Prospective Doctor (from MedSchoolCoach)

Latest Episodes:

Best of Both Worlds - Doctor and Film Maker Sep 07, 2023

Show notes

Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Love Nafi, a family medicine physician and an award winning filmmaker. They talk about cultivating creativity in medicine to honor every individual’s authentic self.

[01:12] Introducing Dr. Love Nafi
[04:07] Keeping Creativity Alive in Medicine
[07:02] Dr. Nafi’s Latest Film “Crown”
[12:16] Healthcare in Media
[14:56] What Dr. Nafi Would Change About Healthcare

Cultivating Creativity in Medicine

In the journey to becoming a physician, it’s important to remain true to who you are. Don’t give up your passions outside of medicine. Instead, make an effort to keep your creativity alive. It may be as simple as visiting art galleries, reading books, or listening to stories. Continue to make time for things that make you happy.

Dr. Love Nafi’s Latest Film “Crown”

Crown is a 20 minute short film that was co-written and directed by Dr. Nafi and her partner. It depicts a young Black girl who struggles to style her hair for her ballet audition. The film takes its name from the “Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair” (C.R.O.W.N) Act. Hair discrimination is still prevalent in different fields, even in medicine. Dr. Nafi’s film aims to highlight this issue, while honoring each individual’s right to express themselves authentically.

Healthcare in Social Media

Patients consume all kinds of media every day. When making medical content, remember to maintain a level of professionalism and to differentiate between pop culture and verified findings. When patients open up about what they’ve learned online, it can be a good segue to help them access resources that are trustworthy and relevant.

You can reach Dr. Love Nafi through her Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram. Check out her website and YouTube channel for more details about her films.

To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at Prospective Doctor.

You can also reach us through our social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MedSchoolCoach

Dr. Erkeda’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctordgram/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ProspectiveDoctor

Fostering Inclusivity: Safe Spaces in Healthcare and Sex Tech Aug 31, 2023

Show notes

Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Arielle Egozi, an award-winning creative, strategist, and author. She is also a founding member of Women of SexTech. They talk about creating a safe space in healthcare for marginalized groups.

[00:39] Introducing Arielle Egozi
[04:45] Feeling Judged from Healthcare Practitioners
[10:05] Creating Safe Spaces for All Patients
[18:52] What is Sex Tech?
[24:17] What Arielle Would Change About Healthcare

Judgment and Medical Gaslighting

Arielle recalls an experience with her gynecologist. The physician asked about her sexual history, to which she responded by saying that she was not sexually active. Despite Arielle’s honesty, her gynecologist kept on prodding her because she was unconvinced. Arielle felt as if her doctor had made certain assumptions about her which left her feeling ashamed. Instead of discrediting them, healthcare professionals should be empathetic to their patients because they are being vulnerable.

Why Healthcare Should Be a Safe Space for Everyone

Physicians are putting patients at risk when they project their biases and beliefs onto them. Marginalized groups such as sex workers, LGBTQIA+, African Americans, and others may refuse proper treatment because they feel judged by healthcare practitioners. When we can make space for all kinds of people, everybody wins. Every patient deserves to be authentically who they are in the healthcare system. Physicians can become more culturally competent by being open to feedback and being compassionately curious about their patients.

The Emerging Sex Tech Industry

Sex Tech is a burgeoning field that seeks to educate and utilize sexual wellness. There are numerous applications ranging from sex toys, creative media, to AI and chatbots. What all of these have in common is that sex tech aims to understand pleasure not just for cisgender men, but for everyone. It seeks to destigmatize sexual experiences and promote diversity and inclusivity through new technology.

You can reach Arielle Egozi through her LinkedIn or Instagram. Check out her website for details about her upcoming book.

To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at Prospective Doctor.

You can also reach us through our social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MedSchoolCoach

Dr. Erkeda’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctordgram/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ProspectiveDoctor

Synergizing Passions: Integrating Art and Medicine Aug 17, 2023

Show notes

Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Jennifer Jeboda, a recent MD graduate who aspires to be a pediatric anesthesiologist. They talk about her adventurous journey in medicine and how she manages to keep her passion for art alive.

[00:50] Introducing Dr. Jennifer Jeboda
[07:44] US Healthcare versus UK Healthcare System
[10:04] Incorporating Art Into Medicine
[13:08] Advice for Pre-Meds and Medical Students
[15:00] What Dr. Jeboda Would Change About Medical Education

Differences Between the US and UK Healthcare Systems

Having experienced both during her training, Dr. Jeboda has observed that the biggest difference is that the UK healthcare system is free while the US healthcare system is not. Unsurprisingly, there is a long waitlist for patients in the United Kingdom. They try to carefully investigate the symptoms before testing patients since diagnostics can be expensive. Another difference is that the two systems do not use the same type of measurement system.

