Prospective Doctor (from MedSchoolCoach‪)‬ Erkeda DeRouen, MD

Burnout is real, and it’s more than just stress—it's an occupational phenomenon. Dr. Svetlana Chamoun, a cardiologist and Founder and President of CardioSeeds and host of the CardioSeeds Podcast joins Dr. Erkeda DeRouen to speak about burnout prevention and how it’s directly related to heart health and chronic disease. 
Dr. Chamoun is dedicated to shedding light on the mental health challenges that medical students and professionals face. Her acclaimed book Resilience in Scrubs and the upcoming Women Physician Survival Guide showcase her commitment to reducing burnout in the healthcare sector. 
Join the conversation as they discuss strategies for managing stress and burnout, from setting personal boundaries and engaging in fulfilling hobbies to building robust support networks. Discover how Cardioseeds is making a difference with its innovative wellness programs and why lifestyle medicine and resilience training should be integral parts of medical education. 
 
In this episode, you’ll learn to:
Prioritize Your Mental Health: Dr. Svetlana Chamoun and Dr. Erkeda DeRouen delve into the significance of addressing mental health in the medical field. They spotlight the Doctor Lorna Breen Healthcare Provider Protection Act, which encourages medical professionals to seek mental health help without fear of repercussions. Remember, your well-being is just as critical as your patients’.
Embrace Personal Wellness: Discover strategies for maintaining mental wellness amid the demanding medical environment. From setting boundaries and engaging in hobbies to building a supportive network and aligning with your core values, these tips will help you stay mentally fit and ready to conquer the medical world.
Combat Burnout: Dr. Chamoun shares insightful tips on recognizing and tackling burnout. Learn about symptoms like chronic fatigue, insomnia, and emotional detachment, and explore proactive measures like lifestyle medicine, resilience training, and mindfulness to set yourself up for a rewarding and sustainable medical career.
 
Jump into the conversation:
00:00 Dr. Erkeda DeRouen introduces the Prospective Doctor podcast with guest Dr. Svetlana Chamoun
02:01 Dr. Chamoun on her journey through medical training and how burnout impacted her personal and professional life
06:31 On the pervasive issue of mental health struggles in the medical field 
10:01 Align professional life with personal values by setting boundaries between work and personal life to maintain mental wellness
15:01 Insight into Dr. Chamoun's book "Resilience in Scrubs" and organization, Cardioseeds, which offers wellness programs for medical trainees
20:01 How burnout affects female healthcare professionals differently due to various factors such as cultural biases and the "double shift" phenomenon
25:01 Differentiating between stress and burnout, with a focus on how chronic, unresolved work-related stress leads to burnout
30:01 Lifestyle interventions and how to incorporate them into daily routines
35:01 Highlighting the role of leadership in creating supportive environments and addressing toxic workplaces
 
Where you can find Dr. Chamoun: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cardioseeds/
More on CardioSeeds: https://cardioseeds.com/ 
 
To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at www.prospectivedoctor.com/
 
You can also reach us through our social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MedSchoolCoach 
Dr. Erkeda’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctordgram/ 
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MedSchoolCoach

In this episode, host Dr. Erkeda DeRouen chats with Dr. Chiamaka Okorie, a recent graduate of Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. Dr. Okorie brings a unique perspective as an international student who excelled in the US system, acing the MCAT and building an impressive portfolio.
Dr. Okorie shares practical advice for aspiring dermatologists, but her insights extend far beyond a single specialty. Tune in to learn about exploring career paths early, the power of networking, and the importance of self-advocacy. They'll delve into crafting a standout application, the value of passion-driven research, and the importance of building your support system.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Depths of Dermatology: Dr. Chiamaka Okorie advises aspiring dermatologists to jump into the field early and seek guidance from professionals to build a competitive portfolio
Self-Advocacy is Key: Both Dr. Chiamaka Okorie and our host, Dr. Erkeda DeRouen, emphasize the importance of actively showcasing your achievements and interests.
Building Your Personal Board of Directors: Proactively reaching out to professionals and leveraging digital platforms can provide invaluable guidance and support in your medical journey, from medical school decisions to career development.
Jump into the Conversation:
[00:00] Introduction to the Prospective Doctor
[02:01] Introduction to Dr. Chiamaka Okorie
[02:43] Navigating getting into a US medical school for international students
[04:16] - Tips for building a competitive portfolio early on, including the power of mentorship and networking
[10:36] Dr. Okorie’s advice on fully committing to the desired specialty, including advocacy tips and strategies for standing out
[15:14] The importance of research in building your portfolio
[19:44] Building your network on LinkedIn, Instagram and other social media platforms
[21:00] The competitive specialty of dermatology
[28:37] Advocating for yourself in medical school
 
