Pediatric nephrologist, educator, and “Sheriff of Sodium” Dr. Bryan Carmody joins Dr. Ned Palmer for a candid deep dive into the world of medical education and residency selection. Known for his sharp analysis and willingness to challenge convention, Dr. Carmody offers a four-star review of the medical education system, praising the outcomes, but questioning the inefficiencies baked into the process. 

Together, they explore the ripple effects of the USMLE Step 1 exam’s move to pass/fail, the evolving competitiveness of specialties like anesthesiology and pediatrics, and how international medical graduates fit into the shifting landscape. Dr. Carmody also weighs in on the growing presence of AI in residency applications. 

As the conversation turns toward the future, Dr. Carmody highlights the urgent need to align medical education with real-world competencies and the expectations of residency programs. How can medical education evolve to meet the needs of both students and patients? And what happens when AI, equity, and efficiency collide in the residency match? This episode unpacks the complexities shaping the next generation of physicians.