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Dr. Nii Darko

Docs Outside The Box

A Careers , Business and Education podcast

#162 in Careers · 🇺🇸
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About the show

Hosts Dr. Nii (Ghanaian) and Dr. Renee (Haitian) are first-generation physicians who paid off $662,000 in student loans in 3 years - while figuring out contracts, career moves, and money management that their colleagues learned at home. Every episode covers what first-gen docs need to know: Contract negotiation and career decisionsPaying off debt without family financial guidanceBuilding wealth from scratchThe questions you don't know to ask (but your colleagues already knew) Real strategies from doctors who had to figure it out on their own. Subscribe and build your blueprint with us. Download: The First-Gen Doctor Blueprint

Newest episodes

Someone Made a Bet on Me. Now it’s my turn. #486

27 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! I want to begin by honouring Javits Frimpong, the 15-year-old Ghanaian student who was fatally shot on his way to school in the Bronx. To the Frimpong family, my heart is with you. Rest in peace, Javits. In 1994, I sat in front of an Apple computer on the top floor of St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark. I was fifteen, trying to turn my father’s story into a newspaper article and wondering if I had it in me. My English teacher and cross country coach, Mr. Corpus, taught me how to turn my father's story into a newspaper article. In this solo episode I share what my father told me about leaving Ghana, the school that shaped me, and the scholarship I started in my parents' name while still paying off my own student loans. What we cover: → A tribute to Javits Frimpong → What my parents sacrificed to send me to St. Benedict's → The coach who taught me pacing, belief, and how to think differently → The Newark Studies project and my father's journey from Ghana to New Jersey → Why I started a scholarship while still in debt, and why I chose monthly payments → Why I named it after my parents When I think about that kid sitting in front of the Apple computer, I remember how much it mattered that someone believed in him before he knew what he was capable of. Find us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@docsoutsidetheboxpodcast FREE DOWNLOAD: First-Gen Doctor Blueprint — Everything we wish someone had told us about finances, career planning, and building a life in medicine. Visit: https://darkos.lpages.co/first-gen-physicians/ Have a question for us? Send us a Voice Message: https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxText us: 833-230-2860DM us on Instagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comABOUT DOCS OUTSIDE THE BOX: Dr. Nii is a General Surgeon. Dr. Renee is an OB/GYN. We are first-generation Ghanaian and Haitian physicians who paid off $662,000 in student loan debt in 3 years, built a locum tenen...

2012: The Year I Stopped Asking For Permission. #485

25 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Most people can point to one year that changed everything. For me that year was 2012. I finished my trauma surgery fellowship in Miami. Had a contract negotiation go sideways when a trauma director yelled at me over the phone. Called Renee. She said one sentence. And then I went silent. That silence changed my life. In this episode I'm taking you back to 2012 — the year I said yes to everything that scared me and stopped waiting for someone to tell me who I was supposed to be. You’ll hear: → The contract negotiation that got me yelled at — and why I was right to fight back → The one sentence Renee said that I haven't stopped thinking about since → Why I called a locums company and never looked back → Landing in Ghana for the first time as a surgeon — same airport, completely different man → Finding out my father had prostate cancer while I was still a fellow — and what I did about it → Why 2012 was the year I stopped being someone's trainee and started being myself This episode is for every resident finishing training, every early attending figuring out their next move, and every first-gen professional who has ever waited for someone else's permission to begin. The phone call with Renee didn't change my life. The silence after it did. Find us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@docsoutsidetheboxpodcast RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Locumstory.com - a free resource with unbiased information about locum tenens opportunities, real physician stories, and practical guidance to help you make informed decisions about your career. Check them out at https://dotb.s.gy/Pod  FREE DOWNLOAD: First-Gen Doctor Blueprint — Everything we wish someone had told us about finances, career planning, and building a life in medicine. Visit: https://darkos.lpages.co/first-gen-physicians/ Have a question for us? Send us a Voice Message: https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxText us: 833-230-2860DM us on...

A Dental Student Just Ran Out of Money. The Government Did This. #484

26 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! A first-year dental student posted a video on Instagram that stopped me cold. He's run out of federal funding. He's run out of private funding. He started a GoFundMe just to stay in school. The culprit: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act. And here's why this felt so personal. This didn't happen to me. But it could have. Renee and I both needed private loans AND co-signers to finish our education. Without that access, there would have been a gap. You’ll hear: → The dental student's story and why it's just the beginning  → What the Big Beautiful Bill actually does to graduate and professional student loans  → The real numbers: $200,000 lifetime federal cap for medical and dental students  → Who gets hurt most? First-gen students from underserved communities  → Why medical schools need to step up and the risk of predatory institutional lending  → 3 tips for medical and dental students navigating this right now KEY FACTS: Grad PLUS loans eliminated for new borrowers: July 1, 2026Medical/dental/law students: $50,000/year | $200,000 lifetime federal capGraduate students: $20,500/year | $100,000 lifetime capPrevious system: Students could borrow up to full cost of attendanceFind us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@docsoutsidetheboxpodcast RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Link to the video posted on Instagram by the dental student - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdaUkM3sf_n/?stkn=MXJlNGx6YW1vaDVibw== FREE DOWNLOAD: First-Gen Doctor Blueprint — Everything we wish someone had told us about finances, career planning, and building a life in medicine. Visit: https://darkos.lpages.co/first-gen-physicians/ Have a question for us? Send us a Voice Message: https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxText us: 833-230-2860DM us on Instagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comABOUT DOCS OUTSIDE THE BOX: Dr. Nii is a General Surgeon. Dr. Renee is an OB/GYN. We are first-generation Ghanaian and Hai...

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Someone Made a Bet on Me. Now it’s my turn. #486

27 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! I want to begin by honouring Javits Frimpong, the 15-year-old Ghanaian student who was fatally shot on his way to school in the Bronx. To the Frimpong family, my heart is with you. Rest in peace, Javits. In 1994, I sat in front of an Apple computer on the top floor of St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark. I was fifteen, trying to turn my father’s story into a newspaper article and wondering if I had it in me. My English teacher and cross country coach, Mr. Corpus, taught me how to turn my father's story into a newspaper article. In this solo episode I share what my father told me about leaving Ghana, the school that shaped me, and the scholarship I started in my parents' name while still paying off my own student loans. What we cover: → A tribute to Javits Frimpong → What my parents sacrificed to send me to St. Benedict's → The coach who taught me pacing, belief, and how to think differently → The Newark Studies project and my father's journey from Ghana to New Jersey → Why I started a scholarship while still in debt, and why I chose monthly payments → Why I named it after my parents When I think about that kid sitting in front of the Apple computer, I remember how much it mattered that someone believed in him before he knew what he was capable of. Find us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@docsoutsidetheboxpodcast FREE DOWNLOAD: First-Gen Doctor Blueprint — Everything we wish someone had told us about finances, career planning, and building a life in medicine. Visit: https://darkos.lpages.co/first-gen-physicians/ Have a question for us? Send us a Voice Message: https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxText us: 833-230-2860DM us on Instagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comABOUT DOCS OUTSIDE THE BOX: Dr. Nii is a General Surgeon. Dr. Renee is an OB/GYN. We are first-generation Ghanaian and Haitian physicians who paid off $662,000 in student loan debt in 3 years, built a locum tenen...

