Day in the Life: doctor works 25hrs straight | Dr. Rachel Southard

[@JakeGoodmanMD]

So thankful for the shoutout on the intro. So proud of you and love watching your journey. You are crushing it!

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you 😭💕 your TEDxtalk seriously made me so motivated. Thank YOU.

[@NDMD]

A message that will resonate forever for all medical trainees. Proud of both of you guys for speaking up

[@familyoffour247]

Not at all trying to discredit the work and positive care for patients that y'all do, but as a patient for the last 10 years including as a 16+yr old, I would absolutely not thank every resident.

[@user-324-v3e]

I honestly am stunned how much you are doing. 80 hours a week is crazy. I hope you don't forget how incredible you are doing and the progress you're making even though it may not always feel like you are. I wanted to say you look tired but you said it haha! wow! We love u and support you always! 🙌💓

[@Essays4College]

I know so many 20-something’s that can barely work 20 hours a week and here you are working more than that in 1 shift. Very impressive work ethic!

[@hi-ib1sh]

I heard they work from 100 to 120 hours a week 💀💀💀

[@jmjacquinot]

We have to change residency, not just for us but for our fellow classmates, residents and our patients. Patients deserve better care than overworked, burnt out, sleep deprived providers can provide. This is not the fault of the doctors, it is a fault of the system. Anyone who says otherwise can sign up to be cared for by the old time providers on cocaine. They probably wouldn’t like that idea either.

[@RachelSouthard]

Agreed

[@brittanymorgan9370]

As a nurse, it’s really neat to see this side of the docs I have worked with. I’m really enjoying your journey through residency and your experiences. Also very thankful for the fact that you still prioritize this platform.

[@Olivia-ns5dj]

I can’t believe its legal for residents to work these hours😭 It’s so dangerous to be sleep deprived doing much of anything, ESPECIALLY practicing medicine on REAL, LIVE, BREATHING people. So crazy and it’s so disgusting! Being awake for 24 hours is equivalent to being drunk & residents aren’t doing typical drunk activities..they’re literally doing life altering tasks. Not to mention getting paid TRASH for the knowledge you hold and the debt you owe. I stand with you

[@sarapurdy6468]

Thank you for using your platform to advocate for this necessary change! To treat residents like robots is so unjust 😔 Sending you light in the next week ahead 🦋🩵

[@darlaphelps9752]

How do u function working that many hours

[@Josh_love_]

I love that you are speaking out about the hours residents are required to work! It is frankly dangerous for both the residents and the patients. Influencers like yourself need to bring attention to this extremely important conversation. Thank you. I hope that by the time I get to residency, some change has happened. If not, I suppose I knew what I signed up for.

[@lindsaymorley9290]

I love you Rachel! I have been here since 20k subscribers. I’m not in the medical field but you continue to inspire me year after year. Words cannot explain how highly I think of you & your mind. So proud of you for being vocal, what you said is exactly right. Just because something is normal does not mean we have to keep accepting it as normal. Medical staff are the most important people to our society. Happy, rested, well paid, and well treated medical staff would have such a waterfall effect on everyone. I really appreciate you continue to document, you are beyond tired and you’re pulling out your vlogging camera to educate and better society? You are fantastic and those mamas are lucky to have you delivering their babies. I wish I could do something to help you but all I can probably do is comment and like this video! I wish you a full nights sleep.

[@RachelSouthard]

This comment has me in TEARS. I struggle daily thinking about “am I doing the right thing” by vlogging this? Is it helpful for others to know how miserable residency can be? Do I come off as ungrateful for this amazing training opportunity? I appreciate this comment so much. Thank you. And I love you. Your support means the world to me. And I love that you’ve been here since the beginning. AND YOU DID NOT HAVE TO SEND ME MONEY😭😭😭😭😭 omg 💕 my next 2 Starbucks came from you, just know that. Thank you a million.

[@justaperson2653]

Amazing comment you spoke what's on our minds

[@1saamor897]

it is helpful to know that residency is harder than nursing clinical. I haven't even started, but doctors & surgeons inspire me more than nurses. that's why I watch surgeries for no reason. no offense to nurses.@@RachelSouthard

[@juancamargo1527]

Incredible seeing dedication to your career & simultaneously creating content to share your journey!

