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A PracticeLink Media Podcast · For Physicians

Surviving & Thriving in Residency

Real talk for residents, fellows, and early-career physicians

Practical career advice, wellness insight, and transition strategy for residents and fellows navigating the road to practice.

Hosted by Charley Lowry

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Latest episode

Episode 43: A Recruiter's Journey to GME with Eric Martin

Episode archive

Episode 43: A Recruiter's Journey to GME with Eric Martin

For this forty-third episode of the "Surviving and Thriving in Residency" podcast, host Charley Lowry welcomes Eric Martin, Director of GME and Provider Relations at PracticeLink. Together they discuss Eric's background in healthcare recruitment at PracticeLink, his transition to a GME, strategies for improving physician retention and program success and so much more! For more information, visit PracticeLink.com or email PLMedia@PracticeLink.com.

Jun 29, 2026 · 33 min

Episode 42: The Future of Cardiology with Mubbasher Syed

For this forty-second episode of the "Surviving and Thriving in Residency" podcast, host Charley Lowry welcomes Dr. Mubbasher A. Syed, interventional cardiologist and endovascular specialist at First Coast Cardiovascular Institute in Jacksonville, Florida. Together they discuss the future of cardiology, the emotional and technical challenges of interventional work, the importance of physician advocacy and so much more! For more information, visit PracticeLink.com or email PLMedia@PracticeLink.com.

Jun 15, 2026 · 1h 7m

Episode 41: Transitioning from Medical School to Resident

In this special compilation episode of Surviving & Thriving in Residency, we revisit powerful conversations with Dr. Rohit Bhan, Dr. Sarah Eichinger and Dr. Aderinola Adejare-Smith as they reflect on the transition from medical school to residency. Drawing from their previous appearances on the podcast, each physician shares candid insights about navigating imposter syndrome, adjusting to the demands of residency training, building resilience and finding confidence in a new clinical role. Packed with practical advice and encouragement, this episode offers invaluable perspective for medical students and incoming residents preparing to take the next step in their medical journey. For more information, visit PracticeLink.com or email PLMedia@PracticeLink.com.

Jun 1, 2026 · 25 min

Episode 40: The Reality of Residency with Mina Al Saeedi

For this fortieth episode of the "Surviving and Thriving in Residency" podcast, host Charley Lowry welcomes Dr. Mina Al Saeedi, internal medicine resident at Brookdale University Hospital in Brooklyn Together they discuss Mina's inspiring journey from wartime Baghdad to residency in the US, challenges faced by international medical graduates in the US, resilience and leadership in medical training and so much more! For more information, visit PracticeLink.com or email PLMedia@PracticeLink.com.

May 18, 2026 · 21 min

Episode 39: The Role of Physician Spouses in Shaping Healthcare Workforce Stability with Elizabeth Landry

For this thirty-ninth episode of the "Surviving and Thriving in Residency" podcast, host Charley Lowry welcomes Elizabeth Landry, founder of The MedCommons. Together they discuss shares insights on supporting physician families, addressing systemic challenges, improving physician well-being through organizational support and so much more! For more information, visit PracticeLink.com or email PLMedia@PracticeLink.com.

May 4, 2026 · 41 min

Episode 38: Healthcare Challenges and Solutions with Dan Collard

For this thirty-eighth episode of the "Surviving and Thriving in Residency" podcast, host Charley Lowry welcomes Dan Collard, co-founder of Healthcare Plus Solutions Group. Together they discuss how to influence systems and build trust without formal authority, the importance of continuous learning and being a change agent, cultivating a culture that reduces burnout and enhances employee engagement and so much more! For more information, visit PracticeLink.com or email PLMedia@PracticeLink.com.

Apr 20, 2026 · 47 min

Episode 37: Smart Loan Strategies for Medical Residents with Joy Sorensen Navarre

For this thirty-seventh episode of the "Surviving and Thriving in Residency" podcast, host Charley Lowry welcomes Joy Sorensen Navarre, president and founder of Navigate LLC.. Together they discuss the importance of understanding your student loans early in residency, differences between federal income-driven repayment and private refinancing, the role of loan repayment programs and signing bonuses and so much more! For more information, visit PracticeLink.com or email PLMedia@PracticeLink.com.

