychiatry, and the internal and external obstacles she faced along the way. Dr. Bhopal's story is a testament to the importance of staying true to one's interests and instincts despite the pressures and expectations of the medical profession.

    This episode focuses on the broader aspects of medical careers, including the integration of holistic and integrative medicine into practice, the role of telehealth, and the exciting possibilities that lie in medical entrepreneurship and education through digital platforms.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    Strategies for switching residencies during and after match

    The importance of resilience in the face of professional challenges, such as confronting the stereotypes within medical fields

    Why a significant paradigm shift from acute care to a more preventative approach in healthcare is needed

    Jump into the Conversation:

    [00:00] Introduction to The Prospective Doctor

    [01:24] Meet Dr. Nishi Bhopal

    [02:09] The Big Switch: Internal Medicine to Psychiatry

    [03:34] The Importance of an Open Mind

    [05:09] Obstacles on the Path Forward

    [08:48] Exploring New Horizons in Medicine

    [11:31] The Value of Knowing Yourself

    [14:35] Integrating Holistic Medicine into Practice

    [20:08] Cultural Differences in Healthcare

    [23:26] Connecting with Dr. Bhopal

    Resources:

    You can find Dr. Bhopal on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IntraBalance

    You can find Dr. Bhopal on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishibhopal/

    Learn more about Pacific Integrative Psychiatry: https://pacificintegrativepsych.com/

    To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at www.prospectivedoctor.com/

    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/@MedSchoolCoach

  • "It doesn't matter how busy you are in life. If you don't make your intimate partner a priority, then they might as well not even be in a relationship.” Dr. Kate Mangona speaks the truth about relationships with Dr. DeRouen in this episode of Prospective Doctor.

    Dr. Mangona is a pediatric radiologist passionate about marriage and intimacy coaching. She also hosts the podcast Love Lab MD and brings a unique perspective, having personally encountered the challenges of balancing relationships while pursuing her medical career and supporting her husband’s journey into medicine.

    They discuss the art of relationship management amid the grueling medical training schedule. She shares practical tips on clear communication, setting priorities, and creative ways to maintain intimacy—even when you're miles apart. Whether you're single, dating, or married with kids, she offers strategies to ensure your career and personal life thrive.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    Balancing a demanding medical career and personal relationships involves clear communication and prioritizing your partner.

    Maintaining chemistry and proximity is key. FaceTime dinners and disconnect times help keep your relationships strong.

    Immersing yourself in relationship literature, podcasts, or even hiring a relationship coach can provide invaluable insights into avoiding the high divorce rates seen among medical professionals.

    Jump into the Conversation:

    [00:00] Introduction to The Prospective Doctor

    [01:35] Introduction to Dr Kate Mangona

    [03:00] Managing Expectations and Guilt when balancing a busy medical career and relationships

    [04:45] Scheduling quality time with partners on a calendar

    [07:17] Long-distance relationships while studying medicine

    [10:20] Establishing rituals for a healthy relationship

    [14:11] Misconceptions about Medical Relationships

    [16:47] Radiologists and Relationships

    [21:16] Avoiding high divorce rates among physicians

    [24:14] Final advice for medical students

    Resources:

    You can find Dr. Mangona on LinkedIn:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-mangona-35719a20/

    More about Love Lab MD: https://www.lovelabmd.com/

    To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at www.prospectivedoctor.com.

    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/@MedSchoolCoach

  • "Medicine is just the beginning, not the destination," says Dr. Charnetta Williams in an eye-opening discussion that shatters the conventional path of clinical practice in medicine. Her journey from the front lines of an Ebola response to a trailblazer in public health proves that a medical degree can be the key to doors you never even noticed were there.

    In this episode, Dr. Erkeda DeRouen is joined by Dr. Charnetta Williams, a seasoned professional who transitioned from the rigorous world of clinical medicine to the dynamic field of public health. With experiences ranging from direct patient care to shaping national health policies, Dr. Williams embodies the versatility and impact that medical professionals can achieve beyond traditional roles.

