Life as a Patient-Doctor

Optimizing quality of life - Interview with Olivia

Olivia is a 3rd year medical student passionate about normalizing sexual health conversations. While seemingly disparate, her motivation for becoming both a doctor and sexual health advocate lies in her mission to champion underserved populations and enhance people’s quality of life.
She is a board member for the Idaho Association of Sexual Health Professionals and has taken part in initiatives, events, and research that aims to improve access to sexual health education in medical curricula. You can find a Olivia providing shame free education and premed and medical student mentorship on social media. 
Highlights:
Low Income Childhood
Working as a CNA and Scribe
Owning your Story as a Premed 
Imposter Syndrome vs Looking at the Evidence
First Generation and Low Income Medical Student
Deciding on a Specialty - Urology! 
Lack of sexual health education as a marginalized group
The arrival fallacy
Quotes:
- “I know what it was like to not have those needs met”
- “They are a human being with a story”
- “Be happy NOW”
Contact Olivia: livaapaulsen@gmail.com and on Social Media @OliviaaPaulsen 
Make sure to Rate & Follow everywhere you listen to Podcasts!
Follow me on so Social Media at
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@medpsycmoss⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠https://twitter.com/medpsymoss⁠⁠
Website & Blog: https://⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠medpsycmoss.com⁠⁠⁠⁠
***This episode is for educational purposes only. This is NOT medical guidance or recommendations. Please follow up with your doctor for specific advice*** 
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:35 Introduce Olivia
1:22 Growing up quickly
3:33 Initial Advocacy Work
4:00 Premed Self Doubt 
6:32 Importance of Diversity in Medicine
7:47 Med School Study Strategies 
8:30 Therapy 
9:30 Specialty Choice
10:29 Sexual Health as an underserved need
11:33 Look at the Evidence 
12:22 First Generation and Low Income Med Students
13:18 Clinical Rotations 
14:53 Psycho-social Aspects 
16:46 Specialty Decision
18:21 Advocating for Sexual Health 
20:20 Who sees a urologist? 
21:48 Advice for other health students
23:05 Active Recall Study Technique 
24:30 Romanticizing the Little Things
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Going through Resources | Lessons from 1st Year of Medical School (P2)

This Part 2 Medical School Study Vlog highlights how to study for medical school and the various mental health challenges I had during my 1st year of medical school.
Based on the blog post: Journey-through-medical-school-m1-year (https://medpsycmoss.com/blog/journey-through-medical-school-m1-year) 
Website & Blog: https://⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠medpsycmoss.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 
Listen to Podcast “Life as a Patient-Doctor” on:
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/medpsycmoss
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-as-a-patient-doctor/id1719637283
Make sure to Like, Rate & Follow everywhere you listen to Podcasts!
Follow me on Social Media @medpsycmoss⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medpsycmoss/
Twitter/X: ⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/medpsymoss⁠⁠⁠ 
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@medpsycmoss?_t=8kS9kVfKjUc&_r=1
***This episode is for educational purposes only.****
Chapters: 
0:00 Sneak Peak
0:37 Vlog Intro
1:06 School vs Outside Resources 
4:34 Going through each resource 
10:00 Writing Notes 
11:00 How to Use First Aid 
14:09 Importance of Nature 
16:06 Mental Health Struggles
16:40 Therapy 
20:08 A Diagnosis of Anxiety
21:25 Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) 
23:00 Review and Upcoming Episodes
25:05 Call to action
#medschool #studying #mentalhealth 
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IVF Journey: preparation for treatment (Part 1)

My infertility journey during medical school is based on this blog post: https://medpsycmoss.com/blog/fertility-preservation-during-medical-school
Make sure to rate and follow us everywhere you listen to podcasts!
Listen in on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & Amazon Music
This is NOT Medical Guidance or Recommendations. Please follow up with your doctor for specific infertility and ovulation stimulation advice. 
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:53 Blog Post
1:16 Diagnosis of Infertility
2:12 Week 1: Baseline
3:05 Why Embryos vs Eggs
4:16 Increase of Student Loans
4:34 Economic Barriers 
5:49 Pill Medications
7:26 Specialty Pharmacy 
8:10 Prenatal Vitamins
10:00 Study on Nutrients 
10:54 Specific Benefits to Fertility 
12:22 Folic Acid Study
13:45 Week 2: Injections
14:32 Side Effects 
15:32 Need for a Room
16:48 Impact on Endometriosis
18:37 Pain Management 
19:08 Follicle Check
19:30 Maternity Clothing
21:15 Ovarian Torsion
23:18 Infertility in Doctors
23:50 Pain
25:02 Week 3: Injections & Protein 
27:29 Brain Fog
29:19 Medication Organizer
29:37 Nausea
30:42 Infertility Resources
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Challenges & Lessons From 1st Year of Medical School (P1)

