Contacts
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Join us for conversations about heart & humanness in medicine. The podcast is a collaboration between The Office of Learner Well-Being & Success at the Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University...
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Join us for conversations about heart & humanness in medicine. The podcast is a collaboration between The Office of Learner Well-Being & Success at the Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland & Labrador, and MD learners and residents. Grab a cup of your favourite beverage and listen to experts and learners talk about the many facets of well-being as they apply to medical learners and residents.
Intro & outro music created by Liam Robbins, podcast team member & MD learner.
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Intro & outro music created by Liam Robbins, podcast team member & MD learner.
Episodes & Posts
Episodes
Posts
6 MAY 2026 · In this episode of Mug Up Podcast, host Gabby Newman sits down with Brianna Kean and Dr. Jade Roberts to discuss the unique transition from nursing into medical school. Together, they reflect on how their nursing backgrounds shaped their perspectives on patient care, communication, teamwork, and learning medicine from a new lens. The conversation explores the challenges of shifting professional identities, navigating medical training, and the strengths that nurses bring into the world of medicine.
Hosted by Gabby Newman (Class of 2029)
Researcher: Yaneesh Jerath (Class of 2029)
Editor: Caleb Morden (Class of 2029)
Transcriber: Andrew MacLaggen (Class of 2028)
Transcribed
8 JAN 2026 · In Part 1 of Indigenous in Medicine, host Zubia Mahmood speaks with second-year medical student April Foote about how lived experience, place, and community shape pathways into medicine. April reflects on growing up in Labrador, accessing healthcare in rural and remote settings, and the importance of culturally safe, patient-centred care. This episode explores representation in medicine, systemic barriers in healthcare, and the responsibility of providers to foster trust and equity in Indigenous health contexts.
https://digitallibrary.cma.ca/viewer?file=%2Fmedia%2FDigital_Library_PDF%2F2024%2520CMA%27s%2520apology%2520to%2520Indigenous%2520Peoples%2520-%2520Historical%2520and%2520ethical%2520review%2520report%2520EN.pdf&fbclid=IwY2xjawPlyqhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFERVQxSXNhUklneUJPbVhSc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuD1bdgQOG2u1m8hbCAeYcXlMhSnPNpqDhWZHB8tUetsOfrCHWzsGygIdGyR_aem_wXqhBvdJcM4xUZ7Mbr8X3A#page=1
16 DEC 2025 · In this episode, hosts Julianna Brinston and Brianna Barrett sit down with Mary Jane Butler and Abigail Schwartz for an open and reflective conversation about what it means to navigate medical school as a first-generation medical student. Together, they explore the hidden curriculum of medicine — from deciphering unspoken expectations and professional norms, to managing imposter syndrome, financial pressures, and the weight of representing family and community for the first time in academic medicine.
Transcript:
Thank you to the Mug Up podcast team who worked on this episode:
Julianna Brinston & Brianna Barrett (hosts), Gabrielle Newman (researcher), and Kayla Crichton (editor).
AI-generated content
Transcribed
12 NOV 2025 · Learning from Home — On this episode of The Mug Up, host Megan sits down with Haley and Carly, two med students from NL outside the St. John’s metro, to talk about studying away from home. They explore belonging, culture across Newfoundland and Labrador, homesickness, making community, and seeing life in chapters. They share candid stories, practical coping tips, and why stepping outside your comfort zone can grow resilience and empathy. Grab a hot beverage and join us! This episode includes AI-generated content.
5 AUG 2025 · 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: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1duzqZRXqXZ8qV9TG2iZrf_toDJfZ7pV2_UGuhsFcqW0/edit?usp=sharing
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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).
22 MAY 2025 · 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).
1 MAY 2025 · 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 Boparai 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).
10 APR 2025 · 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).
11 FEB 2025 · 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.
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Thank you to the Mug Up podcast team who worked on this episode: Sarah Dunphy (researcher & guest recruitment), Amelia Jones (editor), Julianna Brinston (transcriber), and Megan Clemens (podcast lead).
17 JAN 2025 · 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!
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Thank you to the Mug Up podcast team who worked on this episode: Julianna Brinston (editor) and Megan Clemens (podcast lead & transcriber).
Join us for conversations about heart & humanness in medicine. The podcast is a collaboration between The Office of Learner Well-Being & Success at the Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University...
show more
Join us for conversations about heart & humanness in medicine. The podcast is a collaboration between The Office of Learner Well-Being & Success at the Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland & Labrador, and MD learners and residents. Grab a cup of your favourite beverage and listen to experts and learners talk about the many facets of well-being as they apply to medical learners and residents.
Intro & outro music created by Liam Robbins, podcast team member & MD learner.
show less
Intro & outro music created by Liam Robbins, podcast team member & MD learner.
Information
| Author | LWS Podcast |
| Organization | LWS Podcast |
| Categories | Medicine , Mental Health |
| Website | - |
| lwspodcast@mun.ca |
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