reality of being a doctor | Dr. Rachel Southard 

If it eases your mind at all, I am not a medical student, nor a doctor, nor closely related to anyone in medicine. I watch your videos for YOU! You’re creating content that is authentically you and that is beautiful. Never feel like you owe anything to anyone🫶 Keep your head up💕

As a nurse, it is nice seeing your videos to get insight on thoughts and schedule with residency. Please don’t think these vlogs are boring b.c I enjoy them. Also, closing clips of Patrick’s piano playing are wonderful

I just got back from my 24-hour shift. I feel your pain girl. To be honest I like these kinds of videos. I mean, when you’re not feeling okay (not because I want you to be unhappy, of course I want you to always be happy), but because it makes me feel like I’m not alone. Being in residency sometimes sucks.

I am a medical student and shadowed for two nights a few weeks ago and all I thought about while I was gathering my stuff was : “Rachel does this for a month, so move it. ” Your vlogs matter so much more than what you think, I hope you will remember that if you ever feel like they are not worthy. Thank you so much for your content ❤

You're going through a pretty difficult time and it's awful not to be able to spend lots of time with friends, family and so on. But you're amazing and you're sacrificing yourself to bring comfort and help to others. Life can only reward you a thousand times over later. It’s going to be okay

Question: did the residents you worked with when you were a student show you their struggle? Did you have a sense of what they were going through at all?

I haven’t tuned in for a while because of university classes and how much of a toll it was taking on me, but I’m glad to be back and watching you. Just your realness and relatability is so comforting to watch. I, personally, don’t need the fancy vlogs because you’re enough.

I admire your vulnerability and realness regarding your mental health. Things will get better

Hoping things settle down for all doctors. Very sorry about it. Better news, my older brother matched into Radiology residency! Big congrats to all you superheroes

There is getting to be a lot of medical/residency influencers. What makes your content so special is how honest and raw your videos are. Regardless of whether or not you're getting in-hospital content, from someone who is starting a surgical residency in less than two weeks, I find your videos very refreshing and I look forward to each one. Keep them coming!

I appreciate you continuing to vlog. I am 38 years old and currently in the middle of a major life change. I have a 20 year career in IT, but I decided to pursue a new career in mental health counseling because I'm sick of a career that doesn't align with my values. I am back in school now and it gets difficult to manage school with working full time, being a husband and father, and taking care of myself. Watching your vlogs each week is like a little pep talk, even when you had a hard week like this one. Getting where we want to be ain't always sunshine and rainbows, so I appreciate vlogs like this week's.

Oh Rachel I have so much to say, firstly please don't worry about the quality of your vlogs, they are so so valuable. I honestly count down the days every week till your next vlog comes out!! I learn so much and really enjoy them. But my heart also breaks for you seeing how exhausted you are, I'm so sorry you have to go through this. It's amazing seeing your growth though, especially surgically! and that you can talk to patients in Spanish!! So incredible. You helped me get into medical school in Australia, and I'm so keen to do OBGYN, these vlogs really motivate me but also highlight the brutal reality of residency very well. I appreciate you so much Rachel, sends you lots of love❤

IBS sisters unite! Lol. I’m so proud of you Rachel and I enjoy your content ❤! Thank you for being so informative and transparent. It is always appreciated ☺️

I appreciate doctors even more!

Thank you for your burden to care for others. You're the real heros.

Thank you so much for sharing this reality of being a resident, truly much needed transparency. We cannot change the system unless we speak up & fight because this is just so rough on the providers. You are so inspiring and I wish you all the rest and recovery

Damn 10:54 broke my heart 😭. It makes me so sad that you think people wouldn’t want to watch you. Personally, you always find a way to make me feel better about my day and inspire me even when you’re not filming in the hospital or medical content. I know I can’t speak for everyone, but I felt the need to say that because it’s genuinely how I feel.

