Question & Answer (birth control, engagement details, wedding planning) | Dr. Rachel Southard

[@RachelSouthard]

If i didn't get to your question, please respond to this pinned comment with your question! :D I plan on answering ALL OF THEM!

[@ClaireCalaguas]

Congratulations on everything that you've accomplished, Dr. Rachel Southard! My name is Claire, and I'm currently a pre-med at the University of South Florida! I've been binge watching all of your videos for quite some time, and I love how you document each and every step of your amazing and beautiful journey. What is one advice that you could give to us on how to balance all of the workload and extracurriculars you had to undertake in undergrad, and what's the difference when you got into medical school? Now that you're done, What are some concrete studying tips in med school that you recommend? I love you so much, and I can't wait for your wedding vlog!! ❤️❤️

[@RachelSouthard]

@@ClaireCalaguas Hi Claire! Thank you so much for your kind words. Oof, i remember those days. I definitely overloaded my plate with extra stuff in undergrad. Purely because i was just fighting to get competitive enough to get into medical school. When i got into medical school, i definitely did not do as much. I would put in the hard work as a pre-med, but know your own personal limits as med school has gotten SO competitive. The sacrifices are all worth it in the end, just make sure you focus on your mental health as well. I have a few study methods videos where i describe how I studied in medical school. Resources like Anki, Sketchy, Online MedEd, Boards&Beyond, Dr. High Yield, etc. were high yield resources/methods I utilized to study! :) Check out those videos if you want a super detailed study regimen. Love you! Thank you so much

[@Serene-l9d]

Hi Rachel, keep up the good work. You're such an inspiration. I wanted to ask about the device used to manage past partum haemorrhage at the bedside, that you mentioned in a previous video.

[@hollynguyen1909]

hi rachel! been a follower for a while now and i love your videos! 🥰 but i wanted to ask if you get lip filler? no judgment at all, just wondering because your lips look so nice and plump! 😍

[@graciagrabaric9492]

Heyy, I'm starting my first doctor job. I'll be doing 12 hour day shift then 12 hour night shift than have a free day and then all over again. Do you have any tips for maintaining that kind of schedule and switching day and night every other day?

[@stellaru4546]

not a question but an observation, you seem exponentially happier and you are litterally glowing

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you!😭 I truly am. And I’m happy it shows.

[@RenataBP]

Girl you are glowing !!!

[@RachelSouthard]

Awh thank you!

[@mrs.g8839]

Spending $ on a home instead of an overblown wedding is SMART, not cheap. Highly recommend! 😊

[@RachelSouthard]

Thanks for the tip! :D

[@rinoamoruso5760]

This new Rachel is on fire, full of energy, glowing and basically you rock Doc, so glad for you

[@lindsaymorley9290]

What a beautiful way to come into the world, being caught by Dr. Rachel Southard. Shout out to all those lucky babies.

[@RachelSouthard]

😭😭😭😭

[@HF918]

Your content has really opened my eyes to the hardships and realities of front line health care, and because of that I truly make an extra effort to be kind and courteous to my obgyn and any support staff I encounter. And I'm so happy you've found a partner that is so supportive and enhances your life outside of work. ❤

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you. That's sweet of you. And yes! Me too. He makes life better.

[@shikhak8280]

I’ve started my dream programme in OBGYN residency this year and also newly engaged… congratulations to you!! It’s so nice to hear someone in the same boat and feel the same feelings 😊

[@RachelSouthard]

Amazing! Congratulations :)

[@zhuzhupetlover6673]

Been here since 2020. I’m so proud of your success and how far you’ve come. Keep going Dr! ❤️❤️

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you for sticking with me this long !!!!

[@yasminbradley-heise7797]

Hi Rachel! I can't believe you have endometriosis! That would make you an even more empathetic OBGYN, I think a lot of us would really love to know more about your experience of it, how you got diagnosed, maybe what your symptoms are/were, how you manage it, especially since you're not on birth control, so sorry to hear you had so many unwanted challenges with birth control, that again is so relatable. I hope your endometriosis doesn't impact your life too negatively, thank you so much!

[@alyssad7019]

do a part two!!! loved this!!!

[@RachelSouthard]

I shall next month! :D

[@aliciad.2938]

Hi Rachel! I’ve been following since I started med school and I’m so happy I just submitted my residency application for OB/GYN! You’ve definitely been a blogger in reference frequently. Could you do a video on things you think are important to think about once we get into interview season? What are the important questions and things to know when making rank lists etc? Of course some things are personal preference but I’d love to hear your thoughts. Watching your journey has been so inspiring!!

[@victoryalta9170]

Congratulations you are a DOCTOR NOW.