    Dr. Williams and Dr. DeRouen explore the unpredictable yet rewarding career paths in epidemiology, the importance of work-life balance, and the impact of mentorship and representation in healthcare. Dr. Williams also highlights her inspiring work outside the healthcare system, providing education and support to women during the postpartum period. This conversation could very well redefine how you view your future in medicine.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    How to Navigate Medical Career Changes: Explore multiple aspects of the medical field, and don’t be afraid of less conventional routes that resonate with your evolving interests and passions.

    How to Leverage Fellowships: Learn more about CDC fellowships and how to strategically plan clinical rotations to broaden your medical horizons.

    Understanding Work-Life Challenges within the Medical Profession: The importance of self-care and developing a support network.

    Jump into the Conversation:

    [00:00] Introduction to The Prospective Doctor

    [01:32] Introduction to Dr. Charnetta Williams

    [08:22] Skills that transfer well into other industries

    [11:29] CDC Fellowship and work with the Ebola outbreak

    [15:07] Student planning and taking advantage of flexibility

    [16:28] Work-Life Balance and Representing Diversity

    [20:27] Dr. Williams As An Author

    [24:44] Advocating for Postpartum Support

    [29:09] Connecting with Dr. Williams

    Resources:

    You can find Dr. Williams on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charnetta-williams-md-826192267

    More about Dr. Williams’s book: https://pictureperfectreads.com/

    To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at www.prospectivedoctor.com.

    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/@MedSchoolCoach

  • Dr. Sujin Lee, an immigrant from Seoul, Korea, initially moved to the United States to pursue a music career. After obtaining her degree, life had a different plan for her: marriage, motherhood, and a surprising yet fulfilling pivot to the medical field.

    In this episode, Dr. Lee speaks with Dr. Erkeda DeRouen about this journey, the challenges, and the triumphs of changing careers, balancing life as a medical student with being a mother, and the advantages of entering medicine from a non-traditional background. Her insights are not just motivational but are also peppered with practical advice for anyone fearing they might be too far along one path to venture onto another.

    Dr. Lee’s story offers encouragement and a reminder that sometimes, the best thing we can do for ourselves is to follow our heart, even if it leads us down an unexpected path. This episode is a testament to the notion that it’s never too late to recalibrate your career toward your passions.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    Switching Tracks Can Lead to Success: A non-traditional path can not only be possible but also incredibly fulfilling in medicine. Embrace your unique background—whether in arts, humanities, or another field—as it may offer you valuable insights and a distinctive advantage in your medical career.

    How to Embrace Life Beyond Medicine: Dr. Lee's multifaceted career journey underscores the importance of versatility in medicine and opens up a panorama of possibilities outside the typical patient care settings.

    Advocating for System Change: Dr. Lee feels the American healthcare system, particularly the complexities involving insurance authorizations and their impact on patient care can be vastly improved by focusing more on an efficient and patient-centered healthcare system.

    Jump into the Conversation:

    [00:00] Introduction to the Prospective Doctor

    [00:41] Introduction to Dr. Sujin Lee

    [02:57} Transition from music to medicine

    [04:00} Challenges she faced being an older medical student, and a mother

    [04:42] The value of diverse backgrounds in medicine

    [07:00] Juggling multiple roles as a clinician, researcher, and educator

    [10:10] Beyond clinical practice; Dr. Lee’s legal & coaching roles

    [15:34] Changing the American Healthcare System by reducing bureaucratic hurdles

    [19:18] Final thoughts on perseverance and how to contact Dr. Lee

    Resources:

    You can find Dr. Lee on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sujin-lee-48360a6b/

    Learn more about Dr. Lee’s Coaching: https://www.sujinleemd.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/@MedSchoolCoach

  • Navigating the Medical School Admissions process is a different journey for everyone, and with the process constantly changing, the road to becoming a physician is not always easy.

    Luckily, Dr. Emil Chuck, Director of Advising Services at the Health Professional Student Association and Editorial Board Member of the Student Doctor Network is an invaluable resource. In this episode of Prospective Doctor, Dr. Chuck sits down with host Dr. Erkeda DeRouen to discuss how he and his organization provide aspiring health professionals the insights they need to navigate the intricate pathways of healthcare education and practice.

