Claim OwnershipBundle Of Hers
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© 2017 University of Utah Health
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Power from identity, leading through story. BUNDLE OF HERS is a podcast dedicated to amplifying underspoken voices and stories in medicine. Our journey is a continuous exploration of discoveries, where identity growth, defining moments, and ongoing self-understanding take center focus. Medical residents and students Hạ Lê, Lilly Kanishka, Laurel Hiatt, Austen Ivey, and Sanila Math discuss how their different identities influence their experiences navigating the complexities of studying and practicing medicine. Through honest and thought-provoking conversations and personal narratives, BUNDLE OF HERS explores the diverse collection of voices and stories within the medical field.
220 Episodes
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Medical school teaches anatomy, physiology, and clinical reasoning—but some of the most powerful lessons never appear in a syllabus. The hidden curriculum refers to the unspoken rules, behaviors, and cultural expectations that trainees absorb simply by existing within the system. Laurel, Hạ, and Lilly unpack how the hidden curriculum shapes professional identity in medicine. From navigating hierarchy and managing emotions to learning what is considered "good enough," these informal lessons can sometimes support growth—and sometimes quietly reinforce harmful expectations. The trio reflects on the gap between what medical education teaches and what trainees actually experience.
Medical training often presents a clear, linear path: apply, match, specialize, advance. But real careers rarely unfold that neatly. Hạ is joined by Josh Bell, Amber Gautam, and Emilee Tu for a conversation about how careers actually take shape. They reflect on how they once envisioned their futures in medicine, the pivots and moments of ambiguity that challenged those early plans, and the external—and internal—pressures that quietly shape career decisions. From "aha" moments to values-based decision-making, this discussion reframes career choice not as a single defining path, but as an evolving process.
We talk about resilience like it is a requirement. But what happens when handling hard things does not feel strong—it just feels heavy? Austen, Hạ, and Lilly unpack what self-care and mental health actually mean beyond the buzzwords. They reflect on the messages they absorbed about stress, strength, and asking for help, and how those narratives shape how they cope. The conversation also explores how culture, professional identity, and institutional power dynamics influence whether trainees feel "allowed" to struggle or seek support, and how peers can show up for one another with care and boundaries.
Indigenous health disparities did not happen by accident—and they cannot be understood without acknowledging history. Internal medicine–Pediatrics resident Brittany Begaye joins Lilly for a conversation about Indigenous health, identity, and returning home to practice medicine. They explore how colonization, displacement, and systemic neglect shaped the health gaps we see today, and how intergenerational trauma continues to live in the body and in health care systems. Through personal stories and shared reflections from their medical training, Lilly and Brittany highlight the power of community, cultural connection, and advocacy in building more equitable care.
Mistakes happen in medicine—even when intentions are good. Sanila is joined by fellow MS4, Abby Hamilton, and Dr. Julie Thomas, a practicing rheumatologist and ethics educator, to unpack what "first, do no harm" really means in real-world clinical care. They explore the emotional weight of medical mistakes, the fear and silence that often follow unintended harm, and how clinicians can move forward with accountability, humility, and compassion. The conversation reframes imperfection not as failure, but as an opportunity to repair trust, strengthen patient relationships, and grow into more thoughtful, ethical physicians.
You can be surrounded by people and still feel deeply alone. Laurel, Hạ, and Austen unpack how loneliness shows up in medical training and practice—not as physical isolation, but as emotional and social disconnection. They reflect on when loneliness hits hardest, when it eases, and what helps them feel seen in high-pressure environments. The conversation also explores how disconnection among clinicians shapes the care we give and the relationships we build with patients.
Medical training has a way of quietly reshaping who you are—sometimes faster than you realize. Former BUNDLE OF HERS co-host Harjit Kaur joins Hạ and Lilly for an honest reflection on the gap between who we thought we would be as physicians and who we are becoming in the process. They unpack identity, burnout, and the systems that make it hard to show up as whole people in medicine. From policy frustrations to emotional exhaustion, they discuss how to reclaim parts of yourself, redefine success, and give yourself grace while learning to practice medicine in a way that still feels human.
Perfection sneaks into medical training so quietly that you may not notice the weight of it—until you are already carrying too much. Austen and Sanila are joined by classmate, Jade Kho, for a conversation about imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and the moments that made them question whether they were "good enough" for medicine. They unpack the hidden standards students carry, the struggle of wanting to excel while still learning, and how reframing self-doubt can open the door to actual growth. For anyone who has ever felt behind, inadequate, or like everyone else has it figured out—this one is for you.
Walking into medical school without a roadmap hits differently when you are the first in your family to do it. No insider language, no built-in mentors, no one who can explain the difference between Step exams, clerkships, and the hidden curriculum everyone else seems to know. Kirsten Myers, PGY-3 in neurology, joins Lilly to talk about navigating medicine as a first-gen trainee—what it feels like, what it demands, and what it teaches you. They dig into the confusion, the pressure, and the unexpected strengths that come from forging your own path.
