What does it mean to navigate medicine as the eldest daughter of immigrants, a perfectionist student, and now a chief resident in radiation oncology?In this episode of Surgeon, Interrupted, Dr. Christina Huang shares her journey from shy, rule-following child to confident physician leader. We talk about the realities of pre-med pressure, navigating med school and board exams, and the pivot from wanting to be a surgeon to finding her place in radiation oncology.We cover:– Eldest daughter dynamics and the weight of expectations– The pressure cooker of pre-med and med school perfectionism– Burnout, identity crises, and why “pivots” in medicine aren’t failures– Discovering radiation oncology (and what brachytherapy really is)– The power of grassroots culture change in residency and beyondDr. Huang’s story is a reminder that medicine is never a straight path, and that the real strength comes from looking inward, owning your decisions, and helping to create a healthier culture for those who follow.Host: Frances Mei Hardin, MDGuest: Christina Huang, MDPresented by: The Hippocratic CollectiveFollow Frances Mei on Instagram & Tiktok @francesmeimdAnd subscribe to @HippocraticCollective on Youtube for all of the other shows the Hippocratic Collective has to offer.
What does it look like to grow up, and grow together, through residency, marriage, and building a life outside of medicine?In this special anniversary episode of Surgeon, Interrupted, Frances Mei and her husband Colin celebrate nine years since their very first date. They reflect on their engagement, early struggles during residency, and the evolution of their relationship through career pivots, personal growth, and life transitions.They talk about:– The reality behind their engagement story (and a golden-hour fight before the proposal)– Why honesty, direct communication, and not taking things personally became cornerstones of their relationship– How they navigated the chaos of residency and self-discovery as a couple– The importance of trust, humor, and simply enjoying each other’s company over time– Why “interesting” might be the most important trait Colin ever looked for in a partnerThis is a candid, funny, and deeply personal conversation about partnership, growth, and what it means to choose each other, over and over again, for nearly a decade.Host: Frances Mei Hardin, MDPresented by: The Hippocratic CollectiveFollow Frances Mei on Instagram & Tiktok @francesmeimdAnd subscribe to @HippocraticCollective on Youtube for all of the other shows the Hippocratic Collective has to offer.
What happens when you realize your residency isn’t the right fit - after you’ve already started?In this episode of Surgeon, Interrupted, Dr. Olivia Perez (@drliv.md) shares her bold decision to leave family medicine after intern year and successfully reapply to dermatology. She opens up about the doubts, the guilt, and the logistics of making such a high-stakes switch, and why two “lost” years are nothing compared to decades of fulfillment in the right specialty.We talk about:– Recognizing when you’re in the wrong field and finding the courage to pivot– How Dr. Perez navigated ERAS, planning, and backup options– The role of mentorship and seeing examples outside medicine– The psychological fallacies that keep doctors stuck in the wrong path– Why enjoying the day-to-day matters more than chasing the “shiny object” at the endDr. Perez’s story is a powerful reminder that the straight path isn’t the only one, and that sometimes the bravest move is to start over.Host: Frances Mei Hardin, MDGuest: Dr. Liv PerezConnect with Liv:Substack: https://drliv.substack.com/IG & TikTok: @drliv.mdPresented by: The Hippocratic CollectiveFollow Frances Mei on Instagram & Tiktok @francesmeimdAnd subscribe to @HippocraticCollective on Youtube for all of the other shows the Hippocratic Collective has to offer.
What happens when you refuse to be one-dimensional in medicine?In this episode of Surgeon, Interrupted, Dr. Alyssa Cole (@doctor.cole), a PM&R physician specializing in cancer rehabilitation, shares her journey of weaving multiple identities into her career: physician, MBA, pageant competitor, children’s book author, and content creator.We talk about:– Why authenticity, boundaries, and “mosaic careers” matter in medicine– Navigating social media as a physician without compromising professionalism– Pageantry, advocacy, and the lessons she brings back into the clinic– Redefining “influence” in medicine and turning it into inspiration– How Gen Z doctors are reshaping medicine around well-being and humanityDr. Cole’s story is a reminder that being human isn’t a liability in medicine—it’s the point.Host: Frances Mei Hardin, MDGuest: Dr. Alyssa ColeConnect with Alyssa:IG & TikTok: @doctor.coleBlog: https://dailydoseofvita.blogspot.com/Presented by: The Hippocratic CollectiveFollow Frances Mei on Instagram & Tiktok @francesmeimdAnd subscribe to @HippocraticCollective on Youtube for all of the other shows the Hippocratic Collective has to offer.
