Docs Outside The Box - podcast cover

Docs Outside The Box

Dr. Nii Darkowww.drniidarko.com

Docs Outside the Box is a fusion of money, medicine, and pop culture. After paying off $662,000 in student loan debt, quitting their jobs, and launching 3 businesses, husband and wife, Drs. Nii and Renée Darko, have a lot to say about earning, saving, and investing your way to the lifestyle you’ve always wanted. These two docs parley about personal finance, careers, and the real world. Tune in for the gems. 💎 Stay for the laughs .😂 Welcome to medicine’s new media!

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Episodes

REPLAY: What You Should Know About Becoming a Part-Time Physician #302

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Nii discusses the trend of doctors seeking less than full-time work. Sarah Ledbetter, Physician Recruitment Manager at Provider Solutions & Development, is on to debunk the theory that medical employers are solely seeking full-time doctors. Things to expect in this episode: Defining Full-time work Which generation is seeking more work/life balance The 'Covid Reset' and how doctors look at employment now Th...

Jul 01, 202530 min

Our Thoughts On Making Major Life Moves In A Relationship Without Being Engaged. #465 Part 3

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Our listener, David, wrote back with an update on their job search near Boston which then led us to a deeper conversation about making major life moves when you're dating but haven't formally committed to through engagement or marriage. We talked about both practical considerations and personal reflections from our own relationship journey. FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https:...

Jun 24, 202522 minEp. 465

Shocking Story Of An Attending On Call Who Takes Melatonin + Lunesta Then Sleeps On The Job 😲 #465 Part 2

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! We discuss a Reddit post from a resident dealing with an attending who takes melatonin and Lunesta during their shared overnight calls, rendering them unavailable and leaving the resident alone to manage all patient care decisions. We discuss various approaches to addressing this dilemma, weighing the merits of speaking with trusted senior residents versus approaching program leadership directly. FREE DOWNLOAD...

Jun 24, 202518 minEp. 465

Having A Medical Degree Doesn't Make You A Leader. #465 Part 1

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Leadership in medicine goes beyond clinical skills because medical education doesn’t automatically create leaders. In this segment, we discuss how toxic behaviors get perpetuated when negative leadership styles like throwing instruments in the OR to berating staff, are modeled for residents and medical students. We then share the non-negotiable days we refuse to work, revealing how our cultural backgrounds and...

Jun 24, 202529 minEp. 465

Trump's Bill's Caps On Grad School Loans Could Worsen Doctor Shortage. #464 Part 2

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Is the “One Big Beautiful Bill” really beautiful? We discuss the potential impact of the proposed bill that would cap federal loan amounts for graduate students, particularly affecting medical education. America already faces a severe physician shortage. By creating additional financial barriers to medical education, this legislation threatens to worsen this crisis, potentially leaving more communities without...

Jun 20, 202515 minEp. 464

Ananda Lewis, Former MTV VJ, SHOCKING Breast Cancer Decision. #464 Part 1

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! We start off by discussing medical myths/traditions we should retire. We then talk about MTV personality Ananda Lewis, who died at age 52 from breast cancer after rejecting medical treatment in favor of detoxification. We dive deep into why patients have lost trust in healthcare providers and how the medical credibility gap has widened dramatically in recent years. We conclude with Nii showing us his running e...

Jun 20, 202535 minEp. 464

Is it Sustainable To Work 24/7 Calls As A Doctor For A Week Every Month? #463 Part 2

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Is a 24/7 call one week per month sustainable for an entire career? This question strikes at the heart of physician work-life balance, career longevity, and personal wellbeing. From personal experiences, these schedules cause sleep disruption, cognitive impairment, and physical strain. To be honest, a position paying substantially above market rate usually demands extraordinary sacrifice but as physicians we c...

Jun 13, 202534 minEp. 463

The REALITY of Balancing Locums Life and Relationships. #463 Part 1

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! We share some medical school scholarship opportunities and then answer a listener's question on what happens when your partner has a seasonal job in one location, but the best locum work opportunities are elsewhere. Dr. Love Anani also joined us over the phone and we discussed what we use to track payroll, expenses, deductions and mileage. FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https:/...

Jun 13, 202535 minEp. 463

REPLAY: What medical leaders need to know about Pre-Meds #282

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Things to expect in this episode: We’re in Denver, CO at the AACOM Educating Leaders Conference! We talk about our responses during the first-ever panel dedicated to Dr. Meta Christy, the first Black Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. We’re partnering with locumstory.com on a special campaign this year. We give you a brief rundown of the common questions that are answered on their platform. Dr. Renée recaps her a...

