Reflection exercise of the day: I want to hear your why. Why do you get up every morning? Why do you go to school? Why are you working at a particular job? What's the end goal? That's your why. Take a few minutes and formulate a response under this pinned comment. I love you guys.

The hardest part of medical school has nothing to do with medical school. It has everything to do with not having a personal life or personal time. It has everything to do with putting your life on hold and continuing to delay gratification while you watch the other people in your life move forward👍

Coming from a country with free healthcare. I can't even imagine a scenario to choose between a debt and essentially staying alive. I feel terrible for what you had to go through. It's sad that this is a reality for so many people.

So glad everything turned out ok. I went into medicine for selfish reasons. I grew up in a somewhat broken home and being asian, we didn’t really show each other affection. When I shadowed a FM NMM physician and saw the relationships he had with his patients, how they were like family - I knew that is what I wanted. Hope you feel better Rachel. The days are long but the years are short.

This video brings up the HUGE issue of the U.S healthcare system. Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. I want to go into medicine, but I'm afraid that I won't be able to properly treat the communities I want to. Insurance companies only care about profit and not proper medical care.

This country's healthcare system is so beyond messed up. Nobody should go through that, and when I lived abroad, I didn't. The U.S. has so much potential to do better, but unfortunately healthcare is a massive industry that people profit off of, so I doubt things will change. Thankfully, they'll be doctors like you Rachel. You're phenomenal and I am glad you open up to us and that you don't just show the pretty, colored notebooks and the high exam scores and all that. You show the harsh reality, but also how you persevere through it and encourage us to do the same. I am not a medical student, but watching you helps does give me hope for my future goals too. You make me think of why I want to do what I want to do. Thank you for this channel, you're an inspiration to us all!

Hey Rachel, 3rd year internal medicine resident here. My grandfather passed away a few months ago. I was on call the day after. I still went to work. I was afraid that if someone else covered for me, they wouldn’t know the patients as well as I did. So I went in anyways. I was able to set aside my emotions and take care of the 20 patients really well. It’s very rewarding as a physician when you realize how important your role is and that you’re saving lives. I share this story because it reminds me why I went into the profession. You can endure a lot more challenges than you think. And take a break if you’re burnt out. I would’ve not gone in to my shift if I felt too sad because I wouldn’t be able to perform (this is just one story of many). Medical school is hard but it will make you very tough. The most important part is to stay persistent in your goals.

I’m crying. You’re such a beautiful soul Rachel

"People often lose their way when they lose their why." Love you rachel

Your story hit me so hard. I am a first year vet student and I chose to go into vet med because I couldn't find a close enough vet to save my rabbit. I was so upset that there weren't enough rabbit vets that I decided to enter the profession to make a change. Love your passion and your videos

People are so lucky to have you in their life. You have an amazing aurora and an incredibly persevering personality; all this while you're in the middle of medical school. Keep pushing! We all believe in you just like you believe in us!

It’s refreshing to see such a personal reason for pursuing medicine. Most personal statements I’ve seen are about chasing the adrenaline of medicine or wanting to simply “help people”, but your statement was so emotionally driven ❤️ it really proves that medicine is what you’re meant to do!!!

Im feeling discouraged this whole week. Thanks for this. Pray for me

Being someone with major depression and anxiety an panic and also someone who love medicine as well you’re the only person on social media who i can relate to a little bit you don’t glamorise stuff and gloss over the bad parts . Because its so hard dealing with shitty mental health and still trying to do work thats hard on its own. So thank you 💖💖💖

Im literally in tears watching the end of your video. Our stories are so similar, I remember being in the same situation with no health insurance when we thought my dad was having a heart attack (long family hx) and we took him to an urgent care for the same. Then ended up in the ER. Funny enough a year later I got hired as a scribe in the ER at that hospital, so very similar to your story! Side note, as I prep for the mcat in Jan and applying next cycle, you’re such an inspiration and motivation. Anytime I’m tired and feel like I don’t want to study, I’ll watch your videos and I’ll think “okay look she’s putting in the work I can put in the work too”!

