Advertise on podcast: Travel Tips and Hacks for Doctors and Healthcare Providers with Prescription to Travel MD

In this episode, Dr. Courtney Downs shares the story behind her very first passport stamp—a trip to Trinidad Carnival nearly 20 years ago that sparked a lifelong love of travel, cultural exploration, and curiosity about the world. As Caribbean American Heritage Month is celebrated, she reflects on why the Caribbean continues to hold such a special place in her heart. From the rich history of Trinidad Carnival to the unique cultures, flavors, and traditions found across the islands, Dr. Courtney explores what makes the Caribbean so much more than beautiful beaches and luxury resorts. In this episode, you'll learn: Why Trinidad was the trip that changed everythingThe fascinating history behind Trinidad CarnivalHow every Caribbean island offers a completely different experienceFavorite Caribbean foods, destinations, and cultural experiencesPoints and miles strategies for Caribbean travelWhy now might be the perfect time to stop waiting and take the trip Whether you're dreaming of Carnival, planning your next island getaway, or simply looking for inspiration to explore beyond your comfort zone, this episode is your reminder that travel has the power to transform the way you see the world. Interested in joining Dr. Courtney for Trinidad Carnival 2027? Confirm your interest here: https://form.jotform.com/261694736042865 Download the Full Trip Guide here. Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get Free Credit Card Consultation Here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/credit-card-consultation-form⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Loved this episode? Hit subscribe and join us for more conversations about travel, points and miles, and designing a life filled with meaningful experiences. And if you haven't already, please take a moment to leave a review—it helps the podcast reach more listeners!

What if physician burnout isn't caused by working too much, but by having too little control over how you work? In this episode, Dr. Courtney Downes sits down with pediatrician, coach, and entrepreneur Dr. Sheneka Horne to discuss how she transformed her career after experiencing burnout at the end of her medical training. Instead of accepting the traditional path, Dr. Horne built a lifestyle-centered career through locum tenens work, strategic contract negotiation, and intentional career design. Together, they explore how physicians can negotiate for more than just salary, create flexibility without sacrificing income, and challenge the belief that medicine must come at the expense of personal fulfillment. Dr. Horne shares practical strategies for negotiating contracts, overcoming fears around asking for more, and creating a career that supports both professional success and personal goals.  Whether you're negotiating your first contract or redesigning your practice years into your career, there are often more options available than you realize. The first step is deciding what you actually want and being willing to ask for it. Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get Free Credit Card Consultation Here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/credit-card-consultation-form⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thinking of trying Rent the Runway? Use my referral code to get 50% off your first month. ⁠⁠https://www.renttherunway.com/shares/97a69a7ee29134c84069de3f62b0362e8f228252-payPerSwap-publicLink-1774374296424?utm_source=web&utm_medium=referral_share&utm_campaign=rtr_referral_program⁠ Follow Dr. Horne here: https://www.theblkdoctor.com https://www.instagram.com/theblkdoctor/ https://open.spotify.com/show/4kFeAvrZLBypvVxNQa4WCU?si=d5133aa679ce4f0d

What if the biggest mistake we make isn’t spending too much money… but waiting too long to actually live? In this episode, Dr. Courtney Downes shares the powerful idea behind “The 12 Good Years” — the realization that while we may live long lives, the years where we truly have the health, energy, mobility, and freedom to fully experience the world are far more limited than we think. As physicians and high achievers, we’re taught to delay gratification. Work hard now. Save now. Travel later. Enjoy life eventually. But what happens when “later” comes with exhaustion, burnout, health issues, or simply less capacity to experience the things we once dreamed about? Dr. Downes dives into: Why physicians are conditioned to defer joyThe hidden cost of constantly waiting for the “right time”How travel fits into a meaningful life — not just retirementWhy points and miles can make intentional travel more realisticThe concept of creating your own “mini retirements”How to balance wealth-building with actually enjoying your life now This episode is your reminder that financial responsibility and living fully do not have to compete with each other. Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get Free Credit Card Consultation Here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/credit-card-consultation-form⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thinking of trying Rent the Runway? Use my referral code to get 50% off your first month. ⁠⁠⁠https://www.renttherunway.com/shares/97a69a7ee29134c84069de3f62b0362e8f228252-payPerSwap-publicLink-1774374296424?utm_source=web&utm_medium=referral_share&utm_campaign=rtr_referral_program⁠ If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend who needs a reset, a vacation, or permission to stop waiting.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by student loans, confused about investing, or just wish someone had explained money to you earlier… this episode is for you. In this episode, Dr. Courtney Downes sits down with Dr. Brittne Halford, who went from graduating with over $135,000 in student debt to paying it all off in less than three years while still building wealth along the way.  Dr. Halford shares how she shifted her mindset around money, created a clear and intentional financial strategy, and built systems that allowed her to not only eliminate debt, but also grow wealth, invest confidently, and step into entrepreneurship. They dive into the reality many physicians face: finishing training only to feel weighed down by financial pressure, unclear about next steps, and lacking the education needed to make informed decisions. From navigating Public Service Loan Forgiveness vs aggressive payoff strategies to understanding when to invest and when to focus on debt, this episode offers both clarity and direction. Ready to take control of your finances instead of feeling controlled by them? Listen to the full episode now and start building your own path to financial freedom. Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get Free Credit Card Consultation Here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/credit-card-consultation-form⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thinking of trying Rent the Runway? Use my referral code to get 50% off your first month. ⁠⁠https://www.renttherunway.com/shares/97a69a7ee29134c84069de3f62b0362e8f228252-payPerSwap-publicLink-1774374296424?utm_source=web&utm_medium=referral_share&utm_campaign=rtr_referral_program If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who would benefit from it.

