The Power of Perseverance and the Difficult Road to Becoming a Physician

Prospective Doctor (from MedSchoolCoach)

Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Stacy Cary-Thompson, a board-certified pediatrician and founder of Cary Cares Parenting LLC. They discuss the benefits of knowing your learning style, what you need to know about a neuroscience career, and how to build a fulfilling life outside medicine.

• [00:00] Introduction
• [01:37] Who is Dr. Stacy Cary-Thompson?
• [02:26] Dr. Cary-Thompson's Journey to Medicine
• [06:45] The Benefits of Knowing the Type of Learner You Are
• [09:20] Why Dr. Cary-Thompson Chose a Career in Neuroscience
• [15:46] Family Issues and Taking Care of Her Grandmother
• [20:13] Things Dr. Cary-Thompson Wished She Knew About the Medical Profession
• [24:49] It's Okay to Ask For Help
• [27:49] Why You Need to be Strategic About What You Do Post-Residency
• [31:20] The Inspiration Behind Dr. Cary-Thompson Book The Fine Print
• [35:10] Parting Thoughts

Living Life Outside Medicine

Dr. Cary-Thompson starts the conversation by emphasizing the importance of embracing life beyond the confines of medicine. We live in a world where the white coat often defines a physician's identity. However, life is more than that. As a physician, it's in your best interest to recognize that being a physician is just one piece of the puzzle. Life, with its myriad experiences and roles, continues alongside the demanding profession. As a board-certified pediatrician, small business owner, parenting coach, mother, and wife, Dr. Cary-Thompson wears multiple hats, acknowledging that each role contributes to the rich tapestry of her identity.

From Academic Hurdles to Personal Growth

The journey to becoming a physician is rarely linear. Dr. Cary-Thompson reflects on her academic challenges, particularly with organic chemistry, offering vulnerable insights into the hurdles she faced. From being a valedictorian with high expectations to encountering struggles in college, she shares the valuable lesson of perseverance and the need to adapt to different learning styles.

Navigating the Evolving Healthcare Landscape

The medical world is changing. To stay relevant and have a more fulfilling career, you need to stay informed about these changes. Dr. Cary-Thompson emphasizes the importance of awareness, not just about medical advancements but also about evolving patient care paradigms and technology integration. Her insights into the changing face of healthcare serve as a wake-up call for future physicians. Unfortunately, medical education is still not equipping physicians with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of their profession. So, it's up to you to educate yourself and be part of the change you want to see.

You can reach Dr. Cary-Thompson on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and her Website for more details about her work.

The Fine Print: Between the Lines of Parenting, Children, and Relationship-Building by Dr. Stacy Cary-Thompson

To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at Prospective Doctor.

You can also reach us through our social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MedSchoolCoach

Dr. Erkeda’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctordgram/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ProspectiveDoctor