Shadow Me Next!

Check our Dr. Oyetoran's youtube channel Journey to MD!

What happens when a determined young girl from Nigeria declares she wants to be a doctor? Dr. Anu Oyetoran's extraordinary journey takes us across continents—from West Africa to Canada, the Caribbean, New York, and finally Florida—where she now serves as chief medical resident at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine.

Beyond her impressive credentials lies a story of remarkable adaptability. Moving to Canada at age 12, Dr. Oyetoran recalls how her accent immediately set her apart, forcing her to develop self-confidence and resilience—qualities that would serve her well throughout medical training. Rather than viewing her numerous relocations as hardships, she embraces them as opportunities for growth and connection, a perspective that has carried her through the demanding years of residency.

Dr. Oyetoran speaks candidly about the challenges of intern year—those grueling 14-hour days in the ICU that test even the most dedicated physicians—and how faith and family support sustained her through the toughest moments. Now, on the cusp of completing her internal medicine residency, she's preparing for a highly competitive fellowship in hematology-oncology, a specialty she chose precisely because it's difficult. Her eyes light up when discussing emerging cancer treatments like CAR T-cell therapy and her hope to someday contribute to finding a cure.

Her dedication extends beyond clinical practice through "Journey to MD," her YouTube channel created to guide aspiring medical professionals through challenges she had to navigate alone. Dr. Oyetoran promises new videos soon, hoping to demystify residency and fellowship experiences for the next generation.

Throughout our conversation, one theme remains constant: Dr. Oyetoran views medicine as a calling—an opportunity to be a light for patients facing their darkest moments. Her story reminds us that behind every white coat is a human being whose unique experiences shape their approach to healing.

Ready to be inspired by more healthcare leaders? Subscribe to Shadow Me Next and join our community of medical professionals and students passionate about sharing the human side of medicine.

Support the show

Please connect and say hello >>> Email me!              

Support shadow me next >>> Thank you!

Want to be a guest? >>>  Click here!

Virtual shadowing is an important tool to use when planning your medical career. Whether as a doctor, a physician assistant, a therapist or nurse, here Shadow Me Next! we want to provide you with the resources you need to find your role in healthcare and understand your place in medicine.  

Interested in research? Check out the links below to get started! 

The Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI Program): The Trusted Standard in Research, Ethics, Compliance, and Safety Training

Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Online Training Courses

Human Subjects Research Courses

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Step into the mysterious world of clinical research with Leigh Shermer, a Physician Assistant and Doctor of Medical Science who's breaking barriers in an area traditionally dominated by physicians. With over 18 years of healthcare experience across cardiology, critical care, and cardiothoracic surgery, Leigh now leads clinical trials that develop the medical treatments of tomorrow.

What exactly happens during a clinical trial? Leigh pulls back the curtain on this fascinating process, walking us through the careful protocols, patient safety measures, and day-to-day operations of a clinical research site that might be running 40 different studies simultaneously. Far from the stereotype of researchers working in isolated labs, she describes hands-on patient interactions, thorough safety monitoring, and the delicate balance of following strict scientific protocols while providing compassionate care.

Perhaps most compelling is Leigh's insight into why patients choose to participate in clinical research. Some join from altruism, wanting to advance medical knowledge. Others seek access to treatments for conditions they couldn't otherwise afford. And yes, some participate for financial compensation – a practical acknowledgment of the time commitment these studies require. In all cases, Leigh emphasizes that patient safety remains the absolute priority, dismantling the misconception that participants are treated as "guinea pigs."

Leigh's career journey itself tells a powerful story about the evolving healthcare landscape. Her transition from cardiothoracic surgery to critical care to cardiology and finally to clinical research demonstrates the remarkable versatility of PA careers. Interestingly, it was the COVID-19 pandemic and her curiosity about vaccine development that sparked her interest in clinical research, eventually leading her to earn her doctorate and pioneer new roles for PAs as principal investigators.

Subscribe to Shadow Me Next for more fascinating conversations that take you behind the scenes of healthcare careers you might never have considered!