This Part 1 Medical School Study Vlog video highlights the various challenges I experienced include imposter syndrome, racism, prioritization of how to effectively study, and how to maintain my marriage.
Based on the blog post: Journey-through-medical-school-m1-year (https://medpsycmoss.com/blog/journey-through-medical-school-m1-year)
Website & Blog: https://⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠medpsycmoss.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Listen to Podcast “Life as a Patient-Doctor” on:
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/medpsycmoss
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-as-a-patient-doctor/id1719637283
Make sure to Like, Rate & Follow everywhere you listen to Podcasts!
Follow me on Social Media @medpsycmoss⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medpsycmoss/
Twitter/X: ⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/medpsymoss⁠⁠⁠
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@medpsycmoss?_t=8kS9kVfKjUc&_r=1
***This episode is for educational purposes only.****
Chapters:
0:00 Sneak Peak
0:23 Vlog Intro
0:52 Studying in Nature
1:30 Figuring out how to study
5:50 Passing vs Average
6:49 Family in Medicine
11:10 Difficulties with Prioritization
13:34 Impact on Marriage
14:12 Daily Schedule
16:00 Difficulty “turning off” medicine
21:49 Study Adventures
25:13 How to Fill your glass
29:54 Call to Action
#medicalschool #marriage #study
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The Patient is the King - Interview with Ransom from Nigeria

Meet Ransom: As a third-year radiography medical student at FUTO, he balances his studies with his passion for content creation. 
He has received training in medical research and content creation, and uses his knowledge to become a proficient medical writer. 
In addition to medical studies, he uses his skills to participate in YouTube videos, sharing insights and encouraging a deeper understanding of medical topics. 
These two roles enable him to contribute to clinical and online education, enabling him to bridge the gap between academia and the wider audience.
Highlights:
“I don’t let my environment hold me back” 
Nigerian Educational System
For those who can afford it they give bribes for better grades 
“I study to learn the knowledge”
“I changed my narrative”
“Someone’s life is in my hands”
Lessons from Ransom:
“Grades don’t define you”
Knowledge of material is more important than grades
Chase knowledge for your future patients
“Patients don’t care about your grades, only what you can bring to the table”
“The patient is the king - everything you do is for the patient”
“Don’t let your failures in the past weight you down”
Ransom Onyema’s Youtube Channel Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@Big_Ransom 
My Interview on Ransom’s Podcast: “Chronicles of a 4th Year Medical Student Advocate” https://youtu.be/WsnfBbqMobM?si=kjifKB0CKPdqhl_8 
Tim Griffen, MD Book: “Medical Thinking: The Psychology of Medical Judgment and Decision Making” https://bookshop.org/a/79869/9781461293736 
Make sure to Rate & Follow everywhere you listen to Podcasts!
Follow me on so Social Media at
⁠⁠⁠⁠@medpsycmoss⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠https://twitter.com/medpsymoss⁠
Website & Blog: https://⁠⁠⁠⁠medpsycmoss.com⁠⁠⁠
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:35 Introduce Ransom
1:10 Journey to Medicine
2:46 Challenges Studying
3:56 Radiography vs Radiologist
4:40 National Youth Service
5:00 Different Specialties
6:47 Medical Writer
7:23 Education in Nigeria
7:43 Nothing deters me
8:02 National Strike
8:51 A reader 
9:11 Bribes for Grades
11:07 Grades don’t define you
11:49 I Changed the Narrative ***
12:36 Life is in your hands
13:28 Podcast & International Job
15:56 Classism
17:52 Mom’s Cancer During School
20:00 Focus 
22:00 Trust
23:08 Failures & Mindset
23:30 Seeking Help
***This is NOT Medical Guidance or Recommendations. Please follow up with your doctor for specific advice*** 
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Behind the ”Red Flags” in my Residency Application

