Beyond the White Coat with Alex & Abdul

Alex and Abdul
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Beyond the White Coat is a podcast about the human side of life in science, tech, and healthcare. Hosted by Alex, a health tech creative and HCPC registered biomedical scientist, and Abdul, a PhD student at University of York studying antibiotic resistance, the podcast blends real talk, career pivots, and personal growth in STEM. Through honest conversations and guest interviews, we explore career journeys both in and beyond the lab, challenge the status quo, and reflect on what it really means to build a meaningful life in science and healthcare.

  1. Ep. 19 Life-Science Conferences 101. Which to Choose, Where to Find Them, Networking Tips & Presentation Tips

    30 SEP

    Ep. 19 Life-Science Conferences 101. Which to Choose, Where to Find Them, Networking Tips & Presentation Tips

    In this episode of Beyond the White Coat, Abdul shares his experiences from a recent international conference focused on the biology and physics of prokaryotic chromosomes. He discusses the importance of networking, presenting research, and engaging with attendees. The conversation covers tips for creating effective research posters, strategies for initiating conversations, and the significance of follow-ups after conferences. Abdul emphasizes the value of both peer networking and connecting with senior researchers, while also providing insights on how to find and choose the right conferences to attend. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Conference Overview  02:42 Research Presentation and Poster Creation 05:22 Engaging with Conference Attendees 08:20 Networking and Building Connections 10:56 Reflections on Networking and Follow-Up Strategies 22:45 Finding Conferences and Networking Opportunities 25:08 Evaluating Conference Worthiness 27:54 The Social Aspect of Conferences 29:59 Choosing Between Conference Sizes 30:49 Starting Conversations at Conferences 37:49 Networking Strategies: Peers vs. Senior Researchers Keywords: conferences, networking, research, presentations, academic growth, poster sessions, collaboration, early career researchers, public speaking, scientific community Useful Links Biochemical Society WebsiteBioSci Toolkit WebsiteFLEX tool - https://excitinginstruments.com/ei-flex/

    42 min
  2. Ep. 18 Why Do Scientists Struggle to Secure Jobs? 450 Applications & No Interviews?

    6 SEP

    Ep. 18 Why Do Scientists Struggle to Secure Jobs? 450 Applications & No Interviews?

    Alex and Abdul return from their holidays in Greece and Barcelona only to dive into a heavier reality: the brutal job market for scientists and grads. From spreadsheets tracking hundreds of rejections, to AI filters rejecting CVs in minutes, to why personal branding might matter more than your degree. This episode breaks down the challenges of getting hired today. They also share tips that actually worked for them, and debate how much you should “game the system” vs. stay true to your values. Chapters & Timestamps Holiday Recaps: Greece & Barcelona – 00:00 PhD Placement Planning & Career Options – 01:28 The Viral LinkedIn Post: 450 Job Applications – 02:02 Our Own Job Application War Stories – 04:20 Ghosting & The Spreadsheet Method – 05:36 AI in Recruitment: ATS Systems & Interview Note-Takers – 09:47 Doctors & Personal Branding in 2025 – 12:02 CV Tailoring, Keywords & Using AI Wisely – 13:57 Values vs. Branding: Finding the Right Fit – 18:31 Creative Hacks to Stand Out (Assignments, Mock Interviews, Referrals) – 23:01 Final Tips & Wrapping Up – 27:59 Links & Resources The LinkedIn Post Job Application Tools & Tips Jobscan – test your CV against job descriptions. Notion or Google Sheets – track applications. ChatGPT – tailor your CV with keywords. Recommended Reading: So Good They Can’t Ignore You by Cal Newport (career & skills focus)

    29 min
  3. Ep. 17 The Story of How I Secured my PhD Without a Master's Degree

    19 AGO

    Ep. 17 The Story of How I Secured my PhD Without a Master's Degree

    In this episode, Alex and Abdul discuss their personal experiences, including the importance of taking breaks, the impact of social media on their podcast, and the challenges of navigating the PhD application process. Abdul shares his journey to securing a PhD, the various application processes, and the feelings of imposter syndrome that can arise in academia, particularly for underrepresented groups. The conversation emphasizes the need for open discussions about career progress and the importance of building confidence in professional settings. 🕒 Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 14:19 Abdul's Journey to a PhD 15:50 Navigating the Path to a PhD 18:49 The Application Process Unveiled 24:10 Understanding PhD Interviews 30:49 Scholarship Opportunities and Diversity in Academia 🔗 Key Links Check out Helen O'neill Follow Alex on Instagram & TikTokFollow Abudul on LinkedInSubscribe on Youtube PhD journey, application process, interviews, imposter syndrome, diversity in academia, personal growth, social media impact, confidence building, academic challenges, career development

    31 min
  4. Ep. 16 How I Manage My Time as a PhD Student vs. a Creative in Health Tech

    5 AGO

    Ep. 16 How I Manage My Time as a PhD Student vs. a Creative in Health Tech

    In this episode, Alex and Abdul discuss their recent personal and professional updates, including Alex's journey in asking for a promotion and Abdul's upcoming conference presentation. They delve into the challenges of time management in their respective roles, contrasting the structured environment of a PhD with the flexibility of creative work. The conversation highlights the importance of self-assessment, learning opportunities, and the need for balance in work and personal life. 🕒 Chapters 00:00 Life Updates and Career Progression 02:48 Navigating Promotions and Self-Assessment 05:40 Learning and Development in the Workplace 08:37 Conference Preparation and Presentation Skills 11:15 Mentorship and New Beginnings in Research 15:17 Celebrating Achievements in Research 16:09 Diving into Time Management Strategies 26:41 Personal Approaches to Time Management 🔗 Key Links Check out our YouTube Channel Abdul's Published Paper in Nature CommunicationFollow Alex on Instagram or TikTokFollow Abdul on LinkedIn

