I am so happy that I am back to recording! After a whirlwind few months, I finally sit down to debrief it all. From chopping my hair into a bob to navigating new friendships, unexpected learning curves, and the realities of medical school, this episode is an honest reflection on how my first semester really went. If you’re curious about the highs, the hard moments, and everything in between—listen to Episode 16 :)

Helloooo everyone! Welcome to White Coat Chronicles:)

I started this podcast to talk about my journey to medical school with a <<500 MCAT score and am here to share what has followed- the highs, lows, and in betweens. 

Post first medical school exam, I finally made the time to reflect on my gap year and some of the most important lessons I'm taking with me. From lessons exes have taught me, to my favorite time saving breakfast, listen to the top 10 things I've learned from my gap year.

Hello everyone! Welcome back to another episode of White Coat Chronicles with Tori :) If you're new here, hi! I got into medical school with a <<500 MCAT score, and I'm here to bring you along on my journey to becoming a D.O.

There's a lot of to-dos before starting med school once you've gotten accepted. As a fist gen medical student, this was all new to me and I'm here to share what I've figured out so far.

From FBI fingerprints and HIPPA certifications, to expensive medical equipment and dress codes, learn about everything I needed to do before starting medical school. 

Why should you be using mineral sunscreen? What the Cleveland Clinic has to say

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Hello everyone! Welcome back to another episode or, if you're new here, welcome to White Coat Chronicles :) My name is Tori, and I'm about to start medical school in August 2025. I got into med school with a <<500 MCAT score, and I'm here to tell this audience my story and bring you along for my med school journey on the path to become a D.O. 

This past week I drove 9 hours to Ohio to move into my new apartment for medical school. When I got to the apartment, I realized that my plan to move in was not going to happen...

I would say episode 13 is in a 'story time' format. Catch up with me, hear how I'm doing at the tail end of my gap year, learn a fun fact about your spine, and sit down for some silly laughs about my time in Ohio.

Follow along on instagram (and see some video clips of this trip there too!) @wcc.wtori

The day this episode is published is exactly two months before I start medical school!

I made this episode as a sort of catch up but also for me to listen back to when I start medical school and remember all the emotions and feelings I had at this time. Listen to what I'm scared about, what I'm excited for, and things that I've been doing thus far that make me happy :)

Learn more about stem cells: FDA/stem cells

Follow along on the official podcast instagram : @wcc.wtori

For anyone applying to medical school 2025-2026 cycle, listen to this episode!

I didn’t do your typical lab bench research—instead, I conducted research with the Anthropology Department on food insecurity. I chose this path because it was something I was genuinely passionate about and interested in at the time. Still, I worried that not having traditional biology research would put me at a disadvantage, and I often focused on what my application lacked.

Now that my application cycle is over, I’ve had three interviews, received two acceptances, and landed on one waitlist. I'm so glad I didn’t waste my time doing something just to check a box on my med school application.

If you’re struggling with trying to do all the right things for your application, this episode is for you!

Dr. Jen Gunter, OB-GYN "The Science of Menstruation in 10 Minutes" : Watch here!

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Welcome back to another episode of White Coat Chronicles with me, Tori!

In this episode I give you insight into my answer to the burning question you need to prepare for in medical school interviews, "Why do you want to be a doctor?". For me, however, there is a difference in the answer I polished for my interviews and the real, honest reason I'm going to be a doctor. 

I address the role ego plays, being a type-A person, and (yes I hate to admit it) but how much I loved Grey's Anatomy LOL.

I'm also starting to share something new I learn every week regarding healthcare. Click this link to learn more about the newly FDA-approved blood test for Alzheimers.

Follow along on the official podcast instagram : @wcc.wtori

For as long as I can remember, I’ve dealt with stress and anxiety—especially when it comes to school and grades. I’ve always sought academic validation. I’m not proud of it, and I definitely feel vulnerable sharing this, but these feelings are REAL, especially in the premed world.

In this episode, I talk about how stress and anxiety affected me in college, what it did to my body and skin, and how I’m doing my best to navigate it now.

If any of this resonates with you, give it a listen—or share it with someone who might need to hear it :)

Follow along on the official podcast instagram : @wcc.wtori

This might be one of my favorite episodes yet. Meet my best friend and little sister, Katie, as she shares her unfiltered perspective on what I was like growing up—from the moment I decided I wanted to be a doctor, to my high school and college years, all the way to who I am now.

We dive into everything from how I handled anxiety, to juggling my social life with studying, and how she feels about me leaving for med school next year. It’s funny, honest, and a little emotional in the best way.

You’ll definitely get to know me better in this episode (maybe a little too well), but that’s what this podcast is all about—sharing the raw, unedited reality of applying to medical school and how it affects every part of your life.

Follow along on the NEW official podcast instagram : @wcc.wtori

For anyone that is 'type-a' and has an extended period of down time or a lack of routine, give this episode a listen! I recently quit my job as a medical assistant (Episode 6) and have been struggling to find ways to keep myself entertained.

It’s been two weeks, and I’m finally starting to find my rhythm again. In this episode, I’m sharing how I’m learning to enjoy the downtime without guilt, let go of the constant need to be “productive,” and actually embrace rest for what it is.

If you're in a similar season, I hope this helps you feel a little more at peace—and a little less alone.

Follow Me on Instagram:) @tori.casquarelli