Docs Outside The Box

Latest Episodes:

Life With a Tenant Upstairs + Kitchen Renovation #474 Part 3 Dec 16, 2025

Show notes

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!

In this episode we're discussing a life update which is renting out part of our home + kitchen renovations we are doing.
We are breaking down the financial lessons we’re learning as a physician household with tenants.

FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums

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This episode is sponsored by

Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at https://setforlifeinsurance.com/

Wale’s New Album “Everything Is A Lot” + HSA Deadline #474 Part 2 Dec 16, 2025

Show notes

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!

In this episode, we’re diving deep into:

1. Wale’s new album. Is it worth playing in the OR?

A quick, fun review: focus, vibe, and OR compatibility.

2. HSA Deadline Reminder. LAST MONTH to contribute

We’re making ours… are you? If you’re a med student, resident, or attending in a high deductible plan, this is the best tax tool available.

This episode hits home for:

● Nursing students

● Medical students

● Residents & fellows

● Attending physicians

● 1099 & locums doctors

● Anyone interested in healthcare policy or physician lifestyle

If you’re studying, training, practicing, or thinking about locums… this one’s for you.

Comment Below:

● Would you listen to Wale’s new album in the OR?

● Are you making your HSA contribution this year?

FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums

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Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox

Have a question for the podcast?

Text us at 833-230-2860

Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox

Email: team@drniidarko.com

Twitter: @drniidarko

Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com

This episode is sponsored by

Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at https://setforlifeinsurance.com/

DOE Says Nursing Isn’t a Professional Degree?! #474 Part 1 Dec 16, 2025

Show notes

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!

This episode hits EVERY corner of healthcare. Medical students, residents, nursing students, and attendings.

We’re diving deep into:

1. The Department of Education’s classification of nursing as not a professional degree

● What does this actually mean?

● Does it affect student loans?

● Will this change the future of nursing?

● Why EVERY healthcare worker should pay attention

This episode hits home for:

● Nursing students

● Medical students

● Residents & fellows

● Attending physicians

● 1099 & locums doctors

● Anyone interested in healthcare policy or physician lifestyle

If you’re studying, training, practicing, or thinking about locums… this one’s for you.

Comment Below:

● Are you a nursing student affected by the DOE classification?

● Would you listen to Wale’s new album in the OR?

● Are you making your HSA contribution this year?

● Are you considering locums in 2025–2026?

FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!

Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox

Have a question for the podcast?

Text us at 833-230-2860

Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox

Email: team@drniidarko.com

Twitter: @drniidarko

Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com

This episode is sponsored by

Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

PSLF Guilt, Family Expectations, and Financial Reality. #473 Part 2 Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!

We tackle a raw listener question about carrying $520k in med school debt, feeling guilty about pursuing Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and navigating first‑gen family expectations. We break down what PSLF really is, why it exists, and how to compare it against traditional and accelerated payoff paths.

FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums

LINKS MENTIONED

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Wanna listen instead?

Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lPD2QG...

Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox

Email: team@drniidarko.com

Twitter: @drniidarko

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This episode is sponsored by

Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!

ACA Premium Spike 2026: What Doctors, Residents & 1099 Physicians MUST Know. #473 Part 1 Dec 08, 2025

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SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!

The Affordable Care Act marketplace is facing a massive premium spike in 2026 — and Congress is running out of time to stop it.
In this episode of Docs Outside The Box, Dr. Nii and Dr. Renee break down exactly why ACA premiums are increasing, what happens if Congress does nothing, and how this will impact:

Medical students
Residents & fellows
Early-career doctors
1099 independent contractors
Locums physicians
Patients relying on marketplace plans

Whether you buy your own insurance or you care for patients who do — this episode gives you the real-world implications and action steps you need right now.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

