Bundle Of Hers

Remember writing your medical school personal statement—the carefully crafted story about who you were and the physician you hoped to become? Years later, after exams, long nights, and countless moments of doubt and growth, how closely does that version of you match the person you are now? In the season eight finale of BUNDLE OF HERS, Hạ, Laurel, and Sanila revisit the words they wrote at the very beginning of their medical journeys. Together, they reflect on the challenges that changed them, the identities they fought to hold onto, and how their definitions of success have evolved.

Many medical students enter training with a clear picture of what lies ahead—rigorous studying, long hours, and the expectation that it will be more endurance than enjoyment. Austen sits down with the “Pizza Girls”—Anna Tidwell, Taylor Christensen, Jade Kho, Rachael Thorpe, and Gracie Bradford—to reflect on the assumptions they carried into medical school, which ones proved true, and which ones quietly fell apart along the way. From expecting constant stress to being surprised by moments of joy, the group explores how early perceptions shape the way they experience growth, success, and even their own well-being.

Medical students and residents work side by side every day—but they often experience the same environment in completely different ways. Through honest stories and shared experiences, Lilly, Sanila, and Austen reflect on the unique dynamic between medical students and residents during clinical training. From the student perspective, there is pressure to perform, contribute, and prove you belong. From the resident side, it is about managing patients, staying afloat, and teaching at the same time. Somewhere in the middle of those competing priorities is where real learning happens.

Getting into medical school was supposed to be the dream. Then the next goal appears—pre-clinicals, Step exams, clinical rotations, sub-internships, residency. In medicine, the finish line always seems to move. Sanila and Hạ are joined by third-year medical student Puja Batchu to explore the culture of constant milestones in medical training. Achievement does not always bring the satisfaction expected. When success becomes routine, and the next evaluation is always around the corner, it can be difficult to pause and celebrate progress.

Medical school teaches anatomy, physiology, and clinical reasoning—but some of the most powerful lessons never appear in a syllabus. The hidden curriculum refers to the unspoken rules, behaviors, and cultural expectations that trainees absorb simply by existing within the system. Laurel, Hạ, and Lilly unpack how the hidden curriculum shapes professional identity in medicine. From navigating hierarchy and managing emotions to learning what is considered "good enough," these informal lessons can sometimes support growth—and sometimes quietly reinforce harmful expectations. The trio reflects on the gap between what medical education teaches and what trainees actually experience.

Medical training often presents a clear, linear path: apply, match, specialize, advance. But real careers rarely unfold that neatly. Hạ is joined by Josh Bell, Amber Gautam, and Emilee Tu for a conversation about how careers actually take shape. They reflect on how they once envisioned their futures in medicine, the pivots and moments of ambiguity that challenged those early plans, and the external—and internal—pressures that quietly shape career decisions. From "aha" moments to values-based decision-making, this discussion reframes career choice not as a single defining path, but as an evolving process.

We talk about resilience like it is a requirement. But what happens when handling hard things does not feel strong—it just feels heavy? Austen, Hạ, and Lilly unpack what self-care and mental health actually mean beyond the buzzwords. They reflect on the messages they absorbed about stress, strength, and asking for help, and how those narratives shape how they cope. The conversation also explores how culture, professional identity, and institutional power dynamics influence whether trainees feel "allowed" to struggle or seek support, and how peers can show up for one another with care and boundaries.

Indigenous health disparities did not happen by accident—and they cannot be understood without acknowledging history. Internal medicine–Pediatrics resident Brittany Begaye joins Lilly for a conversation about Indigenous health, identity, and returning home to practice medicine. They explore how colonization, displacement, and systemic neglect shaped the health gaps we see today, and how intergenerational trauma continues to live in the body and in health care systems. Through personal stories and shared reflections from their medical training, Lilly and Brittany highlight the power of community, cultural connection, and advocacy in building more equitable care.

