Pursuit of Practice: Real Talk for Surviving Premed, MCAT Prep, Medical School, and Beyond

About Pursuit of Practice: Real Talk for Surviving Premed, MCAT Prep, Medical School, and Beyond

The premed path is hard and, if we’re honest, more overwhelming than it needs to be. But the challenges don’t stop once you get into medical school. From MCAT prep to your first rounds, there’s no single roadmap that makes it all make sense. Pursuit of Practice is your trusted companion through it all. Blueprint MCAT instructor and MD Candidate at Columbia University Pooja Sonikar, along with a team of fellow Blueprint MCAT instructors, Blueprint Med School tutors, and special guests, guide listeners through the entire aspiring physician’s journey. Whether you're just starting your premed journey, deep in MCAT prep, getting ready to apply to medical school, or already in medical school, you'll find honest conversations, relatable stories, and actionable advice from people who’ve been where you are right now. We answer the questions future doctors actually ask: - “Is it still worth it to become a doctor?” - “Can I even do this? Is it feasible?” - "How do I study for the MCAT without losing my mind?" - "What makes a medical school application stand out?" - "What if I’m not sure I even belong in medicine?" - "How hard is medical school?" - "How do I stay focused when burnout hits?" You’ll also learn to build skills beyond the MCAT that are essential for building a career in medicine that you love. With Blueprint’s proven reputation in MCAT prep and medical education and a mission to humanize the process, Pursuit of Practice is here to help you move forward strategically, successfully, and without losing yourself along the way.

Publisher

Blueprint Test Prep

Category

business · education · health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

26 Oct 2025

Latest episode

18 Mar 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   18 Mar 2026

   Dual Degrees: An MD-PhD Story

   The trade-offs that come with a longer training path, the skills that come from working in both research and clinical environments, and how dual-degree training can influence residency applications and long-term career options. If you’ve ever wondered whether a dual degree might fit into your future in medicine, this episode is meant to give you a clearer sense of what that path actually involves. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://blog.blueprintprep.com/mcat/podcast-dual-degree-diaries-an-md-phd-story/ (https://blog.blueprintprep.com/mcat/podcast-dual-degree-diaries-an-md-phd-story/) Follow us today! Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lezv7eGI7Ww (https://youtu.be/lezv7eGI7Ww) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueprintmedschool/ (https://www.instagram.com/blueprintmedschool/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueprintMedSchool/ (https://www.facebook.com/BlueprintMedSchool/)

2. 

   25 Feb 2026

   How Does Residency Match Work: What Programs Actually Look For

   Whether you're preparing your rank list (we’ve got a framework for that), worried about where you stand, or simply trying to understand what programs value in residency applicants, this episode provides perspective grounded in real experience. You’ll hear what actually matters during selection, how programs evaluate candidates, and how to approach the Match process to set you up for the future you really want. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://blog.blueprintprep.com/medical/how-does-residency-match-work-what-programs-actually-look-for-podcast-episode/ (https://blog.blueprintprep.com/medical/how-does-residency-match-work-what-programs-actually-look-for-podcast-episode/) Follow us today! Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0JUMSJjAAQg (https://youtu.be/0JUMSJjAAQg) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueprintmedschool/ (https://www.instagram.com/blueprintmedschool/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueprintMedSchool/ (https://www.facebook.com/BlueprintMedSchool/)

3. 

   10 Feb 2026

   Making Mistakes in Medical School: Lessons From a Resident

   Mistakes are inevitable in medicine, but how students interpret and respond to them can shape their entire training experience. In this episode, Pooja is joined by Natasha, a PGY-3 Med-Peds resident and international medical graduate, to talk honestly about missteps, self-doubt, and the quiet lessons that come from reflection. Together, they unpack how mistakes show up during pre-med years, medical school, and residency, and why growth often happens in moments students wish they could forget. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://blog.blueprintprep.com/mcat/podcast-mistakes-in-medical-school (https://blog.blueprintprep.com/mcat/podcast-mistakes-in-medical-school) Follow us today! Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JMLx6XLOvr0 (https://youtu.be/JMLx6XLOvr0) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueprintmedschool/ (https://www.instagram.com/blueprintmedschool/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueprintMedSchool/ (https://www.facebook.com/BlueprintMedSchool/)

4. 

   27 Jan 2026

   I Almost Gave Up - Then I Hit A 520 MCAT Score

   Stuck on an MCAT score plateau (500…507…510…) and wondering if that’s your ceiling? It isn’t. Blueprint MCAT instructor Ante Cuvalo (diagnostic 500 → 520 MCAT final score) breaks down why plateaus are usually a midpoint - not the end - and how to break through by fixing patterns, not just “studying harder.” We cover the “mile wide, inch deep” approach, combining content + practice (not separate phases), targeting specific weak spots with tracking, and building a sustainable mindset that prevents burnout and keeps you improving. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://blog.blueprintprep.com/mcat/podcast-520-mcat-score-plateau (https://blog.blueprintprep.com/mcat/podcast-520-mcat-score-plateau) Follow us today! Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oqsRNPaGaFo (https://youtu.be/oqsRNPaGaFo) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueprintmcatprep/ (https://www.instagram.com/blueprintmcatprep/) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blueprintmcat (https://www.tiktok.com/@blueprintmcat)

5. 

