Dr. Sanders and Alex Kimberling | On Becoming a Doctor

In this episode of the Voyage Clinic podcast, Dr. John speaks with Alex Kimberling, a medical student at Rocky Vista University, about his journey through medical school and the challenges faced by aspiring physicians. Alex shares how growing up in a small town in Utah and being the first in his family to pursue medicine shaped his approach to balancing academics and personal life. He reflects on his undergrad struggles at BYU, the intense competition of pre-med courses, and the sacrifices needed to manage clinical exposure and study for the MCAT while maintaining a marriage and family life.
The discussion also covers how Alex copes with the demanding nature of medical school, including long study hours and limited time for personal wellness. He shares the importance of self-care and how adopting a consistent exercise routine improved his mental health and academic performance. Dr. John adds his experiences, emphasizing the vital role that family and support systems play in navigating medical training, balancing responsibilities, and avoiding burnout.
The podcast takes a reflective turn as Dr. John and Alex explore the importance of human connection in medical practice. Dr. John shares deeply personal stories about the emotional challenges physicians face, such as losing patients and processing grief while maintaining professionalism. He underscores that embracing vulnerability and taking time to process emotions can make doctors more empathetic and effective in their work. The conversation concludes with a reminder for medical professionals to prioritize emotional health and build meaningful relationships with their patients.