Shadow Me Next!

Dr. Ali Zreik arrives at patient rooms with an unusual tool—a rolling whiteboard. While most physicians carry stethoscopes and tablets, this internal medicine attending physician and associate program director brings something more transformative: a visual bridge between complex medical science and human understanding.

"Bring me the whiteboard," he tells residents when faced with a challenging patient case. What ...

Challenging a broken system often requires walking an unconventional path. Jono Lippman's journey from communications major to wilderness guide to emergency medicine PA beautifully illustrates how diverse experiences can reshape our understanding of what healthcare education could and should be.

What happens when someone who once actively avoided science classes finds themselves drawn to medicine through wilderness fi...

What does it take to transform obstacles into opportunities? Major M. Tiye Young knows firsthand. When deployment orders arrived just days before her PA school application deadline, she didn't abandon her medical dreams—she recalibrated. When a cervical cancer diagnosis threatened her future, she fought back with unwavering resolve. Now, as both a military leader and surgical PA, she's redefining what resilience looks lik...

When a terrified 10-year-old boy walked into Colleen Sloan's pediatric practice in tears, she discovered he'd been monitoring his weight obsessively after another provider warned he'd "need needles in his stomach" if he didn't lose weight. This moment exemplifies everything wrong with how healthcare approaches nutrition conversations—and sparked a mission to change it.

As both a pediatric phys...

Jessica Dell'Aquila's career journey breaks the conventional mold of what we expect from healthcare professionals. Starting with a clear vision at just 18, she enrolled in Seton Hall's innovative six-year dual degree program, emerging with both her undergraduate biology degree and master's in physician assistant studies—a testament to her focused determination from the beginning.

Her clinical career beg...

Check our Dr. Oyetoran's youtube channel Journey to MD!

What happens when a determined young girl from Nigeria declares she wants to be a doctor? Dr. Anu Oyetoran's extraordinary journey takes us across continents—from West Africa to Canada, the Caribbean, New York, and finally Florida—where she now serves as chief medical resident at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine.

Beyond her impressive cre...

Interested in research? Check out the links below to get started! 

The Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI Program): The Trusted Standard in Research, Ethics, Compliance, and Safety Training

Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Online Training Courses

Human Subjects Research Courses

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Step into the mysterious world of cli...

Learn more about Dr. Otten or to support his documentary, please visit Medicine Forward. 

His book, Ripples of Change is available at a bookstore near you! 

Dr. Todd Otten pulls back the curtain on healthcare's darkest challenges while offering a vision of hope for its future. A board-certified family physician with over two decades of experience, Dr. Otten speaks candidly about his own battle with severe burnout that nearly end...

What does it take to become a trailblazer in the world of interventional radiology? In today's episode, we explore this question with Keri Hayes, a remarkable interventional radiology Physician Assistant who has been instrumental in shaping her field. Growing up in a small North Carolina town where specialty care was sparse, Keri's determination to improve healthcare equality has driven her illustrious career. Hear about ...

So much more at Escape the Clinic Masterclass with Katie Bean, PA-C

And please listen to her podcast: Escape the Clinic 

What happens when the career you've worked so hard for starts taking more than it gives? Katie Bean, a physician assistant with years of experience in emergency medicine, found herself dreading her shifts, missing precious family moments, and wondering if this was all there was to her medical career. Her story...

Join us on a journey through the compelling story of Dr. Beatrice Garrido, a resident physician whose path to pediatrics and global health is as unique as it is inspiring. Listen in as Dr. Garrido shares how her early dreams of becoming a veterinarian led her to the intricate world of human medicine, fueled by a pivotal moment with her mother. Her choice to pursue a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree showcases a commitment to a ...

Imagine navigating nearly three decades in healthcare with the resilience and adaptability of a true innovator. That's exactly what our guest, Eric Fogg, has accomplished as a physician assistant (PA) and leader in healthcare operations. In this episode of Shadow Me Next, Eric reveals his extraordinary journey from a budding interest in sports medicine to pioneering new telehealth initiatives and leading pandemic response effo...

Natalie Freels, a trailblazing Physician Assistant, illuminates the pathways of hospital internal medicine with a unique blend of passion and expertise. From her beginnings as an EMT to shaping innovations in healthcare, Natalie captivates with stories of problem-solving and systems-based thinking that are reshaping medical landscapes. We promise you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the transformative potential of clinician-l...

Join us on Shadow Me Next as we welcome our guest, Jim Allen, a lead physician assistant who shares his inspiring journey from aspiring military service member to a dedicated healthcare professional in urgent care. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at a young age, Jim's dream of joining the military was rerouted, leading him to discover a new path driven by resilience and an enduring passion for medicine. His story is a heartfelt...

What happens when a childhood dream of becoming a doctor takes an unexpected turn? Join us as we uncover the fascinating story of Michaela Elrod, a dedicated speech-language pathologist whose life was forever changed by a pivotal shadowing experience. This episode explores Michaela's journey from aspiring physician to discovering a more personal calling in the world of speech therapy, where she finds joy in transforming the li...

Unlock the secrets of a fulfilling career transition with Heather Stansel, an advanced registered nurse practitioner who shares her remarkable journey from pediatrics to aesthetics. For anyone considering a career in nursing or contemplating a shift in specialties, Heather's story offers valuable insights and practical advice. Hear firsthand how a simple high school aptitude test set her on a path that would eventually redefin...

Have you ever wondered how someone can transition from the skies of Alaska to the frontlines of healthcare? Meet Hector Bird, our fascinating guest who did just that. A former pilot turned physician assistant, Hector shares his journey from aviation to acute care, driven by a passion for patient interaction and making a difference. This episode promises insights into the versatility of the PA profession, emphasizing the remarkable ...

What if our healthcare system is fundamentally flawed? Join us as we explore this provocative question with Dr. Lauren Atkins, a board-certified orthopedic specialist and co-owner of Gainesville Wellness and Performance Physical Therapy. With a doctorate in physical therapy and certification in manual therapy, Lauren brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, sharing her journey through the educational landscape and the financial h...

Discover the inspiring journey of Dr. Song, a second-year internal medicine resident whose path to medicine was shaped by personal health trials and a rich tapestry of cross-cultural experiences. She shares how childhood health challenges and a fascination with the contrasting medical landscapes of China and the U.S. fueled her passion for better patient care. Join us as Dr. Song opens up about her evolution from aspiring journalis...