I don't usually comment on videos, but this was honestly so relatable. The second you said your mom had diabetes, I knew where this was going. Less than a year ago, my younger sister (15) died after going through DKA without being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. We live in Canada, so we were able to take her to doctors and urgent care regardless of insurance, however all the doctors were dismissive. My sister had every single symptom, our dad is Type 1 and my sister had been in a research study as a child that told us and her doctors she had the genes. Anyways, this all happened during my first year of university and now I'm in my second. Going through all that and seeing her last moments, not being able to trust the medical system, made me realize my why. I want to be able to go into healthcare to do better and not let others die from very manageable and treatable diseases.

I just finished my first final exam in Med school, and this was the perfect video to watch right after

This is beautiful. Always good to remember your “why” on the toughest days in medicine.

Oh no! The notorious EKG’s! I saw them and knew what was coming! Love you Rachel! God bless you and your loved ones! I know He has a plan for you and I will be praying for you as you go through these hardships!

That is ridiculous that as a child you had to worry about the cost of medicine. It is so devastating that a nation as advanced as the US are leaving their people behind because health care is a business. No child should have to worry about the cost of healthcare, no parent should have to make the decision between healthcare for their children or debt. Follow the Australian system!

You are the most purest soul, what an incredible story and I’m so glad your mom is okay. I’m going into nursing and sometimes I get doubtful of whether I have the capability to even get through school even though I’m only taking requisite classes since I have a friend who had to change her major bc of how difficult classes were getting. Sometimes I do lose sight of why I’m going into medicine or why I’m studying in the nursing field, but remembering my “why” is definitely a push in motivation for getting through school. Seeing a bunch of other nursing students as well as med students get through even the toughest times of med/nursing school really helps me get determined that if they can do it, I can certainly do it too. Your videos are a huge motivator for me as well 🥰

This was definitely a tear jerker. Thank you for reminding me to remember my why in the beautiful craziness that is medical school.

Why i chose medicine? I really enjoy helping people, seeing a patient coming to the consult very sick and vulnerable, and then seeing him doing well... i just love the whole process... i love that feeling of responsibility, when you know that you have to do your best bcz someone’s else life depends on you... and most of all bcz i want to offer my parents a better life, what they really deserve ⭐️💫 btw i really cried while watching the vid keep fighting Rachel we all love youuu😍😍

I got goosebumps when she said “that was the moment I knew..”

This blows my mind because I’m a type 1 diabetic - have been for 20 years now. I’ve had several cases of DKA and it’s honestly such a painful and traumatic phenomena. I was also hallucinating and was told if my mom hadn’t called an ambulance in time that I wouldn’t have been alive. Staying overnight in the ICU constantly being checked on by nurses and doctors made me feel so much better. You could tell they actually really cared for my wellbeing. Just knowing that the reason I’m alive now is because doctors and nurses were able to stabilize my health made me want to be able to do that for someone else. It was truly inspiring to hear your story and wish nothing but the best on your journey. Thank you so much!

Best part of Fridays is a new Rachel video❤️❤️

What you did for your mom is the whole reason why you’re so good at what you do! ❤️

Your story at the end made my soul smile. To hear your why. I’m glad your momma is ok. We need people like you in the medical field ❤️

I adore you so much for always being so open and honest, I have a similar reason for going into medicine after my mom had a major crisis and is now suffering from three chronic illnesses. I’m glad to know that someone else has a similar experience, adore you❤️❤️❤️

In 2016 my son was diagnosed with autism. Although I'd been a registered nurse for years, I knew very little about the disorder. I was scared, devastated (at the time), and unsure what to do/where to turn. It was the most difficult thing I've ever been through but little did I know, the start of a beautiful journey. I am now in psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner school with plans to specialize in autism. I want to help others in the way we have been by so many inspirational people. Much love to you, Rachel. I love your channel.

