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Episode 206. Join me for a behind-the-scenes look at a typical day in outpatient psychiatry as a resident, with some honest, mini-rants about note-writing and medications vs. psychotherapy. I also discuss my strategies for maintaining work-life balance and give advice for medical students applying to residency.Learn more about the Medical Student CV Masterclass: https://www.firstlinepodcast.com/courseAccess the exclusive MCAT Cram Session Series: Subscribe to First Line on Spotify creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/firstline/subscribeEditing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): https://www.firstlinepodcast.com/servicesFor a discount on your TrueLearn USMLE or COMLEX subscription go to https://truelearn.referralrock.com/l/firstline/ and use the code firstline at checkoutContent on First Line is for educational and informational purposes only and not intended to be used as medical advice. Views expressed are my own and do not represent any organizations I am associated with.
Episode 205. Let's break down why conferences are a powerful but often overlooked part of the medical school experience, from early exposure to specialties to building meaningful connections in medicine. We also explore how these experiences can strengthen your path toward residency and help you think more strategically about your ERAS application.Learn more about the Medical Student CV Masterclass: https://www.firstlinepodcast.com/courseAccess the exclusive MCAT Cram Session Series: Subscribe to First Line on Spotify creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/firstline/subscribeEditing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): https://www.firstlinepodcast.com/servicesFor a discount on your TrueLearn USMLE or COMLEX subscription go to https://truelearn.referralrock.com/l/firstline/ and use the code firstline at checkoutContent on First Line is for educational and informational purposes only and not intended to be used as medical advice. Views expressed are my own and do not represent any organizations I am associated with.
Episode 204. Let's break down the best practices for volunteering in medical school, including how to choose experiences that create real impact beyond just adding hours to your CV. We discuss meaningful service opportunities, mentorship, community engagement, and how volunteering helps shape both your medical training and your future as a physician.Learn more about the Medical Student CV Masterclass: https://www.firstlinepodcast.com/courseAccess the exclusive MCAT Cram Session Series: Subscribe to First Line on Spotify creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/firstline/subscribeEditing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): https://www.firstlinepodcast.com/servicesFor a discount on your TrueLearn USMLE or COMLEX subscription go to https://truelearn.referralrock.com/l/firstline/ and use the code firstline at checkoutContent on First Line is for educational and informational purposes only and not intended to be used as medical advice. Views expressed are my own and do not represent any organizations I am associated with.
Episode 203. Let's break down exactly what types of leadership experiences medical students should pursue each year of medical school to build a strong ERAS application for residency. Using my own journey as an example, I share a practical roadmap for getting involved early and progressing strategically. Ready to add leadership experiences to you CV? Learn more about the Medical Student CV Masterclass: https://www.firstlinepodcast.com/courseEditing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): https://www.firstlinepodcast.com/servicesAccess the exclusive MCAT Cram Session Series: Subscribe to First Line on Spotify creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/firstline/subscribeFor a discount on your TrueLearn USMLE or COMLEX subscription go to https://truelearn.referralrock.com/l/firstline/ and use the code firstline at checkoutContent on First Line is for educational and informational purposes only and not intended to be used as medical advice. Views expressed are my own and do not represent any organizations I am associated with.
Episode 202. Learn about how to get a strategic edge on the MCAT by reviewing high-yield concepts efficiently and boosting your score with videos and practice questions. This episode includes the full length cram session for the gastrointestinal system in the MCAT Biology section so you can preview the type of content that is part of First Line's subscriber-only cram session series.Access the exclusive MCAT Cram Session Series: Subscribe to First Line on Spotify creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/firstline/subscribeLearn more about the Medical Student CV Masterclass: https://www.firstlinepodcast.com/courseEditing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): https://www.firstlinepodcast.com/servicesFor a discount on your TrueLearn USMLE or COMLEX subscription go to https://truelearn.referralrock.com/l/firstline/ and use the code firstline at checkoutContent on First Line is for educational and informational purposes only and not intended to be used as medical advice. Views expressed are my own and do not represent any organizations I am associated with.
