In this episode, we’re joined by medical students Kaitlyn and Abi for an open and honest conversation about navigating medical school while living with disability and chronic illness. They reflect on their journeys through medicine — from managing clinical demands and disclosure decisions, to confronting internalized ableism and challenging the assumptions baked into medical culture. The discussion highlights how the medical model of disability can fall short in addressing real-world experiences, and how adopting a social model may transform both care and learning environments. This episode explores advocacy, accessibility, resilience, and the power of representation — a vital listen for anyone seeking to build a more inclusive and compassionate future in medicine.

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Transcript to follow.

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Thank you to the Mug Up podcast team who worked on this episode: Sarah Dunphy (host), Julianna Brinston (researcher), Kayla Crichton (editor), and Megan Clemens (podcast lead, transcriber). 

In Learning Away From Home (Part II), PEI-born med students Lesley and Alexis share what it’s been like adjusting to life and medical training in Newfoundland and Labrador. From small-town similarities to surprising differences, they reflect on their transition, what helped them feel at home, and advice for others navigating med school away from their home province.

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Transcript to follow.

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Thank you to the Mug Up podcast team who worked on this episode: Sarah Dunphy (editor), Amelia Jones (transcriber), and Megan Clemens (podcast lead). 

What’s it like to move across the country for med school? In Season 4 Episode 6 of the Mug Up Podcast, host Megan Clemens talks with her friends and fellow Ontarians, Josheil Boporai and Jill Koebel, about their experiences studying in Newfoundland and Labrador. From navigating homesickness to adjusting to cultural nuances, they share candid stories of what it means to learn (and grow!) away from home. The conversation also explores how in-province classmates can help foster a more welcoming environment, and offers thoughtful advice for anyone preparing to leave their home community for training. Whether you're a student, supporter, or just curious about the cross-country journey, this episode is for you.
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Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aPnH6uOuwQnRzg8WAEOb_hMSyqGpsGIQ/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104875702330250306717&rtpof=true&sd=true 

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Thank you to the Mug Up podcast team who worked on this episode: Megan Clemens (editor & podcast lead) & Amelia Jones (transcriber).

In Season 4, Episode 6 of The Mug Up, host Kayla Crichton sits down with pre-clerks Michael Lee and Chelsea Abbott to discuss the importance of nurturing hobbies within the medical field. Both Michael and Chelsea, who began their journeys in music, co-founded The Apollo Chamber Music Society—a group that gives performance opportunities to those that are both healthcare professionals and musicians.

They explore the significant parallels between chamber music and healthcare, such as collaboration, personal responsibility, and striving toward a common goal. Chelsea reflects on how this initiative provides a creative outlet for busy professionals, helping them grow personally and professionally. Michael adds that dedicating time to personal interests, like music, enhances clinical learning and promotes well-being.

Together with Kayla, they delve into how maintaining hobbies, even during the busiest medical training periods, is vital for staying grounded, fostering personal growth, and remaining authentically oneself.

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Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Nl5RN2RVPxoLI9TLdCw7GzKw6r3QfXxipxTfDyVNdd4/edit?usp=sharing

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Thank you to the Mug Up podcast team who worked on this episode: Melanie Lapierre (researcher), Julianna Brinston (editor), Sarah Dunphy (transcriber), and Megan Clemens (podcast lead). 

In our fourth episode, host Kaya Dooley sits down with three medical students to discuss their experiences of being queer in medicine.

First up is Hannah Sparkes, a second-year medical student, who shares how her bisexual identity has shaped her journey through med school. She offers thoughtful insights on heteronormativity in the curriculum, its impact on doctor-patient relationships, and the importance of inclusive language in clinical practice.

Next, we hear from Katherine (Kat) Bowes (she/her), a first-year medical student, who reflects on her experience as a lesbian in medical education. Kat discusses the influence of LGBTQIA2+ stereotypes, how her appearance and self-expression have shaped her role in the classroom, and what it means to navigate these spaces authentically.

Finally, Katie Steeves (she/her), a second-year medical student, opens up about her asexual identity. Katie sheds light on the widespread misunderstanding of asexuality within both the medical community and society at large, emphasizing the importance of recognizing asexual identities—especially when learning about and diagnosing sexual dysfunction disorders.

Tune in to hear candid stories, personal reflections, and meaningful conversations in Mug Up Episode 4: Being Queer in Medicine.

Episode 3 of Season 4 is co-hosted by fourth-year medical students Tara and Rob, who share personal and classmate anecdotes from their time in clerkship.

Rob and Tara begin by reflecting on the often embarrassing and laugh-out-loud blunders they’ve faced during this unique stage of medical training. They emphasize the importance of sharing these stories to foster community and promote a supportive environment among peers as they navigate their new roles as clerks. Throughout the episode, they acknowledge the immense privilege of medical education and training, as well as their commitment to humility and compassionate patient care. In addition to their own moments of mortification and awkwardness, Rob and Tara share a variety of stories submitted by classmates.

From band-aid mishaps in the OR to a lidocaine shot in the eye or a “broken” stethoscope, they highlight how embarrassment can be a powerful learning tool and underscore the importance of staying humble throughout the journey of medical training. Tune in for some side-splitting banter and clerkship wisdom!

