Aspire Premed: Recent Episodes
AspirePremed
Aspire Premed is all about the paths to med school, and beyond. Featuring insights from your MD host, Dr. V, this series is meant for the busy student on the go; episodes are short and sweet. Whether you’re a college premed, a postbac student navigating a career change, a reapplicant, or a curious high schooler interested in medicine, you’re bound to find something here that resonates with you. Check it out! Get in touch at AspirePremed@gmail.com
On the path to medicine, we focus so much on learning how to master our craft, which, after all, makes sense; it's what we signed up for! However, in today’s revisited episode, Dr. V focuses on something quite different, the important non-medical skills that could empower future physicians. If developed early on, these might put us at a tremendous advantage on our path to medicine. Learn what they are on this latest episode of Aspire Premed. Reach out at AspirePremed@gmail.com or on Instagram @aspire.premed.podcast.
In today’s revisited episode, you'll hear about practical ways to think about creating your med school list. What will factor into your selection? Tune in to learn more about an invaluable resource that could provide detailed information about the schools that may interest you, as well as tips to help narrow down which programs may best suit your priorities. If you’re enjoying Aspire Premed, click “Follow” and share with a friend!
Want to learn more about a one-on-one premed support session? Reach out: AspirePremed@gmail.com
Working on your personal statement essay for medical school? Today’s revisited episode offers some helpful insights! Whether you’re a current applicant already putting pen to paper, or a first-year premed inspired to plan ahead, today’s episode has something for you. Dr. V reviews ways to overcome personal statement writer’s block, and provides helpful resources that could motivate you to tell your unique story in the best way you can. Be sure to check out Aspire Premed Ep. 4 (“Your Path, Your Story”) and Ep. 7 (“The Core Competencies”) for even more personal statement inspiration; all of these episodes are great ways to start! Also note that since the original airing of "Personal Statement Inspiration" in 2022, the AAMC has issued the updated "2024 AMCAS Applicant Guide;" please defer to the AAMC for the most up-to-date information.
Follow Aspire Premed on Instagram (@aspire.premed.podcast), and if you’re enjoying the podcast, please share with a friend!
In anticipation of this cycle's AMCAS application season, Dr. V is dedicating today's episode to the Work/Activities section. Tune in to learn more about approaches that could inspire your writing, and ways to use your experiences as a platform through which you could tell your story. If you know someone who might benefit from these practical insights, share this week's episode with them. Good luck to everyone on their journey!
Follow on Instagram: @aspire.premed.podcast. Reach out to inquire about a one-on-one premed support session: AspirePremed@gmail.com
Interested in a career as a physician? Today, Dr. V gives an introduction to the premed path. Whether you're just starting to consider a career as a medical doctor, or you're well on your way, tune in today to hear an important overview. Do you need to major in a science? What helpful resources exist online and at your school? What are some of the requirements to get into medical school? Listen to today's episode to hear insights into these questions- and more! Finally, if you're interested in more premed content, check out @aspire.premed.podcast on Instagram. Email AspirePremed@gmail.com to learn more about one-on-one premed support sessions with Dr. V.
Back in October 2022, Dr. V shared three important things she wished she'd known in her premed years. Because this episode resonated with many of you, she decided to dedicate this week's podcast to reflecting on three more insights. Navigating the road to med school brings about challenges and rewards; we all may be faced with things in our premed years that we wish we could have known earlier, or could have approached differently. Tune in to today's episode to hear more of Dr. V's reflections, and see if any these insights apply to your journey.
If you're interested in a one-on-one premed support session with Dr. V, reach out at AspirePremed@gmail.com. For more premed content, check out @aspire.premed.podcast on Instagram.
There is so much to learn from those who have walked our path. When Dr. V was a med student gearing up for residency, she asked a number of different mentors for advice for the next stage of her journey. All of these pearls of wisdom were immensely helpful, but one in particular stood out. Tune in to today's episode to learn about it!
