The Med School Years

Medical School Headquarters
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Join Carlos Tapia and Deana Golini from Medical School Headquarters in our newest podcast, Med School Years! Med School Years is the essential podcast designed to guide medical students through the highs and lows of medical school and confidently match into their dream residency programs. Each episode features insightful conversations with successful medical students, experienced residency program directors, and experts who have navigated the path you're walking now. Gain practical strategies, powerful advice, and inspiring stories to help you thrive academically, manage challenges, and secure your future in medicine. Subscribe now, and make your med school years the best years yet! Check out all of the podcasts Medical School HQ has to offer at medicalschoolhq.net!

  1. APR 13

    Payal, M4 at Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine

    What do you do when medical school makes you feel disconnected from your purpose? You lean into the "extra" opportunities that others overlook. Join host Deana Golini as she interviews Payal, an M4 at Kansas City University, who transformed her medical education by embracing an OMM Fellowship and a national leadership role with the AAFP. Payal shares the raw reality of her M1 "identity crisis," how she navigated the transition from a Tufts Master’s program to the "10 fire hydrants" of medical school, and why she chose to spend an extra year deepening her osteopathic roots. From painting murals to alleviate burnout to serving as a student delegate in the Congress of Delegates, Payal’s journey is a roadmap for any student looking to bridge the gap between eastern and western medical philosophies. If Payal’s journey provides the clarity you need for your residency path, like this video, share your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe for more insider blueprints for med school success!

    43 min

  2. APR 1

    Chino, 3rd Year MD-PhD Student at Icahn SOM at Mount Sinai

    What does it really mean to commit to an eight-year training path? Join host Deana Golini as she interviews Chinoso Nwakama, a third-year MD-PhD student at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, who is currently deep in the research phase of his dual degree. Chinoso (Chino) shares his journey from rural Minnesota to the heart of New York City, explaining how the Flex Grad pipeline program allowed him to bypass the MCAT and focus on his passion for addiction research. He discusses the "double privilege" of wearing two hats, clinician and researcher, and how he maintains his medical knowledge while solely focused on molecular lab work. From running half-marathons in Central Park to his deep love for history, Chinoso’s story is a masterclass in enjoying the process of a long-term training path. If Chinoso’s journey provides the clarity you need for your residency path, like this video, share your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe for more insider blueprints for med school success! What You’ll Learn: The MD-PhD "Why": Understanding the utility of dual degrees in translational medicine. Bypassing the MCAT: How Mount Sinai’s Flex Grad program provides an early assurance pathway for researchers. Addiction & Public Health: Chinoso’s research into substance use disorders and the neurodegeneration caused by chronic opioid use. The "Two Hats" Philosophy: Navigating the identity shift between seeing patients in the ED and working at the molecular level. Maintaining Clinical Edge: Strategies for keeping medical knowledge fresh during a 4-year PhD hiatus. The Humanities Connection: Why a passion for History and science outreach makes for a more well-rounded physician.

    41 min

  3. MAR 13

    Ashley, M2 at New York Medical College

    What do you do when your medical school dreams and personal life collide? You master the art of disciplined organization. Join host Deana Golini as she interviews Ashley Abing, an M2 at New York Medical College, who just balanced the academic intensity of second year with her own wedding weekend. Ashley, an alumna of the Brown University Master’s in Medical Sciences, shares how she transitioned from a first-generation immigrant household to Johns Hopkins and eventually NYMC. She dives into her chance discovery of Ophthalmology during her gap year, her strategy for managing "Ophthalmic" research, and how her Master’s program provided the academic "blueprint" to survive medical school didactics. If you’re wondering how to maintain your identity, your relationships, and your grades all at once, Ashley’s story is your masterclass. If Ashley’s journey provides the clarity you need for your residency path, like this video, share your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe for more insider blueprints for med school success! Explore additional resources: Main website: https://medschoolyears.com Apply to be on the podcast: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...#MedSchoolYears #NYMC #Ophthalmology #FirstGenMD #MedSchoolWedding #ResidencyPrep #SpecialMastersProgram #WomenInMedicine