2012: The Year I Stopped Asking For Permission. #485

25 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Most people can point to one year that changed everything. For me that year was 2012. I finished my trauma surgery fellowship in Miami. Had a contract negotiation go sideways when a trauma director yelled at me over the phone. Called Renee. She said one sentence. And then I went silent. That silence changed my life. In this episode I'm taking you back to 2012 — the year I said yes to everything that scared me and stopped waiting for someone to tell me who I was supposed to be. You’ll hear: → The contract negotiation that got me yelled at — and why I was right to fight back → The one sentence Renee said that I haven't stopped thinking about since → Why I called a locums company and never looked back → Landing in Ghana for the first time as a surgeon — same airport, completely different man → Finding out my father had prostate cancer while I was still a fellow — and what I did about it → Why 2012 was the year I stopped being someone's trainee and started being myself This episode is for every resident finishing training, every early attending figuring out their next move, and every first-gen professional who has ever waited for someone else's permission to begin. The phone call with Renee didn't change my life. The silence after it did. Find us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@docsoutsidetheboxpodcast RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Locumstory.com - a free resource with unbiased information about locum tenens opportunities, real physician stories, and practical guidance to help you make informed decisions about your career. Check them out at https://dotb.s.gy/Pod  FREE DOWNLOAD: First-Gen Doctor Blueprint — Everything we wish someone had told us about finances, career planning, and building a life in medicine. Visit: https://darkos.lpages.co/first-gen-physicians/ Have a question for us? Send us a Voice Message: https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxText us: 833-230-2860DM us on...

A Dental Student Just Ran Out of Money. The Government Did This. #484

26 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! A first-year dental student posted a video on Instagram that stopped me cold. He's run out of federal funding. He's run out of private funding. He started a GoFundMe just to stay in school. The culprit: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act. And here's why this felt so personal. This didn't happen to me. But it could have. Renee and I both needed private loans AND co-signers to finish our education. Without that access, there would have been a gap. You’ll hear: → The dental student's story and why it's just the beginning  → What the Big Beautiful Bill actually does to graduate and professional student loans  → The real numbers: $200,000 lifetime federal cap for medical and dental students  → Who gets hurt most? First-gen students from underserved communities  → Why medical schools need to step up and the risk of predatory institutional lending  → 3 tips for medical and dental students navigating this right now KEY FACTS: Grad PLUS loans eliminated for new borrowers: July 1, 2026Medical/dental/law students: $50,000/year | $200,000 lifetime federal capGraduate students: $20,500/year | $100,000 lifetime capPrevious system: Students could borrow up to full cost of attendanceFind us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@docsoutsidetheboxpodcast RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Link to the video posted on Instagram by the dental student - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdaUkM3sf_n/?stkn=MXJlNGx6YW1vaDVibw== FREE DOWNLOAD: First-Gen Doctor Blueprint — Everything we wish someone had told us about finances, career planning, and building a life in medicine. Visit: https://darkos.lpages.co/first-gen-physicians/ Have a question for us? Send us a Voice Message: https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxText us: 833-230-2860DM us on Instagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comABOUT DOCS OUTSIDE THE BOX: Dr. Nii is a General Surgeon. Dr. Renee is an OB/GYN. We are first-generation Ghanaian and Hai...

20 Years Later — What I'd Tell Every Medical Student. #483

33 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Twenty years after medical school, I went back to Kansas City with Renee and our boys. Walking through the place where it all began brought back memories of my father driving me there from New Jersey, the first time I was rejected from medical school, and the life I could never have planned... In this episode, I’m sharing things I wish I could tell the student I was back then. You’ll hear: → Why getting rejected from medical school the first time affected my confidence even after I got in → What my father’s support on that drive to Kansas City means to me now that he has severe dementia → How Renee and I met, became friends, and eventually built a life together → Why I wish I had learned to speak up sooner instead of trying to please everyone → Why becoming a doctor gives you options, and why you should keep hold of the keys to your own career If you’re a pre-medical student, a medical student, or the first doctor in your family, I hope this reminds you that one setback does not decide where your life goes. Find us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@docsoutsidetheboxpodcast FREE DOWNLOAD: First-Gen Doctor Blueprint — Everything we wish someone had told us about finances, career planning, and building a life in medicine: https://darkos.lpages.co/first-gen-physicians/ Have a question for us? Send us a Voice Message: https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox Text us: 833-230-2860 DM us on Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com What’s one thing you wish someone had told you before medical school? Text us. We read every message. ABOUT DOCS OUTSIDE THE BOX: Dr. Nii is a General Surgeon. Dr. Renee is an OB/GYN. We are first-generation Ghanaian and Haitian physicians who paid off $662,000 in student loan debt in 3 years, built a locum tenens agency, and navigated every major medical career decision without a family blueprint. We created this podcast for first-generation docto...

Want to Do Global Surgery? Start Preparing Now. #482

42 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! A first year general surgery resident slid into my DMs after our previous episode on how GHANA MADE ME BETTER. She’d been following the show for almost 10 years, and she had one question: “How can I best start preparing for global surgery, especially in places like Ghana?” That question deserved more than a simple reply. It deserved an entire episode. So I’m sharing what I’ve learned from 14 years of humanitarian surgical work at KNUST University Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana, alongside International Healthcare Volunteers. You’ll hear: → Why global surgery is the truest test of your surgical foundation → The #1 mistake residents make when they arrive (and why it destroys everything) → How to start preparing RIGHT NOW. Not in fellowship, not as an attending, NOW → What to look for in a global surgery program (and the red flags to avoid) → What your first trip will actually look like. The OR, the clinical experience, and the emotional reality → What 14 years of showing up consistently has taught me about this work   For general surgery residents, all surgical specialty residents, medical students, and any physician who has ever thought about doing meaningful work beyond their hospital walls.   "Global surgery is not a break from your training. It IS your training in its purest form." Find us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@docsoutsidetheboxpodcast FREE DOWNLOAD: First-Gen Doctor Blueprint — Everything we wish someone had told us about finances, career planning, and building a life in medicine. Visit: https://darkos.lpages.co/first-gen-physicians/ Have a question for us? Send us a Voice Message: https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxText us: 833-230-2860DM us on Instagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comABOUT DOCS OUTSIDE THE BOX: Dr. Nii is a General Surgeon. Dr. Renee is an OB/GYN. We are first-generation Ghanaian and Haitian physicians who paid off $662,000 in student loan...

