Docs Outside The Box - Ordinary Doctors Doing Extraordinary Things

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!What if you could reshape your career and lifestyle with the freedom and flexibility you’ve always dreamed of? In this episode, we explore the exciting world of locum tenens work, sharing insights on how to start your own locums company, medical malpractice insurance and why every doctor should consider doing locums.Timeline0:00 Introduction2:47 What y'all say Friday! Ask us anything y'all.3:29 Working 24 hour shifts as a doctor.7:44 Billing & Getting paid as a locums doctor10:47 How to Start a Locums Agency.14:08 Not working on important days of your life.16:24 Medical malpractice for locums doctors21:53 Rates vs travel expenses as locums doctors28:12 Why consider doing locums?35:44 Is there a Diddy in medicine y'all?FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED App for sending out receipts - https://www.waveapps.co

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxHave a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860In this episode, we discuss a question from a pre-med student from a lower income background who is worried about pursuing medicine with the new student loan caps. We also offer advice on how to navigate these new financial obstacles, and whether becoming a doctor is still a viable path. If you're facing similar challenges, remember you're not alone. Reach out to mentors and be creative with your educational path.FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED International Healthcare Volunteers (IHCV) - https://www.ihcv.org/SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! https://darkos.lpages.co/newsletter-signup/ WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Instagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comTwitter: @drniidarkoMerch:

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Dr. Lucie Mitchell is a long time listener of Docs Outside. She joins Dr. Nii today to share her story about how a major panic attack in the last 3 months of residency training led her to pay off $70,000 of student loan debt in less than a year and turn medicine into art.Things to expect in this episode:How a debt-induced panic attack and a phone call with Dr. Renée resulted in an aggressive loan repayment planHow Dr. Lucie turned her back pain into art for herself and othersHow she roped the dean of her medical school into babysitting her daughterHow one of Dr. Nii's mindset episodes helped Dr. Lucie stop stalling and take action Check out Dr. Lucie's artistry at www.phoenixnoirdesigns.comWE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!!TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR ON FUTURE EPISODES!!!!FILL OUT THE DOCS OUTSIDE THE BOX PODCAST SURVEY (in partnership w INCROWD)INCROWDMAKE EXTRA MONEY AS A RESIDENT OR ATTENDING - COMPLETE MEDICAL SUR

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxHave a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860The sudden passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner was a shock to most of us who grew up watching him as Theo on The Cosby Show. At just 54 years old, his drowning in Costa Rica while swimming with family serves as a stark reminder that water safety remains crucial for everyone, regardless of swimming ability or experience. Check the links below for crisis hotlines, therapist directories, and water safety information that could make all the difference in someone's life.FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - https://988lifeline.org/National Alliance on Mental Illness - https://www.nami.org/To find a therapist - https://www.psychologytoday.com/ For online therapy - https://www

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxHave a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860When the "big beautiful bill" passed, all student loan forgiveness programs were paused. In this segment we went deep into the ripple effects these changes will create across healthcare. Whether you're a healthcare professional feeling betrayed by broken government promises or a taxpayer relieved about potential savings, share your perspective with us! Are you team "responsibility" or team "broken promises"? Which side are you on?REE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED npr article on what borrowers should know about student loan changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill - https://www.npr.org/2025/07/24/nx-s1-5477646/student-loan-repayment-forgiveness-trumpCBS NEWS on student loa

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxHave a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860The medical profession is facing a significant shift as doctors are increasingly finding more lucrative opportunities on social media than in clinical practice. While some doctors manage to balance both worlds, the trend points toward a future where medical knowledge is increasingly monetized online rather than applied in hospitals and clinics.FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsSIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Instagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comTwitter: @drniidarkoMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Nii brings talks to Dr. Rachael Consoli, an OB/GYN who presently is working in a United States military hospital in South Korea and has the unique distinction of having delivered babies on nearly every continent in the world. Listen in as Nii asks Rachael why she chose to follow this less-than-traveled path in medicine. Things to expect in this episode:Dr. Rachael’s journey from EM residency to OB/GYNThe challenges and rewards of humanitarian and locums workTraveling the world and immersing oneself in the local cultureSaving for retirement and vetting humanitarian organizationsHer experience serving the people of Utqiagvik, Alaska, the most northern city in the worldWE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!!FILL OUT THE DOCS OUTSIDE THE BOX PODCAST SURVEY (in partnership w INCROWD)INCROWDMAKE EXTRA MONEY AS A RESIDENT OR ATTENDING - COMPLETE MEDICAL SURVEYS WITH INCROWDWATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Join our communityText word PODCAST to

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxHave a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860We started off by doing a check-in on Dr. Renee's health journey. We then moved on to our controversial takes on rap, and had an insightful discussion on code-switching in medicine and maintaining authenticity in professional settings.We discuss:00:00 Dr. Renee's Vitals check09:43 Our controversial takes on rap and code switchingFREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsSIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Instagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comTwitter: @drniidarkoMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE! Locumstory. Learn h

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxHave a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860On this episode we talk about the parallels between the entertainment industry scandals like the Sean "Diddy" Combs case and the power imbalances in healthcare. If you've witnessed unethical behavior in medicine that was swept under the rug, we want to hear your story. Did you speak up? If not, why? Leave us a voice message or text us.We discuss:00:00 Introduction.02:55 Shoutout to the new residents out there