Mistakes happen in medicine—even when intentions are good. Sanila is joined by fellow MS4, Abby Hamilton, and Dr. Julie Thomas, a practicing rheumatologist and ethics educator, to unpack what "first, do no harm" really means in real-world clinical care. They explore the emotional weight of medical mistakes, the fear and silence that often follow unintended harm, and how clinicians can move forward with accountability, humility, and compassion. The conversation reframes imperfection not as failure, but as an opportunity to repair trust, strengthen patient relationships, and grow into more thoughtful, ethical physicians.

You can be surrounded by people and still feel deeply alone. Laurel, Hạ, and Austen unpack how loneliness shows up in medical training and practice—not as physical isolation, but as emotional and social disconnection. They reflect on when loneliness hits hardest, when it eases, and what helps them feel seen in high-pressure environments. The conversation also explores how disconnection among clinicians shapes the care we give and the relationships we build with patients.

Medical training has a way of quietly reshaping who you are—sometimes faster than you realize. Former BUNDLE OF HERS co-host Harjit Kaur joins Hạ and Lilly for an honest reflection on the gap between who we thought we would be as physicians and who we are becoming in the process. They unpack identity, burnout, and the systems that make it hard to show up as whole people in medicine. From policy frustrations to emotional exhaustion, they discuss how to reclaim parts of yourself, redefine success, and give yourself grace while learning to practice medicine in a way that still feels human.

Perfection sneaks into medical training so quietly that you may not notice the weight of it—until you are already carrying too much. Austen and Sanila are joined by classmate, Jade Kho, for a conversation about imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and the moments that made them question whether they were "good enough" for medicine. They unpack the hidden standards students carry, the struggle of wanting to excel while still learning, and how reframing self-doubt can open the door to actual growth. For anyone who has ever felt behind, inadequate, or like everyone else has it figured out—this one is for you.

Walking into medical school without a roadmap hits differently when you are the first in your family to do it. No insider language, no built-in mentors, no one who can explain the difference between Step exams, clerkships, and the hidden curriculum everyone else seems to know. Kirsten Myers, PGY-3 in neurology, joins Lilly to talk about navigating medicine as a first-gen trainee—what it feels like, what it demands, and what it teaches you. They dig into the confusion, the pressure, and the unexpected strengths that come from forging your own path.

This season's IDENTITY SERIES episode spotlights new co-host Sanila as she brings along three friends from different chapters of her life to reflect on the milestones that shaped her continuing growth. Through stories of childhood quirks, academic pivots, community roots, and the struggles that made her stronger, the four friends explore how identity is built over time—and how hindsight reveals just how far we have come.

"Should I go to medical school or pursue research?" Hannah Happ joins Laurel and Hạ for a straightforward conversation about the MD, PhD, and MD/PhD paths—why they chose their routes and the lessons learned along the way. From career goals to identity, personality fit, and the day-to-day realities of each track, they offer insights into understanding what each journey looks like and how to choose the path that feels right for you.

Nearly one in four adults lives with a disability—but in medicine, disability is often treated as something to "fix" rather than understand. Hạ and Laurel discuss disability in medicine—what the term actually means, why it matters, and how it manifests in both medical training and patient care. From neurodiversity and trauma-informed practice to the ableism built into training systems, the conversation explores how rethinking disability can make medicine more compassionate, inclusive, and human.

In the season eight premiere of BUNDLE OF HERS, Lilly, Austen, and Sanila get real about what it means to face challenges in medicine—and how those moments shape who you become. From juggling self-doubt and identity pressures in med school to navigating the steep learning curve of residency, they open up about the struggles that pushed them to grow. Together, they introduce this season’s theme, “Growth Through Challenge,” and talk about the messy, honest side of becoming a doctor.

Discovery is not always a bold breakthrough—it is often what quietly emerges after the questions, the challenges, and the moments when you are not sure where the path is leading. In the season seven finale of BUNDLE OF HERS, Laurel, Hạ, and Alizah reflect on what they have uncovered about themselves, their surrounding relationships, and their roles in medicine. As they revisit moments that challenged their perspectives and share what they are still figuring out, they open up about the discomfort of not having it all together—and the strength in embracing that truth. Through vulnerability, curiosity, and connection, this conversation celebrates how the process of discovery shapes who we are becoming.

