Docs Outside The Box

Dr. Nii Darko

Hosts Dr. Nii (Ghanaian) and Dr. Renee (Haitian) are first-generation physicians who paid off $662,000 in student loans in 3 years - while figuring out contracts, career moves, and money management that their colleagues learned at home. Every episode covers what first-gen docs need to know: Contract negotiation and career decisionsPaying off debt without family financial guidanceBuilding wealth from scratchThe questions you don't know to ask (but your colleagues already knew) Real strategies from doctors who had to figure it out on their own. Subscribe and build your blueprint with us. Download: The First-Gen Doctor Blueprint

  1. Is 40 Too Old For Med School? Here's The Truth. #476

    1D AGO

    Is 40 Too Old For Med School? Here's The Truth. #476

    SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Two first-gen doctors answer your real questions: How to open a business bank account, and whether starting Medical school at 40 is still possible.  This week's Q&A covers two questions that represent completely different stages of the first-gen doctor journey: a neurology resident finishing training and building her business, and a 40-year-old premed, wondering if the dream of becoming a doctor is still possible. THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS: QUESTION 1 — From Mouna (Neurology Resident): "I just created my LLC to do locum work, and I'm looking into opening a business bank account. Do you recommend a traditional bank versus newer online banks? Some of the online options have built-in bookkeeping tools — do you have experience or a preference?" QUESTION 2 — From YouTube Comments: "I am 40, coming from a career as a psychotherapist, married with children, with a mortgage, and $135K in student loan debt. I'm considering general surgery, psychiatry, neurology, internal medicine, and family medicine. I'm taking one class at a time and targeting 2030 for application. Any advice?" SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION FOR NEXT WEEK: We do Q&A episodes every week and we read every question submitted. Here is how to reach us: 📱 Text us: 833-230-2860 📸 DM us on Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox 💬 YouTube comments: www.youtube.com/@docsoutsidetheboxpodcast 📧 Email: team@drniidarko.com Your question could be answered in next week's episode. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Business Banking: - Relay: relayfi.com - Found: found.com - Novo: novo.co Disability Insurance (mentioned by Mouna): - Set for Life: setforlifeinsurance.com Student Loans and Financial Aid: - Federal Student Aid Loan Simulator: studentaid.gov/loan-simulator - Income-Driven Repayment: studentaid.gov Non-Traditional Medical Students: - AAMC Non-Traditional Resources: students-residents.aamc.org ABOUT DOCS OUTSIDE THE BOX: Dr. Nii is a General Surgeon. Dr. Renee is an OB/GYN. We are first-generation Ghanaian and Haitian physicians who paid off $662,000 in student loan debt in 3 years, built a locum tenens agency, and navigated every major medical career decision without a family blueprint. We created this podcast for first-generation doctors — physicians who are the first in their families and lack the inherited knowledge about money, contracts, career strategy, and the unwritten rules of medicine that many of their colleagues learned growing up. New Q&A episodes every week. Real questions from real first-gen doctors. Find us everywhere: - YouTube: www.youtube.com/@docsoutsidetheboxpodcast - Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox - Website: https://drniidarko.com/ DISCLAIMER: Dr. Nii and Dr. Renee are physicians, not financial advisors or attorneys. Content shared in this podcast reflects personal experience and should not be considered financial, legal, or medical advice. Please consult qualified professionals before making financial or career decisions.

    57 min
  2. DOE Says Nursing Isn’t a Professional Degree?! #474 Part 1

    12/16/2025

    DOE Says Nursing Isn’t a Professional Degree?! #474 Part 1

    SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! This episode hits EVERY corner of healthcare. Medical students, residents, nursing students, and attendings.  We’re diving deep into:  1. The Department of Education’s classification of nursing as not a professional degree  ● What does this actually mean?  ● Does it affect student loans?  ● Will this change the future of nursing? ● Why EVERY healthcare worker should pay attention  This episode hits home for:  ● Nursing students  ● Medical students  ● Residents & fellows  ● Attending physicians  ● 1099 & locums doctors ● Anyone interested in healthcare policy or physician lifestyle  If you’re studying, training, practicing, or thinking about locums… this one’s for you.  Comment Below:  ● Are you a nursing student affected by the DOE classification?  ● Would you listen to Wale’s new album in the OR?  ● Are you making your HSA contribution this year?  ● Are you considering locums in 2025–2026? FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860 Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Twitter: @drniidarko Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by  Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

