“So You Think You Can Doc?” brings candid conversations with physicians who share their journeys, struggles, and triumphs on the path to medicine. Aimed at undergraduates and medical students, this podcast explores real experiences and insights to help guide decisions about medical school and choosing a specialty.
Summary
In this conversation, Dr. Ali Gardezi shares his journey from growing up in Pakistan to becoming an interventional nephrologist in the United States. He discusses the influences that led him to pursue medicine, the challenges he faced during medical school and residency, and his experiences adapting to life in a new country. Dr. Gardezi reflects on the importance of flexibility in career choices, the balance between work and family life, and his commitment to giving back to the community through education and mentorship.
Keywords
medicine, nephrology, residency, medical school, Pakistan, interventional nephrology, career path, family, education, healthcare
Takeaways
Medicine or engineering was a default career choice in Pakistan.
Parental influence plays a significant role in career decisions.
Medical school in Pakistan is highly competitive.
Internship prepares students for the realities of residency.
Transitioning to the US healthcare system can be challenging.
Residency in New York City offers diverse experiences.
Choosing a specialty requires careful consideration.
Fellowship training allows for specialization in nephrology.
Balancing work and family life is crucial for well-being.
Giving back to the community is an important aspect of a medical career.
Titles
From Pakistan to the US: A Doctor's Journey
Navigating Medical School and Residency
sound bites
"That's life. The way it goes."
"I wanted to become a surgeon."
"I should try to give back something."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Journey
03:32 Growing Up in Pakistan
11:03 Internship and Early Career Choices
19:56 Transitioning to the United States
26:03 Navigating Residency Decisions
30:39 The Journey to Nephrology
35:37 Balancing Family and Career
40:54 Giving Back to the Community
51:44 Borough
27 Apr 2026
Dan Jumps Ship - Pvt vs Academic Urology
This conversation explores the journey of a medical professional from their early influences and education to their eventual specialization in urology. The discussion highlights the importance of real conversations about medical careers, the impact of family on career choices, and the significance of social skills in medicine. The speaker shares personal anecdotes about their experiences in medical school, the challenges faced, and the humor found within the field of urology. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the need for medical students to explore various specialties and find a path that aligns with their values and lifestyle.
23 Apr 2026
Dr. Quinn - A Path to Wellness
summaryIn this engaging conversation, Dr. Mariah Quinn shares her unique journey from dance to medicine, emphasizing the importance of empathy, mentorship, and emotional intelligence in healthcare. She reflects on her educational experiences, the challenges of medical school, and the significance of personal growth and relationships in shaping her career. Dr. Quinn's story serves as an inspiration for those considering non-traditional paths in medicine, highlighting the intersection of art and science in patient care. In this conversation, Allan Jhagroo shares his journey from being an introverted medical student to a confident physician and educator. He discusses the challenges of public speaking, the impact of 9/11 on his medical training, and the importance of mental health and resilience in the medical field. Allan emphasizes the need for supportive relationships and the significance of personal experiences in shaping professional paths. He advocates for a culture of well-being in medicine, highlighting the importance of addressing burnout and mental health issues among healthcare professionals.
22 Feb 2026
Jen - Med Student - Urology
Keywords
medical school, journey, urology, patient care, gap year, research, college, surgery, internal medicine, neurology
Takeaways
Jennifer's journey reflects the importance of resilience in pursuing a medical career.
Early exposure to medicine can shape future interests and career paths.
High school experiences can significantly influence career choices in medicine.
Research opportunities in college can enhance understanding of medical fields.
Gap years can provide valuable experiences and clarity in career direction.
Patient care experiences can solidify a desire to enter the medical field.
The transition from college to medical school can be challenging but rewarding.
Exploring various specialties is crucial in finding the right fit in medicine.
Surgery offers a unique blend of hands-on work and immediate patient impact.
Matching into a residency program is a significant milestone in a medical career.
Summary
This conversation explores Jennifer Panickel's journey through medical school, highlighting her early influences, experiences in high school, college research, and the challenges she faced in applying to medical school. Jennifer shares her passion for patient care, her exploration of various medical specialties, and her eventual match into neurology at MassGen. Her story emphasizes resilience, the importance of early exposure to medicine, and the value of finding one's passion in the medical field.
Titles
From Burlington to Medicine: Jennifer's Inspiring Journey
Navigating the Path to Medical School: Jennifer's Story
sound bites
"I really wanted to do this."
"I was very torn."
