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

Episode 158. Let's examine Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s controversial Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) plan. We will explore its focus on prevention, environmental health, and chronic disease while considering the debates surrounding vaccine transparency, feasibility, and public health impacts—all through an evidence-based lens. Thank you to befree for sponsoring this episode. Visit befreeco.com Visit...

Episode 157. Navigating the Residency Match process can be daunting, but post-interview communication offers a valuable opportunity to stand out. I share expert advice on crafting an impactful letter of intent and application updates to strengthen your connection with your top-choice program and maximize your chances of matching. Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠ https://www.firstlinepodcast....

Episode 156. Ready to set meaningful New Year’s resolutions? I offer practical strategies to help you set achievable goals, prepare for setbacks, and embrace the "Best Next Step" approach, so you can start the year with purpose and set yourself up for lasting success. Check out episode 24 and episode 76 for more New Year's resolutions ideas and tips. Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠ https://...

Episode 155. I share my recommended baby-led weaning plan for 10-month-olds, featuring 12 new foods to expand your little one’s palate. From roasted radishes to dragon fruit, learn practical tips and developmental considerations for introducing these nutrient-rich foods safely and creatively into your baby's diet. Amazon finds! (some of these are affiliate links) My recommendation for introduc...

Episode 154. Join me as I share a detailed, behind-the-scenes look at my daily routine, key responsibilities, and insights into the rewarding challenges of working as a psychiatry resident physician in consultation-liaison psychiatry, along with tips for balancing work, learning, and personal life. Links to my favorite things that make doctor life easier, available on Amazon: My Nespresso coffee m...

Episode 153. Balancing a demanding career, family life, and personal wellness can be tough, but it’s not impossible. In this episode, I share a practical and realistic approach to incorporating strength training into a busy schedule, offering tips, a simple routine, and inspiration to prioritize your health. Get 20% off your first payment with Alpha Progression https://alphaprogression.com/firstli...

Episode 152. Discover why it's time to upgrade your oral care routine with nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA), a cutting-edge ingredient that repairs enamel, reduces sensitivity, and naturally whitens teeth—all without the toxicity concerns of fluoride. We'll dive into the science behind n-HA, its benefits, and how to choose the best toothpaste for healthier, stronger teeth. Get 5% off your Mouthology ord...

Episode 151. We explore the world of SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), the most commonly prescribed class of antidepressants. We break down how SSRIs work and discuss the common misconceptions about depression and treatment with antidepressants. Editing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): ⁠https://www.fiverr.com/firstlinepod⁠   Visit Firs...

Welcome to season 4 of First Line! I am so excited to launch a new era of First Line focusing on whole-person mental health and wellness. I will also continue to feature bonus episodes in medical education, and subscribers can access exclusive pre-med content.  Editing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): ⁠https://www.fiverr.com/firstlinepod⁠   Visit Fir...

Episode 150. I round out this series with tips for the medical residency match process by going over the important general considerations about choosing your program regardless of your specialty, from the point of view of a PGY-2 resident physician. This includes things to remember while interviewing and planning your rank list. I also discuss specific considerations for psychiatry and family medi...

Episode 149. Let's dive into the importance of sending letters of interest during the residency application process. Learn when and how to craft compelling letters to boost your chances of securing interviews. LOI and Other Editing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): ⁠https://www.fiverr.com/firstlinepod⁠   Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠ http...

Episode 148. Hear about what questions I recommend NOT asking during interviews. Here are the "green flags" and "red flags" to be on the lookout for to help you make the best rank list at the end of the interview season. 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.fiver...

Episode 147. As a PGY-2, I speak on the two types of questions that can be asked during residency program interviews and specific examples of questions to ask program directors, residents, and faculty members. 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/first...

Episode 146. I share common mistakes I see as a professional editor of ERAS personal statements who has worked with over a hundred applicants over the last two years. Pull up your personal statement for residency and follow along to see what mistakes you need to fix before submitting it in September! TrueLearn sponsors this episode. I could not have obtained over the 80th percentile on all my COML...

Episode 145. I share common mistakes I see as a professional editor of ERAS applications who has worked with over a hundred applicants over the last two years. Pull up your ERAS app and follow along to see what mistakes you need to fix before submitting in September! TrueLearn sponsors this episode. I could not have obtained over the 80th percentile on all my COMLEX exams without TrueLearn's Smart...

Episode 144. Hear how you can calculate the grams of protein you need daily, how much is too much based on your weight, and how to meet this target by incorporating protein-rich foods into your diet. I also discuss how protein fits into the Mediterranean diet and low-carb diets like keto. Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠ https://www.firstlinepodcast.com Editing Service for Pre-Med and Medica...

Episode 143. What is insulin resistance? Learn about the symptoms of insulin resistance and how it can affect you, even without a diagnosis of pre-diabetes or diabetes. I speak about how insulin resistance could be why you aren't losing weight, especially belly fat, and how to reverse your insulin resistance with diet, exercise, sleep, and supplements. Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠ ht...

Episode 142. I share my easy-to-implement formulas for answering the questions "Why did you choose [your specialty]?" and "Why are you interested in this program?" Learn why you should NOT ask about the strengths and weaknesses of a program (and what you should ask instead!) Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠ https://www.firstlinepodcast.com Editing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV...

Episode 141. Hear about how I organized the overwhelming amount of information you need to prepare for interviews and what you learn during interviews. I also discuss the importance of quality LORs, interesting hobbies, mentoring/leadership experience, and the power of creating your brand. Other episodes to listen to next: Episodes 90 and 91 on writing a personal statement Episodes 93, 94, 95, and...

Episode 140. I am so excited to release the first installation of my MCAT Content Review series for pre-med students! There are hours of exclusive content available when you subscribe, including cram sessions on topics in general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and CARS. I also discuss the overall structure of the MCAT and what resources I recommend. Listen for a preview of the content avai...

Episode 139. Hear about the stages of labor, the difference between Braxton-Hicks and real contractions, the pros and cons of hospital vs. home births, and more! This episode is meant to educate and inform (NOT provide medical advice). I speak from my experience of catching a dozen babies delivered vaginally, assisting in multiple cesarean deliveries, and working on a team monitoring numerous labo...

Episode 138. Hear about the 12 new foods I introduced to my baby when she was 9 months old using a baby-led weaning approach and a focus on encouraging the use of the pincer grasp. I share how baby-led weaning can still involve purees, "baby food" and teethers, frozen foods, and canned goods depending on your family's preferences. Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠ https://www.fi...

Episode 137. Hear about the foods I introduced to my baby when she was 8 months old, including how I prepared the foods safely. *Note that I refer to breast milk as the primary source of nutrition until 12 months in this episode, but of course, this includes formula. Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠ https://www.firstlinepodcast.com Content on First Line is for educational and informational p...

Episode 136. Hear about my tips that will help you impress at away rotations, audition rotations, and sub-Is as a fourth year medical student or recent graduate. 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 discount off your TrueLearn sub...

Episode 135. I discuss my 7-month-old's meal plan, including all the foods I introduced and how I prepared them safely for my baby. These 12 new foods included 5 of the main allergens. Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠ https://www.firstlinepodcast.com Content on First Line is for educational and informational purposes only, not as medical advice. Views expressed are my own and do not repr...