(00:01) Balancing Athletics and Pre-Med

(09:19) Effective Time Management for Student-Athletes

(14:58) Navigating the Pre-Med Pathway

(24:05) Medical School Acceptance and Portfolio Building

(28:48) Navigating Career Choices and Overcoming Challenges

In the latest episode of our podcast, we dive into the fascinating story of Alexis, a Division I lacrosse player and biomedical engineering major, as she embarks on her unique journey from the field to the clinic. This episode, titled "From Lacrosse to Lab Coats," captures Alexis' transition from engineering to medicine, a path that has been greatly influenced by her family and personal determination.

A Journey Inspired by Family

Alexis grew up with a physician mother and an engineer father, and it was this blend of influences that ultimately guided her to pursue a career in medicine. Initially drawn to engineering, Alexis found her true calling after experiencing firsthand the world of healthcare through her mother's work and her own sports-related medical visits. Her story underscores the significant impact that family and role models can have on one's career choices.

Balancing Academics and Athletics

One of the standout aspects of Alexis' story is her ability to balance the demanding schedule of a student-athlete with the rigors of a biomedical engineering and pre-med curriculum. In the first chapter of the podcast, we learn about the strategies she employed to manage her time effectively, including using Google spreadsheets and color-coding her tasks. Alexis shares her unique "eating pancakes" analogy, which highlights the importance of staying on top of responsibilities to avoid overwhelming backlogs.

Navigating the Pre-Med Pathway

Alexis' journey to medicine was not without its challenges. The episode delves into how she adapted to the unique circumstances of virtual shadowing during the COVID pandemic and took a gap year to work as a medical assistant. These experiences enriched her understanding of the medical field and reinforced her resolve to pursue a career as a physician. Alexis candidly discusses the integration of her engineering background into her medical aspirations, emphasizing the value of combining diverse skills.

A Milestone Achievement

The podcast captures the thrilling moment when Alexis received her first medical school acceptance while on a lunch break with friends in Philadelphia. Her excitement and the support from her peers highlight the importance of a strong support system. Alexis' acceptance into the Carl Illinois College of Medicine, a school known for its focus on integrating engineering and medicine, aligns perfectly with her unique background and career goals.

Embracing a Unique Path

Throughout the episode, Alexis emphasizes the importance of embracing one's unique path and remaining open to diverse opportunities. Her story is a testament to resilience and adaptability, illustrating how engineering principles can be seamlessly integrated into medical careers. As Alexis continues her journey, she encourages listeners to resist comparisons and embrace lifelong learning, reminding us all of the exciting potential that lies in forging our own paths.

Tune in to this inspiring episode to learn more about Alexis' journey from lacrosse fields to medical clinics, and discover the valuable insights she shares for balancing academics, athletics, and career ambitions.

Highlights

(01:59) Bridging Health Literacy and Language Barriers (105 Seconds)

(05:50) Impact of Language and Cultural Understanding (151 Seconds)

(11:46) Medical Career Inspiration Journey (53 Seconds)

(15:59) Navigating the Pre-Med Pressure (51 Seconds)

(23:19) Medical School Time Management and Passion (108 Seconds)

(26:26) Tips for Organizing Medical School Applications (91 Seconds)

(33:56) Importance of LMSA in Medical Education (143 Seconds)

(39:19) Premed Students Getting Involved With LMSA (106 Seconds)

(44:21) Increasing Diversity in Medicine (87 Seconds)

Episode Summary

Growing up in a vibrant Mexican-American community in San Francisco, Eli found her passion for medicine amidst the health disparities she witnessed firsthand. Her journey from the family’s unofficial translator to aspiring physician sparked a commitment to cultural and linguistic competence in healthcare. Eli opens up about her experiences navigating the pre-med path—often the sole science enthusiast in her family—while facing assumptions and biases that challenged her resolve but never wavered her dedication to the Latino community, especially undocumented individuals.

