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Real MD

Real MD

By University of Utah School of Medicine

What is your purpose? The RealMD podcast strives to create a space that helps medical students find and maintain their highest purpose in medicine. These episodes are the daily, weekly reminder you need to keep believing in your purpose.
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S.2 Ep.6 - Try on Specialties

Real MDFeb 03, 2022

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S. 3, Ep: 16 - Listen and Yield

S. 3, Ep: 16 - Listen and Yield

This week, I had the pleasure of interviewing two founding members of the Utah Medical Orchestra, MS4 AnnaLeah Larson and MS3 Heather Smith. The MSO, as they call it, is a rapidly growing volunteer orchestra composed of students, professionals, and staff in the healthcare community in Salt Lake City who hold large scale performances each semester and also perform as ensembles for patients. In this episode I talk about Heather and Annaleah’s journeys into music and medicine, what is transferable, and their passion to stay connected to the musical community. One transferable skill that I was particularly struck by is the concept of listening and yielding. Classical musicians are in a constant state of adjustment to the people around them, listening and being humble enough to yield as needed. In medicine we must recognize that to do our individual parts well, we also need to listen, recognizing the contributions that are occurring around us, and yield as to the expertise and strengths of others. From an identity formation perspective, I also connected with their individual process of claiming and reclaiming their musical identities. I can appreciate on a personal level the literal dusting off of an instrument and reawakening an important part of who you are. So often, when we are handling the rigors of life, we can forget to claim the parts that bring us joy and replenish us for the long road ahead. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

May 18, 202343:51
S. 3 Ep. 15 - Be True to Yourself

S. 3 Ep. 15 - Be True to Yourself

Dr. Katherine Anderson is a geriatrician who advocates for her patients and a developer faculty, she knows how to build people up. In this episode, she shares light bulb moments throughout her professional journey including how she “fell into” her specialty, how she navigates being a “yes” person, and how she goes about setting life goals. I was struck by the wisdom she receives from her patients to not have regrets and prioritize family and the things she cares about now. This life philosophy has helped her navigate struggles including her recent journey as a patient. It is clear that Dr. Anderson cares about staying true to who she is no matter the context. 


Mar 23, 202345:47
S. 3 Ep. 14 - It's Okay to Feel Uncertain

S. 3 Ep. 14 - It's Okay to Feel Uncertain

Dr. Francis Filloux is a pediatric neurologist and faculty member at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah. In recent years, Dr. Filloux has become an amazing RealMD coach and loves working with students as they navigate the inevitable uncertainties of medicine. He treats students like they are family. I think this is the take home message from our conversation. As you navigate your life and career, you will struggle with uncertainty and when you do there are people who will emerge who can help you. Fran’s story about his career demonstrates this. He also offers such strong reassurances: It’s okay to feel uncertain; you will get through it; and there are people who will help you.

Mar 09, 202335:11
S. 3 Ep. 13 - You are Not an Imposter

S. 3 Ep. 13 - You are Not an Imposter

Today’s episode features Erica Rojas. She is a colleague of mine who I really appreciate working with. Erica wears a lot of hats at the school of medicine including her roles as a learning specialist in the academic success program, Associate Director of the PROMISE2U  program, and teaching multiple undergraduate courses all while pursuing her PhD in education and being a mother. What stands out to me is how clear much she loves learning and helping all students, particularly underrepresented populations. She is passionate about her work and her story as a first generation student is powerful, she truly wants to take what she learned as a student and help students navigate the system. What came through loud and clear is that everyone feels like an imposter, that we have to work to manage these

Feb 23, 202350:04
S. 3 Ep. 12 - Build Trust

S. 3 Ep. 12 - Build Trust

Dr. Shipman is a first year physical medicine and rehabilitation resident and one of our RealMD alums. In this episode, we picked up right where we left off covering a lot of ground. But a central theme of building trust both in yourself, with patients and your health care team stuck out to me. Hank talks about a life changing car accident he went through as a teenager and how it led him to finding his purpose in medicine. We also talk about the road to mastery and what it is like to be a resident. Most of all I think trust is at the center when you feel stuck and unsure what to do, trusting yourself to take on the challenge placed before you focusing your energy on what you can control and what that experience is trying to teach you will help you find a way out, even in the deepest and darkest days.
Feb 09, 202354:54
S. 3 Ep. 11 - Ask People About Their Day