If you're enjoying Aspire Premed, share your favorite episode with a friend, and check out @aspire.premed.podcast on Instagram for more great premed content!
Get inspired! Today's episode is the third installment of Aspire Premed's "Medical Specialty" series. Profiled are careers as an EMS physician, geriatrician, and radiation oncologist. Perhaps the fields you learn about today will spark ideas for clinical/shadowing opportunities, or even your ultimate career path. If you enjoy this episode, be sure to share with a friend, and check out the other installments of Aspire Premed's "Medical Specialty" series!
This week's revisited episode is a special one. Both personally and professionally, relationships teach us some of the greatest lessons of our lives. In Aspire Premed Ep. 37, “The Company You Keep REVISITED,” Dr. V explores why the people with whom we choose to surround ourselves really matter. Tune in for an honest conversation about premed culture, mentorship, and the people in our corner.
If this episode resonates with you, share it with a friend. For more premed content, check out @aspire.premed.podcast on Instagram!
To become a physician, one must take a number of standardized tests. Doing well requires a strong fund of knowledge, practice, and a strong work ethic (among other things!). The MCAT is often on the forefront of a premed student's mind. Tune in to today's episode for helpful and practical insights into this important exam! You'll also hear about some free/low-cost resources. Finally, always be sure to refer to the AAMC for the most up-to-date information about the MCAT.
If you're enjoying Aspire Premed, share an episode with a friend and follow on Instagram for even more great content (@aspire.premed.podcast).
Have you ever experienced a "premed slump?" This may involve a feeling of going through the motions, or approaching certain premed tasks in "autopilot mode." When it comes to working to achieve our goals, it's not uncommon for excitement to wax and wane. In today's episode, Dr. V introduces a mindset shift to awaken that excitement once more. She provides concrete examples that allow us to get more out of our volunteering, shadowing, and academic experiences, creating a more meaningful and intentional journey to med school. Check it out!
If you're interested in more premed content, follow on Instagram: @aspire.premed.podcast. Also, if you'd like to schedule a one-on-one support session to work on powerful mindset shifts for premed students (and more), email AspirePremed@gmail.com to inquire!
Are you a premed student looking for amazing clinical experiences? An ideal clinical experience can help nurture your interest in medicine while enabling you to develop skills that are important to future physicians. In today's episode, Dr. V focuses on three great examples. Some people choose to balance these activities with their school schedule, while others dedicate time to one or more of these over the course of their gap year(s). Tune in to today's episode to see how many of these interest you!
Check out @aspire.premed.podcast on Instagram for more helpful content. Also, if you could benefit from a one-on-one premed support session, reach out via email (AspirePremed@gmail.com) to schedule a free consultation call!
This week's episode of Aspire Premed provides another glimpse into the future! Effective communication is critical in medicine. Dr. V reviews a practice that is used by med students, residents, and attendings: sign-out. Sign-out is an important part of patient care, and involves the transfer of information from one team to the next. In this episode, Dr. V provides one example of how sign-out is performed; it's never too early to gain exposure to this skill, and practicing it in your mind can even help you get more out of your shadowing experiences. Tune in to today's episode to learn more!
Enjoying the podcast? Follow Aspire Premed on Instagram @aspire.premed.podcast for more great content!
"Some of the things we discussed today are not often spoken about in the early stages of a career in medicine, so I'm glad to bring them to your attention today." In this week's episode of Aspire Premed, Dr. V invites us to think about our future selves. Who will we be in twenty years? She reviews three important considerations to think about on the journey to medicine; some of these ideas are often not introduced at this stage of the premed path, but early exposure to them could be immensely helpful! Tune in to learn what they are, and how being mindful of them could empower us make more informed decisions as we navigate this exciting road to becoming a physician.