Apr 6, 2026 · 39 min

Episode 36: Resilience and Reinvention in Healthcare with Olga Pudovka Gross

For this thirty-sixth episode of the "Surviving and Thriving in Residency" podcast, host Charley Lowry welcomes Dr. Olga Pudovka Gross, current resident at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Amarillo, Texas. Together they discuss Dr. Gross’s early inspiration to pursue medicine, her journey through medical school abroad, the challenges of rebuilding her career in the United States after political instability, her commitment to underserved populations and so much more! For more information, visit PracticeLink.com or email PLMedia@PracticeLink.com.

Mar 23, 2026 · 41 min

Episode 35: Embracing the Path to Holistic Medical Practice with David Park

For this thirty-fifth episode of the "Surviving and Thriving in Residency" podcast, host Charley Lowry welcomes Dr. David Park, nationally respected physician leader in osteopathic medical education. Together they discuss Dr. Park's decision to pursue osteopathic medicine, his experiences in medical school and residency, the significance of community and professional identity in achieving long-term satisfaction in a medical career and so much more! For more information, visit PracticeLink.com or email PLMedia@PracticeLink.com.

Mar 9, 2026 · 45 min

Episode 34: Staying Grounded Through the Challenges of Residency with Aderinola Adejare-Smith

For this thirty-fourth episode of the "Surviving and Thriving in Residency" podcast, host Charley Lowry welcomes Aderinola Adejare-Smith, anesthesiologist at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Together they discuss Dr. Adejare-Smith's inspiring journey from Nigeria to becoming an anesthesiologist at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, the challenges of medical school, the importance of maintaining a sense of self during residency and so much more! For more information, visit PracticeLink.com or email PLMedia@PracticeLink.com.

Feb 23, 2026 · 35 min

Episode 33: How Breaking Out of the Physician Mold Can Lead to Greater Impact and Personal Happiness with Frances Mei Hardin

For this thirty-third episode of the "Surviving and Thriving in Residency" podcast, host Charley Lowry welcomes Frances Mei Hardin, co-founder and CEO of the Hippocratic Collective, a physician-led media company redefining the intersection between medicine and creative artistry. Together they discuss the emotional and mental costs of residency, the importance of community and storytelling, the need for systemic changes in medical culture and so much more! For more information, visit PracticeLink.com or email PLMedia@PracticeLink.com.

Feb 9, 2026 · 46 min

Episode 32: Harnessing Video and AI for Healthcare Recruitment with Deborah Mitchell

For this thirty-second episode of the "Surviving and Thriving in Residency" podcast, host Charley Lowry welcomes Deborah Mitchell, Emmy-nominated TV producer and video marketing strategist. Together they discuss the importance of storytelling in healthcare, how residents can communicate effectively under pressure and the role of video and AI in enhancing visibility and connection with patients. For more information, visit PracticeLink.com or email PLMedia@PracticeLink.com.

Jan 26, 2026 · 37 min

Episode 31: Building a Roadmap for Residency and Beyond with Dael Waxman

For this thirty-first episode of the "Surviving and Thriving in Residency" podcast, host Charley Lowry welcomes Dr. Dael Waxman, family physician, educator and certified physician coach with more than 35 years of experience in medicine. Together they discuss strategies for helping medical trainees navigate life and career transitions, the value of confidential coaching support and so much more! Click the “Podcast Apps” icon in the above media player (top right, next to the download icon) to listen to the podcast on your choice of major streaming platform. For more information, visit PracticeLink.com or email PLMedia@PracticeLink.com.

Jan 12, 2026 · 43 min

Episode 30: An International Medical Graduate's Path with Abdelrahman Gadallah

For this thirtieth episode of the "Surviving and Thriving in Residency" podcast, host Charley Lowry welcomes Dr. Abdelrahman Gadallah, Chief Resident at St. Mary’s Hospital Internal Medicine program in St. Louis, Missouri. Together they discuss Dr. Gadallah's inspiring journey from Egypt to becoming a chief resident in internal medicine at St. Mary's Hospital in St. Louis, his experiences as an international medical graduate and so much more! For more information, visit PracticeLink.com or email PLMedia@PracticeLink.com.

Dec 28, 2025 · 50 min

Episode 29: The Importance of Mentorship in Medicine with Rohit Bhan

For this twenty-ninth episode of the "Surviving and Thriving in Residency" podcast, host Charley Lowry welcomes Dr. Rohit Bhan, Orthopaedic Surgery resident at the University of Iowa. Together they discuss the challenges of transition from medical school to residency, the importance of mentorship in medicine and the balance between research and clinical responsibilities. For more information, visit PracticeLink.com or email PLMedia@PracticeLink.com.