Dr. Liz Malphrus, chief resident in plastic surgery at the University of Pennsylvania, joins Surgeon, Interrupted to talk about what really matters in medicine today: authenticity, identity, and rewriting the old definitions of success. As a female surgeon in one of the most demanding specialties, Liz opens up about the challenges and triumphs of carving out her own path, reminding us that the journey is both deeply personal and profoundly collective.She shares how her background as a violinist shapes her practice, why career paths don’t have to follow a rigid script, and how younger physicians, especially Gen Z, are shifting medicine toward well-being, inclusivity, and genuine connection.From breaking down outdated notions of prestige to embracing the fluidity of self-identity, this conversation is about more than just surgery. It’s about reclaiming your narrative and building a medical culture where authenticity comes first.Host: Frances Mei Hardin, MDGuest: Liz Malphrus, MDConnect with Liz: IG: @dr.malphrusWebsite: https://www.lizmalphrusmd.com/Substack: https://cutandtell.substack.com/Views are Dr. Malphrus's own and do not represent her training program or institution Presented by: The Hippocratic CollectiveFollow Frances Mei on Instagram & Tiktok @francesmeimdAnd subscribe to @HippocraticCollective on Youtube for all of the other shows the Hippocratic Collective has to offer.
Today, I’m stepping into something I never thought I’d allow myself: a sabbatical. After years of moving at full speed as a surgeon, I’ve finally built in a month to stop, to breathe, and to see what happens when I’m not buried under the weight of clinical responsibility.This isn’t just a vacation. It’s a leap of faith I planned more than a year ago - trading call schedules for train tickets, clinic lists for café tables, and using every travel point I’ve hoarded to make it happen. For five weeks, I’ll wander Paris, the south of France, Milan, and Lugano. I’ll be chasing sunlight, quiet mornings, and maybe finally the ending of the book I’ve been writing for years.In this episode, I share what it takes to actually step away, why most doctors never do, and how I’ve wrestled with giving myself permission to pause. We’ll talk about the logistics of planning a month abroad, the myth that you can’t afford to step off the treadmill, and the truth that you can’t afford not to.Because sometimes, the bravest thing isn’t grinding harder—it’s daring to walk away, even just for a little while.Host: Frances Mei Hardin, MDPresented by: The Hippocratic CollectiveFollowing Frances Mei on Instagram & Tiktok @francesmeimdAnd subscribe to @HippocraticCollective on Youtube for all of the other shows the Hippocratic Collective has to offer.
In this episode, family physician and fellow HC member Dr. Joan Chan introduces the idea of Creating Space—a philosophy of time management and self-preservation that challenges the culture of overcommitment in medicine. Drawing from her experience during the pandemic, Joan explains the “75% rule”: the practice of deliberately leaving room in your schedule for the unexpected, for self-care, and for breathing space in a world that constantly demands more.Together, we unpack the hidden costs of overcommitment, from burnout to moral distress, and explore why so many of us equate busyness with success. We examine the psychological hurdles that make it hard to step back - the scarcity mindset, the fear of falling behind, and how shifting these beliefs can unlock resilience and clarity.The conversation moves beyond medicine, highlighting how Creating Space applies to every facet of life. By carving out room for rest, reflection, and flexibility, Joan argues, we not only protect our well-being but also show up more fully - at work, at home, and in the relationships that matter most.This is an invitation to rethink how you spend your time, honor your limits, and embrace a more intentional, spacious way of living.Host: Frances Mei Hardin, MDGuest: Joan Chan, MDConnect with Joan:https://www.hippocratic-collective.com/members/joan-chan-mdPresented by: The Hippocratic CollectiveFollowing Frances Mei on Instagram & Tiktok @francesmeimdAnd subscribe to @HippocraticCollective on Youtube for all of the other shows the Hippocratic Collective has to offer.
