Prospective Doctor (from MedSchoolCoach)

Latest Episodes:

Tales From a Breast Surgeon Jun 22, 2023

Show notes

Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Valentina Bonev, a board certified and fellowship trained breast surgical oncologist. They talk about how she decided on her subspecialty and how to seek out mentors in your chosen field.

[00:47] Introducing Dr. Valentina Bonev
[02:37] Why Breast Surgical Oncology?
[07:30] How to Make Your Application Stand Out
[09:46] Finding Mentors in Medicine
[15:52] Dr. Bonev’s Passions Outside of Medicine
[17:48] What Dr. Bonev Would Change About Healthcare

Be an Exceptional Surgical Applicant

Even before residency applications start, show interest during rotations. Make your enthusiasm known by being proactive. This will surely leave a good impression. It’s helpful to find a mentor who you can form a relationship with and learn from. By working closely together, they can write a letter of recommendation to endorse your strengths. Aside from this, it’s also a good idea to participate in relevant research. If the paper is published or presented at a conference, all the better!

Be honest about your shortcomings and communicate what you’ve learned from those experiences. Lying on your application or interview is a surefire way to sabotage your chances. Another word of advice: try to maintain a good professional relationship with your colleagues because you may end up working together one day. Residency programs look for well-rounded individuals who have exposed themselves to their chosen field.

How to Seek Out Mentorship

Join an interest group and contact the coordinator or president. Typically, interest groups have a roster of physicians who are eager to teach. Dedicate some time to shadowing them, assisting surgeries or joining whatever opportunity comes up. By getting to know the resident and attending physicians, they can take you under their wing and show you the ins and outs. If you find that a certain specialization is not enjoyable, you can always explore other fields.

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

A Dentist's Transition to Medical School Jun 15, 2023

Show notes

Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Justin Middleton, who is an oral and maxillofacial surgery resident at Boston Medical Center. They talk about the differences between dentistry and medicine, and how to find your specialization in either field.

[00:50] Introducing Dr. Justin Middleton
[02:27] Dental School VS Medical School
[04:49] Oral Surgery Training
[07:24] How to Find Your Specialization
[11:33] What Dr. Middleton Would Change About Healthcare

Training to Become an Oral Surgeon

Dentists who aspire to become oral surgeons must go through training and residency. This is a general overview of what those four years will entail. The first year is regarded as the intern year, where dentists see and triage patients. They also assist in case planning and in optimizing patients for treatments.

During the second year, dentists spend most of their time in general surgery, and then in anesthesia. Finally, in the third and fourth year, oral surgeons-to-be start to work on bigger cases with the attendings.

Find Your Specialization in Medicine or Dentistry

Before choosing a specialization, think of your values. Find out what you enjoy and what fulfills you. Envision the life you want to live. For Dr. Middleton, he absolutely loves making patients feel better after they come in for a dental visit. He also chose to become a dentist and oral surgeon because he likes to work with his hands. It’s helpful to ask around to get a picture of what a certain field or practice looks like. And remember, there is no harm in changing paths if you discover a new one that works for you.

You can reach Dr. Justin Middleton by sending an email to jamiddleton587@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

Intimacy in Medicine Jun 08, 2023

Show notes

Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Sadaf Lodhi, a board-certified OBGYN and intimacy coach based in New York. They talk about women’s sexual and reproductive health, as well as intimacy in relationships.

[00:50] Introducing Dr. Sadaf Lodhi
[01:36] How to Match into OBGYN
[03:20] Why OBGYN?
[05:22] Intimacy Coaching and Sexual Health
[10:30] Maintaining Intimacy in Relationships
[14:25] Trust and Communication with Patients
[21:02] What Dr. Lodhi Would Change About Healthcare

OBGYN, Sex Education, and Intimacy Coaching

Dr. Lodhi chose to specialize in OBGYN because it combines medicine and surgery, both of which she thoroughly enjoys. As a physician, she noticed that her patients had concerns about sex, but felt ill-equipped to answer their questions. This led her to become an intimacy coach so she could learn more about sexual and reproductive health. With her training as an OBGYN and intimacy coach, she can educate more women and empower them to make informed choices about their bodies.

Promoting Intimacy in Relationships with a Busy Schedule

As physicians and students, we devote most of our hours to medicine. But even with busy schedules, we should make time for our relationships. Set a date with your spouse, relative, or friend and be present when you are together. Put away your phone and focus on bonding with the other person. You don’t have to do anything grand, a simple activity shared between the two of you can help you feel connected.

