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!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

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Is the “One Big Beautiful Bill” really beautiful? We discuss the potential impact of the proposed bill that would cap federal loan amounts for graduate students, particularly affecting medical education. America already faces a severe physician shortage. By creating additional financial barriers to medical education, this legislation threatens to worsen this crisis, potentially leaving more communities without adequate medical care.FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED The NewYork Times Article - https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/09/health/trump-budget-student-loans-doctors.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShareQ&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!WAT

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!We share some medical school scholarship opportunities and then answer a listener's question on what happens when your partner has a seasonal job in one location, but the best locum work opportunities are elsewhere. Dr. Love Anani also joined us over the phone and we discussed what we use to track payroll, expenses, deductions and mileage. FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED Payroll - http://Gusto.comTracking expenses - http://Quickbooks.comMileage - http://mileiq.comQ&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.comM

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Is a 24/7 call one week per month sustainable for an entire career? This question strikes at the heart of physician work-life balance, career longevity, and personal wellbeing. From personal experiences, these schedules cause sleep disruption, cognitive impairment, and physical strain. To be honest, a position paying substantially above market rate usually demands extraordinary sacrifice but as physicians we can create a sustainable medical career. Tune in to hear our practical strategies.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: @drniidarkoInsta

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Things to expect in this episode:We’re in Denver, CO at the AACOM Educating Leaders Conference! We talk about our responses during the first-ever panel dedicated to Dr. Meta Christy, the first Black Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. We’re partnering with locumstory.com on a special campaign this year. We give you a brief rundown of the common questions that are answered on their platform.Dr. Renée recaps her answer on the panel about what medical school leaders need to know about pre-meds.Dr. Nii rounds it out with his response to “what’s the biggest issue facing docs financially?”WE 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)WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!https://www.youtube.com/drniidarko  Join our communityText text word PODCAST to 833-230-2860 Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @drniidarkoEmail: team@drniidarko.com Pod

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!We unpack the latest news on a controversial bill that could drastically change higher education by capping federal student loans at $20K per year and a total lifetime limit of $100K. While it sounds simple on the surface, the implications are massive and may push students toward private student loans, scholarships, family wealth, and potentially limiting access for those from underrepresented or low-income backgrounds. Tune in to hear why this legislation could reshape who gets to pursue higher education in America and the looming student loan crisis.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

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!There's a new bill being discussed that aims to cap federal student loans. We discuss how this move could deepen inequality and disproportionately affect students from less privileged backgrounds. Check out the video for more financial education and how proposed student loan changes could dramatically alter the future of healthcare education and what it means for future doctors!.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.comT

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!We were in Houston, Texas recently and I did a 2-mile time trial. Let’s just say towards the end I was struggling. Y’all know I have a goal of bench pressing 250 pounds and running a 5K in under 20 minutes. I will keep updating you on my progress.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 Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!We reflect on our medical school experiences, sharing regrets and lessons learned that have shaped our perspectives as practicing doctors. So what medical school mistakes do you regret?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 Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Nii sits down with Trevor Cabrera, who completed his residency training in General Pediatrics at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston and then transitioned to working as an exclusive Locum Tenens provider. Listen in as Dr. Cabrera, also known as The Nomadic Pediatrician, talks about his first locum job, paying off student loans, the lifestyle locum work affords him, and his blog that documents his travels and experiences.Things to expect in this episode:Trevor discusses why he pivoted to locum workThe early, lean locum daysConsistent locum work and paying off student loansThe lifestyle of a locum, especially the benefitsGrowing through locum workCheck out The Nomadic Pediatrician Blog: www.thenomadicpediatrician.comAdditional Dr. Cabrera writings:5 ways to make locums housing feel like homeFrom medical school to residency to…locums?Paying off medical school debtThe social life of a locum physicianWE WANT

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!As we navigate the tumultuous seas of medical education's financial demands, you'll discover the myriad of ways it shapes decisions, lifestyles, and the future of healthcare. Joined by Dr. Love Anani from the Student National Medical Association (SNMA), we're celebrating 60 years of the organization's incredible support for medical students as we dissect the costs from MCAT to residency. Delve into our candid exchange on how the weight of student loans can alter career paths and delay life’s milestones, and learn why choosing a specialty isn't just about passion but often a calculation tinged with economic considerations.Imagine a world where your student debt doesn't chain down your aspirations but acts as a springboard to your dreams. You'll see that Dr. Love treats student loans like a utility bill—steady, manageable, and non-crippling. Together with his wife, also a physician, they&apo

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!We tackle a listener question about establishing an LLC in a tax-friendly state while living in high-tax New York City. We discuss the complexities of multi-state taxation, what it's like juggling business entities across state lines and why getting a CPA is necessary.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 Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cos