i work a lot (90hr work week while studying for boards) Dr. Rachel Southard
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- Опубліковано 5 лют 2025
- Another week of working A LOT! I was on labor and delivery this week--a casual 90hr work week. And i was simultaneously attempting to study for boards (COMLEX Level 3, yikes). Welcome to a work week as a resident doctor that absolutely drained me.
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Disclaimer: The individuals portrayed or mentioned in this video are not real patients but rather fictional representations created for illustrative purposes. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. The content presented is intended for educational or entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or diagnosis. Viewer discretion is advised.
I gotta hand it to you. This would make me incredibly depressed. Thats borderline abuse. This is why i have so much respect for doctors because they go through so much hell just to look after individials. Hats off to you rachel
Not even borderline... Residency is an abusive system 😔
Agree
I’m oms1 and two 2023 graduates took their lives this past month. My schools just said “this is so sad, make sure you reach out if you’re struggling” THE SYSTEM NEEDS TO CHANGE. Thank you SO much for sharing your experience and journey. This is SO important to talk about.
its so funny because if you reach out and mention you're suicidal they can completely fck you on your ability to practice medicine
Rachel is strong she can get through this. She'll MAKE things get better even if the situation and the working hours stay the same. I'm 100% sure of it
I think that this video should be shown to those who are debating when it comes to a certain specialty in medicine. Although, it may seem impressive....Rachel is showing what OBGYN truly is like. Clearly, she has everything that is needed to survive, but even the strongest person can become overwhelmed with the work-life balance of certain specialties. I command you for showing us this!
Good grief Rachel, this is absolutely insane. Couldn't help but shake my head multiple times throughout the vlog because of what you have to deal with, this is just too unfair and dangerous. I'm so sorry you have to experience this:( This would cripple anyone's mental and physical health. I don't understand how doctors are put in these positions, it must be so hard to maintain your empathy and passion for what you're doing, and you're one of the most passionate people in this field! I'm just really rooting for you, thank you so much for speaking so honestly about what residents go through, this must be so hard to do, but you're making an incredible difference by being so transparent, we love you, so happy you're on vacation, take care
You DO have you life together, Rachel - you're a doctor in your dream specialty at your dream residency, you have amazing loved ones, a phenomenal business, and you have your own apartment! Let's do away with the narrative of having your career fully hashed out by 30 and a house/marriage/kids/whatever - let's write our OWN stories; they're more meaningful in the end ;)
Rachel, here since 20k subscribers. You’re working 90 hour weeks and you continue to post amazing content. Your strength is so admirable and your light shows in everything you say and do. How lucky are those babies to enter the world in the hands of this woman. I am rooting for you girl, glad you had some time to enjoy your well deserved break. If only you could send people home cooked healthy meals through the comment section on the internet.
You’re quite literally a superhero Rachel. You’re amazing and a beautiful human being. I hope your time off was restful and relaxing because you MORE than deserve it. Sending love from Wisconsin! ❤
Thank you so much!!😭
I love your transparency in showing the reality of being a resident you highlight and showcase the systemic issue of burnout through your blogs it is deeply insightful
Im nearing the end of my first semester in medical school and i can empathize a little with how you're feeling. I moved to a completely different state away from my loved ones, got shoved into classes that teach ungodly amounts of material at the speed of light and its been incredibly difficult. Between classes and studying i'm doing somewhere around 80-90 hours a week, seven days a week to stay afloat and not fail.
In addition to leaving my family behind the idea of failing out and accruing a massive amount of debt with no way to pay it off haunts my thoughts all waking hours. I constantly feel like im not good enough to do this, and i worry that what im learning will be forgotten as quickly as it came. This whole experience has been awful and i would be lying if i had said i never thought about giving up because i do ALL THE TIME.
Something for both medical school and residency needs to change, how can we expect people to treat others when we treat those we expect so much of, with such little respect.