   6 Jan 2026

   How to Get Into Medical School (Part 3): Medical School Interview Prep, from MMI to Common Medical School Interview Questions

   Medical school interviews can feel intimidating—especially when it seems like everything you’ve worked for is suddenly on the line. But interviews aren’t just about perfect answers; they’re your chance to show admissions committees who you are beyond your application. In this episode, we break down medical school interview prep from start to finish with admissions expert Holly Proffitt. You’ll learn how to prepare for medical school interviews, navigate different formats like MMIs, traditional interviews, and virtual interviews, and confidently answer common medical school interview questions without sounding rehearsed or robotic. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://blog.blueprintprep.com/mcat/podcast-med-admissions-part-3-medical-school-interview-prep (https://blog.blueprintprep.com/mcat/podcast-med-admissions-part-3-medical-school-interview-prep) Follow us today! Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/V2eV7YJniYQ (https://youtu.be/V2eV7YJniYQ) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueprintmcatprep/ (https://www.instagram.com/blueprintmcatprep/) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blueprintmcat (https://www.tiktok.com/@blueprintmcat)

6. 

   23 Dec 2025

   Burnout in Medical School: Less Hustle, Better Time Management

   If medical school feels less like a calling and more like a never-ending to-do list, you’re not alone. Medical school burnout is real—and recognizing the signs early can make all the difference. In this episode, we sit down with interventional radiology resident Camden McDowell to unpack the most common signs of burnout in medical school and the time management skills that actually help you stay afloat. Camden shares how shifting from “doing more” to smarter prioritization helped him survive med school, earn a PhD in neuroscience, and raise a family—all without running on empty. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://blog.blueprintprep.com/mcat/podcast-medical-school-burnout (https://blog.blueprintprep.com/mcat/podcast-medical-school-burnout) Follow us today! Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ADu833q__iw (https://youtu.be/ADu833q__iw) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueprintmedschool/ (https://www.instagram.com/blueprintmedschool/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueprintMedSchool/ (https://www.facebook.com/BlueprintMedSchool/)

7. 

   9 Dec 2025

   Reapplying to Medical School: What I Wish I Knew Before My First Attempt

   Reapplying to medical school isn’t easy, but it also isn’t the end of your dream. In this episode, Blueprint MCAT instructor Matthew opens up about his journey applying to medical school, facing rejection, and ultimately reapplying to medical school with a stronger, more intentional application. Matthew shares what it was actually like to be waitlisted to medical school his first cycle, why he took four gap years before reapplying, and the specific changes he made that led to his acceptance to an MD-PhD program. If you’re reapplying to medical school (or thinking you might be), you’ll get practical, encouraging strategies you can use right away! Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://blog.blueprintprep.com/mcat/podcast-reapplying-to-medical-school (https://blog.blueprintprep.com/mcat/podcast-reapplying-to-medical-school) Follow us today! Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/S4krFIchFAg (https://youtu.be/S4krFIchFAg) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueprintmcatprep/ (https://www.instagram.com/blueprintmcatprep/) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blueprintmcat (https://www.tiktok.com/@blueprintmcat)

8. 

   25 Nov 2025

   Gap Year Strategies: A Med Student’s Guide to Making the Most of Your Time Off

   The decision to take a gap year involves weighing personal growth against practical concerns like student loans and lost income. In addition to resume building, Casey Kuka discovered that gap years provide opportunities to develop resilience, explore interests outside medicine, and enter medical training with renewed energy and perspective. Whether you're considering a gap year before medical school or contemplating a research year during your training, understanding both the benefits and challenges can help you make an informed decision about your own timeline. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://blog.blueprintprep.com/mcat/podcast-gap-year-medical-school/ (https://blog.blueprintprep.com/mcat/podcast-gap-year-medical-school/) Follow us today! Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FOVvSfrqfO8 (https://youtu.be/FOVvSfrqfO8) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueprintmcatprep/ (https://www.instagram.com/blueprintmcatprep/) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blueprintmcat (https://www.tiktok.com/@blueprintmcat)

9. 

