excited for change | Dr. Rachel Southard

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Disclaimer: The individuals portrayed or mentioned in this video are not real patients but rather fictional representations created for illustrative purposes. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. The content presented is intended for educational or entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or diagnosis. Viewer discretion is advised. These views are my own and are not representative of the views of my employer.

[@weshasawi]

Residency was the WORST 5 years of my life (I did my residency in Canada where it’s 5 years), but then it gets better! Now I’m having a blast! Hang in there

[@lovely8888888]

I’m a therapist and I have worked with a few doctors and medical students in the middle of stress and burnout. I’m always in such awe of them. I don’t know how it is possible to do it. 😱

[@laurendg]

It was so powerful when you talked about documenting these moments so we don’t become complacent. From a future physician, thank you.

[@lindsayjohnson7536]

I'm a doctor of physical therapy and specialize in pelvic health for 14 yrs. I left patient care 1 yr ago bc of how healthcare has become. As long as we have non-medical people (i.e. hospital admin) making medical decisions, our healthcare system in the US will never change. Thus, we continue to see "the great resignation" in healthcare amongst docs, RN, PTs, OT, RT, APPs, etc. I've been so burnout out that we, as a clinician, can't even have time to actually care about pts bc we have to see as many pts in 1 day as humanly possible. It's just so ridiculous! I'm trying to get into medtech, or the like, to stay in medical and use my pelvic health knowledge, but not have to deal with the bureaucracy anymore! Im praying us healthcare providers that care, like you, can stick it out and change the US healthcare system model.😊

[@wethenorth6437]

I wonder how many well qualified and exceptional Doctors there could be if they were able to make it through residency I mean seriously how many good young people had to drop out for their mental health or physical exhaustion. The hours don't make sense to any of us either and I agree someone must step up and demand change. How safe is it to have an exhausted resident operating on someone who requires their absolute laser focus? It's not safe for a patient and it's not safe for a resident. Gather a new herd Rachel and get people on board who support your cause and make that change happen because together many people can make a difference. Lives are at stake on and off the table and in the beds and as patients we should demand more of our hospitals, god knows they make enough money to make these much needed changes. Bless your heart and I hope you continue to advocate for yourself and others. XO

[@putnamdesign1072]

The DOT has requirements of truck drivers and how much they can drive how much they must rest, how heavy a truck can be etc all for the SAFETY of everyone....i am confident you can be the change

[@mariarobayo106]

Hi, im a medical student from Colombia. In the past month one of my classmates decided to not live anymore, that was pretty rough for everyone. Also on the news a surgery resident decided the same thing leaving a note talking about the violence she suffered in residency. A lot of students, residents and now specialists have decided to take social media to post their experiences on a shitty rotation, the long hours, the chiefs and so. We really need this to change worldwide, thanks for your video and shared frustrations :)

[@sierrar458]

I just started medical school last week and I’m already feeling so overwhelmed and mourning my old peaceful life (I took some gap years). I keep telling myself it’ll be worth it but I’m already so daunted and feeling like I have such an uphill battle ahead of me. Thank you for your honest videos and know that you’re not alone ❤️

[@zhuzhupetlover6673]

Congrats on starting med school! Best of luck to you! Hang in there! ❤

[@sciencesimplified3890]

I had a surgery preceptor early in 3rd year who was so insanely toxic, that I later found out one of the MAs reported him and now he’s not allowed to have students. During that rotation was the first time in my life I questioned whether medicine was worth it. But now it’s 2 years later and am so far enjoying residency (Although it’s literally only 3 weeks in and by next month I may change). But the point is things will pass.. you won’t always be at the mercy of toxic situations and before you know it at a blink of an eye your life will be completely different

[@mrmcbeth]

I wish I could tell some of my stories, but I have to wait a while first.

[@amberj3941]

As a PA student I experienced a lot of toxic behavior from superiors as well. Some it was grilling you at all hours hoping to see you fail, making you stay late hours and come early just because they were in charge. There was favoritism in some aspects but the way students are treated is HORRIBLE. However coming out of school is hard as well. I’ve worked under other really toxic people more often the owners of clinics. I work hard, I am smart, I do the best I can for patients but it can be really hard to deal with these tricky personalities constantly pushing you to a point you question why you ever entered into medicine in the first place.

