Best That S Normal Blog Podcasts (2024)

1
How to Study for COMLEX Level 3 or USMLE Step 3 29:15

1h ago29:15

29:15

Episode 128. As someone who recently passed Level 3 with a score over the 90th percentile, I share how I personally studied for the exam as well as tips on when to take the exam, what question bank to use, which Anki deck to use, and how to balance studying with clinical work. Editing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement…

1
Early Signs of Pregnancy and First Trimester Monitoring 21:52

4d ago21:52

21:52

Episode 127. Hear about the pregnancy basics everyone should know, including due date calculations, the difference between gestational age and fetal age, how pregnancy tests work, and what symptoms you're likely to have as early as the two-week wait. I speak from my own experience since this episode was recorded when I was 17 weeks pregnant with my…

1
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Symptoms and Treatment 21:06

19d ago21:06

21:06

Episode 126. Learn more about PCOS from a doctor who has been diagnosed with PCOS. Hear more about my fertility journey in episodes 115, 116, 117, 119, 122, and 123. Editing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): ⁠https://www.fiverr.com/firstlinepod⁠ Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠https://poddcaststu…

1
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and My Diagnosis Story 22:41

30d ago22:41

22:41

Episode 125. I share what PCOS is and my story of how I was diagnosed with PCOS after 10 years of symptoms without a diagnosis. Learn about the criteria of PCOS and how it is diagnosed. Hear more about my fertility and pre-conception journey by listening to episodes 115, 116, 117, 119, 122, and 123. Editing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students …

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Postpartum: Normal Changes, Breastfeeding, and Mental Health 29:18

1M ago29:18

29:18

Episode 124. Hear about important topics you need to know before entering the postpartum period, what to expect normally, and how to monitor for complications. Since I am about 7 months postpartum at the time of this recording, I offer some of my anecdotes along the way, including why I chose to breastfeed my baby and how long it took me to lose my…

1
My Fertility Journey: Becoming Pregnant with PCOS 26:05

1M ago26:05

26:05

Episode 123. Hear my recording from December 2022 as I reflect on a delayed diagnosis of PCOS and months of fertility treatments, supplements, and lifestyle changes that luckily ends happily with a positive pregnancy test. I have since given birth to a healthy baby girl and had "infertility" taken off my medical record. Editing Service for Pre-Med …

1
My Fertility Journey: Infertility Treatment with Clomid 29:53

2M ago29:53

29:53

Episode 122. I discuss my workup for infertility and irregular periods, including hypo hypo and PCOS. I talk about starting Provera (progesterone) and Clomid (clomiphene citrate) to induce ovulation. Editing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): ⁠https://www.fiverr.com/firstlinepod⁠ Visit First Line’s webs…

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How to Memorize Chapman's Points 22:27

2M ago22:27

22:27

Episode 121. As a continuation of my previous episode of Chapman's points, I finish the anterior Chapman's points and cover all the posterior points. I share additional tips on how to study the Chapman's points as an osteopathic medical student and resident. Editing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): ⁠h…

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Chapman's Points for Medical Students and Residents 22:18

2M ago22:18

22:18

Episode 120. Hear my tips for remembering the chapman's points and test taking strategies for chapman point questions on COMLEX Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and COMAT shelf exams. Editing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): ⁠https://www.fiverr.com/firstlinepod⁠ Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠https:/…

1
My Fertility Journey: Infertility Workup and Supplements 28:26

3M ago28:26

28:26

Episode 119. Hear about my lab results from my first appointment with my midwife and what testing was recommended for my irregular periods. I also mention which fertility supplements were recommended to me and which ones I found to be beneficial. Editing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): ⁠https://www.f…

1
Finalizing Your Rank List for the Residency Match 26:49

3M ago26:49

26:49

Episode 118. I discuss the importance of ranking programs in order of your preference, how to determine the length of your rank list, what factors to consider when deciding how to rank programs, and what to think about if you are dual applying. Editing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): ⁠https://www.fiv…

1
My Fertility Journey: Post-Pill and First Midwife Appointment 28:03

4M ago28:03

28:03

Episode 117. Hear about what it is like to discontinue taking the birth control pill when trying to conceive and starting a preconception diet. I also discuss why I chose to see a midwife instead of an obstetrician (OB/GYN) and what my first preconception appointment was like. Editing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement…

1
Letter of Interest and Letter of Intent for Residency 26:05

4M ago26:05

26:05

Episode 114. I discuss my tips for writing a letter of interest to residency programs that you hope to receive an interview invite for as well as a letter of intent to the residency program you have decided to rank number one. Editing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): ⁠https://www.fiverr.com/firstlinep…