Intern year is a whirlwind—one filled with overwhelming responsibility, steep learning curves, and moments of deep self-doubt. It is the year new doctors step into roles that test their stamina, skills, and sense of self—all while learning how to care for others and themselves at the same time. Mariam and Lilly open up about the emotional and physical toll of residency's first year. Through honest reflection, they explore the differences and parallels in their experiences, from coping with the stress and anxiety of long hours to confronting the high expectations that do not always match the realities of their knowledge and training. They share hard-earned insights, small victories, and gentle reminders that even when it feels like you are barely keeping up, you are still doing a good job—and that matters.

Not all medical training paths follow a straight line. For some physicians, the journey includes a preliminary year—a one-year position in a specialty like internal medicine or surgery that provides clinical training before transitioning into their chosen field. Lilly is joined by fellow prelims Shima, Jenna, and Lena for a candid conversation about navigating this in-between space in training. Together, they share personal stories from the year and explore what it means to grow, adapt, and discover who you are in a year that is as formative as it is unpredictable.

Medical education is known for its demanding structure, but the toll it takes on students and physicians is rarely addressed with the same intensity. Nearly 30% of medical students experience depression, and rates of suicidal ideation are alarmingly high—three times greater than their same-age peers. Residents and attending physicians face similar challenges, often without access to the care and support they need. Dr. Jenny Wei and third-year medical student Sanila Math join the conversation with Austen to explore the culture of rigidity in medicine—from its historical roots to its present-day consequences—across every stage of training. Together, they reflect on the weight of burnout and the importance of questioning systems that no longer serve doctors' well-being.

Despite Latine individuals making up nearly 20% of the U.S. population, they remain vastly underrepresented in medicine. With the Latine community projected to reach 111.2 million by 2060, the lack of diversity in health care raises concerns about access, language concordance, and culturally competent care. Vida Sandoval and Marisol Solis from La Comunidad en Medicina join Hạ for a conversation to discuss the challenges and triumphs of being Latine in medicine. They explore how representation impacts patient outcomes, the importance of building a supportive community in the medical field, and the steps needed to create a more inclusive and equitable health care system.

Grief is an inevitable part of life, but for physicians, it often exists in tension with the expectation to keep moving forward. While they provide care and comfort to others, how do they make space for their own losses? Medical student Kate Tyler joins Lilly for a raw conversation about the emotional weight of grieving in medicine and the challenges of balancing personal and professional loss. They explore how grief shapes difficult conversations, influences goals of care, and highlights the importance of truly being present with patients and their families at the end of life. This episode is dedicated to Alia Kanishka, Jane Tyler, and all those lost to devastating illnesses like terminal cancer.

Universal health care is a system in which all individuals can have access to essential medical services without financial hardship. While more than 70 countries provide some form of universal health care, the structure and effectiveness of these systems vary. In contrast, millions worldwide still face significant barriers to care due to high costs, lack of coverage, or systemic inequalities. Internal medicine resident Siale Teaupa joins Hạ for a conversation exploring the complexities of health systems and the ongoing debate over universal health care. They discuss the pros and cons of health care models, the challenges of ensuring equitable access, and the fundamental question—is health care a human right?

In high-stakes careers like medicine and research, the weight of responsibility can feel all-consuming. However, maintaining a strictly stoic demeanor can unintentionally create distance. Studies show that play and humor are essential for mental well-being, helping to reduce stress, build resilience, and even improve team dynamics. When physicians allow moments of lightness and authenticity, they can break down barriers, making patients feel more comfortable, heard, and willing to share crucial information. Laurel is joined by psychiatry resident Baley Kynaston and bioinformatics grad student Joshua Major-Mincer to explore the importance of staying silly in a serious job. In a lighthearted and candid conversation, they discuss how humor and authenticity can coexist with professionalism, why self-expression is essential for well-being, and how finding the right moments for levity can strengthen personal resilience and patient trust.