In the second episode of our fourth MugUp season, we discuss navigating relationships with people outside of medicine as a medical student and resident physician. Julianna Brinston, the host of this episode, spoke with learners in various stages of their training about how they find balance and maintain relationships throughout the medical training process.

Our first guest, Nicoli Stiller, is a second-year medical student at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador. Nicoli and Julianna discussed how Nicoli balances scheduling in time for friends, maintaining long-distance friendships and family connections, and how to connect and mutually support each other in a medical/non-medical relationship. Nicoli shares her wisdom on how others can support a loved one going through medical training, while also sharing some strategies on how to show up as a supportive friend, partner, and family member during the busy season of medical school.

Hannah and Chris Herring are an American couple who run a social media account called “The Other Side Med” that discusses the challenges of being in a medical/non-medical relationship. Hannah is a 4th year OB/GYN resident in Pennsylvania and Chris works as an engineer and marketer. In their interview with Juliana, Hannah and Chris share the challenges and joys of going through medical training while building a romantic relationship and family. Hannah shares her strategies for building in time for relationships and well-being throughout medical school and residency, and Chris shares how he was able to find points of connection with a medical learner spouse throughout the training process.

Join us as we listen and learn from these insightful guests on Navigating Non-Medical Relationships as a Medical Learner!

In the first episode of this season (our fifth episode overall), our host Melanie Lapierre chats with guests about how they experience perfectionism as medical learners. Our first guest is Dr. Liam Robbins, a first-year medical resident in internal medicine. Next, we hear from Tiffany Furneaux, a second-year medical student. Join us as we listen to them share their experience and advice for other medical leraners. 

Researcher: Amelia Jones 
Editor & transcriber: Kayla Crichton 
Podcast lead: Megan Clemens

Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YvJeRG_eHjBuMfO2307cMpY7SrhBA-yw

In our fourth Mug Up episode, our host Kaya Dooley chats with two guests about 'Healthy Habits'. 

Our first guest, Alison Walsh, a second year medical student discusses the challenges of maintaining healthy habits and a healthy mindset while in medical and shares tips on how she works this into her daily routine to achieve balance between school and life, ensuring protected time to journal or enjoy the benefits of yoga.  Alison offers advice for incoming students to learn to  thankful, passionate and curious about what they are learning rather than focussing on academic performance.

Our second guest, Colin Duffett, a first year medical student, partner and dad of three shares his strategies to balance medical school with physical health and wellbeing by determining what is important, what is achievable and priortizing his time accordingly.  Tune in to hear how Colin adapted a workout routine to include reading lecture notes!

Join us as we listen to our guests and tune in to Episode 4 of the Mug Up - Healthy Habits!

Episode 4 Transcript: https://bit.ly/TheMugUpTranscriptEpisode4 

In our third Mug Up episode, we tackle the topic of transitions to medical school! Our host Kaya Dooley chats with two guests about their transition to medical school. Our first guest, Leslie MacMillan is a P.E.I. student who completed her undergrad in bio and pursued nursing while applying to medical school. She worked as a nurse for a year and moved to Newfoundland when she was accepted to MUN. Our second guest, Matt Carroll, is a first year student who prior to medical school, had a whole other career as an English university instructor for the past four years here at MUN!

Join us as we talk to our guests about their transitions to medical school and what inspired them. We will also chat about the highs and lows of medicine and all that makes us human, not just physicians. Let's go beyond the charting and the chaos - grab your favorite beverage and let's chat about that humanness and heart in medicine!

Join us and tune in to Episode 3 of the Mug Up - Transitions!

Episode 3 Transcript: https://bit.ly/TheMugUpTranscriptEpisode3

In our second Mug Up episode, we tackle the topic of relationships and medicine! How do we find time and navigate relationships as medical learners, clerks, residents, or physicians? Join our host, Alex Darmonkow (he/him), as he chats with two guests at different stages of their medical journey. Dr. Weldon Bonnell (he/him) is a pediatric psychiatrist in St. John’s, NL. In addition to his many roles at the hospital, he identifies as a father, son, husband, and brother. Medical learner Shaelynn Barry (she/her) is a second year medical student from rural Newfoundland navigating relationships with family, friends, and her significant other in Corner Brook and her friends and classmates in St. John's, NL. Come along with us as we explore relationships and medicine, and the personal growth that happens along the way.

Join us and tune in to Episode 2 of the Mug Up - Relationships!

Episode 2 Transcript Part 1: https://bit.ly/TheMugUpTranscriptEpisode2_Part1
Episode 2 Transcript Part 2: https://bit.ly/TheMugUpTranscriptEpisode2_Part2

In our first episode, we tackle the topic of identity beyond the field of medicine. Who are we outside of our roles as medical learners, clerks, residents, or physicians? Join our host, Alex Darmonkow (he/him), as he chats with two guests at different stages of their medical journey. Dr. Natalie Bridger (she/her) is a pediatric infectious disease physician in St. John’s, NL. In addition to her many roles at the hospital, she identifies as a mother, daughter, wife, and sister. Dr. Mina Gerges (he/him) is a first year orthopedic resident here at MUN. Hailing from BC, he is a husband, son, brother, and an immigrant. Come along with us as we explore the process of accepting the title of “doctor”, the role of the outsider perspective on identity, and the personal growth that happens along the way.

Episode 1 Transcript: https://bit.ly/themugup_ep1