[@RachelSouthard]

yes! Thanks!

[@katodan0611]

It makes me so happy to see you so happy! Patrick, thank you for being Rachel’s person. Your love story is beautiful. ❤

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you!

[@tirathkaur-uc6lm]

I'm a sophomore and hope to get into medical school too and you are my biggest motivation and inspiration to keep going! ILY!!!

[@janeellis4926]

So true about the business aspect of medicine. Hard from the patient perspective. Thanks for being so honest about not loving other people's kids. Same here.

[@RachelSouthard]

Definitely. Oh! I meant more of a medical standpoint. Pediatrics ain’t my thang hahah

[@Tori.Rose2]

You are glowing in that purple color 💜💜

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you! It’s a great color!

[@anastasiaproshin9918]

Dearest, sweetest Rachel, as literally every single soul has mentioned, you ARE glowing!🥹💜 God Bless

[@RachelSouthard]

Ugh! Thank you :D

[@HezyKaya]

Hey ,Rachel I've been following your content for about 3 years.... Really appreciate what you're doing ❤

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you

[@imgood2023]

Congrats Rachel! I’ve been hearing about people getting married before the wedding. It makes the process of planning the wedding less stressful and you’re not a the whim of wedding venue for the date of your wedding. Just a thought 😊

[@RachelSouthard]

That sounds so nice honestly. We’re talking about it :)

[@littlelemon846]

FM PGY2 here. I immediately shouted FM when you had to pick an alternative career! ❤ Also, I do too counsel patients on IUD placements and do them regularly and was on the fence for so long about getting one myself but ended up doing it and absolutely love it. BUT hands down the most painful procedure of my life (granted I had no anesthesia). Now I am doing paracervical blocks for every single patient of mine no matter if they tell me they have a high pain tolerance 😂

[@IK-fg4gw]

Can you guide me regarding FM

[@RachelSouthard]

Ugh! Good for you. I'm SUCH A CHICKEN!

[@nina27707]

Can you tell us more about management of endometriosis? 😢 many of us like you cannot be on ocps, because of the side effects. Would love to hear what you have to say about that too

[@tinamickelson9459]

I’ve been following you since you got into medical school! It’s been such an amazing experience to watch your journey.

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you for sticking around with me 😭

[@PocketsofProtein]

This was too good - please do a part 2!!

[@RachelSouthard]

So glad you liked it! I shall :) next month!

[@aah.2002]

Love these Q&As! Thank you for sharing tidbits of your life with us

[@RachelSouthard]

You are so welcome! :D

[@Odiekins]

I met my now husband, we went on three dates, and then made it official. A few weeks later, we said I love you. A month later, we moved in together. He wanted a wedding, I didn’t, so we went budget style! 50 people, only people we’ve spoken to in the last year including family, clearance section of David’s Bridal and Men’s Warehouse, made a playlist on an ipod, the venue was a local hall that was cabin style which made our theme easy… rustic! Spent under $2k for the whole thing. It can be done ❤

[@RachelSouthard]

Awh how special!! That's so awesome.

[@jaileneaxo5588]

I love your QAs, makes me really think about my own path in medicine (currently pre-med last semester in undergrad) & i would love to know- How much time are you spending outside of the hospital studying during residency? and what is it like to study in residency (school studying vs residency studying how much are the the same/different)

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you! I'm happy to hear that. Honestly......i should study more. But I really haven't done a lot. I do listen to CREOGs over Coffee podcast on the regular though. I get a lot of "studying" done by listening to them cause they essentially review ACOG practice bulletins. And then i do TrueLearn questions frequently. It's MUCH different--studying in med school vs residency. You learn SO MUCH at work, and it's quite draining, so when you get home...the last thing you can think to do is study.

[@jasmine07114]

I'm so happy to see you flourishing in this stage of life ❤️❤️

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you😭

[@dancingdolly8335]

It is lovely seeing you and Patrick so happy x

[@RachelSouthard]

thank you :) I'm very happy!

[@pc3721]

Thanks for reinforcing the work life balance piece

[@jademigneault6351]

This color looks so good on you! Thank you for the video :)

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@aesco510]

Soooo first i love watching your vids. 2nd and i cant believe im going to say this but i used to work for your mom and she used to have me pick u up frm high school! Omg! Its great to see you now!! Congratulations on residency and engagement!! Say hi to your parents!! Hope they remember me - Alicia

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you! ALICIA! I remember you omg. I'll have to tell my parents you say hi! How sweet. What a small world. I hope you're doing well. It's so nice to hear from you. What's your instagram?!

