my first week as a doctor | Dr. Rachel Southard

I worked my first week as a doctor! I was on labor and delivery. Long days, and not enough sleep already. Follow me through my week!
Views are my own, and not a reflection or representation of Dignity Health.
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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.

[@ratnaramaraju6117]

from the “first week of medical school” vlog to the “first week as a doctor” vlog it has been a joy and privilege to watch you tackle every hurdle with grace and positivity. You are my role model rachel and we are always rooting for you no matter what!!

[@User-o3m2m]

TRULY!!

[@jamesash461]

Yeah.. I STILL remember that first video of her

[@jilliancarrico2075]

@@jamesash461 me too!!

[@susancoleman]

As a retired OBGYN I enjoy your blogs. Brings back memories but also it is amazing how things have changed. I “grew up” in the days of unlimited hours and the “see one, do one, teach one” generation. I envy you your training now. Enjoy it!

[@RachelSouthard]

I’m honored that you watch! Thank you 🥹

[@katodan0611]

I like how you show your vulnerable side. I think that will help many people, whether they are in the same profession or not, as it shows you can have a bad day and the next day can be better. ❤

[@mayaholt4574]

Your first week as a doctor was my first week as a medical student. So interesting how we are going through the same feelings of being overwhelmed and feeling like we have insufficient information. I’ll get through it just as you are! Thank you for the strength and motivation! Good luck for next week!

[@jasonleong6580]

Aw this brings me back to intern year which was now 10 years ago (i know everyone says it but time really does fly)! I think you're going to be pleasantly surprised how fast you gain knowledge and skill. This vlog will be great cause it'll always be a reminder of how far you've come. Best of luck!

[@isroor]

I remember watching your videos when I dreamed of getting into med school.. and this week I DID!!❤❤❤🎉🎉 thank you for being there without even knowing it, love you ❤❤

[@clintpotts5799]

90 minutes to go, I’m waiting patiently Dr. Southard. You’re going to change many peoples lives, I have been here since day 1. I can’t believe how much I’ve watched you grow personally and professionally. Just finished watching your day 1 of medical school video and you were so nervous about the exam you had the following Friday. I’ve said it many times but once again I’m so proud of you.

[@treecejohnson144]

You did GREAT!!!! Thank you for showing the "human side" of being a human resident.😊 Far too many folks gloss things up but the reality is lost in translation. You're doing a fantastic job!! Thank you for the blog, I've been looking forward to it all week. Such exciting goings on!! I was a scrub tech in L&D and worked with lots of Residents. I loved them all. Being a 1st assist as a resident can be a little scary but you'll be running the show in no time!!!❤ SO incredibly proud of you!!

[@annabobanna3287]

Random tip I wanted to pass along: always use gloves when you’re using those purple top sani wipes!!! It can be carcinogenic against bare skin and nobody told me that until I had been doing it for like a year haha. Otherwise, as a fellow Ob Gyn resident, I’m rooting for you on your journey!

[@RachelSouthard]

Yes ! I appreciate you looking out. Lol I know I need gloves but there weren’t any close by 😅😅😅 so I was a bad goil. I try to use gloves when I can

[@Skepticalstudent45]

Lmao same I was just about to say something! A whole year as an MA before med school (wiping off a whole room 40+ times a day😅). Now I’m a 4th year but you better believe I ain’t touching the cavi wipes without a pair of gloves and holding them in a way to minimize surface area of contact with my hand (the latex only blocks so much unfortunately).

[@kristam6572]

As a seasoned hospice nurse- there are days I still cry on my way home ❤ But also you don’t have to know everything at first- that’s why you’ve got nurses & a team behind you. Good luck!

[@merelynmatias6217]

We're all here for you. I really believe you will be the most caring compassionate competent doctor! It very might be the most challenging thing you do but go out there and do it! ❤

[@Mad-ft3rw]

You are going to be a wonderful Obgyn. Your sweet, calm patient personality comes through on your videos and I am sure that comes through to your patients!! I absolutely love my Obgyn. She has delivered all 4 of my babies and I have been with her for over 15 years due to her having a similar personality to yours. I hope you form those bonds with your patients. I can only imagine how special it must be from a doctor’s point of view to be part of people’s miraculous moments. Best wishes Rachel. My daughters and I are so proud of you.

