Docs Outside The Box - Ordinary Doctors Doing Extraordinary Things

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!The docs break down the process of getting your first locums gig. They share their own experiences of learning about locums for the first time and having to navigate through before locums was all the rave. Things to expect in this episode:The surprising person who first mentioned locums to Dr. RenéeHow many locums companies you’re allowed to work with simultaneouslyThe different ways that a locums interview can take placeDOWNLOAD - 7 considerations to make before becoming a locums docsWATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Have a question for the podcast?Text word PODCAST to 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by CVS Health - Healthy Conversations Podcast. Healthy Conversations, a CVS Health podcast, offers insights on innovations in health care. SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!The docs get a question from a 4th-year surgery resident about how to take journaling about his experiences as a resident to the next step and start sharing his content with the public. Then they dive into accomplished Harvard surgeon Dr. Carrie Cunnigham’s speech announcing that she struggles with substance abuse. Things to expect in this episode:Find out what Usher and Dr. Nii have in commonWays to jumpstart a career as a blogger/content creatorPitfalls to avoid and how to protect your intellectual propertyImpacts of doctors revealing substance abuse and mental health strugglesLINKS MENTIONED:The Guardian article on Dr. Carrie Cunningham Dr. Carrie Cunnigham’s address at the 2023 AAS Presidential Address SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE▶️ WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!GOT SOMETHING TO SAY ABOUT THIS EPISODE?!Text us at 833-230-2860 so we can find out what you think!Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@dr

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!We love audience questions! 2 ER doctors who want to quit their jobs and start working locums wrote in to find out the blueprint to starting their own locums company. There’s a lot to cover with this subject. So much so that we decided to answer this question over several episodes. For the next six weeks, every Friday we'll answer aspects of this question. Every medical professional should listen in.  Things to expect in this episode:Nii and Renée discuss why many doctors are unhappy with being employedLack of financial knowledge and privilegeCan’t balance work and familyWant for autonomyBiggest reason why Nii & Renée love locumsGET YOUR FREE DOWNLOAD!7 Top Reasons Doctors Quit Their Jobs To Become Locums WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Have a question for the podcast?Text us 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!In this fun episode, Dr. Nii and Dr. Renée chop it up about some IG reels that are trending.Things to expect in this episode:Philippines nursing school hack to avoid student loansMother causes her children stress by taking them through a personal finance exerciseNurse shares her cautionary message about dating doctors and why dating a dentist is preferable.WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Join our communityText word PODCAST to 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.comCVS Health - Healthy Conversations Podcast. Healthy Conversations, a CVS Health podcast, offers insights on innovations in health care. SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!In this episode, Drs. Nii & Renee discuss:Is there a Deion Sanders-like person in medicine?Coco Gauff wins the US Open vs the long journey of becoming a doctorDr. Qaali Hussein’s video on fitting into medicinePhysician Burnout  & Depression Report by Medscape discussionCatching up with Dr. Steven Bradley, Host of The Black Doctor’s Podcast. Dr. Steven Bradley IG:  @stevenbradleymdWATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Join our communityText word PODCAST to 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by CVS Health - Healthy Conversations Podcast. Healthy Conversations, a CVS Health podcast, offers insights on innovations in health care. SUBSCRIBE TODAY!Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.s

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!On this episode, Dr. Renee and Nii talk Origins of Docs Outside the Box PodcastDid you get into medicine to be broke?Biggest a-ha moments over the last 10 years of practiceDr. Renee realized how hard it was to focus on marriage vs her career aspirations.Dr. Nii talks about the hardest part of medicineDocs Outside the Box Podcast is about lifestyleWATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Join our communityText word PODCAST to 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThe episode is sponsored by:Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!In this episode, you’ll get a reintroduction to Dr. Nii Darko. We’re talking about everything from growing up in New York City, finding out when he wanted to be a doctor, applying to medical school twice, and his life as a locum tenens trauma surgeon.Things to expect in this episode:Getting rejected from medical schools and the plan to reapplyDoing General Surgery residency with Morehouse at Grady Memorial HospitalFinishing fellowship with $332,000 student loan debtStarting Docs Outside the Box PodcastWhy Dr. Nii values saying “No” over a great salaryWATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Join our communityText word PODCAST to 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve! Chec

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Nii is joined by Eric McGlothen, CPA and CEO of Eric McGlothen, LLC, to kick off a special tax series for doctors looking to save on taxes and build wealth. Eric brings over 20 years of experience to a conversation focused on teaching physicians and other high-earning professionals how to give less of their money to the IRS and government. This show is for those going into side hustles, real estate, who are independent contractors or own their own private practice or business.Things to expect in this episode:[00:35] Quick update from the Darkos [05:58] Eric McGlothan’s resume, plus when to talk to a CPA or a tax attorney[07:24] Where the advantages and disadvantages are in the IRS tax code[11:58] Corporate structure options to maximize tax benefits and asset protectionGuest Contact Information:Website: https://www.emac-cpa.com/Email: info@ericmcglothenllc.comTwitter: @emaccpaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Eric-Mc

