Q&A resolutions, pet peeves, introversion, goals, systemic probs | Dr. Rachel Southard

[@fran0162]

Dr. Rachel...never apologize for your current state of content. When you graduate residency...you will have a freedom to go in another direction.

[@nina27707]

I can't believe that being honest and expressing your struggles will classify you as incompetent, while everyone is having the same struggles.Moreover, you have shown nothing but healthy coping skills for medical residency struggles. you are precious and don't let anyone take that honesty from you!

[@ameliacallahan38]

I don’t know if you will see this…but you are doing amazing! Your channel has been incredibly helpful. Regardless of the numbers, you are still reaching people. Thank you for your constant inspiration and encouragement for all of your viewers. Keep being you! Your individuality is what makes you so special.

[@bbike2168]

I would ABSOLUTELY listen to your podcast😍

[@pc3721]

Thank God you don't make short content Rachel. You have so much to share and teach us- a 15 sec reel could NEVER!

[@madisonuddyback485]

Sticking with you until graduation and long after, even if it means less vlogging/interesting conversations. More than happy to support such a kind, caring, soul. Love getting to support such an advocate! Can’t wait not only for all the residency stories but also to see the content coming out in the more near future❤

[@meadowselizabeth]

I really learn so much from you. I've been able to find the courage to always keep moving forward despite personal setbacks because of your channel. So, no matter how long you do this, know that you've already made a huge contribution to so many people's lives.

[@rachelmorley7864]

Honestly short form content is so unhealthy for us and designed to be addicting- so I really appreciate it that your content isn't like that. Thank you for promoting content that is healthier to consume despite your numbers not being as "good" as others. At the end of the day those "better" numbers are doing harm to peoples brains

[@farehaam]

Rachel, your content has always been unique and will always hold a special place for viewers like me who’ve been following your journey since your first year of medical school. So proud of all you’ve accomplished and endlessly inspired by you, fellow red ant! ❤

[@rambleon57]

PLEASE RACHEL!! Stop comparing yourself to others. Your content, exactly however you've seen fit for your life, has been amazing! We love you and YOUR journey, so keep doing what you're doing without the pressure! We're here with you!

[@paytongreen9137]

I’m so with you! I love your videos and your educational segments. I feel like I learn so much from your long form content!

[@heybridgeey]

Rachel, thank you SO much for your vulnerability. I am in my intern year of OB/GYN residency and really struggling with how overwhelming it all is, especially as an introvert. Trying to get on top of all there is to study while being told you don’t come to enough social events. Faculty telling you you need to be more confident and less shy. Co-residents seeming “smarter” because they speak up at the first moment they get while you prefer to take in the information and process on your own. It’s all really hard and I so appreciate you talking about this! Makes me feel less alone as an introvert in this field. I really look up to you and am so proud of you as a long time viewer

[@lindsaysee]

It’s so sad you’re not allowed to film in the hospital. As a doctor, you clearly have good judgement, and you would never put patient privacy at risk for your own benefit. You should also not feel self conscious about putting the same content out over and over. Your content is an accurate reflection of life - which is a lot of repetitiveness - and it’s real. I appreciate you continuing to do what you do.

[@carolinacastro8229]

Med Student from Brazil here.. Rachel, you are such a inspiration for me, you have no idea. You got me through pre med times and the firsts years of medical school. You inspire me to become a resident doctor in the US. Im currently studying for the STEP 1 . Please, i love your content and every fase of them. You really make a difference in this medical world.

[@midlifestudentlife]

As a mature student who had 1 career for 25 yrs and is now back to school, I love that you have shared the desire to continuing to learn and possibly change careers in the future. Staying open to possibilities is the best for lifelong learning.

[@teeresagai]

Dr. Rachel you are doing amazing! I enjoy your content just the way it is. Just you taking the time during your busy residency life to create and share vlogs is greatly appreciated. Your wedding plan sounds perfect congratulations again to you and Patrick may your upcoming union be blessed for many years.