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Support the show

Please connect and say hello >>> Email me!              

Support shadow me next >>> Thank you!

Want to be a guest? >>>  Click here!

Virtual shadowing is an important tool to use when planning your medical career. Whether as a doctor, a physician assistant, a therapist or nurse, here Shadow Me Next! we want to provide you with the resources you need to find your role in healthcare and understand your place in medicine.  

Learn more about Dr. Otten or to support his documentary, please visit Medicine Forward. 

His book, Ripples of Change is available at a bookstore near you! 

Dr. Todd Otten pulls back the curtain on healthcare's darkest challenges while offering a vision of hope for its future. A board-certified family physician with over two decades of experience, Dr. Otten speaks candidly about his own battle with severe burnout that nearly ended his career and the devastating loss of four colleagues to suicide.

What makes this conversation particularly powerful is Dr. Otten's refusal to simply critique the system while remaining on the sidelines. As co-founder of Our Quadruple Aim and lead catalyst of Medicine Forward, he's actively building solutions to strengthen the patient-physician relationship that lies at the heart of effective healthcare. His book "Ripple of Change," co-authored with his patient Joshua Judy, offers a rare dual perspective of the healthcare journey from both sides of the stethoscope.

Dr. Otten shares the story of his "office utopia," where he mentored nurse practitioners through an open-door policy that prioritized collaborative learning and patient care. This approach stands in stark contrast to today's high-pressure, metrics-driven healthcare environment that too often values data collection over meaningful human connection. "Does data make the dying feel better?" he asks, challenging us to reconsider what truly matters in medicine.

The conversation takes a powerful turn as Dr. Otten discusses his upcoming documentary project, which aims to educate Americans about healthcare's systemic problems – from corporate greed to insurance obstacles – while activating a movement for genuine transformation. Despite these weighty topics, his message remains hopeful. For those considering healthcare careers, he emphasizes the beauty of medicine while advocating for mentorship, boundary-setting, and self-care as essential safeguards against burnout.

Through stories that range from heartbreaking to inspiring, Dr. Otten reminds us that at its core, medicine is about those profound human connections that transcend algorithms and metrics – like his poignant interaction with a 90-year-old cancer patient that created ripples of gratitude lasting decades. Subscribe to Shadow Me Next for more conversations that explore the human side of medicine with leaders who are shaping its future.

Support the show

Please connect and say hello >>> Email me!              

Support shadow me next >>> Thank you!

Want to be a guest? >>>  Click here!

Virtual shadowing is an important tool to use when planning your medical career. Whether as a doctor, a physician assistant, a therapist or nurse, here Shadow Me Next! we want to provide you with the resources you need to find your role in healthcare and understand your place in medicine.  

What does it take to become a trailblazer in the world of interventional radiology? In today's episode, we explore this question with Keri Hayes, a remarkable interventional radiology Physician Assistant who has been instrumental in shaping her field. Growing up in a small North Carolina town where specialty care was sparse, Keri's determination to improve healthcare equality has driven her illustrious career. Hear about her pivotal role in advocating for a Certificate of Added Qualification in Interventional Radiology for PAs, setting a new standard for excellence in the profession. Keri's leadership roles in the Society of Interventional Radiology and the Entelios Foundation further emphasize her commitment to advancing medical imaging and radiation safety.

Through compelling stories and personal insights, Keri sheds light on the diverse and dynamic responsibilities of PAs in interventional radiology. From performing intricate procedures like thyroid and liver biopsies to acting as an advocate for patients navigating complex treatments, Keri’s experiences provide a gripping look into the life of a PA in this specialized field. She touches on the challenges of gaining exposure to interventional radiology as a student and shares valuable advice on leveraging networking and initiative to carve out a successful path. Her reflections on collaboration with healthcare teams spotlight the crucial role PAs play in enhancing patient care and outcomes.