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!While we’re in Ghana for the month of August, we didn’t want to leave you hanging so we will be running replay episodes of our top listened to episodes in the past year with a few new tidbits thrown in. In this episode, Nii and Renée are sharing some money traps that doctors fall into with Money Trap #3: Doctors not negotiating their worth and not maximizing or diversifying their income.  Things to expect in this episode:Doctors trading time for dollars and finding that sweet spot in pay and lifestyleActive versus passive incomeRenée’s experience negotiating her contract vs. using an attorneyMedscape Study shows that burnout among physicians is up 47%Health Affairs study shows a significant gender pay gap between female and male physiciansThis episode is sponsored by Set for Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.comThis episode is sponsore

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!While we’re in Ghana for the month of August, we didn’t want to leave you hanging so we will be running replay episodes of our top listened to episodes in the past year with a few new tidbits thrown in. We’ve officially completed our medical mission and are now taking the next week to spend time with family in Ghana before heading back to the States. We’ve really enjoyed having our kids here with us for this trip and Dr. Renee enjoyed being able to spend time with the kids and enjoy Ghana and not worry about working. In today’s episode, Dr. Nii brings on Travis Hornsby, founder of Student Loan Planner, a team of consultants that help people navigate paying off their debt fast while maximizing loan forgiveness opportunities. Student Loan Planner has counseled over 8,000 clients and created plans that cover approximately $1.8 billion in student loan debt.Things to expect in this episode:[08:43] A discussion on FFEL, Direct Lo

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!While we’re in Ghana for the month of August, we didn’t want to leave you hanging so we will be running replay episodes of our top listened to episodes in the past year with a few new tidbits thrown in. Before we dive into the episode, Dr. Nii gives everyone a behind the scenes look at what’s currently happening on their medical mission in Ghana so make sure to tune in. Julien and Kiersten Saunders are on today's episode. They are creators of the award-winning rich & REGULAR podcast, and hosts of the original series, Money on the Table, a show that blends food with conversations about money. Listen in as Julien and Kiersten talk about the premise of their new book, , including the 15-Year Career concept.Things to expect in this episode:[08:28] Why they decided to write their book, Cashing Out[13:39] When family members don’t understand the FIRE vision[18:35] Julien and Kiersten explain what it means to Cash Out[37:

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!While we’re in Ghana for the month of August, we didn’t want to leave you hanging so we will be running replay episodes of our top listened to episodes in the past year with a few new tidbits thrown in. If you could see your life as a series of time slots, how would you fill each one? Listen in as Nii talks to Jordan Grumet, MD (a.k.a. Doc G and host of the Earn and Invest podcast) about his new book Taking Stock.  It challenges readers to view money and wealth building through the lens of purpose, identity, and passion – with the end goal of living life to the fullest and without regret.Things to expect in this episode:[02:43] 3 shocking things you need to know before joining a medical mission [12:22] The meaning of money as oxygen[12:58] What happens after you have enough money[20:55] What the deathbed teaches about living without regrets[37:56] What investing in your life looks like[38:35] The “one more year” syndrome, g

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!In today’s episode, we discuss the exact steps we took to make our vacation to Ghana a tax write off. We also dive into some common things you can expense in your business to decrease your tax burden, tax deductible travel expenses, health insurance and pregnancy, and so much more. In this episode:[02:22] Keeping up with the Darkos segment [07:10] How our Ghana trip is 100% tax deductible[09:50] What the Darkos business is paying for to decrease their tax burden[14:09] Steps you need to take to make a trip like this tax deductible[19:56] Tax deductible travel expenses[25:42] Health insurance and pregnancy [40:30] Reaction video on Dr. Mike [45:36] Why student loans are so high, especially for those in the medical field[53:21] The reason why we do this show ▶️ WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBEThis episode is sponsored by Set for Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost! Check them out at w

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!In today’s episode, we discuss several listener questions like “am I too old for medical school” and how to manage personal struggles alongside medical training.In this episode, we discuss: [00:50] Keeping up with the Darkos segment [09:17] Question: Am I too old for medical school? [29:01] What is Medeq?[30:03] Question: How do we manage our personal struggles alongside our medical training?▶️ WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBELinks Mentioned: MEdEqArticle: Depression in Premedical GraduatesThis episode is sponsored by Set for Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.comJoin our community:Text word PODCAST to 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comOur podcast equipment:Sony ZV E-10: https://amzn.to/3oXXtvV