Understanding Anatomy Through Art

Before entering medicine, Dr. Jeboda has always been interested in different forms of art. But as she got busy, she started to focus more on illustrations and has even created a business that combines both medicine and art. She creates fun but informative anatomy worksheets and coloring pages. Having struggled with anatomy herself, Dr. Jeboda hopes that her artworks can help other students with the subject.

Prepare for the Unexpected

Becoming a physician is not easy. And things can get crazier when unexpected things like rejection, natural disasters, or life changes happen. It’s good to set goals for yourself and to plan for the future, but don’t forget to be open to what life has in store and to explore other opportunities.

You can reach Dr. Jennifer Jeboda through her LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram. Check out her website and Etsy shop.

To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at Prospective Doctor.

You can also reach us through our social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MedSchoolCoach

Dr. Erkeda’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctordgram/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ProspectiveDoctor

From Doctor to Voice Over Artist Aug 10, 2023

Show notes

Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Claudia Anglade, who is a board certified family physician and voice over artist. They talk about navigating shifting priorities in medicine and how to make space for new interests.

[00:55] Introducing Dr. Claudia Anglade
[08:18] Exploring Interests Outside of Medicine
[12:47] Have Meetings with Yourself
[18:56] Choose What Makes You Happy
[25:24] What Dr. Anglade Would Change About Healthcare

Exploring Your Passions and Interests

As a person of multiple interests, Dr. Anglade has been involved in OBGYN, emergency medicine, and family medicine. When she got pregnant, she decided to take a break from practicing medicine. She found a job in utilization management that allowed her to work from home. Dr. Anglade has always been curious about voice acting, and so she explored this interest by joining a class. After honing her skills even further, she has been a voice over talent since 2019.

Don’t Lose Yourself in Medicine

Becoming a physician is a long and arduous process. Get to know yourself and your purpose for getting into medicine. Every now and then, evaluate if what you’re doing still makes you happy. Sometimes priorities shift and that’s okay. Acknowledge the changes and then re-align your lifestyle to your purpose. Have meetings with yourself regularly to make sure you’re on the right track. Choose a school or residency program that makes you feel fulfilled. If you have something you want to pursue, take initiative to make it happen by talking to your superiors, joining a community, or simply trying it out.

You can reach Dr. Claudia Anglade through her LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or send her an email at claudia.anglade@gmail.com.

To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at Prospective Doctor.

You can also reach us through our social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MedSchoolCoach

Dr. Erkeda’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctordgram/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ProspectiveDoctor

Behind the Admissions Curtain: How Medical Schools Screen Applications Aug 03, 2023

Show notes

Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Ian Hagemann, the Assistant Dean for Admissions at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. They talk about how medical schools screen applications and the future of admissions in the advent of AI and chatbots.

[00:44] Introducing Dr. Ian Hagemann
[06:46] What Happens to Your Med School Applications
[13:25] Medical School Admissions & Screening Process
[19:12] Preparing for Reapplication
[27:18] AI and Chatbots in Medical School Applications
[29:58] What Dr.Hagemann Would Change About Healthcare

What Happens to Your Medical School Applications

After students submit their applications, the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) verifies and converts grades into a standardized scale. Next, the completed applications are sent to the schools, which have their own reviewing process.

Generally, schools will check that each portfolio has all of the required documents. Depending on their criteria, schools will then send out secondary applications. There is typically an application fee, but students can apply to waiver programs to ease the financial burden.

Evaluating Medical School Applicants

Medical schools review applicants both qualitatively and quantitatively. Know the mission and values of a school, and you can quickly figure out what they’re looking for in a potential student. Once schools have determined applicants who best fit their learning environment, they will invite them for an interview. Interview schedules vary per institution. Students who apply early have an advantage, as they will be offered interview slots first.

Increase your Chances of Admission in Reapplications

In some cases, students who have strong portfolios may have chosen incompatible schools. It would be a good idea to choose schools that are aligned with your personal values and to diversify your list. But what is true for all reapplicants is that they need to make use of the year to showcase significant growth. Rewriting your essay is not enough. Immerse yourself in opportunities that show your dedication to medicine. If you’re unable to do so due to financial reasons, you must be able to articulate your story in a way that resonates with the school.

Can Artificial Learning Help in Medical School Applications?

Most schools do not allow students to use AI or ChatGPT to write their essays for them. However, students can seek assistance from family, friends, mentors or other devices. Artificial intelligence programs can be especially helpful in helping students generate a personalized school list. In the future, medical schools may employ the help of AI to screen applications.

To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at Prospective Doctor. You can also reach us through our social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MedSchoolCoach

Dr. Erkeda’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctordgram/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ProspectiveDoctor

Med School Applications Decoded: Anatomy of Success Jul 27, 2023

Show notes

Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Leila Amiri, Ph.D, the associate dean for admissions at Robert Lerner M.D. College of Medicine at the University of Vermont. They talk about how to address blemishes on your medical school application and how to stand out as a reapplicant.