Jun 10, 202546 min

Mistakes We Did In Med School That We Regret Now As Clinicians/Doctors. #462 Part 4

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! We reflect on our medical school experiences, sharing regrets and lessons learned that have shaped our perspectives as practicing doctors. So what medical school mistakes do you regret? FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums LINKS MENTIONED Q&A and Suggestions Form - https://forms.clickup.com/9010110533/f/8cgpr25-4614/PEBFZN5L...

Jun 03, 202526 minEp. 462

My 2-Mile Time Trial Run Did NOT Go as Planned! #462 Part 3

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! We were in Houston, Texas recently and I did a 2-mile time trial. Let’s just say towards the end I was struggling. Y’all know I have a goal of bench pressing 250 pounds and running a 5K in under 20 minutes. I will keep updating you on my progress. FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums LINKS MENTIONED Q&A and Suggestions Form ...

Jun 03, 20258 minEp. 462

How Student Loan Changes Could Reshape Medical Education. #462 Part 2

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! There's a new bill being discussed that aims to cap federal student loans. We discuss how this move could deepen inequality and disproportionately affect students from less privileged backgrounds. Check out the video for more financial education and how proposed student loan changes could dramatically alter the future of healthcare education and what it means for future doctors!. FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Consideratio...

Jun 03, 202519 minEp. 462

The One, Big, Beautiful Bill Breakdown: After The $100K Student Loan Cap How Will You Pay for College? #462 Part 1

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! We unpack the latest news on a controversial bill that could drastically change higher education by capping federal student loans at $20K per year and a total lifetime limit of $100K. While it sounds simple on the surface, the implications are massive and may push students toward private student loans, scholarships, family wealth, and potentially limiting access for those from underrepresented or low-income ba...

Jun 03, 202518 minEp. 462

REPLAY: Meet Dr. Trevor: Nomadic Pediatric, Making Ortho Surgery Money, $300K Student Debt Loan Slayer #292

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Nii sits down with Trevor Cabrera, who completed his residency training in General Pediatrics at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston and then transitioned to working as an exclusive Locum Tenens provider. Listen in as Dr. Cabrera, also known as The Nomadic Pediatrician , talks about his first locum job, paying off student loans, the lifestyle locum work affords him, and his blog that docum...

May 28, 202557 min

REPLAY: Medical Students Financial Implications. #397

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! As we navigate the tumultuous seas of medical education's financial demands, you'll discover the myriad of ways it shapes decisions, lifestyles, and the future of healthcare. Joined by Dr. Love Anani from the Student National Medical Association (SNMA), we're celebrating 60 years of the organization's incredible support for medical students as we dissect the costs from MCAT to residency. Delve into our candid ...

May 13, 202559 min

My Calendar Disaster Taught Me a Big Lesson! #461 Part 2

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! The hidden power of your CV isn't something they teach in medical school. In this episode we talk about aspects of locum tenens work that every physician should understand before entering this space. Remember: nobody cares about your schedule, finances and career trajectory more than you do. FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums ...

May 06, 202523 minEp. 461

Will an Out-of-State Locums LLC Lower Your Taxes? #461 Part 1

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! We tackle a listener question about establishing an LLC in a tax-friendly state while living in high-tax New York City. We discuss the complexities of multi-state taxation, what it's like juggling business entities across state lines and why getting a CPA is necessary. FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums LINKS MENTIONED Q&A...

May 06, 202515 minEp. 461

Being Denied Entry Into Med School Twice And Why Pre-Meds Need Strategic Planning. #460 Part 2

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Balancing a job while preparing for medical school can feel like an impossible task. It's a rocky terrain many pre-meds must navigate. We start off with Dr. Nii giving his own story of being rejected from med school twice and how he changed his strategy and later got accepted. We then lay out practical strategies for pre-meds juggling work and study. So whether you're working while studying or facing other cha...

May 02, 202522 minEp. 460

How Premeds Can Work While Studying. #460 Part 1

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Join us as we address a question from Jay on how to balance working while studying. Through personal stories and actionable advice, we explain why your medical school dreams remain within reach with strategic planning and unwavering determination. FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums LINKS MENTIONED Q&A and Suggestions Form ...