[@aesco510]

@@RachelSouthard its ali_n_daniel41510 side note: i remember when you guys got lily i think her name was she was the cute little black and white dog 😂 your mom would bring her to the office and she’d poop all over the place 😂😂😂 i was there when the office was in front of kaiser for a few yrs and then moved over by clawitter. I still live in hayward.

[@mykylacoleman598]

You are glowing!

[@Odiekins]

Do you have any plans on ways to change our broken medical system? Would love to see more doctors like you calling it out and identifying action items.

[@RachelSouthard]

If I had a solution, i would propose one. Right now, i'm simply identifying flaws. Always thinking of solutions though! Just haven't thought of any.

[@Odiekins]

@@RachelSouthard If there’s anyone who can make a difference, it’s definitely you! 🩶

[@karaandre9457]

I love the purple scrubs on you 🤩!!

[@JohanWXC]

I am four weeks into my OB rotation. I now have a consuming hatred of OB residents.

[@RachelSouthard]

): oh yikes why

[@JohanWXC]

@@RachelSouthard I enjoy the procedures, but the mistreatment of medical students is absolutely brutal. My twelve-hour shifts are followed by four hours of rumination/dread and eight hours of nightmares.

[@kiyahadams4504]

Love the scrub color!

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you! It's quite pretty!

[@dmd2803]

Hii Rachel, for your Q&A next month, I have a question about how long ago did you and Patrick meet ?

[@RachelSouthard]

About 5 yrs ago:)

[@user-ci4bh6cc5b]

I’m so happy for you Dr Rachel ❤

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you fam💕

[@14859hnl]

Have you ever considered freezing your eggs for peace of mind? In case TTC was trouble in the future. Heard you mentioning the whole biological clock and residency timeline. Great video!

[@RachelSouthard]

I’ve considered it. But havent really put much thought to it. Its expensive. ):

[@Tori.Rose2]

Have you been leaning towards doing a fellowship? Also, what are your thoughts on specifically being a laborist/obgyn hospitalist ?

[@RachelSouthard]

No thank you on the fellowship! I think they’re great positions honestly. And am definitely considering that for some point in my career

[@clintpotts5799]

I love Greys anatomy also, which made me enter the Medical Field. I love my job and how I impact my community.

[@RachelSouthard]

Freakin Greys hahah

[@jaileneaxo5588]

Question: I can't remember if you said this in a previous video or not, sorry if you did, was Patrick ever in the medical field?

[@RachelSouthard]

No, he wasn’t/is not :)

[@fran0162]

Dr. Rachel, you will never be ready to be a parent....when it happens, you will be ready :)

[@RachelSouthard]

ugh! so i've heard.

[@belinda642]

Hi Rachel, loved the video!! This might be a big ask, but any chance you can do a day in the life of an anesthesiologist you work with your field?

[@RachelSouthard]

I would love to! But i wouldn't be able to film inside the hospital ): so it would probably be a pretty boring video tbh

[@Kenna.Ambler]

I always look forward to your videos! 💕

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you Kenna

[@lizzyk3444]

I had an emergency c section at 31 weeks and 1 day due to pre term labor with footling breech twins and a resident did my c section! She was wonderful and I think about her often 🩷 I gave birth at a teaching hospital so lots of residents! those doctors that took care of me during my preterm labor (started at 29 weeks) through postpartum were angels from heaven 🩷

[@RachelSouthard]

Awh. I’m happy you were well taken care of 🥹💕

[@adriennegefre8341]

Love you so exciting to see your growth ❤

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you so much!!💜

[@devonterry9983]

Ditto on the IUD. Mine hurt so mfing bad and I won't do it again until we figure out how to make insertion suck less.

[@RachelSouthard]

YOUCHH! I'm sorry ):

[@emilyanderson5354]

I love my IUD (I am on my 2nd one) but the insertion was brutal. Good form of torture honestly, don't blame you!! Also I bought the calzuro clogs because of you and omg they are the best!!

[@RachelSouthard]

Ouch! Props to you for toughing it out! Ah! I love my calzuros so much.

[@jennyagbaeze]

Wooow, I’m glad I didn’t get it because I chickened out when the NP was getting ready to insert me! She made it seem like it wasn’t going to hurt too bad, but made me take a high dose of ibuprofen before the procedure 😭 I was going to get the (ParaGard) non-hormonal copper IUD

[@emilyanderson5354]

@@jennyagbaeze Even though it hurt, I love the IUD so much. It's the only birth control that works for me. I have had the Mirena for about 8 years

[@maureene7138]

So exicted for wedding planning

[@RachelSouthard]

Samesies!

[@Gladioli10]

Purple scrubs look very lovely on you 💜

[@RachelSouthard]

Oh thank you!