    40 min

  4. MAR 4

    Sheila, M2 at University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine

    What do you do when medical school tells you "no" twice? You fight harder. Join host Deana Golini as she interviews Sheila "Shay" Solares, an M2 at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, about her three-cycle journey to the white coat. Sheila shares the reality of being a first-generation student navigating a system she didn't fully understand until her third attempt. From the "grind" in UNE COM’s brand-new Portland facility to founding an interprofessional health screening clinic for the Latinx community, Sheila’s story is a masterclass in perseverance. Learn how her Master's at Brown served as a "refresher" for M1, why she views leadership as "leading leaders," and how her Guatemalan mother’s grit inspired her to never take "no" for an answer. If Shay’s journey provides the clarity you need for your residency path, like this video, share your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe for more insider blueprints for med school success! What You’ll Learn: The emotional toll of multiple application cycles and how to stay motivated after rejection.How to use a Special Master’s Program (SMP) to build the academic skills necessary for medical school success.The "DO Advantage" in New England: Training at the region's only osteopathic medical school.Leadership in Action: Revitalizing the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) and building interprofessional clinics.Navigating "Specs" (Standardized Patient Experiences) and transitioning from medical assistant to the provider role.Cultural competency: The importance of medical Spanish and serving underrepresented communities. Explore additional resources: Main website: https://medschoolyears.com Apply to be on the podcast: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...#MedSchoolYears #UNECOM #DOstudent #FirstGenMD #ResidencyPrep #MedicalSchoolInspiration #LMSA #NonTradMD

    34 min

  5. FEB 11

    Ishan, M4 at Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine

    Is a three-year Internal Medicine residency just a stepping stone, or the foundation of your career? Join host Deana Golini as she interviews Ishan Gupta, an M4 at the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, about his hyper-focused path toward a Cardiovascular Fellowship. Ishan shares the blueprint for navigating an osteopathic medical curriculum that included a staggering 120 exams in two years. He discusses the transition from a specialized SMP at Brown University to clinical rotations across the Phoenix "DO-friendly" hub. Learn how he leveraged a leadership role in the American College of Physicians (ACP) to build residency credibility and why he believes the "DO stigma" is rapidly disappearing in competitive internal medicine circles. Whether you are a DO student aiming for a competitive fellowship or an M1 looking for the best way to network within a state chapter, Ishan’s strategic approach provides the actionable steps you need. If Ishan’s journey provides the clarity you need for your residency path, like this video, share your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe for more insider blueprints for med school success!

    49 min

  6. JAN 21

    Paulos, M2 at University of California Davis School of Medicine | Med School Years Podcast

    Ready to bet on yourself, even when the odds seem impossible? Join hosts Deana and Carlos as they sit down with Paulos Flores, an M2 at UC Davis School of Medicine, whose journey to medicine is anything but typical. Paulos spent nearly a decade as a professional poker player and a long-term caregiver for his mother before deciding to pursue medicine in his 30s. He shares the raw reality of starting over as a high school dropout with a transcript full of "C" grades, proving that with the right study habits and a "don't-quit" work ethic, any academic history can be rewritten. Learn how he balanced being a first-time father during interview season, why he chose UC Davis for its mission, and his "poker-player" approach to clinical decision-making. Whether you're a non-traditional student, a parent in medicine, or someone feeling "too old" for the dream, Paulos’s story is a masterclass in resilience and authenticity. What You’ll Learn: The transition from professional poker to the "relentless" schedule of an M2. How to handle the emotional and financial burden of long-term caregiving. The strategy for overcoming a "bad" academic transcript through humility and work ethic. Why authenticity is the ultimate "X-factor" in medical school applications. Balancing fatherhood with the demands of a competitive medical curriculum. Dealing with the negativity of online forums like SDN and choosing to "block the noise." If Paulos’s journey inspires you, hit Like, share your thoughts in the comments, and Subscribe for more insider advice on thriving in med school and beyond. Explore additional resources: Main website: https://medschoolyears.com Listen on Spotify: https://spotify.com/medschoolyears Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...#MedSchoolYears #UCDavisHealth #NonTradMedStudent #PremedAdvice #MedicalSchool #ParentInMedicine #PokerToPhysician #FirstGenMD