1
My Preconception Diet and Supplements I Used When TTC 20:39

4M ago20:39

20:39

Episode 116. I share the dietary changes I made and the specific supplements I decided to take before becoming pregnant with my daughter last year. Learn about which vitamins are most important when trying to conceive (TTC) and why your preparation should really start months before you want to become pregnant. Editing Service for Pre-Med and Medica…

1
My Fertility Journey: Trying to Conceive During Med School 29:36

4M ago29:36

29:36

Episode 115. This is part 1 of a series detailing my journey from pre-conception planning, my infertility diagnosis and treatment, and my eventual first pregnancy, all while completing medical school. This episode features a recording from February 2022 when my journey first began. Editing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal stat…

1
Residency Interviews: More Questions to Prepare For 21:21

5M ago21:21

21:21

Episode 113. Here are a few more questions that are commonly asked during residency interviews and how to prepare for them. Editing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): ⁠https://www.fiverr.com/firstlinepod⁠ Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠https://poddcaststudios.wixsite.com/firstlinepodcast⁠ For a d…

1
Residency Interviews: Answering the Most Difficult Questions 21:42

6M ago21:42

21:42

Episode 112. I speak about the most challenging questions I was asked during residency interviews when I went through the Match. If you are applying to residency, you will need to know to expect these questions! Editing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): ⁠https://www.fiverr.com/firstlinepod⁠ Visit First…

1
Residency Interviews: Preparing Answers for Common Questions 21:48

6M ago21:48

21:48

Episode 111. During the 2023 match season, I wrote down the most common interview questions I was asked during residency program interviews. I am choosing to share my list on First Line, along with some advice on preparing for interviews and approaching these questions! Editing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, appli…

1
Questions to Ask During Residency Interviews 29:08

6M ago29:08

29:08

Episode 110. Hear the list of questions I personally used to ask during residency interviews, depending on if I was speaking to the program director, a faculty interviewer, or a resident.Editing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): ⁠https://www.fiverr.com/firstlinepod⁠ Visit First Line’s website and blog:…

1
Tips for Residency Interviews from a First-Year Resident 25:07

6M ago25:07

25:07

Episode 109. From deciding what to wear to answering the question about your greatest weakness, hear from a first-year resident about what you must know when interviewing with medical residency programs for the Match in the United States! Editing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): ⁠https://www.fiverr.co…

1
My Pregnancy and Birth Story 28:27

7M ago28:27

28:27

Episode 108. After being diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome and struggling with infertility, I became pregnant in my last year of medical school and had my healthy baby girl in my second month of residency. In this first episode since taking an 8-week hiatus, I share the very personal details about my labor and delivery experience! Editing Se…

1
How to Prepare for Medical School Interviews 22:33

9M ago22:33

22:33

Episode 107. Hear recommendations for how to prepare for medical school interviews from a resident physician who recently graduated medical school. I share my top tips on what to do before interview day and how to approach certain questions during the interview. Editing Service and One-on-One Consultation for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, perso…

1
ERAS Applications: Experiences Section and Program Signaling 23:37

9M ago23:37

23:37

Episode 106. This is the second episode of a walkthrough the ERAS application. I cover the second half of the application, which includes the experiences section and program signaling. Editing Service and One-on-One Consultation for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): ⁠https://www.fiverr.com/firstlinepod⁠ Visit Firs…

1
ERAS Applications: Timeline, Cost, and Location Preferences 26:17

9M ago26:17

26:17

Episode 105. Hear when you should start working on your ERAS residency application and when to hit submit. Learn about the cost of applying to residency as a medical student or recent graduate. As a recent applicant from the 2023 cycle, I share tips for the first half of the application (including geographical and setting preferences). Stay tuned f…

1
Mixed Specialties and Indirect Patient Care Specialties 26:41

9M ago26:41

26:41

Episode 104. Learn about specialties that are a mix of medicine and surgery as well as specialties that incorporate indirect patient care. Specialties covered include ENT, ophthalmology, urology, ob/gyn, anesthesia, dermatology, interventional radiology, diagnostic radiology, and pathology. I also discuss dual or combined specialty programs like in…

1
Surgical Specialties and Subspecialties 20:32

10M ago20:32

20:32

Episode 103. Specialties covered include general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, neurological surgery, orthopedic surgery, vascular surgery, and plastic surgery with associated subspecialties. Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠https://poddcaststudios.wixsite.com/firstlinepodcast⁠ For a discount off your TrueLearn subscription use link: ⁠https:…