[@RachelSouthard]

Doing my best! Thank you for the acknowledgement.

[@kathryn224]

your residency videos have been great! your skin is somehow glowing at all hours of the day (and night) while you are working?! also have you considered adopting an older cat who could provide you company whenever you are home and you could provide them with a nice quiet spot to live?! 😺

[@RachelSouthard]

Awh thank you!! Yeah idk how it’s doing relatively well considering the stress and lack of sleep. I can’t have pets at my apartment ):

[@kathryn224]

Thanks so much for responding! Such a bummer that your apartment cannot have pets (wish that was not a thing but I know why but people could have valuable companions!) and so glad that your skin has been doing well amidst the stress -- it must be the positive energy from your fans! LOL :) @@RachelSouthard

[@danielsparks1848]

she has good skincare.

[@morganstewart3476]

Thank you for taking the time out of your insanely busy schedule to put out content for us! It means a lot to medical students like me who are interested in OBGYN/Surgery

[@jules4226]

I think it is so awesome of you to advocate for improving the residency system. Physicians are vital for all of our lives and deserve a sustainable system & much more support. You are amazing!! :)

[@setayeshjahanbakhsh1343]

Thank you for being so transparent about this side of medicine that not many people outside of this field get to see. It's become so normalized that no one really questions it anymore? it just feels like a rite of passage. Sending you so much love!

[@ninal2098]

the way your eyes light up when you’re talking about deliveries or explaining procedures truly shows that you love what you do but hate the system, there needs to be a serious change in healthcare training its so frustrating when you are doing something you love but there are obstacles and hardships that are completely out of your control nonetheless so proud of you and i can see it’s not easy but i hope those little moments of joy help 💜

[@RachelSouthard]

You’re absolutely right. I notice how happy I get when I’m talking about deliveries and such, but the system is just not good.

[@danielaperez5230]

As a fellow OBGYN intern I’m thankful for your content! It’s nice to know someone understands that he struggle. I’ve been following your videos since you started med school since :)

[@GeorgeSouthard-s5f]

Rachel, Thanks for your blogs. I am fascinated by this whole process of becoming a medical doctor. Through your efforts, I am gaining a whole new respect for my own doctors. I’m humbled by your perseverance. ❤, Uncle George

[@zoelandskroner416]

I look forward to med school and residency now because my attending will be people like you, recognizing and helping to change the system

[@julial8880]

Baby I can only imagine how exhausted you're and it made me really really happy to see you look a bit more like your usual self in this vlog. The love you have for this field is almost tangible. Always proud of you Rach ❤

[@sathva5512]

I feel guilty for watching u struggle😢 Stay strong dear❤

[@RachelSouthard]

Don't feel guilty. I'll be okay.

[@Orchidsymbolism]

Really glad you're vocal about the struggles that come with being a resident thank you for your content :)

[@inesm01]

Hi Rachel! I only discovered your channel this summer, but you really have been helping me get motivated to study. I'm a law student, I have my finals in 2 weeks, and there are days when it's really hard to stay motivated. But watching you work so hard, for so many hours...I really don't know how you do it, but it inspires me to work hard and do better, so thank you :) I really hope things get easier for you!

[@LisaR-29]

Residents are superheroes. I do billing for L&D and Triage and some days are pretty slow but some are slammed nonstop and residents are the ones running every which way to take care of patients and then when they get a minute it’s all charting charting charting. You’re doing amazing!! And I’m glad you post the reality of your job.

[@starsier8100]

thanks so much for continuing to put out content while working so insanely hard, rachel!! it means so much to hear from you and your experiences through it all 💓💓

[@CathyHarrison-bd8vi]

I love your videos and the honesty and integrity you have. It’s unbelievable that the practice of working residents so hard and paying them little still exists. You continue to speak out about it, something has to and should change. You are an amazing doctor and person. Continue to let your bright light shine. Hope you get some much deserved rest.

