I’m pumped to share this curated list of the incredible medical podcasts for students of medicine. I definitely know how life as a premed and in medical school can get super busy and hectic. As a fourth-year medical student at the time of writing this post, between studying for exams, attending lectures, clinical rotations, and more, finding time for much else has, at times, felt near impossible.
However, it’s quick and easy to grab your headphones or earbuds and tune into a podcast for some seriously valuable insights on anything from the latest medical research to easygoing chats on avoiding burnout. Of course, it helps to have a few podcasts ready to go to save you from wasting your time searching for one or, worse, spending your break on something that doesn’t hold your interest.
That’s why I’ve put together this list of the best medical podcasts. You’ll hear from healthcare pros, patients, and fellow medical students, giving you unique perspectives and different approaches to complex topics. Each podcast on this list comes with a little snippet of what to expect and a “must-listen” episode that really stands out. So get ready to learn, relax, and get inspired!
This post is all about medical podcasts for students.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure here.
List of Best Medical Podcasts For Students of Medicine
What Are the Best Medical Podcasts for Future Doctors?
Podcasts can be a true game-changer for medical students. They let you soak up knowledge while commuting, working out, or as you whip up dinner. Sometimes, we all need a little motivation, and hearing passionate stories from experienced professionals can remind you why you fell in love with medicine in the first place. That’s where the podcasts on this list totally deliver!
2 Docs Talk
Podcast Rating: 5 stars (Spotify)
Where to Listen: Spotify, Podbay.fm, & Podchaser
Total Episodes: 136 Episodes (Spotify)Hosted by Dr. Kendall Britt and Dr. Amy Rogers, this podcast focuses on current issues in medicine and health policy, all in just a quick 15-minute check-up! They do a fantastic job breaking down complex topics, making them super relatable and easy to digest. Whether it’s a hot debate about gun violence research or the latest in patient care, these two Texan docs shine a light on how medical practices intersect with real-world implications.
One episode I definitely recommend is Episode 131, titled “The Anti-Vax Movement and the Dunning-Kruger Effect.” Even though it aired in December 2019, it’s shockingly relevant today, especially with ongoing conversations about vaccines. Dr. Britt and Dr. Rogers dig into the roots of the anti-vaccination movement and explore how misinformation spreads. They also discuss the Dunning-Kruger effect and how this impacts public health conversations. It’s thought-provoking and might just give you some insights on how to engage more effectively with
Docs Outside the Box
Apple Podcast Rating: 4.9
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Total Episodes: 300+ Episodes
Hosted by the incredible Dr. Nii Darko, a Board-certified General/Trauma Surgeon who truly believes that being a healthcare professional doesn’t mean you have to stick to the beaten path. In each episode, Dr. Nii shines a spotlight on savvy docs and innovators who are blending medicine with finance and pop culture, peeling back the curtain on how they achieve their unique lifestyles.
Episode 53, titled “How to Get So Money,” features Farnoosh Torabi, a personal finance expert who has appeared on The Today Show and hosted her own show on CNBC. In this episode, Farnoosh shares what she knows about financial literacy explicitly tailored for medical professionals. From laying out actionable steps to get your finances on track to how women can navigate the tricky waters of earning more than their partners. This conversation is not just informative; it’s downright empowering!
Everyday Emergency
Apple Podcast Rating: 4.9
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & SoundCloud
Total Episodes: 58 Episodes
“Everyday Emergency,” the official podcast from Doctors Without Borders, is a must-listen! This podcast brings you gripping stories from the field, diving into the human side of humanitarian emergencies worldwide. Each episode captures the experiences of medical professionals and the individuals they serve, shedding light on issues like war, health crises, and the fight for survival amidst chaos. It covers themes of resilience, compassion, and the courage to make a difference.
One episode that really stands out is the first installment of their series on the First War in Chechnya. This episode takes you back to the mid-1990s when a conflict for independence devastated the region. You’ll hear about the relentless efforts of MSF staff as they strive to deliver food and medical aid amidst bombings and blockades. The stories shared highlight the grit and determination of those working on the ground as they battle the physical dangers and bureaucratic challenges that obstruct access to care. It’s a compelling listen that reminds us why we chose to pursue medicine in the first place and the significant impact we can have, even in the direst of circumstances.
Raise the Line
Apple Podcast Rating: 4.8
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Total Episodes: 498 Episodes
This podcast features some incredible conversations with influential figures in healthcare, from Chelsea Clinton to Dr. Eric Topol, diving into topics that really matter to us as medical students. With 20-30-minute episodes, it’s the perfect bite-sized dose of inspiration and insight to get you through your study breaks or commutes.
One episode that really catches your attention is Episode 476, “Less Fear, More Go For It,” with Dr. Desiree Franco Lugo. She shares her journey from being a medical student at Anáhuac University in Mexico to becoming a Regional Lead for the Osmosis Medical Education Fellowship. Dr. Lugo emphasizes the impact we can have as students. Her infectious enthusiasm for mentorship and healthcare innovation is incredibly inspiring! Definitely one of the best motivational medical podcasts for students.
