One of the most commonly asked questions about life and medicine is: “When is the right time to start a family?” It’s such a good question, and there’s no single, one-size-fits-all kind of answer. In this episode, we’ll get to know a student who has been juggling parenthood and medical school with great skill and grace. Olivia Torre, a 4th-year medical student who got her PhD before coming to medical school, is the mom of an adorable toddler named Emilia. In this episode, Olivia shares all about becoming a parent while in medical school: how she handles the various responsibilities, how being a parent has enhanced her experience of medical school, the most valuable help and support structures she’s leaned on, and what advice she has for any student wondering if or when to start a family. 

Work-life balance is a fuzzy concept and elusive goal for many medical students and doctors alike. How do we achieve our academic and professional goals while still having enough time for family, friends, and hobbies? Is this even possible? We ask Dr. Rana Malek, an incredibly productive and accomplished clinician educator and endocrinologist who is also a caring and devoted family member and friend, how she manages to do it all. Some of her tips include breaking up your day into shifts, building the right team around you, and letting go of the idea of perfection.