The doctor-patient relationship is one of the most critical elements in delivering effective and compassionate care. Research shows trust and communication between doctors and patients can significantly influence treatment outcomes, patient satisfaction, and adherence to medical advice. However, in today’s fast-paced health care environment, cultivating meaningful connections can often feel challenging. Psychiatrist Dr. Rana Jawish joins Austen and Alizah to explore the art of fostering genuine relationships in medicine. They discuss the importance of maintaining humanity in the brief but impactful moments shared with patients, navigating the inherent power dynamic between doctor and patient, and the need to validate and respect each individual’s experience.

Health policy refers to the decisions, plans, and actions taken to achieve specific health care goals within a society. Globally, health policy plays a pivotal role in addressing issues such as infectious diseases, access to care, and preventive health services. However, disparities persist, particularly in low- and middle-income communities, where funding constraints and misaligned priorities can significantly impact health outcomes. In S7E17, internal medicine resident Siale Teaupa joins Hạ and Alizah to discuss the complex world of health policy and global health. They explore how global health policies shape medical practices, the challenges arising from limited funding and resource allocation, and the changes needed to create more equitable and effective healthcare systems worldwide.

Medical professionals are often so focused on caring for others that they overlook their own well-being. Yet, prioritizing just 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and anxiety. Despite these benefits, many medical students struggle to find time for self-care amidst their demanding studies. In S7E16, medical student Cassidy Nguyen joins Lilly and Hạ to discuss the importance of balancing life outside of medicine, highlighting how physical wellness can reduce burnout and improve overall well-being. They explore self-care as a long-term investment that fosters both personal and professional growth.

Societal pressures often skew our understanding of success toward performance metrics, making it seem almost synonymous with external achievements. However, finding a personal definition of success that goes beyond external validation is essential for personal growth and overall well-being. True success involves aligning your values and passions with your goals. In S7E15, Alizah and Austen engage in a thought-provoking conversation with fellow medical student Jacob Taylor about the evolving concept of success. Together, they reflect on their own goals and consider whether their pursuits genuinely fulfill them—or if they are merely climbing someone else’s mountain.

An estimated 1.14% of the U.S. population—around 3 million people—identify as transgender, yet many face significant barriers when accessing health care. The medical field has traditionally been structured without considering the unique needs of trans individuals, resulting in substantial gaps in care and understanding. In S7E14, Laurel and Hạ talk with Jane Hiatt about the challenges trans people encounter while navigating the health care system and emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive provider training in trans health. They discuss how compassionate, informed patient care is essential to building a more inclusive and equitable medical environment that effectively serves all patients.

Diversity of thought should be the foundation for respectful discussions and the broadening of perspectives. In the complex world of medicine, effective collaboration is crucial, yet conflicting opinions and divisions can often impede progress. In S7E13, Austen is joined by fellow medical students Anna Tidwell and Jade Kho to discuss how opposing viewpoints can lead to conflict, stifle growth, and obstruct the achievement of both personal and patient-focused goals. The conversation explores the importance of engaging in constructive dialogue, knowing when to walk away from unproductive discussions, and the need for mutual respect, clear intent, and open-mindedness in fostering successful teamwork within the medical field.

Approximately 5% of medical students and 3% of practicing physicians report having a chronic illness or disability. For these individuals, balancing being a patient and a health care provider can present unique challenges. In S7E12, Hạ and guest Eunice Bajomo discuss navigating the medical field with a chronic medical condition. Eunice, who is both a patient and a medical student, shares her insights on creating positive health care experiences and highlights the need for improved training in caring for patients with chronic conditions. Understanding these challenges can lead to more compassionate and inclusive health care practices.

This season's fourth and final IDENTITY SERIES episode spotlights Laurel and their journey of self-exploration. Close friends Hạ and Abby Jones join the conversation to describe Laurel's character, highlighting the qualities that make them a cherished friend and individual. The group explores the nuances of identity, friendship, and personal growth, offering a candid look into Laurel's ongoing journey of self-discovery.