S. 3 Ep. 11 - Ask People About Their Day

Trisha and I had a great conversation about life as a medical student and staying grounded. We covered a lot in our interview but what struck me is her wisdom including the connection her life purpose has to her family, creating authentic relationships, learning how to lead, and bringing her culture including all intersecting identities with her wherever she goes. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

Jan 26, 202349:24
S. 3 Ep. 10 - Relieve Suffering

S. 3 Ep. 10 - Relieve Suffering

This week's episode of the RealMD podcast features first year medical student, Shi Liang. I have loved getting to know Shi over the past few months. In this episode, we talk about why he is pursuing medicine, finding community, overcoming failure in his life, and what he hopes for students in his class. He also expresses an overall desire to relieve suffering. This idea of relieving suffering is common, but I want to say, having worked with so many medical students over the years, that every time I hear this phrase from a student, there is an earnestness that I feel. This is not only a reflection from Shi, but a hopeful ambition, a deep seated desire of so many medical students out there.
Jan 12, 202326:14
S. 3 Ep. 9 - Build your Practice

S. 3 Ep. 9 - Build your Practice

It is the end of the year and a time when many people naturally review the past year and think about what they want in the future. Frequently, I get asked by students and colleagues about self-reflection and what it means to have a regular practice. So I brought in the person who has had the greatest impact on me and my own inner journey, Tony Tsai. He is the director of Leadership and Career Development for University of Utah Health. Tony and I have spent the last almost 7 years working on RealMD with our students to encourage more self-awareness and self-discovery. But underneath it all has been a series of 1:1 conversations where I have learned from him what it means to listen to yourself and start doing daily activities that have helped me take control and start managing my own career. In healthcare there is a real need to build your own practice beyond your specialty to sustain you on the long road ahead. I hope this episode serves as a starting point and that Tony can help you begin figuring out how to start managing your own life as you enter a new year.
Dec 15, 202239:29
S. 3 Ep. 8 - Serve the Community

S. 3 Ep. 8 - Serve the Community

This week’s episode features Dr. Ivette Lopez. She earned her PHD in population health and from the moment she began her journey, she knew that everything she does from research to outreach would be for the benefit of the diverse and vibrant communities she has served for past three decades. Dr. Lopez tells her story of finding meaning in her career and talks about how our medical students have a unique opportunity to learn by working alongside community health workers.

Dec 01, 202226:03
S. 3 Ep. 7 - Be the Architect

S. 3 Ep. 7 - Be the Architect

This week’s episode features Dr. Mark Harris. He serves at the University of Utah as the Associate Dean of Graduate Medical Education, Associate Chief Medical Officer, and Designated Institutional Official of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. We discuss his journey as a first-generation medical student in Glasgow, Scotland to coming to the US and switching specialties. Mark also talks about his love of academic medicine and improving professional identity development of residents. Lastly, Mark talks about how being a drummer makes him a better physician.

Nov 17, 202233:21
S. 3 Ep. 6 - Don't be a Superhero

S. 3 Ep. 6 - Don't be a Superhero

Dr. Kyle Bradford Jones is an Associate Clinical Professor in Family and preventative care at the U of U school of medicine. In 2020, after three years of work, he released the book: Fallible: A memoir of a young physician’s struggle with mental illness. We talk about his journey as described in the book, his efforts to destigmatize mental illness for medical students, and debunk what it means to be a real physician as well as find fulfillment in your career.
Nov 04, 202230:15
S. 3 Ep. 5 - Accept the Challenge

S. 3 Ep. 5 - Accept the Challenge

Dr. Paloma Felga Cariello is Associate Dean of Health, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the U of U school of medicine and an infectious disease physician. In this episode, we talk about her journey into medicine, exploring specialty, her love of teaching and EDI work. She shares the unexpected life and career challenges she has faced and how self-reflection and a willingness to accept the challenges by focusing on the next step has helped her through.
Oct 20, 202231:09
S. 3. Ep. 4 - Grief is like the Ocean