I personally don't mind that you don't film in the hospital and I totally understand why you wouldn't! :)

Vlog or no vlog we appreciate you :) and you vlogging what you can is so much more realistic and raw than what is usually done, which is so important for people to see. Don't worry about the vlogs, do what you gotta do to be happy and healthy

I’m almost two years in as a nurse. I feel the exact same way. I wonder if putting my body through this stress is worth it. Especially missing important dates and sight shift never really transitioning or getting used to it. Constant stress and panic attacks. Just not what imagined. This still is my dream but I hate golf to work sometimes because I still feel like I’m not sure even after two years. You only see certain things maybe every few months and I still ah e to ask for help. Nah e good days when my patients smile and say they were thankful for what I did. So hang I there but thanks for being honesty.

Please please please continue vlogging… you are not alone in this and you make me feel I’m not alone as well! I recently graduated from med school and navigating residency in Italy! Schedules are much better in my field but the feeling of missing out is real… and sometimes I really feel exhausted… makes me feel less alone in this watching you. Thank you❤ much love you are so strong ❤❤

It’s so hard to see you like this 💔💔💔 thank you for being so raw and real with us. I admire you so much Rachel ❤️

Dr Rachel I have so much re for people working in the medical sector especially doctors stay strong

I aspire to become a doctor. My journey so far has been so difficult and so hard. I have given the medical exam (gamsat) 11 times and still have not gotten in. Your videos give me so much hope and desire to be in this field. Everytime i lose myself and think of giving us i watch your videos and here i am back at my desk WANTING to give this another shot. So thankyou! Please keep posting! We love you!

Thanks for the video Rachel. Hang in there, you got this! ❤

Thanks for keeping it real and showing the highs and lows. I like the clips of you getting in and out of your car as you reflect on the pre/post shift thoughts!

Keep it up Dr. Southard! You are doing better than you realize!

Girl, I just love how honest you are! I love your videos, always will! I’m lot a physician but I also work in healthcare and I can’t do nights either, I was on nights after I graduated for 4 months and I had to switch because I wasn’t myself, I felt like I was getting depressed.. I literally cried sometimes for no apparent reason until my mom suggested switching from nights to days and I never looked back. I know you can’t do that right now but I’m thinking of you and you’ll get through this ❤

Rachel, THANK YOU for being so transparent! I actually started watching you after you had graduated even though I had known your channel before - i just love seeing the reality of residency! your honesty is unique and so so beautiful

really appreciate the vlogs and the hard work you put into residency and these videos. Wishing you the best. Blessings.

Omg and flipping back to a regular day schedule is killer after working nights, I don't even work 24s, just 12s 😭

I greatly appreciate your honesty and vulnerability in these videos. I'm a current MD2 and it's nice to hear about the everyday highs and lows. Hoping things get a little easier for you soon, but know you're still doing a great job helping so many mums and bubs in the meantime ♥️

rachel we love you 🫶🏼❤ i’m sorry you’re going through this rough time and i truly hope it gets better for you. your videos are never boring. you’re always so transparent and it’s inspiring. I’ll always watch bc of you 😊

loved the little demo at the end rachel :) love seeing you grow, hang in there

I actually really appreciate these types of vlogs. Thanks for keeping it real

I love that your patients get compliments on their scars! It speaks to the level of care and attention you give your patients. I wish all OB/GYNs cared like you do

I’m a nurse and I enjoy whatever hospital content you have but also here for your personality and life and honesty!!! You’re inspiring Rachel ❤

I love how real you keep it! You share the truth and that is why I have loved following your journey through medical school and even more now through your residency. Your content will never ever be boring! I am here for it all!!