[@monideadmond4089]

This entire video is SO important. I’m a 2nd year med student, hoping for the beginnings of change by the time I’m in residency. Videos like this is a prime example of your platform being used for good. Incredible Dr. S!!😊

[@Dr_Analise]

As a resident myself, this dossnt stop ... the constant drama and hassles is part of a lot of egos... i just got told off for a job for a conference ... 😅 I was pissed but the group posts About the passive aggressive drama ... makes me feel worse We can get through this Rachel!!!! ❤

[@Ohdeyummm]

Although a very different career field, your experience and thoughts remind me so much of my struggle back in the military. There’s obviously decent opportunities but the atmosphere is so toxic, demanding , and belittling. Despite it obviously being a space of discomfort, there’s also a large portion of people who’ve been so conditioned to suffering that they silence the small voices around them. If you tried to speak up they’d make it a personal problem or tell you that sometimes you just have to let things be. There were good times where I got to learn and travel but like you , I documented and am heavily reminded of the trauma in which I and lots of other service members experience just to get that. I’ve since deleted my social media with all the footage because I don’t have the heart or energy to think about it anymore now that I’m out but that’s why I salute you. Thank you for not giving up despite your progress. Part of my frustration with other people is that once they overcome all the hard stuff, they like to downplay the hard climb people behind them have to do. My midwife used to say “just because something is common doesn’t mean it’s normal”. Keep up the fight Dr. Southard! Thank you so much! I can’t wait to take part in the push one day

[@andrewleatherman4931]

We have to continue to talk about these things. Changes are slow as hell, but they will come. My wife and I have rarely ever sat at our kitchen table. The couch is our preferred place for dinner. Also, Reglan, from a RN perspective seems to work way better for nausea. Thanks for another great vlog.😊

[@A---ti3zz]

Not a doctor but I was talking with a coworker the other day. We got a new higher level supervisor and he wanted to meet with everyone. My one on one was coming up and my coworker said that I should tell my boss about all the issues. I literally laughed. I am in a male dominated field. I told my coworker that I can't tell him anything and that I will basically have to lie and say things are great. If you say anything as a woman then you are "sensitive", "dramatic", "misinterpreting things" ... things never change anyways. Glad you are fighting it. I tried fighting it before but nothing changed and I got treated so bad. It sucks that you basically have to accept the bad things. Stay strong

[@angel8223]

I pray you are well❤

[@deloracomfort8960]

Tell us anything you want. No negative comments from me. You go girl!!

[@C93FC]

Girl. Thank you for sharing. I’m just a couple weeks into year 4 of med and I struggle to understand the culture and why we do things the way we do it. I’m purposely being vague but totally understand what you’re saying and I’m grateful you share because it’s so hard and it’s easy to feel so alone in it all. I know KZbin isn’t easy to keep up with sometimes, please remember we love you sharing what you can when you can. I started watching you when i was applying to med school and am now just a couple years behind you in training and love following your journey as I go through mine. Not always here to watch because you know how it is in med school lol, but always grateful

[@janefox3188]

I have been following you for awhile. You are truly amazing. Many people would not put out the effort to make changes to an age old custom. It doesn’t make sense to overwork residents. I hope you make the change that is needed.

[@jessicabrown6249]

Please feel better soon Rachel ❤

[@catherinebacon7478]

Your honor is new to me too and I love it!!! I watch it on my lunch breaks everyday. Finished season 1 last night and cried so hard :(

[@emilydaniels5886]

Feel better soon, Doc!!

[@zhuzhupetlover6673]

I have watched every single video since you were in your first year of medical school. I am so proud of how far you have come but most importantly I am so sorry residency has drained you so much. I’m here for you. ❤

[@annamay7941]

Your Honor, SO GOOD, like you said, not good as in what in the world is happening, so much drama and trauma, but I binged both seasons so fast!

[@monicasalinas3348]

Fell better soon Rachel ❤ I admire you so much you are a great role model for me keep posting

[@ElaineSharon358]

Feel better soon ❤

[@amyc4406]

Awwww I hope you are feeling better❤. Love you. Hugs.