The Undifferentiated Medical Student
Apple Podcast Rating: 4.8
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Total Episodes: 76 Episodes
Even though they haven’t released new episodes since 2019, this podcast offers plenty of relevant insights into medical specialties. The hosts interview physicians from over 120 specialties, giving you a firsthand peek into what each one entails. This is perfect for medical students who are trying to figure out where you truly fit.
Watch “The 4th Year Episode #2” if you’ve ever wondered about what to expect in your crucial fourth year of medical school. Roy and Marco Swanson (one’s an ophthalmologist, and the other is a plastic surgeon), along with Dana Canfield (OB/GYN extraordinaire), walk you through what you need to know from the moment you wrap up your 3rd year all the way through the end of 4th year. Their candid and relatable conversations cover everything from matching into a residency to managing those gradual shifts in your clinical rotations.
EM Basic
Apple Podcast Rating: 4.8
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Total Episodes: 110 Episodes
Think of this podcast as your crash course on emergency medicine, perfect for reviewing everything from bronchiolitis to how to manage opioid withdrawal. Each episode dives into a specific chief complaint, packing valuable info into bite-sized 20-30-minute sessions that are super easy to squeeze into your day. It’s like having a seasoned ER doc in your pocket, ready to help translate all that textbook knowledge into real-world application.
One episode you will absolutely love is Episode 105: “Staying Cool Under Pressure or Building Sangfroid.” In this episode, host Dan Dworkis chats with fellow emergency physician Dan McCollum about the importance of maintaining your composure when the stakes are high. They explore the pressure-packed environment of the ER and share practical strategies for developing that coolness we all aspire to. If you’ve ever felt that bubble of anxiety before a patient comes in, this episode is an absolute must-listen!
The Short Coat
Apple Podcast Rating: 4.7
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Total Episodes: 372 Episodes
This podcast covers the parts of medical school that nobody talks about! It uncovers the real challenges, the highs and lows, and everything in between. The host and a lively crew of medical students from the University of Iowa serve up super honest discussions that are equally playful and profound. It’s like a backstage pass to the medical student experience, filled with laughs and also lessons that will help you navigate those wild years ahead.
You absolutely can not miss Episode 509: “What Does ‘Perfect’ Mean in Med School?” The hosts tackle the myth of perfectionism in medical education, sparked by a question from listener Noah, who’s anxious about starting medical school. The M4s break down why striving for perfection isn’t the way to go and the toll it can take on your mental health. Plus, they share practical tips on how to approach the notoriously stressful Step 1 licensing exam, emphasizing that it’s more about passing without losing your sanity than getting a perfect score.
Board Rounds Prep for USMLE and COMLEX
Apple Podcast Rating: 3.8
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Total Episodes: 52 Episodes
Specifically designed for students gearing up for the USMLE Step 1 and COMLEX Level 1 exams, the Board Rounds shares short clinical scenarios and walks you through how to problem-solve the different symptoms to pinpoint the correct diagnosis. It’s super concise. Plus, it has a collaboration with experts from the Medical School Headquarters and BoardVitals. With each episode around 10 minutes, it’s perfect for squeezing during a quick study break or while commuting to class.
Check out Episode 41 to get a feel of how the podcast typically goes. In this episode, they look into a case involving a 62-year-old female with impaired taste and facial drooping. As you listen, you’ll think through where the lesion resides based on her symptoms while discussing facial neuroanatomy. It’s a fantastic way to sharpen your diagnostic skills while reinforcing that essential neuro knowledge we all need.
Talk2MeDoc with Andrew Tisser
Apple Podcast Rating: 5
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Total Episodes: 124 Episodes
This podcast covers those sometimes tricky but super important conversations that new physicians face, ranging from the frustrations of burnout to navigating the complexities of healthcare finances. Andrew interviews a fantastic blend of guests, both in and out of the medical field, tackling pressing issues and sharing priceless advice on how to navigate our path in medicine.
For an eye-opening episode, check out Episode 113: “Roe vs. What Now? Talking Truth with Dr. Erika” In this episode, Dr. Tisser interviews Dr. Erika Aragona, a family medicine physician who passionately supports women’s health. They discuss the significant implications of the Roe v. Wade decision and how it continues to impact women today. Dr. Erika sheds light on empowering women through healthcare and provides invaluable resources for both patients and clinicians. It’s a powerful conversation that explores our responsibility to support patients emotionally and highlights the challenges we still face in advocating for women’s health.
Out of Patients
Apple Podcast Rating: 4.9
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, & Amazon Music
Total Episodes: 390 Episodes
Hosted by the super relatable Matthew Zachary, a renowned cancer survivor, this show explores healthcare topics, covering everything from vaccines to fertility. Matthew uses his signature sardonic humor and a sprinkle of 80s nostalgia to keep it engaging. You’ll feel like you’re hanging out with a friend who just happens to be sharing some seriously enlightening insights about the medical world!