This season's IDENTITY SERIES episode spotlights new co-host Sanila as she brings along three friends from different chapters of her life to reflect on the milestones that shaped her continuing growth. Through stories of childhood quirks, academic pivots, community roots, and the struggles that made her stronger, the four friends explore how identity is built over time—and how hindsight reveals just how far we have come.
"Should I go to medical school or pursue research?" Hannah Happ joins Laurel and Hạ for a straightforward conversation about the MD, PhD, and MD/PhD paths — why they chose their routes and the lessons learned along the way. From career goals to identity, personality fit, and the day-to-day realities of each track, they offer insights into understanding what each journey looks like and how to choose the path that feels right for you.
Nearly one in four adults lives with a disability—but in medicine, disability is often treated as something to "fix" rather than understand. Hạ and Laurel discuss disability in medicine—what the term actually means, why it matters, and how it manifests in both medical training and patient care. From neurodiversity and trauma-informed practice to the ableism built into training systems, the conversation explores how rethinking disability can make medicine more compassionate, inclusive, and human.
In the season eight premiere of BUNDLE OF HERS, Lilly, Austen, and Sanila get real about what it means to face challenges in medicine—and how those moments shape who you become. From juggling self-doubt and identity pressures in med school to navigating the steep learning curve of residency, they open up about the struggles that pushed them to grow. Together, they introduce this season’s theme, “Growth Through Challenge,” and talk about the messy, honest side of becoming a doctor.
Discovery is not always a bold breakthrough—it is often what quietly emerges after the questions, the challenges, and the moments when you are not sure where the path is leading.
In the season seven finale of BUNDLE OF HERS, Laurel, Hạ, and Alizah reflect on what they have uncovered about themselves, their surrounding relationships, and their roles in medicine. As they revisit moments that challenged their perspectives and share what they are still figuring out, they open up about the discomfort of not having it all together—and the strength in embracing that truth. Through vulnerability, curiosity, and connection, this conversation celebrates how the process of discovery shapes who we are becoming.
Intern year is a whirlwind—one filled with overwhelming responsibility, steep learning curves, and moments of deep self-doubt. It is the year new doctors step into roles that test their stamina, skills, and sense of self—all while learning how to care for others and themselves at the same time.
Mariam and Lilly open up about the emotional and physical toll of residency's first year. Through honest reflection, they explore the differences and parallels in their experiences, from coping with the stress and anxiety of long hours to confronting the high expectations that do not always match the realities of their knowledge and training. They share hard-earned insights, small victories, and gentle reminders that even when it feels like you are barely keeping up, you are still doing a good job—and that matters.
Not all medical training paths follow a straight line. For some physicians, the journey includes a preliminary year—a one-year position in a specialty like internal medicine or surgery that provides clinical training before transitioning into their chosen field.
Lilly is joined by fellow prelims Shima, Jenna, and Lena for a candid conversation about navigating this in-between space in training. Together, they share personal stories from the year and explore what it means to grow, adapt, and discover who you are in a year that is as formative as it is unpredictable.
Medical education is known for its demanding structure, but the toll it takes on students and physicians is rarely addressed with the same intensity. Nearly 30% of medical students experience depression, and rates of suicidal ideation are alarmingly high—three times greater than their same-age peers. Residents and attending physicians face similar challenges, often without access to the care and support they need.
Dr. Jenny Wei and third-year medical student Sanila Math join the conversation with Austen to explore the culture of rigidity in medicine—from its historical roots to its present-day consequences—across every stage of training. Together, they reflect on the weight of burnout and the importance of questioning systems that no longer serve doctors' well-being.
Despite Latine individuals making up nearly 20% of the U.S. population, they remain vastly underrepresented in medicine. With the Latine community projected to reach 111.2 million by 2060, the lack of diversity in health care raises concerns about access, language concordance, and culturally competent care.
Vida Sandoval and Marisol Solis from La Comunidad en Medicina join Hạ for a conversation to discuss the challenges and triumphs of being Latine in medicine. They explore how representation impacts patient outcomes, the importance of building a supportive community in the medical field, and the steps needed to create a more inclusive and equitable health care system.
Grief is an inevitable part of life, but for physicians, it often exists in tension with the expectation to keep moving forward. While they provide care and comfort to others, how do they make space for their own losses?
Medical student Kate Tyler joins Lilly for a raw conversation about the emotional weight of grieving in medicine and the challenges of balancing personal and professional loss. They explore how grief shapes difficult conversations, influences goals of care, and highlights the importance of truly being present with patients and their families at the end of life.
This episode is dedicated to Alia Kanishka, Jane Tyler, and all those lost to devastating illnesses like terminal cancer.
Universal health care is a system in which all individuals can have access to essential medical services without financial hardship. While more than 70 countries provide some form of universal health care, the structure and effectiveness of these systems vary. In contrast, millions worldwide still face significant barriers to care due to high costs, lack of coverage, or systemic inequalities.
In S7E20, internal medicine resident Siale Teaupa joins Hạ for a conversation exploring the complexities of health systems and the ongoing debate over universal health care. They discuss the pros and cons of health care models, the challenges of ensuring equitable access, and the fundamental question—is health care a human right?
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