If you're interested in learning more about one-on-one premed support sessions, reach out: AspirePremed@gmail.com
“The most important thing is not to be defined by our mistakes or shortcomings, but to use them as a springboard for growth.” Today’s episode offers inspiration and insight into overcoming bumps in the road to medical school, with a focus on academics. If you’ve ever received a grade that’s not reflective of your potential, tune in to learn more about some things that could prove helpful in your premed journey. Remember, you can’t control what happened in the past, but if you have a passion for medicine, check out this "Revisited" episode of Aspire Premed to learn how to lean on that, and use those challenges to show improvement.
If you're enjoying Aspire Premed, follow @aspire.premed.podcast on Instagram for more inspiration and insights!
Shadowing is invaluable. If you've ever wondered about the day-to-day life of a physician, shadowing opportunities can provide a glimpse into this world. Ultimately, these experiences exist to help nurture your interest in medicine, and inform your decision to pursue a career as a physician. Tune in to this week's episode for insights into getting the most out of your shadowing sessions!
If you're enjoying Aspire Premed, follow @aspire.premed.podcast on Instagram for even more premed inspiration!
What does "research" mean to you? Early in her premed journey, Dr. V was convinced that research was not her cup of tea; however, years later, she found herself embracing an academic research year. In today's episode, she examines some of her preconceived notions, and how these were challenged over the years. Learn more about how multifaceted the world of research can be, and how exploring it can help you nurture your passion for medicine in your unique way.
If you're enjoying Aspire Premed, be sure to click "Follow" on your podcast platform of choice!
Have you ever experienced imposter syndrome? Learn more about this in today’s episode of Aspire Premed, in which Dr. V explores the practice and potential consequences of comparing ourselves to others in our premed journey. Importantly, she reviews some strategies to help redirect our focus to create space for our own growth and progress. Tune in for practical insights and inspiration on the road to med school (and beyond).
If you’re enjoying Aspire Premed, click “Follow” on your podcast platform of choice, and share with a friend!
This is an important one. In today's episode, Dr. V discusses the significance of knowing your story: what brought you to your path to med school? We invest so much energy - and rightfully so - in optimizing the "objective" parts of our application, like our grades and MCAT score. Dr. V reviews why being able to communicate your narrative is critical, and how it could potentially influence many important parts of your application that are more subjective (e.g., your personal statement, interview, etc.). Knowing your story may also serve as an anchor as you navigate your career beyond med school. Tune in for important insights, inspiration, and an exercise to get you started.
Never miss an episode; if you're enjoying Aspire Premed, click "Follow" on your podcast platform of choice!
Are you seeking out interesting clinical or shadowing experiences? In today’s episode, the second installment of Aspire Premed’s “Medical Specialty Series,” Dr. V reviews three more fascinating medical fields: neuroradiology, palliative care medicine, and rheumatology. How many of these have you explored? If you enjoy today’s show, check out the first episode of this specialty series (Ep. 20) to learn about more unique medical fields.
Never miss an episode; be sure to click “follow,” and check out the Aspire Premed podcast for weekly inspiration on the path to med school!
Regardless of your major, exposure to concepts presented in many non-science classes can benefit future physicians. Whether they serve to broaden our perspective or help us to understand our patients’ stories, these courses have so much to offer. In today’s episode, Dr. V reviews four non-science classes that could help hone important skills in ways you might not have realized. How many of these courses have you taken?
Follow Aspire Premed on Instagram @aspire.premed.podcast, and share an episode with a friend!
Hi, premed community! Are you planning on applying to medical school in 2023? Have you been spending this time working on (or thinking about) your personal statement? If so, consider participating in this upcoming small group workshop on Thursday 1/5/23 at 5:30 PM EST on Zoom! Please take note of the time zone if it is different from yours.
This free session will focus specifically on insights related to the personal statement submitted through AMCAS, the application processing service for most US allopathic medical schools. If you think this experience may be helpful to you, and are interested in participating, please request a sign-up form by emailing AspirePremed@gmail.com, and include “Jan 5 Aspire Premed Workshop” in the subject line. Because groups are small and space is limited, please submit your completed form as soon as possible. Note that a waiting list will be generated once spots are filled.
