The Long Call
Unpacking the Mess, Meaning, and Magic of Residency
Episodes
23 episodes
Ep. 23 - Hot Takes from the Call Room (Strong Opinions, Weak Evidence)
Every physician has opinions they usually save for post-call brunch. In this episode, we bring ours to the mic. From schedule chaos at the end of the year to the surprising joys of chief year, we unpack the residency hot takes we’re willing to ...
Ep. 22 - "Black Clouds"
Ever feel like you’re on a streak where everything that can go wrong… does? This week we unpack the idea of “black clouds” in residency - why they happen, how they can affect you, and how to get through them with perspective and support....
Ep. 21 - Mentorship with Dr. Margaret Rush
In this episode, MDK sits down with Dr. Margaret Rush to unpack one of the most talked-about - but perhaps most nebulous - parts of training: mentorship. From finding your first mentor to building a mentorship “team,” Dr. Rush shares practical ...
Ep. 20 - Organizational Principles for Residency
In this solo episode, MDK reflects on the role of organization in residency; not as perfection, but as a tool for clarity and sustainability, sharing simple strategies to manage tasks, tame the inbox, and create systems that can actually work i...
Ep. 19 - Research during Training with Dr. Keisha Mulugeta-Gordon
Join us as we chat with a current fellow about the realities of doing research during residency. She shares about choosing projects, finding the right mentor, balancing research with clinical work, and pushing projects across the finish line. W...
Ep. 18 - Leadership in Residency
We're unpacking what leadership looks like in residency, and why you’re probably already leading more than you may realize. From informal influence on busy call nights to formal committee roles, we explore how to get involved without burning ou...
Ep. 17 - Wellness in Training with Dr. DaCarla Albright
In this episode we sit down with Dr. DaCarla Albright for an honest conversation about what actually can help improve trainee well-being. Moving beyond eye-roll–inducing initiatives, we explore what residents are really reacting to, what the da...
Ep. 16 - Connection over Cure: Rethinking Wellness in Residency
Wellness events don’t cure burnout - but they can build community, reduce isolation, and create moments of humanity in a demanding system. In this episode, we unpack why wellness initiatives sometimes draw eye-rolls, what can make them fall fla...
Ep. 15 - Mental Health
Residency is stressful, and as we've discussed, burnout is common. But in this episode, we explore how to recognize when struggles may be more than burnout. We discuss early warning signs, when to seek support, and the mental health resources t...
Ep. 14 - Surviving Winter
Winter in residency can feel especially heavy — short days, long hours, mounting expectations, and very little sunlight in between. In this episode, we name why winter burnout is real (and not a personal failure), why intern year can hit especi...
Ep. 13 - Administrative Professionalism with Drs. Josh Ewy and Emilie Stylli
No one goes into medicine for the paperwork, but administrative work is a critical part of residency. In this episode, we talk with our administrative chief residents about the behind-the-scenes responsibilities that keep programs running and r...
Ep. 12 - Interviewing
Interviews aren’t about being perfect — they’re about being prepared and authentic. In this episode, we break down how to answer common questions with intention and how to avoid the mistakes that derail otherwise strong applicants. We also...
Ep. 11 - Applying to Fellowship
Fellowship applications can be stressful — and often more confusing than they need to be. In this episode we break down some ideas to apply with intention, not panic. We cover topics including personal statements, letters of recommendation, and...
Ep. 10 - Professionalism
In this episode, we break down professionalism and translate this into real-life resident behavior. We cover how to show up prepared (clinically, personally, and mentally), navigate conflict without escalation, speak up when safety is at stake,...
Ep. 9 - On Call for the Holidays
In this special episode, we’re on call for the holidays, talking with our coworkers we’re working with. We ask about favorite on-call holiday traditions, small rituals that bring joy during long shifts, and the ways clinicians create meaning, c...
Ep. 8 - Residents as Teachers with Dr. Divya Shah
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Divya Shah to unpack what “residents as teachers” means in modern training. We talk about why teaching matters even when time is tight, how teaching strengthens residents’ own learning, and what programs can...
Ep. 7 - Giving Feedback
Giving feedback is essential in residency...but it can feel awkward, rushed, and high-stakes. Building on our last episode about receiving feedback, we focus on how to give clear, compassionate, and actionable feedback that supports learning. W...
Ep. 6 - Receiving Feedback
In this episode we unpack one of residency’s most important skills: learning to receive feedback well. Using insights from the book Thanks for the Feedback, we explore why feedback can feel threatening, what actually counts as...
Ep. 5 - Adult Learning & Study Strategies
We’ve all been there...reading the same paragraph three times and still not getting it. In this episode, we break down how adults actually learn, why studying in residency feels so hard, and some practical strategies that really work. From acti...
Ep. 4 - Residency Training in Uncertain Times with Dr. Abike James
In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome our very first guest, Dr. Abike James, for a powerful conversation about training in uncertain times. Together, we dive into how today’s tumultuous climate is shaping residency, where learners are feel...
Ep. 3 - Burnout
In this episode, we take on a heavier topic: burnout. We share our own experiences, unpack the definition, and break down the three core components of burnout — emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced sense of accomplishment. We al...