In the season eight premiere of BUNDLE OF HERS, Lilly, Austen, and Sanila get real about what it means to face challenges in medicine—and how those moments shape who you become. From juggling self-doubt and identity pressures in med school to navigating the steep learning curve of residency, they open up about the struggles that pushed them to grow. Together, they introduce this season’s theme, “Growth Through Challenge,” and talk about the messy, honest side of becoming a doctor.

Discovery is not always a bold breakthrough—it is often what quietly emerges after the questions, the challenges, and the moments when you are not sure where the path is leading.

In the season seven finale of BUNDLE OF HERS, Alizah, Laurel, and Hạ reflect on what they have uncovered about themselves, their surrounding relationships, and their roles in medicine. As they revisit moments that challenged their perspectives and share what they are still figuring out, they open up about the discomfort of not having it all together—and the strength in embracing that truth. Through vulnerability, curiosity, and connection, this conversation celebrates how the process of discovery shapes who we are becoming.

Intern year is a whirlwind—one filled with overwhelming responsibility, steep learning curves, and moments of deep self-doubt. It is the year new doctors step into roles that test their stamina, skills, and sense of self—all while learning how to care for others and themselves at the same time.

Mariam and Lilly open up about the emotional and physical toll of residency's first year. Through honest reflection, they explore the differences and parallels in their experiences, from coping with the stress and anxiety of long hours to confronting the high expectations that do not always match the realities of their knowledge and training. They share hard-earned insights, small victories, and gentle reminders that even when it feels like you are barely keeping up, you are still doing a good job—and that matters.

Not all medical training paths follow a straight line. For some physicians, the journey includes a preliminary year—a one-year position in a specialty like internal medicine or surgery that provides clinical training before transitioning into their chosen field.

Lilly is joined by fellow prelims Shima, Jenna, and Lena for a candid conversation about navigating this in-between space in training. Together, they share personal stories from the year and explore what it means to grow, adapt, and discover who you are in a year that is as formative as it is unpredictable.

Medical education is known for its demanding structure, but the toll it takes on students and physicians is rarely addressed with the same intensity. Nearly 30% of medical students experience depression, and rates of suicidal ideation are alarmingly high—three times greater than their same-age peers. Residents and attending physicians face similar challenges, often without access to the care and support they need.

Dr. Jenny Wei and third-year medical student Sanila Math join the conversation with Austen to explore the culture of rigidity in medicine—from its historical roots to its present-day consequences—across every stage of training. Together, they reflect on the weight of burnout and the importance of questioning systems that no longer serve doctors' well-being.

Despite Latine individuals making up nearly 20% of the U.S. population, they remain vastly underrepresented in medicine. With the Latine community projected to reach 111.2 million by 2060, the lack of diversity in health care raises concerns about access, language concordance, and culturally competent care.

Vida Sandoval and Marisol Soli from La Comunidad en Medicina join Hạ for a conversation to discuss the challenges and triumphs of being Latine in medicine. They explore how representation impacts patient outcomes, the importance of building a supportive community in the medical field, and the steps needed to create a more inclusive and equitable health care system.

Grief is an inevitable part of life, but for physicians, it often exists in tension with the expectation to keep moving forward. While they provide care and comfort to others, how do they make space for their own losses?

Medical student Kate Tyler joins Lilly for a raw conversation about the emotional weight of grieving in medicine and the challenges of balancing personal and professional loss. They explore how grief shapes difficult conversations, influences goals of care, and highlights the importance of truly being present with patients and their families at the end of life.

This episode is dedicated to Alia Kanishka, Jane Tyler, and all those lost to devastating illnesses like terminal cancer.

Universal health care is a system in which all individuals can have access to essential medical services without financial hardship. While more than 70 countries provide some form of universal health care, the structure and effectiveness of these systems vary. In contrast, millions worldwide still face significant barriers to care due to high costs, lack of coverage, or systemic inequalities.

In S7E20, internal medicine resident Siale Teaupa joins Hạ for a conversation exploring the complexities of health systems and the ongoing debate over universal health care. They discuss the pros and cons of health care models, the challenges of ensuring equitable access, and the fundamental question—is health care a human right?

In high-stakes careers like medicine and research, the weight of responsibility can feel all-consuming. However, maintaining a strictly stoic demeanor can unintentionally create distance. Studies show that play and humor are essential for mental well-being, helping to reduce stress, build resilience, and even improve team dynamics. When physicians allow moments of lightness and authenticity, they can break down barriers, making patients feel more comfortable, heard, and willing to share crucial information.