Episode 201. Trying to figure out if research is actually worth your time in medical school? Or when to start? Let's break down what really matters, the biggest mistakes students make, and how to decide if research fits your goals.Learn more about the Medical Student CV Masterclass: https://www.firstlinepodcast.com/courseEditing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): https://www.firstlinepodcast.com/servicesFor a discount on your TrueLearn USMLE or COMLEX subscription go to https://truelearn.referralrock.com/l/firstline/ and use the code firstline at checkoutContent on First Line is for educational and informational purposes only and not intended to be used as medical advice. Views expressed are my own and do not represent any organizations I am associated with.
Trailer for Season 5. I share the direction that this podcast is going, specifically niching down to produce content for pre-med and medical students! While you are bound to find that much of the content I'll produce over the next season will be valuable regardless of your occupation or stage of life, I'm specifically going to talk to those of you in your medical education journey because I've been there and have a lot (more) to share.Visit First Line's website and blog: https://www.firstlinepodcast.comEditing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): https://www.firstlinepodcast.com/servicesFor a discount on your TrueLearn USMLE or COMLEX subscription go to https://truelearn.referralrock.com/l/firstline/ and use the code firstline at checkoutContent on First Line is for educational and informational purposes only and not intended to be used as medical advice. Views expressed are my own and do not represent any organizations I am associated with.
(00:00) — Welcome and origin story: Kyle's path into med ed without being a physician(00:46) — Early admissions work and philosophy: get students into—and out of—med school(02:58) — What AACOM's VP of UME Services does: support across 71 DO locations(04:48) — Admitted-to-M1 is hard: student services and reps supporting the transition(05:12) — Time in the DO space: Marian start and osteopathic focus since 2018(06:38) — Biggest shift: single match and what's improved (and what hasn't)(10:07) — USMLE vs COMLEX: bias, requirements, and what applicants should weigh(12:33) — Data points: general surgery study, plus primary care ~55% context(16:51) — Advocacy update: the FAIR Act and reporting for federally funded programs(20:17) — The DO deposit debate: amounts, rationale, and potential changes(25:32) — Should you apply to DO schools? Choose by fit, curriculum, and support(31:01) — AACOMAS streamlining: 700-character experiences and tech to cut tedium(33:56) — Personal statements: copy/paste and when to add DO-specific experience(38:03) — Financial aid shift: Grad PLUS elimination and new student resources(40:19) — School-backed loans and lender partnerships: protecting students(43:40) — Final takeaways: faculty support, fit, and thriving as a DO or MDDr. Ryan Gray welcomes Kyle Hattenberg, AACOM's VP of Undergraduate Medical Education Services, for a practical look at DO admissions, advocacy, and student support. Kyle explains his new role supporting 71 osteopathic locations, including work on AACOMAS and student services to smooth the admitted-to-M1 transition. They unpack the single match era, persistent USMLE/COMLEX bias, and how AACOM is pushing for equal consideration—highlighting the FAIR Act, which would require federally funded programs to report on accepting and reviewing both DO and MD applicants.They tackle hot-button issues like nonrefundable deposits ($1,500–$3,000), why schools use them, and ongoing conversations about change—plus Kyle's advice to contact schools for hardship considerations. Kyle previews AACOMAS streamlining, including aligning the experience section to 700 characters and leveraging technology to reduce tedious data entry. He clarifies personal statement strategy and when DO-specific experiences belong. Finally, they address the elimination of the Grad PLUS loan, with AACOM building financial wellness resources, hiring dedicated support, and exploring partnerships, while noting that some schools already offer school-backed loans. The episode closes with guidance to choose schools based on fit, curriculum, and support—because thriving in medical school comes first.What You'll Learn:- How AACOM supports applicants and 71 osteopathic locations- What the single match means for DOs and where bias persists- FAIR Act goals and what programs may need to report- Upcoming AACOMAS tweaks, including 700-character activities- Deposit realities, Grad PLUS changes, and funding options
Darren Blasutti, VP of Corporate Development for Minera Alamos, joins the podcast today to provide his corporate editorial comments on Pan now being fully integrated into the Minera portfolio. The onboarding happened sooner than originally anticipated. We walk through the moving parts of the integration, the optimization works happening at Pan, and a walk-through of their production and costs guidance recently published by the company.