[@Tori.Rose2]

Just want to share that I personally am big on long form content and very much so prefer it ❤️❤️ thank you for it !! Also love your new merch

[@wethenorth6437]

I watch Shawn Andersen who is a medical resident and he also talks about his whole life not being about medicine and that he has other goals and ambitions and I couldn't agree more. He wants to run marathons, expand his blogging and see some of the world which are admirable goals. You do you and that's all that matters. Love You and keep doing what makes you happy and content and the rest will fall into place. XO

[@elisereehl]

I would love to listen to a podcast about women’s health, healthcare policy, balancing work and taking care of yourself, ect!

[@chanelsijalbo]

Hi Rachel! Also an introverted medical professional here. Wish I could say the same about having that super power to center yourself lol. Anyway, you never lost yourself and who you are in this world of influencing and social media, and for that reason I continue to watch your videos! I can't wait for you to graduate and see the depths that your content/vlogs will go!

[@nevertheless2024]

Thank you for your vulnerability and always being you ❤️

[@jazstackhouse985]

5 minutes into the vlog and I just want to stop and say thank you for sharing your experience- your life with us! I happily watch every video you upload and truly enjoy your content. I’m here for what your channel has to offer- don’t feel that you have to change or that you’re not doing enough because you are!! More than enough. I also work in the medical field- in the hospital, and it is so true that the medical field is very toxic! The things that we’re expected to normalize just because we are a hospital worker is just out of this world. Continue to do the best you can and remember that you are a person first. *insert your slogan here* ❤❤❤

[@mijmij8]

rachel you are so special, we will be here for the road until you graduate and beyond. I am so sorry to see that work has put such creative limitations on your content. in the future, we hope that medicine will change and we look forward to seeing what you will accomplish with all the experiences you cumulated and the influence you have from social media

[@CircaOG7]

General Surgery PGY 5 here. I completely get that sentiment about the feeling more shy to answer questions. I still am that way. It doesn't mean you can't be shy at that and very confident in other things. Like I can make good decisions when it comes to patient care and I cannot say the same about other people that I know are super confident answering questions during didactics. I know I can do the actual job 10x better than them in terms of technical ability and decision making. It's a lot of information and you will be wrong at times. It gets better with time. Don't let being more timid get in the way of you doing procedures and stuff because that a pitfall I have seen some people go into (who actually have the ability and the manual dexterity and decision making to be excellent). You just have to put yourself and your feelings about yourself aside in order to take care of the person in front of you who doesn't care about your feelings. Long story short. Don't let that get in the way of learning how to apply information and knowing when to be more/or less aggressive in application and patient management. Godspeed! Do you have a video on your ring? jw. It looks pretty. Congrats.

[@rinoamoruso5760]

Dr Rachel, as others have said do not apologize, that’s what’s great about you and why we love to watch you. As for those other trendy tubers, I don’t know why society gives them any mind smdh. Love to follow your journey please keep it up ❤️❤️🙏🙏

[@bowleggz1003]

Dr. Rachel, I enjoy watching your videos. I'm a second year medical student who is currently struggling with imposter's syndrome and I'm also an introvert who wishes to disappear in large rooms of ppl and chaos. I also try and protect my energy too as much as possible. I have started going back to the gym to try and help with school stress. I really appreciate your honesty and having this platform for medical students. I can't wait to get to where you are in residency. Congratulations on ur engagement and hope u plan a wonderful small wedding.

[@nataliapoloche1130]

Hi Rachel, thank you so much for sharing and being honest and vulnerable with us. So much of what you said resonated with meee. Podcast 10/10 idea! Sending a big hug your way !

[@lindsaymorley9290]

Audio sounded great Rachel! Your wedding plan sounds lovely - I understand if you want to keep wedding photos private but I would LOVE to see a photo of you in your dress!!!! I appreciate how much thought you put into your content, you are my favorite channel to watch for a reason. I would love a podcast from you!! Maybe focus more on you/life instead of medicine?

[@Dr.AbdulQadeer]

Not a question, Just a confession. You are my fav. I have been following you for last 3 years!

[@TheButtercake23]

You inspire me so much. I work in veterinary medicine and the toxicity is still there. Hearing people being told they are too “sensitive” for a doctorate program is insane. It infuriates me and I speak on it as much as I can.

[@takomedical]

As an OBGYN registrar myself I completely understand the struggle. Keep your head up and as a viewer, I do enjoy your content. Thank you for being you!