S. 3. Ep. 4 - Grief is like the Ocean

Dr. Dominic Moore is an Associate professor and division chief of pediatric palliative care as well as the medical director of palliative care for intermountain healthcare. In this episode we talk about how grief, humor, and music play a part in his life and work.
Oct 06, 202229:28
S.3. Ep. 3 - Be Creative in your Community

S.3. Ep. 3 - Be Creative in your Community

This week’s episode features guest host Savannah Gelhard. She is a third-year medical students and serves as a RealMD facilitator. Savannah had a chance to sit down with fellow third-year Erik Tokita. He was driven to medicine by a desire to help those in his community. Throughout medical school, he has focused on balancing the rigorous workload with enjoying life and having fun with his classmates through memes.

Sep 15, 202214:45
S. 3 Ep. 2 - Make the Connection

S. 3 Ep. 2 - Make the Connection

This week’s episode of the RealMD podcast features Dr. Sara Wikstrom. She is an internal medicine physician and faculty member at the U of U and strong advocate for students and residents. In this episode we talk about her journey and connections she made to medicine. She also shares how she navigated choosing a specialty.

Sep 01, 202227:47
S.3 Ep.1 - You are the Instrument

S.3 Ep.1 - You are the Instrument

Dr. Susan Sample has dedicated her career to creating spaces for narrative in medicine. She has a PhD in Communication and directs the Initiative in Narrative, Medicine, and Writing at the Center for Health Ethics, Arts, and Humanities at the University of Utah Health Sciences. She is assistant professor in the Department of Internal Medicine and Writer-in-Residence at the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI). In this episode, we talk about what narrative is, how it fosters self-knowledge, and the value of hearing stories as well as writing your own. She also shares her journey into narrative medicine and affirms as stated by Dr. Rita Sharon that Self-knowledge is “the physician’s most potent therapeutic instrument.”

Aug 18, 202228:38
THROWBACK S.1 Ep.8 - Leadership Development with Christina Tushman and Shira Kaplan

THROWBACK S.1 Ep.8 - Leadership Development with Christina Tushman and Shira Kaplan

As we gear up for Season 3 next month, we are posting throwback episodes from the first season (formerly called: Unleashing the Doctor Within) that started it all. In this episode, Sam and Bridger interview Christina Tushman and Shira Kaplan about conflict management in medical leadership and medical education. They share their insight working with a large network of medical schools across the country. We talk about the importance of communication for working effectively with teams and succeeding in medicine. 

Aug 01, 202228:56
THROWBACK S.1 Ep.7 - Success as a Surgeon, Leader, and Family Man with Dr. Robert Glasgow

THROWBACK S.1 Ep.7 - Success as a Surgeon, Leader, and Family Man with Dr. Robert Glasgow

As we gear up for Season 3 next month, we are posting throwback episodes from the first season (formerly called: Unleashing the Doctor Within) that started it all. In this episode, Sam and Bridger interview Dr. Robert Glasgow about how it is possible to be a surgeon, hold administrative leadership positions, and still make it to your kids’ events and then home for dinner most nights.

Aug 01, 202238:55
THROWBACK S.1 Ep.6 - Overcoming Challenges and Connecting with Patients with Dr. Dale Hull

THROWBACK S.1 Ep.6 - Overcoming Challenges and Connecting with Patients with Dr. Dale Hull

As we gear up for Season 3 next month, we are posting throwback episodes from the first season (formerly called: Unleashing the Doctor Within) that started it all. In this episode, Sam and Bridger interview Dr. Dale Hull about overcoming hardship, treating individuals as a whole, and the importance of "non-task touching." Dr. Hull tells his personal story of spinal cord injury rehabilitation as well as the founding of Neuroworx. We also talk about the value of a Masters in Public Administration, learning how to run a non-profit, and what physcians can learn from being a patient.