✔️ Why ACA marketplace premiums could jump 40–60%
✔️ How expiring federal subsidies affect patients AND physicians
✔️ Why independent contractors will feel the biggest financial hit
✔️ The impact on hospitals, uninsured rates & ER volume
✔️ What doctors can do NOW to prepare (financial steps included)

🎧 Perfect Episode For:

Medical students navigating their first insurance decisions
Residents & fellows in high-deductible plans
New attendings planning their 2026 budgets
Locums docs & 1099 contractors buying their own insurance
Any clinician wanting clarity on the latest healthcare policy changes

FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums

LINKS MENTIONED

ACA Premium Spike Analysis — HealthSystemTracker
https://www.healthsystemtracker.org/brief/how-much-and-why-aca-marketplace-premiums-are-going-up-in-2026/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Subsidy Expiration Breakdown — Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
https://www.cbpp.org/research/health/health-insurance-premium-spikes-imminent-as-tax-credit-enhancements-set-to-expire?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Congressional Update on ACA Debate
https://cnycentral.com/news/nation-world/congress-enters-crunch-time-to-figure-out-how-to-deal-with-aca-subsidies-affordable-care-act-obamacare-health-insurance-premiums?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Independent Contractors & ACA Tax Credit Changes
https://jasonfintips.com/insurance-risk-management-blog/affordable-health-insurance-for-independent-contractors-understanding-the-new-aca-tax-credit-changes/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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Q&A Locums And Life Between U.S.A & Ghana With $478K Debt. #472 Part3 Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!

Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox

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Text us at 833-230-2860

We help a graduating resident weigh a bold plan of using locums to pay down $478k in student loans while planning a sustainable U.S.–Ghana travel rhythm. If you’re a physician considering locums, global living, or a career design that puts family and culture first, this conversation gives you a clear, workable path forward.

FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums

LINKS MENTIONED

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Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox

Email: team@drniidarko.com

Twitter: @drniidarko

Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com

This episode is sponsored by

Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!

Top 5 Financial Moves That Actually Changed Our Lives. #472 Part2 Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

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In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the five financial moves that created real change in our lives....no fluff, no hype, just the systems and decisions that actually stuck. We discussed the importance of going all in on a few moves instead of ten half‑started projects.

FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums

LINKS MENTIONED

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!

Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox

Email: team@drniidarko.com

Twitter: @drniidarko

Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com

This episode is sponsored by

Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!

Honoring D’Angelo: What Brown Sugar Meant to Me Growing Up #472 Part1 Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!

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Text us at 833-230-2860

In this episode, we paid a tribute to D’Angelo whose albums like Brown Sugar and Voodoo shaped our teenage years. We also talked about how slow jams are no longer there, and the split between what people say online and how we actually treat each other off screen.

FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums

LINKS MENTIONED

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!

Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox

Email: team@drniidarko.com

Twitter: @drniidarko

Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com

This episode is sponsored by

Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them outHERE!

REPLAY: What is a 1099? Non-traditional pre-med advice #357 Oct 28, 2025

Show notes

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!

Drs. Nii and Renée do a semi-ok job at explaining the difference between 1099 independent contracting and W2 employment. Dr. Renée runs down the ways in which we give up control of our careers to others. Then the docs meet long-standing listener, Jamar Cromwell, to give him advice as a non-traditional pre-med.
Things you'll learn in this episode:

The difference between 1099 and W2
How to take control over your career so that you can control your life
How students and doctors can focus on medicine while still staying true to their identities

▶️ WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!
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This episode is sponsored by
Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!
Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

REPLAY: Sharing finances as a physician couple #428 , pt2 Oct 21, 2025

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SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!

0:01 Should Married Couples Combine Finances?
8:50 Financial Planning in Relationships
16:32 Financial Transparency in Marriage
20:54 Financial Involvement in Relationships
28:29 The Benefits of Combining Finances
32:27 Navigating Financial Disparities in Marriage

https://www.doximity.com/articles/736a778f-eba2-41e8-a6e6-c6a3f082d19b

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