You have me in tears. You are so inspiring. I'm a nursing student but I have followed your journey and continue to be motivated, inspired, and your stories help drive me to remember my Why. The world is a better place because of kind sweet driven people like you. God Bless you.

Very intrigued to know what your reasons are. We both chose medicine to have the privilege of helping others in their most intimate times of illness.

I honestly felt this video on a whole different level... - my Dad also has Diabetes since I`ve been a child. But then he went through a hypoglycaemic coma that one night and the paramedics in my hometown in saved his life. So when I turned 18 I joined the Austrian Red Cross team as a voluntary paramedic and now I`m studying physiotherapy as well. It`s crazy, because just like you said: You know the moment when you couldn`t help yourself - and that`s exactly what you remember while you`re studying all night and kinda feel overwhelmed... but that`s why you want to become just like one of them.. 💞

dear , it is enough to know that your pain , your struggle , and your tears are the material to build a whole incredible life in future that should makes you happy because even pain is beautiful and without it we never be able to feel happy

Ahh, the American medical system makes me so mad. One of the most developed countries in the world yet people have to worry about the cost of medical care and risk their health and life because they worry they won't be able to feed their kids or pay rent if they go to the doc's. That's so so messed up. I mean, this is the kind of choice that people living in African slums have to make unfortunately.

When medical students and doctors share their stories about why they decided to go into that field it's so special. Rachel I hope you feel better and everything that goes on in your personal life, I really really hope sattles down and goes back to normal. Remember that hard times are golden, cause they all lead to better days. Take care of yourself and please make sure your mental health is okay. You are a beautiful and priceless soul❤️

I needed to hear this so badly. I’ve been premed my entire life but recently I gave up after a hard couple weeks. Today, I reaffirmed my decision to go back, and watching this video seriously confirmed my why and revalidated my lifelong dream. Thank you so much 🥺🥺🥺🥺

“We’re never all out of our rooms at the same time” this is SO me and my roommates but I kind of appreciate it 😂

This is so real and raw, I'm crying. I went into physical therapy because I have seen how broken people are after their primary treatment is done, and I want so badly for people to get back the quality of life they deserve without being followed around by impairment for the rest of their lives.

Rachel that must have been terrifying. I hope you’re feeling okay and taking care of yourself while you’re feeling overwhelmed and giving yourself a break (that’s totally okay). It’s kind of comforting to see that even you have those days where you can’t get a billion anki cards done in the morning and it’s a bit of a struggle hahahah xxx

ive been procrasticanting that whole week and now im watching youre video seeing that youre keeping up w everything and this just made my day thank you so much now i wanna keep up w my schedule too

Why do I get up every morning: My kids. Trying to give them a better life than I can currently give them Why do I go to school: I dreamed of being a surgeon as a small child but believed I wasn't smart enough for medical school as I got older, so I settled for nursing. Now, I realize that I could have easily gone to medical school but I didn't know how truly smart and capable I was... but I'm too old for medical school now and my kids need me, so I'm doing RN-ADN, bridging to BSN, then bridging to MSN. End goal: To be the best I can be.

This was so genuine and authentic. we are proud of you girl.....

Dang you got me in tears over here. Wasn’t expecting this. I’m currently finishing undergrad to become a dietitian & considering med school after. I still work as a nurse assistant and I’ve been thro so much stress lately. This video was a nice reminder as to why I’m truly doing everything I’m working so hard for rn. I can really relate to your story 💛 I wish you the best in your personal & professional endeavors! You really deserve it!!

