The Premed Years

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Science #151

If you're struggling on your premed journey, trying to figure out the best way to study for the MCAT, or trying to understand how to best apply to medical school, the award-nominated podcast, The Premed Years, has you covered. From interviews with Admissions Committee members and directors to inspirational stories from those who have gone before you, The Premed Years is like having a premed advisor in your pocket. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or anywhere else you listen to music or podcasts so you don't miss an episode. It's free. Every week. Don't forget to watch us on YouTube, or follow us on Instagram too! We're medicalschoolhq everywhere!

Recent Episodes
  • 583: Unofficial Interpreter to Aspiring Physician Sparked Her Commitment
    Nov 6, 2024 – 51:06
  • 582: An Immigrant's Journey from Community College to Med School
    Oct 30, 2024 – 28:50
  • 581: Resilience and Persistence through Med School Rejections and Acceptances
    Oct 24, 2024 – 42:31
  • 580: The Path to Med School: Insights from Georgetown's SMP Director
    Oct 2, 2024 – 37:11
  • 579: 3x MCAT taker to Dermatologist. A story of perseverance!
    Sep 19, 2024 – 36:37
  • 578: Realities and Myths of Osteopathic Medical School Admissions
    Sep 13, 2024 – 52:11
  • 577: From Crohn’s Diagnosis to Medical School Triumph—Yvonne’s Journey
    Sep 4, 2024 – 36:44
  • 576: How Noor Conquered Her Fears and Crushed the MCAT
    Aug 29, 2024 – 54:17
  • 575: How Resilience Turned a Professor into a Medical Student
    Jul 23, 2024 – 48:35
  • 574: Navigating Challenges in the Premed Life on the Way to Hopkins
    Jul 9, 2024 – 40:08
  • 573: Inside the Canadian Medical School Admissions Journey
    Jul 3, 2024 – 39:04
  • 572: BSMD Bust? Sujay talks about his Pivot and Success with FlexMed
    Jun 26, 2024 – 32:59
  • 571: Air Force Chemist to Med School: Morgan's Journey of Resilience
    Jun 11, 2024 – 39:38
  • 570: Green Beret to MD/MBA: Shea's Journey
    May 21, 2024 – 46:45
  • 569: From Accounting to Medicine Through Resilience and Purpose
    Apr 30, 2024 – 38:54
  • 568: This EDM Loving, Rave Going Med Student Carved Her Own Path
    Apr 23, 2024 – 39:35
  • 567: The Importance of Authenticity in Medical School Applications
    Apr 9, 2024 – 30:52
  • 566: Pioneering Medicine as a First-Generation Latina Student
    Mar 19, 2024 – 29:02
  • 565: Finding Balance and Peace on the Medical Journey with Dr. Wendy Lau
    Feb 16, 2024 – 38:52
  • 564: Balancing Air Force Duties and Medical Dreams
    Jan 30, 2024 – 36:08
  • 563: Re-routing to Medicine: The Unexpected Journey of an Athlete
    Jan 23, 2024 – 44:34
  • 562: Navigating Self-Doubt in the Pursuit of Dreams
    Jan 17, 2024 – 40:46
  • 561: Inside Look from UCF's Director of Admissions
    Jan 9, 2024 – 46:26
  • 560: From a 2.7 Undergrad GPA to Med School Acceptance
    Jan 2, 2024 – 36:50
  • 559: Einstein Admissions Co-Chair Reveals a Shift in Priorities
    Dec 19, 2023 – 44:43
  • 558: Picking Up the Pieces
    Dec 12, 2023 – 34:33
  • 557: Breaking Barriers: From First Gen to Future Doctor
    Dec 5, 2023 – 39:35
  • 556: Mastering the MCAT After Three Tries
    Nov 28, 2023 – 34:34
  • 555: From 2.4 to Thriving
    Nov 21, 2023 – 39:50
  • 554: Finding Joy in Challenging Circumstances
    Nov 14, 2023 – 39:25
  • 553: From Nontrad to NASA: Aerospace Medicine
    Nov 7, 2023 – 39:25
  • 552: Clinical Disconnect: Why Are Pre-Health Students Struggling?
    Oct 31, 2023 – 40:54
  • 551: Offered a Free Bridge Program to Get Into Med School
    Oct 24, 2023 – 41:23
  • 550: When Burnout Hits a Child of Immigrants
    Oct 17, 2023 – 01:08:00
  • 549: What Do Advisors Really Know?
