Episode 1: My [our] Story of Becoming Both

In the kick-off episode of the podcast, the host, Amanda Quijano - a pediatric emergency medicine physician and mom of four - sits down with her partner - a former MD/PhD student who opted not to pursue clinical medicine - to share their own story of becoming both.

They speak candidly about the current state of the system and culture of medical training that makes it almost impossible to become a physician and a parent simultaneously. They also share some of their own experiences in medical training, his decision to leave medical school, how the desire to build their family shaped their choices, and the sacrifices, stigma, and isolation she felt in residency and fellowship as a result.

They share personal anecdotes reflecting on dealing with pregnancy loss during medical training, a car crash that caused them to question the expectation that medical training took precedent over personal safety and dealing with the turmoil and uncertainty of being pregnant during the early COVID pandemic.

This first episode sets the stage for a season filled with heartfelt stories and enlightening discussions about the intersection of medical training and parenthood—an ode to all who juggle the fulfilling yet demanding role of becoming both a physician and a parent, and a call to reflect on the cultural norms that shape these narratives.