Aug 01, 202245:14
THROWBACK S.1 Ep.5 - Mentorship, Research, and International Collaboration with Dr. Peter Chalmers

THROWBACK S.1 Ep.5 - Mentorship, Research, and International Collaboration with Dr. Peter Chalmers

As we gear up for Season 3 next month, we are posting throwback episodes from the first season (formerly called: Unleashing the Doctor Within) that started it all. In this episode, Sam and Bridger interview Dr. Peter Chalmers about how he decided on a career in orthopaedics over other surgical options, how he chose his residency program out of several impressive options, and how research can allow a physician to have a much wider impact on patients around the world.

Aug 01, 202232:33
THROWBACK S.1 EP. 4 On developing leadership in organizations, how to make a difference, and discussing what to contribute to medicine

THROWBACK S.1 EP. 4 On developing leadership in organizations, how to make a difference, and discussing what to contribute to medicine

As we gear up for Season 3 next month, we are posting throwback episodes from the first season (formerly called: Unleashing the Doctor Within) that started it all. In this episode, Sam and Bridger interview Chip Souba about how to develop leadership in organizations, how to make a difference, and discussing what to contribute to medicine.
Aug 01, 202237:01
THROWBACK S.1 Ep. 3 - Discussing identity & leadership development, graduate populations, and how to answer the question of "Why am I here in Med School?" with Dr. Tom Hurtado

THROWBACK S.1 Ep. 3 - Discussing identity & leadership development, graduate populations, and how to answer the question of "Why am I here in Med School?" with Dr. Tom Hurtado

As we gear up for Season 3 next month, we are posting throwback episodes from the first season (formerly called: Unleashing the Doctor Within) that started it all. In this episode, Sam and Bridger interview Dr. Tom Hurtado about identity & leadership development, graduate populations, and how to answer the question of "Why am I here in Med School?".

Aug 01, 202236:21
THROWBACK S.1 Ep.2 - On advising others, tracking new ideas, and helping connect people with their purpose with Tony Tsai

THROWBACK S.1 Ep.2 - On advising others, tracking new ideas, and helping connect people with their purpose with Tony Tsai

As we gear up for Season 3 next month, we are posting throwback episodes from the first season (formerly called: Unleashing the Doctor Within) that started it all. In this episode, Sam and Bridger interview Tony Tsai about advising others, tracking new ideas, and helping connect people with their purpose. 

Aug 01, 202239:46
THROWBACK S.1 Ep.1 - How to work smarter, not harder, and to make things happen, with Dr. Sara Lamb

THROWBACK S.1 Ep.1 - How to work smarter, not harder, and to make things happen, with Dr. Sara Lamb

As we gear up for Season 3 next month, we are posting throwback episodes from the first season (formerly called: Unleashing the Doctor Within) that started it all. In this episode, Sam and Bridger interview Dr. Sara Lamb about working smarter, not harder, and making things happen. 

Aug 01, 202238:22
THROWBACK S1 Introduction

THROWBACK S1 Introduction

As we gear up for Season 3 next month, we are posting throwback episodes from the first season (formerly called: Unleashing the Doctor Within) that started it all. In this episode, Sam and Bridger give an introduction to the podcast and let our listeners know what to expect from this season. 

Jul 29, 202207:09
S.2 Ep. 12 - Create Space

S.2 Ep. 12 - Create Space

Savannah Gelhard and Brandon Wilde are second year medical students and co-facilitators in the RealMD Program. In this episode, we talk about their individual purpose, what has helped them as they've traveled through almost 2 years of medical school, and how RealMD is a space for self-discovery. They also re-define what it means to be a great future physician.
Apr 28, 202226:55
S.2 Ep. 11 - Believe in Possibilities

S.2 Ep. 11 - Believe in Possibilities

Chloe Ekelem is a third-year dermatology resident here at The University of Utah. Before attending Utah, she studied at Morehouse School of Medicine and Emery in Atlanta, Georgia, which allowed her to see a need to help the underserved there. Chloe is proving that making career changes even partway through your residency is not only possible, but can be more fulfilling, too.
Apr 14, 202220:03
S. 2 Ep. 10 - Break Free