Hey Rachel I have been watching since med school and I love your blogs whether it’s 10 mins to your longer 20 plus minute blogs. Keep your head up. Night shift is a different animal. I’m not a dr but I work in sterile processing and I work overnight and have been for 4 years. It has helped me get my daughter thru marching band, lacrosse and recently graduated. It’s is tough as heck sometimes but this is only a season. I have two more years and I have to find a new shift she will be leaving off to a big university. I know it’s hard, but you have made it this far. One day at a time. Hoping have your boyfriend with you will ease some of the stress. We love all the hard work you put in. And if you need to take a break. We will be here

I hope you enjoyed your saturday off Rachel!! you deserve it❤️ always look forward to your videos!

Rachel, you have no idea how much I appreciate your transparency! It’s helpful to see the reality of the field, and it’s inspiring to see how strong you are. It pushes me to do the same! I’ve been watching you for years now and will continue to, no matter if your content is in or out of the hospital. Lots of love ✨❤️

Love your vlogs! Thanks for being so real!

Thank you for sharing everything you share in such detail, being so honest and open. You work beyond exhaustion. You have given me a lot of insight into what it is like for doctors. I'm not in the medical field. I discovered you a few months ago or so and you have given me some insight into what it is like for doctors. I admire the work you do and the sacrifices you make to help others.

Rachel you are doing an excellent job, and the material that you put out is very good. ❤

Thank you for continuing to share your life with us and don't ever feel the need to apologize. Your videos are raw, authentic, and beautiful because it's your life. Take care of yourself!!!💓 Sending you all the positive vibes and energy your way!

I'm typing this comment as I work on my medical school application. I have been watching you since I was in high school and first started thinking about entering the medical field. Nobody in my family is in the medical filed and nearly everything I know about becoming a doctor is from watching you. I hope you know how much of a role model you are too so many of us!! You are amazing!

I'm definetely sticking with you. You don't have to worry. I'm sending you a huge hug ❤

I hope the rest of the month is/was better xx

I’m a premed and I have loved watching your journey as I go through mine! I still love these videos they are very insightful.

So amazing to see you grow! ❤ the obstacle is the way 💪

I love hearing your reality because it reminds me that this is what I'm in for. Every time you struggle it motivates someone else, like me. Thank you for keeping it real, seriously! Also side note: I feel like monthly check-ins into accounts like yours is a good way to do a self-check-in and ask, "Do I still want this?" - Your account is still serving a real purpose. You've totally got this!!

Rachel, you’re amazing ❤ i watch because of you, your authenticity and vulnerable disposition. thank you for everything you show us!

Thank you for continuing to film even in residency, we know it’s super hard. We really appreciate you Rachel and eagerly look forward to watching all the amazing content you put out

I start on Monday. I’ve been crying all weekend because I’m so nervous and scared 😭

I have such respect for you and your journey. ❤ it takes a special person to do what you are doing. God bless….❤

I love every single one of your vlogs to know that you care enough about your patients to watch their heart rate the way you do makes me so happy I had a 36 hr trauma labor my sons heart rate was lost so many times and after my epidural they almost lost mine due to my blood pressure dropping so low if I had a doctor like you who cared the way you did I would have had an amazing labor I am thankful for all my nurses but my doctor sat outside the room on his as I pushed for an hour then came in I pushed for another hour and in the middle of that he stopped looked at me and said we are getting nowhere not saying he’s a bad doctor just saying to know there are people out there who care even when there going through what you are dealing with is amazing ❤️ please keep vlogging I love to watch them.

I enjoy watching your videos. Hang in there! You are doing great!

