In this Episode of Keep It Real with Dr. Pradip Misal, we speak with Dr Aadya Kerkar, MD Pathology, PDCC Cytopathology, a university gold medalist and Pathology topper at PGIMER Chandigarh with numerous presentations and publications. Having achieved so much at such an early age, she shares the real, unbiased reasons behind choosing pathology as a postgraduate specialty and the challenges she faced during her residency, her motivation, how to accommodate in a new place, never-ending thirst for knowledge and much more!

🎙️ In this episode, we discuss:

Why pathology over medicine, surgery, or other clinical branches

Reality of MD Pathology residency at PGIMER

Cytopathology fellowship experience

Research, publications, and academic growth

Career prospects in pathology in India

Myths vs facts about non-clinical/Diagnostic branches

Advice for MBBS students and NEET PG aspirants

This episode is essential viewing for anyone confused about PG branch selection, especially those considering pathology, non-clinical branches, or academic medicine.

Like, share, and followfor honest medical career conversations. New Episodes drop Every weekly!

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https://www.instagram.com/aadyakerkar/?__pwa=1

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00:00 Introduction

00:49 Meet the Guest: Dr. Aadya Kerkar

03:41 NEET UG Journey & Preparation

05:30 MBBS Journey & Academic Excellence

07:14 Research during MBBS

08:24 How to study during MBBS

09:35 How Teachers and Students Gradually Lose Interest in Academics

11:29 Securing Rank 1 in all years of MBBS

13:45 Being labelled as a Nerd

17:16 Why Pathology? Choosing Over Clinical Branches

21:47 Why Pathology isn't just another paraclinical branch?

25:02 Resistance and stigma about choosing MD Pathology

28:48 Myths and misconceptions about Pathology

33:34 Frozen Sections in Pathology

37:20 How to know if Pathology is the right fit for oneself

42:25 Why PGIMER Chandigarh?

44:47 Choosing the right college for Pathology PG

46:17 Daily Life in MD Pathology Residency

54:38 Toxicity in Pathology branch?

56:04 Academics in Pathology in PGI

58:27 Adjusting moving out of Goa

01:00:00 Workload in Pathology Residency

01:01:02 Work culture difference in PGI

01:02:43 Key skills needed for Pathology Residency

01:06:00 Career Prospects after MD Pathology

01:07:39 Going Abroad after MD Pathology

01:08:58 Earning Potential after MD Pathology

01:10:00 Starting your own private lab after MD Pathology

01:11:55 Difference between Pathology Junior and Senior Residency

01:14:33 Subspecialties and types of cases in pathology

01:16:58 Cytopathology Fellowship (PDCC): Why & How

01:19:00 One of the memorable cases

01:20:35 Other Fellowship Training after MD Pathology

01:22:55 Importance of Research for doctors

01:24:00 Best Paper Award & High-Impact Research Work: Tips & Pitfalls 01:27:50 Changing Trends in Pathology

01:29:34 Dr Aadya's Hobbies

01:31:02 What motivates Dr Aadya to keep going

01:33:32 Advice for MBBS Students & NEET PG Aspirants

#neetpg #pathology #doctorlife #podcast

Orthopaedics is one of the most competitive postgraduate branches after NEET PG—but with increasing MS seats, fellowships, and corporate hospital setups, one question dominates every aspirant’s mind: Is orthopaedics saturated in 2025?In this episode of Keep It Real with Dr Pradip Misal, I sit down with Dr. Ketan Mahesh Naik, a highly trained and fellowship-qualified orthopaedic surgeon, to discuss the real-world scope, workload, and future of orthopaedics in India.

🎙️ Guest Introduction

Dr. Ketan Mahesh NaikM.B.B.S | M.S. Orthopaedics | MRCS (Glasgow), Fellow in Joint Replacement Surgery, Fellow in Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine, Goa, India

With extensive experience in trauma, arthroplasty, arthroscopy, and sports injuries, Dr. Naik shares honest insights from his clinical journey, fellowships, and real-life practice.

This episode is highly relevant for:

✔ NEET PG aspirants

✔ MBBS students exploring surgical branches

✔ Orthopaedic residents and early-career surgeons

📌 Follow for more honest discussions on PG branches, medical careers, and life in medicine.

📌 Share this episode with anyone considering Orthopaedics for PG.