Laurel is joined by psychiatry resident Baley Kynaston and bioinformatics grad student Joshua Major-Mincer to explore the importance of staying silly in a serious job. In a lighthearted and candid conversation, they discuss how humor and authenticity can coexist with professionalism, why self-expression is essential for well-being, and how finding the right moments for levity can strengthen personal resilience and patient trust.

The doctor-patient relationship is one of the most critical elements in delivering effective and compassionate care. Research shows trust and communication between doctors and patients can significantly influence treatment outcomes, patient satisfaction, and adherence to medical advice. However, in today’s fast-paced health care environment, cultivating meaningful connections can often feel challenging.

Psychiatrist Dr. Rana Jawish joins Austen and Alizah to explore the art of fostering genuine relationships in medicine. They discuss the importance of maintaining humanity in the brief but impactful moments shared with patients, navigating the inherent power dynamic between doctor and patient, and the need to validate and respect each individual’s experience.

Health policy refers to the decisions, plans, and actions taken to achieve specific health care goals within a society. Globally, health policy plays a pivotal role in addressing issues such as infectious diseases, access to care, and preventive health services. However, disparities persist, particularly in low- and middle-income communities, where funding constraints and misaligned priorities can significantly impact health outcomes.

Internal medicine resident Siale Teaupa joins Hạ and Alizah to discuss the complex world of health policy and global health. They explore how global health policies shape medical practices, the challenges arising from limited funding and resource allocation, and the changes needed to create more equitable and effective healthcare systems worldwide.

Medical professionals are often so focused on caring for others that they overlook their own well-being. Yet, prioritizing just 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and anxiety. Despite these benefits, many medical students struggle to find time for self-care amidst their demanding studies.

Medical student Cassidy Nguyen joins Lilly and Hạ to discuss the importance of balancing life outside of medicine, highlighting how physical wellness can reduce burnout and improve overall well-being. They explore self-care as a long-term investment that fosters both personal and professional growth.

Societal pressures often skew our understanding of success toward performance metrics, making it seem almost synonymous with external achievements. However, finding a personal definition of success that goes beyond external validation is essential for personal growth and overall well-being. True success involves aligning your values and passions with your goals.

Alizah and Austen engage in a thought-provoking conversation with fellow medical student Jacob Taylor about the evolving concept of success. Together, they reflect on their own goals and consider whether their pursuits genuinely fulfill them—or if they are merely climbing someone else’s mountain.

An estimated 1.14% of the U.S. population—around 3 million people—identify as transgender, yet many face significant barriers when accessing health care. The medical field has traditionally been structured without considering the unique needs of trans individuals, resulting in substantial gaps in care and understanding.

Laurel and Hạ talk with Jane Hiatt about the challenges trans people encounter while navigating the health care system and emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive provider training in trans health. They discuss how compassionate, informed patient care is essential to building a more inclusive and equitable medical environment that effectively serves all patients.

Diversity of thought should be the foundation for respectful discussions and the broadening of perspectives. In the complex world of medicine, effective collaboration is crucial, yet conflicting opinions and division can often impede progress.

Austen is joined by fellow medical students Anna Tidwell and Jade Kho to discuss how opposing viewpoints can lead to conflict, stifle growth, and obstruct the achievement of both personal and patient-focused goals. The conversation explores the importance of engaging in constructive dialogue, knowing when to walk away from unproductive discussions, and the need for mutual respect, clear intent, and open-mindedness in fostering successful teamwork within the medical field.

Approximately 5% of medical students and 3% of practicing physicians report having a chronic illness or disability. For these individuals, balancing being a patient and a health care provider can present unique challenges.

Hạ and guest Eunice Bajomo discuss navigating the medical field with a chronic medical condition. Eunice, who is both a patient and a medical student, shares her insights on creating positive health care experiences and highlights the need for improved training in caring for patients with chronic conditions. Understanding these challenges can lead to more compassionate and inclusive health care practices.

The second episode of this season's IDENTITY SERIES spotlights "compassionate ambition," a commitment to excellence that vehemently denies individualism and originates in community betterment. Alizah is joined by her cousin, Kesaia Akau, for a conversation about their families' migrant legacy, and how the values and principles instilled by their ancestors guide them toward success.