Eli shares the balancing act of medical school, touching on the rigors of coursework and the joys of leadership within the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA). Through meticulous organization and genuine passion, she navigated the pressures of academic and extracurricular commitments, even recounting the thrill of receiving her first med school interview offer while visiting family in Mexico. Her strategic planning, from spreadsheets to virtual interviews, showcases how she's managed to mitigate expenses, all while staying deeply rooted in her mission of health equity.

We delve into the emotional core of Eli's journey, revisiting pivotal inspirations that fuel her medical aspirations. Her grandparents' influence serves as a powerful reminder of her "why," providing motivation through challenges and reinforcing her vision of making them proud. As Eli progresses in her medical career, she remains anchored to her roots, finding pride in her path and strength in the supportive networks she’s built along the way. This episode is a testament to the impact of personal connections and cultural humility in transforming healthcare.

Links:

Full Episode Blog Post

Latino Medical Student Association {LMSA)

National Hispanic Health Foundation

National Hispanic Medical Association

Mappd

Meded Media

Blueprint MCAT

From dreaming of becoming a doctor without a family blueprint to living her reality, Sanjana's journey is nothing short of inspirational. Picture the resilience it takes to navigate a childhood split between countries, financial hurdles, and skepticism around community college paths. Sanjana's story is a testament to following one's heart amidst life's chaos and finding victory in the unwavering pursuit of goals. In this episode, we explore how her passion for medicine was fueled by an unyielding belief in changing lives, a drive that led her from community college to the thresholds of medical school.

We dive into the pivotal moments of Sanjana's pre-med journey, from crafting a solid foundation at a four-year university to facing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her experience sheds light on the importance of strong academic support and the strategic pursuit of clinical exposure and research opportunities. Our conversation reveals the grit required to balance demanding academics with MCAT prep, all while managing work and volunteer commitments. Sanjana's story is a vivid reminder of the power of resilience in the face of adversity, as she meticulously plots her course towards a career in medicine.

As Sanjana navigates the intricate process of medical school applications, her story transforms from aspiration to achievement. We discuss the strategies that led to her success, including early applications and the art of conveying her unique experiences. The exhilarating moment of receiving her first acceptance while on vacation is a highlight, marking a milestone in her lifelong dream. Her thoughtful approach to choosing the right medical school underscores the importance of aligning with personal and professional goals, with a keen eye on her future in plastic and reconstructive surgery. This episode is a celebration of perseverance, self-discovery, and the joy of realizing one's dreams.

Links:

Full Episode Blog Post

Meded Media

Blueprint MCAT

Facing rejection can be one of the toughest experiences, especially when it comes to something as challenging as medical school admissions. Misha knows this journey all too well. Her admiration for her grandfather, a general surgeon in Iran, fueled her passion for medicine, but her path was anything but straightforward. Tune in as Misha shares how working as a medical assistant during her gap year solidified her dedication to becoming a doctor and significantly boosted her application.

Rejection is an emotional rollercoaster, and Misha openly talks about the self-doubt and loneliness that can accompany it, particularly for a first-generation student. This episode goes deep into the importance of feedback, the critical period of reflection, and the decision to reapply despite the odds. Misha's story is a powerful testament to resilience, persistence, and the undeniable power of self-belief.

Navigating the medical school admissions landscape is no small feat. From understanding the critical role of academic stats like GPA and MCAT scores to making strategic decisions about applying to DO programs, Misha provides valuable insights every aspiring medical student needs to hear. We also discuss the financial and emotional toll of the application process, including practical advice for scholarships and using tools like the Moss app to ease the financial burden. Misha's journey is not just about getting into medical school; it's about the lessons learned along the way and the strategies that led her to success.