    28 min
  3. Wale’s New Album “Everything Is A Lot” + HSA Deadline #474 Part 2

    12/16/2025

    Wale’s New Album “Everything Is A Lot” + HSA Deadline #474 Part 2

    SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! In this episode, we’re diving deep into:  1. Wale’s new album. Is it worth playing in the OR?  A quick, fun review: focus, vibe, and OR compatibility.   2. HSA Deadline Reminder. LAST MONTH to contribute  We’re making ours… are you? If you’re a med student, resident, or attending in a high deductible plan, this is the best tax tool available.  This episode hits home for:  ● Nursing students  ● Medical students  ● Residents & fellows  ● Attending physicians  ● 1099 & locums doctors ● Anyone interested in healthcare policy or physician lifestyle  If you’re studying, training, practicing, or thinking about locums… this one’s for you.  Comment Below:  ● Would you listen to Wale’s new album in the OR?  ● Are you making your HSA contribution this year?  FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!   WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860   Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Twitter: @drniidarko Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by  Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at https://setforlifeinsurance.com/

    17 min
  4. ACA Premium Spike 2026: What Doctors, Residents & 1099 Physicians MUST Know. #473 Part 1

    12/08/2025

    ACA Premium Spike 2026: What Doctors, Residents & 1099 Physicians MUST Know. #473 Part 1

    SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! The Affordable Care Act marketplace is facing a massive premium spike in 2026 — and Congress is running out of time to stop it. In this episode of Docs Outside The Box, Dr. Nii and Dr. Renee break down exactly why ACA premiums are increasing, what happens if Congress does nothing, and how this will impact: Medical studentsResidents & fellowsEarly-career doctors1099 independent contractorsLocums physiciansPatients relying on marketplace plansWhether you buy your own insurance or you care for patients who do — this episode gives you the real-world implications and action steps you need right now. In This Episode You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why ACA marketplace premiums could jump 40–60%  ✔️ How expiring federal subsidies affect patients AND physicians  ✔️ Why independent contractors will feel the biggest financial hit  ✔️ The impact on hospitals, uninsured rates & ER volume  ✔️ What doctors can do NOW to prepare (financial steps included) 🎧 Perfect Episode For: Medical students navigating their first insurance decisionsResidents & fellows in high-deductible plansNew attendings planning their 2026 budgetsLocums docs & 1099 contractors buying their own insuranceAny clinician wanting clarity on the latest healthcare policy changes FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums LINKS MENTIONED  ACA Premium Spike Analysis — HealthSystemTracker  https://www.healthsystemtracker.org/brief/how-much-and-why-aca-marketplace-premiums-are-going-up-in-2026/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Subsidy Expiration Breakdown — Center on Budget and Policy Priorities  https://www.cbpp.org/research/health/health-insurance-premium-spikes-imminent-as-tax-credit-enhancements-set-to-expire?utm_source=chatgpt.com Congressional Update on ACA Debate  https://cnycentral.com/news/nation-world/congress-enters-crunch-time-to-figure-out-how-to-deal-with-aca-subsidies-affordable-care-act-obamacare-health-insurance-premiums?utm_source=chatgpt.com Independent Contractors & ACA Tax Credit Changes  https://jasonfintips.com/insurance-risk-management-blog/affordable-health-insurance-for-independent-contractors-understanding-the-new-aca-tax-credit-changes/?utm_source=chatgpt.com SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!   WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860   Wanna listen instead?  Apple podcast:

    32 min
4.9
out of 5
513 Ratings

About

Hosts Dr. Nii (Ghanaian) and Dr. Renee (Haitian) are first-generation physicians who paid off $662,000 in student loans in 3 years - while figuring out contracts, career moves, and money management that their colleagues learned at home. Every episode covers what first-gen docs need to know: Contract negotiation and career decisionsPaying off debt without family financial guidanceBuilding wealth from scratchThe questions you don't know to ask (but your colleagues already knew) Real strategies from doctors who had to figure it out on their own. Subscribe and build your blueprint with us. Download: The First-Gen Doctor Blueprint

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