Best Medschool Podcasts (2024)

1
Metabolism: Gluconeogenesis, Pentose Phosphate Pathway, and More 26:11

2h ago26:11

26:11

In this episode, we're diving deep into the nuanced aspects of metabolism that are essential yet less prominently featured on the MCAT. We'll cover gluconeogenesis, the pentose phosphate pathway, and ketone body generation—topics that, while subtle, play a crucial role in your comprehensive understanding of biochemistry. We'll explore how your body…

1
A 6th Anniversary Special 10:40

4h ago10:40

10:40

Join hosts Jeremy and Sharon in celebrating the sixth anniversary of Beyond the Mask, with over 400 episodes and a global reach in 125 countries. In this special episode, we reflect on the journey, the impact of the podcast, and share heartwarming stories from the nurse anesthesia community. From life-saving interventions to groundbreaking legislat…

1
Metabolism: Glycolysis, Krebs Cycle, Electron Transport Chain 42:58

10h ago42:58

42:58

In this episode, Sam Smith covers the intricacies of metabolism, focusing on glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain. First, the podcast explores the process of glycolysis, breaking down the key enzymes, intermediates, and regulation points. Next is the citric acid cycle, examining its regulation, energy production, and the ro…

1
Medical Podcasting: They Will Always Be Listening 29:26

1h ago29:26

29:26

When we started the podcast years ago, we wanted to provide a platform for CRNAs to learn more about the profession and collaborate with other industry leaders to help grow nurse anesthesia. It’s exceeded all of our expectations as the podcasting world as a whole has exploded during that time as well. This has become a medium that can help revoluti…

1
Acids and Bases 47:16

1d ago47:16

47:16

Acids and bases are foundational topics in chemistry, crucial for understanding various biological and chemical systems you'll encounter in the MCAT. In this episode, host Sam Smith discusses the selection and use of indicators in titrations to the pH at the equivalence point and the importance of buffers in maintaining physiological pH levels. You…

1
The Nervous System 54:06

6d ago54:06

54:06

A foundational topic for the MCAT is the nervous system, appearing in several exam sections and impacting everything from neurotransmission to brain structure. In this episode, Sam Smith walks us through the nervous system, covering its major components and functions. From the organization of the central and peripheral nervous systems to neurotrans…

1
CRNA Boss Moves with Laura Ardizzone & Kirsten Meister 46:29

6d ago46:29

46:29

Are you looking for ways to enhance your leadership skills and advance your career? Today’s episode is all about the world of CRNA boss moves and we’ll get great advice and inspiration from two outstanding guests, Laura Ardizzone, DNP, CRNA, DCC and Kirsten Meister, DNP, CRNA. Join us as we focus on mastering the administrative side of the professi…

1
Amino Acids 23:22

8d ago23:22

23:22

Amino acids are the building blocks of life and an essential topic for the MCAT. In this episode, host Sam Smith takes us through the key concepts of amino acids, including their structures, naming conventions, and roles in protein formation. We’ll cover the differences between hydrophobic and hydrophilic amino acids, how to memorize single-letter …

1
Gluconeogenesis 23:04

13d ago23:04

23:04

One of the body's key survival mechanisms is gluconeogenesis, a vital metabolic process, and the body's clever way of making glucose when supplies are low. On this episode of the MCAT Basics podcast, guest host Alex Starks walks through the process of gluconeogenesis. He explains how the body generates glucose when levels drop. Highlighting the liv…

1
Onboarding Excellence: Standardized Orientation for State Nurse Anesthesiology Boards 54:57

13d ago54:57

54:57

We’re excited to welcome Julie Linton, DNAP, APRN, CRNA back to the show to explore the development and implementation of a standardized orientation program for state associations. She has undertaken a significant doctoral project on this subject and she is going to share her insights and findings with us. Today’s show will get into the motivation …

1
Electron Transport Chain 37:48

15d ago37:48

37:48

The electron transport chain is a fundamental pathway in biochemistry, critical for understanding the energy production that powers cellular function. In this episode, guest host Alex Starks breaks down the intricate process of the electron transport chain (ETC). Building on previous discussions of glucose metabolism, Alex walks through the compone…

1
Understanding Cognitive Biases in Anesthesia 42:36

15d ago42:36

42:36

Cognitive biases are systematic errors in thinking that can influence clinical judgment and potentially lead to adverse outcomes for patients. By understanding these biases, anesthesia providers can improve their decision-making process and enhance patient safety. Today we’ll take a deep dive into the world of cognitive biases and how they affect d…