This podcast is incredibly HY for the USMLE and COMLEX exams. In this concluding podcast, I address herpes from an “integrative” perspective. There are so many branch points our examinee overlords can take with the herpes viruses so I aggressively go after them with this podcast. In this second part, I discuss the remaining herpes … Continue reading DIP Ep 627: The Clutch Herpes Podcast (Step 1-3), Part B
This podcast is incredibly HY for the USMLE and COMLEX exams. In this concluding podcast, I address herpes from an “integrative” perspective. There are so many branch points our examinee overlords can take with the herpes viruses so I aggressively go after them with this podcast. In this second part, I discuss the remaining herpes … Continue reading DIP Ep 627: The Clutch Herpes Podcast (Step 1-3), Part B
This podcast is incredibly HY for the USMLE and COMLEX exams. In this multipart podcast series, I address herpes from an “integrative” perspective. There are so many branch points our examinee overlords can take with the herpes viruses so I aggressively go after them with this podcast. In this first part, I lay a herpes … Continue reading DIP Ep 626: The Clutch Herpes Podcast (Step 1-3), Part A
This podcast is incredibly HY for the USMLE and COMLEX exams. In this multipart podcast series, I address herpes from an “integrative” perspective. There are so many branch points our examinee overlords can take with the herpes viruses so I aggressively go after them with this podcast. In this first part, I lay a herpes … Continue reading DIP Ep 626: The Clutch Herpes Podcast (Step 1-3), Part A
The tetanus vaccine is a bear for many people to understand and memorize. In this podcast, I discuss a very simple approach to thoroughly knowing exactly what you need for the USMLE and COMLEX examinations. Since vaccines are also well represented on the exams, I spend time discussing “focus areas” and tips/tricks that can help … Continue reading DIP Ep 615: Easy Understanding of The Tetanus Vaccine + Vaccine Test Taking Strategies
The tetanus vaccine is a bear for many people to understand and memorize. In this podcast, I discuss a very simple approach to thoroughly knowing exactly what you need for the USMLE and COMLEX examinations. Since vaccines are also well represented on the exams, I spend time discussing “focus areas” and tips/tricks that can help … Continue reading DIP Ep 615: Easy Understanding of The Tetanus Vaccine + Vaccine Test Taking Strategies
In this podcast, I go over a large number of usual and unusual microbiology associations that show up frequently on the USMLE and COMLEX exams. There’s some stuff I discuss here that you may not even have heard of but should for sure be known as you prepare for your tests. I work through some … Continue reading DIP Ep 586-Quick and Dirty Microbiology Associations for Step 1-3 (Extremely HY)
In this podcast, I go over a large number of usual and unusual microbiology associations that show up frequently on the USMLE and COMLEX exams. There’s some stuff I discuss here that you may not even have heard of but should for sure be known as you prepare for your tests. I work through some … Continue reading DIP Ep 586-Quick and Dirty Microbiology Associations for Step 1-3 (Extremely HY)
D.O. or Do Not: The Osteopathic Physician's Journey for Premed & Medical Students
Send us a textMichael Ayoub was an Osteopathic Medical students with great expectations. . . and then some difficulty passing a test called the COMLEX created a speed bump. He didn't Match, he didn't SOAP. . . so what could he do? Michael kept his chin up and took a job as a medical assistant with a pain management physician and tried again . . . and again.Dr. Ayoub never lost hope . . . never blamed anyone for his struggles . . . and continued to try. In this "episode 4: A New Hope! " Michael shares with us how he got through dark times in his medical journey and ultimately came out a Jedi!What a tale!
In this episode of Spoonful of Sugar, host Felina Thomas, a medical student at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, tackles one of the most high-yield yet confusing topics for DO students: viscerosomatics. Felina breaks down viscerovisceral, somatovisceral, somatosomatic, and viscerosomatic reflexes with relatable examples and clinical vignettes to help you prepare for COMLEX exams. From understanding reflex definitions to reviewing key viscerosomatic levels and their clinical implications, this episode is packed with practical tips and mnemonics to simplify your studies. Tune in for a rapid-fire review and actionable strategies to master this challenging topic!