“Free travel” sounds amazing… but what if it’s not the full story? In this episode, Dr. Courtney Downes shares an honest, behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to travel using points and miles and why the word free can be misleading. After spending 23 nights in hotels for $0 out of pocket, Dr. Downes reflects on what made that possible and what it really cost her in return. Dr. Downes shares how she got started with points and miles and how this strategy helped her elevate not just how often she travels, but how well she travels. From leaving behind budget stays to prioritizing comfort, experiences, and quality time, this episode dives into what travel really means when your time is limited. But she also emphasizes something important:This game isn’t for everyone. If your finances aren’t in order or you’re carrying credit card debt, the costs can quickly outweigh the benefits. She breaks down the hidden costs that most people don’t talk about: The time investment it takes to learn and optimize the gameChange and cancellation fees that add up quicklyThe reality of paying for food, activities, and experiencesEveryday costs like transportationAnd the big one—credit card annual fees (yes, she spent nearly $6,000 in a year)If you’ve been curious about getting started or want to do it smarter, this episode will change how you think about travel. Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get Free Credit Card Consultation Here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/credit-card-consultation-form⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thinking of trying Rent the Runway? Use my referral code to get 50% off your first month. ⁠https://www.renttherunway.com/shares/97a69a7ee29134c84069de3f62b0362e8f228252-payPerSwap-publicLink-1774374296424?utm_source=web&utm_medium=referral_share&utm_campaign=rtr_referral_program

In this episode of Prescription to Travel MD, Dr. Courtney Downes is joined by Tiffani, an ER nurse, and Kori, a physical therapist, who share how they transitioned from a busy life in Las Vegas to living in Mexico City with their two young kids.  They start by talking about what life looked like before the move. Between long shifts, opposite schedules, and raising two small children, their days felt like a constant rotation of work and parenting with very little time together as a family.  From there, they walk through how they made the decision to leave, how they planned the move, and what the process actually involved. This includes getting residency, choosing the right neighborhood, and thinking through schooling, safety, and day-to-day logistics. One of the most helpful parts of this conversation is how honest they are about the reality. Moving abroad did not suddenly make life slow or easy. They still have routines, responsibilities, and full days with their kids. What changed is how their life feels overall. There is more intention, more flexibility, and a different kind of day-to-day experience. If you are a healthcare professional or someone in a demanding career and you have been thinking about creating more flexibility in your life, this episode is a great starting point. Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book Free Credit Card Consultation Here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/credit-card-consultation-form⁠⁠⁠ Take a minute to follow the podcast, and share this episode with someone who could use a different perspective right now.

If packing for a trip stresses you out, you’re definitely not alone! In this fun and relatable episode of the Prescription to Travel MD Podcast, Dr. Courtney Downes is joined by Dr. Heather Bacala and Andi Singer to talk about the reality of packing for travel. From last-minute packing habits and girls’ trip outfit coordination to capsule wardrobes and travel hacks, this episode is full of practical tips and plenty of laughs. The trio also shares how clothing subscriptions like Rent the Runway can make travel packing easier, how to pack efficiently for families, and why portable chargers and Zofran are non-negotiable travel essentials.  If you’ve ever overpacked, forgotten something important, or struggled to figure out what to wear while traveling, this episode is for you. Key Travel Packing Tips from the Episode ✔ Check the weather before planning outfits✔ Use packing cubes to stay organized✔ Stick to neutral pieces that can mix and match✔ Wear bulky items like jackets and boots on the plane✔ Bring a portable charger and basic medications✔ Consider clothing rental services for special events or trips Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get Free Credit Card Consultation Here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/credit-card-consultation-form⁠⁠⁠ Thinking of trying Rent the Runway? Use my referral code to get 50% off your first month. https://www.renttherunway.com/shares/97a69a7ee29134c84069de3f62b0362e8f228252-payPerSwap-publicLink-1774374296424?utm_source=web&utm_medium=referral_share&utm_campaign=rtr_referral_program Follow Dr. Heather Bacala here: ⁠⁠https://myobgynvegas.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/drladybits?⁠ ⁠igsh=N29sdGJxbmNqYWhw⁠ Find Andi Singer here: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/andi_yourpediatricnp/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thepediatriccollective/