We also delve into the empathetic side of healthcare, with Keri sharing moving encounters with patients who are hesitant or fearful of medical procedures. She discusses the emotional resilience required to support patients and families through difficult times, especially in palliative care settings. Keri's dedication to mentorship and professional development is evident as she recounts her journey from being the lone pioneer to building a supportive community of PAs in specialized fields. Listen in to gain a deeper understanding of how PAs are reshaping the healthcare landscape, armed with empathy and a passion for patient-centered care.

Support the show

Please connect and say hello >>> Email me!              

Support shadow me next >>> Thank you!

Want to be a guest? >>>  Click here!

Virtual shadowing is an important tool to use when planning your medical career. Whether as a doctor, a physician assistant, a therapist or nurse, here Shadow Me Next! we want to provide you with the resources you need to find your role in healthcare and understand your place in medicine.  

So much more at Escape the Clinic Masterclass with Katie Bean, PA-C

And please listen to her podcast: Escape the Clinic 

What happens when the career you've worked so hard for starts taking more than it gives? Katie Bean, a physician assistant with years of experience in emergency medicine, found herself dreading her shifts, missing precious family moments, and wondering if this was all there was to her medical career. Her story challenges us to consider alternative paths within healthcare that honor both our passion for medicine and our need for fulfillment.

This raw, honest conversation explores Katie's journey from correctional medicine to emergency departments, through burnout, personal tragedy, and ultimately to entrepreneurship. After losing her sister—a recent PA graduate—in a car accident, Katie faced a profound realization: life is too short to spend decades doing work that leaves you feeling empty. Instead of continuing to fight against burnout, she created Escape the Clinic, a platform that helps healthcare professionals build businesses aligned with their passions while creating financial freedom and reclaiming their time.

Katie delivers powerful insights about recognizing burnout (it's not if but when for most clinicians), the importance of knowing yourself, and how your medical expertise can translate into opportunities beyond traditional practice. She emphasizes that her journey doesn't diminish the value of the PA profession—in fact, it's precisely her medical background that enabled her entrepreneurial success. For pre-health students, her message is encouraging: pursue medicine if it calls to you, but know that your degree opens doors beyond the clinic walls.

Whether you're experiencing burnout, curious about alternative career paths, or simply want to understand the evolving landscape of healthcare careers, this episode offers both practical guidance and permission to reimagine success on your own terms. After all, as Katie reminds us, "There is something so special about creating something from nothing"—whether that's healing a patient or building a business that helps other healers thrive.

Support the show

Please connect and say hello >>> Email me!              

Support shadow me next >>> Thank you!

Want to be a guest? >>>  Click here!

Virtual shadowing is an important tool to use when planning your medical career. Whether as a doctor, a physician assistant, a therapist or nurse, here Shadow Me Next! we want to provide you with the resources you need to find your role in healthcare and understand your place in medicine.  

Join us on a journey through the compelling story of Dr. Beatrice Garrido, a resident physician whose path to pediatrics and global health is as unique as it is inspiring. Listen in as Dr. Garrido shares how her early dreams of becoming a veterinarian led her to the intricate world of human medicine, fueled by a pivotal moment with her mother. Her choice to pursue a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree showcases a commitment to a holistic approach, which she passionately integrates into her practice. This episode promises to enlighten listeners about the profound impact of diverse healthcare roles, including her invaluable experience as a medical interpreter at the NIH, and how these roles enriched her journey as a compassionate caregiver.

From handling the emotional rollercoaster of medical school to navigating the challenging match process, Dr. Garrido opens up about the highs and lows of pursuing a career in pediatrics. Discover how the early struggles and the realization of her true calling shaped her path. Through personal anecdotes, she reveals how mentors provided guidance and support, helping her overcome the hurdles of medical residency specializations. The episode captures the essence of resilience, the strategic pivoting from initial interests in surgery and emergency medicine back to her roots in pediatrics, and the gratifying moment of securing a residency position against all odds.