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you Cathy 💕😭

[@paolatrejo2624]

We appreciate that you are still posting content with such a hard schedule! We love and appreciate you so much! We can see that a resident's schedule is hectic and so exhausting!!! We are rooting for you, Dr. Southard! ❤️👩🏻‍⚕️

[@betsybabf748]

It is a very broken system As a patient, especially if I needed emergency surgery, I do not want someone who has been up and working for 24 hours to treat me. A truck driver can not work hours even close to that because there are physical and mental effects to having no sleep so it is a huge safety issue, but doctors, who should understand the effects of no sleep the most, are forced to cut a person open and do delicate surgery which could kill the patient? I am not a medical professional at all, but just with the logical thinking as an attorney, that makes no sense to me, especially with the high cost of malpractice insurance.

[@nancyjohnson50]

Thank you for voicing your concerns. It baffles me how archaic the guidelines for residency are. The fact that you are all the most overworked and under paid staff is crazy to me! Prayers that next week is easier. Thanks for all you do. ❤️

[@внєѕмѕ]

I absolutely loved what you said about not feeling like your purpose is to revolutionize the field with some groundbreaking discovery. I'm not in Medicine, but during college I've always felt like there was something wrong with me for not being as ambitious as some of my colleagues who wanted to become the next thinkers in a scientific revolution. And that's so awesome! but it's just not me. And it took me a while to realize that that's completely okay -- it's okay that my purpose isn't to become the best of the best, but instead to try to be better than yesterday in taking care of patients, and to advocate for OUR rights as clinical professionals.

[@celialusa9519]

You're doing such an amazing job at managing your work and content creation ! I am amazed every week ! Just don't forget your health "take care of yourself" ! I'm sending you all my energy and strengh and all the good stuff ! 🐜

[@monephaengland3223]

Loving how transparent you are with us for someone who wants to be a Dr., and potentially an OBGYN at that. I have heard that the years get better but hopefully we’ll see that as you continue to progress and hopefully share more videos. Thanks a lot

[@chessc.3407]

Isn’t is filming all these on top of all you’re doing hard ? I’m grateful for people like you, and seeing this video does give me a better insight into your lives and how difficult it’s is💗 thank you for what you do 🙏 ❤❤❤

[@philaman1972]

Dr. Southard, very enlightening video. IMHO, *everyone* who aspires to go into medicine should be required to view this piece!

[@summerskillen7632]

Rachel, I've been following you since my freshman year of college -- that's when you started your first year of medical school!! I just made a major move from the US to Amsterdam, Netherlands, and whenever I feel overwhelmed, I watch your videos and feel inspired!

[@dhiaxiong7876]

Love your content. So raw. Inspiring. And thank you for all you do. Doctors are amazing!!!!

[@LightMiley]

Residency is so hard. I'm a second year orthopaedics resident in Portugal, the hours and the lack of sleep are insane and those are the main things that makes me second guess my decision. Living life so tired stops being fun after a couple of months. Everyone says life gets better after residency but there's still a long road ahead. I wish programmes were kinder on us. And I wish you a lot of strenght and luck. If there is anyone who can do this is you.

[@AFrick-f3m]

I have so much respect for you for working so hard in your journey to become a doctor and as a resident

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you😭

[@princekarl4279]

In 24hrs😮 I became a herd in 2023, had to watch your playlist from 1st year to 4th year basically. Very inspirational journey and am so proud to be a herd. Also one of my favorite part of your videos is when you say "Hey you guys" or "you guys"🤗.

[@bahar8869]

Oh yessss, I love Rachel’s “you guys” too 😍❤️

[@princekarl4279]

@@bahar8869 ikr😊

[@josephdahdouh2725]

I love and miss her ending. I am so focused on what I am doing and I also speed up her videos, so I don't know if she really still does them. But, when she plays that song at the end of the video and kisses and hugs the camera. It really feels amazing. She's too nice and precious. I am actually obsessed ngl, but in a healthy manner.

[@kylamaupin9668]

Don't feel pressure to put out content every week! Take care of yourself. you're doing an amazing job

[@karlastudy9357]

Rachel it is insane to me how you manage to work so much and give us grate inspirational and educational content. Thank you so much for everything you do! You need to know that you already made a difference in so many peoples lives with this yt channel! Love you lots and stay strong my girl!!