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https://www.instagram.com/drketan_ortho_goa/?__pwa=1

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00:00 – IntroductionEpisode overview and Guest introduction

01:49 – Why MBBS First choice, career options

02:39 – MBBS Journey Personal experience / clinical or academic context

07:30 – Why Orthopedics Liking, decision making

09:39 – PG journey Preparation, coaching, choosing seat 13:58 – Why Nair Hospital Thought process, rationale in choosing

16:32 – PG JourneyHow the training actually was, duties during residency, typical day

25:48 – Toxicity? Navigating and dealing with dark days, relationships with peers

29:53 – Work-life balance? Can it be found in residency? Does it exist in this branch?

31:23 – Who should choose OrthoCriteria for selecting, mindset, inclination, coping ability

34:24 – Private vs Govt seat / DNB?Addressing doubts viewers commonly have, how to choose, prospects

40:26 – Saturated Branch?Has Orthopedics lost its glam

42:17 – Trends & Current ScenarioHow things are changing in PG and seat selection, and in real world

49:16 – Physically demanding? Strength, endurance, should females avoid Orthopedics?

51:27 – Senior residencyDifference between JR and SRship, duty load

53:27 – Salary expectations?Starting salary, job prospects, tenure

57:14 – Corporate vs private practice Pros and cons of each, reality of work and growth

59:40 – Setting up own practice vs clinic Cost, requirements, collaboration, practicality

01:02:50 – Fellowships National and International, Pathways, Experience, Necessity?

01:07:11 – Sports Medicine Sports injuries, management, rehabilitation

01:13:07 – Working in Italy Experience, language barrier, set up, patient expectations, surgery load

01:17:16 – MRCS Rationale, Passing, Experience, Utility, Necessity

01:20:19 – Memorable case The most memorable and formative case impacting clinical practice

01:20:19 – Memorable case The most memorable and formative case impacting clinical practice

01:25:55 – Presentations & Publications Research, National and International, Evidence Based Medicine, Necessity

01:33:42 – Trends in cases, AIChanging trends and techniques in India, Patient awareness, Regenerative Medicine

01:38:39 – Personal life? Does it exist? How to manage work-life and avoid burnout

01:38:39 – Personal life? Does it exist? How to manage work-life and avoid burnout?

01:42:08 – Final Advice Takeaways and advice for NEET PG aspirants and MBBS students

01:44:18 – Contact Sir Where to find Sir? How to connect with Dr. Ketan Naik (consultations)

01:45:41 – Closing Thoughts, Summary & perspective

#neetpg #orthopedics #podcast #medicalpodcast #neetpgcounselling

Welcome to another episode of Keep It Real with Dr Pradip Misal.In this session, we sit down with Dr. Pradnya Naik, a senior Microbiologist, to uncover the reality of taking MD Microbiology as a postgraduate branch—from training and laboratory skills to changing diagnostic trends, career pathways, and earning potential.This episode is essential for MBBS students, NEET PG aspirants, and anyone evaluating para-clinical branches with strong real-life relevance.

💡 Key Topics Covered

Reality of taking Microbiology for PG

Myths vs. truth about non-clinical/para-clinical branches

What MD Microbiology training actually involves: bacteriology, virology, parasitology, molecular diagnostics

How emerging technologies (PCR, MALDI-TOF, automation, AI) are transforming microbiology

AMR, infection control, hospital epidemiology, and antibiotic stewardship

Careers across medical colleges, corporate hospitals, NABL/NABH labsHigh-growth opportunities in pharma, vaccines, CROs, infectious disease research, and public health

Realistic earning potential in India and abroad

Skills that increase employability: biosafety, molecular biology, quality management, research

Whether you're choosing a PG branch or exploring long-term career options in medical sciences, this episode provides a clear, evidence-based breakdown of the future of microbiology.

📬 Connect with Our Guest For online health coaching and nutrition consultation, you can reach Dr. Pradnya Naik on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/drpradnyadiabetescoach?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

🎧 About the Podcast

Keep It Real with Dr Pradip Misal brings honest, practical discussions on PG branches, medical careers, research, and the real challenges of life in medicine. If you found value in this episode, make sure to follow for more insights.

Also follow me on Instagram for updates

https://www.instagram.com/dragonsla_yer_/?__pwa=1

00:00 – Introduction

00:37 – Guest intro02:21 – Why MBBS?

03:19 – MBBS journey 03:55 – Faced ragging

05:24 – Why Microbiology for PG?

07:58 – Faced stigma for Microbiology for PG

11:05 – How to consider PG branch?11:56 – Challenges of being non-hostelite

12:52 – What makes microbiology different?