1
Medical Specialties and Subspecialties 29:57

10M ago29:57

29:57

Episode 102. Learn about the non-surgical medical specialties that DOs and MDs can specialize in. This episode covers family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine, pediatrics, osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal medicine, physical medicine & rehabilitation, neurology, preventive medicine, and psychiatry (and each specialties associated subsp…

1
How to Choose a Medical Specialty 26:05

10M ago26:05

26:05

Episode 101. When should I officially choose a specialty? What questions should I ask myself and my preceptors to inform my decision? What experiences will influence my decision? What factors should I prioritize? Learn how to categorize specialties to quickly narrow your list and hear about what should not factor into your decision. Visit First Lin…

1
Season 3 Trailer 1:26

10M ago1:26

1:26

Welcome to Season 3! My name is Dr. Aubrey Ann Jackson, and I am the creator and host of First Line. Season 3 is the first season I can introduce myself as a doctor since I just graduated from medical school! This season, you can expect new content about my experience transitioning into residency as a PGY-1 psychiatry resident physician. Here is wh…

1
The Placenta, the Umbilical Cord, and Pregnancy Body Changes 20:29

11M ago20:29

20:29

Episode 100. This episode is for anyone who wants to learn more about the miracle of pregnancy and childbirth! A fascinating part of pregnancy is the function of the placenta and the umbilical cord, so I share in this episode what I think everyone should know about these vital elements of the maternal-fetal connection. Learn more about the complica…

1
Medical School Secondary Applications 28:32

11M ago28:32

28:32

Episode 99. When applying to medical school, programs will send you a set of about 2-5 prompts for essays after they receive your primary application. It is just as important as the primary app when deciding who to interview! Some schools screen applicants and only send secondaries to selected applicants while other schools send secondaries to ever…

1
Residency Navigator and How to Organize Your Residency List 30:00

11M ago30:00

30:00

Episode 98. This episode covers how to use residency navigator (also see my episode on using other resources like FREIDA and residency explorer). You will find the full list of residency programs on the ACGME website. I also discuss the most important factors to consider when choosing programs to add to your residency list and the importance of mak…

1
How to Decide How Many and Which Medical Schools to Apply to 29:54

11M ago29:54

29:54

Episode 97. MSAR for MD programs (free information and paid version with additional features)- https://students-residents.aamc.org/medical-school-admission-requirements/medical-school-admission-requirements-msar-applicants Choose DO Explorer for DO programs (free resource)- https://www.aacom.org/explore-med-schools/choose-do-explorer Factors to con…

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AMCAS and AACOMAS: Medical School Application Guide and Tips 29:42

11M ago29:42

29:42

Episode 96. This episode is based on the 2024 application cycle. Some dates for deadlines may change from year to year; however, many of the details of the application itself will remain the same, so this episode is helpful if you applying during future application years as well! Pay attention to the date when schools can start reviewing your appli…

1
How to Use NRMP Match Data During the Residency App Season 29:53

12M ago29:53

29:53

Episode 95. Am I competitive for my specialty? How many programs should I apply to? What is my chance at matching? What programs participate in the SOAP process? Should I dual apply? ACGME website- full listing of all programs and accreditation status Advanced Data Tables- match summary by specialty, which specialties are growing (best document to …

1
How to Effectively Use Residency Explorer and FREIDA 29:42

12M ago29:42

29:42

Episode 94. There are two main applications used by medical students who are exploring residency programs to apply to: Residency Explorer and FREIDA. In this episode, you'll learn about how to use each site and take advantage of the filters and program information. As a fourth year medical student, I share insight into what information to focus on …

1
What to Consider When Choosing Where to Apply for Residency 27:56

1y ago27:56

27:56

Episode 93. How should you go about making the list of residency programs you want to apply to through ERAS? Hear from a 4th year medical student who recently matched and just went through this process less than a year ago! Consider these factors: Location- regional preference, urban vs. rural Training opportunities- learn how programs can differ i…

1
Medical School App Season: Writing the Personal Statement 28:16

1y ago28:16

28:16

Episode 92. What should I be doing each month for my application and preparation for interviews? What topics should I write about in my personal statement? How can I stick out as an applicant?Medical School Application Personal Statement Editing Service: ⁠https://www.fiverr.com/share/8YmpP4⁠ The Princeton Review has stated that at some schools the …