Where you can find Dr. Okorie: 
Email: chiamakaokoriemd@gmail.com 
Twitter: @AmakaOkorieMed
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chiamakaokorie/
 
To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at www.prospectivedoctor.com/
 
You can also reach us through our social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MedSchoolCoach 
Dr. Erkeda’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctordgram/ 
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MedSchoolCoach
 

“Why wait for change when you can create it yourself?” was the driving question that inspired Dr. Kim Tranquada to explore the innovative world where telehealth meets global health disparities.
Dr. Kim Tranquada, passionately known as” Dr.  T”, is an emergency physician with over 25 years of diverse experience, ranging from academic institutions to the VA healthcare system. Currently, she's pioneering the Healthcare Alliance for an Equitable World, an international telehealth initiative aimed at bridging the global healthcare workforce gap.
She spoke with host, Dr. Erkeda DeRouen about how telehealth can help healthcare professionals provide essential services from anywhere in the world, the importance of stepping out of traditional medical roles and embracing innovative approaches to healthcare.
In this episode, you’ll learn the importance of:
Embracing Innovation: Leverage technology and think creatively to address global healthcare challenges, like using telehealth to bridge workforce gaps.
Value of Global Health Experience: Gain exposure to different healthcare systems and needs worldwide to broaden your impact and understanding of global health.
Empowering Your Medical Career: Take ownership of your career path, be visible, and create change within or outside traditional medical roles to make a meaningful impact.
 
Jump into the Conversation:
[00:00] Introduction
[00:27] Meet Dr. T
[02:36] The mission of Healthcare Alliance for an Equitable World
[06:36] Joining the initiative
[09:35] Impacting communities that need it
[14:19] The doctor deficit
[16:54] Innovating in the telehealth space
[21:24] How would a global telehealth rotation change medicine?
[23:53] Rotation opportunities for med students
 
You can find Dr. Tranquada on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-tranquada-md-facep-faaem-899349259/ 
Learn more about Healthcare Alliance for an Equitable World: https://haew.org/ 
 
To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at www.prospectivedoctor.com/
 
You can also reach us through our social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MedSchoolCoach 
Dr. Erkeda’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctordgram/ 
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MedSchoolCoach

“It's important to tune into yourself and really figure out what is it that you want. Being open to the possibilities and proactive about your career can lead you to unexpected and fulfilling paths.” Dr. Nishi Bhopal, a Board Certified Integrative Psychiatrist and Sleep Physician, delves into the diverse and often unexpected paths that a medical career can take with host, Dr. Erkeda DeRouen.
Dr. Nishi Bhopal shares her personal journey, detailing her transition from internal medicine to psychiatry, and the internal and external obstacles she faced along the way. Dr. Bhopal's story is a testament to the importance of staying true to one's interests and instincts despite the pressures and expectations of the medical profession.
This episode focuses on the broader aspects of medical careers, including the integration of holistic and integrative medicine into practice, the role of telehealth, and the exciting possibilities that lie in medical entrepreneurship and education through digital platforms.
 
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Strategies for switching residencies during and after match
The importance of resilience in the face of professional challenges, such as confronting the stereotypes within medical fields
Why a significant paradigm shift from acute care to a more preventative approach in healthcare is needed
 
Jump into the Conversation:
[00:00] Introduction to The Prospective Doctor
[01:24] Meet Dr. Nishi Bhopal 
[02:09] The Big Switch: Internal Medicine to Psychiatry
[03:34] The Importance of  an Open Mind
[05:09] Obstacles on the Path Forward
[08:48] Exploring New Horizons in Medicine
[11:31] The Value of Knowing Yourself
[14:35] Integrating Holistic Medicine into Practice 
[20:08] Cultural Differences in Healthcare
[23:26] Connecting with Dr. Bhopal
 
Resources:
You can find Dr. Bhopal on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IntraBalance 
You can find Dr. Bhopal on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishibhopal/ 
Learn more about Pacific Integrative Psychiatry: https://pacificintegrativepsych.com/ 
 