    Oct 3, 2023 – 41:29
  • Will I See You Next Week?
    Sep 27, 2023 – 01:19
  • 548: What Really Matters To a Director of Admissions
    Sep 26, 2023 – 51:27
  • 547: Big Announcements!
    Sep 19, 2023 – 58:18
  • 546: Mindset Matters: Conquering Medical School at 52
    Sep 13, 2023 – 37:24
  • 545: Finding Mental Resiliency As a Premed and Beyond
    Sep 5, 2023 – 43:48
  • 544: The Secret Psychology Behind Test Day
    Aug 29, 2023 – 37:34
  • 543: How to Change Healthcare from the Inside
    Aug 24, 2023 – 39:34
  • 542: From Chronic Career Changer to MS1
    Aug 15, 2023 – 38:04
  • 541: The Secret to Becoming a Master at Studying
    Aug 8, 2023 – 41:03
  • 540: Shaking Up Med School Admissions for Nontrad Applicants
    Aug 1, 2023 – 41:28
  • 539: What's Going On In The Heads of Admission Committees?
    Jul 25, 2023 – 44:54
  • 538: How To Stop Romanticizing Your School List
    Jul 11, 2023 – 44:23
  • 537: How to Increase Your Chances of Getting An Acceptance
    Jul 4, 2023 – 34:58
  • 536: How This 41 Year Old 4th Year Found Balance
    Jun 27, 2023 – 36:11
  • 535: Medicine Needs to Stop Eating Their Young
    Jun 20, 2023 – 50:30
Recent Reviews
  • AshCapsho
    Great podcast!
    You can tell Ryan knows exactly what he is doing. All his podcasts are exceptional included The Premed Years. An invaluable resource for thousands of students aspiring to get into medical school. - The Capsho Team
  • Kyli Senter
    Premed must have!
    As a non-traditional premed student, this podcast has been a game changer! So much great information. So thankful for both Dr. Grays!
  • biochempremed2
    Discouraging and patronizing
    Episode 468. Completely patronizing language toward the very first question about the affordability of medical school. Thank goodness Virginia was on the podcast because I was fuming listening to Dr. Gray and the previous TMDSAS director. A question was asked about why medical school did not offer funding and free tuition like PhD students— fair question if you’re not familiar with research funding. Dr. Gray and the director took this question as “asking for a pat on the back or an applaud”, which made no sense. Virginia sensibly brought up that not everyone can pay for medical school and asking for more funding to go to medical school is not asking for an applaud of pay on the back. Dr. Gray and the director then went on to explain that medical school is just expensive, and how they are upset about the whole system…but these are two people who directly benefit from the business of medical school and profit directly from the whole application process. Take a listen and see what I am talking about. This kind of patronizing language around affordability is an example of how the medical school application process continues to take advantage of students, and how the people who are in this business reinforce taking advantage of students. I used to enjoy this podcast, but wow episode 468 showed some true colors.
  • Paytie poo nugget
    Not very motivating
    Listening to some of these podcasts, when people are asking questions, the host is NOT very respectful. I thought that he acted very down on some of the med students or acted as they were stupid. I did not enjoy.
  • premed parent
    One stop source for all things Premed
    This is a great, informative podcast about all things Premed and guides students on every aspect of this arduous journey. Thank, Dr. Gray!
  • C_Jack 501
    College Student Approved Podcast
    This podcast, and others out created by Dr. Gray, are amazing. I am an advocate supporter of always learning something new, especially if it's free. I love that the podcasts have a wide variety of topics and contributors. As a non-traditional college student looking towards a career in medicine, I can't thank you enough Dr Gray, and all of your contributors for hosting this informative outlet.
  • premedmads
    Take it with a grain of salt
    He gives great resources and advice, but make sure this is not your only source of premed info and direction. You’ll notice he can be semi contradictory in his tone when answering questions and he often plugs his own for sale merchandise/books. Always search for as much variety in your resources and do what’s best for you not what one person says.
  • geornxs
    Better early than . . . not early?
