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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

Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Sejal Desai, a family medicine physician with over 20 years of experience with a board certification in obesity medicine. They discuss how medical students can navigate their med school journeys and the feeling of burnout, work-life balance, and the three things she wished   [00:00] Introduction [03:19] A Med Student’s Life Journey [05:44] Navigating Burnout [11:44] Three Things Dr. Desai Wishes She Knew Before Starting Out [17:45] Is Work-Life Balance Possible? [21:04] What Dr. Desai Would Change About US Healthcare [22:47] Parting Thoughts  Navigating Burnout Dr. Desai dislikes the word “burnout” especially in medicine where physicians are just simply told what to do. She believes that it’s important for med students to take some time, focus on themselves, and figure out what it is that they really want. She cites Jay Shetty, a motivational speaker, and the concept of “dharma” as an important learning, which is all about figuring out our place in the world and using our gifts to make a better place. From this, it’s important for medical students to take some time and re-evaluate their where and why to help them navigate their eventual path and career. Dr. Desai’s Advice in Retrospect Dr. Desai shares three things she wished she knew before starting out her career as a family medicine physician: first is that bedside manners matter more than grades. Grades are important, but they are not everything, especially when patients care more about how attentive and honest doctors are and not what grade they got in medical school. Secondly, medicine is not just about helping patients but also administrative work such as documentation, labs, and imaging to name a few. Managing your time according to this is crucial to prevent being overworked and overwhelmed. Lastly, she realized how big of a role lifestyle plays in disease. Almost all diseases are related to four things: nutrition, physical activity, quality of sleep, and stress levels. If we learn and fix this early in life, we can fix a lot of health problems in the long run. Work-Life Balance Contrary to popular belief, Dr. Desai believes that work-life balance is achievable. She suggests paying attention to three important things when it comes to work-life balance. First is communicating well and setting expectations with colleagues on time and schedules, second is delegating tasks, and the last one is scheduling the downtime such as personal hobbies and self-care. Reach out to Dr. Sejal Desai via Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and her website for more details about her work.   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. Susan Baumgaertel, an internal medicine physician with 30 years of experience and founder of MenopauseMenu and myMDadvocate. They discuss menopause lessons for medical students, things everybody should know about menopause, and why men need to know about menopause too.   [00:00] Introduction [02:20] Menopause - The Forgotten Branch of Medicine [02:51] How Students Can Learn to Work with Women in Menopause [06:27] The Benefits of Listening to Your Patients [07:10] How to Educate Patients About the Different Stages of Menopause [09:16] Ways to Ask For More Time From Your Doctor [11:36] Dr. Baumgaertel’s Book - The Menopause Menu [16:14] Men Need to Know About Menopause Too [19:39] What Dr. Baumgaertel Would Change About US Healthcare [22:10] Parting Thoughts  Menopause is More Than Hot Flashes Dr. Baumgaertel emphasizes that menopause is often seen through a narrow lens, focusing solely on hot flashes. However, she challenges this narrative, urging us to recognize the multifaceted aspects of menopause that impact every woman uniquely. From this conversation, it’s very clear that understanding menopause goes beyond just one medical discipline. It involves everything from primary care, OB/GYN, cardiology, dermatology, rheumatology, neurology, and more.  Dr. Baumgaertel stresses the importance of a multifactorial approach when caring for menopausal patients. Each woman's experience is unique, and healthcare professionals must be receptive and attentive to their patients' needs. Yes, commonalities exist, but not every woman experiences menopause in the same way. In fact, some women don’t experience menopausal symptoms at all.  Advocating for Yourself: Sending Agendas Dr. Baumgaertel encourages women to advocate for themselves by setting the agenda during medical appointments. Sometimes an hour-long doctor's appointment is not enough, and it’s okay to ask your doctor for more time. By addressing specific concerns and communicating them ahead of time, patients can ensure that their healthcare providers allocate the necessary time to discuss crucial aspects of menopause. Menopause is a stressful time and you need all the support you can get.  The Menopause Menu Book: A Resource for All Dr. Susan introduces her book, "The Menopause Menu: From Hot Flashes to Delicious Dishes, A Symptom-Driven Nourishing Guide to Mastering Menopause." Combining practical advice with a visually engaging format, the book is designed to reach a broad audience, including men seeking to support their partners. According to Dr. Baumgaertel, women in their late 30s to early 60s need accurate information on the entire menopausal journey. The Menopause Menu provides helpful, science-based advice, presented with a unique blend of personal narrative and holistic support. The chapters are easy to read and are paired with 16 simple recipes. Grab a copy of Dr. Baumgaertel’s book The Menopause Menu on Amazon and reach out to her via LinkedIn, YouTube, and her Website for more details about her work.    