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

[@JakeGoodmanMD]

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

[@RachelSouthard]

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

[@NDMD]

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

[@familyoffour247]

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

[@Alyssav90]

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

[@Essays4College]

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

[@hi-ib1sh]

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

[@brittanymorgan9370]

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

[@Josh_love_]

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

[@sarapurdy6468]

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

[@darlaphelps9752]

How do u function working that many hours

[@jmjacquinot]

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

[@RachelSouthard]

Agreed

[@lindsaymorley9290]

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

[@RachelSouthard]

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

[@justaperson2653]

Amazing comment you spoke what's on our minds

[@1saamor897]

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

[@juancamargo1527]

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

[@RachelSouthard]

Doing my best! Thank you for the acknowledgement.

[@Olivia-ns5dj]

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

[@jules4226]

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

[@CathyHarrison-bd8vi]

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

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you Cathy 💕😭

[@danielaperez5230]

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

[@setayeshjahanbakhsh1343]

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

[@morganstewart3476]

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

[@starsier8100]

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

[@monephaengland3223]

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

[@ninal2098]

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

[@RachelSouthard]

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

[@karlastudy9357]

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

[@RachelSouthard]

Dang! Thank you for this 😭😭😭😭

[@Orchidsymbolism]

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

[@julial8880]

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

[@inesm01]

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

[@paolatrejo2624]

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

[@avaelysedo25]

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

[@zoelandskroner416]

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

[@betsybabf748]

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

[@nancyjohnson50]

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

[@AFrick-f3m]

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

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you😭

[@summerskillen7632]

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

[@cmconsultingservices8388]

Thank you for being so transparent!

[@dhiaxiong7876]

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

[@Vintage29478]

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

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you so much!

[@dactyll]

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

[@philaman1972]

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

[@LisaR-29]

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

[@acadkenz.9497]

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

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you so much for this comment honestly. 💕

[@LightMiley]

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

[@kathryn224]

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

[@RachelSouthard]

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

[@kathryn224]

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

[@danielsparks1848]

she has good skincare.

[@внєѕмѕ]

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

[@megancollins6672]

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

[@RachelSouthard]

Yay! Thank you!

[@GeorgeSouthard-s5f]

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

[@kylamaupin9668]

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

[@valleygirlgg]

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

[@celialusa9519]

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

[@sathva5512]

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

[@RachelSouthard]

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

[@tinytwinkletoes95]

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

[@michaelapaty3824]

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

[@DanielaOvares]

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

[@saturna4395]

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

[@petluv214]

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

[@chessc.3407]

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

[@nuriabeunk6155]

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

[@ashleypersaud6415]

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

[@mayagarza3830]

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

[@sheylatendero4867]

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

[@luna_211]

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

[@ailishkenrick389]

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

[@Acheampomaa100]

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

[@MrsMollyify]

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

[@2011Starrmom]

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

[@nicolemathews8786]

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

[@hasselflores]

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

[@lungilemanzini3116]

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

[@joreedo0830]

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

[@taylormcconnaughey1899]

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

[@marykneer9901]

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

[@nikscarolines6460]

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

[@leah_slv]

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

[@paulaloredo3206]

Still watching and still lovingggg

[@ciasan7165]

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

[@Ingooodhealth]

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

[@emilymortensen1606]

Its so cool how much you’ve learned over the past few months!

[@haileyflood2954]

Thank you, Rachel. You’re doing amazing!

[@project.voyage]

Love you Rachel!! You motivate me to keep going everyday!!

[@emilywatson6564]

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

[@amritd7530]

you're doing amazing things Rachel, thank you for putting kindness out into the world!

[@agemjourney5457]

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

[@analir7075]

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

[@fran0162]

Dr. Rachel, you are incredible...thank you for another great vlog!

[@katodan0611]

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

[@madisynglieden6841]

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

[@georgianaalexandra5395]

thank you so much for your content!! stay strong queen, you are doing amazing... soon you will definitely get used to the shifts. Sending love and support to you Rachel!

[@sydneymoore1493]

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

[@allisonsommars6488]

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

[@mikebee6530]

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

[@atikahyusni5763]

You have no idea how im grateful for this video ❤

[@javeriakhan7240]

im so incredibly proud of you rachel

[@lilybiacho893]

We love you! You are such an amazing inspiration.

[@candelalara3239]

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

[@larajohnson2759]

Your doing great! I am very happy for your success!

[@ashleynicolevaldivia4818]

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

[@ovardmelchior20120]

Tell us what we can do to help change the system!!!’ How do we change residency working conditions!?

[@RachelSouthard]

That’s the question of the century!

[@ovardmelchior20120]

@@RachelSouthard can residents unionize!? I feel like a nationwide boycott would be pretty damn effective!!! This is just inhumane. I worked nights as a nurse in L&D and I can’t imagine doing 24 hour shifts in that environment.

[@scribbitb.4519]

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

[@zoenmartinez-]

Hey Rachel! I have my first Med school interview tomorrow and needed some encouragement for the big day. Your videos help me so much when I need a little motivation. Your positivity through the hard times is truly inspirational. Thank you for continuing to make content for us!

[@insmniax3318]

Hey! How'd it go?

[@kathrynrachael]

you are so amazing and we appreciate you!

[@cestlavieeeee]

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

[@guillaume6373]

Thanks for working so hard to continue to bring us content!

[@miettehanowell5032]

You are doing amazing!! You inspire me so much and I love watching your videos before I go to bed!!🩵🩵

[@paulgorithm]

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

[@RachelSouthard]

😭🥹

[@angelreeeee]

Take care of yourself, Rachel

[@gemmaskye]

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