What happens when you follow every rule, secure the prestigious grant, build the academic career, only to have it all unravel?In this powerful episode of Surgeon, Interrupted, I’m joined by Dr. Arghavan Salles, a bariatric surgeon and national leader in gender equity, physician well-being, and anti-bias reform in medicine. We talk about what it means to be a woman in a system that was never designed for us, and what it costs to try to change it from the inside.Dr. Salles shares the personal impact of losing her NIH grant, the identity crisis that followed, and the painful reality of investing so much into a career that can feel so disposable. Together, we confront the systemic forces that push talented women out of medicine, the performative nature of many DEI efforts, and the urgent need for cultural transformation in healthcare.This conversation is for anyone who’s ever wondered: What if doing everything “right” still isn’t enough? And what if it’s not you that’s broken, but the system?Host: Frances Mei Hardin, MDGuest: Arghavan Salles, MD, PhDConnect with Dr. Salles:https://www.instagram.com/arghavansallesmd/https://drarghavansalles.com/Presented by: The Hippocratic CollectiveFollowing Frances Mei on Instagram & Tiktok @francesmeimdAnd subscribe to @HippocraticCollective on Youtube for all of the other shows the Hippocratic Collective has to offer.
What happens when the career you once worked tirelessly for no longer feels like the life you want?In this deeply honest episode of Surgeon, Interrupted, I sit down with Dr. Maggie Binder, a dear friend and seasoned pediatric hospitalist, to talk about what it really feels like to step away from medicine. Together, we reflect on the invisible weight that physicians carry - the guilt, the pressure to stay, the fear of disappointing others - and how hard it can be to imagine a different life when your identity has been built inside hospital walls.We share raw stories from our medical training, examine the internal and external forces that make leaving feel like failure, and challenge the notion that walking away means giving up. Because sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is admit the truth: you want something else.This episode is for anyone at a crossroads, anyone grieving a version of themselves they’re outgrowing, and anyone who needs to hear that leaving isn’t quitting - it’s choosing yourself.Host: Frances Mei Hardin, MDGuest: Maggie Binder, MDConnect with Frances Mei:IG & TikTok: @francesmei.mdProduced by: Hippocratic Collective
In this episode of Surgeon, Interrupted, Frances Mei sits down with Dr. Mel Thacker to reflect on an unforgettable event co-hosted by the Hippocratic Collective, PearsonRavitz, and Clove—an evening crafted for resident physicians that became so much more than anyone expected. Together, they unpack how the night sparked connection, creativity, and a rare sense of belonging among young doctors. From conversations about identity beyond the white coat to the urgent need for community in medicine, this episode explores why joy, artistry, and human connection should be core to the physician experience—not afterthoughts. Tune in for an honest look at what happens when you give doctors the space to be fully themselves.Host: Frances Mei Hardin, MDGuest: Mel Thacker, MDConnect with Mel:IG: @the_surgeon_coach/https://www.melthackercoaching.com/empoweredsurgeonPresented by: The Hippocratic CollectiveEvent brought to you by PearsonRavitz: https://pearsonravitz.com/Follow Frances Mei on Instagram & Tiktok @francesmeimdAnd subscribe to @HippocraticCollective on Youtube for all of the other shows the Hippocratic Collective has to offer.