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!In today’s episode, we discuss the recent Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action and how we think it will impact medical school admission going forward. In this episode:[02:47] Keeping up with the Darkos segment [16:50] The recent Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action [18:20] Dr. Renee’s thoughts on the recent ruling [22:44] Reasons for low diversity numbers in medical school [27:14] A deeper look into the case study [34:19] Dr. Nii’s experience working at Grady [39:32] Is the admissions process part of the problem? [46:00] Dr. Renee’s advice for pre-med students regarding affirmative action[51:43] Final takeaways ▶️ WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBEThis episode is sponsored by Locumstory.  Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!This episode is sponsored by Healthy Conversations by CVS Health hosted by Dr. Daniel Craft. Check it out on Apple Podcasts, Sp

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Considering going from a traditional W2 employee to a locum tenens gig? In this episode, we’re dishing the ins and outs of what it’s like to be a locums doctor - both the good and the bad. In this episode:[02:10] Logistics of pursuing locum tenens vs. W2 employment [04:14] Dr. Nii’s experience working as a locum tenens doctor [12:09] Cons of locum tenens work [15:29] Dr. Derrick’s transition from traditional OB Doc to Locum Tenens OB Doc [16:25] When Dr. Barnes made decided to make the transition [17:05] What Dr. Derrick wanted that traditional employment didn’t have [17:58] How Dr. Derrick dealt with being the only OB doctor in his community [21:00] Dr. Derrick’s journey to becoming a doctor [22:10] The timeframe from traditional doc to locum tenens doc [24:43] The process of becoming a locum tenens doctor [27:02] Timeline of interview process to accepting a locum tenens gig [27:27] Short or long term assignments - which i

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!In this episode, we’re talking about the slap heard around ACOG and diving into if violence like this is ever really justified and when is the right time to discuss these issues. We also address an article from our good friend over at Physicians on Fire about the Top 5 Reasons Not to Retire Early and why you’re actually leaving millions on the table if you decide to retire early. Press play and tune in to this jam packed episode. In this episode:[04:43] The slap heard around ACOG: Dr. William Burke gets slapped while speaking at a medical conference[13:00] Should everyone be saying “this isn’t the time”? [22:56] Is violence like this ever justified?  [31:54] Top 5 Reasons Not to Retire Early[35:08] Why you’re leaving millions on the table if you retire early[47:51] Mommy Makeovers: Are they worth the risk?▶️ WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBEThis episode is sponsored by Locumstory.  Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!In this episode, we address doctor’s student loan debt and if the public should care or not in addition to answering two listener submitted questions about pursuing an MBA while in med school and bullying in residency. In this episode:[03:51] Keeping up with the Darkos segment [13:01] Student loan debt from college, med school, and beyond [16:29] Should the public care about doctors’ student loan debt? [21:10] Q&A: Should I get an MBA or an MHA or a JD?[37:08] Q&A: I feel like I'm being targeted in residency. What should I do?[47:03] Effects of bullying on residents [57:09] The difference between receiving feedback vs. being targeted ▶️ WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBEThis episode is sponsored by Locumstory.  Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!This episode is sponsored by Healthy Conversations by CVS Health hosted by Dr. Daniel Craft. Check it o

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!This week we’re covering some topics we’ve seen circulating on the Internet the past couple weeks like Dave Ramsey’s lawsuit, DJ Envy’s partnership with Cesar Piña, and so much more. In this episode:[0:34] Juneteenth commemoration [03:47] Current happenings for the Darkos[02:16] Dave Ramsey being sued for $150 million [06:14] DJ Envy and business partner Cesar Piña deny scamming real estate clients out of millions [08:05] Why this is relevant to podcasters + influencers [15:23] Circling back to the Dave Ramsey lawsuit [20:19] How this is relevant to the medical field [25:57] Our thoughts on the potential outcome of the Dave Ramsey lawsuit [31:01] Burned out doctors turn to temp work[39:34] The benefits of locums [45:44] Last week’s dating question response backfired on social media ▶️ WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBEThis episode is sponsored by Set for Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Trigger Warning: If you are experiencing thoughts of harming yourself, please call 988 or text the word TALK to 741741 Crisis Helpline which are open 24/7. In this episode, we discuss the unfortunate passing of Dr. Nakita Mortimer, the effects of residency on mental health, and so much more. In this episode, we discuss: [04:00] Dr. Nakita Mortimer’s unfortunate passing [06:56] The effects of residency on mental health [10:53] Dr. Nii’s mental health journey during residency [19:55] Dr. Renee’s mental health journey during residency[30:52] Why is this important? [42:18] What Dr. Renee would say to their kids if they decided they wanted to be a doctor [44:21] Dr. Nii’s first experience with applying to med school [45:45] How the pursuit of becoming a doctor affects those in pre-med and beyond [48:44] Why so many doctors avoid seeking help [53:07] Dr. Nii’s second and third year as a resident in the ICU [1:01:09] How medical p