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxHave a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860In this segment we discussed Dr. Fran who earns more as a TikTok influencer than at her day job.FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED Dr. Fran who makes more money doing TikTok than she does being a doctor- https://nypost.com/2025/06/04/lifestyle/doctor-with-300k-salary-earns-more-as-tiktok-influencer-than-atn-her-day-job/SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Instagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comTwitter: @drniidarkoMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxHave a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860In this raw, revealing episode, I take you behind the scenes of my journey to reclaim my physical and mental health while working in one of medicine's most demanding specialties. After years of neglecting my physical fitness, I'm now chasing two ambitious goals and I also challenge y’all to set a goal completely unrelated to your title as a doctor. I discuss:0:00 Introduction.02:04 My fitness goals of breaking 20 minutes in a 5K and bench pressing 250 pounds.05:59 My background.08:20 Why these goals?18:56 The importance of being healthy both mentally & physically as a doctor.22:20 How I train.29:45 How I find time to work out as a trauma surgeon.FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED Future Th

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxHave a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860If you or someone you know is battling breast cancer, then this segment is for you. We discussed the heartbreaking story of MTV VJ Ananda Lewis who recently lost her battle with breast cancer and gave actionable steps for dealing with breast cancer.FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED Article by Ananda lewis on living with breast cancer - https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/ananda-lewis-breast-cancer/Dr. Lakshmi Emory & Kevin Frazier Entertainment Tonight segment on Ananda Lewis's breast cancer and her death - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2IDmhGsJtENational breast cancer organization resources - https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-resources/Q&A and Suggestions Form - https://

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxHave a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860In this new segment "The Vitals Check" we track our personal fitness journeys. Shoutout to Faith Kipyegon for her historic 4-minute mile attempt. She reminds us of legends like Florence Griffith Joyner and Jackie Joyner-Kersee. On that note, what fitness goals are you chasing? FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED Q&A and Suggestions Form - https://forms.clickup.com/9010110533/f/8cgpr25-4614/PEBFZN5LA6FKEIXTWFSIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insuran

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxHave a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860Whether you're a medical student, resident, or mid-career physician questioning how you can protect your inner peace at work without quitting, this segment offers practical strategies on steps you can take to avoid becoming bitter and burned out. We explored how career choices like locum tenens, can provide the flexibility to practice medicine you love without becoming consumed by it.FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED Q&A and Suggestions Form - https://forms.clickup.com/9010110533/f/8cgpr25-4614/PEBFZN5LA6FKEIXTWFSIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxHave a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860If you’re thinking about launching your own locums medical staffing agency while still completing your healthcare education, this episode dives deep into the complexities and realities of starting a locum tenens agency. We offered practical advice drawn from years of experience in both clinical practice and business development.FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED Past episodes on starting a locums agency.- https://youtu.be/z5W9yQQaizk- https://youtu.be/GDCRSO-dY70- https://youtu.be/Mqb1awTFthE- https://youtu.be/qeH-ztylxHI- https://youtu.be/u3c4J4qSIkg- https://youtu.be/ZfvnDaU1GKE- https://youtu.be/Fkvjnjisz0Q- https://youtu.be/pNOE-xVG3hUSIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Twitter

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Nii discusses the trend of doctors seeking less than full-time work. Sarah Ledbetter, Physician Recruitment Manager at Provider Solutions & Development, is on to debunk the theory that medical employers are solely seeking full-time doctors.Things to expect in this episode:Defining Full-time workWhich generation is seeking more work/life balanceThe 'Covid Reset' and how doctors look at employment nowThe difference between part-time, per diem, and locums workThe trend of mid-career doctors seeking less than full-time workJournal Articles:https://psdconnect.org/journal/what-you-should-know-about-becoming-a-part-time-physicianMedscape Physician Lifestyle & Happiness Report 2022WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!!FILL OUT THE DOCS OUTSIDE THE BOX PODCAST SURVEY (in partnership w INCROWD)INCROWDMAKE EXTRA MONEY AS A RESIDENT OR ATTENDING - COMPLETE MEDICAL SURVEYS WITH INCROWDWATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Join our commu

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Leadership in medicine goes beyond clinical skills because medical education doesn’t automatically create leaders. In this segment, we discuss how toxic behaviors get perpetuated when negative leadership styles like throwing instruments in the OR to berating staff, are modeled for residents and medical students. We then share the non-negotiable days we refuse to work, revealing how our cultural backgrounds and family values inform our decisions.FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED Q&A and Suggestions Form - https://forms.clickup.com/9010110533/f/8cgpr25-4614/PEBFZN5LA6FKEIXTWFSend us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxSIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Have a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidark

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!We discuss a Reddit post from a resident dealing with an attending who takes melatonin and Lunesta during their shared overnight calls, rendering them unavailable and leaving the resident alone to manage all patient care decisions.We discuss various approaches to addressing this dilemma, weighing the merits of speaking with trusted senior residents versus approaching program leadership directly.FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED Q&A and Suggestions Form - https://forms.clickup.com/9010110533/f/8cgpr25-4614/PEBFZN5LA6FKEIXTWFSend us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxSIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Have a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-sp

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Our listener, David, wrote back with an update on their job search near Boston which then led us to a deeper conversation about making major life moves when you're dating but haven't formally committed to through engagement or marriage. We talked about both practical considerations and personal reflections from our own relationship journey.FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED Q&A and Suggestions Form - https://forms.clickup.com/9010110533/f/8cgpr25-4614/PEBFZN5LA6FKEIXTWFSend us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxSIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Have a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by Set For L

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!We start off by discussing medical myths/traditions we should retire. We then talk about MTV personality Ananda Lewis, who died at age 52 from breast cancer after rejecting medical treatment in favor of detoxification.We dive deep into why patients have lost trust in healthcare providers and how the  medical credibility gap has widened dramatically in recent years. We conclude with Nii showing us his running equipment. FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED Q&A and Suggestions Form - https://forms.clickup.com/9010110533/f/8cgpr25-4614/PEBFZN5LA6FKEIXTWFSend us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxSIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Have a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comMerch: https://docs-o