[@shandisfancher8766]

This thumbnail is so cute, I love all the art you’ve been adding 💕🌸

[@SandyMath-xq5ve]

I really enjoy your vlogs - I’m not in medicine but have been a union member and strong advocate for treating people well and questioning the status quo in work/school situations that are problematic and sometimes abusive. So I think we share a mindset and determination to reduce unnecessary stress and abuse in these settings. Thank you for all that you share. ❤

[@nikkirenee5696]

I gave up short form content pretty much all together. I’m tired of it. I’m 27 lower income in Ohio. I work in health care (surgical tech) and my husband has a regular job too. I DO NOT CARE to see what new plastic organizer or new $100 top girls are buying. I want my content longer form. I want to learn. I want to see different perspectives. I want to grow as a human. Not be sold another thing.

[@Lorizmoreno21]

I really appreciate your hard work . I hope this year brings a lot of blessings and opportunities for you.

[@ahoward3819]

You should totally do your wedding your way. A large wedding doesn’t mean it isn’t about love though. We had a 150 people at our wedding.we had a long engagement because I was in school and then got very ill. We wanted people that had loved us through difficult times, friends, family and special people to us there. Everyone says ours was their favorite wedding and we had everyone in tears in the ceremony. You can keep it very special even if more people are there. I only say this because you should keep it in mind for your larger celebration in a year. Try to keep it really special and meaningful to you and Patrick.

[@shreyamedschoolgirl]

I get it Rachel. I’ve been following your journey for a long time and I understand what you are going through. Medicine is a hard field and there is so much trauma bonding that happens

[@rebeccalohman6179]

Hi from a silent follower since before medical school!! Thank you for continuing to share your life and I love your true, authentic content

[@trinitycook529]

Rachel!!! Long time lurker (ms1 days). I’ve never engaged but always respected and rooted for you. I can see how heavy your heart is. Your content has always been refreshing, honest, and intimate. It’s what I love about you. I deleted almost all social media and I specifically watch KZbin for a select few people like you. Trends are just that, trends. Your content is consistent and you’ve built a base of people who truly care for YOU and this journey you’re on. You’re really restricted right now but this is a season of life. IMO the quality of your supporters is better than the quantity and you’ve built a really beautiful thing. We are here until you decide you don’t want to do this anymore (I hope you never do). I just respect you so much, Rachel. Keep fighting the good fight

[@keanna6856]

I would listen to your podcast! ❤

[@tristabella2297]

Yes for a podcast

[@marie-piertheriault1226]

Thank you for sharing you thought and feeling lately. I love your videos so much.

[@jordanagoldman6051]

I’ve been following your channel since my senior year of IM residency and I feel like many people can’t appreciate just how little free time there is most days that you are working in the hospital. Patient care can often consume your whole entire day from the moment you walk in the door until the moment you get home. It’s really unrealistic to vlog regularly during residency training just from a practical standpoint, and on top of that, the content that would likely be most interesting to viewers is not hipaa compliant. Anyway, I love your current era and wanted to wish you congrats on your upcoming wedding - you deserve only happiness and all the best!

[@emSayLove]

To expand on the nutrition topic, chronic disease influences can be multifactorial and not primarily caused by food or always by lack of nutrition- with poor nutrition comes a whole host of related and more somewhat unrelated social determinants of health (not to mention the pandemic we've been in where there have been viral-induced chronic ailments, Long Covid, that we still don't have adequate treatments for). Also, addressing things like how people can build better health habits related to food, or better yet directing people to better information or professionals who work with nutrition as their scope of practice, would be more beneficial than outright claiming foods as toxic. I'm not sure if you've touched on these topics in other videos, but wanted to mention them in case they weren't. And thanks for continuing to share your work with us and I love being able to listen to your insights into the OBGYN world!☺

[@RachelSouthard]

Definitely have touched on those things you’ve mentioned. And yes, chronic disease influences are multifactorial. But I think that if we changed our nutrition/foods, it would fix a whole lot, then influence other factors in one’s life etc. that would further improve one’s health. Just thoughts and theories.