In this episode, we dive into the Gervais Principle—a brutal but clarifying framework that uses The Office to decode real-world organizational dynamics. Whether you're in medicine, media, or any other power-laden system, this lens changes how you see the room you're in. We break down the three archetypes that shape every workplace: the sociopaths who pull the strings, the clueless who hold it all together, and the losers who opt out. Along the way, we explore the language of power—how people use posture talk, baby talk, and power talk to jockey for position or maintain control. This isn’t just theory. It’s a survival guide for anyone trying to navigate (or escape) dysfunctional systems with their integrity—and strategy—intact.Host: Frances Mei Hardin, MDGuest: Colin RoyalConnect with Frances Mei:IG & TikTok: @francesmei.mdProduced by @HippocraticCollective
What happens when you’ve invested years into a career, only to realize it’s no longer the right fit? In this episode of Surgeon, Interrupted, we sit down with Jaclyn Winkel to talk about second acts: the courage it takes to pivot, the stigma that surrounds leaving medicine, and how to reframe your skills for a new path. From confronting the sunk cost fallacy to building a growth mindset, this conversation is a must for anyone questioning what’s next. Whether you’re on the verge of change or just feeling stuck, this one’s for you.Host: Frances Mei Hardin, MDGuest: Jaclyn Winkel (Jac At Work)Follow Jac at Work:IG: https://www.instagram.com/jacatwork_/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jacatworkPresented by: The Hippocratic CollectiveFollowing Frances Mei on Instagram & Tiktok @francesmeimdAnd subscribe to @HippocraticCollective on Youtube for all of the other shows the Hippocratic Collective has to offer.
In this episode, we sit down with Sonia Lee, a world-class concert violinist who once stood at a crossroads familiar to many children of immigrants: medicine or music. With a surgeon father and a family legacy steeped in science, Sonia made the bold choice to carve her own path in the arts. She takes us behind the curtain of her training at Juilliard, opening up about the discipline, rejection, and grit required to survive in the classical music world. We talk about the weight of expectations, the freedom of forging your own identity, and what it really means to dedicate yourself to your craft. This one’s about more than music—it’s about choosing your life.Host: Frances Mei Hardin, MDGuest: Sonia LeeConnect with Sonia: https://www.sonialeeviolinist.com/
We're dropping a special episode this week to talk about something urgent: H.R. 1. This new bill could reshape American healthcare as we know it—and not for the better. Dr. Dominick DeFelice, a family and sports medicine physician, joins us fresh off a trip to Capitol Hill to break down what’s really happening behind the scenes and why every physician should be paying attention.This conversation goes beyond politics. It’s about protecting patient care, speaking up before it’s too late, and realizing that physician advocacy isn’t optional anymore—it’s essential. Whether you’ve never called a legislator in your life or you’ve been in the advocacy trenches for years, this episode is a must-listen.Host: Frances Mei Hardin, MDGuest: Dominick DeFelice, MDConnect with Dominick:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominick-defelice-md-caqsm-b5120360/Presented by: The Hippocratic CollectiveFollowing Frances Mei on Instagram & Tiktok @francesmeimdAnd subscribe to @HippocraticCollective on Youtube for all of the other shows the Hippocratic Collective has to offer.
I left surgery a year ago, and it completely flipped our lives upside down. In this episode, Colin (my husband) and I sit down to talk honestly about everything that came next. The identity crisis, the weird in-between, the fear, the freedom… and how we ended up building the Hippocratic Collective. This isn’t some polished success story - it’s about what it really feels like to walk away from medicine and try to build something new from scratch. If you’ve ever wondered what life looks like after the white coat, or if you’re stuck between staying and leaving, this one’s for you.Host: Frances Mei Hardin, MDPresented by: The Hippocratic CollectiveFollowing Frances Mei on Instagram & Tiktok @francesmeimdAnd subscribe to @HippocraticCollective on Youtube for all of the other shows the Hippocratic Collective has to offer.