If you're not applying to medical school in 2023, but know someone who is, please share this announcement!
Best of luck, and Happy New Year!
In today’s episode, you'll hear about practical ways to think about creating your med school list. What will factor into your selection? Tune in to learn more about an invaluable resource that could provide detailed information about the schools that may interest you, as well as tips to help narrow down which programs may best suit your priorities. If you’re enjoying Aspire Premed, click “Follow” and share with a friend!
Reach out on Instagram: @aspire.premed.podcast and email: AspirePremed@gmail.com
Which study approach works best for you? In today’s episode, Dr. V describes a number of effective study tips that worked for her as a premed (and beyond!). She also reviews the importance of developing study habits that cater to our unique learning styles.
Follow the Aspire Premed Podcast, and tune in to learn more!
Reach out on Instagram @aspire.premed.podcast, or via email: AspirePremed@gmail.com
This week’s episode features Aspire Premed’s first interview: a conversation with a pediatric intensivist! Not only does she discuss what inspired her to pursue a career in pediatric critical care, but she shares her perspectives on choosing a major, studying collaboratively, and pursuing formative global health experiences. Today’s episode also covers pediatric hospitalist medicine (another great field), and some differences in medical school curricula that you may find interesting.
If you enjoy Aspire Premed, please follow/subscribe!
In today’s episode, Dr. V is excited to introduce Aspire Premed’s “Medical Specialty Series.” These episodes focus on unique medical fields that may not have been on your radar. These will inspire ideas for your clinical and shadowing experiences, diversifying your exposure to the depth and breadth of medicine. In today’s episode, learn more about the dynamic worlds of pediatric liver transplant medicine, anesthesiology, and adult congenital heart disease.
Follow the Aspire Premed podcast for weekly inspiration on the path to med school, and check out this week’s Instagram posts on @aspire.premed.podcast!
Whether you call them letters of recommendation, letters of evaluation, or LORs, these make up a vital part of one’s application to medical school. This week, Dr. V provides an excellent overview, delving into topics like: the types of letters your school might offer, the decision of whom to ask, and important timing considerations. Be sure to check out this episode for resources, insights, and inspiration!
If you enjoy this week's programming, please share with a friend!
In today's episode, Dr. V responds to some of your incredibly thoughtful questions. Explored are important topics like backup plans, shadowing opportunities, and more. Tune in to see how many of these questions have crossed your mind as you've navigated the journey to med school. Follow @aspire.premed.podcast on Instagram to see more Q&A's featured in a future post, and share your favorites with a friend.
Today’s episode is inspired by your feedback! Many of you reached out about how much you enjoyed Ep. 6 of Aspire Premed, “Non-Medical Skills for Future Physicians.” Building off of this theme, Dr. V is excited to bring you this week’s show, “Non-Medical Skills for Future Medical Students.” Featured are three abilities that could empower future physicians-in-training, and that could be honed as early as your premed years. While these skills are advantageous for life in med school, developing them now could even benefit you in the years to come. Tune in to learn more, and share an episode with a friend!
Reach out on Instagram: aspire.premed.podcast, and via email: AspirePremed@gmail.com
Thinking about your personal statement for med school, but not sure where to begin? Today’s episode is a wonderful place to start! Whether you’re a soon-to-be applicant ready to put pen to paper, or a first-year premed inspired to plan ahead, today’s episode has something for you. Dr. V reviews ways to overcome personal statement writer’s block, and provides helpful resources that could motivate you to tell your unique story in the best way you can. Be sure to check out Aspire Premed Ep. 4 (“Your Path, Your Story”) and Ep. 7 (“The Core Competencies”) for even more personal statement inspiration; all of these episodes are great ways to start!
Follow Aspire Premed on Instagram (@aspire.premed.podcast), and if you’re enjoying the podcast, please share with a friend!