[@karenc4309]

Thank you so so much for this chat video. As a pre med it is incredibly valuable to hear a doctor say that we live to be humans. It is an opinion that me too I have but the environment is so competitive it feels as if its a crime to think this way. ❤❤

[@emiliap1694]

Thank you for another video. We love you and we do appreciate it

[@Billy33753]

Best wishes to the new year!

[@emilydaniels5886]

Rachel, I’ve been meaning to comment on one of your videos for quite some time, but I wanted to let you know that I started watching your videos as a pre-med, and you have always been a guiding light and a “comfort person” for me. After my second year of medical school, I decided to take a year long leave of absence because I was (a) not being fulfilled and the sacrifices were not worth it for me anymore (b) my mental health was suffering greatly and (c) the systemic issues in medical training and the American healthcare system in general were deeply troubling and disturbing to me. I ultimately did not return to medical school because I found a career that I absolutely love and that allows me to have freedom and flexibility to be a human. Disclaimer-I was blessed to be able to make that decision from the deepest part of myself and not have to weigh student loan debt as a factor, because my mom serves in the military and transferred her GI bill to me, which completely covered my education. All of that to say-I left the medical field 2 years ago and I STILL religiously watch your videos. Anyone who has been in the medicine/healthcare can empathize with the fact that you aren’t able to film inside the hospital. Your viewers watch your content for YOU. You are a genuinely good person and your approach to life and your work resonates with people regardless of their profession. Your voice is so necessary in this field. I served as the first “Wellness Representative” within student government for my class and advocated for policies and programs to enhance student wellness and wellbeing. It gives me hope that medical schools are slowly prioritizing the mental health and treatment of their students. Medical students and residents need you to continue speaking out. Change takes a long time, but people like you are at the forefront. Please keep being you, and don’t worry about the viewer numbers. Your long-form content is a breath of fresh air after ingesting so many Tik Toks every day 😅 And forget the little mic if it feels weird-your audio was already perfect!

[@pilarrodriguez5133]

Would love a podcast💕

[@kathythompson815]

you are the best Rachel! ♥

[@gregzgurl2004]

Your comments on school lunches and nutrition were interesting. I’m not sure if you remember when Michelle Obama tried to make school lunch programs better/healthier. The pushback was fierce. A great documentary is “Fed Up” which examines the many influences of our health and nutrition. Also, we know some families cannot afford to buy school lunches as it is. Who pays for the healthier food because prices will most likely increase? It is an issue with so many components and factors. I agree nutrition cannot fall solely to medical professionals. Currently, our weight management/dietary counseling program is at six months to be seen. So many issues at hand and no simple solutions. I’ve been in Ob-Gyn medicine for over 30 years and feel so passionate about my patients but am so worried about the state of health care.

[@jaimie4011]

POD cast would be fun! ❤

[@angel8223]

I could watch you sit down and talk forever... u don't need to worry about not vloging

[@edwardleecaliforniausa]

Hi Rachel how are you happy Saturday night to you and I hope you having amazing day and you are amazing supporter

[@stephanieoregan]

Sending you the BIGGEST WARMEST HUG ❤

[@mrs.g8839]

Very valid points throughout this vlog Rachel! I feel the same about online content for sure.

[@alineadren8634]

I completely agree on several points, particularly the fact that one can be criticized for showing emotions or being introverted (which is very destabilizing and unfair), on food, on wanting to do something other than medicine, and on intimate weddings. Your vlogs and FAQs bring something that isn't found in other vlogs or short videos: honesty, humanity, and the right words (which help us realize with relief that we’re not the only ones experiencing certain situations) By the way, unrelated, I'm also a doctor, in my early thirties, and I have a maternity project (not right away). There's a book that helped me and could be interesting for following pregnant women we meet: Matrescence by LucyJones. very useful. I know it's almost impossible to read anything else when you're so limited by work, but if you ever have a quieter moment...

[@gloriinher40s]

I can't hear someone say "you are what you eat" without immediately thinking, "from your head down to your feet" thank you childhood PSAs 22:50

[@Emily31662]

I 100% agree with you on the short form and trendy content. I don’t feel good when I consume a lot of that

[@RiveraMartinezVivianaSarahí]

Hey Rachel! Been here since you were in 1st year of med school. Even tho at the end of the day i didn choose medicine your content will always be my favorite. You can advise us about life style or hormones ? Love from a Mexican gurl ❤

[@jessicar173]

Yay! Congratulations

[@Dustballcharlie]

You be you ❤

[@sa-eq1li]

I would definitely watch a podcast!