We've Taken Our Kids to Ghana Every Year for 14 Years. Here's What Humanitarian Medicine Actually Looks Like. #481

46 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! In just a few days, we leave for Ghana, and this year, our boys are coming with us. This is our 14th year doing humanitarian work at KNUST University Hospital in Kumasi with International Healthcare Volunteers. Before we board that plane, we’re talking about what humanitarian medicine actually looks like. Not the Instagram version. The real version. You’ll hear: What International Healthcare Volunteers actually does and why the focus is sustainability and education, not fly-in-fly-out surgeryThe white savior complex in humanitarian medicine and why that mindset can destroy more than it buildsWhy Nii comes back a better surgeon every year from complex tissue repairs to the CO₂ tank story and the GIST tumor patientThe OB/GYN cases Renee encounters, including patients arriving with hemoglobin levels of 4 and 5What medical students and residents can learn in Ghana that they simply can’t learn in the U.S.How we make two weeks in Ghana work with two boys, an apartment in Accra, alternating weeks, and homeschooling this yearAnd the mindset behind why we keep going back: “I’m not going to save Ghana. Ghana doesn’t need saving. I’m going because Ghana made me.”If you're the first doctor in your family and you've ever felt behind, confused, or alone in navigating medicine, this is your community. And if you’ve ever done humanitarian medical work, or wondered what it really looks like beyond the highlight reel, this episode is for you.  Find us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@docsoutsidetheboxpodcast RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Locumstory.com - a free resource with unbiased information about locum tenens opportunities, real physician stories, and practical guidance to help you make informed decisions about your career. Check them out at https://dotb.s.gy/Pod International Healthcare Volunteers - https://www.ihcv.org/ FREE DOWNLOAD: First-Gen Doctor Blueprint — Everything we wish someone...

We Were Paying Off $700K in Student Loans. And Doing IVF at the Same Time. #480

51 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! We got married in our thirties. Started IVF in the middle of paying off $700,000 in student loan debt. And Nii was working locums shifts several states away — the very thing funding our fertility journey was also making it harder. This is the episode we've never been able to fully tell. Until now. You'll hear: → Why we got married later — and what that cost us biologically  → The rule we made when paying off debt (and how it complicated everything)  → IVF at $25,000 per round with no insurance coverage in Pennsylvania  → How locums income was our financial lifeline — and our biggest complication  → The appointments Renee attended alone while Nii was on the road  → What the IVF doctor said when Renee ovulated through her medications (and where Nii was) → Multiple rounds. None of them worked.  → How our boys came naturally — and the joke we make about their 529s  → 3 practical tips for physician couples navigating debt and fertility simultaneously TEXT US: Have you ever had to choose between your financial goals and starting your family? Tell us your story. 1-833-230-2860 We read every message. 3 PRACTICAL TIPS FROM THIS EPISODE: 1. Know your state's IVF insurance laws before you choose where to live or work. Some states mandate insurance coverage for IVF (NJ, NY, MA, IL, and others). Pennsylvania did not cover us at the time. This is a factor worth researching — especially if you're in your thirties or planning to start a family. 2. Have the fertility conversation with your partner before you need it. Don't wait until you're in the middle of debt payoff to find out you need IVF. Talk to a reproductive specialist early. Get your baseline numbers. If you're a woman in medicine who wants children — consider freezing your eggs earlier rather than later. 3. Build your financial plan around your whole life — not just your debt. Your financial plan needs to account for more than the numbers...

2 Docs No Nanny. #479

46 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Nearly 50,000 people watched our co-parenting reel and asked the same question: "Why don't you just get a nanny?" People expected us to have full-time help. We don't. Not because we can't afford it. Because we made a different choice. In this episode, Nii and Renee pull back the curtain on the real systems, the real schedule, and the real financial trade-offs behind running a two-physician household with two boys — without a nanny. You’ll hear: → Why Renee refuses to hire a nanny (4 specific reasons) → The Sunday Night Meeting — how we plan every week before it starts → The Primary Parent Rule — the core rule that keeps our household from falling apart → Our calendar system — how Nii builds his locums schedule around Renee's call → The Date Night Rule — the one non-negotiable that protects our marriage → Why our boys know the plan (and why it matters) → The REAL financial cost of this choice (Forbes data + our honest numbers) → Our one-income philosophy — if we can't build wealth on one physician income, we're doing it wrong → What we sacrifice. What we refuse to sacrifice. If you're a first-generation doctor in your family, this is your community. Find us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@docsoutsidetheboxpodcast RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:  Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE! Forbes article - https://www.forbes.com/sites/christinecarter/2025/02/11/motherhoods-price-tag-the-financial-reality-of-working-vs-leaving/  FREE DOWNLOAD:  Download the First-Gen Doctor Blueprint — everything we wish someone had told us about finances, career planning, and building a life in medicine. Visit: https://darkos.lpages.co/first-gen-physicians/ Have a question for the podcast? Send us a Voice Message: https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox Text us: 833-230-2860DM us on Instagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: te...

7% of Med Students Don't Match. Do These Things Instead. #478

1 hr 20 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! You didn't match. Now what? Every year, roughly 7% of U.S. medical students don't match into residency. If you're one of them, you're not alone—and this isn't the end. Reddit Question We're Answering: "M4 here. Didn't match into the only specialty I cared about. No backup plan. Would it be insane to just get off the hamster wheel? Years of sacrifice, crushing debt, and the light at the end of the tunnel isn't real. These two degrees feel useless now. Is there any coming back from this?" In this episode, we break down exactly what to do when you don't match, how to navigate SOAP, and when to consider pivoting versus pushing through.  What we cover: → How to navigate SOAP strategically (don't waste your 45 tokens)  → Why preliminary programs aren't stepping stones—they're your proving ground  → The one exam that makes the difference between 1 interview and 14 interviews  → Renee's story: Switching specialties days before the Match deadline  → When to pivot versus when to push through  🎧 PODCAST EXCLUSIVE BONUS SEGMENT (25 minutes): "The Surgery Resident Dismissed Because He Couldn't Pass Step 3" In this podcast-only bonus segment, Nii tells the story of a co-resident who was one of the best technical surgeons he'd ever worked with. But he couldn't pass USMLE Step 3. This 25-minute segment is exclusively available on the podcast version of this episode. SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!  WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860   CONNECT WITH US: Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Twitter: @drniidarko Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com

I Couldn't Run a Mile in Residency. #477

48 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! In this episode, we share our honest struggle with fitness as first-generation doctors - from not being able to run a mile in residency to building a consistent 5-6 day per week workout habit using the Atomic Habits framework. You'll hear: Why Nii couldn't run a mile by year 3 of surgery residency (and the McDonald's breakfast ritual)The Atomic Habits identity shift: "I am an athlete"How to make working out frictionless (clothes laid out, space ready, zero decisions)Why working out is protection against burnout, not just exerciseHow stress, imposter syndrome, and work follow you home (and what to do about it)The 6-step system to build fitness consistencyRenee's honest take: "I don't love working out" (and why that's okay)If you're the first doctor in your family trying to build fitness habits and protect yourself from burnout without the boundary-setting model your colleagues inherited, this is your community. Find us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@docsoutsidetheboxpodcast Mentioned in this episode: Atomic Habits by James ClearT25 Workout ProgramBeachbody.com  FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860   Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Twitter: @drniidarko Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com

Is 40 Too Old For Med School? Here's The Truth. #476

54 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Two first-gen doctors answer your real questions: How to open a business bank account, and whether starting Medical school at 40 is still possible.  This week's Q&A covers two questions that represent completely different stages of the first-gen doctor journey: a neurology resident finishing training and building her business, and a 40-year-old premed, wondering if the dream of becoming a doctor is still possible. THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS: QUESTION 1 — From Mouna (Neurology Resident): "I just created my LLC to do locum work, and I'm looking into opening a business bank account. Do you recommend a traditional bank versus newer online banks? Some of the online options have built-in bookkeeping tools — do you have experience or a preference?" QUESTION 2 — From YouTube Comments: "I am 40, coming from a career as a psychotherapist, married with children, with a mortgage, and $135K in student loan debt. I'm considering general surgery, psychiatry, neurology, internal medicine, and family medicine. I'm taking one class at a time and targeting 2030 for application. Any advice?" SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION FOR NEXT WEEK: We do Q&A episodes every week and we read every question submitted. Here is how to reach us: 📱 Text us: 833-230-2860 📸 DM us on Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox 💬 YouTube comments: www.youtube.com/@docsoutsidetheboxpodcast 📧 Email: team@drniidarko.com Your question could be answered in next week's episode. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Business Banking: - Relay: relayfi.com - Found: found.com - Novo: novo.co Disability Insurance (mentioned by Mouna): - Set for Life: setforlifeinsurance.com Student Loans and Financial Aid: - Federal Student Aid Loan Simulator: studentaid.gov/loan-simulator - Income-Driven Repayment: studentaid.gov Non-Traditional Medical Students: - AAMC Non-Traditional Resources: students-residents.aamc.org ABOUT DOCS OUTSIDE THE BOX: Dr. Nii is a General Surgeon. Dr. R...

How We Paid Off $662K With No Family Help #475

25 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! In this episode, we share our complete story - how we went from $662,000 in medical school debt to completely debt-free in just three years, as first-generation doctors without any family financial blueprint. You'll hear: Why we accrued over $100,000 in interest (and how to avoid it)The exact moment we decided to pay off our debt aggressivelyOur real budget: $200/month groceries, $50/month fast foodThe sacrifices we made (and whether they were worth it)Why we're creating this podcast specifically for first-gen doctorsIf you're the first doctor in your family navigating medicine without the insider knowledge your colleagues inherited, this is your community. Find us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@docsoutsidetheboxpodcast Download our free First-Gen Doctor Blueprint: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1X4oH1EAkmVMSFDbHmeIN3M6w97GfhW16BTGOX7kK3nc/edit?usp=sharing SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!  Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860   Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Twitter: @drniidarko Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by  Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out athttps://setforlifeinsurance.com/

Are You Ready for Locums? #474 Part 4

15 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! We answer a listener who asks how to know if locums is the right move and whether they’re truly ready for independence. We break down confidence, clinical readiness, and the mindset shift needed to succeed as a 1099 physician. This episode hits home for:  ● Medical students  ● Residents & fellows  ● Attending physicians  ● 1099 & locums doctors ● Anyone interested in healthcare policy or physician lifestyle  If you’re studying, training, practicing, or thinking about locums… this one’s for you.  Comment Below:  ● Are you considering locums in 2025–2026? FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums LINKS MENTIONED  Study about physician satisfaction from pubmed - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12755252/ SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860   Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Twitter: @drniidarko Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by  Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at https://setforlifeinsurance.com/

DOE Says Nursing Isn’t a Professional Degree?! #474 Part 1

25 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! This episode hits EVERY corner of healthcare. Medical students, residents, nursing students, and attendings.  We’re diving deep into:  1. The Department of Education’s classification of nursing as not a professional degree  ● What does this actually mean?  ● Does it affect student loans?  ● Will this change the future of nursing? ● Why EVERY healthcare worker should pay attention  This episode hits home for:  ● Nursing students  ● Medical students  ● Residents & fellows  ● Attending physicians  ● 1099 & locums doctors ● Anyone interested in healthcare policy or physician lifestyle  If you’re studying, training, practicing, or thinking about locums… this one’s for you.  Comment Below:  ● Are you a nursing student affected by the DOE classification?  ● Would you listen to Wale’s new album in the OR?  ● Are you making your HSA contribution this year?  ● Are you considering locums in 2025–2026? FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860 Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Twitter: @drniidarko Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by  Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

Life With a Tenant Upstairs + Kitchen Renovation #474 Part 3

16 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! In this episode we're discussing a life update which is renting out part of our home + kitchen renovations we are doing. We are breaking down the financial lessons we’re learning as a physician household with tenants.  FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860   Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Twitter: @drniidarko Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by  Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at https://setforlifeinsurance.com/

Wale’s New Album “Everything Is A Lot” + HSA Deadline #474 Part 2

16 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! In this episode, we’re diving deep into:  1. Wale’s new album. Is it worth playing in the OR?  A quick, fun review: focus, vibe, and OR compatibility.   2. HSA Deadline Reminder. LAST MONTH to contribute  We’re making ours… are you? If you’re a med student, resident, or attending in a high deductible plan, this is the best tax tool available.  This episode hits home for:  ● Nursing students  ● Medical students  ● Residents & fellows  ● Attending physicians  ● 1099 & locums doctors ● Anyone interested in healthcare policy or physician lifestyle  If you’re studying, training, practicing, or thinking about locums… this one’s for you.  Comment Below:  ● Would you listen to Wale’s new album in the OR?  ● Are you making your HSA contribution this year?  FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!   WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860   Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Twitter: @drniidarko Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by  Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at https://setforlifeinsurance.com/

ACA Premium Spike 2026: What Doctors, Residents & 1099 Physicians MUST Know. #473 Part 1

32 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! The Affordable Care Act marketplace is facing a massive premium spike in 2026 — and Congress is running out of time to stop it. In this episode of Docs Outside The Box, Dr. Nii and Dr. Renee break down exactly why ACA premiums are increasing, what happens if Congress does nothing, and how this will impact: Medical studentsResidents & fellowsEarly-career doctors1099 independent contractorsLocums physiciansPatients relying on marketplace plansWhether you buy your own insurance or you care for patients who do — this episode gives you the real-world implications and action steps you need right now. In This Episode You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why ACA marketplace premiums could jump 40–60%  ✔️ How expiring federal subsidies affect patients AND physicians  ✔️ Why independent contractors will feel the biggest financial hit  ✔️ The impact on hospitals, uninsured rates & ER volume  ✔️ What doctors can do NOW to prepare (financial steps included) 🎧 Perfect Episode For: Medical students navigating their first insurance decisionsResidents & fellows in high-deductible plansNew attendings planning their 2026 budgetsLocums docs & 1099 contractors buying their own insuranceAny clinician wanting clarity on the latest healthcare policy changes FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums LINKS MENTIONED  ACA Premium Spike Analysis — HealthSystemTracker  https://www.healthsystemtracker.org/brief/how-much-and-why-aca-marketplace-premiums-are-going-up-in-2026/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Subsidy Expiration Breakdown — Center on Budget and Policy Priorities  https://www.cbpp.org/research/health/health-insurance-premium-spikes-imminent-as-tax-credit-enhancements-set-to-expire?utm_source=chatgpt.com Congressional Update on ACA Debate  https://cnycentral.com/news/nation-world/congress-enters-crunch-time-to-figure-out-how-to-deal-with-aca-subsidies...

PSLF Guilt, Family Expectations, and Financial Reality. #473 Part 2

17 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! We tackle a raw listener question about carrying $520k in med school debt, feeling guilty about pursuing Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and navigating first‑gen family expectations. We break down what PSLF really is, why it exists, and how to compare it against traditional and accelerated payoff paths. FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums LINKS MENTIONED  SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860   Wanna listen instead?  Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lPD2QG... Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Twitter: @drniidarko Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by  Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!

Honoring D’Angelo: What Brown Sugar Meant to Me Growing Up #472 Part1

27 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860 In this episode, we paid a tribute to D’Angelo whose albums like Brown Sugar and Voodoo shaped our teenage years. We also talked about how slow jams are no longer there, and the split between what people say online and how we actually treat each other off screen. FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums LINKS MENTIONED  SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! https://darkos.lpages.co/newsletter-signup/  WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Twitter: @drniidarko Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by  Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them outHERE!

Q&A Locums And Life Between U.S.A & Ghana With $478K Debt. #472 Part3

13 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860 We help a graduating resident weigh a bold plan of using locums to pay down $478k in student loans while planning a sustainable U.S.–Ghana travel rhythm. If you’re a physician considering locums, global living, or a career design that puts family and culture first, this conversation gives you a clear, workable path forward.  FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums LINKS MENTIONED  SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! https://darkos.lpages.co/newsletter-signup/  WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Twitter: @drniidarko Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by  Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!

Top 5 Financial Moves That Actually Changed Our Lives. #472 Part2

45 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860 In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the five financial moves that created real change in our lives....no fluff, no hype, just the systems and decisions that actually stuck. We discussed the importance of going all in on a few moves instead of ten half‑started projects. FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums LINKS MENTIONED  SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! https://darkos.lpages.co/newsletter-signup/  WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Twitter: @drniidarko Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by  Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!

REPLAY: What is a 1099? Non-traditional pre-med advice #357

58 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Drs. Nii and Renée do a semi-ok job at explaining the difference between 1099 independent contracting and W2 employment. Dr. Renée runs down the ways in which we give up control of our careers to others. Then the docs meet long-standing listener, Jamar Cromwell, to give him advice as a non-traditional pre-med. Things you'll learn in this episode: The difference between 1099 and W2How to take control over your career so that you can control your lifeHow students and doctors can focus on medicine while still staying true to their identities  ▶️ WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Join our community Text word PODCAST to 833-230-2860 Twitter: @drniidarko Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Podcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.com Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE! Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

REPLAY: Sharing finances as a physician couple #428 , pt2

43 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! 0:01 Should Married Couples Combine Finances?8:50 Financial Planning in Relationships16:32 Financial Transparency in Marriage20:54 Financial Involvement in Relationships28:29 The Benefits of Combining Finances32:27 Navigating Financial Disparities in Marriagehttps://www.doximity.com/articles/736a778f-eba2-41e8-a6e6-c6a3f082d19b

A Recap Of Our Wonderful Trip To Ghana. #471 Part 1

37 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860 In this episode, we share our experiences from our recent medical mission trip to Ghana. We also discussed a medical resident who was caught performing unauthorized genital ultrasounds in his apartment and concluded with giving career advice to residents who are transitioning to work as attending physicians. If you're interested in volunteering with International Healthcare Volunteers, check out their information down below. FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums LINKS MENTIONED  International Healthcare Volunteers (IHCV) - https://www.ihcv.org/ SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!  WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Twitter: @drniidarko Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by  Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them outHERE!

Can Busy Moms Really Do Locum Work Without Having Mom Guilt? #471 Part 2

21 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860 In this episode, we answer a question from our listener who is considering a locums position but is having mom guilt and wants to know how other women do it. Dr. Renée opens up about her journey working exclusively as a locums doctor while still maximizing her presence at home. If you're struggling with parental guilt this conversation is for you. FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Wanna listen instead?  Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lPD2QG... Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Twitter: @drniidarko Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by  Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!

