White Coat Life, Thriving Wife

MD vs. DO: what’s actually different, and how much do those two letters really matter?

In this episode, I’m joined by my husband Ethan, an MD medical student, and Sam Eddington, a DO medical student, to have an honest conversation about the similarities, differences, and common misconceptions surrounding MD and DO medical education.

We talk about:• How MD and DO training compare• The differences in board exams and licensing• Clinical rotations and research opportunities• Residency opportunities and specialty choice• Whether DO students can pursue competitive specialties and surgery• What to look for when comparing individual medical schools beyond simply MD vs. DO• Whether pre-med students should apply to both MD and DO programs• Sam’s experience going through medical school while raising a family

Then, at the end of the episode, we put some of the most common MD vs. DO misconceptions to the test with a lightning round of myth vs. fact.

If you’re pre-med, applying to medical school, or simply trying to understand the difference between MD and DO, we hope this conversation helps you see the options more clearly and think about where you might fit.

Listen in and hear directly from both an MD and DO student about what the journey actually looks like.

Is having kids during training worth it? Is it fair to them? What will they remember?

If you’ve ever asked these questions, you’re not alone. Having kids while pursuing medical or dental training can feel like a daunting task, and it’s natural to wonder how those years will shape your children.

When we got pregnant with our oldest during undergrad, we wondered what it would be like for our children to grow up with a dad in medical school and residency. So, I asked my husband’s cousin, Kaitlynn Laudie Evans, to share her perspective. She grew up with a dad in dental training, and she had some really thoughtful insights that gave us a lot of peace.

Today, I’m bringing her on the show to share her experience and talk about what she remembers from those years.

Everyone’s journey is going to look different, and that’s okay. But sometimes, it helps to hear from someone who has already been through it. I hope this conversation gives you some encouragement and perspective as you make decisions about your own journey.

Thinking about applying to medical school? Let’s talk about what we wish we knew before we started the process.

In this episode, we’re getting into the practical side of applying—from prerequisites and timelines to GPA, the MCAT, clinical experience, shadowing, research, leadership, and service. But more than just checking boxes, these experiences can actually help you figure out your “why,” build your confidence, discover what you enjoy, and even shape where you want to go in medicine.

If you truly want to become a doctor, it’s never too late to start—but knowing what’s ahead can make the journey a whole lot less overwhelming.

What can we learn from a surgeon and his wife who have already walked the road we’re just beginning?

In this episode of White Coat Life, Thriving Wife, I’m joined by retired surgeon Dr. Hillam and his wife, Marilyn, for an honest conversation about medicine, marriage, and family.

They share what it was like to go through surgical training while raising a family, the hardest seasons they faced, and the lessons they learned along the way. We talk about the sacrifices of a career in surgery, protecting your marriage, and finding balance. 

As my husband and I consider what specialty might be right for our family, I wanted to hear from someone who has already lived it. What would they do differently? Was it worth the sacrifice? And what advice would they give couples just starting out?

Whether you’re pre-med, in medical school, considering surgery, or navigating training with your spouse, this conversation offers practical wisdom for building a life where your career and family can both thrive.

If you’re considering medical school, the application process can feel overwhelming—but there’s more to a strong application than checking boxes.

In Part 1 of this conversation, we talk about what we wish we knew when we first started the journey. We dive into finding your “why” for medicine, how that purpose can shape your application, what medical schools are looking for, and the importance of building meaningful relationships early so you can have strong letters of recommendation.

We also talk about something many pre-med students may not think about yet: medical school doesn’t just affect you—it affects your future spouse and family, too. Before starting this journey, there are important conversations to have about finances, student loans, starting a family, expectations, and how you’ll intentionally protect your marriage through the demands of medical training.

And perhaps most importantly, we talk about what it means to thrive—not by having everything go perfectly, but by gaining experience and learning from both the good and the difficult parts of the journey.

This is just Part 1, so there’s more to come. If you’re pre-med, share this episode with someone else preparing for the journey, and send us your questions in the comments or on Instagram. Your questions may help shape future episodes!

Follow along at @Whitecoatlife_thrivingwife for more conversations and resources for medical families.

Medical school is expensive—but that doesn't mean life has to be put on hold. If you've ever felt like you're constantly choosing between sticking to a budget and making meaningful memories with your family, this episode is for you.

I'm joined by medical student spouse and mom of two, Christa Mayberry, as we talk about how to thrive—not just survive—on a medical student budget. From thrifting and grocery shopping to affordable date nights, free family activities, and resources like WIC, SNAP, and Medicaid, we share practical ideas that have helped our families navigate this unique season. We also discuss the unexpected costs of medical school, how to plan for expenses you may not see coming, and why living intentionally now can create more freedom in the future.

A tight budget doesn't have to mean a small life. Being thrifty doesn't mean missing out on celebrations, experiences, or meaningful memories. Sometimes it simply means getting creative, being intentional, and recognizing that a meaningful life doesn't have to come with a big price tag.

Follow along on Instagram for more fun @WhiteCoatLife_ThrivingWife

Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and encouragement purposes only and should not be considered professional financial advice. Every family's situation is different, so be sure to make financial decisions based on your own circumstances and consult a qualified professional when needed.

What if the hardest seasons of life can become some of the most sacred?

In this episode, Hannah Geddes joins us to talk about walking with Jesus Christ through the challenges of medical training. We discuss finding God in difficult seasons, building spiritual habits, recognizing His hand in our lives, and how the “hard” can become “holy.”

Content note: The end of this episode briefly includes a discussion of suicide and a story of finding hope and God’s love during a moment of deep struggle.

Whether you’re in medical training or navigating a difficult season of your own, we hope this conversation reminds you that you don’t have to walk through it alone.

How have you recognized God's hand in your life during medical training or a tough season? Leave your response in the comments below- you never know who it could touch.

Join our community on Instagram @WhiteCoatLife_ThrivingWife

Let's talk about the things everyone struggles with—but rarely talk about.

In this episode, therapist Caleb Meyers joins us for an honest conversation about mental health, impostor syndrome, resilience, and marriage during medical training.

You'll also hear my husband, Ethan, share his own experiences navigating the pressures of medical school and the lessons he's learned about building resilience.

Thriving doesn't happen by accident—it happens through intentionality, support, and choosing to grow together.

Content note: This episode includes discussion on suicide and mental health. If these topics are distressing, please listen with care and at your own pace!

As medical spouses, we spend a lot of time supporting our partner’s dreams and helping them succeed through the demands of training. While that support is important, it’s also important to remember that we have goals, interests, and talents of our own. Making space for personal growth isn’t selfish—it’s an important part of thriving during this journey.

I would love to hear from our listeners on what outlets have helped them through this season! Give us an idea in the comments below! Hopefully that could give someone else an idea that may help them. 

Follow along on Instagram for more info @WhiteCoatLife_ThrivingWife

Is there ever a perfect time to have a baby during medical school? How do you support each other when you're both running on empty? And what does it actually look like to thrive in the middle of the chaos?

In this episode, Jessica shares her experience raising two little girls while supporting her husband through medical school. We talk about expectations versus reality, sleepless nights, burnout, marriage, faith, and the small things that have helped them navigate some of the craziest seasons of life.

If you're a medical spouse, parent, or simply walking through a demanding season, I hope this conversation reminds you that you're not alone and that you can thrive.

For more information about Jessica and additional encouragement, follow us on Instagram @WhiteCoatLife_ThrivingWife.

And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the show, leave a review, and share it with a friend who could use some encouragement.