Looking to take your premed journey to the next level? In today’s episode, Dr. V introduces three powerful mindset shifts for future physicians-in-training. Learn how making some small changes could have a huge impact on how we perceive ourselves, and the path to med school. Tune in to discover how empowering these changes in perspective could be! Also, be sure to get the most out of this episode by having a pen and paper handy.
Reach out on Instagram: @aspire.premed.podcast, and via email: AspirePremed@gmail.com
Applying to medical school starts with putting our best foot forward. In Part II of Aspire Premed’s “Timing” series, Dr. V looks at what happens if despite our best efforts, we’re not yet ready to move forward in this application cycle. For some, taking extra time - in the form of a gap year, for example – might make sense, and might give an opportunity to showcase growth and improvement. In this episode, Dr. V focuses on some helpful considerations when deciding whether to move forward in this cycle or a future one. She also reviews how imposter syndrome can hold us back as early as our premed years, and discusses an approach to tackle this. At the end of the day, everyone’s path is different, and only you can decide what’s best for you. Today’s episode can provide inspiration and insight as you navigate your journey.
Reach out on Instagram: @aspire.premed.podcast and via email AspirePremed@gmail.com
Staying organized is key on the road to med school! In this episode of Aspire Premed, Dr. V focuses on timing considerations on the premed journey. This is so important, and it’s never too early to start planning the big picture. Tune in to learn more about helpful resources to check out as you plan your journey. Today’s episode also reviews some of what happens to applications after we hit “submit” (it’s interesting!) and why it’s so important to be aware of this. Additionally, Dr. V shares important insights about some things that could cause delays, and considerations about what could optimize the process. No matter where you are in your premed journey, planning carefully in advance is critical. Find inspiration, and learn more on today’s episode of Aspire Premed!
Reach out on Instagram @aspire.premed.podcast, and via email AspirePremed@gmail.com
Navigating the road to med school brings about both challenges and rewards. We are all faced with things in life that we wish we could have known earlier or could have approached differently. In this special episode, Dr. V reflects on some of the insights she wishes she could share with her premed self. In doing so, she gets to share these perspectives with YOU! Will her life lessons resonate with you as you navigate your journey? Decide for yourself, and find inspiration in this week’s Aspire Premed episode, “3 Things I Wish I Knew as a Premed.”
Share with a friend, and reach out on Instagram @aspire.premed.podcast or via email: AspirePremed@gmail.com!
There are so many exciting paths to take with an MD! This episode inspires listeners to think outside the box, and learn more about creative ways physicians can share their talents. In Part II of this series, Dr. V begins by describing more opportunities in the clinical world, from global health to military medicine. Then, listen to discover more about some unique non-clinical paths. There are so many ways to share one’s gifts with the world, while finding fulfillment and balance in a career as a physician. How many of these opportunities have you heard about before? Check out today’s episode, and learn more!
Reach out at AspirePremed@gmail.com, and on Instagram @aspire.premed.podcast
If you’re a premed student looking for unique ideas for clinical experiences, or you simply want to learn more about the diverse fields of medicine, this episode is for you. Thus far, we’ve focused on the path to medical school, but today, we’re going to turn our attention to the exciting options that could be pursued afterwards. In Part I of this series, you’ll hear Dr. V’s insights into some of the more common clinical paths taken after graduation; learn more about academic medicine, private practice, and the many subspecialities that you could explore.
If you enjoy today’s episode, be sure tune in next week for Part II for more ideas and inspiration!
Follow Dr. V on Instagram @aspire.premed.podcast, and reach out at AspirePremed@gmail.com
“The most important thing is not to be defined by our mistakes or shortcomings, but to use them as a springboard for growth.” Today’s episode offers inspiration and insight into overcoming bumps in the road to medical school, with a focus on academics. If you’ve ever received a grade that’s not reflective of your potential, tune in to learn more about some things that could prove helpful in your premed journey. Remember, you can’t control what happened in the past, but if you have a passion for medicine, check out Ep. 9 of Aspire Premed to learn how to lean on that, and use those challenges to show improvement.
