First Line | Whole Person, Holistic Mental Health and Medical Education

Episode 184. Hear from a professional ERAS application editor about what Chat GPT gets right (and wrong) about writing a strong personal statement for residency applications. Let's talk about 2025 updates to the advice I give based on my years of experience working with applicants.Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠https://www.firstlinepodcast.comEditing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): https://www.firstlinepodcast.com/servicesFor a discount on your TrueLearn subscription use ⁠https://truelearn.referralrock.com/l/firstline/⁠ and code firstlineContent on First Line is for educational and informational purposes only, not as medical advice. Views expressed are my own and do not represent any organizations I am associated with.

Episode 183. Let’s talk about the benefits of breastfeeding and why I made the choice to breastfeed for two years as a working mom (doctor in residency). Hear about some of the details of my journey and why I am not planning on weaning quite yet.Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠https://www.firstlinepodcast.comEditing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): https://www.firstlinepodcast.com/servicesFor a discount on your TrueLearn subscription use ⁠https://truelearn.referralrock.com/l/firstline/⁠ and code firstlineContent on First Line is for educational and informational purposes only, not as medical advice. Views expressed are my own and do not represent any organizations I am associated with.

Episode 182. I'm asked frequently how I make time for all the roles I have: as a resident physician, a mother, a podcast host, and a professional writer and editor (and still make time for family and, yes, even video games). I don't have it all figured out and make mistakes (and learn!) daily, but here I'll take the time to share what has worked for me over the last few years on my quest for "work life balance" and "having it all".Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠https://www.firstlinepodcast.comEditing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): https://www.firstlinepodcast.com/servicesFor a discount on your TrueLearn subscription use ⁠https://truelearn.referralrock.com/l/firstline/⁠ and code firstlineContent on First Line is for educational and informational purposes only, not as medical advice. Views expressed are my own and do not represent any organizations I am associated with.

Episode 181. Let's talk about how effective exercise really is for mental health, especially symptoms of depression, and how this relates to other treatments like medications and therapy. Here is why some doctors are prescribing exercise (and why some are still slow to embrace lifestyle changes). We'll discuss what is typically recommended to support mental wellness through exercise and my personal tips to make you more successful with increasing your activity levels. Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠https://www.firstlinepodcast.comEditing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): https://www.firstlinepodcast.com/servicesFor a discount on your TrueLearn subscription use ⁠https://truelearn.referralrock.com/l/firstline/⁠ and code firstlineContent on First Line is for educational and informational purposes only, not as medical advice. Views expressed are my own and do not represent any organizations I am associated with.

Episode 180. We’ll explore how traits of borderline personality disorder can show up across different triads and stances of the Enneagram. Let’s break down how 7 of the 9 numbers overlap with BPD patterns like identity confusion, fear of abandonment, emotional reactivity, and relational intensity (and hear which 2 numbers don’t fit with BPD at all).Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠https://www.firstlinepodcast.comEditing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): https://www.firstlinepodcast.com/servicesFor a discount on your TrueLearn subscription use ⁠https://truelearn.referralrock.com/l/firstline/⁠ and code firstlineContent on First Line is for educational and informational purposes only, not as medical advice. Views expressed are my own and do not represent any organizations I am associated with.

Episode 179. Let’s continue exploring how personality disorders relate to the Enneagram. We’ll cover the triads that relate to antisocial, histrionic, schizotypal, and avoidant personality disorders. Other episodes on the Enneagram: Episodes 25-34, 74, 166, and 168Other episodes on personality disorders: 6, 8, 9, 13Visit First Line’s website and blog: (check out the episode directory!) ⁠https://www.firstlinepodcast.comEditing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): https://www.firstlinepodcast.com/servicesFor a discount on your TrueLearn subscription use ⁠https://truelearn.referralrock.com/l/firstline/⁠ and code firstlineContent on First Line is for educational and informational purposes only, not as medical advice. Views expressed are my own and do not represent any organizations I am associated with.

Episode 178. This is a foundational episode of First Line that covers what it means to have a whole person, holistic approach to mental health and wellness (for you or your patients)! We also discuss the 6 pillars of lifestyle medicine and how each relates to the practice of psychiatry.Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠https://www.firstlinepodcast.comEditing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): https://www.firstlinepodcast.com/servicesFor a discount on your TrueLearn subscription use ⁠https://truelearn.referralrock.com/l/firstline/⁠ and code firstlineContent on First Line is for educational and informational purposes only, not as medical advice. Views expressed are my own and do not represent any organizations I am associated with.