[@rachel_dittrich]

I just started my pharmacy residency program and being able to see someone having similar feelings and emotions as me was so reassuring. Thank you for sharing Rachel, and letting me know that I’m not alone! 💕

[@emmafalola5685]

Same!

[@ameliamorgan6152]

I’m a pharmacist, too. Congrats on your residency.

[@RachelSouthard]

Congrats! That’s exciting. Here for you

[@smivlibee5936]

Wow your voice, your energy. I feel comforted just on KZbin haha your patients are lucky to have you!

[@Angelxsinxcielo]

Take it one day at a time!! This is a new chapter and like all things, you’ll get used to it and you will get better. Be kind to yourself; this is all new! Most importantly remind yourself that you can do it ❤️

[@rml1]

It IS NORMAL to feel overwhelmed at the beginning and also for several months of intern year. The hours worked and the learning curve is new and its a shock to the system. If others seem like they've got it together, they're lying. By the end of the year you will be amazed at how much you have learned. But you're right, knowing it will get better won't help now. Just do your best to stay afloat and do your best for the patients in front of you. If you help one person or comfort them even with a smile, the day is a win.

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you🤍

[@abbijohnson8618]

Hello Dr. Southard! I have been watching you for years, and I feel so proud of you. Tomorrow is my first day of medical school, and thanks to your videos, I feel confident that I will be successful. I am so inspired by your positive mindset and resiliency, and I will try my best to maintain that same mindset. I also got a blue and white striped collared shirt (I have seen you wear one just like it a few times) that I am going to wear tomorrow. Thanks for everything. So excited to see what your future holds

[@jackelynguzman9682]

this make me want to cry!!! I remember your mcat videos! first day/ week of med school and now here you are!!!! OMG!!!!! I'm so happy for you!!! your hard work and dedication is inspiring!

[@sarapurdy6468]

I wanted to share this beautiful idea I saw online … an OBGYN would place a bead in a jar anytime they delivered a baby, with a white bead to symbolize and honour any angel babies 🤍 You will be changing so many lives and I wonder if this small ritual will be a way to see all of the lives you are touching ✨✨✨✨

[@dogcatcardigan]

I have been following you for years! Since before I started nursing school...& now I am about to begin my last semester before graduating! I am so thankful for your videos and how inspirational you are. We are all on a learning journey, and it can be rough. But at the end of the day our patients deserve our best. They truly make it worth it. One day you will look back on this part of your journey & smile! 💜💜💜

[@hnaa1502]

I’m so happy to see u being a doctor now , I was watching your videos before 2 years to motivate myself to study now I’m a biomedical engineer student. I love seeing u achieve ur dreams ❤❤ wish you luck

[@Maraila_Marasigan]

I started my BSN journey rhe same time you started Medical school! I graduated and got my RN license and nust got into a nurse residency job that will be starting November! Alrhough im not a doctor or was in med school, I found your videos super inspiring! You always interact with your subscribers ans insta followers and I am so happy and proud of you :)) Youre finally a doctor!!!!

[@jdd9044]

And you’re finally a nurse!! Congratulations ❤🎉

[@SAb-tt4kz]

I just discovered that your voice makes me sleep deeply😍 I love it … so relaxing

[@mEE1434eva]

I'm so excited to watch pgy 1 to pgy 4. I see it all the time and I think you are gonna be so much fun to watch! This is so exciting! I can't wait to see how you grow!

[@blakemenrath3440]

Your such a gem, the reason i'm gonna go into med. Also your so particular with your words despite being tired, love a knowledgable tired ghee.