Building Trust in Doctor Patient Relationships

Trust starts with honesty. Always be open and forthcoming when talking to patients. You don’t have to be on-call, but establishing an open line of communication can make patients feel like they can rely on you. Listen and validate their experience so they feel seen and heard. A lot of patients report medical gaslighting or feeling dismissed by their healthcare providers. Instead of judging them, take the time to understand and be your patients’ advocate.

You can reach Dr. Sadaf Lodhi through her Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube. To learn more about intimacy and reproductive health, visit drsadaf.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

Thalamus GME: A Game-Changer for Medical Education & Training Advancements Jun 01, 2023

Show notes

Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Jason Reminick, founder and CEO of ThalamusGME and Thalamus.Org. They talk about how Thalamus came about, its features, and how it can help change systems and processes of both medical institutions and practitioners.

[00:22] Introducing Dr. Jason Reminick
[03:43] What is Thalamus?
[09:03] AAMC and Thalamus Strategic Collaboration
[20:00] Key Pieces of Advice for Medical Students
[28:16] Comparison is the Root of All Evil
[35:39] What Dr. Reminick Would Change About Healthcare

What is Thalamus?

Thalamus is a SaaS (software as a service) company currently on its growth stage out of Silicon Valley. They are a mission-driven company with the main mission of ensuring that the right doctor gets to the right hospital to treat the right patient, and vice versa. Individual residency, fellowship programs, and entire hospital systems purchase the software and use it to integrate with the electronic residency application service through AAMC, SF Match, or other application providers. The programs import that data and then send invites for an interview. The applicants receive an email with a link to create a profile and then are brought to a calendar where they can schedule their residency or fellowship interview in real-time. On the program side, it allows them to score candidates, write notes, build rank lists for the match, etc.

You can reach Dr. Jason Reminick through his LinkedIn. To learn more about Thalamus, visit their official website at thalamusgme.com and through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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

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

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

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ProspectiveDoctor

How to Showcase Your Personality during Medical School Interviews May 25, 2023

Show notes

Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Erika Aragona who is a double board-certified family physician in osteopathic and allopathic medicine. She also serves as a faculty member at the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine. Today Erkeda chats with Dr. Aragona about how to set yourself apart during medical school interviews and what students can do to advocate for women’s health.

[00:23] Dr. Aragona’s Medical Journey and Background
[02:58] Becoming Human in Patient Interactions
[04:40] Cultivate Passions Outside of Medicine
[07:26] Letting Your Personality Shine in Interviews
[16:41] Dr. Aragona’s Advocacy for Women’s Health
[20:25] How Can Students Advocate for Women’s Health?
[28:15] Best Advice that Dr. Aragona Has Received

Becoming Human in Patient Interactions

When we’re too engrossed in the clinical side of medicine, we sometimes forget to connect with patients. We also lose sight of our personal passions instead of making time for them. Being a physician or a student does not make up the whole of your identity. By embracing our other interests, we become better doctors too. Life outside of medicine grants new perspectives and helps us relate better to our patients.

How to Stand Out in Medical School Interviews

Test scores and relevant experiences are certainly important but it’s not the only thing medical schools look for. Admissions committees prefer well-rounded individuals who can showcase their personalities. Allow them to get to know you by talking about projects and experiences that matter to you, even if it’s not directly related to medicine. How did these opportunities help you develop skills and traits? Highlight strengths that you can utilize for your own and for your future patients’ benefits.

Making a Difference in Women’s Health

As a student, Dr. Aragona wasn’t fond of OGBYN. But when she became a mother herself, she finally understood what it meant to give birth and to raise children. She felt supported by other moms and wants to do the same for others. There is value in simply listening to women to make sure they feel heard while providing the support that they need.

Students who feel strongly about this cause can start small by joining organizations that support women. Whether it be an online group or a local community, students can actively participate. If there is no accessible organization, why not create one yourself? There is always a way to contribute, no matter how big or small.

Reach out to Dr. Erika Aragona by sending her a message through e-mail, Instagram, or TikTok. Do check out her website www.dr-erika.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

Telling the Truth about Medicine May 18, 2023

Show notes

Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Julia Huber who is a board-certified physician practicing telemedicine. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine. For 13 years now, Dr. Huber has been coaching physicians and other professionals on stress, health, and wellness.