    I am so glad to have found this resource when I did. I’m a 1st year pre-med student, and until I stumbled upon this podcast by what some would call sheer-chance (I say holy intervention), I had no clue what I was doing or what it took to get to med school. It’s a long story, but thanks to this podcast, my path is much clearer and my goals, well defined. Thanks Ryan and Allison!
  • Emba29974
    Inspiring.
    I knew I wanted a career change as an allied health professional, but figured I would be limited to applying to PA school due to being a non-grad and a subpar undergraduate GPA. Through this podcast, Dr Gray convinced me that becoming a physician is absolutely attainable if it’s what I want to do (and it is!). Thanks, Dr Gray.
  • Jules_510
    Goldmine of data
    If you learn well through auditory processing, this is your source of info. Dr Ryan Gray is incredibly knowledgeable and has been there to hold my hand throughout my post bacc non trad journey. Thank you Dr Gray. Give this mans a listen!
  • PeytonGrisso
    Discourages Back-Up Plans to Med School
    I like Dr. Gray; I listed to his podcast for months while I was applying to medical school. Now, I’m in, and that’s partially because of his *mostly* great advice. However, he advises premeds to eschew backup plans because it makes them “less serious” applicants. I personally think that’s irresponsible because sixty percent of pre-meds will not get admitted to a med school. If you listen to this podcast, just remember that it’s the opinion of one person. You are better off seeking advice from larger, public institutions that are held accountable for their statements and that do not make money off of guiding premeds.
  • jeanlavender
    Really Helpful
    I’m a high schooler who needed a source of information to guide me on my journey through medical school. I’d looked into lots of different blogs and podcasts, none of which answered my MANY questions like this one. Keep up the great work!
  • Slow & Ugly
    Great information
    I’ve been enjoying the different series by Ryan. My only gripe is the special operations medic interview episode (Justin)... listened to it with my girlfriend and even she was calling bs on “Justin”. They make SOF medics in all shapes and sizes, but there’s one universal truth regarding these jokers: they love telling stories and talking about themselves! “Justin” was describing his SOF experience like something he read on a SORD recruitment poster... pretty weak stuff. I dunno, maybe he was a CA guy ⚽️
  • bluskies87
    Best premed podcast
    I am a non traditional student in my sophomore year of college. This podcast has answered so many of my questions. This is my daily motivation podcast. I listen to it while driving, doing work around the house, and sometimes at one of my two jobs. As a single parent with no co-parent help, listening to this has kept me with my feet on the ground and not giving up on my goals.
  • The 3567448
    So much information, not enough time 🤩
    Amazing beyond doubt. Gotta love the diversity and the breadth is unparalleled. Check out episodes: 38, 42, 47, 317, And 395!! Thank you Doctors Gray!!!
  • seristotle
    Great!
    I really enjoy this podcast
  • Damola Ola-Buraimo
    Nice
    Nice
  • x07CandyMan07x
    New to Medicine
    I listen to it everyday on my commute to and from work and I love it. It helps me really build my portfolio for the future.
  • kmshivok
    Amazing Advice and Motivation
    I listen to this podcast every day when I commute to school. I started off with little to no knowledge about this entire process and through this podcast I have learned so much. I’ve never written a review but this podcast has helped make my future much more attainable.
  • Elenaa*
    Episode 370
    Put me in my feels!!!!!! I absolutely loved hearing her story! Thank you again for the motivation!
  • Nkechinyere
    Thank you !
    I was introduced to this podcast by a fellow FB friend. We are RNs on the quest to become MDs. And I have often wondered if I am smart enough to gain admissions into a medical school , let alone becoming an MD. This podcast has given me the confidence and a different perspective. It’s not about how smart one is , it is how hard are you willing to work. Thank you , thank you.
  • nickkimtir
    Dr.Gray is the best!
    I met Dr.Gray at our school’s pre-health club when he came to Colorado Springs for a talk. He is knowledgeable, down to earth and is really genuine in helping students. Listening to these podcasts is basically like listening to him one-on one. Keep doing what you do Dr.Gray! Nick!
  • Aulusbrutus
    Every Premed Should Listen to This!!
    Dr. Ryan Gray, his wife Allison, and all of the guests on this podcast are absolutely amazing. Thank you all for the time and effort you have put into making the Premed journey easier for all of us. The work you are doing is helping to ensure that we have a future full of amazing physicians who have a passion for medicine and know this calling is for them. I can’t wait to continue following your efforts and seeing what you all have in store for us next! Premeds share this podcast with everyone you know because I guarantee it will help make their path easier and we will have an even better future in healthcare because of it!