[@FadiasStar]

i am approaching the end of my second year as an ob/gyn and i gotta tell ya, seeing you get emotional on the second day reminded me of all my scary, difficult and overwhelming firsts. but yes as you've been told, it does get better. working alone is very different than orientation. But you get through and becomes as easy as breathing. good luck!

[@RedBullxMD]

I've been watching you for years since I was a hopeful pre-med! Finishing 2nd year now and beginning to prep for Step 1!

[@justelynnnjoelle]

that's so awesome that you kept the scrubs in good faith that you'd get into the residency program there and then YOU DID ❤😊

[@scorpioshego]

You’ve inspired me to start my own vlog! Ive been watching you since I believe your first year in med and holy you’ve grown so much. I’m just starting my second year of nursing and would love to see more healthcare providers join the KZbin community. Congrats Rachel!

[@madisonhexter4243]

the learning curve going from a student to a provider is rough. One of my favorite attendings told me that it takes at least 2 years to get comfortable every transition (for me, PA student to fellowship to practice; or med student to resident to fellow to attending). it's rough, but we get through it! and we've all been there, crying in the car or a janitorial closet lol (maybe just me)

[@bhavyaaarathore]

Rachel! Rachel! Rachel! You inspire me everyday. One day I wish and hope I'll become a doctor too. Currently preparing for NEET UG entrance exam for medical college in INDIA. LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU! Continue to shine, thank you for always amazing us with your work ethic and real, raw portrayal of being a doctor.

[@carsenlynn]

When you talked about your orders and charting - this is how I felt being an animal healthcare provider in a high resource shelter. I loved the freedom and independence I had but that actual paperwork, for me, was a nightmare. Just to order a medication for a patient, I had to go through so many pages in our software. Anyone who has worked with PetPoint in an animal shelter will understand where I’m coming from. Best of luck!!! It’s incredible to have followed your journey for so long!!

[@AyeofRa]

You always say you look like a mess but honesty you always look positively radiant! 😂

[@all4honor]

Thank you again Dr Southard you got me back on track, I forgot myself for a couple of months due to distractions. Your my hero PEACE OUT 🎉

[@sarapurdy6468]

Ahhh! 💃💃💃🥹🥹🥹 you’re unstoppable! Congratulations Dr Southard! 💜

[@bookreader902]

FIrst week down! It's been awesome seeing you grow, stretch, and learn during this crazy, confusing, passion driven journey Rachel. No, your not gonna know everything, that is where grace comes in. Just trust your gut, listen to the attendings, brush like you did as you need to, and just know you will obtain and absorb the information as time goes. Fun fact, a buddy of mine just started his medical school journey, exciting times! You got this girl, trust the process. 🤓😎

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you! I always love reading your comments. You’re so kind to me. 🥹

[@teresab5842]

You are such a real vlogger who excludes personality and overwhelming positivity ❤

[@reneegaberielle9131]

This biggest solute to all the medical professionals/students out there. You are truly amazing!

[@LifeofLiv4]

So crazy to watch this video and know that I used to watch you when you were an MS1 and I will now be an MS1 in a month YOU’RE DOING GREAT✨

[@alexandriasmith6494]

OMG! You'll be great! Don't ever feel bad for not knowing; you are learning and you are putting your best foot forward to doing a great job and trying to learn as fast as you can. I've started my first engineering job and on a huge project. It can get overwhelming with learning all the different specification's and making sure the contractors are following contract and I mess up sometimes . But I remind myself that even the senior engineers mess up too.

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you! And congrats. That’s so exciting. :) one step at a time!

