First Line | Pre-Med and Medical Student Professional Development and Mental Health

Episode 182. I'm asked frequently how I make time for all the roles I have: as a resident physician, a mother, a podcast host, and a professional writer and editor (and still make time for family and, yes, even video games). I don't have it all figured out and make mistakes (and learn!) daily, but here I'll take the time to share what has worked for me over the last few years on my quest for "work...

Episode 181. Let's talk about how effective exercise really is for mental health, especially symptoms of depression, and how this relates to other treatments like medications and therapy. Here is why some doctors are prescribing exercise (and why some are still slow to embrace lifestyle changes). We'll discuss what is typically recommended to support mental wellness through exercise and my...

Episode 180. We’ll explore how traits of borderline personality disorder can show up across different triads and stances of the Enneagram. Let’s break down how 7 of the 9 numbers overlap with BPD patterns like identity confusion, fear of abandonment, emotional reactivity, and relational intensity (and hear which 2 numbers don’t fit with BPD at all). Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠ https://w...

Episode 179. Let’s continue exploring how personality disorders relate to the Enneagram. We’ll cover the triads that relate to antisocial, histrionic, schizotypal, and avoidant personality disorders.  Other episodes on the Enneagram: Episodes 25-34, 74, 166, and 168 Other episodes on personality disorders: 6, 8, 9, 13 Visit First Line’s website and blog: (check out the episode directory!) ⁠ https:...

Episode 178. This is a foundational episode of First Line that covers what it means to have a whole person, holistic approach to mental health and wellness (for you or your patients)! We also discuss the 6 pillars of lifestyle medicine and how each relates to the practice of psychiatry. Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠ https://www.firstlinepodcast.com Editing Service for Pre-Med and Medical...

Episode 177. We'll explore the science behind cannabis, including how it affects the brain and body. Learn about its potential medical uses for conditions like anxiety, chronic pain, and insomnia and what risks to be aware of. Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠ https://www.firstlinepodcast.com Editing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): https://...

Episode 176. Prevent picky eating and increase diet diversity by having your toddler try these foods! This is my list of different foods I gave my own toddler for the first time between 12 and 15 months of age. Here are some of the products I mentioned in this episode (some are affiliate links): Amaranth from Whole Foods Fonio Bob's Red Mill Teff Kidney Beans with no added salt Target's Mi...

Episode 175. Let's discuss what the normal grief process looks like, going through each of the 5 stages of grief with associated defense mechanisms. We'll also touch on the difference between the normal grief process and when it becomes pathological. This episode contains content about death and suicide. Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠ https://www.firstlinepodcast.com Editing Servic...

Episode 174. Ever since medical school, I have been making bowls with dark leafy greens as the foundation, and this is my favorite hack to make healthy whole-food meals on a budget and with limited time to cook. I share my personal favorite ingredients with tangible tips so you can make your own bowls and greatly increase your vegetable intake with less effort. Visit First Line’s website and blog:...

Episode 173. Hear about the increasing evidence we have for how physical health and mental health are interrelated and why you can't truly have wellness in one area without the other. I bring my unique perspective as a psychiatry resident with osteopathic medicine training (DO) that focuses on the interconnection of body, mind, and spirit while offering ideas for lifestyle changes you can make...

Episode 172. What do you feed your toddler after baby-led weaning ends? I share how I continued introducing a variety of foods to my child between 12 and 18 months, avoiding the picky-eater pitfalls and embracing realistic, sustainable meals beyond the baby phase—without the pressure of Pinterest-perfect bento boxes. Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠ https://www.firstlinepodcast.com Editing S...

Episode 171. Learn how to build a daily and weekly study plan to organize lectures, resources, Anki, and practice questions. I walk you through a system (including the number of practice to complete each day) that will help you ace your school exams while optimizing your success on Step 1. The giveaway has ended, but I still hope you rate and review First Line, share this episode on your Instagram...