This Podcast Episode is based on this blog post: addressing-the-red-flags-in-my-residency-application 
Check out my article on MedPage: “Why I disclosed my Disabilities when Applying for Residency”  https://www.medpagetoday.com/opinion/second-opinions/108121?trk=feed-detail_main-feed-card_feed-article-content
Make sure to Rate & Follow everywhere you listen to Podcasts
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:35 Blog Post Red Flags
1:53 Impactful Experiences Box
3:20 My “Red Flags”
3:50 Growth & Strengths 
4:47 1st Draft
6:16 Financial Insecurity 
7:00 Loss of internet
8:26 Full House during COVID
10:05 Rats, flies, oh my! 
12:50 Moving again
13:46 Selling Everything
15:29 Events leading to LOA
16:13 Positive Consequences
18:08 2nd Draft 
20:32 Requested Feedback
21:36 Final Application
23:08 School Extended?
23:57 Why I am sharing 
24:33 Disability Disclosure
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Your unique path in medicine is important - Interview with J

Meet J, they are a rising 3rd year medical student with an interest in general surgery, who is currently studying for STEP 1. They graduated from UNC Chapel Hill in 2019 with a Psychology major and Chemistry and Medical Anthropology minors. As a Black nonbinary person living with a chronic illness, they view their identities as strengths that fueled their passion for disability advocacy and equitable care for marginalized groups.  During their time in medical school, they have chartered an MSDCI branch at UNC School of Medicine, served as a microbiology TA for underrepresented premeds, and as a HIV & STI testing Counselor at their school's free clinic.
Links Mentioned:
MSDCI: https://msdci.org
MSDCI Guide to Accessibility & Accommodations: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kne11f47ItHXzQmWBFDA7qfut5hzd-TZ/view
Docs with Disabilities: https://www.docswithdisabilities.org
My Blog Post on Accommodations: https://medpsycmoss.com/blog/disabilities-accommodations-and-accessibility
Take-Aways:
“Doctors don’t all look the same and shouldn’t have the same attributes” 
Getting diagnosed with Graves Disease
Getting sick with Pericarditis during cardio block and finals
Advice:
1. “Take the accommodations if you need them"
2. Don't let someone else's perception of them take away the comfort you can have with the accommodations
3. “Give yourself grace”
4. “Your path to medicine is still so important to future patients"
5. “Be kind to your body & mind”
Contact J (they/them) at  jocelyn_hunt@med.unc.edu
Make sure to Rate & Follow everywhere you listen to Podcasts
Follow me on so Social Media at ⁠⁠@medpsycmoss⁠⁠
Website: https://⁠⁠medpsycmoss.com⁠
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:35 J bio
1:29 Journey to Medicine
2:54 Medical School Journey
3:15 Support System
4:18 Chronic Illness Perspective - Graves Disease
5:00 Coming to turns with Illness
5:23 Gaslighting turned advocacy
7:01 Diversity in Medicine
8:23 MSDCI Chapter
9:16 Mentor
9:37 Choice to Disclose 
11:00 Requesting Accommodations 
11:55 Getting Sick during Finals
14:01 Advice
15:05 Dealing with Comparison 
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IVF Journey: Egg Retrieval, freezing, and complications (Part 2)

This infertility journey episode is based on this blog post: fertility-preservation-during-medical-school
Image Source: https://www.invitra.com/en/embryo-culture-up-to-blastocyst-stage/ 
***This is NOT Medical Guidance or Recommendations. Please follow up with your doctor for specific infertility and ovulation stimulation advice*** 
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:37 Blog Post
2:04 Difficulty Sleeping
2:46 Constant Blood Draws
2:54 Week 4 
3:18 Follicle Sizing 
4:51 Endometriosis Flare
5:57 Disclosing at Work
6:30 Delay in Removal
7:30 Day Before
7:52 Removal Day
8:52 Medical Disclosure
9:12 The Procedure
11:23 Trauma Waning
11:46 Finished!?
12:31 OHSS 
14:08 Final count
14:52 Impact of Stress & Trauma
15:34 Embryos
16:00 Genetic Testing
16:45 Blastocyst 
18:17 Post Removal Week
20:34 Emotions during OB/GYN Clerkship
22:12 Stigmas in Residency
24:06 Have you experienced this?
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Own your Truth - Interview with Dr. Bisgrove