    26 min
  5. Ep. 15 I Hate Lab Work, What Should I Do Next? Science Communication & Healthcare Marketing

    22 JUL

    Ep. 15 I Hate Lab Work, What Should I Do Next? Science Communication & Healthcare Marketing

    If lab work’s not for you… what now? In this comeback episode of Beyond the White Coat, Alex is joined by new co-host Abdul, a PhD student researching antibiotic resistance and navigating his own science communication journey. Together, they answer a listener’s question about pivoting away from lab work and explore alternative careers in science comms and healthcare marketing, two growing fields where your science background is actually a major asset. Expect personal stories, honest advice, a hilarious $9,200 pricing fail, and practical steps to explore creative, impactful career paths in science, even if you never touch a pipette again. 📌 Key Takeaways - You’re not alone if lab work isn’t for you. There are fulfilling career paths in communication, policy, media, and marketing that value your science background. - How Abdul got free science communication training through a university email many students would have ignored.  - Healthcare marketing as a career path. Alex shares how she transitioned from biomed into creative roles without formal marketing education 🧭 Episode Chapters 00:10 – Welcome Back! Meet the New Co-Host 01:35 – $9,200 for Four Videos?! Healthcare Marketing Gone Wild 05:58 – Listener Question: I Hate Lab Work, Now What? 06:43 – Abdul’s SciComm Workshop Recap (and Meeting a Rock Star CEO) 12:31 – Science Communication Is Everywhere 14:10 – How to Approach Intimidating Experts Without Freezing 17:39 – Mentors, Coaches & Setting Boundaries 18:45 – What Is Healthcare Marketing & How Do You Get Into It? 20:01 – Managing a Social Media Side Hustle with a Full-Time Degree 20:36 – Wrapping Up & What’s Next 🔗 Essential Links & Resources Sense About Science – SciComm & policy training for early-career researchers Hertility Health – Founded by science communicator Helen O’NeillGot a question for the pod? Use the Q&A box on Spotify or DM Alex on Instagram Follow Abdul's journey on LinkedIn

    21 min
  6. Ep. 14 The Journey to Medical Writing with Kamiya Crabtree

    8 FEB

    Ep. 14 The Journey to Medical Writing with Kamiya Crabtree

    Today, I'm excited to introduce you to Kamiya. She began her career inbiomedical science, driven by a passion for understanding the real-world impact of research. Starting in the lab, she honed her scientific expertise before transitioning to a pivotal role at anNHS 111 call center, where she developed exceptional communication and problem-solving skills. These experiences laid the foundation for her career in regulatory medical writing. Today, Kamiya works atMantra Systems, a company dedicated to guiding innovative medical devices through complex regulatory landscapes. Her role involves crafting clinical evaluation reports, state-of-the-art documents, and regulatory submissions, ensuring devices meet stringent safety and efficacy standards. Visit Mantra System here: https://www.mantrasystems.co.uk/

    45 min
  7. Ep. 13 Inside the Life of a Genetic Counsellor with Alice Coulson

    19/12/2024

    Ep. 13 Inside the Life of a Genetic Counsellor with Alice Coulson

    Alice has built an impressive career in the healthcare field, specializing in cancer genetics and neurodegenerative inherited conditions. After earning First Class Honours in Human Biology from Loughborough University, she went on to complete a Master's degree in Genes, Environment, and Development at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience. Alice’s journey into genetic counselling was shaped through the Scientist Training Programme at Guy’s Hospital, where she honed her clinical skills and began her work with families affected by genetic conditions.  Follow Alice on LinkedIn

    46 min
  8. EP. 12 Finding Success in the Healthcare Packaging Industry with Gilma Da Gama

    11/12/2024

    EP. 12 Finding Success in the Healthcare Packaging Industry with Gilma Da Gama

    Today, I’m excited to introduce my friend Gilma, who is a Heathcare Coordinator at Burgopak, an award-winning packaging design agency. She’s part of a team that brings innovative, patented solutions to a wide variety of industries. Gilma has an extensive background in packaging design and project management, and she’s here to share her experiences in the healthcare packaging industry and offer insights for those interested in pursuing this field. The healthcare packaging industry plays a crucial role in the safe and effective delivery of medical products, ranging from pharmaceuticals to medical devices. As healthcare innovation continues to grow, so does the demand for advanced, functional packaging solutions. This sector is not only essential for safety and compliance but also offers exciting opportunities for creativity and problem-solving. For those interested in design, sustainability, and making a tangible impact in healthcare, this industry is an exciting field to explore. Bugopak: https://burgopak.com/ More from Gilma Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/gilmanda?igsh=MXpwajBoenU0anpr&utm_source=qr "Navigating the 20s" Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0VfrTvNWf0MJ8k3Fuwq9Tr?si=g76HigA0TMGXOHxgEcOo0A LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilma-da-gama-/

    48 min
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Beyond the White Coat is a podcast about the human side of life in science, tech, and healthcare. Hosted by Alex, a health tech creative and HCPC registered biomedical scientist, and Abdul, a PhD student at University of York studying antibiotic resistance, the podcast blends real talk, career pivots, and personal growth in STEM. Through honest conversations and guest interviews, we explore career journeys both in and beyond the lab, challenge the status quo, and reflect on what it really means to build a meaningful life in science and healthcare.

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