To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at www.prospectivedoctor.com/
 
You can also reach us through our social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MedSchoolCoach 
Dr. Erkeda’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctordgram/ 
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MedSchoolCoach

"It doesn't matter how busy you are in life. If you don't make your intimate partner a priority, then they might as well not even be in a relationship.” Dr. Kate Mangona speaks the truth about relationships with Dr. DeRouen in this episode of Prospective Doctor. 
Dr. Mangona is a pediatric radiologist passionate about marriage and intimacy coaching. She also hosts the podcast Love Lab MD and brings a unique perspective, having personally encountered the challenges of balancing relationships while pursuing her medical career and supporting her husband’s journey into medicine. 
They discuss the art of relationship management amid the grueling medical training schedule. She shares practical tips on clear communication, setting priorities, and creative ways to maintain intimacy—even when you're miles apart. Whether you're single, dating, or married with kids, she offers strategies to ensure your career and personal life thrive.


In this episode, you’ll learn:
Balancing a demanding medical career and personal relationships involves clear communication and prioritizing your partner.
Maintaining chemistry and proximity is key. FaceTime dinners and disconnect times help keep your relationships strong. 
Immersing yourself in relationship literature, podcasts, or even hiring a relationship coach can provide invaluable insights into avoiding the high divorce rates seen among medical professionals.
 
Jump into the Conversation:
[00:00] Introduction to The Prospective Doctor
[01:35] Introduction to Dr Kate Mangona
[03:00] Managing Expectations and Guilt when balancing a busy medical career and relationships
[04:45] Scheduling quality time with partners on a calendar
[07:17] Long-distance relationships while studying medicine
[10:20] Establishing rituals for a healthy relationship
[14:11] Misconceptions about Medical Relationships
[16:47] Radiologists and Relationships
[21:16] Avoiding high divorce rates among physicians
[24:14] Final advice for medical students
 
Resources:
You can find Dr. Mangona on LinkedIn: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-mangona-35719a20/ 
More about Love Lab MD: https://www.lovelabmd.com/ 
 
To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at www.prospectivedoctor.com. 
 
You can also reach us through our social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MedSchoolCoach  
Dr. Erkeda’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctordgram/  
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MedSchoolCoach 
 

"Medicine is just the beginning, not the destination," says Dr. Charnetta Williams in an eye-opening discussion that shatters the conventional path of clinical practice in medicine. Her journey from the front lines of an Ebola response to a trailblazer in public health proves that a medical degree can be the key to doors you never even noticed were there. 
In this episode, Dr. Erkeda DeRouen is joined by Dr. Charnetta Williams, a seasoned professional who transitioned from the rigorous world of clinical medicine to the dynamic field of public health. With experiences ranging from direct patient care to shaping national health policies, Dr. Williams embodies the versatility and impact that medical professionals can achieve beyond traditional roles.
Dr. Williams and Dr. DeRouen explore the unpredictable yet rewarding career paths in epidemiology, the importance of work-life balance, and the impact of mentorship and representation in healthcare. Dr. Williams also highlights her inspiring work outside the healthcare system, providing education and support to women during the postpartum period. This conversation could very well redefine how you view your future in medicine.


In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to Navigate Medical Career Changes: Explore multiple aspects of the medical field, and don’t be afraid of less conventional routes that resonate with your evolving interests and passions.
How to Leverage Fellowships: Learn more about CDC fellowships and how to strategically plan clinical rotations to broaden your medical horizons.
Understanding Work-Life Challenges within the Medical Profession: The importance of self-care and developing a support network. 
 
Jump into the Conversation:
[00:00] Introduction to The Prospective Doctor
[01:32] Introduction to Dr. Charnetta Williams
[08:22] Skills that transfer well into other industries
[11:29] CDC Fellowship and work with the Ebola outbreak
[15:07] Student planning and taking advantage of flexibility
[16:28] Work-Life Balance and Representing Diversity
[20:27] Dr. Williams As An Author
[24:44] Advocating for Postpartum Support
[29:09] Connecting with Dr. Williams
 
Resources:
You can find Dr. Williams on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charnetta-williams-md-826192267 
More about Dr. Williams’s  book: https://pictureperfectreads.com/ 
 
To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at www.prospectivedoctor.com. 
 
You can also reach us through our social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MedSchoolCoach  
Dr. Erkeda’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctordgram/  
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MedSchoolCoach