Rachel I admire that no matter how tough things become you have such a commitment to your patients. It is truly admirable as it shows that your heart is really in it for the right reasons. You have inspired me to pursue a medical field myself. Never doubt your reach and power! Always a herd member- Nikayla

I’ve suffered with IBD for about 10 years so I can relate. Wishing you all the best. Love you ❤

Loveee seeing how you close a patient. Yay to a new PR!! 🎉💕 It is lovely that you are so meticulous in closing so the patient is happy 🩷

I’m halfway through the video and I just wanted to mention… you’re doing amazing! Doing overnights is incredibly HARD and the fact that you’re dedicated to show us how it is is a lot! Don’t feel bad for not recording in the hospital.. it can be hard just because of the views but for those who do watch appreciate you for sharing this journey with us ❤

How are we always going through the same thing at the same time! I love you Rachael may God Bless you! We are im this together send love and prayers

I’ve been watching you since high school and now I’m a sophomore in college. I love your vlogs and I keep coming back because you are so real, no sugarcoating no BS. Stay strong girl you are literally my biggest inspiration!!❤️❤️❤️

I can't believe they put you through this. What is the point? Concerning for patients to have medical professionals that are so exhausted.

Fellow recent graduate here and also a pre-night-in the car cryer. It’s really hard! Sending love, we’ll make it through ❤️

Hi! I've been watching your videos for years now and you have inspired me sooooo much!! I applied to DO school last week with dreams of becoming an OB/GYN. Thank you for being so real and encouraging!

I am a newly graduated veterinarian but i've been following your channel for years because I always enjoyed seeing the similarities and differences in medical school vs veterinary school. I've definitely teared up watching some of your videos in the past and this one was no different when you chatted about missing out on family/life events because of school and work. I relate so much and I know so many other people in the healthcare field do to and it's heartbreaking. But it's always nice to know you're not alone and seeing someone else open up about it helps me a lot! Keep hanging in there. You're saving lives and I hope you find so many moments of joy that keep you hanging in there!!!

AAw I love how much you're growing and I'm so proud of you. Loved your technique by the way.😍

Honestly anything you post as “boring” as it may seem to you is mostly not boring to us.. and I’ll speak for everyone 🤪. We enjoy seeing your everyday life whether is cleaning , fixing your coffee, fixing your meals, typing at work, getting your scrubs, walking to clock in … idk I just enjoy the asmr of some it when you’re doing skin care or typing or whatever.. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️ We love watching your videos no matter what .. don’t be so hard on yourself.. you’re literally helping bring life into this world and saving lives so that’s badass 💪🏻

Thank you for just being honest.

Sending lots of love to you, you guys need to have a lot more recognition you guys work bloody hard please look after yourself always 🥰 x

hi Rachel, hope you're okay ! you inspire me so much and you've became one of my fav comfort RU-vidr (watched so many of your old vids love them all) you rly helped me gain confidence in me tks xxx Plus I love to see all your videos , hope you're better and your weeks left off nights will be smoother. I know it is easy to say for me, but don't worry about you not showing the hospitalI still very love your vlogs and I think a lot of people are too! you're so passionate and look so kind and sweet send you all my love and courage, you've got this ! so happy that you're in a great relationship thank you for everything

I enjoy your content and hearing about the highs and lows! I admire you so much ❤️ love from NZ

Of course we stuck around! The reloading thing was cool to see. Thanks for sharing 😊

3 mins in and I SO feel you!! Ever since I got my gallbladder out- some things just go right thru and you are DONE FOR when you get the sweats! 💩

I love you and your videos! I appreciate you showing the “suck”. It has given me pause about pursuing OBGYN as my goal. Not in a bad way- but making sure I fully understand what I would be getting into. Thank you ❤️

I guess I don't understand why the industry makes residency awful like this. It just doesn't make sense to me. Are they trying to weed people out?

Watched to the end! Your videos are always amazing content no matter what, it's inspiring to see you push through such hard things in your life. Keep going 💛

Love the videos even if you’re not in the hospital! Just like checking in on my Rachel and making sure you’re doing ok! ❤

Aww I still enjoy watching your videos!! Try not to worry yourself about your viewers. You need to take care of Rachel - be intentional and mindful about your self-care during these challenging schedule rotations. Proud of you and how far you’ve come this year!!