    With his background in cell biology and extensive experience in healthcare and academic realms, Dr. Chuck highlights the ever-evolving landscape of medical school admissions, the intricacies of situational judgment tests, like Casper and AAMC’s new assessment tools, as well as the crucial role of mentorship and networking in building a successful medical career.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    Understanding the Admissions Landscape: Dr. Chuck offers valuable perspectives on how a research background can significantly influence your medical school application process, while also emphasizing the critical need for self-awareness about your motivations and potential impact in healthcare.

    Strong Networks Are Crucial: Both Dr. Chuck and our host, Dr. Erkeda DeRouen, discussed the importance of building robust support systems through mentorship and organizations. These networks can be vital in your journey toward a successful career in medicine.

    Navigating SJTs: Dr. Chuck sheds light on the relatively new situational judgment tests, including the Casper and AAMC's preview exam, highlighting the evolving challenges and the importance of staying informed about their use in medical program selections.

    Jump into the Conversation:

    [00:00] Introduction to The Prospective Doctor

    [01:13] Introduction to Dr. Emil Chuck

    [02:44] About the Student Doctor Network and HPSA

    [04:57] How waitlists are managed

    [06:25] The evolution of the admissions process

    [08:41] Figuring out your why

    [10:30] Advice on finding mentors and champions

    [16:41] Situational Judgement Tests

    [26:01] Connecting with Dr. Chuck and the HPSA

    Resources:

    You can find Dr. Chuck on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/etchuck

    Learn more about Health Professional Student Association: https://www.hpsa.org/

    Publications and Reports from HPSA: https://www.hpsa.org/programs/publications-and-reports/

    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/@MedSchoolCoach

  • While everyone’s journey into medicine is unique, it may not be unconventional. But those are the ones that bring an incredibly fresh perspective on carving one’s own path.

    Dr. Kate Arnold, an OBGYN Hospitalist, Laborist, and co-founder of FemInnovation is one of those unconventional paths. Having started as a psychology major with no science background, she ventured into medicine a bit later than her peers, navigated through a post-baccalaureate pre-med program, and engaged with Alzheimer's patients before pursuing medical school at Georgetown. Her multifaceted career, including stints in academia, federally qualified health centers, and now in femtech, along with her personal life of adopting three children during her fourth year of medical school, provides a wealth of inspiration and guidance for both traditional and non-traditional medical students.

    In this episode, Dr. Arnold not only speaks with Dr. Erkeda DeRouen about her journey into medicine but also the intersection between health tech and FemTech and the role of technology in medicine.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    Career Flexibility: Medicine's beauty lies in its adaptability to life's changes. Learn how Dr. Arnold transitioned from a psychology major to an OBGYN, embraced family life by adopting three kids during med school, and transitioned into Femtech.

    The Impact of Femtech: Dr. Arnold illuminates the crucial need for physicians' involvement in Femtech to ensure accuracy and prevent the exacerbation of health disparities.

    Parenthood & Medicine: A candid discussion on adopting and raising children during medical training, offering honest insights into the challenges and triumphs of dual roles as a parent and doctor.

    [00:00] Introduction to The Prospective Doctor [00:53] Introduction to Dr. Kate Arnold [01:58] Dr. Arnold’s role as a laborist [04:21] The Intersection of Dr. Arnold’s Work and Family Life [12:40] Fem Tech and Health Tech [16:52] Risks in Health Tech [19:59] Healthcare Mindset vs. Tech Mindset [23:24] What Dr. Arnold Wishes She Knew Before She Started Medicine [26:00] Parting Words

    Resources:

    You can find Dr. Arnold on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katecarnoldmdmba/

    Learn more about FemInnovation: https://www.linkedin.com/company/feminnovation/

    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/@MedSchoolCoach

  • 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 develop new medicines, but also the overall medical healthcare system application. These applications include the in and out flow of patient care from medications to consultations and prescriptions. For students who are interested to take up research, it’s important to note that they will be tasked on training with groups and mentors, working on large amounts of data that can be published in order to help a certain medical field in terms of innovative solutions to customer-friendly applications.