[@RachelSouthard]

Dang! Thank you for this 😭😭😭😭

[@hasselflores]

Back then I didn’t understand it. But now I do. I respect doctors so much. Thank you for your hard work. To all the doctors and nurses and medical field workers

[@lungilemanzini3116]

I'm currently doing my internship in South Africa and it's brutal we do 28hrs... My mom is literally my lifesaver, I would not be getting through my internship without her.

[@acadkenz.9497]

I aspire to be able to speak with confidence and warmth as you do. Thank you for allowing us to see the process that we so rarely get to observe of someone who is truly going all out to pursue their life's call, while realistically showing us the sacrifice that comes with that, too. Dr. Rachel, you are my role model!

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you so much for this comment honestly. 💕

[@katodan0611]

I admire your love of the field and I agree whole heartedly that something needs to change. How can they expect a resident to be able to learn with a sleep deprived brain? Ridiculous. Hang in there, as I know you will, and know you have a ton us us cheering you on during the residency marathon.

[@bookreader902]

Love your still continuing to make videos, editing, uploading, and still doing all... the things... that you have to for you residency program. You are Super Woman Rachel. Fun fact that you will love, I became an uncle as of last night 😁😁!!! Can't wait to see what other ever changing experiences take place on this journey. One day at a time, I know it's easier said than done. I also commend on being so vocal about your training, overworked hrs, and pay dicrepancies. Major Kudos! Keep up doing what you do! Red Ants Rule!

[@RachelSouthard]

Awh yay!!!! Congrats on being an uncle!!! And thank you💕

[@avaelysedo25]

Thank you for all of your videos Rachel. As a 3rd year on rotations hoping to go into OBGYN, you show the real side of it all and give me hope! I am experiencing all the feels as I go through the awkwardness, confusion, admitting I don't know things or know how to do things, but it also comes with the gratitude of an attending telling you you did a great job today and having patients compliment you and doing new things for the first time. Keep it up!! You are doing amazing!!!

[@Bronte866]

Law student here beginning another year of my own special exhaustive he’ll. However, I’m watching you to console myself that with tremendous self-discipline I actually can get more healing sleep than you are permitted. Certainly your training regimen is counterintuitive to good health. Without at least 6 hrs each night I start seeing spiders and hearing my dead grandmother telling me Romper Room is on tv. Extra points for the skin care regimen. Very, very well done. If you need a lawyer you know where to find me. ♥️🎯✅

[@leah_slv]

i'm a MICU nurse and at our hospital the OBGYN inern had to do a 2 week rotation on our unit, it was so cool watching her help dying old men when her passion is babies and moms!

[@Acheampomaa100]

i really hope some change is coming very soon about these residency training cos how is any of this humaneeeee? it absolutely blows my mind. Well done Rachel

[@sheylatendero4867]

Residency hours is such an important topic that needs to continue to be spoken about ❤️ I know many residents don’t speak out on these issues for fear of consequences from their program, so really want to thank you for your bravery! You are such an inspiration! 🥹❤️

[@nuriabeunk6155]

Hi Rachel, I absolutely love your videos, have been low key following for quite some time now. I love these new type of videos as I am also a fresh doc on the block in the Netherlands and will soon start to work my first job as a “non-resident physician” (yes that’s a thing here). It’s crazy to see you work such long shifts and it’s so good our generation speaks up and tries to change things. Anyway, it’s inspiring to see your passion and I hope one day I will feel that way about something too. Much love and your content is highly appreciated! ❤

[@valleygirlgg]

I just came across these videos and love them! I love how you describe everything. I felt so bad for you because of how tired you were

[@marykneer9901]

3rd year medical student here in Buffalo, NY 👋🏼 our residency program here in Buffalo just won their union a few months ago! So glad that the future generation of physicians are speaking up about these issues - it gives me hope for the future

[@ailishkenrick389]

A fellow healthcare worker here, kudos to you Rachel I'm so glad you have found your area 👶please take care of yourself 💜

[@DanielaOvares]

Hi Rachel! It’s amazing to see you smile like you do after a delivery, you can tell that it’s what makes the sacrifice worth it… it stinks that they make resident doctors go through those crazy hours and hopefully some changes happen soon! In the meantime wishing you the best through it all! You got this! ❤

[@megancollins6672]

I just came across your channel the other day and I am so obsessed. I just returned to school and will be going into OT and you truly inspire me to work hard and keep going ! You’re legit incredible!!!