Episode 177. We'll explore the science behind cannabis, including how it affects the brain and body. Learn about its potential medical uses for conditions like anxiety, chronic pain, and insomnia and what risks to be aware of.Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠https://www.firstlinepodcast.comEditing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): https://www.firstlinepodcast.com/servicesFor a discount on your TrueLearn subscription use ⁠https://truelearn.referralrock.com/l/firstline/⁠ and code firstlineContent on First Line is for educational and informational purposes only, not as medical advice. Views expressed are my own and do not represent any organizations I am associated with.

Episode 176. Prevent picky eating and increase diet diversity by having your toddler try these foods! This is my list of different foods I gave my own toddler for the first time between 12 and 15 months of age.Here are some of the products I mentioned in this episode (some are affiliate links):Amaranth from Whole FoodsFonioBob's Red Mill TeffKidney Beans with no added saltTarget's Mixed Nut ButterNutty PuffsOrganic Sunflower ButterWhole Foods Frozen Cut OkraSoft-Dried Apricot from Trader Joe'sMy Favorite Fig Spread (All Natural)My Daughter 's Favorite Fruit Bar (Contains Fig) from TargetVisit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠https://www.firstlinepodcast.comEditing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): https://www.firstlinepodcast.com/servicesFor a discount on your TrueLearn subscription use ⁠https://truelearn.referralrock.com/l/firstline/⁠ and code firstlineContent on First Line is for educational and informational purposes only, not as medical advice. Views expressed are my own and do not represent any organizations I am associated with.

Episode 175. Let's discuss what the normal grief process looks like, going through each of the 5 stages of grief with associated defense mechanisms. We'll also touch on the difference between the normal grief process and when it becomes pathological.This episode contains content about death and suicide.Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠https://www.firstlinepodcast.comEditing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): https://www.firstlinepodcast.com/servicesFor a discount on your TrueLearn subscription use ⁠https://truelearn.referralrock.com/l/firstline/⁠ and code firstlineContent on First Line is for educational and informational purposes only, not as medical advice. Views expressed are my own and do not represent any organizations I am associated with.

Episode 174. Ever since medical school, I have been making bowls with dark leafy greens as the foundation, and this is my favorite hack to make healthy whole-food meals on a budget and with limited time to cook. I share my personal favorite ingredients with tangible tips so you can make your own bowls and greatly increase your vegetable intake with less effort.Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠https://www.firstlinepodcast.comEditing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): https://www.firstlinepodcast.com/servicesFor a discount on your TrueLearn subscription use ⁠https://truelearn.referralrock.com/l/firstline/⁠ and code firstlineContent on First Line is for educational and informational purposes only, not as medical advice. Views expressed are my own and do not represent any organizations I am associated with.

Episode 173. Hear about the increasing evidence we have for how physical health and mental health are interrelated and why you can't truly have wellness in one area without the other. I bring my unique perspective as a psychiatry resident with osteopathic medicine training (DO) that focuses on the interconnection of body, mind, and spirit while offering ideas for lifestyle changes you can make today.Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠https://www.firstlinepodcast.comEditing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): https://www.firstlinepodcast.com/servicesFor a discount on your TrueLearn subscription use ⁠https://truelearn.referralrock.com/l/firstline/⁠ and code firstlineContent on First Line is for educational and informational purposes only, not as medical advice. Views expressed are my own and do not represent any organizations I am associated with.

Episode 172. What do you feed your toddler after baby-led weaning ends? I share how I continued introducing a variety of foods to my child between 12 and 18 months, avoiding the picky-eater pitfalls and embracing realistic, sustainable meals beyond the baby phase—without the pressure of Pinterest-perfect bento boxes.Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠https://www.firstlinepodcast.comEditing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): https://www.firstlinepodcast.com/servicesFor a discount on your TrueLearn subscription use ⁠https://truelearn.referralrock.com/l/firstline/⁠ and code firstlineContent on First Line is for educational and informational purposes only, not as medical advice. Views expressed are my own and do not represent any organizations I am associated with.