    Paving Your Own Path

    Medical students will have the opportunity to pave their own path in the field of research. The field may seem simple, but the avenue students take to be where they want to be may be more complex than they think. The key to having control over the path you want in the field of research is working around the knowledge that you are familiar with. Familiarity comes in the form of how well you know the healthcare system within a certain area and region or the connections you have with that set location as well. While it’s important not to look at it as a race, getting where you need to be in the industry takes time, and that is inevitable.

    You can connect more with Dr. Ng through her website and YouTube channel.

    To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at Prospective Doctor or https://somedocs.com/.

    You can also reach us through our social media:

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/somedocspublic

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somedocs/

  • Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Sarah Nasir, an osteopathic physician specializing in family medicine and sub-specializing in addiction medicine. In this episode, they talk about how medical students can cope with and navigate academic struggles in a far-from-perfect medical education system.

    [00:00] Introduction [04:01] Coping With Academic Struggles [11:15] Navigating Your Journey in Medicine [17:56] Academic Bullying [21:14] What Dr. Nasir Would Change About the Medical Education System [33:13] Parting Words

    How Can Medical Students Cope With Academic Struggles?

    The medical process is so arduous that no matter who enters it does not come out unscathed. If you find yourself in a difficult situation, allow yourself some grace and give yourself some love. If you are overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Remind yourself of your greatness and progress when things get difficult, because every doctor has been through the same struggle.

    You can find Dr. Nasir on Facebook and Instagram.

    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

  • Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Mike Tang, an adult and child psychiatrist, addiction medicine doctor, paediatrician, and Vice President of Integrated Care at Cityblock Health. In this episode, they talk about how you can get additional certifications with addiction medicine and the importance of technology in the improvement of health across all social factors.

    [00:00] Introduction [07:51] Additional Certifications [09:55] Addiction Medicine [12:03] Tech to Decrease Disparities and Social Determinants of Health [15:23] What Dr. Tang Wishes He Knew As He Entered Medicine [19:47] What Dr. Tang Would Change About the Healthcare System [22:56] Parting Words

    Additional Certifications in Addiction Medicine

    Addiction and substance use disorders are a huge driver of disparities. Plenty of risk factors that drive poverty, inequality, racism, and decreased access to care can also increase the risk for substance use. By creating more just and better systems as well as addressing addiction, substance use, and recovery, we have an opportunity to improve care in our society. Addiction is present across all specialties and certifications through the American Board of Preventative Medicine and being able to layer that additional knowledge and latest science is very helpful.

    Utilizing Tech to Decrease Disparities

    At the end of the day, tech in medicine is still all about the relationship between the provider, the provider team, and the patients. Predictive analytics and AI help determine who will be needing care to help predict and provide preventative care before someone ends up in the emergency room or the inpatient room unnecessarily.

    You can reach out to Dr. Tang through his e-mail and LinkedIn.

    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

  • Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. April Renee Ruffin. In this episode, they talk about everything you need to know about mentorship and finding the right mentor at the early stages of your medical career.

    [00:00] Introduction [03:54] The Importance of Mentorship [09:30] How Do You Find a Mentor? [13:33] How Many Mentors Should You Get? [18:47] Dr. Ruffin’s Advice For Those Starting Out in Medicine [20:39] Parting Words

    The Importance of Mentorship

    There’s existing literature that suggests how students excel academically and have higher graduation rates when they have a mentor no matter what grade they’re in. Mentors even help with promotions, sponsorships, and other career development. But beyond that, mentors also help you grow as a person. It helps you learn new skills, identify gaps in your own skill sets, and develop new ones. Mentees eventually become mentors and are able to keep that cycle going, mastering a certain level of expertise and being able to share that knowledge to someone else.

    For graduate and medical students looking to find a mentor, first start with the community that you have around you. For undergrads on the other hand, you can look to certain professors that you may have a good relationship with, and even organizations. Look their bios up online and don’t be afraid to say hello and set an appointment. If you don’t have any organizations you can reach out to, you can take advantage of different clubs and organizations that have partnerships or affiliations with the school who can offer support and assistance. Harnessing the power of social media and finding your interest groups are also a plus.