[01:00] Dr. Huber’s Medical Journey and Background
[06:53] How to Prioritize Student Wellness
[11:36] A Broader View on Wellness
[24:54] Dr. Huber’s Passions Outside of Medicine
[20:32] Why Doctors Should Ask for Help
[30:39] Best Piece of Advice Dr. Huber Received

Choosing Wellness in High-Stress Environments

Medical school can get hectic, but it helps to keep a mindset of choice. Remind yourself that you are in a privileged position to become a physician. When things get tough, go back to your why. Sacrifices can be painful, but the rewards are meaningful. There will always be tough situations, always try to be honest with yourself so you can grow from difficult experiences.

Lifestyle Choices to Improve Well-being

Relationships are important contributors to well-being. Our peers make us feel like we’re not alone. Our mentors can guide us to avoid certain pitfalls. Our relationships outside of medicine help keep us in check by offering fresh perspectives. It’s good to have these types of connections to help us see and manage the reality of our situation.

It’s easy to fall into an either/or kind of thinking. To move beyond this, try to keep an eye out for opportunities. There is almost always room for compromise. When you can, make small choices that will improve your wellness. These little actions build up over time and can have a profound effect.

The Truth About Physician Burnout

Working in the field of medicine is not always pleasant. Sometimes, it can be traumatic to witness unfortunate scenarios. Overtime, it can leave a long-lasting negative impact. Doctors are people too; they struggle with depression, burn out, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Physicians are reluctant to seek help for fear that they might lose their license. Recently, the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act has been passed which seeks to improve wellness and mental health for healthcare workers.

Schedule a free initial call with Dr. Julia Huber on 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

How AI is Transforming Medical Education and Training May 04, 2023

Show notes

Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Liudmila Schafer who is a medical oncologist and the founder of The Doctor Connect consultancy. They talk about the impact of artificial intelligence in medicine, and how physicians and students can use AI tools responsibly.

[00:52] Introducing Dr. Liudmila Schafer
[03:20] The Doctor Connect
[06:24] Artificial Intelligence’s Impact on Healthcare
[08:58] Using AI for Medical Education
[15:33] Responsible use of AI Tools for Physicians

Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

Artificial intelligence is gaining popularity, even in healthcare. When used appropriately, it can help generate ideas and aid in research. However, it can also cause misunderstandings between physicians and patients. It would be wise to educate patients not to rely too heavily on AI because it’s not entirely accurate.

Learning Medicine Through AI Tools

New and advanced tools can facilitate learning by providing more data and different solutions to problems. But again, artificial intelligence is not infallible. To keep growing, physicians and students need to keep exposing themselves to new technology and other fields of study. There is no need to be confined to one specialty or medical association. Exploring unique interests and meeting diverse people can bring fresh insights to your practice as a physician.

You can reach Dr. Liudmila Schafer through her Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn. To learn more about The Doctor Connect, visit thedoctorconnect.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

How to Avoid Medical Malpractice Apr 27, 2023

Show notes

Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Laura Fortner, a board certified OB/GYN with 21 years of experience. She is also a certified life coach who helps physicians overcome adverse events and medical malpractice. They talk about how to cope with emotional stress that comes from lawsuits and traumatic medical cases.

[01:04] Introducing Dr. Laura Fortner
[05:26] Medical Malpractice is Real
[09:25] Coping with Distress
[12:25] How Coaching Can Help with PTSD
[18:15] Quick Ways to Overcome Triggers
[23:03] How to Prevent Malpractice Lawsuits

Medical Malpractice Lawsuits Happen

There is a high likelihood that physicians, most especially surgeons, will get sued at least once. A medical malpractice lawsuit can shake your confidence, leaving you with a lot of doubts about your competence. Unfortunately, there is very little training or support for physicians to help them navigate this challenging process.

Coaching Can Help with PTSD

PTSD can be addressed through coaching, with the added benefit of being discreet. Coaching sessions are not charted in any way so you don’t have to be worried about it appearing on your medical record. If a traumatic event affects you to this day, you can engage in memory reconsolidation, stress relief, and thought work with a coach.

Manage your Distress

Whenever you feel frustrated, upset, or angry, you can stop negative self-talk by staring at a wall or object. Fix your eyes but try to look using your peripheral vision. This trick can help shut off your thoughts so you don’t reinforce the negativity you already feel. Another thing you can try is a mini meditation. Oftentimes, we feel out of sorts because we try to resist reality. Take deep breaths through your belly. On your third or fourth breath, say “I accept what is happening and I release all resistance to it.” This might seem like an insignificant practice, but you’ll be surprised by how much better you’ll feel afterwards.

