The Long Call

How do you become the kind of physician you want to be? This episode reviews 10 books that can shape one's approach to medicine, leadership, productivity, and life beyond the hospital. From developing expertise to managing your time and finding purpose, these recommendations offer inspiration and practical insights for physicians at every stage of their careers. And don't worry — there&a...

What happens when a physician is named in a malpractice lawsuit—and how do you navigate a process you were never trained for? We sit down with Dr. Sarah Gutman to talk candidly about medical litigation, from the initial shock and isolation to finding support, understanding the legal process, and separating a lawsuit from your identity as a physician. We discuss why residents should learn about the...

Residency application season is upon us - what actually catches a PD's eye when reviewing them? In this episode, MDK pulls back the curtain on review of residency applications, from personal statements and letters of recommendation to application gaps, hobbies, and yes...typos. Along the way is some practical advice for helping to tell an authentic, compelling story, with the goal not to look...

Call shifts are demanding, unpredictable...and also some of the most memorable parts of training. In this episode, we share our practical survival tips for before, during, and after call — from sleep, caffeine, food, and what to wear to managing downtime, protecting your mental energy, and keeping the team vibes immaculate. We also reflect on why call can create such strong camaraderie and connect...

In this episode, Khaila takes us behind the scenes of the fellowship interview trail while the experience is still fresh. She shares what surprised her most, how fellowship interviews differ from residency interviews, the questions that kept coming up, and what helped her prepare (without over-preparing). We also talk about evaluating program fit, the role of mentorship, interview fatigue and comp...

Join us for a conversation with senior resident Dr. Hannah Foster about what it can look like to build a family during residency — from welcoming a child as a junior resident to navigating pregnancy during chief year. She shares an honest look at pregnancy, parental leave, returning to work, childcare, emotions, support systems, and the ways parenthood has shaped her identity as both a physician a...

What does it really mean to become a senior resident? In this episode, we talk through the leap from managing discrete tasks to carrying the bigger-picture responsibility for a team, patients, and the flow of a service. We discuss the increased weight of clinical decision-making, difficult conversations, feedback and leadership among former peers...and the unexpected rewards of seeing how far you...

Residency graduation doesn't mean you've finished learning - it just means you are learning in a new way. This is exciting, and, possibly, terrifying. In this solo episode, Mary reflects on the advice she often shares with new grads, including how to keep growing as a physician, build systems that make work and life more sustainable, and approach the early years of practice with confiden...

Tis the season for welcoming new interns! As we divert our energy to preparing for the new academic year and intern orientation, we invite our listeners to take another listen to our ideas for best practices for supporting new residents. Let us know what you have found most successful, or other elements of support we should incorporate! 

Residency training is constantly evolving...but is it getting better? In this episode, we explore generational differences in medical training through a conversation between a current resident (Dr. Sanjana Satish) and an attending physician (Dr. Uduak Andy) over a decade removed from residency. Together, they discuss how duty hours, technology, wellness initiatives, supervision, autonomy, and work...

Every physician has opinions they usually save for post-call brunch. In this episode, we bring ours to the mic. From schedule chaos at the end of the year to the surprising joys of chief year, we unpack the residency hot takes we’re willing to defend — and invite listeners to decide where they stand.

Ever feel like you’re on a streak where everything that can go wrong… does? This week we unpack the idea of “black clouds” in residency - why they happen, how they can affect you, and how to get through them with perspective and support. Audio editor: Kaylee Morris

In this episode, MDK sits down with Dr. Margaret Rush to unpack one of the most talked-about - but perhaps most nebulous - parts of training: mentorship. From finding your first mentor to building a mentorship “team,” Dr. Rush shares practical strategies, common pitfalls, and how these relationships evolve from residency into fellowship and beyond. Whether you’re an intern just getting started or...

In this solo episode, MDK reflects on the role of organization in residency; not as perfection, but as a tool for clarity and sustainability, sharing simple strategies to manage tasks, tame the inbox, and create systems that can actually work in real life. Please write to us with your organizational methods that have worked in residency at LongCallPodcast@gmail.com!

Join us as we chat with a current fellow about the realities of doing research during residency. She shares about choosing projects, finding the right mentor, balancing research with clinical work, and pushing projects across the finish line. We also discuss how research shapes fellowship applications, clinical thinking, and professional identity. Whether you’re excited about research or unsure wh...

We're unpacking what leadership looks like in residency, and why you’re probably already leading more than you may realize. From informal influence on busy call nights to formal committee roles, we explore how to get involved without burning out and why early professionalism builds lasting leadership capital. Whether you’re an intern or a senior, this conversation will encourage you to lead w...

In this episode we sit down with Dr. DaCarla Albright for an honest conversation about what actually can help improve trainee well-being. Moving beyond eye-roll–inducing initiatives, we explore what residents are really reacting to, what the data says truly moves the needle, and where programs often get it wrong. Dr. Albright shares hard truths for leadership, practical steps programs and individu...

Wellness events don’t cure burnout - but they can build community, reduce isolation, and create moments of humanity in a demanding system. In this episode, we unpack why wellness initiatives sometimes draw eye-rolls, what can make them fall flat, and how to design events that feel supportive rather than performative. The goal isn’t forced happiness, but sustainability and connection.

Residency is stressful, and as we've discussed, burnout is common. But in this episode, we explore how to recognize when struggles may be more than burnout. We discuss early warning signs, when to seek support, and the mental health resources typically accessible through residency and GME. We also name the impact of high-acuity work and difficult patient outcomes, and why asking for help is a...

Winter in residency can feel especially heavy — short days, long hours, mounting expectations, and very little sunlight in between. In this episode, we name why winter burnout is real (and not a personal failure), why intern year can hit especially hard, and how small, intentional choices can help protect your energy. From light, movement, and rest to finding joy in your city and leaning on one an...

No one goes into medicine for the paperwork, but administrative work is a critical part of residency. In this episode, we talk with our administrative chief residents about the behind-the-scenes responsibilities that keep programs running and residents on track — from case logs and duty hours to evaluations, licensing, and email management. They share common pitfalls, real consequences, and practi...

Interviews aren’t about being perfect — they’re about being prepared and authentic. In this episode, we break down how to answer common questions with intention and how to avoid the mistakes that derail otherwise strong applicants. We also cover reading program culture and what to ask to help you decide if a program is the right fit for you.

Fellowship applications can be stressful — and often more confusing than they need to be. In this episode we break down some ideas to apply with intention, not panic. We cover topics including personal statements, letters of recommendation, and geography, with a focus on alignment, clarity, and fit over perfection.

In this episode, we break down professionalism and translate this into real-life resident behavior. We cover how to show up prepared (clinically, personally, and mentally), navigate conflict without escalation, speak up when safety is at stake, and build strong team dynamics that earn trust. Through practical tools, common scenarios, and actionable takeaways, we explore how professionalism isn’t a...

In this special episode, we’re on call for the holidays, talking with our coworkers we’re working with. We ask about favorite on-call holiday traditions, small rituals that bring joy during long shifts, and the ways clinicians create meaning, connection, and a little levity when they’re working while others celebrate. It’s a shorter, heartfelt episode about community, resilience, and finding holid...