What happens when a girls’ trip finally leaves the group chat and becomes a real adventure? In this episode of the Prescription to Travel MD Podcast, Dr. Courtney Downes is joined by Dr. Heather Bacala and nurse practitioner Andi Singer to recap their unforgettable weekend exploring Mexico City. What started as a birthday trip that almost didn’t happen quickly turned into a spontaneous getaway filled with tacos, cocktail bars, bike tours, and plenty of laughter along the way. From a taco bike tour through neighborhoods like Condesa and Roma Norte to late-night taco runs after a cocktail bar crawl, the group shares their favorite moments discovering the food, culture, and hidden speakeasy-style bars around the city. They also talk about visiting the colorful canals of Xochimilco, exploring Chapultepec Castle, and navigating a few travel mishaps along the way—including airport confusion and other moments that only happen when you’re traveling with friends. Beyond the travel stories, this episode highlights something deeper: the importance of saying yes to experiences, even when life feels busy. Between careers, families, and responsibilities, taking time away can feel impossible—but sometimes the best memories come from the trips you almost cancel. Whether you’re curious about Mexico City, planning your own girls’ trip, or just love hearing real travel stories, this episode is full of inspiration, laughs, and practical tips for making the most of a short getaway. Travel Tips From This Episode Book experiences through platforms like Viator for easy planning Consider a bike tour early in your trip to learn the layout of a city Try local street food—even if you think you don’t like that cuisine Travel with people who are flexible and open to adventure Say yes to experiences—even if the trip wasn’t originally planned Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get Free Credit Card Consultation Here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/credit-card-consultation-form⁠⁠ Follow Dr. Heather Bacala here: ⁠https://myobgynvegas.com/⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/drladybits? igsh=N29sdGJxbmNqYWhw Find Andi Singer here: https://www.instagram.com/andi_yourpediatricnp/ https://www.instagram.com/thepediatriccollective/

What happens when you’ve done everything “right” — built the career, bought the house, checked all the boxes and then decide to walk away from it? In this episode of Prescription to Travel MD, Dr. Courtney Downes sits down with longtime friend John Taveras to talk about the bold, unexpected decision he and his physician wife made: leaving their comfortable New Jersey life and moving their family to Spain. John shares how years of living below their means and investing consistently gave them confidence that they could afford to step away. A central theme of this conversation is optionality. By making small, intentional financial decisions for years - saying no to unnecessary lifestyle inflation, declining excessive travel, prioritizing family dinners, they built the ability to choose differently when the opportunity arose.  The episode breaks down the practical components of the move: • Researching visa types and selecting the right one • Hiring a legal firm to manage documentation • Narrowing down Spanish cities based on lifestyle and language considerations • Managing the emotional side of resigning from stable careers If you’ve ever wondered what it would look like to design your life around values instead of default expectations, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical insight. Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get Free Credit Card Consultation Here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/credit-card-consultation-form⁠

In this episode, Dr. Courtney Downes sits down with Dr. Weili Gray, a sleep physician, mom of three, and founder of Dare to Dream Compass, to explore identity, burnout, and what it means to design a life that feels expansive—inside and outside of medicine. Dr. Gray shares her journey from idealistic medical student to attending physician who nearly walked away from medicine altogether. She opens up about becoming pregnant during intern year, losing touch with herself amid career and family demands, and the wake-up call that forced her to reevaluate her life. Travel became the catalyst for transformation, helping her reconnect with her values, find her voice, and ultimately create Journey of Becoming, a transformational retreat for women physicians in Botswana. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Burnout and loss of control in medicine Why stepping away can bring clarity and courage Letting go of guilt around time off How travel accelerates personal growth Follow Dr. Weili Gray here: https://www.instagram.com/dreamphysician/?hl=en https://www.daretodreamcompass.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/weili-gray-md/ Use code RXTRAVEL for a special offer on Journey of Becoming: A Southern African Retreat for Women Physicians. https://www.daretodreamcompass.com/retreat-sa-2026 Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get Free Credit Card Consultation Here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/credit-card-consultation-form⁠