1
The Krebs Cycle 33:25

20d ago33:25

33:25

One of the most fundamental biochemical processes is the Krebs cycle. This metabolic pathway plays a critical role in both the Chem Phys and Bio/Biochem sections of the MCAT, so understanding it is key. In this episode, our guest host, Alex Starks, walks us through the transformation of pyruvate into acetyl CoA via the Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Comple…

1
Gut Feelings: Exploring Aspiration Risks with GLP-1 Agonists 30:03

20d ago30:03

30:03

Breakthroughs in healthcare are always exciting to learn more about and one that caught our attention is GLPs, a group of therapeutic agents revolutionizing the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. We spent time with Amy M. Reed, PhD, CRNA at the AANA Annual Congress in San Diego to learn more about the potential of GPS and how therapeutic agents are not …

1
Glycolysis 30:47

22d ago30:47

30:47

In this episode, guest host Alex Starks introduces the Metabolism series by examining glycolysis, a fundamental biochemical pathway for energy production. The discussion covers glucose digestion, the role of insulin and glucose transporters, and the step-by-step breakdown of glucose within cells. Alex also offers a detailed explanation of how gluco…

1
Biosignaling 26:56

27d ago26:56

26:56

In this episode, we focus on biosignaling and cover how cells communicate through systems like voltage-gated and ligand-gated ion channels, using real-world examples such as neuronal signaling and muscle contraction. We also break down the role of enzyme-linked receptors, specifically receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), and explore how these pathways…

1
Tax Strategies & Health Insurance Options for the 1099 CRNA – NCANA Session 3 58:27

27d ago58:27

58:27

As a CRNA, transitioning to 1099 work can be a game-changer for your career and financial future. Sharon made this move in recent years and is sharing the experience in a series along with Jeremy’s insight on the financial side of the transition. This three-part discussion is aimed to help educate other CRNAs who are considering the move to 1099, a…

1
Reversing the Clock: Longevity Secrets for Healthcare Professionals 1:15:31

29d ago1:15:31

1:15:31

Today’s episode is about aging and longevity—topics that have intrigued humanity for millennia. But today, we have cutting-edge science that shows aging is not just a random, unstoppable process; it’s governed by specific biological pathways, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices. We’re going to explore the cutting-edge science and evidence-…

1
Gas Phase 18:24

29d ago18:24

18:24

In this episode, guest host Alex Starks dives into Gas-Phase Concepts for the MCAT. He breaks down the physical properties of gases, explores the ideal gas law, and unpacks the ABCD laws of gases. Alex also covers key conditions that influence molecular collisions in gases and highlights the most important takeaways to help you excel in this sectio…

1
BREAKING NEWS: The AANA Files a Lawsuit to Prevent Discrimination Against CRNAs 24:30

1M ago24:30

24:30

The Provider Non-Discrimination law from the Affordable Care Act, which prohibits commercial payers from discrimi-nating against providers based on their licensure, has been in effect for more than a decade now. In 2020, Congress re-quired the federal government to issue rules and enforcement policies that would prevent commercial payers from dis-c…

1
The Lymphatic System 32:39

1M ago32:39

32:39

In this episode, we focus on the lymphatic system, a crucial topic for the Bio/Biochem section of the MCAT. We'll cover the structure of the lymphatic system, including lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and major organs such as the bone marrow and thymus. You'll also learn about the system’s primary functions: returning fluid to the blood, supporting…

1
NBCRNA Update – Clearing Up Confusion Around the New MAC Program 46:48

1M ago46:48

46:48

We’ve seen and heard a lot of questions about the new Maintaining Anesthesia Certification (MAC) Program from the NBCRNA so we’re going to tackle as many of those as we can head-on with incoming president Garry Brydges, PhD, DNP, MBA, CRNA, ACNP-BC, FAAN. This innovative four-year program is designed to streamline credentialing and reflect CRNA's c…

1
Psychological Disorders 50:03

1M ago50:03

50:03

In this episode, we dive into psychological disorders, a crucial topic for the Psych/Soc section of the MCAT. We’ll start by defining what a psychological disorder is, highlighting key concepts like significant stress and deviant behavior, and discussing how they’re classified using the DSM-5. You'll learn about various categories of disorders, inc…

1
The Respiratory System 45:38

1M ago45:38

45:38

In this episode, we cover the respiratory system, an important topic for the MCAT Bio/Biochem section. We'll go over the anatomy of the respiratory system, highlighting key structures such as the lungs, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli, and explain how they contribute to respiratory functions. You'll also learn about the main roles of the respirat…

1
Should CRNAs Worry About the Election & the Economy? 26:11

1M ago26:11

26:11

Election season can be a stressful time for many, especially when it comes to financial concerns. The uncertainty of political outcomes often leads to anxiety about the future of the economy and the stock market. But is your fear warranted? Today we’re going to remove the emotion and look at election season from a historical perspective. Here’s som…