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. Uché Blackstock, an American emergency physician and former associate professor of emergency medicine at the New York University School of Medicine. They discuss the Flexner Report, the need for diversity in healthcare, and the deep inequities that still exist in the U.S. healthcare system. [00:00] Introduction [01:45] Why Dr. Blackstock Chose to Pursue Medicine [04:21] The Racial Health Inequities in America Today [07:34] Dr. Blackstock’s Inspiration For Writing a Book on Health Inequities  [09:19] What is the Flexner Report?  [12:13] The Need Diversity in Healthcare [15:15] All the Things They Don’t Teach in Med School [18:34] Things That Could Potentially Improve American Healthcare [22:50] Giving Women and People of Color a Voice  [24:09] Advice for Aspiring Physicians  [25:10] Parting Thoughts  Navigating Unconventional Paths in Medicine Dr. Blackstock talks about the benefits of following the unconventional path on your journey to medicine. Your journey will not be a straight line, so it’s okay to break away from traditional molds and find unique ways to contribute to the healthcare system. Dr. Blackstock shares pivotal moments in her career, from leaving academic medicine to starting her own company and becoming an MSNBC medical contributor. Her story serves as a testament to the diverse paths available to physicians and the impact they can have outside traditional roles. Health Equity and Why It Matters Research has shown time and again that a more diverse physician workforce may lead to better patient outcomes and satisfaction. According to Dr. Blackstock, this can only be possible if we make a concerted effort to increase representation of diverse racial and ethnic groups among trainee physicians. Reflecting on her experiences, Dr. Blackstock emphasizes the systemic barriers faced by Black physicians. She sheds light on historical factors, such as the Flexner Report, that contribute to the current underrepresentation of Black physicians. In the chapter, "All the Things They Didn't Teach Me," Dr. Blackstock discusses the need for a revamped medical curriculum. She advocates for integrated learning on health disparities, anti-racism, and social determinants of health.  Grab a copy of Dr. Blackstock’s book Legacy on Amazon and reach out to her via Twitter, Instagram, and her Website for more details about his work.    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. Amit Pandey, an Internal Medicine Hospitalist with SRS Medical Group in San Diego, California. They discuss all you need to know about the life of a physician, the benefits of being adaptable to change, and why every physician remembers their first code blue.  [00:00] Introduction [01:45] Who is Dr. Amit Pandey [03:56] The Life of a Physician  [06:19] Memorable Moments in Dr. Pandey’s Career [09:20] Do You Remember Your First Code Blue? [12:15] What Dr. Pandey Wishes He Knew Before Becoming a Physician [15:45] The Benefits of Being Adaptable and Open to Change [17:40] What Dr. Pandey Would Do Different If He Could Go Back in Time [21:15] Parting Thoughts  The Pre-Med Paradox Dr. Pandey recently penned a book titled "The Pre-Med Paradox: What You Need to Know About the Life of a Physician." The book aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the medical journey, from pre-med through residency, and becoming a physician. He shares the motivation for writing the book and how it can serve as a pseudo-mentor for students, offering practical insights into the experiential component of life in medicine. Memorable Moments in Medicine Dr. Pandey shares his most memorable experiences as a physician, highlighting one moment that will stick with him for the rest of his life—the first time he ran a code blue. This life-and-death situation became a pivotal experience, showcasing the high-stakes nature of hospital medicine and the collaboration involved in resuscitating a patient. Reflecting on the Medical Journey Valuable advice for those considering a career in medicine: be adaptable and open to change. According to Dr. Pandey, the journey to medicine is not a straight line. Your passions will change and so will your dreams. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the diversity within the medical field, both in terms of practitioners and career opportunities. He encourages aspiring doctors to explore various roles, specialties, and to keep an open mind throughout their medical journey. As a soon-to-be physician, focus not only on academics but also on exploring opportunities, having a balanced life-work routine, and embracing the ever-changing nature of your career. Grab a copy of Dr. Pandey’s book on Amazon and reach out to him via Instagram and his Website for more details about his work.    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. Bryan Carmody, a pediatric nephrologist at Eastern Virginia Medical School. They discuss the value of standardized test scores, the ultra-competitive nature of the residency admissions process, and the benefits of having an open mind in your journey to medicine.  [00:00] Introduction [01:37] Who is Dr. Bryan Carmody [02:54] The Benefits of Having an Open Mind in Your Journey to Medicine [05:52] All You Need to Know About the USMLE Selection Process [07:50] Why Residency Matching is Becoming More Competitive [11:01] Residency Match Explained  [13:59] Addressing the Pediatric Subspecialty Shortage [16:15] What Dr. Carmody Would Change About Healthcare [18:34] Parting Thoughts  Pivoting Specialties: Your Pediatrician's Tale You probably already know this, but your medical journey is not linear. You might end up pursuing a career different from what you thought you’d do. Dr. Carmody made an unexpected shift from internal medicine to pediatrics. He emphasizes the importance of staying open-minded during rotations and allowing yourself to discover new passions. As an aspiring physician, you must be open to the fact that your journey can take unexpected but fulfilling turns. So, approach rotation with a mind of curiosity. Addressing Pediatric Subspecialty Shortages Dr. Carmody discusses the shortages in certain fields like pediatric nephrology. He shares concerns about the workforce not keeping pace with retirements, raising questions about future care models. The recent shortages underline why we need to inspire the next generation to pursue these critical specialties. The conversation becomes a call to action, emphasizing the urgency of addressing shortages in pediatric subspecialties. Dr. Carmody discusses potential solutions, including inspiring and supporting you to choose these specialties and adapting care models to ensure continued excellence in pediatric care. Why Residency Matching is Becoming More Competitive  The residency matching process is becoming more competitive by the year. The USMLE has undergone what Dr. Carmody refers to as "scope creep." This term highlights the expansion and intensification of exam expectations over the years. In the early 1990s, the USMLE mean score stood at 200. Fast forward to the present day, and the median score has surged to approximately 250. This substantial increase of 50 points is not something to be ignored. To put this into perspective, the worst test-takers in today's environment outperform the average test-taker from the 1990s. Even the very best test-takers from that era are average in today’s ultra-competitive landscape. So what is driving this upward trend, and is this trend good or bad? Despite the perception of increased competitiveness, the number of available residency positions relative to the number of graduating US MD students is more favorable than in recent memory. In the most recent cycle, there were approximately 1.9 residency positions available for every graduating US MD student. When factoring in US DO students, this number remains favorable at 1.38 residency positions per student. This proves that the match process is not all doom and gloom after all. You still have a more than favorable chance to get into the program of your dreams.  You can reach Dr. Carmody on YouTube, Twitter, and his Website for more details about her work. Check out the six-part series on residency matching here - YouTube   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. Stacy Cary-Thompson, a board-certified pediatrician and founder of Cary Cares Parenting LLC. They discuss the benefits of knowing your learning style, what you need to know about a neuroscience career, and how to build a fulfilling life outside medicine.  [00:00] Introduction [01:37] Who is Dr. Stacy Cary-Thompson? [02:26] Dr. Cary-Thompson's Journey to Medicine [06:45] The Benefits of Knowing the Type of Learner You Are [09:20] Why Dr. Cary-Thompson Chose a Career in Neuroscience [15:46] Family Issues and Taking Care of Her Grandmother [20:13] Things Dr. Cary-Thompson Wished She Knew About the Medical Profession [24:49] It's Okay to Ask For Help [27:49] Why You Need to be Strategic About What You Do Post-Residency [31:20] The Inspiration Behind Dr. Cary-Thompson Book The Fine Print [35:10] Parting Thoughts  Living Life Outside Medicine Dr. Cary-Thompson starts the conversation by emphasizing the importance of embracing life beyond the confines of medicine. We live in a world where the white coat often defines a physician's identity. However, life is more than that. As a physician, it's in your best interest to recognize that being a physician is just one piece of the puzzle. Life, with its myriad experiences and roles, continues alongside the demanding profession. As a board-certified pediatrician, small business owner, parenting coach, mother, and wife, Dr. Cary-Thompson wears multiple hats, acknowledging that each role contributes to the rich tapestry of her identity.  From Academic Hurdles to Personal Growth The journey to becoming a physician is rarely linear. Dr. Cary-Thompson reflects on her academic challenges, particularly with organic chemistry, offering vulnerable insights into the hurdles she faced. From being a valedictorian with high expectations to encountering struggles in college, she shares the valuable lesson of perseverance and the need to adapt to different learning styles. Navigating the Evolving Healthcare Landscape The medical world is changing. To stay relevant and have a more fulfilling career, you need to stay informed about these changes. Dr. Cary-Thompson emphasizes the importance of awareness, not just about medical advancements but also about evolving patient care paradigms and technology integration. Her insights into the changing face of healthcare serve as a wake-up call for future physicians. Unfortunately, medical education is still not equipping physicians with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of their profession. So, it's up to you to educate yourself and be part of the change you want to see.  