[@toloveandtobeloved14]

Im a nursing student. This is my second degree, even though I was accepted to nursing after high school I was alwayd considering med school so I did a degree in the sciences. Now that Im in clinicals I actually thank God that I didnt go into med school because of how the programs and how residency is structured. I see residents who look miserable. I think the system is designed to exhaust you and its infortunate because we are trying to care for peoples health at the expense of our own. Med school just makes this 10x worse from what Ive seen/heard. I can always pursue an NP or CRNA position if I want a role change and I anticipate on doing so. My goal is to care for patients but not so much at the expense of my other desires in life such as having a family, having time for my interests, etc.

[@sheila5708]

Finished residency a few years ago. Now writing a novel on this topic. If I end up finishing it and publishing some day I will let you know!

[@sarahkane6853]

You’re an amazing activist ❤ no change will be made unless you champion this, well done 🎉

[@realmerican6527]

Loved your analogy to labor without an epidural. Truly the scariest, most painful, and traumatic thing I've ever gone through (or hope to go through). But baby and I made it through fine, so we just move along even though it was one of the most meaningful moments of my life. You're right to portray things as they actually are.

[@tovielmcvay6455]

Hi Rachel! ❤. I just wanted to say that I (like many others) enjoy watching the bad or “not to nice side” of human healthcare. I work in veterinary medicine so BELIEVE me when I say I COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND WHAT UR TALKING ABOUT Lol! I’m like u and I try to show/share the bad/difficult days in vet med and school life as well on my Instagram platform! I’m here riding this train with u, Rachel. I ABSOLUTELY love what ur doing 🫶🏽. Pls get well soon. 😊

[@817magali]

I’m going through my own separate things/ not related at all- but the emotions you feel.. I get it. If only you could see yourself through our eyes! This too is part of the story huh? YOU WERE BUILT FOR THIS 💪🏼 If anyone can do it ITS YOU. This too is beautiful

[@hollyc4624]

Feel better soon. It sucks to have to work so hard and be sick too. I would do a 36 hour shift and maybe lie down for 1-2 hours. I distinctly remember the severe migraines that would leave me holding my head and eye while trying to finish charting so that I could leave. Residency is hard and feels like it is nonstop. I know that there have been changes since I went through, although I don’t know how strictly programs are held to these changes. My only concern Rachel, from one woman doctor to another, is what type of practice do you want when you finish training? I am not in a surgical field so the pressure is different. My worry is that it will be challenging to find a practice once you’re done that is a lot less demanding than residency. You will have the knowledge and be confident so that brings the stress down, but all the decisions are on you which increases stress. And OB/GYN is notoriously demanding from an on call standpoint for most of your career. It sounds like you love it which is the first hurdle. So please try to find a position that allows you to find the balance that is important to a healthy life. I’m hopeful that you have high points during your training. It can be such a wonderful time with the right circumstances. I was fortunate and went to a program that was not very toxic, even when I rotated on neurosurgery (as the only woman in a sea of male residents). Somehow they managed to have a nontoxic neurosurgery program so it must be in the leadership and attending. If those folks are unhappy, everyone is unhappy. My husband was in a toxic program during internship and hated every minute. It’s hard to know what you are going to get and how it will change month to month. Please start thinking past residency now and asking questions about what sorts of jobs there are when you finish. Visualizing your life in 5-10 years is something most people don’t take the time to do and it can make such a difference in finding the right fit for what sort of lifestyle you want long term. Feel better. ❤️‍🩹

[@kathiedepontbriand7258]

So sorry your sick , rest and get well !💗

[@kr1055-nz]

Get better soon!!

[@elenayang4303]

Rachel, I just wanna say that we have the same feelings in this field, and your vedios showing your real feelings and experiences which inspired me a lot. People complained that only want to see your happiness part which are sick and childless. They don't deserve your vedio and they need therapist not you!

[@SaintJamesMed]

Feel better soon 💛

[@emilymortensen1606]

Patrick is v obviously a young millennial and everything he says makes me chuckle

[@jennysong99]

feel better soon!!

[@ravneetrajasansi9094]

thak you, we need more people like you

[@kendrapratt2098]

The birds overhead cracked me up 😂 The shot of you eating was beautiful

[@preciousseriki9525]

Congratulations on the engagement. I wish all the best in married life and can't wait to see what this new chapter holds for you 🎉🎉

[@marinadixon6746]

I hope you feel better soon!! Also there is no need to feel horrible about not uploading every week, please take care of yourself first.