Dec 15, 2025 · 38 min

Episode 28: J-1 Visa Process for Canadian Physicians with Christian Matishak

For this twenty-eighth episode of the "Surviving and Thriving in Residency" podcast, host Charley Lowry welcomes Dr. Christian Matishak, attending Anesthesiologist at CHI St. Vincent’s in Little Rock, Arkansas. Together they discuss Christian's experience navigating the J-1 Visa process, how he found his personal fit with anesthesiology, the importance of a supportive team and lifestyle fit when determining your practicing location and so much more! For more information, visit PracticeLink.com or email PLMedia@PracticeLink.com.

Dec 1, 2025 · 56 min

Episode 27: Public Service Loan Forgiveness for Physicians with Kevin Porath

For this twenty-seventh episode of the "Surviving and Thriving in Residency" podcast, host Charley Lowry welcomes Kevin Porath, Customer Success Leader at SavvyFi. Together they discuss the complexities of student debt and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, particularly for healthcare professionals. The conversation also includes success stories, cautionary tales and common misconceptions about loan forgiveness, concluding with actionable advice for those starting their journey towards financial wellness. For more information, visit PracticeLink.com or email PLMedia@PracticeLink.com.

Nov 17, 2025 · 41 min

Episode 26: Building One of the Nation's Busiest Emergency Medicine Training Programs with Andrew Barbera

For this twenty-sixth episode of the "Surviving and Thriving in Residency" podcast, host Charley Lowry welcomes Andrew Barbera, physician and Founding Program Director for the Emergency Medicine Residency at Lakeland Regional Health in Florida. Together they discuss Andrew's path to building one of the nation’s busiest emergency medicine training programs, his insights on staying resilient, finding sufficient mentorship and so much more! For more information, visit PracticeLink.com or email PLMedia@PracticeLink.com.

Nov 10, 2025 · 57 min

Episode 25: The Best Advice for Medical Interns with Alejandro Nieto Dominguez

For this twenty-fifth episode of the "Surviving and Thriving in Residency" podcast, host Charley Lowry welcomes Alejandro Nieto Dominguez, current GI fellow at St. Louis University. Together they discuss Alejandro's path from Panama to the U.S., his personal insights and advice for interns, the importance of perseverance in medical school and much, much more! For more information, visit PracticeLink.com or email PLMedia@PracticeLink.com.

Nov 3, 2025 · 44 min

Episode 24: How to Craft a Standout Physician CV with Becca Petry and Joanie Lustig

For this twenty-fourth episode of the "Surviving and Thriving in Residency" podcast, host Charley Lowry welcomes Becca Petry, Physician Recruitment Sourcer with Baptist Health Medical Group, and Joanie Lustig, Sourcing Team Leader for the Baptist Health System. Together, they discuss how and when to start your physician job search, how to craft a standout CV, the differences between in-house recruiters and search firms and so much more! For more information, visit PracticeLink.com or email PLMedia@PracticeLink.com.

Oct 27, 2025 · 52 min

Episode 23: PracticeLink's Innovative Approach to Physician Recruitment with Ken Allman

For this twenty-third episode of the "Surviving and Thriving in Residency" podcast, host Charley Lowry welcomes Ken Allman, CEO and Founder of PracticeLink. Together, they explore the founding of PracticeLink and its continued mission to support physicians and trainees. The conversation covers PracticeLink’s standout offerings—including its award-winning Magazine and comprehensive Resource Center—along with expert advice on when to begin your job search and much, much more! For more information, visit PracticeLink.com or email PLMedia@PracticeLink.com.

Oct 20, 2025 · 44 min

Episode 22: Expert Tips for Navigating Healthcare Careers with Mariela Alvarez-Sosa

For this twenty-second episode of the "Surviving and Thriving in Residency" podcast, host Charley Lowry welcomes Mariela Alvarez-Sosa, Principal and Chief Experience Office of Lucid. Together they discuss recommendations for job search timelines for med students, negotiationing contracts and the mindset shift from being a trainee to an attending physician. For more information, visit PracticeLink.com or email PLMedia@PracticeLink.com.