Girl I had a meltdown before I turned 30. I felt so behind and dwelled over the fact I wasn’t a homeowner LOLL (random). I’m not even in the healthcare field but I adore watching you and hope you flourish in life!!!! ❤
Every vlog since you've started residency just gives me so much more respect for doctors. The system is complete and utter garbage. It's pathetic how you go through so much schooling, work soooo hard, for it to only get harder for god know's how long. You are so strong for this, just know that not everyone can do this, but you are one of few who can. You're amazing!
Not mentally or physically appropriate to work that much,I dont understand why its allowed or considered in the Medical community.
And it's something some of us are "proud" of. I don't know how many of my fellow healthcare professionals I've worked with that brag about not sleeping or getting to eat. That's not a good thing!
@beefpatty5991 exactly,that's the truth.
I thought they had forced programs to limit the hours per week or even per day. My son and DIL are in their 2nd year and one has limits that never existed back in my residency but the other has it front loaded with more work in the first year or two and then less. I’m sad that some programs are clearly still doing this to people who are already overwhelmed. On the other hand, I’m not sure how different it is for OBs out in private practice. Not my specialty but they are subject to the unpredictable nature of births.
Fortunately, part three of the boards seemed like the easiest of the sections so hopefully Rachel aced it and can have a couple of easier/lighter rotations soon.
I wouldn‘t like to have a surgery with a doctor who has had 3 sleepless nights and many troublesome shifts. Working hours of medical staff should be regulated as is for pilots.
Rachel you are SO strong. Never forget everything you have overcome, you’re doing incredible. The system is broken and I’m so sorry that this is what you have to go through.
This world is so sad , how can this be okey! you’re courage is so inspiring to me , the feeling I get watching this is that I can do more & better than I’m doing rn , Like things are suddenly possible and achievable …. Thank you for being such a worrier and taking us on the journey with you ( I knew it’d be hard but you’re putting things into perspective)
This is extremely transparent and eye opening. I am an M2 who lives a very active lifestyle with lots of weekly social time. Idk if I am prepared to handle residency where you only have enough time at night for a quick bite and some studying for boards. HUGE props to you for getting through this
Omg i so felt that when you started your video saying that you are so tired. 😢. Girly i felt that in my soul. I couldn't imigine how tired you really get. 90 hrs a week is alot .plus your studying etc etc. Yesss girl you definitely do work alot. Thanks for everything that you do ...your appreciated ❤️
Wow Dr. Southard. You are a warrior- the immense workload expected for medical professionals to fulfill is unbelievable. & you still somehow manage to upload content which you absolutely DONT NEED TO do. we are beyond grateful to you for sharing your life with us and uploading quite regularly 💕
Your schedule seems miserable and it’s absolutely wild that you have to study for boards (and manage to put out videos) with what little time you have for yourself but for some reason you still make me excited to go to med school to become a resident one day, I just hope maaaaaybe the hours will change once I get there 🥲 I bought your cutesy earrings I can’t wait to wear them! Enjoy vaca, you 1000000% deserve every minute of it!
Rachel 😭, seeing you suffer while beign so crammed and stressed is very hard to watch, I know you pulled through but the thoughts really do get to you and the stress is no joke, I am happy you are still here and are so strong!!!!!
This is crazy.Rachel, you should not go through this, no one should..
Rachel, you are a superhero! ❤
But keep watching after yourself and pls take care of yourself.
Much love from Germany
💕
I am wishing you a kind week ahead filled with walks with dogs and visits with neighbourhood cats! Sending all the love and light to you! Hope your week off was simply magical! ✨✨
This is great insight into residency. Thanks for the content.
If I found out that someone came to deliver me sick, I’d be pissed!!! I’d be pissed for being exposed as immunocompromised, and I’d be pissed that YOUR health is not prioritized!!! The fact that you can’t take time off to take of yourself is absurd to me!
I hope you find pockets of peace and joy so you can fill up your own cup Rachel, thank you for all that you do and you’re amazing 🫶
Can I just say that you are AMAZING putting out videos consistently, managing your crazy schedule and being transparent. As a senior in highschool I aspire to get into med school and impact people's lives the way you have mine. We love you from Australia!!!!