[@edwardleecaliforniausa]

Hi Rachel happy Saturday night to you and I enjoy your channel and you are amazing supporter

[@kassandraahuero7962]

I wanted to be a Dr growing up and its sad that our health care providers get so burned out people are toxic in general ! I was a patient all my life. I wish people would support eachother!

[@jessviclew176]

its like this in the UK too. We have the option for "less than full-time training" where you work 80% of your weekly hours. I find this is very beneficial for peoples work-life balance and mental health, only downside is it extends your training time slightly but I think thats a weigh up to be considered. Sending you all the hugs from across the pond, hope things get better for us both :)

[@AshCerto]

Her latest Instagram story is giving engaged ✨

[@Dracaenamarginata850]

Get better!!!🌷🍎

[@beccamartin6270]

Would you ever make a video regarding being in a relationship while in med school / residency? It would be really helpful for me and give me hope that if I go into medicine I won’t be throwing away my relationship/ hopes of having a family

[@MaxieTheMenace]

My partner and I are floor people too. Have a really nice dining table and comfy chairs and all, but never use it haha. It’s the cats table 🤣

[@kymcoote6769]

Just wondering how you envision residence changing, obviously reduce the number of hours you work but would that make residency longer? Just interested in how you see change look for future residence ?

[@vanekahoskie249]

As a first year medical student, I am so thankful to have doctors like you paving the way for future physicians.

[@cynthiaalford2967]

Life is not easy

[@Odiekins]

That pisses me off that you can’t take adequate time to get well. Not only for yourself, but for your patients as well! Babies with new immune systems and adults too. I realize there are challenges, but what about patients that are autoimmune and the hospital is exposing them to potentially serious infections unnecessarily? Ugh ❤

[@Alax.12]

I wish you all the best doctor there was old saying that goes everything that is making meaning ( being doctor) is not easy

[@lauraaguilerarios5359]

I relate so much to this. I’m also in ObGyn 2nd year and I still don’t understand for example the f*cking 24 h shift. It’s just so exhausting

[@Emily31662]

Thank you for being a pillar of change! This is sooooo important. It needs to happen. This system has caused so much harm to healthcare professionals.

[@kr1055-nz]

❤❤

[@aprilshowers1271]

What advice do you have for someone applying to residency right now? I want to do OBGYN more than anything but I am so scared of the burnout.

[@LL-ls1um]

Okay I was obsessed with Mango Chili but now Watermelon has me on a choke hold 😭 lol have you tried the new LMNT sparkling?

[@vmania4847]

I LIVE by the Zicam dissolvable tablets. At the first tickle in my throat, I pop those bad boys religiously and they almost always nip the cold before it gets worse. Maybe it’s placebo but worth it for me 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@reddbendd]

I thought DO meant Doctor at first

[@lesliecrowell]

Ton of covid in CA. Did you test?

[@lesliecrowell]

Take extra good care of yourself going back. All those hours no bueno for getting well. ❤

[@PinkLadyDaria]

I ❤ you, Rachel! Love your videos, and I love that you show the good, the bad, and the ugly.. real life, not just all the fake fluff that most “KZbinrs” show!

[@zhuzhupetlover6673]

Yes she keeps it very real. I really love it. I feel for her because it seems her training has completely wiped her out. I hope she gets less work as residency continues.

[@kristine_roaten23]

Hope you’re feeling better. I can’t imagine having to work as much as you do and not feeling well. I hope you got some rest. Your hard work to change the medical field is amazing. Praying it changes soon for you and your co-residents 🩷

[@xbritny]

I’m an EMT, I really wanna go for Medic, but I can’t fathom 250 hours of unpaid clinicals, and 250 hours of unpaid ride time ( in field training ) on top of working 70 hours a week just to afford to “live” ( basically just to pay rent ), plus finding time to be a mom, a wife and have a social life. im not in the same direct path as you, but can confirm medical training in multiple paths of the field is not okay and needs to change.

[@BenjaminMaciel_MD]

Mango chili.... Latinaaaaa ;)

[@i.1303]

❤️🌹

[@cynthiarivera3725]

🙏🥹❤️

[@TonyThomas10000]

Do you have COVID? It is going around again.

[@circlenowsquared]

Oof, sorry you got hit with sickness! Hope you felt better quick!

[@doctorharry]

In the Building waiting from Barbados 😎😎😎

[@Bcdf-ei9el]

Love your vlogs!