It's time for some big sister energy - take a seat and let your medicine big sisters give you a pep talk. This week, Frances Mei sits down with the thoughtful and confident Dr. Iya Agha for a conversation about fear - not the kind that paralyzes you, but the kind that cracks you open and pushes you forward. As Iya gets ready to start residency, she shares how embracing vulnerability has helped her grow, as a physician, and as a person.They talk about the things that actually sustain you in medicine: honest friendships, good mentorship, and knowing who you are outside the hospital. It's a conversation about holding space, for yourself and for others, and about choosing to be someone who lifts instead of drains. If you're feeling the weight of transitions or the pressure to hold it all together, this episode is a reminder: you're not alone, and you don’t have to be perfect to be powerful. Host: Frances Mei Hardin, MDGuest: Iya Agha, DOConnect with Iya:https://www.hippocratic-collective.com/members/iya-agha-doPresented by: The Hippocratic CollectiveFollowing Frances Mei on Instagram & Tiktok @francesmeimdAnd subscribe to @HippocraticCollective on Youtube for all of the other shows the Hippocratic Collective has to offer.
This week on Surgeon, Interrupted, host Frances Mei sits down with rising chief resident and ENT surgeon Dr. Shreya Sharma to unpack what it’s really like dating as a woman in medicine. From scrubbing out to swipe fatigue, we talk about the unique challenges of finding love (or even just a decent situationship) while navigating the high-stakes world of surgical training.We get honest about control issues, time scarcity, and the emotional calculus behind choosing who gets your post-call energy. Why are female surgeons still treated like novelties on dating apps? How do we stay soft when the job demands steel? And is it possible to build something real when your calendar is booked four months out?This episode isn’t just about dating—it’s about identity, vulnerability, and learning to show up for yourself and someone else in the midst of a career that doesn’t leave much room for either.Host: Frances Mei Hardin, MDGuest: Shreya Sharma, MDConnect with Shreya:https://www.instagram.com/shreya.sharma.md/Presented by: The Hippocratic CollectiveFollowing Frances Mei on Instagram & Tiktok @francesmeimdAnd subscribe to @HippocraticCollective on Youtube for all of the other shows the Hippocratic Collective has to offer.
What if being a doctor was just one chapter of your story, not the whole book? In this episode of Surgeon, Interrupted, I sit down with Ryan Montoya, MD - a physician who defies every box. Currently the Physician Medical Officer for the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, Russia, Ryan has worn, and continues to wear, as many hats as a single person can wear. Professional comic book artist, former Associate Medical Director of Planned Parenthood in Washington, DC, community healthcare provider in Bosnia and Herzegovina and India, luggage designer for Goyard (!)...the list goes on. We talk about curiosity as a compass, walking away from linear paths, and the underrated joy of being a beginner again. If you’ve ever wondered what else you’re allowed to be... this one's for you.Host: Frances Mei Hardin, MDGuest: Ryan Montoya, MDhttps://www.hippocratic-collective.com/members/ryan-montoya-mdPresented by: The Hippocratic CollectiveFollowing Frances Mei on Instagram & Tiktok @francesmeimdAnd subscribe to @HippocraticCollective on Youtube for all of the other shows the Hippocratic Collective has to offer.
I sat down with my husband, Colin, to talk about what it’s really been like to leave medicine and how it’s changed both of us. We go back to the beginning: falling in love while I was still in training, the pressure cooker of surgical residency, and what finally pushed me to walk away. Colin shares what it was like to watch me come apart and put myself back together again, and I open up about the fear, the freedom, and everything in between. If you’ve ever wondered what happens after you quit the thing you thought would define your whole life, this episode is for you.Host: Frances Mei Hardin, MDPresented by: The Hippocratic CollectiveFollowing Frances Mei on Instagram & Tiktok @francesmeimdAnd subscribe to @HippocraticCollective on Youtube for all of the other shows the Hippocratic Collective has to offer.
I recorded this episode from the Ozarks, once an escape from residency but now a backdrop for something deeper.In this solo reflection, I talk about what it’s really like to leave practice after years of surviving medicine. I share why I came back to a place marked by old traumas, how it feels to finally travel on my own terms, and what it means to “choose you hard” - especially when it’s the harder choice.I also peel back the curtain and discuss my new life of travel, work and figuring it out along the way. Host: Frances Mei Hardin, MDPresented by: The Hippocratic CollectiveFollowing Frances Mei on Instagram & Tiktok @francesmeimdAnd subscribe to @HippocraticCollective on Youtube for all of the other shows the Hippocratic Collective has to offer.