[@RachelSouthard]

Yay! Thank you!

[@ciasan7165]

Hi rachel! I’ll be a medical student next year and your videos is what keeps me going! I have seen your progress and I know I can to become a doctor one day! 💗 Please dont stop making videos because I really seek motivation from it! love you and always here to support your content

[@luna_211]

As a med student who's considering ob/gyn, your videos bring me so much comfort and joy❤ I really admire your passion and determination, sending you lots of love!!!

[@doctorharry]

In the Building watching from Baltimore MD 😎

[@cmconsultingservices8388]

Thank you for being so transparent!

[@tinytwinkletoes95]

I'm soo proud of you for being so vocal. As a pre-med, THANK YOU. Love u.

[@ericaferrelli5547]

You are so inspiring. Thank you for your authenticity and hard work

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you so much!

[@taylormcconnaughey1899]

Religiously watching! Thank you! I am in my OB unit in nursing school and your videos help me learn and connect the dots. Thank you Dr. Southard :)

[@LilyGraceySa]

Dear Rachel, I development a habit of watching your videos whenever I’m feeling down! I hope you don’t feel weird about it, but I’ve always wanted a big sister and you radiate this aura!😭 I’m finishing my first year in med school tomorrow, and I’m so stressed. I remember watching your first year vlogs like ages ago, and wow, time does fly. In conclusion, thank you for your blogs and hard work. Lots of love.

[@mayagarza3830]

Hello Dr. Rachel❤❤❤ I feel incredibly proud of you and calling you a dr now, I’ve been your suscríbele since “first week of medical school” and seeing you now as a resident has me in tears, keep documenting everything I LOVE watching it, and just now that whenever you feel down we’re here for u, rooting from the distance. I’m honestly so proud and happy for you💕💕

[@agemjourney5457]

I'm on my O&G rotation now (UK) and just saw an ARM yesterday, thanks for the explanation! Loving it so far!

[@saturna4395]

Super proud of you Rachel !! I continue look up to you as I advance down my road to med school. Take care of yourself girl 🫶

[@CoolsBreeze]

This is literal insanity. How the heck do they expect anyone to do their job well when they're worked like this? I wouldn't expect this out of anyone in any profession yet somehow this is acceptable in medicine? Just insane. Either way you still look great after those shifts.

[@paulaloredo3206]

Still watching and still lovingggg

[@petluv214]

Thank you for all you do as you train to be an excellent provider. Continue being great!

[@michaelapaty3824]

I really enjoy the realness and honesty in your videos. You're doing a great job and anyone would be so lucky to have you as their physician!

[@chocolina99]

Found your videos couple of days ago and already watched so many of them. Thank you for working hard and sharing your journey. ❤

[@mikebee6530]

Absolutely incredible work ethic on so many levels. Respect 🙏 Thank you for sharing this experience

[@sydneymoore1493]

im a new grad RN and alllll the residents look worn tf out all the time i salute you fr

[@dactyll]

222k! "Another day, another shift, another night without a rest, but you are giving your best, hopefully making out in one piece... maybe two, but if you don't that's okay cause... you are a human" - you are working hard in a broken system, don't let the system break you - you are admirable in each and every way.

[@emilywatson6564]

I love it when you explain the procedures you did. Great vlog, thank you for continuing to share content with us. Take care of yourself🤍

[@bryainmaradiaga5544]

It is just great seeing you excel in your residency. I remember my first night shift as an intern, and I had to deliver 14 babies! WORST CALL EVER

[@analir7075]

You’ve always been an inspiration, Rachel. I got so happy to see you uploaded a new video! Your passion, dedication, hard work and consistency does not go unnoticed ❤

[@AlexandraLacy-kk8fb]

Keep working hard everyday! You are making a difference patient by patient, nurse by nurse, aspiring physician to aspiring physician! Have you ever slept thru a page??