Avoid Medical Malpractice

The #1 reason why physicians get sued is because patients feel like their doctors are not transparent with them. Patients will also tend to seek counsel if they don’t feel heard. They want to know that physicians are willing to learn from their mistakes or to make changes to better the system. Knowing this, doctors should be more empathetic towards their patients. At times, listening is preferred over speaking. Try to see things from your patient’s perspective and form a human connection with them. Little gestures like a handshake, shoulder pat, or even eye contact can show that you truly care.

You can reach Dr. Laura Fortner through her LinkedIn. To learn more about her coaching services and to join the waitlist for Healthcare Hero Healing Circle, visit themedmalcoach.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

Navigating the Unknown: A Guide to Surviving Your First Year of Residency Apr 20, 2023

Show notes

Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Kelvin Liao, an Internal Medicine resident interning at the University of Maryland. They talk about ways for new residents to deal with impostor syndrome, improve their skills, and succeed during their intern year.

Time Stamps

[00:36] Introducing Dr. Kelvin Liao
[5:45] Recommendations for New Residents to Succeed in an Intern Year
[8:56] Dealing with Impostor Syndrome
[10:37] How to Ask for Feedback Better
[15:38] What Interns Should Avoid
[17:03] The Importance of Self-Care
[19:50] What Dr. Kelvin Liao Change in Healthcare
[23:06] Wrapping Up

Dealing with Impostor Syndrome

Dr. Liao understands how in the first few weeks of the internship, you’ll still feel like a medical student. Regular tasks may feel daunting. To get over this fear of inadequacy, Dr. Liao recommends throwing yourself into things and asking for help along the way. Remember that the tasks that seem challenging now are going to be what you’ll regularly do as a doctor later on. Believe that all the people who helped you through medical school have prepared you for those moments.

Why You Shouldn’t Treat Residency as a Competition

Dr. Liao understands that medical school is competitive, but that isn’t the case in residency. He believes that some of the residents are the ones who go out of their way to help others. You don’t look better when your co-interns look worse. Remember that you’re working together on the same team for the same patients.

The Importance of Self-Care

Many residents in medicine focus too much on the work that they forget to care for their own needs. Dr. Liao believes there’s been a shift in medicine culture that prioritizes personal wellness and that everyone should play a part in it. Residency can take a toll on you, so it’s important that you check in on yourself often to ensure you’re feeling okay. He also recommends seeking out resources your program has to help you feel better.

You can get in touch with Dr. Liao on Twitter @KelvinLLiao

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

It's Never Too Early to Think about Fertility in Your Medical Career Apr 13, 2023

Show notes

Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Carolina Sueldo, a fertility specialist who is double board certified in both obstetrics and gynecology, as well as reproductive endocrinology and infertility. They talk about fertility, family planning and the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process.

[00:43] Introducing Dr. Carolina Sueldo

[02:50] Why OBGYN and REI?

[10:12] Fertility education is empowerment

[15:57] Costs of Fertility Treatment

[18:45] IVF Treatment and Process

[22:50] What Dr. Sueldo Would Change About Healthcare

Understanding Women’s Biological Clocks

Females are born with all the eggs they will ever have. Fertility peaks during the late teens or early twenties. The chances of pregnancy, the risk of miscarriage, and the risk of genetic problems remain stable until age 35. Afterwards, women’s eggs will show a progressive decline in quantity and quality.

Why Fertility and Reproductive Education Matters

Very few people are educated about fertility. Knowing what is normal for your body is empowering and allows you to make better, informed decisions. It’s recommended to start family planning early because unexpected situations or diagnoses may force you to change course.

The Process of Egg Freezing

First, tests will be done to determine the ovarian reserve. The patient will also be screened for infectious diseases. Next, the patient will need to follow the IVF checklist and take fertility medication that will be ordered by the clinic. During this preparation stage, the patient will be asked to give their consent to the treatment.

The patient’s eggs will be frozen for two weeks. They will need to come to the clinic frequently for ultrasounds, blood draws, and for overall check-ups. The last step is egg retrieval via surgery. Patients will be informed of the number of mature eggs a day or two after the procedure.

You can reach Dr. Carolina Sueldo through her Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn. Watch her YouTube channel for educational videos on fertility and reproduction.

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