S. 2 Ep. 10 - Break Free

Dr. Joe Mendez is both an assistant professor at The University of Utah, and works at The Huntsman Cancer Institute, specializing in Neuro Oncology. Dr. Mendez talks about building patient rapport, tells his story of becoming a patient, and how it guided his career. Joe's story is for anyone who had to break free of small towns and small mindsets to find themself.
Mar 31, 202229:12
S.2 Ep. 9 - Take Care of Yourself

S.2 Ep. 9 - Take Care of Yourself

Licensed Clinical Social Worker Meghan Sullivan is the Wellness Program Manager at The University of Utah School of Medicine, and part of a wonderful team that provides individual therapy, group support, and medication management for our medical students. In addition to her wellness role, Meghan is a certified yoga teacher, endurance runner, and mindfulness practitioner. In this episode, Meghan talks about finding her career path, what self-care looks like, and breaks down mindfulness into simple every day steps. She also shares how to get started with the Wellness Program, and leads us in a mindfulness exercise.
Mar 17, 202224:19
S.2 Ep.8 - Show Up

S.2 Ep.8 - Show Up

Corey Shayman is an MD/PhD student at The University of Utah School of Medicine, and a co-facilitator of the RealMD program. He has completed the first half of medical school and started the PhD portion of his degree this past fall. In this episode Corey discusses the importance of journaling and hobbies, along with his interest in "brain-mapping.”
Mar 03, 202229:29
S.2 Ep.7 - Go to Clinic and See Friends

S.2 Ep.7 - Go to Clinic and See Friends

Dr. Karly Pippitt divides her time teaching medical students and as a Family Medicine Physician here in Salt Lake City. She talks about having strong relationships with her patients and providing opportunities for Medical Students to pursue their passions, as well as access resilience along the way.
Feb 17, 202225:52
S.2 Ep.6 - Try on Specialties

S.2 Ep.6 - Try on Specialties

Former football player at the University of Utah and fitness enthusiast, Dr. Bridger Battaglia, pivoted from Business to Medical School. Along the way, he overcame challenges, changed his specialty, and is currently a psychiatry resident at the U of U.
Feb 03, 202220:05
S.2 Ep.5 - Persevere Through the Unexpected

S.2 Ep.5 - Persevere Through the Unexpected

Sam Wilkinson graduated from Medical School in May 2021 and is currently doing a research year in Ophthalmology. He talks about how important it was for him to get involved during school, and discusses the challenge of not matching last year.
Jan 21, 202227:10
S.2 Ep.4 - Stay Connected

S.2 Ep.4 - Stay Connected

Former medical student, Jake Fitisemanu tells his story of making a career pivot into public health and how staying connected to his community has served as a guide to finding meaning and purpose throughout his career.
Jan 06, 202225:54
S.2. Ep. 3 - Derive Joy

S.2. Ep. 3 - Derive Joy

Dr. Ellie Gilbertson was guided by intuition and a love of skiing to attend The University of Utah. She balanced the rigors of medical school with non-negotiable self-care times in the mountains. Picking her speciality was a process she had to think through, that helped her define 'derived joy'. She is currently specializing in Emergency Medicine here at The University of Utah.
Dec 16, 202116:41
S.2 Ep.2 - Fill Your Cup

S.2 Ep.2 - Fill Your Cup

Dr. Megan Fix tells us about where she gets her energy and how she recharges with a busy schedule. She offers some great advice about how to be energized by both putting energy out and filling her cup with a busy lifestyle. 

Nov 12, 202104:04
S.2 Ep.1 - Be Creative

S.2 Ep.1 - Be Creative

Student favorite, Dr. David Morton, stops by to chat about having purpose, getting excited about teaching, creating fun ways to learn, and how to assist students in their journey to becoming doctors.
Nov 12, 202106:09
S.2 - RealMD Podcast Season II Intro

S.2 - RealMD Podcast Season II Intro

Dr. Tom Hurtado takes a moment to introduce listeners to this season of the RealMD podcast. 

Nov 12, 202102:38