Check out Episode 356, titled “It’s Not a Tumor: The Multitalented Grace Wethor.” In this mind-blowing episode, Matthew chats with Grace Wethor, a remarkable young woman who’s not only a six-year survivor of a tough brain tumor diagnosis but also a total powerhouse of talent, a musician, trapeze artist, and a TED speaker! Grace shares her journey of coping with a life-altering illness from such a young age. It drives home how much progress we’ve made while also highlighting areas where we still need to improve. A must-have on every medical podcasts playlist of every students.
The Nocturnists
Apple Podcast Rating: 4.9
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Total Episodes: 165 Episodes
Hosted by Dr. Emily Silverman, this podcast showcases powerful personal stories from frontline clinicians as they navigate the complexities of healthcare. From moments of heartwarming joy to the harsh realities of loss, each episode gives voice to the personal journeys of those in the medical field. With a special series focusing on critical topics like health equity and experiences during the pandemic, this show really works to humanize the practice of medicine.
One episode you might find particularly eye-opening is the May 16, 2024 installment featuring Dr. Uché Blackstock, an incredible emergency medicine physician and health equity advocate. In this episode, she discusses her new book, Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine. Dr. Blackstock shares her family’s journey and also its impact on her life and career, revealing some tough but necessary conversations about systemic racism in healthcare.
AFP: American Family Physician Podcast
Apple Podcast Rating: 4.8
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Total Episodes: 230 Episodes
This podcast examines the clinical points in the American Family Physician Journal. Hosted by faculty and residents from the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix Family Medicine Residency, it has bite-sized 20-30 minute episodes that give you the lowdown on the latest clinical reviews covering vital topics like screening for carotid artery stenosis and active management of labor.
In Season 9, Episode 17, titled “Ten Concepts of Information Mastery That Every Family Physician Should Know,” the hosts break down ten essential principles that can help family medicine residents and practicing physicians maximize their use of evidence-based material in their daily practice. Whether you’re buried under textbooks or navigating the complexities of clinical rotations, this episode offers super practical strategies that you can easily apply to elevate your understanding of patient care.
The Podcast by KevinMD
Apple Podcast Rating: 4.8
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Total Episodes: 1.6K Episodes
Kevin Pho, MD, amplifies voices often overlooked in the healthcare system through short and snappy episodes jam-packed with wisdom. Whether it’s exploring cutting-edge topics like AI and pandemics or the personal journeys of healthcare professionals, each episode serves as a mini masterclass in compassion, innovation, and real-world medicine. At just 20 minutes each, you can easily sneak one into your study break or commute!
Check out the episode “Exploring Medical Students’ Vital Role in Patient Care,” where host Kevin connects with Dr. Nicole Cifra, an adolescent medicine physician. Dr. Cifra shares her journey and also the integral role that medical students play in patient interactions and care teams. It’s super enlightening to hear Nicole highlight those often invisible contributions and how they reshape patient experiences.
TED Talks Science and Medicine
Apple Podcast Rating: 4.1
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts & TED Podcast
Total Episodes: 136 Episodes
This podcast brings together some of the brightest minds in science and medicine, sharing their pioneering ideas and research findings. Each episode dives into innovative topics and breakthroughs that could just redefine how we view healthcare. With a mix of inspiring talks from the TED stage, it’s pretty much a goldmine for anyone wanting to stay ahead in the medical world while also feeling inspired.
One episode that absolutely blew my mind was titled “How mRNA Medicine Will Change the World,” featuring Melissa J. Moore. As someone deeply involved in developing the COVID-19 vaccine as Moderna’s chief scientific officer, she takes us on a fascinating journey down to the molecular level. Moore explains how mRNA technology can “teach” our bodies to combat diseases, not just COVID-19, but potentially cancer and other long-standing ailments.
How to Make the Most of Medical Podcasts for Students in Medical School
Hopefully, you’ve discovered a few choices from this list of the best podcasts for medical students. So you can take full advantage of what they have to offer, here are a few tips for incorporating medical podcasts into your daily routine and a couple of ways to get the most out of them.
- Curate your favorites. (Ahem, revisit the above list!) Find podcasts that resonate with your learning style. Some episodes can be super informative, while others might be light-hearted and fun. Mix it up to keep it engaging!
- Set a schedule. Dedicate specific times to listen, such as during your morning coffee, while running errands, or as a study break. Consistency helps it become a habit!
- Multitask your listening. If you’re working on something that doesn’t require your total concentration (like tackling that pile of dishes), playing a podcast in the background is a great way to fill your brain with knowledge.
- Take notes. Jotting down interesting points or concepts while you listen can deepen your learning and make it easier to review later.
- Discuss with peers. Sharing what you’ve learned with classmates can help reinforce that knowledge. Who doesn’t like bonding over a shared love of medicine?
When you just need a break from the traditional study methods, that’s where medical podcasts for students come in! They’re perfect for learning more about medicine and keeping you motivated without the pressure of conventional studying. So pick one off the list, hit play, and enjoy!
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