[@clintpotts5799]

Love you rachel

[@alyssad7019]

love the mic!

[@janeellis4926]

Your waiting sounds amazing. I'm a cancer patient so very curious about your post residency comments

[@janeellis4926]

I meant your wedding sounds amazing. Enjoy it!

[@shandisfancher8766]

Oo I’m interested to hear about your goals/resolutions! This year I’m working on applying to residency and improving my finances (which kind of has to happen because of the first…). I still haven’t decided between pedi surg via the gen surg route or OB/GYN. I love L&D but it seems like the intensity contributes to burnout..? And I love surgery but I feel like GYN surgery only might put me in a box..? I have a one year old boy and I’m nervous for either one being brutal as far as time away from family is concerned. Pedi surg is a longer path than OB/GYN generalist… I know it’s a decision I need to come to myself but any advice is welcome😬

[@BabyDee72]

Happiest of 2025 to you and yours❤

[@arigrande2647]

ohhh heyyy I recognize that canva art 🤩

[@nina27707]

anhedonia - the feeling you were naming

[@coralholt6363]

Rachel have you used the Thermacare stick on heating pads? They’ve been a life saver for cramps especially when I need to be up moving around!

[@lexy3225]

hi rachel i’m not sure if you’ll even see this but i have been watching your content since you got into medical school! i enjoy your content even though i am usually a silent supporter. i love watching medical content especially since i am also in the medical field! i was wondering if you could do like case reviews like talking about something you might have experienced/seen in the hospital but also changing information due to HIPAA lol but idk i think it would be cool!! i don’t work in the realm of L&D but would love to learn about emergencies and such!

[@Shadow_Medicine]

You should do a reaction series on the tv show "This is going to hurt" which is based on the dark side of medicine specifically the OBS/GYN speciality !

[@Odiekins]

Have you tried a stick on tens unit for pelvic pain?? I’ve heard great things.

[@RachelSouthard]

No I haven’t!

[@sqanadilo4492]

Offer the patients to insert the speculum. It helps me so much ❤

[@chenghaoliu5073]

She just a chill girl

[@RachelSouthard]

She is

[@HabibMhdSaleh]

Vielen Dank für deine spontanen und regelmäßigen Worte? Ich stelle jedoch zum zweiten Mal eine kurze Frage acht Körperkomponenten Physiologie? Verantwortlichkeiten oder Quellen Ernährungsberater?

[@Odiekins]

Did your program ask you to stop vlogging in the hospital??

[@alyssad7019]

do you have PMDD possibly? I have it. Your symptoms seem similar. Sending love.

[@joshmcgoo]

Wow, I’m an OG? Wild

[@b.bendova1767]

❤

[@Lumberjack.guy5973]

Hello 👋

[@theflash5523]

Program probably doesn’t want her talking about her experience going through the program cause it might make the program or hospital look bad. Typical medicine/business politics.

[@diananikk]

I’ve never been this early lol

[@janetmoreno21]

I don’t like the mic. The audio isn’t as good and it is distracting how you have to hold it the entire time.

[@Emily31662]

It’s sad that you are perceived that way for showing something that a lot of other people face. As if it’s better to pretend? That’s when things get worse.

[@Gwendolineeve]

PLEASE, I'd rather you post when you WANT to than when you feel obligated to...The content is better when you want to upload rather than because you have to

[@user-iu5pl1de5d]

I don’t know if ist because of the camera angle or the lense but your hand looks so big while talking 😂- kinda funny . I was so confused for a second 2:21

[@lindsaysee]

It’s so sad you’re not allowed to film in the hospital. As a doctor, you clearly have good judgement, and you hold never put patient privacy at risk for your own benefit. You should also not feel self conscious about putting the same content out over and over. Your content is an accurate reflection of life - which is a lot of repetitiveness - and it’s real. I appreciate you continuing to do what you do.