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 in September! This episode is sponsored by TrueLearn. I could not have obtained over the 80th percentile on all my COMLEX exams without TrueLearn's SmartBanks. For a discount off your TrueLearn subscription use link: https://truelearn.referralrock.com/l/firstline/ and code: firstline Editing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): https://www.fiverr.com/firstlinepod Visit First Line's website and blog: https://poddcaststudios.wixsite.com/firstlinepodcast Instagram: @firstlinepodcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/firstlinepodcast Email: firstlinepodcast@yahoo.com Content on First Line is for educational and informational purposes only, not as medical advice. Views expressed are my own and do not represent any organizations I am associated with.
This podcast discusses how to know if something is high yield. This may seem like a benign topic but it has far reaching implications for anyone preparing for the USMLE or COMLEX exams. Listen to this as soon as you can ahead of any of these tests. Audio Download
This podcast discusses how to know if something is high yield. This may seem like a benign topic but it has far reaching implications for anyone preparing for the USMLE or COMLEX exams. Listen to this as soon as you can ahead of any of these tests. Audio Download
Welcome back to Sevo Sistas, the podcast dedicated to demystifying and diversifying the field of anesthesiology, all within the duration of an anesthesia break. This week, Dr. Peterson will delve into the challenges and triumphs of matching into an anesthesiology residency as a DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). Our special guest, Dr. Alanna Gordon, shares her inspiring journey from her initial interest in medicine to successfully matching into the University of Connecticut's anesthesiology residency program.Key Points Discussed:Dr. Alanna Gordon's Background and Motivation Early interest in medicine inspired by her grandmother's experience with breast cancer.Educational journey: University of Delaware, taking time off to work as a scribe, and attending West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.Challenges faced as a Black woman in medicine and the importance of addressing racial disparities.Choosing the DO PathDecision-making process in applying to DO schools over MD programs.Misconceptions about DO education and its focus on the musculoskeletal system.Explanation of the holistic approach in DO training and its benefits.Standardized Exams and ChallengesPreparing for both the COMLEX and USMLE exams as a DO.Strategies for balancing and succeeding in both sets of exams.Importance of using resources like UWorld, First Aid, and Amboss for studying.Finding Passion in Anesthesiology Initial interest in orthopedic surgery and the pivotal rotation in anesthesiology during third year.Realizing the holistic and impactful role of an anesthesiologist in patient care.Support and mentorship challenges in a DO program and the need for self-motivation.Advice for Aspiring Anesthesiologists Tips for DO students on navigating the path to anesthesiology.Importance of early planning and seeking out rotations and experiences in desired specialties.Conclusion: Join us next week as we continue our conversation with Dr. Alanna Gordon, discussing more strategies and insights for successfully matching into anesthesiology as a DO.Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and subscribe to Sevo Sisters so you don't miss out on future episodes. New episodes drop every Monday to help you start your week with inspiration and valuable insights. Share your thoughts and topic suggestions in the comments!Contact and Follow:Alanna Gordon, DO @AlannaGordon_Twitter: @sevosistasLinkedin: Sevo SistasEmail: sevosistas@gmail.comWant to keep the convo going? Join our FB group!https://www.facebook.com/groups/sevosistasHave a burning question? A concern? A controversy or issue you want to hear covered? We got you, boo! Leave a voice message at 202 743 1404. We will play your recording on the podcast and address your topic (if you don't want it played just say it in the voicemail, we will still cover your topic!). This podcast is for you and we want to include you on this journey! Hope to hear from you soon