Episode 170. I'll share my top recommended resources for the USMLE Step 1, including specifics about the best question banks for Step 1. The giveaway has ended, but I still hope you rate and review First Line, post to your Instagram story, and sign up for the Medical Student CV Masterclass here Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠ https://www.firstlinepodcast.com Editing Service for Pre-Med...

Episode 169. Is coffee good for you? Can it fit into a healthy diet? Let's dive into the health benefits and potential risks of coffee, including its role in disease prevention and how many cups I've decided to have daily. Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠ https://www.firstlinepodcast.com Editing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): ⁠https:/...

Episode 168. We explore how each Enneagram type can reflect traits of specific personality disorders in an unhealthy state and how knowing this can encourage self-awareness and personal growth. Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠ https://www.firstlinepodcast.com Editing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): ⁠https://www.fiverr.com/firstlinepod⁠   For a...

Episode 167. Learn how to create a standout CV as a medical student with expert insights from someone who has successfully navigated the process and helped hundreds others do the same. Listen in to hear how to access my CV template crafted just for medical students. Visit https://www.firstlinepodcast.com/ to access the course tab for my NEW Medical Student CV Masterclass and the services tab to le...

Episode 166. We'll cover how Enneagram stances shape the way you interact with others and navigate life. This episode breaks down the aggressive, withdrawing, and dependent stances, offering insight into their challenges, strengths, and paths for personal growth. - Enneagram stances - Orientation to time - Repressed centers of intelligence Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠ https://www.fir...

Episode 165. Let's break down the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program, also known as SOAP, and how to know your chance of needing to SOAP. We'll also cover the four steps all applicants should do ahead of Match Week to prepare for the scenario of not matching on Monday. Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠ https://www.firstlinepodcast.com Editing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Stu...

Episode 164. I share my personal journey of choosing not to sleep train my baby while challenging the common belief that it is a necessity for parents. Hear my reflections on my experience over the past 18 months while we discuss attachment, intuition, and the nuances of infant sleep. Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠ https://www.firstlinepodcast.com Editing Service for Pre-Med and Medical St...

Episode 163. Learn how to craft a standout CV at every stage of your medical journey with this practical checklist for pre-meds, medical students, and residents. Let's quickly run through formatting tips and section-by-section guidance to ensure your CV is polished, professional, and application-ready in under 15 minutes. For more tips on medical CVs, check out episode 81 . Visit First Line’s webs...

Episode 162. Let's break down the prevalent misconceptions and concerns surrounding SSRIs, a common treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. We'll explore short-term and long-term side effects, the importance of individualized treatment, and how to navigate medication decisions with the guidance of a healthcare provider. *Trigger warning: Please note thi...

Episode 161. Let's explore the power of positive affirmations from a Christian perspective, focusing on verses from the Book of Psalms to intentionally support spiritual and mental health. I share how incorporating these 5 Bible-based affirmations into daily routines can strengthen faith and set a positive mindset for the day ahead. Thank you Befree for sponsoring this episode. Visit befreeco....

Episode 160. Let’s dive into the powerful connection between nutrition and mental health, exploring how a diet rich in brain-boosting superfoods can improve mental wellness and even reduce anxiety and depression. We’ll discuss the Mediterranean diet, key nutrients like omega-3s and magnesium, and practical tips for incorporating these foods into your daily routine for optimal brain health. As prom...

Episode 159. Let’s wrap-up the baby-led weaning series by reviewing the 12 new foods I introduced to my 11-month-old and how I reintroduced the foods in subsequent months. Here are the product recommendations as promised (some of these are affiliate links): Quick-Frozen Cherries: https://amzn.to/4h1NECQ Organic Red Lentils: https://amzn.to/3DXBHQ7 Unsweetened Acai: https://amzn.to/3PG9u2J Organic...

Episode 110. Hear the list of questions I personally used to ask during residency interviews, depending on if I was speaking to the program director, a faculty interviewer, or a resident. Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠ https://www.firstlinepodcast.com Editing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): ⁠https://www.fiverr.com/firstlinepod⁠   For a disco...