I sat down with my husband, Colin, to talk about what it’s really been like to leave medicine and how it’s changed both of us. We go back to the beginning: falling in love while I was still in training, the pressure cooker of surgical residency, and what finally pushed me to walk away. Colin shares what it was like to watch me come apart and put myself back together again, and I open up about the fear, the freedom, and everything in between. If you’ve ever wondered what happens after you quit the thing you thought would define your whole life, this episode is for you.

Host: Frances Mei Hardin, MD

Presented by: The Hippocratic Collective

Following Frances Mei on Instagram & Tiktok @francesmeimd

And subscribe to @HippocraticCollective on Youtube for all of the other shows the Hippocratic Collective has to offer.

I recorded this episode from the Ozarks, once an escape from residency but now a backdrop for something deeper.

In this solo reflection, I talk about what it’s really like to leave practice after years of surviving medicine. I share why I came back to a place marked by old traumas, how it feels to finally travel on my own terms, and what it means to “choose you hard” - especially when it’s the harder choice.

I also peel back the curtain and discuss my new life of travel, work and figuring it out along the way.

Host: Frances Mei Hardin, MD

Presented by: The Hippocratic Collective

Following Frances Mei on Instagram & Tiktok @francesmeimd

And subscribe to @HippocraticCollective on Youtube for all of the other shows the Hippocratic Collective has to offer.

Frances Mei and Lauren Umstattd, MD deliver a poignant and introspective episode from the tranquil poolside of Napa Valley, where they reflect on the evolution of their friendship and the trials of their surgical careers. Their dialogue is imbued with warmth and sincerity as they revisit the early days of their acquaintance, recalling the significance of their meeting during a residency graduation party. This recollection serves as a foundation for their exploration of the arduous journey through surgical training, filled with both triumphs and tribulations. The authenticity of their friendship shines through as they exchange heartfelt sentiments, celebrating each other's resilience and accomplishments in a demanding profession.

As the conversation unfolds, Frances Mei and Lauren dive into the societal challenges faced by female surgeons, discussing the often-overlooked emotional toll that surgical residency can impose. They share personal anecdotes that illuminate the pressures of maintaining professionalism amidst the chaos of rigorous training, while also highlighting the importance of solidarity among women in medicine. Their candid reflections serve to foster a greater understanding of the unique experiences of female surgeons, encouraging dialogue about the necessity of support systems in navigating their careers.

In a delightful interlude, the pair introduces a drinking game centered on their shared experiences, which adds a playful element to their serious discourse. This blend of humor and sincerity enriches the episode, showcasing the dynamic between the two speakers while emphasizing the significance of camaraderie in their professional lives. As they look ahead to future endeavors, Frances and Lauren express their commitment to uplifting the voices of women in surgery, advocating for a community where open conversations about challenges and successes can flourish. By sharing their journey, they inspire listeners to embrace the complexities of their own paths, fostering a sense of connection and empowerment within the medical community.

Host: Frances Mei Hardin, MD

Presented by: The Hippocratic Collective

Following Frances Mei on Instagram & Tiktok @francesmeimd

Connect with Lauren on Instagram & Tiktok @lauren_umstattd_md

And subscribe to @HippocraticCollective on Youtube for all of the other shows the Hippocratic Collective has to offer.