In this episode, I conclude our deep examination of the current Free 120 for the Step 2CK exam. As mentioned earlier, consider listening to this series if you're also preparing for Step 3 and COMLEX 2/3. Lots of useful nuggets here. There is a worksheet included that goes beyond the material directly represented here but … Continue reading Divine Intervention Episode 538: 2024 USMLE Step 2CK Free 120 Discussion Part 14 (Q111-120, worksheet included)
In this episode, I conclude our deep examination of the current Free 120 for the Step 2CK exam. As mentioned earlier, consider listening to this series if you're also preparing for Step 3 and COMLEX 2/3. Lots of useful nuggets here. There is a worksheet included that goes beyond the material directly represented here but … Continue reading Divine Intervention Episode 538: 2024 USMLE Step 2CK Free 120 Discussion Part 14 (Q111-120, worksheet included)
In this series, I continue our deep examination of the current Free 120 for the Step 2CK exam. As mentioned earlier, consider listening to this series if you're also preparing for Step 3 and COMLEX 2/3. Lots of useful nuggets here. There is a worksheet included that goes beyond the material directly represented here but … Continue reading Divine Intervention Episode 537: 2024 USMLE Step 2CK Free 120 Discussion Part 13 (Q101-110, worksheet included)
In this series, I continue our deep examination of the current Free 120 for the Step 2CK exam. As mentioned earlier, consider listening to this series if you're also preparing for Step 3 and COMLEX 2/3. Lots of useful nuggets here. There is a worksheet included that goes beyond the material directly represented here but … Continue reading Divine Intervention Episode 537: 2024 USMLE Step 2CK Free 120 Discussion Part 13 (Q101-110, worksheet included)
In this series, I continue our deep examination of the current Free 120 for the Step 2CK exam. As mentioned earlier, consider listening to this series if you're also preparing for Step 3 and COMLEX 2/3. Lots of useful nuggets here. Audio Download
In this series, I continue our deep examination of the current Free 120 for the Step 2CK exam. As mentioned earlier, consider listening to this series if you're also preparing for Step 3 and COMLEX 2/3. Lots of useful nuggets here. Audio Download
In this series, I continue our deep examination of the current Free 120 for the Step 2CK exam. As mentioned earlier, consider listening to this series if you're also preparing for Step 3 and COMLEX 2/3. Lots of useful nuggets here. Audio Download
In this series, I continue our deep examination of the current Free 120 for the Step 2CK exam. As mentioned earlier, consider listening to this series if you're also preparing for Step 3 and COMLEX 2/3. Lots of useful nuggets here. Audio Download
In this series, I continue our deep examination of the current Free 120 for the Step 2CK exam. As mentioned earlier, consider listening to this series if you're also preparing for Step 3 and COMLEX 2/3. Lots of useful nuggets here. Audio Download
In this series, I continue our deep examination of the current Free 120 for the Step 2CK exam. As mentioned earlier, consider listening to this series if you're also preparing for Step 3 and COMLEX 2/3. Lots of useful nuggets here. Audio Download
In this series, I continue our deep examination of the current Free 120 for the Step 2CK exam. As mentioned earlier, consider listening to this series if you're also preparing for Step 3 and COMLEX 2/3. Lots of useful nuggets here. Audio Download
In this series, I continue our deep examination of the current Free 120 for the Step 2CK exam. As mentioned earlier, consider listening to this series if you're also preparing for Step 3 and COMLEX 2/3. Lots of useful nuggets here. Audio Download
In this series, I continue our deep examination of the current Free 120 for the Step 2CK exam. As mentioned earlier, consider listening to this series if you're also preparing for Step 3 and COMLEX 2/3. Lots of useful nuggets here. Audio Download
In this series, I continue our deep examination of the current Free 120 for the Step 2CK exam. As mentioned earlier, consider listening to this series if you're also preparing for Step 3 and COMLEX 2/3. Lots of useful nuggets here. Audio Download
In this series, I continue our deep examination of the current Free 120 for the Step 2CK exam. As mentioned earlier, consider listening to this series if you're also preparing for Step 3 and COMLEX 2/3. Lots of useful nuggets here. If you're interested in the review classes for Step 1-3 that I offer (over … Continue reading Divine Intervention Episode 525: 2024 USMLE Step 2CK Free 120 Discussion Part 7