[@mglandberger]

Hi from Finland!☺️🇫🇮What a champ, you are going to be such a sweet doctor!🥰 Just have to say it’s so crazy to compare Finland to the US… here medical school is free, the salary is stable and all employees must have at least eleven hours of night rest every day and at least 36 continuous hours of weekly rest without standby time each week. Om average they work about 40hours/week. 80 hours just sounds absolutely crazy to me…😔 I hope you guys change residency!! I’m cheering for you❤️

[@ElviraSebastianaMuha]

Rachel, you are such an amazing human being and Doctor!💝 Your passion is obviously what keeps you going but also your kindness 🫶🏻 Thank you for keep sharing your journey with us even though you are beyond busy and that your time is not fully your time anymore 🙏🏻👏🏻🫶🏻

[@MrsMollyify]

You're incredible Rachel, you are so so incredible!!! I'm starting residency in a few weeks and you are my hero, we are all in this together!!

[@nicolemathews8786]

love you, your content, and how passionate and hardworking you are! so inspirational. waiting for the day you cut those residency shifts in half. so brutal :( rooting for you!!!! 🥹🩷

[@ashleypersaud6415]

Love these videos! You're one of the few still doing videos through residency and I love that it's not sugar-coated either.

[@Ingooodhealth]

Appreciate you still making videos during this crazy time in your life❤

[@nikscarolines6460]

Sending much love and strength your way, Rachel. I pray things get better for you and residents everywhere.

[@gemmaskye]

You are absolutely inspiring - your humanity, dedication through hard times, and love for your work shines through in every video. And good on you for wearing a mask and making that decision that's right for your circumstances. ⭐

[@ashleynicolevaldivia4818]

Of course we are still watching! Take care of yourself, be kind to your self, continue to work hard, & all that good stuff!!! 🤞🏽🤞🏽🤞🏽🤍🤍

[@joreedo0830]

Thank you for all that you do!!! This is so eye opening for us that have idea what residency is like. Continue to use your voice and I hope positive changes stat to happen for residents asap.

[@2011Starrmom]

I love seeing you “grow up!” Thanks for continuing to make videos !

[@allisonsommars6488]

Love your videos sooo much! Its refreshing seeing the reality versus the constant glamorization of being in the medical profession. Absolutely love how you're using your platform :) So glad I stumbled across your videos.

[@cestlavieeeee]

I gasped with the asymmetric blinking lmaooooo. Im so excited for you!

[@seapickles7754]

Giving birth was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Although we have never met, I am grateful for you! ❤

[@robertthompson4224]

Keep up the great work. Get your rest. And drink plenty of water. Love your transparency.

[@candelalara3239]

you’re incredible, so thankful you have time for us even when you are bringing new lives to this world❤

[@paulgorithm]

I really appreciate your work ethic and sharing your experiences in the medical field. You're a real trooper and that's one of the reasons I keep watching. Don't forget to baby yourself too when you can. Cheers!

[@RachelSouthard]

😭🥹

[@thisismelzz518]

You are amazing Rachel! I honestly don't know how you can do all this stuff. Thank you for all your effort!❤❤

[@madisynglieden6841]

You’re crushing it Rachel! I look forward to your videos and I appreciate how honest you are being about residency. You are a strong red ant and you’re already positively impacting so many lives, stay strong🥰🩵

[@scribbitb.4519]

This is amazing-- thank you for this video. It's so impressive that you make videos about being a resident!! You must be one of the hardest-working people on Earth!!

[@qwer981]

Rachel,thank you for sharing all of these things! It really helps me to survive during my med experience. I struggle with the fact that in social media or even in uni there's a kind of clichè where successful doctor or med student is someone who discovers new ways of treating patients, working as a volunteer and do a lot of another stuff. But i don't feel that it is me. So now I'm trying to start thinking that my little impact in the Healthcare industry is also important❤

[@righteousrhymez6398]

I forgot I had heard about that cracked up doctor story. And, now the name resident makes such ironic sense. wow.... you are awesome, Dr. Southard