The Premed Years

(00:00) — The first spark: Dr. Gray asks when medicine became real.(01:34) — Military plans, cold feet, and choosing community college: He skips the Air Force and starts at McDonald's while exploring options.(02:50) — Hospital volunteering clicks: Serving patients water and meals feels right.(03:57) — Dodging family careers, then trying healthcare: After business, HVAC, and computer science, healthcare gets a look.(05:03) — PA vs MD crossroads: Realizing his reasons for PA pointed to wanting to be a physician—and surgery.(06:35) — Work ethic and upbringing: Family moves from a tough neighborhood shaped his drive.(09:41) — Early C’s and the “not a science person” myth: Motivation and maturity change outcomes.(11:28) — Six-year undergrad and the pivot: Business transfer degree to UMBC biology and honors in philosophy.(13:12) — Why gap years: YouTube guidance, mentors, research, and phlebotomy.(15:36) — Inside admissions at Brown: The competition he witnessed.(16:36) — What likely stood out to Brown: Authentic story, first-gen identity, jobs, and solid metrics.(18:09) — Getting personal in the personal statement: Why vulnerability matters.(19:57) — One-and-done and the gift of virtual interviews: COVID made it financially possible.(21:48) — Will AI end virtual interviews?: Concerns about cheating and tech trust.(24:34) — AI in the OR and pathology: Augmenting surgeons and decoding tumors.(25:30) — The first interview invite memory: Relief and pride in the lab.(27:06) — If he could change admissions: Predicting academic success and centering people over scores.(29:03) — Transparency, the MCAT, and US News incentives: How rankings skew behavior.(33:09) — Final words to struggling premeds: Your timeline is your own—keep going.Ryland didn’t grow up planning on medicine. After high school, he nearly joined the Air Force, worked at McDonald’s, and enrolled at community college to explore paths—from business and HVAC to computer science. Hospital volunteering felt different. He became a phlebotomist, considered PA school, and then realized the reasons drawing him to PA actually pointed to becoming a physician—with a strong pull toward surgery.It wasn’t linear. Early C’s in science and a six-year undergraduate path (business transfer to UMBC biology with honors in philosophy) forced him to confront the “not a science person” label. With time, maturity, and motivation, he turned it around, took two gap years for research and service, leaned heavily on YouTube guidance, and sought mentors who helped shape his essays and application strategy.Ryland shares why he aimed for a one-and-done application, how virtual interviews during COVID made that possible, and what it felt like to see his first interview invite. He reflects on serving on Brown’s admissions committee, what authentic stories communicate beyond metrics, and why getting personal matters. Plus, a candid discussion on AI’s impact on interviews and training, the perverse incentives of rankings, and his message to premeds: your timeline is your own—and you can do this.What You'll Learn:- How to pivot after early C’s and reframe the “not a science person” myth- Deciding PA vs MD by clarifying what truly draws you to patient care- Using community college, gap years, and mentoring to strengthen your application- What admissions values beyond MCAT and GPA—and why authenticity matters- How AI and rankings may shape interviews and the premed landscape

(00:00) - Dream to Physician(09:36) - Navigating Premed at UF(17:46) - Navigating Mentorship in Premed Culture(28:58) - Navigating Medical School Challenges(38:00) - Embracing Support in Medical SchoolWhen Kelviyana was just 15, their world changed overnight as they became the primary caretaker for their mother, newly diagnosed with breast cancer. This poignant experience ignited Kelviyana's passion for medicine, providing a firsthand look at the compassionate care of healthcare professionals. That transformative moment set the stage for a lifelong mission to be a source of hope and support, leaving a lasting impression on their journey from aspiring physician to dedicated med student.As Kelviyana navigated the bustling corridors of the University of Florida, they faced the daunting reality of being a minority in a vast institution. Discover how they crafted a robust support system through family, friends, and the Health and Advocacy Promotion Initiative (HAPI), a club they founded to champion health education and self-advocacy. Kelviyana's narrative underscores the importance of aligning academic pursuits with personal passions, not just to build a resume but to foster meaningful change.Premed culture often pushes students into a boxed checklist approach, but Kelviyana emphasizes the power of authenticity and self-belief. Whether it's exploring unconventional interests or overcoming imposter syndrome, they remind us that success in medical school applications comes from embracing one's unique qualities. Listen as Kelviyana shares the vital lesson that grades do not solely define potential, urging future doctors to persevere, seek support, and trust in their ability to achieve their dreams, even amidst setbacks.