[@jenniferantoinette423]

It has been very inspiring to watch you throughout the years. Thanks for being uniquely you and vulnerable with us. You are doing an amazing job. ❤❤❤

[@NourAbiSaleh]

I am so proud of everything you have accomplished this far ! I've started watching you in 2020 and you have become my comfort person online. Whenever I need a boost while studying, I will just put on one of your study with me videos or watch a vlog and I'm good to go again. Thank you for your content :)

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you🥹

[@rojinap]

Hello dear Dr. Rachel!!! Sending you lots of hugs and positivity!!! You got this!!! I believe in you!! You've been working so hard and I'm sure that things will get better for you soon, just hold on tight! Best wishes to you! And thank you for always being so inspiring and comforting! 💖💖

[@hollyc4624]

Try to keep your spirits up. You will likely feel overwhelmed at every transition to a new service until you’ve done them all. It just takes a few days to boost your confidence and happiness. That is 100% normal. Just remember that when psychologists measure stress they count any change/transition. And the positive changes are often even more stressful than the negative. So give yourself the chance to accommodate to new situations. No one really expects you to come into their specialty and function like a pro in the first few days. It’s hard but you’ve got this!

[@PraveenSrJ01]

Thank you so much for the update Rachel and hope you are doing well 😊

[@sweetrn3820]

Your video randomly showed up in my feed. I’m a retired CVICU nurse and I’m going back to work after a decade. I really enjoyed your video and your energy!

[@AbdulAli-ku9he]

You have lots of time to learn ahead of you just relax and enjoy the ride , have fun life is beautiful.

[@ElleBurress]

It's me. Hi. I'm the second year med student 🙃. I love your transparency and you sharing your emotions as you feel them. I've been stressed out about 2nd year, but (oof) residency...You're such an inspiration to push through the rough days because you always prove there's a better day ahead. 🥰

[@julial8880]

10:55 not rachel being like "I look so bad" while literally looking like a character from grey's anatomy❤❤❤ u always look great baby, love u so much

[@kaylapatek8421]

Love your channel and it’s good you admit everyone makes mistakes ❤️

[@rachelev6830]

Beautiful!! So happy you are loving what you do - esp when it comes to medicine - if we don’t like what we do, we need to leave- your kind and happy disposition will have a positive effect on your patients!! May this week be even better!

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you Rachel!

[@franzila3250]

how pretty is the hospital on the outside! So so happy for you, watching you since the start of medical school ❤

[@bernadineh7107]

as someone who is almost ready to become a consultant (attending in US world) myself and my medical friends and colleagues have noticed a trend over the past few years of the new interns/house officers having an expectation that they will conquer and be 100% proficient at everything when they start their first "real" Dr job along with their shock at the amount of paperwork (now eMR work) they have to do. Sadly I think we are failing our juniors in not preparing them for what the actual junior role they will have. The times of feeling you need to re-learn what the job is, what the expectations are, that isn't all being successful, that yes you will feel useless or not capable, you will not be able to do what is asked. The profession needs to be better at selecting and orientating juniors to be able to do the real job... not the job the juniors think it is....

[@cestlavieeeee]

I love these soooooooo muchh!!! you're an inspiration Rachel

[@Nancy-pe6cn]

I have been following since your first day in med school. Wow. How tine flies. You will be an amazing doctor.

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you so much!

[@racquelwelch9549]

Congratulations Dr. Southard!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@rmh691]

No idea why your video was suggested to me. And, wow, you have a very substantial subscriber base. I found your video really interesting to watch and have a lot of respect for what it takes to be a doctor. It seems so grueling. bless you for doing this important work.❤

[@Jdw6848]

You are an amazing young lady. I am a good judge of people and I know you will get through this.

[@shawnamackie18]

Love the raw realness of this very Rachel ❤

[@amberwhite592]

you have encouraged me to re-look at the medical field as a career path. I start a cma class tomorrow. Thank you for the encouragement.

[@EquineloveDisney]

You got this it always crazy when you learn

[@jaileneaxo5588]

rooting for you all the way from chicago!! you got this girl!!

[@RhondaElle]

Great vlog! Love hearing about your training. Can’t wait for next week. I LOVE my Gyn/onc! He’s the reason I found your channel and/or was curious about medical school. Cancer free now and just graduated to once a year follow ups! ☺️

[@edwardleecaliforniausa]

Good morning Rachel happy Sunday afternoon and I hope you having amazing day today and I loved your vlogs and you are amazing Supporter

[@purisomya6002]

oh my god how come im noticing this nowww the channel is DR. rachel nowww😭😭❤❤❤❤

[@dulcefernanda4]

I loved it Rachel, so happy for you. You are living the dreammm!!! I think you love to be in the hospital right? I dont know. I love it too. Have fun and enjoy patients

[@crazysox305]

I just started my clerkship year…everything is so challenging and I constantly have anxiety. At the same time, I’m happy. I think it’s just tough being a learner in such a challenging profession.