    You can find Dr. Ruffin on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

    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

  • Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Thomas Campanella, a healthcare executive-in-residence at Baldwin Wallace, healthcare consultant, and former healthcare attorney. They talk everything about rural health: the challenges, initiatives, and technology involved to help improve it.

    [00:00] Introduction [03:00] Challenges Facing Rural Health [07:06] Initiatives for Rural Health [11:37] The Healthcare System, Legislature, and Technology [15:52] What Dr. Campanella Would Change About the Healthcare System [18:01] Parting Thoughts

    Challenges in Rural Health

    Looking at the major cities from a population standpoint, most of America is in rural areas. In Ohio where Dr. Campanella is from, 80/88 counties are in rural areas. Health care in those areas is neglected compared to the major cities. There are challenges in major cities, however, there is a need to redirect resources to the rural areas as well. The aging population is over 65% in rural America.

    You can find Dr. Campanella on LinkedIn and send him an e-mail.

    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

  • Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Bradley Block, a general adult and pediatric ENT and host of “The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring” podcast. They talk about what every medical school should incorporate into their curriculum, the importance of patient-doctor communication, and what they think of the US healthcare system.

    [00:00] Introduction [07:19] Three Things That Every Medical School Should Incorporate [11:28] Patient-Doctor Communication [14:55] What Dr. Block Would Change About the Healthcare System [20:00] Parting Thoughts

    What Medical Schools Should Incorporate

    According to Dr. Block, the three things that medical schools should incorporate into their curriculum is the importance of communication, such as sitting down with a family physician, shadowing them for the day, and reflecting on what skills each student needs to optimize each of those interactions, second is learning the skills of persuasion, and the last one would be habit development.

    Patient-Doctor Communication

    For Dr. Block, communication skills can definitely be developed, but there is a need to be methodical about it. Ask yourself, “What is it you need to work on to be an effective communicator?”, and then you work on it in your own life by being present and being undistracted.

    You can find Dr. Block on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Threads and listen to his podcast The Physician's Guide to Doctoring Podcast.

    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

  • Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Adaira Landry, an emergency medicine physician, author, and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. They talk about the impact and importance of advocating for diversity and mentorship, the power of networking, and how to create equitable spaces in the medical field.

    [00:00] Introduction [04:24] Advocating for Diversity, Mentorship, and the Power of Networking [10:43] Imposter Syndrome, Decreasing Bias, and Creating Equitable Spaces [20:33] Going After What You Want and Asking Questions [28:23] What Dr. Landry Would Change About the Healthcare System [30:51] Parting Thoughts

    What is Imposter Syndrome?

    The original paper on Imposter Syndrome was published in 1973 by two white female psychologists where they looked at women, mostly white, mid-career, doing phenomenal work, and being recognized by their peers, but felt like they were fraudulent despite being in a positive environment. However, for Dr. Landry, she feels like people in her community recognize their own potential and know that there is a lot they can offer, but no one is welcoming them. It’s not imposter syndrome, but a feeling of being unseen, unheard, unwelcome, and unsupported.

    Networking and Nurturing Relationships

    How do you nurture relationships and go back to them and feel like it’s a safe space? First is to know that these relationships are bi-directional; you can’t just take and you also have to offer. Secondly, own your relationships and putting all the logistics on your plate such as meetings and even Zoom meetings. Lastly is to pace your asks and the amount of time you’re asking of someone.

    Preorder Dr. Adaira Landry’s book “MicroSkills: Small Actions, Big Impact”, which comes out on April 16, through Amazon or Barnes and Noble. You can reach out to her through Instagram and Twitter.

    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

  • Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Joe Greer, a hepatologist gastroenterologist. They talk about dealing with social inequality and social justice in the medical system as well as how we can integrate social justice into our educational system.