REPLAY: Money Trap #4 - Debt is not a substitute for cash! #303

59 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! In this episode, Renee & Nii discuss how the common forms of debt (student loans, consumer debt, mortgage) keep you stuck in the rat race and burnt out! Things to expect in this episode: Renee clarifies how much she really owed the IRSThe Top 10 Medical Schools that keep their students in the highest debtsWhy you should consider refinancing your loansWhy the Darkos don’t co-sign loans for anyone Resources listed: Student Hero Medical School Repayment Guide How long should a car loan be 10 Medical Schools where students leave with the most debt WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!! FILL OUT THE DOCS OUTSIDE THE BOX PODCAST SURVEY (in partnership w INCROWD) INCROWD MAKE EXTRA MONEY AS A RESIDENT OR ATTENDING - COMPLETE MEDICAL SURVEYS WITH INCROWD WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Join our community Text word PODCAST to 833-230-2860 Twitter: @drniidarko Instagram: @drniidarko Email: team@drniidarko.com Podcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.com Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com Check out the jobs St John Associates have HERE

REPLAY: Starting a Locums Company, Navigating Insurance & Why Consider Locums. #432

40 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! What if you could reshape your career and lifestyle with the freedom and flexibility you’ve always dreamed of? In this episode, we explore the exciting world of locum tenens work, sharing insights on how to start your own locums company, medical malpractice insurance and why every doctor should consider doing locums. Timeline 0:00 Introduction 2:47 What y'all say Friday! Ask us anything y'all. 3:29 Working 24 hour shifts as a doctor. 7:44 Billing & Getting paid as a locums doctor 10:47 How to Start a Locums Agency. 14:08 Not working on important days of your life. 16:24 Medical malpractice for locums doctors 21:53 Rates vs travel expenses as locums doctors 28:12 Why consider doing locums? 35:44 Is there a Diddy in medicine y'all? FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums LINKS MENTIONED  App for sending out receipts - https://www.waveapps.com/ To learn Ins and Outs of locums - https://locumstory.com/ SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! https://darkos.lpages.co/newsletter-signup/  WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860 Twitter: @drniidarko Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by  Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at https://setforlifeinsurance.com/

How to Pay for Med School After Loan Changes! #470

47 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860 In this episode, we discuss a question from a pre-med student from a lower income background who is worried about pursuing medicine with the new student loan caps. We also offer advice on how to navigate these new financial obstacles, and whether becoming a doctor is still a viable path. If you're facing similar challenges, remember you're not alone. Reach out to mentors and be creative with your educational path. FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums LINKS MENTIONED  International Healthcare Volunteers (IHCV) - https://www.ihcv.org/ SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! https://darkos.lpages.co/newsletter-signup/  WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Twitter: @drniidarko Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by  Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!

REPLAY: From panic attacks to beautiful artwork. Medicine is artistry for this doc #285

45 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Dr. Lucie Mitchell is a long time listener of Docs Outside. She joins Dr. Nii today to share her story about how a major panic attack in the last 3 months of residency training led her to pay off $70,000 of student loan debt in less than a year and turn medicine into art. Things to expect in this episode: How a debt-induced panic attack and a phone call with Dr. Renée resulted in an aggressive loan repayment planHow Dr. Lucie turned her back pain into art for herself and othersHow she roped the dean of her medical school into babysitting her daughterHow one of Dr. Nii's mindset episodes helped Dr. Lucie stop stalling and take action Check out Dr. Lucie's artistry at www.phoenixnoirdesigns.com WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!! TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR ON FUTURE EPISODES!!!! FILL OUT THE DOCS OUTSIDE THE BOX PODCAST SURVEY (in partnership w INCROWD) INCROWD MAKE EXTRA MONEY AS A RESIDENT OR ATTENDING - COMPLETE MEDICAL SURVEYS WITH INCROWD WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! https://www.youtube.com/drniidarko Join our community Text word PODCAST to 833-230-2860 Twitter: @drniidarko Instagram: @drniidarko Email: team@drniidarko.com Podcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.com Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com Provider Solutions & Development. Experts in holistic career coaching – check them out HERE Twitter: @PSDConnects Facebook: @PSDConnects LinkedIN: Provider Solutions & Development

Student Loan Forgiveness Is PAUSED! What Happens Now? #469 Part 2

26 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860 When the "big beautiful bill" passed, all student loan forgiveness programs were paused. In this segment we went deep into the ripple effects these changes will create across healthcare. Whether you're a healthcare professional feeling betrayed by broken government promises or a taxpayer relieved about potential savings, share your perspective with us! Are you team "responsibility" or team "broken promises"? Which side are you on? REE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums LINKS MENTIONED  npr article on what borrowers should know about student loan changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill - https://www.npr.org/2025/07/24/nx-s1-5477646/student-loan-repayment-forgiveness-trump CBS NEWS on student loan forgiveness - https://www.cbsnews.com/news/student-loan-forgiveness-ibr-debt-payments-education-department-cbs-news-explains/ SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Twitter: @drniidarko Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by  Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!

The Tragic Loss of Malcolm-Jamal Warner & Water Safety Tips. #469 Part 1

22 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860 The sudden passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner was a shock to most of us who grew up watching him as Theo on The Cosby Show. At just 54 years old, his drowning in Costa Rica while swimming with family serves as a stark reminder that water safety remains crucial for everyone, regardless of swimming ability or experience. Check the links below for crisis hotlines, therapist directories, and water safety information that could make all the difference in someone's life. FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums LINKS MENTIONED  988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - https://988lifeline.org/ National Alliance on Mental Illness - https://www.nami.org/ To find a therapist - https://www.psychologytoday.com/  For online therapy - https://www.betterhelp.com/ If you’re griefing and need support - https://www.griefshare.org/ American Red Cross Water safety page - https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqkRFh8EmoeRJy7EwclvsSPzEGe_VXYRbBgO2NEGG8vEaHnjCcu National Weather Service Rip Current Safety page - https://www.weather.gov/mhx/ripcurrentsinfo SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Twitter: @drniidarko Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by  Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!

What Happens When Doctors Make MORE Money on TikTok Than in Hospitals. #469 Part 3

15 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860 The medical profession is facing a significant shift as doctors are increasingly finding more lucrative opportunities on social media than in clinical practice. While some doctors manage to balance both worlds, the trend points toward a future where medical knowledge is increasingly monetized online rather than applied in hospitals and clinics. FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Twitter: @drniidarko Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by  Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!