"I had to apply to a major."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jennifer's Journey
05:52 High School Influences and Interests
12:02 College Path and Research Experience
18:11 Scribing and Patient Interaction
24:07 Preparing for Medical School and the MCAT
30:05 Balancing Science and Psychology
37:12 Exploring New Opportunities in a Gap Year
44:03 Turning Sadness into Motivation
50:44 Discovering Passion in Clinical Exposure
01:01:12 Finding a Path in Urology
01:06:28 Achieving a Dream: Matching at MassGen
24 Jan 2026
Sundeep - Hospitalist/Entrepreneur/Specialist
In this engaging conversation, Allan Jhagroo and his co-host , Ali Antar explore the journey of a nephrology fellow, discussing the challenges and triumphs faced in the medical field. The conversation delves into personal aspirations, the pressures of medical school, the importance of human connection in patient care, and the evolving role of AI in healthcare. Through anecdotes and reflections, the speakers highlight the significance of perseverance, personality, and the quest for meaningful patient interactions in the medical profession. In this conversation, Sundeep Ram shares his journey through the medical field, discussing the importance of having backup plans, navigating the challenges of residency applications, and the impact of personal connections in medicine. He reflects on the lessons learned from career setbacks, the value of humility, and the financial decisions that shaped his quality of life. Sundeep also talks about his shift to locum tenens work, innovations in healthcare IT, and the challenges faced during COVID-19. He emphasizes the drive to help others through philanthropy and reflects on the concepts of luck and fortune in his career, ultimately maintaining a passion for medicine and helping others. #DoctorEntrepreneur
#PhysicianEntrepreneur
#BusinessOfMedicine
#HospitalistLife
#LocumTenens
#PhysicianFreedom
#MedicalCareers
#DoctorMoney
#PhysicianLifestyle
#HealthcareInnovation
#DoctorsInBusiness
#CareerFlexibility
#FinancialFreedomMD
#PhysicianPodcast
#SoYouThinkYouCanDoc
22 Jan 2026
Brianna and Reilly - Med student and Neurology Resident
This conversation explores the journeys of a medical student Brianna, and a resident Reilly as they share their backgrounds, experiences in medical school, and aspirations for their future careers in pediatrics and neurology. They discuss the challenges they faced, the support they received, and the importance of resilience and self-belief in achieving their goals. The conversation highlights the significance of personal growth, mentorship, and the evolving nature of their medical education.
22 Jan 2026
Neil - Pediatric Nephrology
In this engaging podcast episode, host Allan Jhagroo and guest Neil Polonian, a pediatric nephrologist, explore the journey into medicine, discussing early influences, the decision to pivot from engineering to medicine, and the realities of medical school. They delve into the appeal of pediatrics and nephrology, the challenges of balancing work and family life, and the importance of being open to opportunities and changes in one's career path. The conversation highlights the unique aspects of pediatric nephrology, including the establishment of a specialized clinic for metabolic bone diseases, and reflects on the concept of luck in professional success.#PediatricNephrology
#Nephrology
#Pediatrics
#PhysicianJourney
#MedicalCareer
#LifeInMedicine
#DoctorPodcast
#MedSchoolLife
#CareerPivot
#WorkLifeBalance
#AcademicMedicine
#PhysicianStories
#MetabolicBoneDisease
#HealthcareLeadership
#SoYouThinkYouCanDoc
16 Jan 2026
Kris- RD/PhD - Pioneer
Summary
In this conversation, Allan Jhagroo interviews Kris Penniston, a prominent figure in the field of nutrition and kidney health. They discuss her unconventional journey to becoming a medical professional, including her early life, health crisis, and eventual shift to nutrition. Kris shares insights on the importance of mentorship, the challenges of balancing career and family, and her leadership roles in professional societies. The conversation highlights the significance of continuous learning, effective communication with patients, and the unique contributions of dietitians in the medical field.
15 Jan 2026
Kurt - Hometown Hero
n this conversation, Allan Jhagroo interviews Kurt Swanson, a transplant nephrologist, about his journey through medicine. They discuss Kurt's upbringing in Appleton, Wisconsin, the influence of his physician parents, and his experiences in high school and college that shaped his interest in medicine. Kurt shares insights from his medical school journey, the challenges of residency, and the importance of mentorship. He reflects on the balance between family life and a demanding medical career, emphasizing the significance of empathy and communication in patient care. The conversation concludes with advice for future physicians on pursuing their passions and the importance of being likable in the medical field.
4 Dec 2025
Brad Astor - MD vs PhD
Dr. Brad Astor walks through his life and gives us incite into how he became an elite Public Health Researcher.
4 Dec 2025
Adam - Transplant Neph - Private vs Academic
Adam Bregman - A Transplant Nephrologist walks through his life decisions to go from private practice to academics.
14 Nov 2025
Pilot - Lets get Renal - Allan and Ali
Urology meets Nephrology
“So You Think You Can Doc?” brings candid conversations with physicians who share their journeys, struggles, and triumphs on the path to medicine. Aimed at undergraduates and medical students, this podcast explores real experiences and insights to help guide decisions about medical school and choosing a specialty.
Reach and audience
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
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