    [00:00] Introduction [13:22] First Generation Medical Students [14:44] Dealing with Social Inequality in Medicine [20:32] Social Justice in Education [26:55] Dr. Greer’s Advice for Medical Students [28:29] Parting Thoughts

    How to Deal with Social Inequality in Medicine

    Dr. Greer’s advocacy centers around treating every individual with the utmost respect. When he started his career working with the homeless, he immediately thought to himself, “I couldn’t survive here. What makes these individuals so special that they can?”. There are too many injustices and according to Dr. Greer, what we need to do is advocate and defend those that are left behind. Doctors are blessed by being able to become professionals and are in a position where they can make change. We have the science and medical professionals should apply it equitably and in a way that makes the U.S. the healthiest country in the world.

    Social Justice in the Education System

    Dr. Greer was one of the first to have a curriculum on social justice and improving health equity, or rather, how social justice runs through the veins of the entire curriculum. He incorporates social justice in the education at Roseman University through curriculums and programs that focus on education for all family members belonging in racial minorities across the U.S. as well as programs for opioid and stimulant use disorder pregnant women to ensure that a mother and child stays together.

    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

  • Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Christina Gomez, a GI medical oncologist at Banner MD Anderson in Phoenix, Arizona. They talk about how doctors can best break bad news to their patients as well as her journey to writing her book, “Stopped in My Tracks”.

    [00:00] Introduction [06:08] Advice For Giving Bad News [10:14] “Stopped in My Tracks: A Physician's Collection of Cancer Patients' Quotes” [19:08] Sharing Quotes and Support Groups [21:07] What Dr. Gomez Would Change About US Healthcare [23:07] Parting Thoughts

    How Dr. Gomez Wrote “Stopped in My Tracks”

    “I got all the pain, but she got all the suffering.” These were the words that touched Dr. Gomez and drove her to write her book “Stopped in My Tracks”, a collection of words and quotes from her patients under her care. Doctors are trained to send messages to their patients, both good and bad, and they pray that they can deliver them well. But instead of jotting down pearls of knowledge like how she was trained in med school, she started jotting down her patients’ words instead, which would literally stop her in her tracks. She would then ask her patients to pause, repeat their words, and she would write it down on any piece of paper she could find. Thus, her book was born.

    Dr. Gomez’s Advice for Giving Bad News

    Dr. Gomez has two pieces advice when it comes to giving bad news to their patients. First, is that patients want to know. She learned throughout her career that patients always want to know their diagnosis and will always ask about it. As a med student, she thought that patients wouldn’t want to know more details about their diagnosis, such as how studies might say that they only have 18 months, or that the new drug can only buy two months compared to the placebo or the standard of care. It should always be a doctor’s honour and privilege to deliver these bad news to the patients. Secondly, silence is powerful and loud and is a way to communicate with patients, especially learning how to practice our pauses. After all, our silence can and is able to heal.

    Get Dr. Christina Gomez’s book “Stopped in My Tracks: A Physician's Collection of Cancer Patients' Quotes” at Itasca and Amazon, and reach out to her through her website.

    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

  • Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Shivani Shah, a 4th year paediatric neurology resident at Duke University in North Carolina. They talk about her app Foreverrx, dating and socializing in the medical industry, and how you can build your own app.

    [00:00] Introduction [03:51] How Foreverrx Started [09:25] Resources for Building an App or a Business [12:13] What Dr. Shih Would Change About US Healthcare [14:45] Parting Thoughts

    How Foreverrx Was Born

    Dr. Shih founded Foreverrx with her brother during the COVID-19 pandemic and is a dating and social networking platform for all healthcare professionals as a way to create a community in the healthcare field for romantic and platonic connections, because finding connections for both are so important especially during the hardest days of training.

    How to Build an App

    Dr. Shih cites her and her brother’s MBA degrees as helpful components to building their business as well as having a software developer and Dr. Shih’s passion for coding to help maintain the app. The resources are readily available everywhere, so the most important thing in creating your app is to know your “why”. Your “why” is what sustains you through everything and in all aspects of your life and if you are in harmony with your “why”, you eventually get on the path you’re supposed to be on.

    Learn more about ForeverRx through Instagram and their official website.

    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