The third year of medical school is widely recognized for its introduction to clinical rotations and being one of the most demanding phases. This period comes with complex expectations, where learning and knowing go hand in hand. It's a pivotal year that refines medical skills and shapes the practices and identities of future physicians. And navigating authenticity in the demanding medical field can be challenging, as the risk of losing parts of yourself to the process becomes a big danger. In S6E19, Mariam talks to fellow fourth-year medical students Lilly and Luti about growth, setbacks, and lessons learned, and how their personal and cultural identities contribute to their third-year experiences and evolution as doctors.

Some of us are innate people-pleasers, and it is important to set boundaries and realize it's okay to say, "no." Lack of boundaries for yourself can lead to physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. Establishing boundaries during medical training is especially important for preventing burnout and resentment of your career choice in the long run. Practicing boundary setting doesn’t have to be a big dramatic change in the way you live your life, it can come in little ways through small steps. In S6E18, Harjit and Margaux discuss the concept of boundary setting—what it means, why it's important, and how our boundaries intertwine with who we are.

Choosing a medical specialty can be a daunting process for many medical students. Whether driven by genuine passion for the work or influenced by societal stereotypes, the journey is often filled with uncertainty about finding the right fit and avoiding the fear of making the wrong choice. There is a misconception that your chosen specialty should be your one true calling. And while that may be the case for some, it certainly is not the complete story for others. It is important to give yourself grace and know that it is okay to feel definite about your decision while also experiencing doubt and wavering. In S6E17, Hạ, Mariam, and Margaux share their personal stories and experiences in choosing a medical specialty, and how their career choices align with their self-identities.

There are no perfect patients, and it's crucial to acknowledge that doctors are not perfect either. As humans, we are bound to make mistakes. However, the medical learning environment and the pressure to attain perfection can contribute to imposter syndrome and impede professional—and personal—growth. In S6E16, Leen, Margaux, Hạ, and Lina talk about the pressures to be "perfect," the illusion of perfectionism in the field of medicine, and encourage embracing imperfections and recognizing the opportunities they bring for growth and improvement.

The shift in roles and responsibilities from medical student to resident can be nerve-wracking. Add to the anxiety and stress if you are relocating away from a familiar support system. Prepping for their moves post-matching, in S6E15, Lina and Hạ talk with Leen about the challenges of transitioning from medical school to residency, relocating, and the importance of staying true to your identities while building a supportive community and finding like-minded people in a new environment.

Many of us can relate to the feeling that life loses its magic and wonder as we age and mature. We often get bogged down by responsibilities and the stress of adulthood, and it's easy to forget the innocence and carefreeness we once had as children. But it doesn't have to be this way. In S6E13, Mariam, Harjit, and Margaux discuss their childhood dreams and wishes, reflect on how their aspirations as children have shaped the people they are today, and share letters they've dedicated to their younger selves.

As humans, it's important we take the time to listen to and understand the stories of where people come from. We can often forget that each story in history is unique, even within families. The stories and narratives of Indigenous people are very different than those of people who have emigrated to the United States. However, the uplifting of Indigenous voices and stories can be difficult in many spaces. In S6E12, Harjit talks to Annabah and Jean Glasser—sisters and medical students—about finding power in their lived experiences as Navajo women, and about the resistance of identities that are actively being erased or have been erased through history.

Race and ethnicity are important components of our identity—a significant role in shaping our experiences, beliefs, values, and attitudes—and can help define and give us a sense of belonging to a larger community. But as we've grown to appreciate the similarities, we should also learn to recognize and embrace the diversity within each racial and ethnic group. In S6E11, Hạ and Harjit discuss the complexities of defining identity and creating community in a society that can often view their respective race and ethnicity as a monolith.

Revolution refers to radical change in the established order of a society. Revolutions can be sparked by various factors such as economic inequality, political oppression, cultural hegemony, and social injustice. History books often tell us about revolutions led by men. But, so many revolutions have also been women-led. In honor of women in history, women today, and women of the future, in S6E10 of BUNDLE OF HERS, Harjit and Lina discuss the importance of women's role in leading change and shine spotlights on women revolutionaries.

Language has a profound impact on our identity and culture. The way we communicate, express ourselves, and share our beliefs and customs is deeply intertwined with language. Language goes beyond spoken words and can include nonverbal cues such as body language and tone of voice. In healthcare, using familiar language can make all the difference in a patient's healing process. In S6E9, Lina, Margaux, and Hạ discuss the importance of language to their identities, and why using trauma-informed language is an integral aspect of healthcare.