In this episode, Dr. Courtney Downes shares how she’s approaching travel in 2026 with more intention, alignment, and strategies that actually fit real life. She explores why travel isn’t about escaping your life, but about supporting it — especially for busy professionals who want meaningful experiences without sacrificing financial goals, time, or peace of mind. Dr. Downes reflects on what worked, what didn’t, and why diversification matters in both travel planning and life.  She also opens up about credit card fatigue, time management, and why chasing maximum value isn’t worth it if it comes at the cost of your peace. Whether you’re deep into points and miles or just beginning to think more intentionally about travel, this episode offers perspective, reassurance, and permission to do things differently. This episode is for you if: You want to travel more without blowing up your finances You’re tired of chasing “perfect” redemptions You want travel to feel supportive, not stressful You’re ready to stop waiting and start living now Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sign up for the Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/contact

In this episode of Prescription to Travel MD, Dr. Courtney Downes is joined by Chris Stockwell, founder of Scout, a travel app designed to solve one of the biggest frustrations travelers face: figuring out what to actually do once they arrive. Chris shares how years of global travel from backpacking at 17 to working remotely across continents led him to build Scout.  The app curates real, local experiences based on your interests, making it easier to plan trips that feel authentic, meaningful, and stress-free, whether you’re a meticulous planner or booking flights at the last minute. This conversation is especially relevant for busy physicians and healthcare professionals who want memorable travel experiences without spending hours researching. From hidden gems and food finds to AI-powered recommendations and collaborative trip planning, Scout is changing how people explore the world. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants meaningful travel without spending hours researching. Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sign up for the Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/contact⁠ Follow Chris here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cstockwell/ https://scout.travel/#see-scout https://www.instagram.com/scouttravelapp/

In this episode, Dr. Courtney Downes talks with Tim Qin, co-founder and CEO of Roame, an award flight and hotel search engine that has become a go to resource for travelers who want to maximize their points. Tim shares how he first began collecting United miles in high school and how that early curiosity eventually led him to build Roame, a tool designed to simplify award travel for everyone.  Dr. Courtney Downes and Tim explore practical and realistic strategies for finding award flights to Asia, which continues to be one of the most challenging regions for travelers. They discuss which loyalty accounts to open first, how to think about timing your award bookings, how families can approach searching for four or more premium seats and when it makes sense to spend more points for convenience.  This episode is packed with guidance for both new and experienced points travelers who want to book high value flights with fewer headaches. Follow Tim here: https://roame.travel/guides/tim-qin https://www.linkedin.com/in/timqin Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sign up for the Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/contact

In this episode, Dr. Courtney Downes is joined by Dr. Una, a pediatrician turned entrepreneur and founder of EntreMD, for a transformative discussion on what it really takes for physicians to create both a dream business and a dream life. Dr. Una breaks down the mindset shifts that help doctors step beyond the “one-track career lane,” the power of exposure to possibility, and why delegation is the cornerstone of time freedom. She also shares her nine-category life-planning framework, how she balances multiple businesses while homeschooling four children, and why family travel — from Nigeria to Italy to Dubai — fuels her creativity and vision. This episode will inspire you to rethink your capacity, reclaim your time, and take the first step toward a more intentional and fulfilling life. What You’ll Learn: Why physicians underestimate their ability to become CEOs How immersion in new environments expands your identity Delegation as a skill that must be practiced and strengthened Using the 80/20 rule to focus on high-impact actions How to plan your life holistically using nine life pillars Building resilient, grounded kids through exposure and responsibility Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠⁠ Sign up for the Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/contact Follow Dr. Una here: https://entremd.com https://www.instagram.com/entremds/ https://www.youtube.com/c/DrUnachukwu

What if you could turn your credit card points into a passport for better mental health? In this episode of Prescription of Travel MD, host Dr. Courtney chats with Deb Dunman, a licensed clinical social worker who discovered that travel—and the world of points and miles—can be a true form of self-care. Deb shares how she balances the emotional demands of therapy with her love of travel, using points and miles to explore the world without breaking the bank. She opens up about her journey from her first redemption trip to Peru to mastering tools like Gondola to find the best hotel deals. Together, Courtney and Deb break down smart, responsible ways to use credit cards, avoid common travel booking mistakes, and plan dream trips that don’t drain your wallet or your energy. Key Takeaways: - Travel helps fight burnout and keeps her love for her work alive. - Smart tools like Gondola make booking hotels with points simple. - Flexibility and curiosity lead to better redemptions and stress-free trips. - Organization is key—know what points you have and where to use them. - Booking directly can help you keep valuable loyalty perks. Find Deb here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exploremoredeb Email: [email protected] Gondola referral link: gondola.ai/referral/exploremoredeb  Consult form:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeyeJcAABgeQ_pgskgzCz7vwEUv7BourZh-_g9Zq4mTDslIkw/viewform?usp=header Listeners can use the promo code RXtotravelMD for 50% off their first  consult through 2/28/2026. Instagram account mentioned: @aunt.kara  Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠ Sign up for the Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/contact