The AWS podcast is produced by the AWS Communications Committee. These episodes include interviews with women surgeons recorded in the hospital, during national meetings, and from our AWS annual conference. We feature women who are leaders in healthcare, research, teaching, and growing opportunities for more women to succeed in surgery. Through giving a platform to inspiring women's voices, we seek to engage, empower, and excel.
Welcome to AWS Knots and Thoughts, a podcast designed to help you succeed in your surgery clerkship. This podcast is produced by the Association of Women Surgeons Medical Student Committee and hosted by McKenzie Mayer and Nora Balidemaj. Music by Hart Fogel.
Wondering what to do during the summer between M1? In this episode of the AWS Medical Student Podcast, we break down how to make the most of your first medical school summer. From research and clinical experiences to leadership, volunteering, networking, and taking time to recharge, we discuss the many opportunities available and how to choose the ones that align with your goals. Whether you're interested in a competitive specialty or simply looking to grow personally and professionally, this episode will help you plan a meaningful and productive summer.
27 May 2026
Episode 13: The Sub-I Rotation Playbook: VSLO, Auditions, and Standing Out
Welcome to AWS Knots and Thoughts, a podcast designed to help you succeed in your surgery clerkship. This podcast is produced by the Association of Women Surgeons National Medical Student Committee and hosted by Vikita Patel and McKenzie Mayer. Music by Hart Fogel.
In this episode, McKenzie shares her experience navigating the VSLO and away rotation process in real time, alongside Vikita, a recently matched applicant who went through it just a year ago. Together, they break down how the VSLO platform works, highlight key timelines, and discuss how to approach away rotations strategically. They also explore the mindset needed to succeed on rotations, how to think about letters of recommendation, and the emotional realities of constantly being evaluated in new environments.
Whether you're preparing for VSLO, currently in the thick of it, or just starting to explore surgical specialties, this episode offers practical advice, honest insight, and reassurance that you're not alone in the process.
12 May 2026
AWS Knots and Thoughts Episode 12: More Than a Surgeon — A Discussion with Dr. Frances Mei Hardin
Welcome to AWS Knots and Thoughts, a podcast designed to help you succeed in your surgery clerkship. This podcast is produced by the Association of Women Surgeons National Medical Student Committee and hosted by Vikita Patel and McKenzie Mayer. Music by Hart Fogel.
In this episode, Vikita and McKenzie sit down with Dr. Frances Mei Hardin, an ENT surgeon who shares her journey from surgical training to stepping away from clinical medicine and redefining success through advocacy and culture change.
We discuss burnout, mental health, and the realities women face in surgery, including how to advocate for yourself and navigate identity beyond the operating room. Dr. Hardin also shares what a healthier future for medicine can look like.
Whether you are a medical student, resident, or woman in surgery questioning traditional paths, this episode offers insight, perspective, and encouragement to imagine a more sustainable version of success in medicine.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
4.9 / 5
349 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 29 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
31
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
67
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