REPLAY: She's delivered a baby on almost every continent! #309

38 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Nii brings talks to Dr. Rachael Consoli, an OB/GYN who presently is working in a United States military hospital in South Korea and has the unique distinction of having delivered babies on nearly every continent in the world. Listen in as Nii asks Rachael why she chose to follow this less-than-traveled path in medicine.   Things to expect in this episode: Dr. Rachael’s journey from EM residency to OB/GYNThe challenges and rewards of humanitarian and locums workTraveling the world and immersing oneself in the local cultureSaving for retirement and vetting humanitarian organizationsHer experience serving the people of Utqiagvik, Alaska, the most northern city in the world WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!! FILL OUT THE DOCS OUTSIDE THE BOX PODCAST SURVEY (in partnership w INCROWD) INCROWD MAKE EXTRA MONEY AS A RESIDENT OR ATTENDING - COMPLETE MEDICAL SURVEYS WITH INCROWD WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Join our community Text word PODCAST to 833-230-2860 Twitter: @drniidarko Instagram: @drniidarko Email: team@drniidarko.com Podcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.com Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is edited by: Your Podcast Pal This episode is sponsored by: Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!

Vitals Check, Rap & The Hidden Burden Of Code Switching In Medicine. #468 Part 3

33 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860 We started off by doing a check-in on Dr. Renee's health journey. We then moved on to our controversial takes on rap, and had an insightful discussion on code-switching in medicine and maintaining authenticity in professional settings. We discuss: 00:00 Dr. Renee's Vitals check 09:43 Our controversial takes on rap and code switching FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Twitter: @drniidarko Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by  Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!

Doctor Who Makes More Money On TikTok Than At Work. #468 Part 2

19 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860 In this segment we discussed Dr. Fran who earns more as a TikTok influencer than at her day job. FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums LINKS MENTIONED  Dr. Fran who makes more money doing TikTok than she does being a doctor- https://nypost.com/2025/06/04/lifestyle/doctor-with-300k-salary-earns-more-as-tiktok-influencer-than-atn-her-day-job/ SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Twitter: @drniidarko Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by  Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!

The P. Diddy trial & how this relates to medicine: Power, Privilege & Accountability. #468 Part 1

50 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860 On this episode we talk about the parallels between the entertainment industry scandals like the Sean "Diddy" Combs case and the power imbalances in healthcare.  If you've witnessed unethical behavior in medicine that was swept under the rug, we want to hear your story. Did you speak up? If not, why? Leave us a voice message or text us. We discuss: 00:00 Introduction. 02:55 Shoutout to the new residents out there🥳 17:38 P. Diddy trial & how this relates to medicine. FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums LINKS MENTIONED  IG post on an attending who during her residency she had a coresident who broke his leg and could not operate - https://www.instagram.com/p/DL0FP9jslCc/ SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Twitter: @drniidarko Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by  Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!

How I Stay Sane And Sharp As A Trauma Surgeon. #467

38 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860 In this raw, revealing episode, I take you behind the scenes of my journey to reclaim my physical and mental health while working in one of medicine's most demanding specialties. After years of neglecting my physical fitness, I'm now chasing two ambitious goals and I also challenge y’all to set a goal completely unrelated to your title as a doctor.  I discuss: 0:00 Introduction. 02:04 My fitness goals of breaking 20 minutes in a 5K and bench pressing 250 pounds. 05:59 My background. 08:20 Why these goals? 18:56 The importance of being healthy both mentally & physically as a doctor. 22:20 How I train. 29:45 How I find time to work out as a trauma surgeon. FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums LINKS MENTIONED  Future The Virtual App I use for training - https://www.future.co/ SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!  WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Twitter: @drniidarko Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by  Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

Actionable Advice On Battling Breast Cancer. The Ananda Lewis's Story. #466 Part 1

22 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860 If you or someone you know is battling breast cancer, then this segment is for you. We discussed the heartbreaking story of MTV VJ Ananda Lewis who recently lost her battle with breast cancer and gave actionable steps for dealing with breast cancer. FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums LINKS MENTIONED  Article by Ananda lewis on living with breast cancer - https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/ananda-lewis-breast-cancer/ Dr. Lakshmi Emory & Kevin Frazier Entertainment Tonight segment on Ananda Lewis's breast cancer and her death - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2IDmhGsJtE National breast cancer organization resources - https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-resources/ Q&A and Suggestions Form - https://forms.clickup.com/9010110533/f/8cgpr25-4614/PEBFZN5LA6FKEIXTWF SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!   WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Twitter: @drniidarko Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by  Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

How Physicians Can Protect Their Peace and Avoid BURNOUT. #466 Part 3

21 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860 Whether you're a medical student, resident, or mid-career physician questioning how you can protect your inner peace at work without quitting, this segment offers practical strategies on steps you can take to avoid becoming bitter and burned out. We explored how career choices like locum tenens, can provide the flexibility to practice medicine you love without becoming consumed by it. FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums LINKS MENTIONED  Q&A and Suggestions Form - https://forms.clickup.com/9010110533/f/8cgpr25-4614/PEBFZN5LA6FKEIXTWF SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Twitter: @drniidarko Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by  Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

Starting A Locums Tenens Agency as a PA Student. #466 Part 4

10 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860 If you’re thinking about launching your own locums medical staffing agency while still completing your healthcare education, this episode dives deep into the complexities and realities of starting a locum tenens agency. We offered practical advice drawn from years of experience in both clinical practice and business development. FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums LINKS MENTIONED  Past episodes on starting a locums agency. - https://youtu.be/z5W9yQQaizk - https://youtu.be/GDCRSO-dY70 - https://youtu.be/Mqb1awTFthE - https://youtu.be/qeH-ztylxHI - https://youtu.be/u3c4J4qSIkg - https://youtu.be/ZfvnDaU1GKE - https://youtu.be/Fkvjnjisz0Q - https://youtu.be/pNOE-xVG3hU SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Twitter: @drniidarko Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by  Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

The Vitals Check! How We Stay Fit As Doctors. #466 Part 2

14 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860 In this new segment "The Vitals Check" we track our personal fitness journeys. Shoutout to Faith Kipyegon for her historic 4-minute mile attempt. She reminds us of legends like Florence Griffith Joyner and Jackie Joyner-Kersee. On that note, what fitness goals are you chasing?  FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums LINKS MENTIONED  Q&A and Suggestions Form - https://forms.clickup.com/9010110533/f/8cgpr25-4614/PEBFZN5LA6FKEIXTWF SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!  WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Twitter: @drniidarko Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by  Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