[@elenie333]

I am not in medicine but you are such a role model to me. I am entering a research internship in reproductive psychology (focusing on maternal mental health) which I am so excited for. your videos encouraged me to seek out this opportunity in the first place. the conditions you work under are inhumane and unhealthy. the sleep deprivation/sleep inconsistency is terrible for your mental and physical health. I don’t know how it is humanly possible to live that way. but you are doing it and your passion and vulnerability inspire so many ❤

[@alyssad7019]

thinking of you!!!! i love you and your channel🩷

[@404jules]

You look amazing either way but just wanted to let you know less lip filler suits you perfectly and you don’t need it ❤

[@RachelSouthard]

I don’t have any 😩

[@404jules]

@@RachelSouthard your lips just look so different a few years ago

[@RachelSouthard]

I had a lot of dental work done that fixed my entire bite and yeah, I noticed as well how different my mouth is.

[@404jules]

@@RachelSouthard sorry, I guess it just looked like you did. I’ve had injectables in the past and thought I saw the difference

[@boxerloverkz812]

i would blow up like a balloon with all the sodium in the LMNT......

[@ahoward3819]

I am a transplant (kidney) patient. No way I would drink that stuff. 1,000 mg of Sodium? An entire day worth of salt in one drink.

[@jaimie4011]

Feel better soon❤ can you drink LMNT everyday?

[@LL-ls1um]

Yes! Electrolytes everyday are beneficial.

[@IK-fg4gw]

❤❤

[@CandyisAwesome86]

Sounds like the dreaded c disease. Feel better Rachel!

[@jeannine1991]

You don’t identify the problem and why “things don’t make sense.” 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@zhuzhupetlover6673]

She just started her second year. She has mentioned the problem in her videos many times. Residents work up to 80 hours per week and do 24 hour shifts. They have trainings that essentially wipe everyone out. Check out Dr. Jake Goodman if you want to find out more about the problems within medical trainings and residency.

[@RachelSouthard]

As I mentioned, not all things I can openly discuss. Residents have a difficult time talking about quarrels that they have while they are in training.

[@jeannine1991]

@@RachelSouthard if I’m understanding correctly, some sort of mediation or conflict resolution is universally needed.

[@Bri3w]

She cannot discuss everything that they go through on a day to day basis… but as a comment above stated she mentions some of the problems in several videos in the medical field that’s very expected… period. Yall need to leave her alone about it

[@shanellebhajan]

Sometimes yall need to listen with your ears and heart and not from a place of criticism because she explicitly said what the other comments mention (she can't discuss everything bc she is literally still in residency lol)

[@emilymolloy953]

thank you for keeping it real regarding people that work in healthcare's mental health! I am also really struggling sometimes and it makes me feel less alone :) @rachelsouthard

[@Nicole78365]

Not the MANGIA 🤌🤌😂 9:53 I'm learning Italian on duolingo and got startled at the free reminder that I didn't do today's lesson yet 😂😂

[@heydebee]

Hey Rachel 🩵 🌸 I believe no one talks about it because, if you complain about it or question it, that could mean you're weak and shouldn't even be in that position to begin with. Then it can affect your career and job opportunities, since networking can be so important in the medical field... and if you're not okay with the amount of hours, then maybe you're just not interested enough. And in that case, what kind of professional are you trying to become, really? And that perspective could be VERY amplified on the internet, where *so* many people only show the good/happy/aesthetic/hustling/glorified side of it. So amidst all these romanticizing contents, you just become (or start looking like) a pessimist. I've been there, done that (during medical school), but right now I'm simply too scared of the potential consequences and criticism. And not to mention the idea (not sure if it's really a fact) that a doctor should always have a confident image to maintain the patients' trust in them. After a while, it got kind of lonely (and somewhat pathetic) to be voicing out my weaknesses in such a competitive environment. A lot of people/colleagues were grateful for it, but still kept their own masks on for show. Still, here I am being what I'm complaining about. The person who is thankful for your vulnerability, but still isn't brave enough to get out of hiding. Your video sparked something in me. Thank you. I don't have a conclusion to all of this yet, but felt like showing you support. I wish you didn't have to go through all that, but congratulations for staying strong day after day. Thanks for reading if you did! 🌻 hugs from Brazil 🇧🇷