Episode 171. Learn how to build a daily and weekly study plan to organize lectures, resources, Anki, and practice questions. I walk you through a system (including the number of practice to complete each day) that will help you ace your school exams while optimizing your success on Step 1.The giveaway has ended, but I still hope you rate and review First Line, share this episode on your Instagram story, and enroll in the Medical Student CV Masterclass. For more information about the masterclass, check out my episode from March 31st (episode 167) and then sign up at firstlinepodcast.com on the course tab. This is a course that provides a template specific for medical students and guides you step by step, section by section to craft a competitive CV that you can use for away rotations, letter of recommendation, dean’s letters, research opportunities, leadership roles, an outline for your ERAS application, and whatever else comes your way as a medical student. I have years of experience helping students one on one and have helped hundreds of clients with the process of applying to away rotations and residency. This course unveils my proven method I have used to help students craft exceptional CVs that make them stand out.Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠https://www.firstlinepodcast.comEditing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): https://www.firstlinepodcast.com/servicesFor a discount on your TrueLearn subscription use ⁠https://truelearn.referralrock.com/l/firstline/⁠ and code firstlineContent on First Line is for educational and informational purposes only, not as medical advice. Views expressed are my own and do not represent any organizations I am associated with.

Episode 170. I'll share my top recommended resources for the USMLE Step 1, including specifics about the best question banks for Step 1. The giveaway has ended, but I still hope you rate and review First Line, post to your Instagram story, and sign up for the Medical Student CV Masterclass hereVisit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠https://www.firstlinepodcast.comEditing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): ⁠https://www.fiverr.com/firstlinepod⁠ For a discount on your TrueLearn subscription use ⁠https://truelearn.referralrock.com/l/firstline/⁠ and code firstlineContent on First Line is for educational and informational purposes only, not as medical advice. Views expressed are my own and do not represent any organizations I am associated with.

Episode 169. Is coffee good for you? Can it fit into a healthy diet? Let's dive into the health benefits and potential risks of coffee, including its role in disease prevention and how many cups I've decided to have daily.Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠https://www.firstlinepodcast.comEditing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): ⁠https://www.fiverr.com/firstlinepod⁠ For a discount on your TrueLearn subscription use ⁠https://truelearn.referralrock.com/l/firstline/⁠ and code firstlineContent on First Line is for educational and informational purposes only, not as medical advice. Views expressed are my own and do not represent any organizations I am associated with.

Episode 168. We explore how each Enneagram type can reflect traits of specific personality disorders in an unhealthy state and how knowing this can encourage self-awareness and personal growth.Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠https://www.firstlinepodcast.comEditing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): ⁠https://www.fiverr.com/firstlinepod⁠ For a discount on your TrueLearn subscription use ⁠https://truelearn.referralrock.com/l/firstline/⁠ and code firstlineContent on First Line is for educational and informational purposes only, not as medical advice. Views expressed are my own and do not represent any organizations I am associated with.

Episode 167. Learn how to create a standout CV as a medical student with expert insights from someone who has successfully navigated the process and helped hundreds others do the same. Listen in to hear how to access my CV template crafted just for medical students.Visit https://www.firstlinepodcast.com/ to access the course tab for my NEW Medical Student CV Masterclass and the services tab to learn more about my one-on-one individualized editing services.For a discount on your TrueLearn subscription use ⁠https://truelearn.referralrock.com/l/firstline/⁠ and code firstlineContent on First Line is for educational and informational purposes only, not as medical advice. Views expressed are my own and do not represent any organizations I am associated with.

Episode 166. We'll cover how Enneagram stances shape the way you interact with others and navigate life. This episode breaks down the aggressive, withdrawing, and dependent stances, offering insight into their challenges, strengths, and paths for personal growth.- Enneagram stances- Orientation to time- Repressed centers of intelligenceVisit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠https://www.firstlinepodcast.comEditing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): ⁠https://www.fiverr.com/firstlinepod⁠ For a discount on your TrueLearn subscription use ⁠https://truelearn.referralrock.com/l/firstline/⁠ and code firstlineContent on First Line is for educational and informational purposes only, not as medical advice. Views expressed are my own and do not represent any organizations I am associated with.

Episode 165. Let's break down the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program, also known as SOAP, and how to know your chance of needing to SOAP. We'll also cover the four steps all applicants should do ahead of Match Week to prepare for the scenario of not matching on Monday.Visit First Line’s website and blog: ⁠https://www.firstlinepodcast.comEditing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): ⁠https://www.fiverr.com/firstlinepod⁠ For a discount on your TrueLearn subscription use ⁠https://truelearn.referralrock.com/l/firstline/⁠ and code firstlineContent on First Line is for educational and informational purposes only, not as medical advice. Views expressed are my own and do not represent any organizations I am associated with.