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In this episode of Step It Up with Dr A, Dr. Nivedita Agarwal sits down with Dr. Listy Thomas for an inspiring conversation about medicine, leadership, mentorship, and creating a career that reflects who you are and where you want to go.

Dr. Thomas shares lessons from her journey, including navigating career transitions, stepping into leadership, recognizing opportunities, overcoming self-doubt, and understanding the importance of mentorship.

We also explore what it means to support the next generation of physicians and why success in medicine doesn't have to follow one predetermined path.

If you're a physician, medical student, trainee, healthcare professional, or anyone navigating the next chapter of your career, I hope this conversation encourages you to stay curious, remain open to opportunities, and keep moving forward.

Because sometimes, the sky really is the limit.

🎙️ Step It Up with Dr A
Conversations about medicine, leadership, personal growth, and the journeys that shape us.

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In this episode of Step It Up with Dr. A, Dr. Nivedita Agarwal sits down with Dr. Aziz Benbrahim, MD, FACS, FASMBS, for a deeply personal conversation about a journey that began in a small oasis town in Morocco and ultimately led through France, Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital, Yale, and a distinguished career in surgery and physician leadership.

Dr. Benbrahim shares how early encounters with illness and limited access to medical care helped shape his path toward medicine, and how persistence, hard work, unexpected opportunities, and mentorship repeatedly changed the direction of his life.

The conversation explores immigration, surgical training, leadership, mentorship, giving back, bariatric surgery, and the future of surgery in the age of robotics and AI. Through it all, Dr. Benbrahim emphasizes that medicine is ultimately about teamwork, humility, empathy, and caring for patients as people.

Above all, his story reminds us that where we begin does not determine how far we can go—and sometimes the moments of uncertainty that make us uncomfortable are the very ones that push us forward.

Support the show

If today's episode resonated with you, I'd love to hear your story.

Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with us on social media.

🎙️ Subscribe to Step It Up with Dr. A so you never miss an episode.

⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with a student, parent, mentor, or future healthcare professional who may benefit from this conversation and don't forget to subscribe to the channel and join our FREE newsletter! 📩

Every week, I share practical insights, exclusive resources, and tools to help you keep learning, growing, and stepping it up.

📥 Join the Step It Up Community: https://step-it-up-with-dr-a.kit.com/c07922e6fe

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What does it really take to become a successful physician—and thrive throughout the journey?

In this episode of Step It Up with Dr. A, Dr. Nivedita Agarwal sits down with Dr. Adam Weinstein, Professor of Medical Sciences and Pediatrics at the Frank H. Netter School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University, pediatric nephrologist, medical educator, and mentor to countless future physicians.

Together, they explore the road to medicine—from choosing a medical school and adapting to the demands of medical training to preparing for the USMLE exams and developing lifelong study habits. Dr. Weinstein shares what he's learned from years of advising medical students, revealing the qualities that truly predict success in medicine—far beyond grades and test scores.

The conversation also dives into choosing a specialty, the importance of communication, empathy, professionalism, and how future physicians can prepare for a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape shaped by artificial intelligence and innovation.

Whether you're a high school student, pre-med, medical student, resident, or early-career physician, this episode offers practical advice and timeless wisdom to help you navigate your own path with confidence, resilience, and purpose.

Key Takeaways:

• How to prepare for medical school and licensing exams
• The habits that help students succeed
• Why empathy and communication matter as much as knowledge
• Essential skills every future physician should develop

🎙️ Keep learning. Keep growing. Keep stepping it up.

Support the show

If today's episode resonated with you, I'd love to hear your story.

Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with us on social media.

🎙️ Subscribe to Step It Up with Dr. A so you never miss an episode.

⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with a student, parent, mentor, or future healthcare professional who may benefit from this conversation and don't forget to subscribe to the channel and join our FREE newsletter! 📩

Every week, I share practical insights, exclusive resources, and tools to help you keep learning, growing, and stepping it up.

📥 Join the Step It Up Community: https://step-it-up-with-dr-a.kit.com/c07922e6fe