Peek into the demanding world of a pediatric resident as Dr. Garrido shares her routines, the intensity of hospital rotations, and the strategies she employs to combat burnout. This episode offers a candid exploration of the personal toll of burnout and the techniques she uses to maintain mental health and provide optimal patient care. Learn from Dr. Garrido’s experiences about the importance of self-care, support systems, and staying true to one's passion in the field of medicine. Whether you're an aspiring medical professional or simply intrigued by the human side of healthcare, this episode offers insights and encouragement to navigate the challenges and celebrate the triumphs of a medical career.

Support the show

Please connect and say hello >>> Email me!              

Support shadow me next >>> Thank you!

Want to be a guest? >>>  Click here!

Virtual shadowing is an important tool to use when planning your medical career. Whether as a doctor, a physician assistant, a therapist or nurse, here Shadow Me Next! we want to provide you with the resources you need to find your role in healthcare and understand your place in medicine.  

Imagine navigating nearly three decades in healthcare with the resilience and adaptability of a true innovator. That's exactly what our guest, Eric Fogg, has accomplished as a physician assistant (PA) and leader in healthcare operations. In this episode of Shadow Me Next, Eric reveals his extraordinary journey from a budding interest in sports medicine to pioneering new telehealth initiatives and leading pandemic response efforts. Eric's passion for mentoring future healthcare professionals shines through as he shares how PAs can significantly shape healthcare policy and operations.

Join us as we explore Eric's transition from clinical practice to taking on powerful roles in administrative leadership. Discover the unique dynamic of a PA-led urgent care setting where Eric excelled in managing budgets, building a network of urgent care centers, and navigating the perceptions of non-physician leadership. His story is a testament to hard work and the willingness to take risks, proving that PAs can thrive in roles traditionally reserved for physicians. Eric's commitment to providing quality care underscores the importance of seizing opportunities and building a reputable career.

Our conversation also touches on the exciting potential of technology in the healthcare landscape. From AI and wearable technologies transforming chronic disease management to the nuances of PA recertification and the recent title change from "Physician Assistant" to "Physician Associate," Eric offers insights into the innovation shaping the future of the PA profession. We highlight the role of empathy and genuine care in medicine, emphasizing the human touch that remains irreplaceable despite technological advances. Whether you're a pre-health student or simply curious about healthcare, this episode promises to enlighten and inspire.

Find Erich at Pathway To Pass! 

• online: https://www.erichfogg.com/
• instagram: @pathwaytopass

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Support the show

Please connect and say hello >>> Email me!              

Support shadow me next >>> Thank you!

Want to be a guest? >>>  Click here!

Virtual shadowing is an important tool to use when planning your medical career. Whether as a doctor, a physician assistant, a therapist or nurse, here Shadow Me Next! we want to provide you with the resources you need to find your role in healthcare and understand your place in medicine.  

Natalie Freels, a trailblazing Physician Assistant, illuminates the pathways of hospital internal medicine with a unique blend of passion and expertise. From her beginnings as an EMT to shaping innovations in healthcare, Natalie captivates with stories of problem-solving and systems-based thinking that are reshaping medical landscapes. We promise you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the transformative potential of clinician-led initiatives as Natalie shares her significant contributions to disaster preparedness and electronic health record optimization.

How do clinicians enact meaningful change in the complex world of medicine? Natalie dives into the heart of this question, shedding light on the crucial need for advocacy, collaboration, and feedback within healthcare settings. By emphasizing the role of diverse perspectives and the integration of simple, effective solutions, she outlines a roadmap for achieving sustainable progress. Moreover, Natalie highlights the importance of understanding the everyday challenges faced by healthcare professionals, advocating for leadership that bridges the gap between administrative decisions and clinical realities.

Ever wondered what a day in the life of a hospital internal medicine PA looks like? Natalie takes us on a journey through her routine, balancing patient care, teaching, and professional development. Her dedication extends beyond the hospital, as she delves into healthcare technology and emergency management, advocating for robust electronic health record resiliency planning. From memorable interview questions to insights on patient-centered care, this episode promises a comprehensive look into the rewarding and multifaceted world of medicine through the eyes of an inspiring healthcare leader.