In this series, I continue our deep examination of the current Free 120 for the Step 2CK exam. As mentioned earlier, consider listening to this series if you're also preparing for Step 3 and COMLEX 2/3. Lots of useful nuggets here. If you're interested in the review classes for Step 1-3 that I offer (over … Continue reading Divine Intervention Episode 525: 2024 USMLE Step 2CK Free 120 Discussion Part 7
In this series, I continue our deep examination of the current Free 120 for the Step 2CK exam. As mentioned earlier, consider listening to this series if you're also preparing for Step 3 and COMLEX 2/3. Lots of useful nuggets here. If you're interested in the review classes for Step 1-3 taking place this month … Continue reading Divine Intervention Episode 523: 2024 USMLE Step 2CK Free 120 Discussion Part 6
In this series, I continue our deep examination of the current Free 120 for the Step 2CK exam. As mentioned earlier, consider listening to this series if you're also preparing for Step 3 and COMLEX 2/3. Lots of useful nuggets here. If you're interested in the review classes for Step 1-3 taking place this month … Continue reading Divine Intervention Episode 523: 2024 USMLE Step 2CK Free 120 Discussion Part 6
In this series, I continue our deep examination of the current Free 120 for the Step 2CK exam. As mentioned earlier, consider listening to this series if you're also preparing for Step 3 and COMLEX 2/3. Lots of useful nuggets here. If you’re interested in the review classes for Step 1-3 starting tomorrow (over zoom), … Continue reading Divine Intervention Episode 522: 2024 USMLE Step 2CK Free 120 Discussion Part 5
In this series, I continue our deep examination of the current Free 120 for the Step 2CK exam. As mentioned earlier, consider listening to this series if you're also preparing for Step 3 and COMLEX 2/3. Lots of useful nuggets here. If you’re interested in the review classes for Step 1-3 starting tomorrow (over zoom), … Continue reading Divine Intervention Episode 522: 2024 USMLE Step 2CK Free 120 Discussion Part 5
In this series, I continue our deep examination of the current Free 120 for the Step 2CK exam. As mentioned earlier, consider listening to this series if you’re also preparing for Step 3 and COMLEX 2/3. Lots of useful nuggets here. Audio Download
In this series, I continue our deep examination of the current Free 120 for the Step 2CK exam. As mentioned earlier, consider listening to this series if you’re also preparing for Step 3 and COMLEX 2/3. Lots of useful nuggets here. Audio Download
In this short podcast, I discuss the 50 hr, 500 MCQ Step 2/3 (also COMLEX 2/3) class taking place from June 1-14, 2024. We will meet for 5 hrs over 10 days (with 4 break days) with each session running from 3-8 pm PST. The class will focus heavily on reviewing content, critical analysis and … Continue reading 50 hr, 500 MCQ Step 2/3 Class (June 2024)
In this short podcast, I discuss the upcoming 25 hour Step 1/COMLEX 1 review. The course is excellent prep for those taking the mentioned exams along with those taking Step 2/3 or COMLEX 2/3 with poor foundations. With the increasing basic science bent of the Step 2/3 exams, an increasing number of individuals even with … Continue reading March 2024 25 Hour Step 1/COMLEX 1 Review
In this short podcast, I discuss the 25 hour Step 1/COMLEX 1 review taking place next week. The course is also targeted towards individuals taking Step/COMLEX 2 and 3 with poor Step/COMLEX 1 foundations. Email me via the website for more information. Audio Download
Since this is the 500th episode, I decided to make a super HY review that will benefit any USMLE or COMLEX test taker (Step 1-3 or COMLEX 1-3). I spend tons of time on cardiac pressures and make lots of integrations across multiple disciplines. Thank you for your support so far with the website and … Continue reading Divine Intervention Episode 500: USMLE Rapid Review Series 108 (For Step 1-3)
In this short podcast, I discuss my 100 hour Step 2CK/3 class taking place from April 29-May 18 2024 via zoom (also suitable for COMLEX 2/3). The goal of this class is to provide a comprehensive review of all subject areas tested on the USMLEs (with the exception of CCS cases and OMM from the … Continue reading 100 Hour Step 2/3 Class (May 2024)