Links:

Full Episode Blog Post

Meded Media

Blueprint MCAT

Mos app

How do you turn academic setbacks into a stepping stone for medical school success? Join us as we sit down with Jennifer, the inspiring director of Georgetown's Special Master's Program (SMP), who shares her remarkable path from a pre-med student to a leader in academia. Jennifer reveals how her passion for teaching and research blossomed, steering her away from clinical practice and into a fulfilling career in education. Discover the unique history of Georgetown's SMP, the first of its kind established in 1975, offering a second chance for students to prove their mettle by taking actual medical school classes.

In this episode, we shine a light on the pivotal factors that set students up for success in an SMP. Jennifer discusses the importance of addressing personal challenges such as family, financial issues, and mental health before committing to such an intense program. You'll hear the transformative story of Chad, whose dedication to his studies turned his academic life around. We also delve into the critical role of support systems and parent orientations, and the significant financial investment required for SMPs, highlighting the need for well-informed decisions.

Moving forward, we explore the financial and academic incentives for choosing SMPs as a pathway to medical school. Jennifer provides valuable insights into the financial aid landscape, including reliance on federal loans, and explains why structured graduate programs often outshine disparate undergraduate courses in the eyes of medical schools. We wrap up by discussing the MCAT's role in SMP admissions and how these programs assist students by updating medical schools on their progress, underscoring the resilience and hard work required to succeed despite initial academic struggles. Get ready to be inspired by stories of perseverance and dedication, and learn how to navigate the challenges of getting into medical school.

Links:

Full Episode Blog Post

Meded Media

Blueprint MCAT

In this inspiring episode, we delve into the transformative journey of Dr. Douglas, showcasing the incredible power of resilience, determination, and the unwavering support that propelled her toward her medical career.

Join us as Dr. Douglas shares her story of shifting majors and grappling with self-doubt before discovering her passion for medicine through anthropology and public health. Her journey underscores the importance of perseverance and the vital role of a strong support system, particularly her mother's encouragement, in overcoming obstacles and embracing uncertainty.

This episode is a testament to the relentless pursuit of dreams and the invaluable role of support systems in achieving success. Tune in for an inspiring discussion that will resonate with anyone facing challenges on their path to their true calling.

Key Chapters:

Narrowing Down the Path to Medicine (0:00:01) - Dr. Douglas's journey from uncertainty to commitment in medicine.

Navigating the Medical School Application Process (0:05:52) - Dr. Douglas's challenges and the pivotal role of her mother.

Managing Test Anxiety in Medical School (0:15:41) - Strategies for dealing with the pressures of medical exams.

Overcoming Doubt and Pursuing Dermatology (0:20:27) - The importance of self-awareness and mentorship in a competitive field.

Embracing Dermatology (0:30:05) - Dr. Douglas's unique journey and valuable insights for aspiring doctors.

Tune in to hear these powerful stories of resilience and determination that will inspire and motivate you on your own journey.

Links:

Full Episode Blog Post

Annyella’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealSkinImInMD

Meded Media

A deep dive into medical school admissions with the Director of Admissions at Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine. What is fact? What is fiction?

Links:

Full Episode Blog Post

Choose DO

Meded Media

Blueprint MCAT

Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine

When Yvonne was diagnosed with Crohn's disease during her sophomore year of high school, she found herself on an unforeseen path that ultimately led her to medicine.

Links:

Full Episode Blog Post

Meded Media

Blueprint MCAT

Application Renovation

Explore Noor's inspiring journey from librarian dreams to med school, her insights on health equity, and practical advice for premed students navigating the MCAT.

Links:

Full Episode Blog Post

Meded Media

Blueprint MCAT

Medical Apartheid by Harriet A. Washington

From failing out of college to thriving in med school, Daryl showcases resilience and determination, highlighting his path from Army medic to aspiring doctor.

Join Daniela as she shares her inspiring journey from childhood curiosities to overcoming premed challenges, highlighting resilience and achieving her dream.

Links:

Full Episode Blog Post

Meded Media

Blueprint MCAT