(00:00) - Becoming a Physician(09:39) - Navigating Pre-Med College Life(17:20) - Navigating MD-PhD Gap Years(24:43) - Overcoming Challenges in McAt Preparation(35:31) - Choosing Medical Schools in New York(39:11) - Reflections on Pursuing MedicineGrowing up with a pediatrician aunt, Julia was captivated by the world of medicine from an early age. Her story is one of passion and perseverance, shaped by influential mentors and a deep love for science and biology. We explore how her early exposure to healthcare set her on a path marked by determination, from shadowing opportunities in high school to embracing the rigors of college science courses. Julia’s journey is a testament to the profound impact of nurturing mentors and the power of early influences in shaping a lifelong commitment to the medical field.For those considering the premed track, the journey can be transformative, as experienced by a student who transitioned from Gonzaga University to the University of Pennsylvania. Initially drawn to Gonzaga for its small class sizes, they discovered a passion for neuroscience that led them to seek a university with more robust resources. At Penn, the pre-health office and a vibrant community of peers provided essential support, including MCAT preparation and research opportunities at CHOP. This narrative highlights the importance of aligning educational environments with personal aspirations and the value of a supportive academic community.The road to medicine is often fraught with challenges, notably the MCAT, which can test even the most dedicated students. Our candid discussion on the arduous journey of MCAT preparation reveals that struggles are common, but perseverance and strategic changes in study approaches can lead to success. For those pursuing an MD/PhD, like our guest, taking gap years to gain research experience can prove invaluable. Whether it’s choosing the right medical school or overcoming skepticism from others, the journey demands resilience and alignment with one's passions. As we reflect on these stories, we hope to offer encouragement and guidance for future medical professionals navigating their unique paths.

(00:00) - Journey From Nursing to Medical School(09:54) - The Path to Medical School(20:04) - Exploring Transition to Medical School(35:11) - Transitioning From Nursing to Medicine(39:04) - Overcoming Challenges on Path to MedicineMaria's journey from nursing to medical school is a testament to unyielding determination and the courage to pursue one's dreams despite formidable challenges. Imagine juggling a demanding full-time job while navigating the rigorous curriculum of nursing school. This was Maria's reality until she realized her passion leaned more toward the role of a physician, a path that promised the flexibility she needed. With support from mentors and social media connections, Maria embarked on a non-traditional journey to medical school, overcoming multiple hurdles along the way.The road to medical school was paved with obstacles, particularly the daunting MCAT. Maria opens up about the pitfalls of traditional study methods and the transformative impact of focusing on practice questions instead. Her experience underscores the importance of perseverance, especially when initial efforts fall short, as seen when her first application met with silence due to a low MCAT score. With resilience and a strategic shift in preparation, Maria reemerged stronger, balancing her time as a medical assistant with a renewed focus on her studies, eventually achieving a score that opened doors to interviews.Maria's story resonates deeply with anyone who has faced barriers in pursuing their ambitions. As an immigrant from a low-income family, she courageously balanced familial expectations with her personal aspirations, even when it meant turning down seemingly secure opportunities like a special master's program. Her nursing background, particularly her experience in a pulmonary step-down unit, provided invaluable skills and insights that enriched her medical journey. Maria's unwavering commitment to her goal of becoming a doctor, despite the setbacks and doubts, offers inspiration to aspiring medical students everywhere: no matter the path, persistence and belief in oneself can lead to success.

(00:00) Student Loan Repayments in Pre-Med(13:53) Changes to Student Loan Repayment Plans(19:38) Navigating Student Loan Repayment Plans(29:26) Future Trends in Medical EducationUnlock the secrets to navigating the complicated world of student loans with insights from our special guest, Lauren from Student Loan Planner. Discover how to turn the tide on student debt, particularly for medical students facing unique financial hurdles. Lauren shares her personal journey into the realm of student loan repayment, inspired by a client's battle with overwhelming debt, and explores the distinct nature of student loans. We'll also uncover how recent changes in federal loan caps might bring hope for more affordable education, while also considering the role of banks in supporting high-income earners like future physicians.Stay ahead of the curve as we dive into the evolving landscape of student loan repayment plans, focusing on public service loan forgiveness for medical professionals. Lauren sheds light on the latest changes and uncertainties surrounding income-driven repayment options, revealing what these shifts mean for new physicians during their residencies. With discontinued plans being replaced by the revised IBR and WRAP plan, Lauren emphasizes the critical importance of understanding these changes, especially with the fast-approaching July 2026 deadline for new loans under the revised rules.Venture into the future of medical education as we discuss potential shifts towards a three-year curriculum, inspired by NYU's innovative tuition-free program. This model could revolutionize medical education, prompting other institutions to reconsider their costs and structures. Alongside these educational trends, we ponder how student loans might be shaped by future political landscapes. Plus, Lauren introduces Student Loan Planner as a vital resource, offering blogs, podcasts, and personalized consultations to empower students in making smart financial decisions. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and guidance at the intersection of medical education and financial planning.