Andrew Poveda interviews Abdiel Cabral Hernandez, a medical student at SUNY Upstate Medical University currently in his research year and planning to pursue Emergency Medicine. Abdiel reflects on his role as Chief Development Officer of LMSA-NE, the experiences that shaped him, and what staying grounded means throughout the medical journey.

Theme: Stick to your roots, stay grounded, and most importantly don't forget who you are, self-efficacy is important

Andrew Poveda interviews Julian Javier, a third-year medical student at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. As a first-gen student, Julian talks about the drive and discipline in order to succeed in medical school, reflecting on some of his important moments, talking more about his experiences with the SEOM and LMSA.

Theme: Self efficacy is important, so, just focus on yourself, and make it through it.

Andrew Poveda sits down with Isabella Roman, a Latina medical student from the CUNY School of Medicine, currently in her 7‑year BSMD program, and now in her second year as a medical student. In this episode, she opens up about the mental health challenges that come with an accelerated path to medicine, the struggles of being first generation, the pressure of expectations, and the strength it takes to keep going. Her message is simple but powerful: if she can do it, anyone with passion and persistence can find their place in medicine.

Theme: You don't have to be smart to start, you just have to start.

Andrew Poveda sits down with Miryam Matute Roca a second-year medical student at SUNY Upstate Medical University and a DACA recipient. In this episode, Miryam shares the challenges of navigating medical school, all while carrying the weight of immigration status, and the resilience it takes to move forward. My first interview with another Peruvian!

Theme: Just because you're behind, doesn't mean you can't be ahead.

Andrew Poveda sits down with Dr. Henry Del Carmen, a cardiothoracic surgery resident at Montefiore Hospital and graduate of the Perelman School of Medicine. In this episode, Dr. Del Carmen shares how to find the right crowd, avoid distractions, and stay grounded during the intensity of residency. He offers us insights on how to balance a heavy workload in residency while still making time for the passions he enjoys like playing guitar, running, and boxing.

Theme: Just keep pushing through it, just do it.

In this episode of AP: MED, Andrew Poveda interviews Maya Navarro, a third-year medical student at Northwestern University - Feinberg School of Medicine, and the LMSA Midwest PR Chair. Her journey represents resilience and speaking your way into rooms you never imagined. The conversation highlights how far persistence and self-advocacy can take you, after all, closed mouths don't get fed.

Theme: Be stubborn, be delusional, but most importantly, don't be quiet--speak up for yourself.

Today I sit down with Marcos Gomez Ambriz, a medical student at Temple University’s Lewis Katz School of Medicine. Currently in his research year at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), Marcos shares the journey that brought him here. As the LMSA Northeast Co‑Director Elect, he is deeply committed to advancing LMSA’s initiatives and uplifting the community.

Theme: Keep fighting no matter your position, just push forward!

Today I sit down with Dr. Sung Choi, an interventional pulmonologist whose journey spans from Montclair State University, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, and Mount Sinai. As a first year attending, Dr. Choi shares his perspective and tips on building a career in medicine going from a GED to an MD.

Theme: Numbers aren't everything, but commitment definitely is.

Today I interview Dr. Devin Barzallo, a dermatology resident currently completing his internship year. We discuss his journey from Rutgers University - New Brunswick, to Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and what it takes to match into a competitive residency program.

Dr. Devin Barzallo is a powerful advocate for URM and LGTBQ+ communities, using mentorship and his platform on TikTok to inspire future physicians and promote health literacy.

Theme: Don't let your ego speak, make your actions speak louder than your words.

Today I interview Dr. Michael Sbarra who attended Newark State College (now Kean University*) and studied medicine overseas in Italy. Who then completed residency at Saint Michael's to then practicing medicine as an OB/GYN until his retirement. Later on, becoming a clerkship director for all OB/GYN students at Saint George's University; also having his own private practice in Hackensack, NJ.

Theme: Medicine is unknown and unique, so you should enjoy the journey because you don't know what is forthcoming.