Welcome to Patient to Professional! I’m Dr. Nicholas Despotidis, and in this podcast, I sit down with current and former patients — people I’ve known since childhood — to talk about their career paths, their challenges, and the choices that shaped their lives. If you’re a parent or student looking for real-world insight, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get started!
Clinical Account Specialist in the Cath Lab: Tech, Pressure, and Heart Rhythm Care
Rashi Shukla is a Clinical Account Specialist with Johnson & Johnson MedTech (chatgpt://generic-entity?number=0), working side by side with electrophysiologists during cardiac ablation procedures. She explains what actually happens in the cath lab, how 3D heart mapping works, and what it’s like troubleshooting life-critical technology in real time. We also talk career uncertainty, shadowing, and finding a clinical path without going to medical school.
1 Feb 2026
Princeton Sophomore, Philosophy, and Finding Purpose Early
Kyler Zhou is a 19-year-old sophomore at Princeton University (chatgpt://generic-entity?number=0) studying public and international affairs, driven by philosophy, ethics, and a desire to make real impact. We talk about how high school shaped his worldview, how the pandemic and racial reckoning influenced his thinking, and why choosing a college for fit beats choosing one for prestige.
1 Feb 2026
Hospital Pharmacist: The Career Path Most People Don’t See
Eddie Sun is a PharmD and director of pharmacy at a community hospital. He breaks down what hospital pharmacists actually do, from regulatory oversight to direct patient care, and why this path offers more variety and quality of life than retail pharmacy. We also talk residencies, hiring realities, and what really matters when building a career in pharmacy.
26 Jan 2026
Software Engineer in Robotics: From QR Codes to Defense Tech
Richard Deng is a software engineer at a robotics startup building high-stakes systems, from VR missile trainers to autonomous drone-tracking turrets. With a background in electrical and computer engineering from Carnegie Mellon University (chatgpt://generic-entity?number=0), Richard shares how adaptability, fast learning, and strong fundamentals let him move across radically different technical domains.
23 Jan 2026
Investment Banking, Pressure, and the Reality Behind the Prestige
Audrey Zhang is a senior investment banking analyst who lives inside tight deadlines, high standards, and nonstop learning. We break down what investment bankers actually do, how the hierarchy works, and what separates strong candidates from forgettable ones. Audrey shares what hiring managers look for, why professionalism still matters, and why banking is a powerful stepping stone but not for everyone.
2 Sept 2025
Caitlyn Vu: Industry CPA
What’s it like to go from student to Certified Public Accountant? In this episode, Caitlyn Vu, CPA, shares her path from high school uncertainty to becoming a senior financial analyst at Quest Diagnostics — offering insights for students considering a career in business, accounting, or finance.👉 You’ll learn: • How Caitlyn discovered accounting during her time at Michigan State University • Why she chose the CPA track over a master’s degree • The reality of working at a Big 4 firm (Ernst & Young) and what “busy season” is really like • How failure in college became a turning point for her drive and ambition • The value of presentation and communication skills in moving up the ladder • Different career paths available with a CPA — from corporate roles to opening your own practice • Honest advice for high school and college students: don’t compare yourself, embrace mistakes, and know that everything works outWhether you’re in high school, college, or just curious about accounting and finance careers, Caitlyn’s story is a real-world look at what it takes to succeed, grow, and find your own path.
2 Sept 2025
Dr. Josh Paul, OBGYN
In this episode, Dr. Joshua Paul, OBGYN, shares his journey from patient to physician — offering advice for students, insight into the rigors of medical training, and what it’s like to deliver babies, perform surgeries, and care for women across all stages of life.👉 You’ll learn: • How Dr. Paul found his path in OBGYN • The challenges of med school & residency • Why resilience, teamwork, and empathy matter in medicine • What students should know before pursuing this careerIf you’re a high schooler, pre-med, or anyone curious about medicine, this conversation gives you a real look at the rewards and challenges of life as a physician.🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring stories from professionals who turned their passion into purpose.#OBGYN #MedicalSchool #HealthcareCareers #Podcast
31 Jul 2025
Caitlyn Lee, RN | Registered Nurse
In this episode, we talk with Caitlyn Lee, RN, about how she found her way into a high-stakes nursing role — and why her journey wasn’t a straight line. From dreams of becoming a veterinarian to working as a patient care technician after college, Caitlyn shares how real-world experience, reflection, and a gap year helped her uncover a true passion for bedside care.
She opens up about choosing an accelerated nursing program, navigating pressure from school and society, and making peace with not having it all figured out right away. Caitlyn also offers candid advice on protecting your emotional health, resisting the social media comparison trap, and embracing your own timeline.
If you’re questioning your next step or feeling overwhelmed by expectations, this conversation is a reminder that clarity comes with time — and that it’s okay to grow into your calling.
31 Jul 2025
Dr. Rachel Walter | Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Rachel Walter, DVM, to explore how she found her way into veterinary medicine — and how the path wasn’t always linear. From taking a gap year to switching from equestrian care to small animal practice, Dr. Walter shares how staying open, curious, and grounded in her values helped shape a fulfilling career.
We talk about the power of flexibility, the value of working during school, and how personal growth can shift your direction. Dr. Walter also opens up about vet school realities, financial challenges, and how she stays motivated through continuous learning.
Whether you’re considering a medical career or simply figuring out your next step, this conversation offers thoughtful, real-world guidance on trusting the process — and yourself.
30 Jun 2025
From Gap Year to Guiding Change: Anna Huang on Choosing Impact Over Tradition
Anna Huang MPH discusses her journey from AmeriCorps to the American Heart Association, highlighting choosing systemic impact over traditional medical paths in this interview with Dr. D.
29 May 2025
Amanda Li: Financial Analyst
Financial analyst Amanda Li shares her journey of choosing corporate finance over investment banking, aligning her career with personal values and strengths in an interview with Patient to Professional.
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