You can reach Dr. Cary-Thompson on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and her Website for more details about her work.  The Fine Print: Between the Lines of Parenting, Children, and Relationship-Building by Dr. Stacy Cary-Thompson   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 Scott Becker, the Founder of Becker’s Healthcare, a leading healthcare media company that offers news, analysis, and guidance relating to the healthcare industry. They discuss the trending topics in American healthcare, the benefits of having hobbies outside of medicine, and the significant problems with the U.S. healthcare system.  [00:00] Introducing Scott Becker  [02:44] The Journey to Launching Becker's Healthcare [04:50] What You Must Do to Succeed in Your Journey to Medicine [07:38] Don't Let Medicine Define Who You Are [09:48] The Hottest Topics in Healthcare Right Now [13:37] What Scott Would Change About Healthcare [16:37] The Big Gap in the American Healthcare System [19:52] Parting Thoughts The Journey to Medicine Medicine is one of the most challenging yet rewarding career paths in the world. And although the journey is not always a straight line, Scott reveals the three mindsets that will help you become the very best at what you do.   1. Be Clear About Where You're Going  Be clear about your destination. Your journey to medicine needs a GPS. Having a general sense of where you're headed in your medical career provides a guiding light, steering your decisions and actions. 2. Your First Job is Not Your Last Job Always remember your first job won't be your last. Don't stress too much about having the perfect first job straight out of med school. The journey to use medicine is like a marathon, and your initial job is merely the starting line.  3. Have Hobbies Outside of Medicine According to Scott, the only way to become the best at what you do is to become a physician and something else. Being a doctor is essential, but it's equally as important to explore other things that define you. The physicians who burn out build their lives sorely around seeing patients. The solution lies in realizing that your medical career is not just about medicine; it's about creating a fulfilling life within and beyond the realm of clinics and hospitals. The 3 Big Problems Plaguing American Healthcare There are numerous problems plaguing the American healthcare system. According to Scott, they are all born from three primary issues. 1. The Math Problem There is a huge imbalance of numbers in the American healthcare system. The American population is rapidly growing, yet the number of medical professionals remains the same. According to Scott, we are a country of about 330 million people with approximately 1,070,000 doctors. The imbalance in supply and demand in healthcare is a substantial concern. The shortage of physicians is the number one reason our country struggles to provide adequate healthcare services to the ever-expanding population. 2. The Thinking Problem Although physicians are generally considered intelligent, we still face a thinking problem. Healthcare, according to Becker, requires a multifaceted strategy that acknowledges the complexity of the issues at hand. Rather than seeking singular solutions, the industry must adopt a comprehensive mindset that integrates various facets – from technology advancements to the thoughtful inclusion of human caregivers.  3. The Power Problem American healthcare has a power problem - the disproportionate influence wielded by major players, such as United, Aetna, Cigna, and the former Anthem Blue Cross (now Elevate). The dominance of these major players creates an inherent power imbalance, as healthcare systems and providers find themselves dwarfed in size and influence. This power dynamic introduces challenges in decision-making, resource allocation, and overall system functionality, posing a substantial hurdle to achieving a balanced and equitable healthcare landscape. You can reach Scott Becker on LinkedIn and check his Website for more details about his work.    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 soc

Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Gina Blocker, an emergency medicine physician and CEO of Dash Health, Houston’s premier concierge mobile urgent care service. They discuss the future of emergency medicine, the unique challenges for women in medicine, and how to build a strong relationship with your patients.  [00:00] Introducing Dr. Gina Blocker [01:22] Why Dr. Blocker Took the Military Medicine Route [04:59] Dr. Blocker’s Journey to Emergency Medicine [07:30] Advice For Medical Students on the Journey to Becoming a Physician [09:58] The Unique Challenges Plaguing Women in Medicine [15:07] Launching Houston’s Premier Concierge Mobile Urgent Care Service [18:05] The Evolution of Emergency Medicine [19:20] What Dr. Blocker Would Change About Healthcare [21:35] Parting Thoughts How to Build a Strong Relationship with Your Patients Healthcare is changing. Gone are the days when patients did not have relationships with their doctors. Today, the patient-doctor relationship is crucial to the overall care experience. Dr. Blocker believes the most important part of building this relationship is taking time to know your patients. Address the patient as an individual, as opposed to a medical condition. Your goal is to get your patients to open up to you about things they’d never be comfortable sharing with anyone else. Do this successfully, and you’ll find a lot of your medical diagnoses will come from patients telling you the truth about what they’re going through.  