Love your videos bc they’re real!! And I need that perspective heading into the doctor-level of medicine. 😊 If you don’t do this already, here’s some advice I finally learned after almost ten years of 24hr shifts (a lot of which were crazy busy up all shift type 24hr shifts): schedule time post shift as your recovery time. Non-negotiable/give yourself permission/no guilt allowed recovery time. Same as you’d tell a pt to take time off after a procedure or whatever, tell yourself the same thing and don’t let anyone bully you out of taking that time. If you need to sleep 10 of your 11 hours off? Do it. If you need to wake up 3-4hrs before shift so you have time to work out and breathe and get ready? Do it. Need to stay up after shift for a few hours and then sleep so you can wake up and then go back to work? Do it. As long as you’re getting the rest and other soul-refilling/restful things you need to be as close to your best as you can, figure out what you need and defend it/stick to it! Maybe it’s day by day, sometimes it’s like that. But days that I “schedule” recovery time after my shift rotations, I feel so much better and I’m a better person for others too. My husband helps me with this, and I bet you can recruit Patrick or someone to help you also. Hang in there!! ❤❤❤

So so proud of you seriously!

Rachel,gyn is really hard...You are doing great,better times will come

Rachel-don’t give up. Complain all you want, cry, sleep when you can, do your best with each patient and DON’T. GIVE UP!! I am worried you are going to quit and who could blame you.!!! I have always worked but have never had to work as hard as you. I just want you to keep going and do anything for yourself that you can. When you were teaching usb”how to close” you were full of excitement when you were doing what you love. You might want to go back and watch that part just to see your excitement!!! You go girl!!! Blessings, Delora

You got this Rachel! Your a strong woman and future surgeon 💜

I always look forward to your vlogs!!

I have SEVERE IBS and totally understand. I can't imagine operating and having an attack. Poor you. I'm glad you work with understanding people. As do I. Try chewing tums. I find the calcium helps ❤❤❤❤❤

Big hugs girl. Sometimes it sucks, and sometimes it sucks even worse, but it will get better. Lots of love from Newcastle Ontario 🇨🇦

i love your videos so much. no matter what you film. don’t be so hard on yourself. :( love you

Hiii Dr Rachel you got thisss 🙌🏼

Hi Rachel! I’ve watched your videos awhile now but today’s the first time I really felt compelled to share. I’m not a doctor, but I am an occupational therapist in inpatient rehab and while I don’t have night shifts I do work weekends, holidays, etc. I’ve missed family parties and holidays, friends’ weddings, and plenty of other special moments. I’ve been angry and jealous of my friends with typical schedules and like my loved ones would move on from me in a way with how much I’ve had to miss because of work so just know that I hear you and see you 🩵 From one healthcare worker to another

Love watching your journey ❤

Rachel you are and have always been the coolest!! I love watching your vlogs, hospital or no hospital :’)) They’ve been a light in my life these past few years, and I get so much inspiration from you! 💗🫶🏼💕 You have a whole community (or should I say HERD!!) rooting for you :)) Also watching your little surgical technique demonstration was so cool HAHAH, I hope I’ll get to learn that one day 🤞🏼

You’re doing amazing!!! You’ve got this. It’s just a moment of extreme pressure, but keep your eyes on the end goal!!!! The medical community needs caring people like you.

The thumbnail makes me incredibly sad. I hope you’re hanging in there Rachel! Please let me know if there’s anything we can do to help. ❤

I love your videos!! You are amazing ❤

Almost there Rachel❤ one day (night) at a time - you got this!

I love the honesty, I find these videos refreshing. I’m a pa and the whole night shifts during clinical year scarred me. I’ve only worked clinic since. I just couldn’t and wouldn’t do that to myself, it was miserable for me too. Just know I love you so much and you are my hero!

Rachel !! You’re doing such an amazing job. You truly are an inspiration to me and everyone else that watches your videos! Thank you for being so real and vulnerable with us. Praying for you!! We’re cheering you on !! 🥳🤍

You’re amazing! Keep swimming ❤