Sheeesh! Thank you 💕✨
I'm a third year medical student and want to go into OBGYN and I agree 100%. I'm glad that I'm going into this with open eyes but our system is broken.
:0 💕 @@RachelSouthard
These vlogs are so important for people to see the reality of residency, and what they could be signing up for.
Rachel, I am sure it takes a toll on you, but you are amazing, and so smart. Everything will come together.
Love and prayers for you. We are all cheering you on! ❤❤
Thank you so much!😭😭😭💕
I guess to heck with work hour restrictions then.
Rachel, watching your videos literally reminds me of how hard medical training is. Im a PA so I never had to do residency but I did all of my clinicals with med students. I remember our surgery rotation was literally 100 hours weeks and I thought I was dying. My whole body hurt, I was beyond exhausted, we had to come back to school to take the packrat exam and have an OSCE. It just sucked. Again I know med school is so much longer and the road is rough. I’m sending you the biggest hug and I can’t wait for your nightmare to be over stay strong girl!
Hey Rachel :),
I hope you're doing well. I just got a notification of your new vlog and I just wanted to let you know that I'm still busy watching every single video of yours (I think I'm half way there) and that I love your journey. I love watching your vlogs when I'm stressed because they make me feel calm. I admire you for who you are and I wish you the best. Don't forget to take care of yourself (and ofcourse to be kind to yourself and to continue to work hard and all that good stuf:)). Lots of love
Torn between medical school and engineering so I watch this 😅wow you are killing it!
You're gonna get through this and the other side is gonna be SO WORTH IT!
Hi, watching this while I am going through my third year in vet school and lost my motivation. I just want you to know that your video is helping me feeling better about my situation... the suffocating feeling is the same. The only thing I need in life is time but I feel like I don't have any... wish you all the best and you are not in this alone.
I felt you Rachel in my soul when you said im tired my heart is breaking for you
Great work Dr. Southard😊😊😊
I really love your videos Rachel and how transparent you are with your audience and we are both the same age 🎉❤ your gorgeous
Can we just commend you on how self aware you are with your mental health?! 🙏🏼🫶🏼 You are amazing and helping so many. Sending positive vibes, as much restful sleep as you can get and lots of encouragement 📣🩵
Hey Rachel I love love your content like it truly makes my day and also I like when you talk about the cases that you see on your shifts it really sparked my interest in OBGYN and thank you for all the amazing content that you put into the world every week we love you so much and your patients are so lucky to have you ❤❤❤ also would love a sit down video where you talk about why you picked Obgyn and what other specialities you considered
When I worked 12 hour nights - I would always wake up the next day feeling like I got hit by a bus .. I absolutely can not imagine having to work those many hours - you guys are like super humans because I logically can’t understand how y’all do it .. -lid studying. My goodness
Thank you for sharing the reality of residency and are being open about your struggles. I guess you can adapt to an abusive system. Hopefully the hard work is worth it. Keep advocating for change. I suspect you gove so much of yourself that you have nothing left.That both makes you a great doctor yet makes it so hard. There is such a disconnect that as a doctor you take care of people but you are put in a situation you are not able to do what you would want your patient to do.
I'm anesthesiology and intensive care second year resident doctor from Europe, Lithuania. I cannot comprehend US doctor's, especially resident's work schedules. This is insane. I am not surprised why you guys are feeling burnout. At my country (I am talking about anesthesiology and insensive care residency) we usually work from Monday to Friday (8 am to 2-3 pm) and have 3-4 24-hour shifts per month.
Thank you so much for still taking the time/effort to post despite your clearly very overwhelming schedule!
I am sorry that you are suffering, Hang in there. You are an inspiration to me and to a lot of other people.
You’re doing amazing Dr. Southard!!! I know it’s really tough but give yourself some props! The system is crazy ridiculous and must change. Thank you for sharing your life with us! Sending all hugs and love! I hope you enjoy your vacation! ❤
You are bad ass and amazing rachel!!! I’m rooting for everything you do💗💗
Sending restful vibes your way!! I'm glad you get to take a break after such an insane week.