I feel like this video came at a really good moment for me. I'm a first year med student, and with the pandemic, online classes, lack of resources, med school has been a little draining. Why medicine? Because there is nothing I would rather do than learn, help, communicate and make a real, actual difference. This is where my heart is set

Here watching all your videos for inspiration in 2023. Your “why” is beautiful. Thank you for being transparent about your journey! 🥰

Okay yes. I'm going to be honest, it was Grey's Anatomy. But not for the reason you'd think. I was watching an episode, free of relationship drama, and there were three characters racing to a tunnel collapse. They were rushing there to help people, and when I was watching that episode, something inside me just clicked into place, and it just felt right, I want to become a doctor. I'm thirteen years old, I'm using my time during the pandemic to study biology, chemistry, anatomy, etc. Okay, I'm also using my time to watch Grey's Anatomy, but you get it.

I just graduated and i don't even remember WHY i chose medicine. I don't feel like i like it anymore and i can;t decide whether to just keep going and stay miserable or change directions. It has been more stressful than going through medical school itself.

I'm loving med school and study. Why? My friends and patients with health problems answer that question for me. The feeling of fear I get for them drives me to learn more and do better.

Kinda long.... but I'm going into medicine because of a multiple events throughout my life that made me realize that I wanted to be a physician. When I was in kindergarten my dad passed away from a heart attack, which was one of the first experiences I had with health conditions and realizing the body doesn't always work properly. My father was a veteran and planned to become a physician and serve in the army which planted the seed of becoming a physician whether I knew it at the time or not. Growing up with a single mom who never attended college, we couldn't afford health insurance either and had the same debates as you did between cost and wellness. Luckily, even though we didn't frequent him, we had a PCP that was incredible, always gave the cheapest medication possible, and really showed me how great and caring physicians could be. My grandma had diabetes and I remember giving her her insulin as she was blind and sometimes had difficulty with it. Helping her and taking her to appointments gave me a lot of exposure to the medical world. Throughout my studies I've had a lot of self confidence issues as my GPA could be much better. I've known I wanted to be a healthcare professional for so long but doubted myself becoming a physician so I took the time to shadow optometry and physical therapy (even worked in the field) and while I loved both of them, I couldn't stop wishing I was back shadowing a physician or working towards becoming a physician. So I decided to swallow my fear of failing (the MCAT, ochem 2, etc) and give it a try. I'm glad I took the time to shadow other professionals and see how everyone in healthcare is just a massive team. I started volunteering at a free clinic that serves those without health insurance to help those who are in a position I was in for the majority of my life and every time I walk in it just solidifies by desire and motivates me to keep working towards that goal. Finally, my Kinesiology capstone course was about bias in healthcare (racial, socioeconomic, weight, etc) and it made me want to play a part in making the field of medicine less biased. I want to be a physician like my PCP was.. kind, empathetic, genuine..And it may take a while, but my back up plan if I don't get in the first application is to just reapply! 😂

Rachel, this video just summed up everything that's wrong with our healthcare system here in the States. I'm so sorry your mom had to go through that. This makes your journey a lot more admirable and meaningful for your audience. Thank you for your vulnerability.

These videos every Friday are what keep me wanting to become a doctor of how Rachael shows med school I know it will be worth it.

Your reasoning about pushing through even amidst life pulling you down is what I tell my peers on how I keep going. I’m in OT school and I had so many bad things occur in my personal life, but I will be resilient!💛

The reason starts at 8:30

Coming from a country with extremely high medical bills I undrestand how hard it is to weight out when it comes to your loved ones lives. There was no better way of confirming your why Rachel ❤️ hope one day I can reach my dreams and become a physican so I can help people along your side and the healthcare workers.

Oof, first youtube comment... here goes... I am a Premed, almost done with second year. When i was little and talked about medicine, it was always "I want to help people" with the occasional "I want to cut people open and put them back together" joke. Knowing that the 'Why', is a big part of what medical schools look at in your applications, I have started to think about it more and more. Now, I can comfortably and honestly say, I want to cut. Being able to open someone up, identify the problem and then remove, attach, suture or change some part of their body in order to fix that problem is single greatest skill I could ever imagine. It's going to be a long journey, but I have, and will continue to love every step of the way.