In the third episode of this season's IDENTITY SERIES, Lilly and Mariam share a thoughtful and honest conversation about the power and privilege of wearing the white coat that signifies a duty to serve and advocate for patients. The two talk about their lived experiences growing up brown and how it instilled a responsibility to promote change and advocate for their communities and future patients.

The second episode of this season's IDENTITY SERIES spotlights "compassionate ambition," a commitment to excellence that vehemently denies individualism and originates in community betterment. Alizah is joined by her cousin, Kesaia Akau, for a conversation about their families' migrant legacy, and how the values and principles instilled by their ancestors guide them toward success.

Every patient brings a unique narrative when they come into the doctor's office. Patients who feel heard, seen, and valued by their health care providers have better health outcomes and higher levels of satisfaction with their care. Storytelling plays a crucial role in achieving this by preserving cultures, sharing family histories, and connecting us to our roots and identities. Recognizing and valuing each patient’s story can lead to more empathetic and effective treatment. In S7E7, Mariam and Hạ discuss the power of storytelling in medicine, fostering shared experiences and providing better patient care. By centering health care around patient stories, storytelling can shift the focus to patient-centered care and help bring back humanity in medicine.

We are excited to bring back and highlight our IDENTITY SERIES—this season, featuring four episodes exploring who we are as human beings. In this special episode, Austen is joined by her sister, Cailin Ivey, to talk about the significance of understanding and embracing our multifaceted identities, and how this journey can shape the communities we build and the connections we make.

1 in 5 U.S. physicians was born and educated abroad, according to the AAMC. Non-U.S. international medical graduates—different from Americans who attend medical school abroad—face various obstacles in getting to and practicing medicine in America. In S7E6, Nina Mercado Garcia, an international medical graduate from Colombia, joins Hạ to talk about her unique journey into medicine. From her initial decision to pursue medicine in Colombia to navigating the complexities of practicing in the U.S., Nina shares insights into the challenges and barriers faced by international medical graduates, shedding light on the disparities in opportunities and recognition. Nina's story highlights the significance of global collaboration and exchange in the medical field, and her aspiration to leverage the skills and knowledge gained in America to contribute to health care initiatives worldwide.

Cultivating a supportive community can enhance your resilience, well-being, and success in medical school and beyond. Explore the power of community in medical school with BUNDLE OF HERS. In a live episode recorded during University of Utah School of Medicine's Second Look Day, Austen and Lilly discuss the essential topic of finding your community amidst the challenges of medical education. The two share firsthand insights and strategies for building meaningful connections, fostering support networks, and navigating the complexities of identity growth and personal narratives on the medical school journey.

Just as patients of color experience unfair treatment in the doctor's office, physicians of color also experience discrimination from patients. As medical trainees, the question of "When can I start implementing meaningful changes and solutions?" is common, yet often met with complex answers. Lilly and Gitanjali Das, chief neurology resident at University of Utah Health, delve into the critical intersection of social determinants of health and anti-racism education. Together, they explore actionable steps to implement change and advocate for practices that prioritize equity and justice throughout the medical field. From students to attending physicians, the two discuss the various stages of medical training where individuals can actively contribute to creating a more equitable health care system.

21.2% of medical students identified as legally married, according to a 2023 report from the AAMC. While marriage between two medical students is common, being in a romantic relationship with a partner not in medicine is not rare either. Laurel engages in a conversation with their partner, Peter, alongside fellow medical student Telisha and her partner, Ryland, about the challenges and rewards of balancing a career in medicine while maintaining a long-term relationship with a partner outside the field. The discussion highlights the gendered expectations of medicine, the complexities of work-life balance, and strategies for creating a more supportive environment in the medical field for couples, families, and communities alike.

In 2023, the Main Residency Match had 42,952 active applicants, yet only offered 40,375 certified positions. Unfortunately, this disparity meant some applicants did not match into a residency program after graduating from medical school. The residency interview season leading up to Match Day can be stressful, to say the least. BUNDLE OF HERS alumni, Margaux Miller, MD, returns for a discussion with Mariam and Lilly on the evolution of medical residency interviews. The three reflect on their different experiences, contrasting between virtual interviews in the current landscape and in-person interviews pre-COVID.

