Welcome to the tenth episode of The Med School Years podcast! We sit down with Dr. Chris Gasparis, a newly minted MD entering PGY-1 in Cardiothoracic Surgery at Northwell Health System in New York. Dr. Gasparis matched into one of the most competitive specialties, and he's here to share the blueprint for how he made it happen.

From discovering his passion for cardiothoracic surgery to strategically making himself stand out throughout medical school, Dr. Gasparis breaks down the entire journey. He offers invaluable insights on translating a biomedical engineering background into medicine, securing competitive research opportunities, and the pivotal moments of preparing for residency and living through Match Day. This episode is packed with unique perspectives on overcoming challenges and securing your dream residency!

Harshi, a rising second-year medical student at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, joins The Med School Years to reflect on her M1 year and the path that brought her to medicine. After earning a BS in Biology and a BA in Psychology at Stony Brook University, Harshi completed an MBA during her gap year—a decision that strengthened her leadership skills and gave her a deeper understanding of healthcare systems.

In this episode, she shares how her experiences in advocacy, research, and student leadership have shaped her medical journey so far. Harshi talks about the support systems at Cooper, the importance of career exploration and mentorship, and what it really felt like to care for patients as a first-year student. She also opens up about managing imposter syndrome, pushing outside her comfort zone, and the importance of staying grounded through community and wellness.

If you’re preparing for your residency application and need help with your personal statement, visit https://medicalschoolhq.net/residency... and use the code YouTube for a discount.

Join us on Wednesday, 7/31 at 5 PM ET for a free workshop designed for med students getting ready to apply to residency. We’ll cover how to write a strong personal statement and build a cohesive ERAS application. Replays will be sent to everyone registered. Sign up here: http://medicalschoolhq.net/event/746067

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Welcome to the eighth episode of The Med School Years podcast! In this fascinating discussion, Deana Golini and Carlos Tapia interview Kasthuri Nair, an M4 student at Emory University School of Medicine. Kasthuri shares her truly unique journey, from her undergraduate days at Brown University, through a medical writing internship at MD Anderson, and a Master's at Johns Hopkins, to becoming a medical writer with a research team before starting medical school.

Kasthuri delves into how each step prepared her for medicine, why she chose the MD path over MD-PhD, and common misconceptions about research (no, you don't have to "cure cancer" as a premed!). She also opens up about finding her passion in vascular surgery, her unforgettable first patient encounter, the profound impact of her palliative care rotation, and the vital role of a strong support system throughout it all. This episode is packed with unique insights for anyone navigating the complex world of medical education!

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