This was so moving to hear🥺 thank you (and your mum!) for sharing this! You demonstrate such caring and empathetic traits, I am so sure you are going to be a fantastic and compassionate doctor 💛

Whenever I try to procrastinate all I need is Rachel's video which inspires me to get back to study.

I’m really sorry you had to go through that Rachel :( i hope you know that even though you are not a physician yet, you’re helping thousands of us get through rough times.

Thank you for sharing Rachel. It is absolutely infuriating to keep hearing the same story over and over again, about how someone had to "weigh out" options to get their family member to receive the best care because of their health insurance. It is so incredibly hard to witness, because this happens more frequently than we can ever imagine, probably thousands of times a day. I pray to God this country wakes up and our healthcare system gets fixed ASAP because healthcare is a right, not a privilege. No one should have to experience this type of feeling because of finances. This also somewhat leads me to my why. I want to go into medicine to serve those who are underserved. I am aware that I cannot single-handedly fix the broken healthcare system, but I view myself as a building block of many. I want to go into medicine to deliver patient centered, unbiased care to EVERYONE, unconditionally, no matter what their socioeconomic status, ethnicity, age, health insurance status, or documentation status. I also want to bring awareness to the rest of the healthcare community and world about this horrific reality of delivery of care. If I can't find a hospital that follows those standards, I am not working there. I will leave and open up my own practice to ensure that all patients who need care will receive care. Not only that, but excellent, quality, unbiased care. Thanks so much for this video, you gave me some time to reflect upon my "why". This is why I am doing this.

Your why is incredible

Proud that you are at the same school as me. Keep it up, you're gonna go far and do great. When you're a fourth year like me...it'll be better. My dad had a life threatening subarachnoid hemorrhage that permanently disabled him. We fell into poverty and was almost homeless. I've been suicidal. These are all my whys and these remind me to keep pushing. If you ever need help, you know where to reach me!

Our stories are so similar, my dad is also a diabetic and had a very scary incident when I was a teenager which was definitely a huge contribution to my "why". I'm currently in my first year of medical school and you've inspired me to start vlogging my journey

Your dogs are so sweet 🐾💙 I’ve got two Yorkies and an English bulldog softie. You have tremendous empathy, which is a great strength in a sometimes very harsh world. You’ll make an amazing doctor. Lots of love from Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

You honestly deserve all the best. Despite not knowing you personally , I believe in so so so so much and I wish you all the happiness and success. YOU ARE an inspiration Rachel ( soon Dr. Rachel) remember that.♥️♥️

I have never been interested in going in to medicine or anything of the sort but watching your journey has been incredible. You have such a good soul. 💕

Your story is powerful and highlights why medicine needs more people like you in it especially in the USA. Moving and inspirational in the lead up to Australian medical school interview this week!! Keep caring for yourself as you do others, love sharing your journey - keep it up Rach!

Such a beautiful story, I've been loving watching your videos while I've been doing my senior year of my undergrad online (not pre-med lol). But I definitely needed this reminder today of why I do what I do :)

I am so thankful to be Canadian 🙏🏽 🇨🇦 and have the healthcare system we have. My mom also has T2DM and I couldn’t imagine making a decision like that. Aww Rachel your videos inspire me so much. ❤️

Aww, you have an old girl (dog) too! They are so wonderful. ❤ Thank you for sharing your heart felt story about your mom. You will be an amazing doctor!

your why touched my heart because my mom is diabeteic as well, so I could feel every seconds of that hard day that you had, and I am sure you will be a great doctor with having these background because you can feel your patients much better than those who have no idea about those hard moments!!

It’s funny how you posted this on the night I was having problems with deciding my future and weighting what is the right path for me. It made me realise that the only question i was looking for is “why?” Why do I want to go down this path so badly and not the other? And I have the answer, so thank you for this video.

Right now I’m going into medicine cause I can’t not go. I’ve tried to find myself in another path but there’s something that keeps calling me to med school. My why is gonna be reveled latter, I guess...