[@Odiekins]

Having MTHFR and suspected endo with super heavy painful periods was the Mirena. Girlllll, it ain’t NOTHIN to get that inserted. Take a couple tylenol, breathe through it, go home and take a nap.

[@RachelSouthard]

ouchhhhh

[@Odiekins]

@@RachelSouthard 😂🩶

[@clintpotts5799]

So my relative told me the Depo shot made her gain so much weight, is that the case with that form of birth control? I’ve heard of some people gaining a bit of weight but not doubling their weight. Everyone is so different and there’s so many factors including genetics, however if the physician noted the weight gain would a physician say we need to give you something else? Just curious on your perspective, ❤ Love you Dr. Southard.

[@RachelSouthard]

Weight gain can be a side effect with Depo Provera, yes. But not everyone with the injection gains weight. Everyones' body is so different! Trialing different forms of BC is always helpful. But for example, if someone complained of heavy, painful menses but wanted an IUD, i wouldn't recommend a copper IUD because those typically cause menses to be heavier.

[@RachelSouthard]

And sending love back to you :)

[@heathhunt1992]

Hey Rachel, in medical school, do students get to do rotations in every specialty? Therefore, students would have the idea of which specialty they want to do afterward. Additionally, is it possible to specialize in more than one specialty?

[@RachelSouthard]

Kind of just the main ones; FM, IM, surgery, EM, OBGYN. Like the core rotations. Then you can elect to do more specialized rotations (depending on the school of course). You typically will apply into a specialty, then do a fellowship. You typically don't do multiple.

[@heathhunt1992]

@RachelSouthard So it is not possible you can be an EM doctor on weekends and an FM doctor during the week?

[@heathhunt1992]

@RachelSouthard I'm thinking about the situation as having multiple trades under your belt. For example, FM is having a downturn situation, and you would rather do EM until things are more idea.

[@RuleMyWorld258]

how much do you/other residents rely on other professions? pharmacists/nurses, etc

[@RachelSouthard]

In what way? We all work together with inter-professional communication to care for patients :) so everyone has their role in patient care

[@Odiekins]

There’s never going to be a perfect time to have children either 😂

[@btskpop1930]

ccan u please give us advice about the research part in application to schools or hospitals......

[@jillsmith879]

What is your fiancé’s profession ?

[@RachelSouthard]

I'm going to get it wrong, BUT it's like Product Design Lead??? He's a designer. :)

[@kathiedepontbriand7258]

Thanks for sharing , 💗👍

[@corik1065]

I do ultrasound and won’t do the iud (or depo) because of what I see

[@RachelSouthard]

IUDs are really great though. There are the bad stories, as with anything. But majority are great experiences.

[@kookiesmj01]

Love you queen 💘

[@RachelSouthard]

Love you back!!

[@kaylapatek8421]

❤️❤️❤️

[@luchats]

You lowkey look like Dr. Daisy Sanchez

[@RachelSouthard]

Noooo wayyy

[@adriennegefre8341]

I thought you were taller! I don’t know why!!!

[@RachelSouthard]

You’re not the first to say that! Kinda why I wanted to include it :)

[@inesnakouri2574]

❤❤❤❤

[@b.bendova1767]

❤

[@linnsoltwedel]

Do you wear one scrub to go to work and put on another one? Here in Norway you are not allowed to wear personal scrubs in hospitals.

[@RachelSouthard]

When we are in the hospital, we have to wear hospital administered scrubs that are washed by the hospital. I can only wear my own scrubs to clinic.

[@jackiebeans2689]

💕💕💕💕🥳💫

[@fionaokeefe1906]

Why would people ask Rachel about birth control when she’s the doc who prescribes birth control😂

[@aleksandra4720]

Haiiii 🫶🤍🍂

[@sjf96]

There's a negative correlation of intelligence and consciousness (something doctors self select for) against number of children. Please don't deny the world your good genes, like that heritable medical proclivity. Don't overthink it, but don't be reckless

[@beatyz2]

5:54 life on opposite in Peds 😂 ew a pregnant person?!?! Call me when it's separated itself from my patient 😭 NICU sounds great ... except for all those BIRTHS you'll have to interact with.

[@RachelSouthard]

hahhaa love that

[@alexwatts1375]

How much money do you have?

[@RachelSouthard]

negative amount considering i'm >$350k in debt from medical school. Hahahha

[@Jatn253]

@@RachelSouthardlove your response hahaha

[@shikhak8280]

I’ve started my dream programme in OBGYN residency this year and also newly engaged… congratulations to you!! It’s so nice to hear someone in the same boat and feel the same feelings 😊

[@ayatahmed2001]

💖💖💖💖

[@IK-fg4gw]

❤