The Long Call

No one goes into medicine for the paperwork, but administrative work is a critical part of residency. In this episode, we talk with our administrative chief residents about the behind-the-scenes responsibilities that keep programs running and residents on track — from case logs and duty hours to evaluations, licensing, and email management. They share common pitfalls, real consequences, and practical systems that help residents stay organized, professional, and eligible to graduate. A must-listen for anyone who’s ever panicked over a missed deadline or unread email.

Interviews aren’t about being perfect — they’re about being prepared and authentic. In this episode, we break down how to answer common questions with intention and how to avoid the mistakes that derail otherwise strong applicants. We also cover reading program culture and what to ask to help you decide if a program is the right fit for you.

Fellowship applications can be stressful — and often more confusing than they need to be. In this episode we break down some ideas to apply with intention, not panic. We cover topics including personal statements, letters of recommendation, and geography, with a focus on alignment, clarity, and fit over perfection.

In this episode, we break down professionalism and translate this into real-life resident behavior. We cover how to show up prepared (clinically, personally, and mentally), navigate conflict without escalation, speak up when safety is at stake, and build strong team dynamics that earn trust. Through practical tools, common scenarios, and actionable takeaways, we explore how professionalism isn’t about being perfect...it’s about reliability, accountability, communication, and how you show up for your patients and your team.

In this special episode, we’re on call for the holidays, talking with our coworkers we’re working with. We ask about favorite on-call holiday traditions, small rituals that bring joy during long shifts, and the ways clinicians create meaning, connection, and a little levity when they’re working while others celebrate. It’s a shorter, heartfelt episode about community, resilience, and finding holiday spirit wherever you are — especially on call.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Divya Shah to unpack what “residents as teachers” means in modern training. We talk about why teaching matters even when time is tight, how teaching strengthens residents’ own learning, and what programs can miss when they try to build resident-as-teacher curricula. From practical, on-the-ground strategies to culture change, recognition, and the future of teaching in the age of AI, this episode offers ideas and inspiration for residents and educators alike.

Giving feedback is essential in residency...but it can feel awkward, rushed, and high-stakes. Building on our last episode about receiving feedback, we focus on how to give clear, compassionate, and actionable feedback that supports learning. We discuss the ADAPT model as a simple framework for real-world teaching moments and walk through practical clinical scenarios from clinic and the OR. Tune in for tools to make feedback more effective, efficient, and human, even on your busiest days.

In this episode we unpack one of residency’s most important skills: learning to receive feedback well. Using insights from the book Thanks for the Feedback, we explore why feedback can feel threatening, what actually counts as feedback, and how common triggers can derail our ability to learn. We share some practical strategies for navigating feedback conversations, recognizing blind spots, managing emotional reactions, and shifting focus toward what we can control. Because thriving in residency isn’t about having perfect feedback-givers - it’s about becoming a learner who can grow from imperfect ones.

We’ve all been there...reading the same paragraph three times and still not getting it. In this episode, we break down how adults actually learn, why studying in residency feels so hard, and some practical strategies that really work. From active recall and spaced repetition to micro-learning in the moments between patients, we discuss habits that help knowledge stick. We also talk about using feedback to guide your learning rather than derail it. Learn smarter, not harder!

In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome our very first guest, Dr. Abike James, for a powerful conversation about training in uncertain times. Together, we dive into how today’s tumultuous climate is shaping residency, where learners are feeling the greatest pressures, and how programs can stay grounded in their mission and values. We explore what it means to anchor in purpose, engage with our communities, and create supportive learning environments — even when the landscape feels chaotic. Dr. James also shares moments of hope, leadership, and the values that have carried her through her career, reminding us all of the meaning in our work.