May 02, 202522 minEp. 460

Sinners Movie by Ryan Coogler Explained: Hidden Meanings and Historical References. #459 Part 4

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Prepare to be captivated by our deep dive into Ryan Coogler's ambitious film "Sinners" that delivers stunning visuals, powerful performances, and weaves themes of racism, colonialism, and religious tension into a horror framework. FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums LINKS MENTIONED Q&A and Suggestions Form - https://forms.c...

Apr 29, 202517 minEp. 459

Medical Violence Against Patients. #459 Part 3

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Our discussion stems from a shocking case of obstetrical abuse where an attending deliberately created a fourth-degree laceration on a Black patient who had just delivered her baby without complications, solely so a resident could practice the repair. We go deep into how medical training can sometimes cross serious ethical boundaries and remaining silent when witnessing unethical practices doesn't just harm pa...

Apr 29, 202523 minEp. 459

Why SNMA Students are the Future of Medicine & A Message To Program Directors. #459 Part 2

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! We dive into the crucial financial knowledge gap in medical education and share powerful insights from our session at the Student National Medical Association's annual conference. We also talk about why the journey from pre-med to medical leadership positions showcased at this conference reminds us all why mentorship matters so profoundly in medicine. FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tene...

Apr 29, 202513 minEp. 459

To Prenup or Not to Prenup. #459 Part 1

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Join us for a discussion about prenuptial agreements among physicians as we reveal why we ultimately decided against a prenup in our marriage. We also reflect on a recent presentation at the Student National Medical Association conference where we educated medical students about physician income streams and financial literacy topics missing from traditional medical education. FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations B...

Apr 29, 202518 minEp. 459

Quick-Fire Questions with The White Coat Investor | Real Estate, Careers, Student Loans & More! #458 Part 4

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Join us for a Q&A session with Dr. Jim Dahle, the founder of The White Coat Investor. We asked him questions on various topics like, whether doctors are white collar or blue collar workers, PSLF, Locums and real estate investment timing. FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums LINKS MENTIONED Article on “Most common questions I...

Apr 22, 202514 minEp. 458

The Future Of Public Service Loan Forgiveness For Doctors Explained. #458 Part 3

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! The financial landscape for physicians has never been more complex. Student loan strategies have become particularly challenging with policy changes occurring almost weekly. For those pursuing Public Service Loan Forgiveness, the advice remains steady: stay the course. PSLF was established through Congressional legislation rather than executive action and would require another act of Congress to dismantle. Our...

Apr 22, 202518 minEp. 458

Why Real Estate Investing Is The Fastest Way To Wealth. #458 Part 2

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! According to The White Coat Investor, the fastest path to build wealth and attain financial independence as a doctor is through building a rental empire. Physicians face unique challenges when building wealth through real estate while balancing demanding careers and family life. This conversation explores the crucial decision points that determine success or frustration when doctors invest in properties. FREE ...

Apr 22, 202514 minEp. 458

Should You Buy or Rent A House During Residency? #458 Part 1

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Drawing from personal experience, buying a home during residency remains a significant financial gamble. If you're a medical student approaching residency and considering buying your first home, contemplating a real estate investment, or reevaluating your financial protection strategy, this episode provides the unfiltered truth you need to be able to make decisions aligned with your financial goals. FREE DOWNL...

Apr 22, 202514 minEp. 458

Mastering Real Estate Investment As A Medical Professional. #458

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Dr. Jim Dahle, the founder of White Coat Investor joins us in sharing candid insights on real estate investment for physicians, challenging common home ownership myths and helping doctors align investment strategies with their lifestyle goals. Our conversation then shifts to the recent disruptions to student loan forgiveness programs, and the changing dynamics of physician employment. Are doctors "white collar...

Apr 22, 20251 hr 2 minEp. 458

How We Handled Discrimination We Faced During Med School And Residency. #457 Part 2

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! In this raw, unfiltered conversation we take personal turns to address how we dealt with discrimination in medicine. From being questioned about academic achievements to facing targeted harassment during training. We also talked about pursuing locums which is an alternative practice model for physicians. So whether you're a medical student navigating a challenging educational environment, a resident weighing e...

Apr 18, 202527 minEp. 457

How We Transitioned Out Of Traditional Medicine With MASSIVE Debt. #457 Part 1

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Can I change how I practice medicine when I'm drowning in so much debt? This is a question that we are answering on how we managed to pay off a staggering $662,000 in student loans while transitioning out of traditional medicine. If you are ready to rethink how you practice medicine, listen to discover practical strategies for financial freedom and career flexibility, regardless of your specialty or debt burde...

Apr 18, 202533 minEp. 457
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