[@bug98276]

Loving these videos Rachel- so exciting to see you growing into being a doctor after watching all your med school journey!:)x

[@itspricila]

Im not a doctor but this is my 1st week of being a dietitian so i am also overwhelmed with know the hospital layout/ charting/ being efficient etc

[@klv2500]

I start a job in the NICU as a new grad RN soon and I can only hope to work with doctors as kind and bubbly as you :))

[@katel7309]

Congratulations! I was a nurse in another life time!!! lol. The older me now works with children. My advice to new RN's is don't throw your study books away, apply time to continue to learn look up aspects of nursing care or A & P or disease etc in relation to the work you are doing be a constant learner. Create your own resource manual. Subscribe to journals. Find a mentor, an experienced health professional that you can debrief with, get advice, ethics and so on. Things do go wrong and deal with stuff straight away. Put together your own philosophy (your beliefs and values). Communication, develop great communication skills. Also if you feel something is not right speak up, 'annoy' doctors on unreadable orders or meds etc. Ask questions, it is your career you need to protect. Make sure you know or are aware of your hospital /ward/unit policy and procedure's. Deal with stress as the stress impacts your executive and logic functions as well as your health generally. Attitude, don't allow an attitude to directly or indirectly impact your work negatively. Work out ways to deal with emotions in relation to the imperfect staff you work with! I really hope you love the NICU I worked in A & E and ICU. 😊

[@RachelSouthard]

Put out into the world what you want to receive from others. You’d be surprised how far a smile and “good morning” will do for your environment 🤍 best of luck. You got this

[@chelseadavis4953]

Our favourite OBGYN!!!! 💕

[@wildestdreamer3891]

please keep making this vlogs! love them

[@ashleymontoya7433]

So proud of you!!!

[@cynthiarogers522]

Hoping you can hold on to the amazing joy of the ;sweet little deliveries" Hold tight to your human compassion, thats the real healing and care for patients and families, the other knowledge and skills will come! worked on ObGyn faculty for many years, and saw the fatigue and stress be so hard on the compassionate excellent doctors. Glad you are also experiencing the cosmic joy!! of birth

[@nicolepinkerton5564]

Using the sanicloths without gloves!!🫣

[@RachelSouthard]

Bold and unstoppable

[@andreasanandres6633]

It is definitely uncomfortable because your growing still a nd getting the hang of things. I am so excited for you because I know its your fieldof choice and when you look back a year from now you will be grateful to these moments that prepared you

[@ClarissaRose]

Awww we're so glad that you were able to start getting used to everything after all!!!! Congratulationsssss on that AND on finishing your first weekkkkkk!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🎉🎉🎊🎊💗💗💗💗

[@kimberlyrosa1179]

So glad your video popped up on my search :) ❤

[@MHSMagicLuver]

When you said, 10% of the day you’re with patients.. lol. I’m a PA and I worked in family medicine as my first job for 2 years. In family medicine of course we are with patients most of the day to where it mentally wore me out so much and I didn’t want to even talk to my now husband at all when I got home. I was tired of talking. We sadly didn’t have any admin time. Most of my charting was on my lunch break and after work hours/on weekends. Soooooo.. I’m switching. We moved states so I would have had to changed jobs anyways but I’m looking for a hospital medicine or general surgery job to give me a change of pace. Not saying charting most of the day is easy. It’s a pain in the butt 😂 just so different from family med. Also those Fairlife drinks are everything. They were out everywhere but I finally got some from BJ’s.