  • A_Patrick
    An invaluable resource to prospective premeds!
    I am endlessly grateful that Dr. Gray has committed so much time to pouring into this podcast. I haven’t even been here long, as I just made the decision to finally go for it a few months ago, but every single episode has provided so much value that has helped guide me in my planning and execution on my path to med school thus far. I hope you’ll let us know if there’s anything we can do to give back. Thanks so much Ryan & Allison!
  • GenesisAndrade
    Love the push!
    Big thanks for the work put into this podcast. I especially connect with the speakers who show it can be done even when working against the grain. 10/10 would recommend!
  • ThatBrownGuyy
    Cannot recommend enough
    I've been listening to Dr. Gray's podcasts for years. He's incredibly knowledgeable about all things pre-med and I love his focus on collaboration, not competition, and am very appreciative of his work and how he often brings guests onto his show. Thank you for all your work, time, and effort Dr. Gray!
  • Wvera7
    Amazing is an understatement
    Inspirational but at the same time grounds you to the realities of being a physician and how to get there. Thank you!
  • Emma Nevaeh
    Very Motivating
    I’m a premed neuroscience student from UC Riverside in SoCal. Thank you for this podcast, I listen to it every morning while commuting to school. The topics are very insightful and the content is super useful! Highly recommend.
  • DoctorScrewLoose
    Can’t hold off anymore!
    Absolutely absolutely absolutely love Dr. Ryan Gray! I’ve listened to a lot of his podcasts and read three books he’s authored; so much information, knowledge, humor, truth, dedication, encouragement and genuine support and admiration for people who want to become physicians. Great content. Great interviews. Great answers to sooo many questions for non-traditional (as I am) and traditional med school applicants. Hope that wasn’t redundant but it’s true. Thank you lots Dr. Gray. Truly an inspiration even if I don’t get into Med school. I Will recommend you to any premed I encounter as you’ve been recommended to me. All the best to you.
  • Music_lover303
    Incredible
    I’ve had an interesting and winding path to medicine. I first heard about the pre med years on Instagram a couple of months ago when I started considering med school again. Now, I follow on both the podcast and instagram. To get to this point in my life, considering med school again, has been challenging. Now, I feel slightly less stressed and hopeful or empowered even to start again and fulfill my 4th grade dream of becoming a doctor. I am currently interested in pathology. I work in a lab and have met the pathologists, but would love to know if you’ve ever had one on your show? I’ll look through the archives and see what’s available there too. I love hearing different opinions and hope if you haven’t, you can add one to your list! I apologize for my very personal rant. While I’ve had some challenges; I feel like I am capable of pursuing my dream! Thank you for providing your own and others personal stories, multiple perspectives, and hope to pre med students.
  • Selinalovesmedicine
    Life changing
    I kid you not these podcasts episodes will really give you a good understanding of what you are getting yourself into in the future of medicine!
  • Tudsmom
    Helpful Knowledge
    Currently active duty in the military, with hopes of a future in medicine. Love the episodes with former military members and their path to medical school!!
  • DocKelsee
    Wonderful advice
    Dr. Gray truly wants premeds to be at ease through this grueling process! He gives great advice and is very encouraging in a blunt kinda way. If you are sick of people beating around the bush and need someone to tell you straight up, listen to his podcasts. He has been there done that and it’s nice of him to freely share what he knows! Thank you Ryan! Go to his website too! Plethora of wisdom!
  • PremedKim
    Premed Information Bank!
    The amount of important information that I have gotten from this Podcast is worth everything. A lot of us want to go to med school but have lacked resources of good information throughout undergraduate and even after we graduate. I am very thankful for the work that Dr. Gray and Dr. Allison do. Thank you so much!
  • itsawasteoftime
    Amazing!
    This podcast has helped me soo much! I know have a MUCH better understanding of the premed-med. ladder. Thank you so much for creating this amazing space to help people.
  • FavioH
    Best Premed Advisor!
    Ryan Gray is the GOAT! I am a 3rd year premed student at UVA and finding this Podcast has really set me up for success in the future. Ryan and Allison are without a doubt the best premed advisors available to you. A must listen to for every premed student and will definitely be reccomending this to every premed i know.