    48 min

  7. JAN 14

    Cold Email to Mass Eye and Ear: An M4’s ENT Research Breakthrough

    Ready for the strategic blueprint to matching into a highly competitive surgical specialty? Join hosts Deana and Carlos as they dive deep with Afash Haleem, an M4 at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS), who is applying for Otolaryngology (ENT). Afash shares his unique journey as a BS/MD graduate who strategically took a gap year for a research fellowship at Mass Eye and Ear. He reveals how he amassed an impressive portfolio (26 papers!) by treating research as a hobby, applying business auditing techniques ("Secret Shopper"), and focusing on "adjacent specialty" literature. Learn his critical advice on networking across the country, why blocking out the competitive noise is necessary for survival, and the profound clinical growth gained from training at a Level I trauma center like University Hospital. Whether you're exploring the BS/MD path, struggling with research, or navigating the stress of a competitive match, this episode is packed with strategic and practical guidance. Afash’s story proves that intentionality, unique interests, and a relentless focus on quality over perceived quantity are the keys to success. What You’ll Learn: The strategic benefits and challenges of the BS/MD path and deferring admission for a gap year. How to get 26 publications by treating research as a hobby and finding innovative methodologies (like the "Secret Shopper" study). Why ENT is a blend of General Surgery and Internal Medicine and what that means for your application. Crucial advice on blocking out competitive "noise" and why networking with residents is essential. How to maintain wellness through cooking and the importance of being near family during residency. The reality of training at a massive Level I Trauma Center and safety net hospital (NJMS). If Afash’s story inspires you, hit Like, share your thoughts in the comments, and Subscribe for more insider advice on thriving in med school and beyond. Explore additional resources and catch every episode of The Med School Years: Main website: https://medschoolyears.com Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3OqsJPY... Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...#MedSchoolYears #ENTresidency #BSMD #RutgersNJMS #ResearchStrategy #CompetitiveMatch #Wellness #Networking

    36 min

  8. 12/31/2025

    First-Gen to Future Neurosurgeon: Building Research, Mentorship, & Credibility

    Ready to find your strength and community amidst the competitive demands of medical school? Join hosts Deana and Carlos as they sit down with Deondra Montgomery, an M3 at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine (MSU CHM), about turning cultural shock and academic challenge into focused momentum. Deondra shares the profound emotional pressure of being a Latina/Black, first-generation student and the culture shock of moving from sunny Southern California to Michigan for medical school. She reveals how she overcame a "rocky" M1 year by strategically connecting with student groups like SNMA and LMSA, which became her vital support network. Learn the precise strategy she used to build a strong Neurosurgery portfolio without a traditional home lab, securing mentorship through cold outreach and advocacy. Whether you're struggling with the transition to medical school, seeking competitive research opportunities, or navigating identity in medicine, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Deondra’s story proves that resilience, community, and strategic self-advocacy are the true blueprints for success in neurosurgery and beyond. What You’ll Learn: The emotional and academic challenges of the first-generation student experience. How to overcome M1 struggles and the culture shock of a major geographical move. The Blueprint for Research in a competitive surgical specialty (Neurosurgery) when you feel "behind." Strategic importance of SNMA/LMSA for support and professional growth for URM students. Key takeaways from M2 mini-rotations (ruling out Ob/Gyn, loving Internal Medicine). How to stay true to your cultural identity while immersed in the medical world. If Deondra's story inspires you, hit the Like button, share your thoughts in the comments, and Subscribe for more insider advice on thriving in med school and beyond. Explore additional resources and catch every episode of The Med School Years: Main website: https://medschoolyears.com Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3OqsJPY... Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

    38 min
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About

Join Carlos Tapia and Deana Golini from Medical School Headquarters in our newest podcast, Med School Years! Med School Years is the essential podcast designed to guide medical students through the highs and lows of medical school and confidently match into their dream residency programs. Each episode features insightful conversations with successful medical students, experienced residency program directors, and experts who have navigated the path you're walking now. Gain practical strategies, powerful advice, and inspiring stories to help you thrive academically, manage challenges, and secure your future in medicine. Subscribe now, and make your med school years the best years yet! Check out all of the podcasts Medical School HQ has to offer at medicalschoolhq.net!

Information

  • Creator
    Medical School Headquarters
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Medical School Headquarters
  • Show Website
    The Med School Years

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