Support the show

Please connect and say hello >>> Email me!              

Support shadow me next >>> Thank you!

Want to be a guest? >>>  Click here!

Virtual shadowing is an important tool to use when planning your medical career. Whether as a doctor, a physician assistant, a therapist or nurse, here Shadow Me Next! we want to provide you with the resources you need to find your role in healthcare and understand your place in medicine.  

Join us on Shadow Me Next as we welcome our guest, Jim Allen, a lead physician assistant who shares his inspiring journey from aspiring military service member to a dedicated healthcare professional in urgent care. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at a young age, Jim's dream of joining the military was rerouted, leading him to discover a new path driven by resilience and an enduring passion for medicine. His story is a heartfelt exploration of how life's unexpected turns and personal challenges can forge a rewarding career path in healthcare.

Jim details the fast-paced world of urgent care, where each day brings new challenges and opportunities to make a significant impact on patients' lives. From managing high-acuity cases to mastering the art of differential diagnosis, Jim shares the nuances of urgent care practice. He emphasizes teamwork, autonomy, and the satisfaction of accurately diagnosing serious conditions, all within the vibrant environment of a PA-owned facility. His insights are not only informative for aspiring medical professionals but also a testament to the gratifying nature of urgent care work.

For those looking to enter the medical field, Jim provides invaluable advice on succeeding in PA school interviews and the importance of building a strong community and support network. His passion for mentoring the next generation shines through as he offers tips on crafting memorable interview experiences and navigating the competitive nature of medical education. Whether you're a pre-health student or simply curious about the intricacies of clinical practice, this episode is full of wisdom and inspiration. Follow and engage with us as we explore the rewarding journey of being a clinician and the joy of sharing that passion with others.

➡️ Check out Jim's YouTube channel: Urgent Care Stories, where he reviews interesting cases and walks you through forming a differential diagnosis for each one. 

https://youtube.com/@urgentcarestories?si=KfEw2ZjNT5LtZRaL

Support the show

Please connect and say hello >>> Email me!              

Support shadow me next >>> Thank you!

Want to be a guest? >>>  Click here!

Virtual shadowing is an important tool to use when planning your medical career. Whether as a doctor, a physician assistant, a therapist or nurse, here Shadow Me Next! we want to provide you with the resources you need to find your role in healthcare and understand your place in medicine.  

What happens when a childhood dream of becoming a doctor takes an unexpected turn? Join us as we uncover the fascinating story of Michaela Elrod, a dedicated speech-language pathologist whose life was forever changed by a pivotal shadowing experience. This episode explores Michaela's journey from aspiring physician to discovering a more personal calling in the world of speech therapy, where she finds joy in transforming the lives of children and their families. Together, we delve into the profound impact of early intervention on child development and explore the unique challenges and rewards of fostering communication skills in children under three years old.

Michaela brings valuable insights into the practice of speech therapy, emphasizing the power of parent coaching and everyday interactions to build essential communication skills in young children. By moving away from traditional, authoritative models and embracing humility and vulnerability, Michaela shows us how speech therapists can effectively partner with parents during this transformative period. We also address the hurdles faced by these professionals, like maintaining energy and tackling complex client behaviors, all while savoring the rewarding nature of this work.

Our conversation takes a personal turn as Michaela opens up about her life outside of work, sharing her experiences as a medical spouse. We explore the sacrifices and joys of supporting a partner in the demanding world of medicine, and the importance of maintaining balance through self-care and quality time together. This episode serves as an inspiring resource for anyone interested in the medical and therapy fields, offering a rare glimpse into the joys and challenges faced by those dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others.

Support the show

Please connect and say hello >>> Email me!              

Support shadow me next >>> Thank you!

Want to be a guest? >>>  Click here!

Virtual shadowing is an important tool to use when planning your medical career. Whether as a doctor, a physician assistant, a therapist or nurse, here Shadow Me Next! we want to provide you with the resources you need to find your role in healthcare and understand your place in medicine.