Between 2021 and 2024, there were 165,326 applicants to U.S. medical schools, with only 69,228—41.9%—successfully gaining admission. While medical school itself presents formidable challenges, the journey to gaining admission is an even greater hurdle. Various obstacles, including socio-economic privileges, and racial and gender biases, contribute to the lack of heterogeneity in matriculating classes. Alizah and Austen engage in a conversation with Daryl Morrison, MD/PhD candidate at University of Utah School of Medicine, focusing on their experiences as first-generation pre-med students and discussing the path to medical school admission.

Exploration is actively seeking to understand ourselves better, pushing beyond comfort zones to discover the complexities of our own identities, and fostering personal growth along the way. Finding the balance between personal exploration and professional identity within the medical field can be complicated. In the premiere episode of season seven, Hạ, Lilly, and Austen share their hopes and anticipations of self-exploration as they continue to navigate their journeys in medicine.

Letting go is never an easy decision, but change can be beautiful. In this heartfelt conversation, original cast members Harjit, Margaux, and Leen say their farewells after six seasons of storytelling. The three share their transformative experiences and anecdotes while reflecting on what BUNDLE OF HERS has meant for their personal growth and the unique community built on shared stories, laughter, and empowerment.

BUNDLE OF HERS concludes its sixth season with an exploration into the concept of legacy. Beyond the connection to our parents and ancestors, academic and professional accomplishments, and external validations, what is the legacy you are creating? In the season six finale, we celebrate being you on your terms, and how our authentic selves shape our continual growth and the lasting impact of our legacy.

Health at Every Size® (HAES) is a growing framework of care in many health care settings. However, weight discrimination continues to exist, and fatphobia can adversely impact patients. Communities of color, in particular, experience disproportionate effects of fatphobia, with certain cultural foods unfairly labeled as unhealthy. HAES advocates for a holistic perspective on health and challenges the conventional weight-focused approach. Implementing key principles of HAES can promote health equity, eliminate weight discrimination, and improve health care access for everyone, regardless of size. In S6E23, Mariam and Margaux reflect on their medical training as they explore the concept of HAES and its significance in addressing broader justice issues in medicine and patient care.

For a significant portion of the United States population, the American Dream stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity. Defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as "the belief that America offers the opportunity to everyone of a good and successful life achieved through hard work," this dream, however, can be a complex reality for immigrants. The journey towards achieving the American Dream is often marred by barriers and complications. Immigrants face pressures to conform to the idealized image of an "immigrant success" story, which can sometimes contradict the communal values deeply rooted in their cultural backgrounds. In S6E22, Hạ engages in a thoughtful conversation with guests Ludovica Farese and Merry Joseph, exploring the myths and intricacies of the American Dream, and how they navigate these challenges and redefine the American Dream to align with their unique narratives and experiences.

According to the American Medical Association, less than 10% of U.S. medical school graduates will encounter the setback of not matching into a residency program each year. Despite being labeled as a 'lottery system,' the Match process can feel intensely personal when you are the only one left unmatched. It is difficult to not experience feelings of shame and inadequacy, and struggle with the fear of not being 'good enough.' What happens to your medical career if you do not match? In S6E21, Lina talks with fellow recently graduated MD, Kaitlyn Whitesitt, about her multiple attempts to secure a spot in residency, not matching, and the emotional whirlwind of not having enough time to process the disappointment before diving into the SOAP process—a system designed to match unfilled residency positions with eligible unmatched applicants.

In organization theory, mutual aid involves communities engaging in voluntary and reciprocal exchange of resources and services for mutual benefit. Mutual aid extends beyond charity or advocacy work—it embodies genuine solidarity. Politics have made it easier to dismiss mutual aid efforts, but at its core, mutual aid has been utilized by BIPOC communities for centuries in response to oppression and occupation by colonizers. In S6E20, Margaux, Hạ, and Leen discuss the history and modern context of mutual aid and how it fills the gaps in our current healthcare system.