[@emilyreimche8473]

Hey Rachel, I started DO school this week and I am so overwhelmed and don't know where to begin with how to study and which resources to use. There are so many resources, and I have heard people end up using more than they need rather than sticking to a couple. Would you mind either commenting or making a video about how you would choose to study if you were to do it all over again? THANK YOU!

[@Dita1994]

Have you tried Anki ? Amboss ? And congratulations you got this. The beginning is hard but it will get better. Promise. I’ve managed while owning a small nursing home, and personal stuff outside of school. You can do it!

[@emilyreimche8473]

@@Dita1994 hey thanks for responding! I’m planning on using Anki but for other resources I’m not sure what works best. Do you have a deck you recommend? My classmates have been talking about Uworld

[@katvtay]

Rachel used Anki. It was referenced in many of her med school videos. UWorld, also very popular. There isn’t any one right way to study; I’ve heard students say they can’t live without Anki, while others could not get into it and went elsewhere. I’m sure you’ll find out what works well for you; it is a learning curve (on how to _best learn_), for sure. Best of luck!

[@luciw8348]

I’m so interested to know your take on being with patients for such brief amounts of time. It sounds like you wish you had more time to give them, and for me, this is my biggest “qualm” with the medical system as a whole. It is hard on providers who really want to connect with their patients to have such small visits and opportunities to build a relationship with them. I ended up at a birth center with a midwife and loved the experience because I felt like I had really seen the midwife care for me and educate me on my body and what to expect from my birth. Just curious if this is something you wish you could do more of, and if unmedicated birth is something you encounter a lot and find empowering or challenging as a provider? You seem so passionate and that is refreshing!

[@alexstegman3342]

I loved the explanation of what you learned with the senior :)

[@NourAbiSaleh]

Can't wait !!!

[@janegotshalk6105]

I just started watching your channel about a month ago. I'm a seasoned clinical social worker -- in the field for over 25 years. Thank you for bringing up the documentation and EHR issues. The purgatory is real. In my last position, the EHR was a total bear and not clinician friendly at all. On the average it would take about 20 or 30 minutes to right a note. The EHR was great for intervention gathering and outcome measurement and horrible for reviewing the clinical meat and potatoes. You will find your rhythm. Just remember to BREATHE.

[@Dogeyess]

Wow, I can't believe you're a doctor now! Congrats to you

[@MD-ot8ff]

Just started the video and here to say I'm an intern who also wipes down my workstation at the beginning of every shift. I swear these workstations haven't been cleaned in years. 😂😅

[@RachelSouthard]

Seriously!!

[@treecejohnson144]

Can't wait!!❤

[@juststuff9945]

I’m surprised by the number of models you use in simulation labs. The only one I am familiar with doll you use to learn CPR.

[@kalinachang575]

You are so inspiring!! ❤️❤️

[@bluebelle_thenerd]

I love it when you describe the procedures, it sounds so cool! Quick question: why would you need to rupture the sac?

[@wds3222]

Damn Rachel! I still remember when you just started the Med school. Feels like it was only yesterday.

[@ArielMDavis]

I screamed when i saw this video popped up OMG

[@RachelSouthard]

Hey!

[@pilarrodriguez5133]

Remember to use gloves when you use those purple wipes! It’s harsh on your skin. Love you and super proud of you!❤

[@NuraHomidjonovna]

Love your channel so nteresting to watch your videos 😇

[@genesisgarcia9997]

hiiii Dr.Southard :)) I've literally been watching you since your first week of medical school vlogs and I'm so happy for you! I've taken a break from youtube (I'm currently in nursing school semester 3/5) and you are such an inspiration to me. thank you for being you, love the vlogs

[@doctorharry]

In the Building waiting from Baltimore 😎😎😎 had missed your vlogs 🙂

[@doctorharry]

In the Building watching from Baltimore 😎😎😎. Glad to see you back 😊

[@ashleynicolevaldivia4818]

Seriously missed you last week! It didn’t feel right w/ youuu

[@saramanfredi6569]

Thank you for sharing I feel exactly the same 😢

[@lanaschnekenburger2736]

So excited!