1
Personal Statements for Residency: Top Tips for Writing 26:22

1y ago26:22

26:22

Episode 91. Top 10 tips from this episode: Talk about your hobbies and extracurriculars during medical school and how they connect to your specialty Make sure your personal statement can serve as a stand alone document Consider mentioning a red flag so that you can reclaim it as a positive based on what you learned and how you adapted Include a per…

1
Personal Statements for Residency: Avoiding Common Mistakes 29:58

1y ago29:58

29:58

Episode 90. ⁠The personal statement is the most important part of your application for many specialties. It is also the part of your application that you uniquely have control over. The 2021 program director survey cited that in all specialties, the personal statement is more important when selecting who to interview than other factors including 1)…

1
The Enneagram Triads: The 3 Centers of Intelligence 29:43

1y ago29:43

29:43

Episode 89. There are three types of intelligence: thinking intelligence, feeling intelligence, and doing/instinctual intelligence. Everyone has all three types of intelligence, but everyone has one dominant center of intelligence. The Enneagram numbers can be sorted into triads, and these triads also line up with a center of intelligence. Head tri…

1
Match Day 2023: The Residency Match Process and My Results 23:50

1y ago23:50

23:50

Episode 88. This episode is composed of three parts: one recording from after rank lists are due (discussing my initial thoughts and providing an overview of how the Match Process works through NRMP), one recording after receiving the first match week email that states if an applicant matches or not (spoiler: I matched!), and a final recording with…

1
The Female Reproductive System and the Menstrual Cycle 20:50

1y ago20:50

20:50

Episode 87. Female anatomy and the physiology of the female reproductive system is often misunderstood while other women don't even know the basics about how their own bodies work! This episode is important for everyone to listen to, not just individuals who have a uterus. In addition to discussing the structure and function of the organs that make…

1
Skin Cancer (Basal Cell, Squamous Cell, and Melanoma) 22:36

1y ago22:36

22:36

Episode 86. I discuss three types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Learn about these conditions that everyone should know, including the ABCs of melanoma (red flags to look out for when you do self-checks). Editing Service and One-on-One Consultation for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statemen…

1
Residency Applications: Timeline and New Changes to ERAS 29:45

1y ago29:45

29:45

Episode 85. As an applicant in the current cycle of this recording (2023 ERAS season), I share my insights into ERAS and how to plan for your application. Check out aamc.org for information on your application cycle's dates. Summary of the changes starting in the 2024 cycle: https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-residencies-eras/what-s-new-2…

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Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): Living with Dry, Itchy Skin 22:54

1y ago22:54

22:54

Episode 84. This episode takes a walk through another skin condition, eczema, or atopic dermatitis. I have had this condition since infancy and continue to have flares through adulthood. I share my experience with eczema and talk about diagnosis, risk factors, prevention, and treatment. Editing Service and One-on-One Consultation for Pre-Med and Me…

1
Common Skin Lesions: Skin Tags, Melasma, and more 20:33

1y ago20:33

20:33

Episode 83. Topics covered include the following: cherry hemangioma, pyogenic granuloma, melasma, acanthosis nigricans, seborrheic keratosis, acrochordon (skin tag). Editing Service and One-on-One Consultation for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): ⁠https://www.fiverr.com/firstlinepod⁠ Visit First Line’s website an…

1
Common Skin Lesions: Nevi, Solar Lentigo, Verruca Vulgaris 25:54

1y ago25:54

25:54

Episode 82. Most lesions on the skin are benign. While waiting for your dermatology appointment, here are some descriptions of the most common "spots" you might have. Don't be scared into thinking you have skin cancer because that's what Dr. Google (or Dr. TikTok) told you. Topics covered: nevus/nevi (moles, freckles, birthmarks), solar lentigo (li…

1
How to Perfect Your Pre-Med or Medical School CV or Resume 23:54

1y ago23:54

23:54

Episode 81. Listen for tips on crafting your resume or CV! You may need a CV while pre-med (for leadership positions, internships/co-ops, work-study, volunteering experiences with organizations, scholarship apps, and eventually the AMCAS and AACOMAS) and while in medical school (research, leadership, letters of recommendation, chair letters, applic…

1
How to Prevent and Treat Tension and Migraine Headaches 29:36

1y ago29:36

29:36

Episode 80. Learn about lifestyle modifications and medications used to prevent headaches and treat them. Notes about tension headaches: Medications: Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, or Aspirin. Read the label and talk to your doctor first! Ask your doctor about prophylactic therapy (amitriptyline). Notes about migraine headaches: Medications: Tylenol, Advi…

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