Why Emergency Medicine? If you love making a difference in emergencies, emergency medicine is for you. Dr. Blocker shares how, to excel in emergency medicine, you need to be the kind of physician who loves immediate impact, connecting with patients, and thriving in the chaos of an emergency room. You will care for a whole host of patients- some healthy, some sick, some very alive, and some unconscious. Expect to see patients in their most vulnerable and terrified states. But the pressure will be worth it since you’ll make a difference in people’s lives.  Advice to Medical Students on the Journey to Becoming a Physician Let your journey to becoming a physician change you. Let it impact how you live your life, but never let it become your everything. Become the very best at what you do, but have a life outside of medicine. According to Dr. Blocker, the best physicians live and breathe medicine. But they always make time for hobbies and passions that have nothing to do with patient care. Your hobbies are the things that make you whole. So don’t lose them chasing a title that will make you miserable and burnt out. You can reach Dr. Blocker on Instagram, Email and Website for more details about her work.    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. 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

Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr Dallas Reed, the Division Chief of Genetics and Director of Perinatal Genetics at Tufts Medical Center. They discuss all you need to know about genetics and becoming a geneticist, why health equity is important in medicine, and the future of genetic research.  [00:00] Introducing Dr. Dallas Reed [01:22] Why Dr. Reed Chose to Pursue Medical Genetics [06:24] Career Pathways in the Field of Genetics [08:20] The Three Types of Genetic Laboratories [11:40] Advice for Students Interested in Genetics [13:32] Health Equity and Why It’s Important  [16:31] The Genetics of Cancer [18:01] Why We Need More Community Partnerships For Genetic Research [19:20] What Dr. Reed Would Change About Healthcare [23:00] Navigating the Politics of Medicine [25:50] Parting Thoughts How Dr. Reed Became a Geneticist Dr. Reed's journey into genetics began with a deeply personal experience within her own family. Her brother was born prematurely with a life-threatening chromosomal abnormality. He died at four months, and this event, though marked by tragedy, became the catalyst for Dr. Reed's lifelong commitment to genetics. Inspired by a desire to understand and help families facing similar situations, she embarked on a journey to become a geneticist--one of only ten black medical geneticists in the country. How to Build a Career in Genetics Would you like a career in the field of genetics? A geneticist is a specialist who studies genetic traits in biological systems in plants, animals, and humans. According to Dr. Reed, there are endless opportunities available in this field, from research and laboratory roles to patient-facing positions. Dr. Reed encourages students to explore combined residency and fellowship programs, tailoring their journey to their specific interests. Practical strategies, including reaching out to professionals, leveraging social networks, and exploring internship programs, are keys to navigating the exciting world of genetics.  The Case for Health Equity in Genetics Dr. Reed is a strong advocate for health equity in genetics. She addresses the technical challenges patients of non-Caucasian backgrounds face, particularly in interpreting genetic test results. By bringing attention to the need for a diversified reference genome, Dr. Reed aims to eliminate uncertainties that may arise due to genetic variations specific to certain ethnicities. Additionally, Dr. Reed underscores the importance of standard practices in cancer genetics, advocating for equal access to genetic testing and referrals for all cancer patients, regardless of their racial or ethnic background. Her commitment to building trust between researchers and communities echoes a broader call for inclusivity and outreach efforts.  You can reach Dr. Reed on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Email for more details about her work.    Mentioned in This Episode: Genetics training programs: http://www.abmgg.org/pages/training_options.shtml http://www.abmgg.org/pages/training_accredprog.shtml American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) https://www.acmg.net/ (FREE STUDENT MEMBERSHIP https://www.acmg.net/ACMG/Membership/Join_ACMG/ACMG/Membership/Join_ACMG.aspx?hkey=a3f4704c-acc9-48fd-9c66-125b58c6b492) American Society of Human Genetics (https://www.ashg.org/membership/join-or-renew/) International Society of Prenatal Diagnosis (https://www.ispdhome.org/ISPD/Membership/Become_a_Member/ISPD/Membership/Membership_Types.aspx?hkey=36020091-c4cf-41a5-8865-70d5b7186f36 Training grants: https://www.acmgfoundation.org/ACMGF/Awards-We-Offer/Training-Awards-Fellowships/ACMGF/Awards/Training-Awards-Fellowships.aspx   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.youtub