  • roseliees96
    Fave podcast!
    I am a nontrad working on my first year in my premed journey. Since discovering this podcast, I feel like getting into medical school is attainable despite my past experiences as a nontrad. I actually get more resources out from Dr. Grays podcasts than I do with my advisors.
  • alexandraorahovats
    When he says jump, you say “how high?”
    Where were these podcasts all my academic career?? I’ve almost binged fast enough to catch up with the latest posts! I appreciate the short and well titled episodes to help narrow down what I need to listen to. I listen as I walk in to work, sit through work, and on my way home to study. I’ve told every other premed I still know to listen, and I hope they do! Thank you Dr. Gray for being committed to helping any and all premeds find answers. Your help is detailed, intentional, and genuine! We need more people like you in this world!
  • kedoublelyny
    I listen every week
    Literally love these podcast! I listened to all the episodes and wow it really helps! Highly recommend it everyone who is a premed
  • polliacci
    Gave me hope.
    I am a no traditional student who has lived a life of different jobs and careers. I am in my early thirties and this podcast has helped renew my hope everyday as I listen to each podcast. I have several people in my path who doubt my ability to make it to Med school. Some of them are doctors and say I am too old. Thank you for showing me I am not.
  • ZJMackin
    This podcast has literally changed the course of my life!
    I always had a secret dream of being a physician but believed that path to be for “special” people and beyond my abilities. Thanks to the stories and honesty on this podcast I have started my journey towards fulfilling that dream! My husband and I have been in full time ministry since high school, we have 6 children and I am 31... not the usual premed student! After running a marathon when my 6th child was only 6 months old, I realized we are ALWAYS capable of more than we think! So I challenge YOU to take off the limitations you have placed on yourself... keep running until you see your true potential! Thanks for this amazing podcast!
  • Becky1499
    By Far My Favorite Podcast!
    I listen to this podcast while walking around campus! It’s a painless and actually very enjoyable way to get acquainted with admissions and learn what I can do to improve my chances of acceptance. Dr. Gray and his co-host are so enthusiastic and knowledgeable! I really enjoy learning what they have to share. I always look forward to new episodes.
  • iNAP1217
    The most inspiring and influential medical podcast
    You guys are as influential as Elon Musk. You guys have definitely given me more confidence and information that anyone I have come across. Thank you! It’s a blessing to have your podcast available :D
  • tightleft37iso
    Best podcast for my questions
    Every episode answers more of my questions. I learn a lot just from Ryan and his experience. I don’t need to go out and buy books to learn how to be an effective pre med student.
  • NontradPremedJC
    An absolute must have in the tool kit of any pre-named out there
    Over 300 episodes and I have yet to find one that has not inspired new thought, new insight, or a new perspective. The advice given and stories shared are humbling, exciting, inspiring, and give me hope that I will make it to the light at the end of the tunnel.
  • m_martinez92
    Thank you
    Thank you for making this podcast possible. I just started listening to your podcast and I am very much encouraged to push through and hopefully become a physician someday!
  • E.Sisley
    Very informative podcast
    I really appreciate the interviews that Dr. Gray conducts on this podcast. They have been very informative and provide good guidance to Premed students.
  • tharmEd
    Incredible podcast
    I owe Ryan a huge thank you, if I hadn’t come across premed hq, I don’t think I ever would have Convinced myself to believe that I can do this, I had no idea there was MANY other non traditional students just like myself with the goals and dream of going back to school to eventually become a physician. I learn so much and become incredibly inspired by each and every one of your episodes, as well as connecting with others in the same situation on the hang out. Thanks for being our connection and encouragement!
  • IzzyYazelEiser
    Great podcast for every Premed/Med Student.
    After listening to 30+ episodes, I have discovered that Allison and I study the same way and I feel less self conscious about it. I am yet to find a better resource for encouragement and top notch content on important topics for those preparing to attend and those currently attending medical school. I love the episodes for Nontrads, which I am. I recommend this to anyone who has questions about premed/medicine.
  • Lakshb
    Great podcast limited record enhancing info
    This podcast is great it has so much information about finding a path to medical school. It’s also encouraging to hear great stories of people overcoming struggles to get into medical school. However I have to say there is limited information on those who are looking for record enhancing advice instead of career changing. Nevertheless I’d definitely recommend it!!
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