Welcome to the fourth episode of The Med School Years podcast! In this episode, we interview Kelsey Mendell, a determined 3rd-year medical student at the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, offering a unique perspective on the DO path in medicine.

Kelsey discusses the key differences and surprising similarities between MD and DO training, shedding light on the often-unfair stigmatism surrounding osteopathic medicine. She also shares her experiences managing the demanding schedule of medical school while working as a fitness trainer, her unconventional journey of attending two Ivy League institutions before choosing a DO program, and her unwavering determination to pursue a career in orthopedic surgery.

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

2:02 Stigma surrounding the DO title

7:00 Similarities between MD and DO

9:27 Life as a medical student

11:02 Effects of transferring colleges

14:43 Unexpected challenges in medical school

23:19 Motivation against the odds

26:11 Applying for specialties

29:16 Importance of balancing life

33:04 Value of OMM training

35:49 Preparing for orthopedics

43:42 Hybrid vs in-person classes

49:39 Transition into diversity

52:35 Advice & final thoughts

Welcome to the third episode of The Med School Years podcast! In this episode, Sabrina Pescatore, a tenacious 3rd-year medical student at UTMB, on the path to a male-dominated orthopedic residency.

Sabrina shares her experiences navigating a male-dominated specialty, including the subtle (and not-so-subtle) challenges she faces. Discover her empowering motto, "You can hold the leg," and her practical advice for staying resilient. She also delves into the often-overlooked struggle of being a college student-athlete aspiring to medicine without institutional support, and the key to thriving in medical research: choosing projects you genuinely love.

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

1:30 Texas resident and applying with the TMDSAS

3:25 What med school is truly like

4:32 Support & mentorship offered

6:06 Dealing with pressure from all sides

7:37 Tackling a male-dominated specialty

12:14 Being a student athlete & premed

23:30 Surprising things in med school

28:28 Differences between MCAT and step 1

32:00 Nontraditional applicant

38:48 Advice & final thoughts

Welcome to the second episode of The Med School Years podcast! In this episode, neurosurgery resident Gersham at University of South Florida shares his pathway and strategy into getting into one of the most competitive residencies - and what he would and wouldn't recommend.

We explore the unexpected challenges of transitioning from premed to med school, navigating burnout, choosing a specialty, and the importance of mentorship and mental health along the way. Whether you’re a premed, medical student, or just curious about the journey to becoming a physician, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and real talk.

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

2:03 Liberal arts college to medical school

4:30 Changing specialties at the last minute

9:11 Importance of quality over quantity

11:06 Out of state rotations & internships

16:05 Staying true to who you are

19:26 Biggest shock of residency

20:20 Figuring out your role in a team

23:38 Advice, authenticity, & interviews

27:17 Neurosurgery pathway & standing out

Welcome to the very first episode of The Med School Years podcast! In this episode, Drexel medical student Navin shares how his vision for becoming a doctor transformed through medical school—from wanting to be a pediatrician to pursuing interventional radiology.

We explore the unexpected challenges of transitioning from premed to med school, navigating burnout, choosing a specialty, and the importance of mentorship and mental health along the way. Whether you’re a premed, medical student, or just curious about the journey to becoming a physician, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and real talk.

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

3:42 “I thought getting into med school was the finish line”

7:58 Wearing the white coat for the first time

14:20 When your specialty plans change

20:45 Finding purpose through patient interactions

30:55 Research, away rotations & planning for residency

40:10 Mental health & burnout in med school

51:00 Final advice to premeds: “Go easy on yourself”