REPLAY: What You Should Know About Becoming a Part-Time Physician #302

30 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Nii discusses the trend of doctors seeking less than full-time work. Sarah Ledbetter, Physician Recruitment Manager at Provider Solutions & Development, is on to debunk the theory that medical employers are solely seeking full-time doctors. Things to expect in this episode: Defining Full-time workWhich generation is seeking more work/life balanceThe 'Covid Reset' and how doctors look at employment nowThe difference between part-time, per diem, and locums workThe trend of mid-career doctors seeking less than full-time workJournal Articles: https://psdconnect.org/journal/what-you-should-know-about-becoming-a-part-time-physician Medscape Physician Lifestyle & Happiness Report 2022 WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!! FILL OUT THE DOCS OUTSIDE THE BOX PODCAST SURVEY (in partnership w INCROWD) INCROWD MAKE EXTRA MONEY AS A RESIDENT OR ATTENDING - COMPLETE MEDICAL SURVEYS WITH INCROWD WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Join our community Text word PODCAST to 833-230-2860 Twitter: @drniidarko Instagram: @drniidarko Email: team@drniidarko.com Podcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.com Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is edited by: Your Podcast Pal This episode is sponsored by: Provider Solutions & Development. Experts in holistic career coaching – check them out HERE Twitter: @PSDConnects Facebook: @PSDConnects LinkedIN: Provider Solutions & Development

Having A Medical Degree Doesn't Make You A Leader. #465 Part 1

28 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Leadership in medicine goes beyond clinical skills because medical education doesn’t automatically create leaders. In this segment, we discuss how toxic behaviors get perpetuated when negative leadership styles like throwing instruments in the OR to berating staff, are modeled for residents and medical students.  We then share the non-negotiable days we refuse to work, revealing how our cultural backgrounds and family values inform our decisions. FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums LINKS MENTIONED  Q&A and Suggestions Form - https://forms.clickup.com/9010110533/f/8cgpr25-4614/PEBFZN5LA6FKEIXTWF Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860 Twitter: @drniidarko Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by  Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

Our Thoughts On Making Major Life Moves In A Relationship Without Being Engaged. #465 Part 3

21 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Our listener, David, wrote back with an update on their job search near Boston which then led us to a deeper conversation about making major life moves when you're dating but haven't formally committed to through engagement or marriage. We talked about both practical considerations and personal reflections from our own relationship journey. FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums LINKS MENTIONED  Q&A and Suggestions Form - https://forms.clickup.com/9010110533/f/8cgpr25-4614/PEBFZN5LA6FKEIXTWF Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860 Twitter: @drniidarko Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by  Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

Shocking Story Of An Attending On Call Who Takes Melatonin + Lunesta Then Sleeps On The Job 😲 #465 Part 2

17 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! We discuss a Reddit post from a resident dealing with an attending who takes melatonin and Lunesta during their shared overnight calls, rendering them unavailable and leaving the resident alone to manage all patient care decisions. We discuss various approaches to addressing this dilemma, weighing the merits of speaking with trusted senior residents versus approaching program leadership directly. FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums LINKS MENTIONED  Q&A and Suggestions Form - https://forms.clickup.com/9010110533/f/8cgpr25-4614/PEBFZN5LA6FKEIXTWF Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860 Twitter: @drniidarko Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by  Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

Ananda Lewis, Former MTV VJ, SHOCKING Breast Cancer Decision. #464 Part 1

34 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! We start off by discussing medical myths/traditions we should retire. We then talk about MTV personality Ananda Lewis, who died at age 52 from breast cancer after rejecting medical treatment in favor of detoxification. We dive deep into why patients have lost trust in healthcare providers and how the  medical credibility gap has widened dramatically in recent years. We conclude with Nii showing us his running equipment.  FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums LINKS MENTIONED  Q&A and Suggestions Form - https://forms.clickup.com/9010110533/f/8cgpr25-4614/PEBFZN5LA6FKEIXTWF Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860 Twitter: @drniidarko Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by  Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

Trump's Bill's Caps On Grad School Loans Could Worsen Doctor Shortage. #464 Part 2

15 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Is the “One Big Beautiful Bill” really beautiful? We discuss the potential impact of the proposed bill that would cap federal loan amounts for graduate students, particularly affecting medical education.  America already faces a severe physician shortage. By creating additional financial barriers to medical education, this legislation threatens to worsen this crisis, potentially leaving more communities without adequate medical care. FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums LINKS MENTIONED  The NewYork Times Article - https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/09/health/trump-budget-student-loans-doctors.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare Q&A and Suggestions Form - https://forms.clickup.com/9010110533/f/8cgpr25-4614/PEBFZN5LA6FKEIXTWF Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860 Twitter: @drniidarko Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by  Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

Is it Sustainable To Work 24/7 Calls As A Doctor For A Week Every Month? #463 Part 2

34 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Is a 24/7 call one week per month sustainable for an entire career? This question strikes at the heart of physician work-life balance, career longevity, and personal wellbeing. From personal experiences, these schedules cause sleep disruption, cognitive impairment, and physical strain.  To be honest, a position paying substantially above market rate usually demands extraordinary sacrifice but as physicians we can create a sustainable medical career. Tune in to hear our practical strategies. FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums LINKS MENTIONED  Q&A and Suggestions Form - https://forms.clickup.com/9010110533/f/8cgpr25-4614/PEBFZN5LA6FKEIXTWF Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860 Twitter: @drniidarko Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by  Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

The REALITY of Balancing Locums Life and Relationships. #463 Part 1

34 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! We share some medical school scholarship opportunities and then answer a listener's question on what happens when your partner has a seasonal job in one location, but the best locum work opportunities are elsewhere.  Dr. Love Anani also joined us over the phone and we discussed what we use to track payroll, expenses, deductions and mileage.  FREE DOWNLOAD -  7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums LINKS MENTIONED  Payroll - http://Gusto.com Tracking expenses - http://Quickbooks.com Mileage - http://mileiq.com Q&A and Suggestions Form - https://forms.clickup.com/9010110533/f/8cgpr25-4614/PEBFZN5LA6FKEIXTWF Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!   WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860 Twitter: @drniidarko Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email: team@drniidarko.com Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by  Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

REPLAY: What medical leaders need to know about Pre-Meds #282

45 min

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Things to expect in this episode: We’re in Denver, CO at the AACOM Educating Leaders Conference! We talk about our responses during the first-ever panel dedicated to Dr. Meta Christy, the first Black Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. We’re partnering with locumstory.com on a special campaign this year. We give you a brief rundown of the common questions that are answered on their platform.Dr. Renée recaps her answer on the panel about what medical school leaders need to know about pre-meds.Dr. Nii rounds it out with his response to “what’s the biggest issue facing docs financially?” WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!!  TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR ON FUTURE EPISODES!!!! FILL OUT THE DOCS OUTSIDE THE BOX PODCAST SURVEY (in partnership w INCROWD) WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! https://www.youtube.com/drniidarko     Join our community Text text word PODCAST to 833-230-2860   Twitter: @drniidarko Instagram: @drniidarko Email: team@drniidarko.com   Podcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.com Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com This episode is sponsored by  Locum Story. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out at www.locumstory.com

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