I got myself some cute calli earrings and I am literally SO excited! They are so cute.
YAY!!!! Send me pics! Tag me in them!!
Hi Rachel ! I love you so inspirational. Why don’t you try factor meals. It goes in freezer and probably won’t go bad and it looks like a pretty quick clean up. Just toss the dish and wash your utensils ( I’m thinking plastic so I can toss everything). You work hard you deserve a warm meal even if it’s microwaved. Love you lots I’m in the pre to med stage but you honestly keep me going. Your making us all proud 🫶
I’m still doing my bachelor’s degree but I feel these emotions too. Burnout and fighting negative thoughts and circumstances is not for the faint of heart. Rooting for you! Also please eat something besides popcorn for dinner girl!! But I so get it. Actually taking time for meals is something I’m working on too haha. I promise the days you have robust nutrition will be so much easier… at least that’s how it’s been for me!! Anyways keep slaying, you’re amazing!! :)
whew, Dr. Rachel... thank you for all that you do. I wish the system was different for you guys.
Sending you love and light ☀
we need to see this. ty and hang in there
WOW !! you're definitely a superhero 🥺🫶🏼
Hi Rachel, I'm watching your videos as a Belgian girl so know that you are being seen in the EU as well! you are extremely inspiring because you show the good and the bad parts. I admire how you are coping with all of the things that are being thrown to you! I hope it gets less soon :) Good luck!
I really appreciate you filming the reality.
residency is brutal but I’m glad you’re still trying to see the positives! I don’t typically mention someone’s diet but it seemed like you didn’t eat very much (or at least it wasn’t shown) in this vlog. Maybe consider buying some premade meals or delivery for dinner? I know it’s not always feasible but eating a proper meal will always make you feel a bit better even if you’re too tired/stressed in the moment to feel hungry. Hang in there you’re doing the best you can :)
you are awesome, Dr. Rachel
As a 3rd year med student with chronic illnesses... I'm so scared for residency. Residency is so physically damaging even for able bodied people. Not to mention the emotional and psychologic damage 😭 the system NEEDS to change
The operational tempo of your job reminds me a lot of some of the jobs in the military and like you, are also advocating for change. I don't really understand why the idea that people need to break themselves off is order to be productive or successful is so pervasive, especially in American work culture. I hope your exam went well and that your time off was at least a little restorative. Sending you positive thoughts!
The military. Yea, I remember doing field exercises. Out in bum fuck nowhere working from 0500 until midnight. Sometimes for 30 days straight. On regular days working from 5am-5pm and still expecting to be in tip top shape lol I guess that’s what makes the Marine Corps good for war. They need to let out all that anger haha
Praying for you sweet girly.🤍🙏🏻
I've finally decided to go with a specialty that has a better lifestyle balance all because of this! I have so much respect for those who choose specialities like this!
Congrats on powering through. Also, you are providing much needed enlightenment for folks who aspire to become doctors about the fortitude it takes!
Don’t forget that food is fuel !!!! Your stress levels may be affecting your appetite but a protein shake and popcorn is not a proper dinner girlllll. Even if you can’t cook a meal for yourself, healthy frozen meals or a few big batches of rice/meat/veg on your day off will go a long way when you’re drained and are a great option to get some fuel in you so you’re able to keep up with career! Only saying this out of care for ya, listen to your body & feed it!
Your schedule reminds of me when I was in the Navy as a mechanic. It was abusive for me and brutal back then so I literally know how you feel, except you have to add on delivering babies as well or saving lives (or both???). I wouldn't wish that schedule on everyone. Wishing you and your team the best.
This brought back nightmares of my own internship many years ago😢
I have so much respect for you Rachel💜 thank you for sharing your journey.
Goodluck with your exams !
kinda nice to know that even as a literal medical DOCTOR you don't feel like you've got it all together bc I sure as hell don't either so we're all just figuring it out
I feel your pain! I have every right to feel frustrated and I feel frustrated for you! You're strong and it will be worth it. Love from Colorado!