1
Anesthetic Choices that Save Lives: The Propofol Debate in Cancer Survival 41:44

1M ago41:44

41:44

In the ever-evolving field of anesthesia, new research constantly reshapes how we approach patient care. In this episode, we explore the compelling findings of a recent systematic review and meta-analysis on the impact of propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) on cancer outcomes. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: We’ll pro…

1
DNA Mutations and Repair 53:46

1M ago53:46

53:46

In this episode, we focus on DNA mutations and repair, a key topic for the Bio/Biochem section of the MCAT. We'll cover the different types of mutations, including point mutations, insertions, and deletions, and explain how they occur due to replication errors or environmental factors like UV radiation. You'll also learn about the repair mechanisms…

1
Social Institutions 43:23

2M ago43:23

43:23

In this episode, we focus on the structure and role of key social institutions for the MCAT Psych/Soc section. We'll break down the five major institutions—health and medicine, education, family, religion, and government—and explain how each shapes societal norms and individual behavior. You’ll learn about concepts like medicalization, the sick rol…

1
Everything You Need to Do When You Become a 1099 CRNA – NCANA Session 2 53:12

2M ago53:12

53:12

More and more CRNAs are making the decision to move from a W-2 employee to a 1099 CRNA. Sharon made this move in recent years and is sharing this experience on the podcast to help educate other CRNAs who are weighing the pros and cons. Once you’ve made the decision to go 1099, how do you make sure you’re doing everything right? Today is part two of…

1
Aromatic Compounds 29:08

2M ago29:08

29:08

In this episode, we break down aromatic compounds, a crucial topic for the Biochem and Chem/Phys sections of the MCAT. You’ll learn what makes a compound aromatic, how to identify them using Huckel’s Rule, and the difference between aromatic, antiaromatic, and nonaromatic compounds. Sam Smith covers key examples like benzene, toluene, and phenol, a…

1
Nociception Unveiled: What the NOL Index Means for Anesthesia 31:51

2M ago31:51

31:51

In this episode, we’re spotlighting a cutting-edge study on the nociception level (NOL) index and its potential impact on intraoperative opioid management. The NOL index, a tool that uses machine learning to assess nociception during general anesthesia, promises a more precise way to monitor patient responses to pain. However, as we’ll discuss, a r…

1
Aging 31:43

2M ago31:43

31:43

Aging is an essential topic for the MCAT, and in this episode, we’ll explore it from multiple angles. We start with the biological aspects of aging, including key processes like telomere shortening, cell senescence, and mitochondrial dysfunction—each providing insight into how and why cells age. From there, we dive into how aging impacts the brain,…

1
Deciding with Confidence: An Algorithm For Patients With a History of Cocaine and Methamphetamine Use 27:28

2M ago27:28

27:28

In the ever-evolving world of anesthesia, patient safety and clinical outcomes are paramount. This is especially true for patients with a history of substance use, such as cocaine or methamphetamine. Today we’re joined by Laurent Estrada, Omar Silva, and Jake Abel, doctoral students from USC, who have dedicated their research to developing an algor…

1
Personality 32:29

2M ago32:29

32:29

In this episode, we focus on personality and the theories relevant for the MCAT. We’ll cover key perspectives, such as psychoanalytic theory, humanistic theory, and trait theory, along with the influence of social cognitive and biological factors on personality development. You’ll get an overview of the different personality disorders, categorized …

1
Molecular Structure and Absorption Spectra 37:14

2M ago37:14

37:14

In this episode, we cover molecular structure and the key spectroscopy techniques you need to know for the MCAT. We'll explore the intricacies of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy, breaking down the chemical shifts and spin-splitting essentials for understanding hydrogen and carbon bonds in various compounds. You'll learn how to identify func…

1
AANA Executive Update: Latest Developments, Partnerships & the Future with Bill Bruce, CEO 39:45

2M ago39:45

39:45

During our trip to the AANA Annual Congress in San Diego, we had the chance to catch up once again with Bill Bruce, AANA CEO, to update you on the latest developments and initiatives that will impact CRNAs and SRNAs across the country. Today’s show will get you up to speed on the Rm8 Innovation Lab, the AANA’s focus on access to educational materia…

1
The Doppler Effect 14:09

2M ago14:09

14:09

The Doppler Effect is a crucial concept for the MCAT, particularly in the Chemistry & Physics section. We'll explore how the Doppler effect occurs when a wave source moves relative to an observer, affecting the observed frequency and wavelength. Using practical examples like an ambulance speeding towards you, we'll bring these concepts to life. We'…