Follow on Instagram @aspire.premed.podcast, and reach out at AspirePremed@gmail.com
Today’s Aspire Premed episode is a special one. Both personally and professionally, relationships teach us some of the greatest lessons of our lives. In Ep. 8, “The Company You Keep,” Dr. V explores why the people with whom we choose to surround ourselves really matter. Tune in for an honest conversation about premed culture, mentorship, and the people in our corner.
Reach out: AspirePremed@gmail.com or on Instagram @aspire.premed.podcast
What are examples of attributes that successful med school applicants possess? Today’s episode focuses on just that: The 15 “Core Competencies for Entering Medical Students” (for allopathic schools). Search for these on the AAMC website, and be sure to tune in to today’s episode of the Aspire Premed podcast to learn more about why they’re important. Discover how these competencies could be an empowering tool for your application, interview, and letters of evaluation. Additionally, if you’re early in your premed career, keeping these in the back of your mind as you navigate your clinical experiences could prove invaluable later on.
Reach out at AspirePremed@gmail.com or send a message on Instagram @aspire.premed.podcast
On the path to medicine, we focus so much on learning how to master our craft, which, after all, makes sense; it's what we signed up for! However, in today’s episode, Dr. V focuses on something quite different, the important non-medical skills that could empower future physicians. If developed early on, these might put us at a tremendous advantage on our path to medicine. Learn what they are on this latest episode of Aspire Premed. Reach out at AspirePremed@gmail.com or on Instagram @aspire.premed.podcast.
You did the work; now's your chance to show it. The med school admissions interview is an opportunity for you to showcase the effort that brought you to this moment. Not only does this include your academics and clinical experiences, but also the reflection and work within. Make it count! Tune in to today's episode to get some practical insights on the interview process, and learn more about some important things to consider as you're practicing. PS: if you're new to the premed path, rest assured that it's never too early to hone these skills. Give it a listen, and reach out at AspirePremed@gmail.com and Instagram: @aspire.premed.podcast.
This is an important one. In today's episode, Dr. V discusses the significance of knowing your story: what brought you to your path to med school? We invest so much energy - and rightfully so - in optimizing the "objective" parts of our application, like our grades and MCAT score. Dr. V reviews why being able to communicate your narrative is critical, and how it could potentially influence many important parts of your application that are more subjective (e.g., your personal statement, interview, etc.). Knowing your story may also serve as an anchor as you navigate your career beyond med school. Tune in for important insights, inspiration, and an exercise to get you started.
Reach out at: AspirePremed@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram: @aspire.premed.podcast.
"Today's episode is not about 'can I become a doctor?' but 'should I?'" Dr. V reviews the pros and cons of a career in medicine. She covers the need for introspection at every step on the path to med school, and beyond. Tune in to learn more about some important things to consider when deciding if a career in medicine is for you. Whether you're far along into the application process, or years away from it, there will be some great take-aways from today's show.
In today's episode, Dr. V reviews the general paths to med school, traditional and nontraditional. What are the potential pros and cons of each? Today's show also features a big-picture look at the road to becoming an attending physician, and the training involved for a career in general practice or a subspecialty. This is only the beginning, so stay tuned for Part II! Reach out at AspirePremed@gmail.com
In this episode, you'll meet your host, Dr. V, a board certified MD, who's excited to welcome you to Aspire Premed. Today's show gives an overview of future topics that will help shed light on the path to med school. It also goes over who may benefit the most from listening (e.g., premed & postbac students, applicants and reapplicants, curious high schoolers, those considering a career switch, etc.), and reviews some important disclaimers/expectations. This is an exciting chapter that awaits you; let's get started! Reach out at AspirePremed@gmail.com.