Studying and working is tough! But you got this girlie! Happy early birthday and sending you love, clarity, and prayers for you, your family and your boards 💙
Lanette!! Thank you love
I’ll just trust you did well on the boards! I hope the 30th birthday was spectacular 🎉🎂! May you have a wonderful year!
New Subscriber here. while I can only sympathize with what you are going through. I am in my final PhD semester, and I had several breakdowns as well. you got the strength of a thousand mountains
Aww you’re birthday was days after mine, libra twins! lol. I hope you enjoyed it, you it deserve so much. Happy belated birthday Rachel, love you!
Sending you all the love and strength
We Librans need to stick together! My birthday is 10/12. Good luck on your boards!
Happy birthday!!
Honestly, I wish my bad hair days looked like yours 😂 proud of you for everything girly
Good luck girl, YOU GOT THIS
The length of doctors’ shifts boggles my mind
I love you so much..... You are my motivation to get into medical school
You should reach out to Factor for a sponsorship! The food is good, and all you need to do is heat it up, it seems like a perfect fit for you!
90 hours?! 🤯😵💫 That’s CRAZY!
insane!
Love your vlogs...you got this, Dr. RACHEL ❤
Wow Happy late birthday mine was on the 16th both of my lil cousins were on the 14th and I turned 39 you definitely don’t look 30 you look great! Believe me you have it more together than some 30 year olds!!
As a nurse I’ve learned NEVER to say “ it’s so quiet”… we might as well summon a demon because the end product will be the same!!😂
Wonder Woman 👩🏻⚕️🤍
You inspire me whenever I doubt myself 🤍
Michigan shirt providing extra super powers. Go Blue 💙
The work restrictions have left the chat…can’t believe this is still the standard for residents
If I wanted anyone to succeed it would be you, I can't imagine how difficult this is but I wish you the best
I feel you. I'm in IM residency during wards I wake up at 4 am and go to sleep a little past 9 pm. and I have my step 3 in early November. Should be fun lol
As a fellow healthcare provider, I definitely lean on food prep services like home chef etc (I live in the DMV area so I use a local one where the food comes cooked and ready) to provide healthy meals throughout the week because I am just too busy and don't want to buy groceries only for them to go to waste because I'm not eating through them fast enough.
It hurt my heart seeing you eat popcorn and a protein drink for dinner, its not sustainable :(
Good work keep it up and be enjoy to people's
surgery intern here and just did 88 hours myself. Having to study after you're post call is the most stupid thing ever
Hi Rachel! I’m a junior doctor in Sweden and I’ve been following your channel for some years. Just out of curiosity, I have a question! In Sweden, the midwifes manages all uncomplicated deliveries without help/interference from the obgyn’s, is it the same in the US? Or do you guys (the obgyn’s) do ALL deliveries? In Sweden, midwifes are certified nurses with advanced education in labour and deliveries. And the doctors are only involved if there is a post partum bleed or a big tear or if it needs to be a c-section etc, I guess only if there’s a complication. We do have doctors rounds where we discuss all patients, of course, but we don’t even see the patients if the labour and delivery is uncomplicated.
Love your channel, I’ve been following you since you started! It’s so interesting how the education and the career is the same but in some ways so different in our respective countries!
I don't know really what should I say ..just I wanna say that I love you so much ❤️
NEED longer videos
90 hours is mad!! How come you’re blurring your logo now? The first few videos the logo was shown . I really couldn’t sleep at 8:30pm daily
This is just abusive. No one should have to manage these types of working conditions. You're amazing despite the crazy but yeah this makes me rage against the system for doing this to such a passionate person. I'm glad you're being honest and sharing the grim reality of it with the world. We need to stop glamourising this! We love you!
How do you manage staying awake during a 24 hr shift? Is it just coffee? Do you nap? Do you sleep the whole day before? How does that work?
New to the Channel. Hooked! Keep it up! 😊
I worked 66 hours at the pharmacy last week and barely felt like a human ... I can only
Imagine ...
The health sector in America is so messed up for both the civilians and the workers. A lot of change should be done