Podcast Series: Talking U & Med Student Life

What is it like virtually interviewing and matching into a residency program? How does physical activity affect a med student schedule and why is it important? On this episode of Talking U and Med Student Life, hear how fourth-year med student, Spencer has conquered Spartan Races & Triathlons, his favorite 3rd-year rotation, and how he matched into a Radiology program, all here at the University of Utah School of Medicine.

What is it like to grow up in the suburbs of Las Vegas? How do you keep yourself motivated when you’re on a waitlist? Hear from MS1 Chance who talks about getting robbed at gunpoint, surviving robberies and break-ins while in Argentina, and tips on dealing with burnout, all here at the University of Utah School of Medicine.

What are some misconceptions about Olympic Weightlifting? How do you navigate applying to a MD PhD program with a 48-hour deadline? On this episode of Talking U and Med Student Life, hear from MD PhD Student, Maci, on attending national weightlifting competitions, Taking the Step 1 exam during the pandemic, and balancing med student life, here at the University of Utah School of Medicine.

What are some certified tricks of the trade that chess players use in chess tournaments? How can volunteering with organizations that deal with difficult topics pique an interest in medicine? On this episode of Talking U and Med Student Life, hear from MS1 Eric on how he prepared for med school, and how creating iconic memes for his med student classmates, here at the University of Utah School of Medicine.

What’s it like to be a professional mountain guide and climb Denali peak? Can 3rd year clinical rotations influence your decision to change specialties? On this episode of Talking U & Med Student Life, gain some insight from MS3 Megan on mountaineering in the wilderness, why her gap years were beneficial for her, and how she judges the accuracy of mountaineering scenes in TV shows and movies - all here at the University of Utah School of Medicine.

Get the inside scoop from pre-med advisors, physicians, faculty, alumni, and current medical students about all areas of medical school. Hosted by Dr. Benjamin Chan, Associate Dean of Admissions at the University of Utah's School of Medicine, Talking U & Med Student Life brings valuable information to anyone thinking about a career in medicine whether you're in high school, pre-med, or already a medical student.

What steps can you look at after you get rejected from medical school? What does practicing for med school interviews look like? Hear from MS1 Caroline who talks about her decision to apply Early Decision, her concerns of couple matching into residency programs, and where her favorite fishing spot is at all here at the University of Utah School of Medicine.

How do you keep yourself motivated while applying to med schools after being rejected 5 times? What’s it like dating another med student and finding balance to study and spend time together? Hear from MS2 Andrew on how he remained resilient while applying to med school, his experience getting his acceptance call, his immense love for all things Disney, and how he is using that love for Disney to form a Student Interest Group, here at the University of Utah School of Medicine.

What’s it like singing in the 6th Global Parliament of World Religion? How can working with refugees and Special Olympics athletes influence your pathway to medicine? Hear MS1 Sarmishta’s story about how she strengthened her application when re-applying to the UUSOM, her experience attending a drive thru white coat ceremony, and how she deals with zoom class fatigue here at the University of Utah School of Medicine.

What’s it like being a star on reality TV? How do you apply all of your non-traditional pre-med life experiences towards med school applications? On this episode of Talking U & Med Student Life, Hear MS1 Alan’s story and inspiration towards becoming a physician, and how he balances his studies, work life, and family all while here at the University of Utah School of Medicine.

What’s it like moving from Boise, Idaho to Middlebury, Vermont? How can an outdoorsy lifestyle influence you to pursue a career in medicine? On this episode of Talking U & Med Student Life, MS2 Joe talks about rural medicine, why he ended up in Utah, and how to get started snowboarding in the Utah mountains.

How does a nursing student transition to a career as a doctor? All while juggling a passionate and creative hobby such as cosplay? On this episode of Talking U & Med Student Life, hear how MS2 Erin balances her cosplay work with her studies and how being a cosplayer has brought her joy and opportunity in the medical community here at the University of Utah School of Medicine.

Interested in hearing about taking a gap year, managing your wellness, and learning how to attend med school virtually? On this episode of Talking U & Med Student Life, hear what first-year med student Lilly has to say about what brought her to the U and how she is navigating med school practically virtually.

Talking Admissions and Med Student Life will be back soon with a new format to celebrate our 150th episode. In the meantime, I wanted to introduce you to a new podcast called Clinical. Hear a six-minute sample of the current story called, Unit on the Brink: Voices from the COVID Frontline. It’s the stories of seven medical professionals and how the virus is impacting their patients, their community, and their lives. If you like what you hear, you can find full episodes and subscribe on the Clinical website.

How do you strategize to apply and get into medical school? What activities help prepare you for medical school? How much should you consider the financial implications when applying to medical school and residency programs? Why are couples slow to announce that they’re dating while in medical school?

Today on Talking Admissions and Med Student Life, I interview couple, Necia and Milo, both former fourth-year medical students who recently graduated from the University of Utah School of Medicine.