1
Pain Perspectives: Cutting-Edge Approaches in Non-Surgical Care 1:01:27

2M ago1:01:27

1:01:27

In this episode, we’ll explore the evolving landscape of pain management with a focus on non-surgical approaches. While nurse anesthetists are known for their expertise in managing pain in the operating room, this episode delves into the broader and often complex world of chronic pain management. Today we’re joined by Randy Cornelius, DNP, CRNA, AR…

1
Viruses 44:00

2M ago44:00

44:00

In this episode, we cover the topic of viruses. We explore a comprehensive range of subtopics including the definition and structure of viruses, their life cycles, and the differences between transduction and transfection. We also discuss virus classification, viral mutations, and subviral particles. This material will primarily appear in the Bio/B…

1
Does It Make Sense for CRNAs to Go 1099? – NCANA Session 1 44:18

2M ago44:18

44:18

As healthcare continues to evolve, CRNAs find themselves in a unique position – should they stick to the traditional W-2 employment model or transition to a 1099 independent contractor status? This is a trend that we’ve been monitoring for a few years now, and Jeremy was able to convince Sharon to make the transition to 1099. Now we want to share t…

1
Work and Energy 34:12

2M ago34:12

34:12

In this episode, we cover the topic of work and energy. We’ll start off by talking about work, which includes the mathematical and conceptual definitions and the sign convention of work. We’ll also talk a little bit about mechanical advantage and also path dependency. Moving on to energy, we’ll talk about the general definition of energy, we’ll com…

1
Fat and Protein Metabolism 37:09

3M ago37:09

37:09

In this episode, we’ll nail down all that is needed for the MCATB in relation to fat and protein metabolism. Two critical processes for gaining energy and maintaining cellular functions in the body. We'll learn about the intricate details of beta-oxidation, where fatty acids are broken down in the mitochondrial matrix to produce energy-rich molecul…

1
How to Retain Your Brain as You Age 43:41

3M ago43:41

43:41

As science improves, we’re learning more and more about brain health and how to maintain our youth even as we age. Today we’re joined by Ryan Sullivan, CFP®, CRPC®, RCC™ of Hartford Funds to share the valuable knowledge he’s gained from a partnership with the MIT Age Lab and explore how simple lifestyle changes can significantly impact our brain he…

1
Social Norms & Deviance 32:16

3M ago32:16

32:16

Social norms and deviance as covered in the MCAT is a fascinating topic, and in this episode, we'll break down the intersection of social norms—folkways, mores, taboos, and laws—how they play a crucial role in shaping societal values, and what happens when these norms break down, a concept known as anomy. Plus, we'll delve into collective behavior …

1
Population Genetics 43:37

3M ago43:37

43:37

In this episode, we discuss population genetics and see how genetically related individuals share the same alleles, delving into the mechanisms of gene flow and genetic drift. We'll also unravel the complexities of hybrid vigor, reproductive isolation, and natural selection, and how these processes shape the genetic landscape of populations. We'll …

1
Pain Sensitivity: What Every CRNA Should Know 52:56

3M ago52:56

52:56

In the latest episode of Beyond the Mask, Sharon Pearce and guest co-host Carole Doyscher, CRNA, BSN, MS, APRN are joined by Lori Schirle, CRNA, PhD, an assistant professor at Vanderbilt University. We heard her topic at the AANA Annual Congress and wanted to bring her on to discuss the cutting-edge research on pain sensitivity and its implications…

1
Common Hormone Axes 39:11

3M ago39:11

39:11

In this episode, we'll explore three crucial hormone axes: the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAAS) system. We'll decode the complex interplays among the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and various peripheral organs, focusing on how these hormone system…

1
The Excretory System 30:25

3M ago30:25

30:25

In this episode, we're covering the anatomy and physiology of key organs such as the kidneys, liver, skin, lungs, and large intestine, and discuss the crucial role they play in eliminating waste products from our bodies. From the structure of the hepatic lobules in the liver to the sweat glands in our skin and the alveoli in our lungs, we'll cover …

1
From RN to CRNA: The Power of Developing a Local Mentorship Network 30:54

3M ago30:54

30:54

Today we have the pleasure of hosting Ike Bartel, BSN, RN, CCRN, an aspiring CRNA from Kansas. Ike's journey from being an RN to pursuing a career as a CRNA is a testament to the power of mentorship in the nursing community. Ike has pioneered a mentorship program specifically designed to guide and support RNs on their path to becoming CRNAs. Today …

1
Sleep and Circadian Rhythms 45:40

3M ago45:40

45:40

This episode is packed with essential high-yield information for your MCAT prep, covering the biological, physiological, and psychological aspects of sleep. We’ll explore various sleep theories, like the Memory Consolidation and Brain Plasicticity Theories, and even discuss the controversial “Sleeping When You Die” theory. We’ll also delve into dre…

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