   11 Nov 2025

   How to Get Into Medical School (Part 2): Secondaries, Background Questions, Mission-Fit, and Waiting

   Applying to medical school? You’ve made it past the first big hurdle and now it’s time for the next steps. In Part 2 of our Medical School Admissions series, Blueprint Med Admissions Consultant Holly Proffitt dives into everything that happens after you hit submit: writing thoughtful secondary essays, preparing for medical school interview questions, and figuring out which schools are the right fit for you. Plus, she shares how to survive the waiting game between interview invites and acceptance emails. From what to say (and what not to) to how to stay confident through it all, this episode’s your ultimate guide to navigating the most nerve-wracking stage of the medical school application journey. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://blog.blueprintprep.com/mcat/podcast-med-admissions-part-2-secondaries/ (https://blog.blueprintprep.com/mcat/podcast-med-admissions-part-2-secondaries/) Follow us today! Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4RrkN4gxvpA (https://youtu.be/4RrkN4gxvpA) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueprintmcatprep/ (https://www.instagram.com/blueprintmcatprep/) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blueprintmcat (https://www.tiktok.com/@blueprintmcat)

10. 

    28 Oct 2025

    MCAT Prep Lies The Internet Told Me

    Overworked, overcaffeinated, and overwhelmed by the MCAT? We get it. In this episode, Blueprint MCAT instructor Bilal joins us to bust the biggest MCAT prep myths and share what actually helps you improve your MCAT score. Learn how to fight MCAT burnout, find balance, and finally study smarter, not harder. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://blog.blueprintprep.com/mcat/podcast-mcat-myths (https://blog.blueprintprep.com/mcat/podcast-mcat-myths) Follow us today! Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-FwnTyQabq8 (https://youtu.be/-FwnTyQabq8) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueprintmcatprep/ (https://www.instagram.com/blueprintmcatprep/) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blueprintmcat (https://www.tiktok.com/@blueprintmcat)

11. 

    28 Oct 2025

    How to Survive Applying to Medical Residency: From ERAS Application to Match Day

    If you’re applying to medical residency, this episode is your new survival guide. Dr. Kenedy Dawson, an anesthesiology resident, walks us through how she navigated the ERAS application, prepared for residency interview questions, and handled Match Day with confidence. Kenedy keeps it real about what surprised her most during the process, what she wishes she’d done differently, and why your path to becoming a doctor doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://blog.blueprintprep.com/mcat/podcast-residency-101 (https://blog.blueprintprep.com/mcat/podcast-residency-101) Follow us today! Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3Rk-FcOlLXU (https://youtu.be/3Rk-FcOlLXU) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueprintmedschool/ (https://www.instagram.com/blueprintmedschool/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueprintMedSchool/ (https://www.facebook.com/BlueprintMedSchool/)

12. 

    28 Oct 2025

    How to Get Into Medical School (Part 1): Medical School Personal Statements, Primary Application, and LOR Tips You Need to Hear

    Applying to medical school? Start here. In Part 1 of our Medical School Admissions series, Blueprint Med Admissions Consultant Holly Proffitt breaks down how to actually stand out in your primary application, craft a personal statement that sounds like you, and get letters of recommendation that do more than check a box. From what to say (and what to skip) to how to actually stand out in a sea of applicants, we’ve got the secrets your premed advisor didn’t tell you. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://blog.blueprintprep.com/mcat/podcast-med-admissions-part-1 (https://blog.blueprintprep.com/mcat/podcast-med-admissions-part-1/) Follow us today! Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VvX_t6FU9kY (https://youtu.be/VvX_t6FU9kY) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueprintmcatprep/ (https://www.instagram.com/blueprintmcatprep/) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blueprintmcat (https://www.tiktok.com/@blueprintmcat)

13. 

    26 Oct 2025

    Your Journey To Becoming a Doctor Starts Here

    Welcome to Pursuit of Practice, the ultimate medical school podcast for anyone on the path to becoming a doctor, whether you’re premed, in medical school, or figuring out your next step. Becoming a doctor is exciting, but let’s be honest, it’s also confusing, stressful, and sometimes overwhelming. That’s why we created the premed podcast Pursuit of Practice to give you real stories from people who’ve been where you are, plus actionable advice to help you navigate every stage of your medical journey with confidence. Ever wish you could grab coffee with a medical school admissions expert, an MCAT instructor or STEP tutor, or a residency program director and ask all your questions? On this podcast, you can. Each episode features conversations with physicians, medical students, and admissions professionals who share what worked for them, what didn’t, and the lessons they wish they’d known earlier. We talk about everything from MCAT prep and writing a standout med school application, to surviving your first year, acing Step exams, and building a strong residency application—all while avoiding burnout and keeping your passion alive. You’ll walk away with practical strategies, honest insights, and motivation to keep moving forward on your path to becoming a doctor. So, if you’re ready to hear the advice doctors and medical students wish they heard when they began their journey, learn from the people who’ve been through it, and get practical advice you can actually use, hit follow and join us on Pursuit of Practice. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueprintmcatprep/ (https://www.instagram.com/blueprintmcatprep/) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blueprintmcat (https://www.tiktok.com/@blueprintmcat)

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Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

5 ratings

Contact Pursuit of Practice: Real Talk for Surviving Premed, MCAT Prep, Medical School, and Beyond

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