13:56 – Who should consider microbiology for PG?

15:43 – Choosing college for microbiology PG

16:58 – PG Life during MD Microbiology

18:40 – Toxicity in PG Microbiology?

20:37 – Myths about MD Microbiology

21:32 – Career Opportunities after MD Microbiology: fellowships, abroad

22:30 – Realistic Earning Potential

23:00 – Nightshifts for Microbiologists

23:38 – What skills needed for MD Microbiology

24:20 – Teaching and Changing trends

27:27 – Experience working in private labs

29:00 – Setting up own microbiological lab

30:25 – Changing trends in antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

32:10 – Caution when taking antibiotics

35:30 – Antimicrobial stewardship

38:52 – Hospital acquired infections

41:38 – Zoonotic infections

43:20 – Life of microbiologists during COVID19

46:25 – Research work in Microbiology

48:10 – Nutrition and dietetics

49:25 – Unhealthy foods in Indian diet

50:05 – Dr Pradnya's style of nutrition coaching

50:46 – How to connect with Dr. Pradnya Naik (consultations)

51:10 – Misinformation about Nutrition on social media

52:00 – Art of belly dancing

52:44 – Advice MBBS students & NEET PG aspirants, Closing remarks & outro

#neetpg #microbiology #podcast #medicalcounselling #neetpgcounselling #doctorlife #doctor

Welcome back to Keep It Real with Dr Pradip Misal, where we simplify medical careers, training pathways, and real-world clinical insights. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Shreyas Pradeep Naik, a senior Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon (OMFS), to discuss the truth about dentistry, how it differs from MBBS, and the real scope of OMFS as a postgraduate specialty and what it means to have a Private Practice. This conversation clears several misconceptions MBBS students and doctors commonly have about dental training, surgical exposure, and the interrelationship between medicine and dentistry.

This podcast covers: What makes Dentistry different from MBBS

How demanding is dental school really?

What is OMFS and who is it meant for?

Surgical skills, work-life balance & career growth

Income potential & practice options

Common misconceptions about dentists

Honest advice for BDS graduates

The future of oral and maxillofacial surgery in India

If you’re a BDS student, NEET MDS aspirant, MBBS student confused about branches, or someone exploring surgical specialties, this is a must-watch.

📌 Podcast Host: Dr Pradip Misal MD

📌 Guest: Dr Shreyas Pradeep Naik, MDS (Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery)

https://www.instagram.com/thenaique/?__pwa=1

If You want your Dental Checkup done, do visit his clinic at Address Given below: 014B, Garden Centre Opposite Police Station Mapusa - Goa, 403507

follow me on Instagram for more updates https://www.instagram.com/dragonsla_yer_/?__pwa=1

Follow for more honest conversations about medicine, careers, research, and residency life.

#dentistry #neetmds #pg #oralhealth #careeradvice

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Suyash Mandurkar, a senior Obstetrics & Gynaecology consultant, to discuss what it really means to take OBGY as a postgraduate branch—from the challenges and rewards of residency to the evolving landscape of women’s health and wellness in India. We explore modern trends in female health awareness, fertility, lifestyle diseases, and the growing importance of preventive and holistic care. Whether you’re a medical student choosing your PG branch, a resident navigating OBGY life, or someone passionate about women’s health advocacy, this conversation offers valuable insights from years of clinical experience.

Follow Dr. Suyash Mandurkar for fitness and women's health tips; he's a certified health, wellness, and fitness coach.https://www.instagram.com/healthfitbydrsuyash/?__pwa=1

He also posts daily travel content, so if you are interested, then follow him on https://www.instagram.com/suite_succes/?__pwa=1

🎧 Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction06:32 – MBBS Journey

19:25 – Selecting OBGY for residency

24:26 – Toxicity in OBGY residency

32:39 – PG life, workload

36:50 – Stigma towards Male ObGyns

39:40 – Why fellowship

42:53 – Women’s health, fertility, PCOS, lifestyle diseases

56:51 – Wellness & fitness coaching

58:21 – Doctor’s in content creation

01:16:11 – Travel content

01:26:22 – Final advice

Follow me on Instagram @dragonsla_yer_for more medical podcasts, research tips, and residency insights.https://www.instagram.com/dragonsla_yer_/?__pwa=1

#obgyn #medicalpodcast #doctortalks #healthcarepodcast #neetpg