Oct 13, 2025 · 48 min

Episode 21: Treatment Options and Support Offered by the National MS Society with Sallie Stephens

For this twenty-first episode of the "Surviving and Thriving in Residency" podcast, host Charley Lowry welcomes Sallie Stephens, Manager of Healthcare Stakeholder Engagement for the Midwest Region at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Together they discuss Sallie's personal journey with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and her role at the National MS Society. She also highlights the various treatment options available, the significance of lifestyle interventions and the support services offered by the National MS Society. For more information, visit PracticeLink.com or email PLMedia@PracticeLink.com.

Oct 6, 2025 · 33 min

Episode 20: Army Medicine and Clinical Bioethics with Jeanne Krick

For this twentieth episode of the "Surviving and Thriving in Residency" podcast, host Charley Lowry welcomes Jeanne Krick, US Army Neonatologist and Ethicist. Together they discuss the differences between the military matching process versus the civilian match process, her experience United States Military Academy (West Point), insights from her Fellowship in Clinical Bioethics and so much more! For more information, visit PracticeLink.com or email PLMedia@PracticeLink.com.

Oct 2, 2025 · 40 min

Episode 19: Navigating Physician Careers as a Married Couple with Elle MacAlpine and Parker Mathews

For this nineteenth episode of the "Surviving and Thriving in Residency" podcast, host Charley Lowry welcomes Elle MacAlpine and Parker Mathews, residents at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. The trio dives into the medical school application process, explores how to choose a specialty, shares insights on early career planning and covers much more along the journey to becoming a physician! For more information, visit PracticeLink.com or email PLMedia@PracticeLink.com.

Sep 22, 2025 · 56 min

Episode 18: How Effective Onboarding Equals Long-Term Retention with Donna Ecclestone

For this eighteenth episode of the "Surviving and Thriving in Residency" podcast, host Charley Lowry welcomes Donna Ecclestone, owner of Ecclestone Onboarding. Together they discuss the essential role onboarding plays in the long-term satisfaction and retention of physicians, why organizations need to invest in comprehensive onboarding programs while also focusing on creating a truly supportive environment for new physicians and so much more! For more information, visit PracticeLink.com or email PLMedia@PracticeLink.com.

Sep 12, 2025 · 44 min

Episode 17: The International Medical Graduate Experience with Ilya Seleznev

For this seventeenth episode of the "Surviving and Thriving in Residency" podcast, host Charley Lowry welcomes Ilya Seleznev, Academic Hospitalist at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital, St. Louis, and Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. Together they discuss the importance of developing bedside skills, cultivating the best studying habits for oneself during medical school and residency, the importance of mentorship and much more! For more information, visit PracticeLink.com or email PLMedia@PracticeLink.com.

Sep 8, 2025 · 43 min

Episode 16: Navigating Medical School and the Matching Process with McKenna Redwine

For this sixteenth episode of the "Surviving & Thriving in Residency" podcast, host Charley Lowry welcomes McKenna Redwine, Emergency Medicine physician at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Together they discuss McKenna's experience navigating medical school as a single mother, her experience during the matching process, finding the best studying techniques and much more! For more information, visit PracticeLink.com or email PLMedia@PracticeLink.com.

Aug 28, 2025 · 37 min

Episode 15: IMGs, Waivers, and Healing Underserved America with Eli Greenspan

For this fifteenth episode of the "Surviving & Thriving in Residency" podcast, host Charley Lowry welcomes Eli Greenspan, policy advisor at Foley Hoag. Together they discuss the Conrad 30 Program and waiver process, health professional shortage area (HPSA) scoring, IMG retention, rural and underserved communities and much more! Click the “Podcast Apps” icon in the above media player (top right, next to the download icon) to listen to the podcast on your choice of major streaming platform. For more information, visit PracticeLink.com or email PLMedia@PracticeLink.com.

Aug 25, 2025 · 36 min

Episode 14: Dissecting Physician Contracts with Kyle Claussen

For this fourteenth episode of the "Surviving & Thriving in Residency" podcast, host Charley Lowry welcomes Kyle Claussen, CEO of Resolve. Together they discuss navigating issues that arise with Locum Tenens contracts, physician non-compete trends and many more informative details about the physician contract process. For more information, visit PracticeLink.com or email PLMedia@PracticeLink.com.

Aug 18, 2025 · 36 min