[01:01] Introducing Leila Amiri, Ph.D
[02:31] Anatomy of a Successful Medical School Application
[06:42] Addressing Issues in Your Med School Application
[14:11] Communicate Your Personal Why
[19:53] Re-applying to Med Schools
[23:16] What Leila Amiri Would Change About Healthcare

Do These Before You Apply to Medical School

There is no perfect timing to start applying to medical schools. Students must apply when they feel academically and emotionally ready. Becoming a physician is a long journey, you must be certain of your why. Students don’t have to apply to every medical school. Instead, choose institutions that have mission statements that resonate with you. Consider learning environments that would be most conducive to your development.

Applying with Low Grades or a Disciplinary Record

Academics is a big factor in medical school applications. There is a standard score in order to be admitted. If you’re having trouble with poor grades, try hiring a tutor or enrolling in further education. Retaking a class will not necessarily boost your GPA. Figure out your level of mastery and then come up with a plan to improve your scores.

Another blemish to address in your application may be a negative disciplinary record. An incident will not disqualify you from getting into a medical school, but you must be transparent about what happened. Highlight what you’ve learned from this experience.

Authenticity in Your Personal Statement

During interviews, it’s typical to want to please the admission committee. Instead of trying to be the ideal candidate, be yourself. No matter the outcome, being genuine will help you match into a school that is best suited to you.

The personal statement is another way to let yourself be known. Clearly state why you want to pursue medicine and mention the relevant opportunities you’ve had in the field. The essay should give the admissions committee a picture of who you are. Use personal analogies and provide appropriate context.

Standing Out as a Med School Reapplicant

Didn’t get into a medical school on your first round of applications? It’s okay, this doesn’t mean you’re unqualified. Sometimes, schools have very limited slots to offer. Take this time instead to strengthen your application by adding more experience, research, or leadership opportunities. Don’t wait for a rejection notice to start improving your résumé. Admissions committees want to see the growth you’ve had in between your first and second round of medical school applications.

To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at Prospective Doctor. You can also reach us through our social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MedSchoolCoach

Dr. Erkeda’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctordgram/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ProspectiveDoctor

From Data to Action: Leveraging Meaningful Research in Public Health Initiatives Jul 20, 2023

Show notes

Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Marissa Robinson, the initiative coordinator for Ending the HIV Epidemic under the U.S. Department of Health. They talk about how each person can make an impact on public health.

[00:38] Introducing Marissa Robinson
[04:41] Conducting Meaningful Research
[08:33] Ending HIV for Black Women
[20:13] The Stigma of HIV
[23:55] Choosing a Public Health Advocacy

Meaningful Research is Personal

For Dr. Robinson's dissertation, she chose a topic that merged her passion for public health and her identity as Black cisgender woman. Hence, she conducted a qualitative study about black women's attitudes and perceptions about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). This medicine has been proven to be 99% effective in preventing HIV transmission. Despite it being approved by the FDA in 2012, the number of Black women who have been using PrEP have not significantly increased. Dr. Robinson’s findings have highlighted the need to de-stigmatize infectious diseases like HIV, so we can improve public health.

Making an Impact in Public Health

There are a lot of available resources about infectious diseases such as hiv.gov and cdc.gov. Educate yourself about the latest research and talk to people about their experiences with the healthcare system. From there, you can determine how you'd like to help.

Medicine is not the only way to positively impact public health. Explore other avenues and find a niche that matches your skills and interests. This is how each of us can uniquely contribute towards better care. If you still find that medicine is your calling, all these experiences will definitely help you become a well-rounded med school candidate and physician.

You can reach Dr. Marissa Robinson through her LinkedIn, Twitter, or send her an email at drmarissarob@gmail.com.

To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at Prospective Doctor. You can also reach us through our social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MedSchoolCoach

Dr. Erkeda’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctordgram/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ProspectiveDoctor

Building Your Pre-Med Network Jul 13, 2023

Show notes

Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Alexia Childress, the CEO and co-founder of the National Pre-Health Community. They talk about the founding story of the NPHC, building connections in healthcare, and pre-med admissions.

[00:37] Introducing Alexia Childress
[03:20] Forming the National Pre-Health Community
[07:53] NPHC 2023 Annual Conference
[11:38] How to Network Online
[14:45] What Alexia Would Change About Med School Applications
[21:09] What Alexia Would Change About Healthcare

Building Your Pre-Med Network

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of opportunities for pre-meds were canceled. There was a lot of change and uncertainty, making it tough for students to prepare for med school applications. As a response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, Alexia Childress and Alejandra Bahena formed the National Pre-Health Community. Within two months, they organized a free virtual event for students interested in healthcare careers. Since its inaugural conference, the NPHC holds an annual symposium that connects aspiring healthcare professionals and provides resources to help them succeed.

Building Your Pre-Med Network

Networking is not limited to face to face interactions, it can also be done virtually. One of the ways to build connection is through participating in online events. Be engaged and ask questions to resource speakers. Send them emails about what you liked in their presentation. Once you’ve built some rapport, you can try to request to shadow them if you are ever in their area. Another way to expand your network is by joining online communities. The NPHC has a Discord channel, free resources, and scholarships that you can benefit from.

Sign up for the National Pre-Health Community’s free annual conference on their website. Join their Discord community through this invite link. You can reach Alexia Childress through her 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

Application Tips from a Harvard Med Student Jul 06, 2023

Show notes

Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Olivia Brumfield who is currently a third year student at Harvard Medical School. They talk about applying to medical schools with intention and personalizing medical education.

[00:39] Introducing Olivia Brumfield
[02:20] Medical School Application Tips
[10:55] Learning American Sign Language
[15:06] Transition into Medical School
[18:13] What Olivia Would Change About Healthcare
[21:23] What Olivia Would Change About Medical Education

Apply to Medical Schools with Intention

Having gone through medical school applications herself, Olivia reminds students to be mindful of their mental health. Take breaks and stay connected to your why so you don’t lose yourself in the process. Your passion for medicine will help you power through difficult moments.

Be selective about the med schools you’re considering. Will this institution help you serve the population you want to care for? Do their values align with the kind of doctor you want to become? Save yourself the time, expense, and mental bandwidth by applying to schools that will help you reach your goals.

It’s okay to take your time before you start med school applications. Be honest and evaluate if you’re ready to commit to the process. Pursuing other opportunities is not a bad thing. Contrary to what other people may think, you can gain other skills that can help improve your future practice as a physician.

Reducing Barriers in Healthcare

As a clerk, Olivia has seen firsthand how limited resources can affect healthcare. Patients are not able to access the care they need because of a variety of factors. Olivia wishes we can have better medical infrastructure to support patients and to reduce the financial costs of medicine to make it accessible to everyone. She also wishes to see more diversity in all areas of healthcare. If groups feel represented in medicine, it will be easier to connect and provide care for different populations.

A Well-Rounded Medical Education

Olivia proposes that medical education should be a more personalized experience. If schools can tailor a program for students based on their unique values, deciding which field to go into may become easier. It would also be helpful if students can learn about the business of medicine early on so they can navigate the healthcare system with more ease.

You can reach Olivia Brumfield through her 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

Never Say Never - A Story of Perseverance from a Breast Fellow Jun 29, 2023

Show notes

Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Adam Johnson, a general surgeon who has recently matched into a breast surgical oncology fellowship. They talk about his passion for breast oncology and how he overcame the setbacks in his medical journey.

[00:58] Introducing Dr. Adam Johnson
[05:22] Early Medical School Selection Program at Boston University
[09:44] Medical School & USMLE Step 1
[14:55] Surgery Rotations
[16:53] Failing the USMLE Step 2
[24:27] Matching into Surgery
[33:21] The Power of Never Giving Up

Why Breast Surgical Oncology?

Dr. Johnson’s family had a history of breast cancer that has afflicted his grandmother, mother, and aunt. His sister had to go through a mastectomy after finding out that she carried the BRCA1 gene. From an early age, Dr. Johnson saw and experienced the huge impact that breast cancer has on the patient and their family. As such, he is passionate about the prevention and treatment of this disease.

Despite Failure, Never Give Up

Dr. Johnson’s journey was full of challenges. He recalls failing a class every year in medical school. But instead of being discouraged, he changed his studying habits. When it was time to take the USMLE Step 1, he passed but his results fell short of the average score for surgery residency. Even though he was disappointed, he didn’t give up.

During his surgery rotation, Dr. Johnson enjoyed it so much that he felt validated to continue to pursue surgery. Some people encouraged him to consider other options since surgery was highly competitive, but he was determined to match into his chosen field. Unfortunately, he failed the USMLE Step 2. But again, this didn’t stop Dr. Johnson from trying even harder. After enrolling in a prep course, he passed the USMLE Step 2. Eventually, he was able to match into a surgery residency program.

Never Say Never

If you have a dream you’d like to pursue, don’t let anybody talk you out of it. The important thing is to believe in yourself. Recognize your strengths, but also admit your weaknesses so you can work on them. Take care of your mental health by cultivating good relationships and self-care habits. Talking to a coach or therapist can also be very beneficial.

You can reach Dr. Adam Johnson by sending an email to adamljohnsonmd@gmail.com or by reaching out on Instagram.

If you are in need of support or someone to talk to about your mental health, please call the 988 Suicide and Crisis hotline or the Physician Support Line (888) 409-0141. You may also visit www.doctorlifeline.org.

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