About Dr. Bisgrove: She is a a board certified family physician with a passion for health equity and how policy affects all we do in healthcare. She is deeply committed to improving the lives of the people she serves in Chicago through work in health equity and education at Rush University Medical Center and nationally as a member of the American Medical Association's (AMA) Council on Science and Public Health and as inaugural chair of the AMA’s Disability Advisory Group.
Previously, she has served in multiple leadership positions in both governance and advocacy, including with SSM Health Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. 
She is currently pursuing a masters of public health in maternal & child care through the University of Minnesota School of Public Health in their online program with expected graduation of Spring 2025.
She is also a proud member of the #docswithdisabilities community. Her disability is bilateral hearing loss, which she has had since birth.
Questions:
What is your background and journey into the field of medicine?
What is the impact of your unique perspective on patient care?
Could you please delve into being a parent of a children with a disability?
What are your thoughts on breaking the culture of ablism and promoting diversity in the medical community?
What advice do you have for future or current medical professionals living with disabilities? 
Dr. Bisgrove: “OWN YOUR STORY & OWN YOUR TRUTH"
Studies Mentioned: 
Michael McKee, MD el al. "Medical Schools’ Willingness to Accommodate Medical Students with Sensory and Physical Disabilities: Ethical Foundations of a Functional Challenge to “Organic” Technical Standards” AMA J Ethics. 2016;18(10):993-1002. doi: 10.1001/journalofethics.2016.18.10.medu1-1610. https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/medical-schools-willingness-accommodate-medical-students-sensory-and-physical-disabilities-ethical/2016-10 
Iezzoni, Lisa I et al. “Physicians' Perceptions Of People With Disability And Their Health Care.” Health affairs (Project Hope) vol. 40,2 (2021): 297-306. doi:10.1377/hlthaff.2020.01452 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8722582/ 
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Make sure to Rate & Follow everywhere you listen to Podcasts
Follow me on so Social Media at ⁠⁠⁠@medpsycmoss⁠⁠⁠
Website, blog, & resources: ⁠⁠⁠medpsycmoss.com⁠⁠
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Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:33 Meet Dr. Bisgrove
2:12 Diagnosed with a hearing disability
6:12 Individuals with Disability Educations Act (IDEA)
7:42 How to be your own advocate
8:22 Applying to Medical School
9:40 Ablism in Medicine
12:29 Use of Privilege as a Tool
14:30 Patient Satisfaction Scores
15:15 Fighting for Clear Masks
19:32 Being a Lab Rat in Residency
20:10 Disclosure in Applications
23:40 Technical Standards
26:30 Being an Advocate
31:15 Being a Parent of a Child with Disabilities
35:50 Keep Fighting
37:15 Marriage
41:35 It takes a village
42:05 Own your Story
 
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Leaves of Absence and Residency Applications - Part 2

This Medical Student Study Vlog discusses interview tips on answering questions in residency interviews on leaves of absence from medical school. What are the reasons for taking time off and what should med students consider before taking the leave.
Based on this blog post: https://medpsycmoss.com/blog/leave-of-absence
Website & Blog: https://⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠medpsycmoss.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 
Listen to Podcast “Life as a Patient-Doctor” on:
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/medpsycmoss
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-as-a-patient-doctor/id1719637283
Make sure to Like, Rate & Follow everywhere you listen to Podcasts!
Follow me on Social Media @medpsycmoss⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medpsycmoss/
Twitter/X: ⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/medpsymoss⁠⁠⁠ 
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@medpsycmoss?_t=8kS9kVfKjUc&_r=1
Chapters:
0:00 Blog Intro
0:32 Review of Part 1
1:02 Medical Student Survey
1:25 Fears of Taking an LOA
2:14 Fears after Taking an LOA
2:59 Things they wish they knew
5:44 Research on LOA + Residency  
7:13 Residency Applications
9:40 Lessons from LOA
11:22 Hiearchy of Needs
13:11 Interviews
16:01 Review
16:38 Call to Action
#medschool #medstudentvlog #residency
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