Thank you for this, @Rachel. I'm sorry you had to go through this. You'll become the physician that will save loads of other moms!!

It takes such a special type of person to work in medicine. Even in PA school I am tested everyday and it gets hard to remember the “why” sometimes. Then I remember watching patients want to do better but struggle. You’re not alone in your journey ❤️

Happinness is counting days till every friday and getting notification from youtube about Rachel's new video premiere.!!💕💯Love her to bits. #trueherd

I'm generally not one for commenting on videos but that was a very interesting story about your mother. I could see why that would propel you to dedicate your life to medicine. I wish you luck in your endeavors.

You made me tear up a little. You’re awesome.

Hello I'm from India and I found your channel during quarantine . I absolutely love your dedication towards medicine , even I'm preparing for pre-medical exams . So why I want to go in medicine is because a lot of people in my country have to choose between life and debt . I hate people who choose money over peoples life. Also its great to see how you can create a good impact on other peoples life as a Doctor. I really hope you never go through something like that ever again . You'll become a great Doctor , I believe in you :)

Rachel is an integral part of my Friday’s

beautiful story so thankful for the urgent care staff I know the care you can receive in those settings is often less than ideal

Wow Rachel! This was really what I needed to hear. I'm a first year medical student from South Africa. I recently started watching your videos and they are so encouraging. Thank you 💓

Great video! Just wanted to point out, that weighing you had to do for your mum because of a lack of insurance, to see whether the problem was big enough to have to pay for medical care, is something you’ll have to do for all of your patients once you start practicing medicine. At least in the US.

wow. this story makes me really appreciate the stress-free health care we have in Canada. glad everything turned out okay :)

Okay I’m sobbing. You’re such a beautiful human, thanks so much for sharing ❤️

I'm so privileged and blessed, I thought it would be a "waste" to go into any other field than medicine. But I was so naive! I had a mini-panic attack during my first dissection lab thinking what the heck did I get myself into? But I also remember removing the lungs from my silent teacher (what we call our cadavers!) and it was one of the coolest and most humbling experiences of my life. To be honest my "real why" didn't come until the summer after 1st year. I met a patient who had surgery for an interrupted aortic arch and was fascinated by the anatomy, surgical technicality and technology. I was hooked and felt for the first time since starting I had a real "why" - because *I* want to change a person's life. I finally had that gut feeling and "calling" most people have for medicine. As a 5th year med student, I recently heard and correctly diagnosed a VSD in a neonate, and that conviction and feeling of "I know I want to do this. I know I want to fix hearts" only got stronger. That's my why; that's what has carried me through some of the darker times of med school and my first time failing an exam. So good luck and add oil to anyone struggling, it is normal, you will be okay and come out stronger. Sending my love!

Rachel, my heart goes out to you and your mother. I've been in a similar situation (different diagnosis) with my own mother. It is beyond scary. It's amazing to take a lesson from that, to give back, and to let it shape you and become a solution to such. big puzzle (broken health care/limited access for many many people). I get it. Thank you for sharing! Rooting for you!!!

"Why Medicine?" ❤👩‍⚕️

Your "why medicine" moment made me cry, it must've been extremely scary to go through that and you were very strong keeping it together like that. Keep pushing for the end, it'll be worth it! Also, I hope your mom is doing well.

Hey Lovey ❤️ Im a type 1 diabetic that almost went into a diabetic coma when I was 16 a because I didn’t know i had diabetes. THAT DAY is the day I realized why I want to pursue medicine and become a doctor. You not alone in this ❤️ I know how you and your mom feel because I have been there! This is why i get up @5 every morning and get 3 hrs of sleep every night, why I barely go out and spend my time in my room studying and picturing myself in the white coat helping people 🤍

I have the foam roller it’s crazy with those cracks but I need it . Man we take healthcare in the UK for granted, you have a story and experience that is going to make you such an amazing doctor . Loved this vlog as always 😁🇬🇧✌🏼

Was waiting for it forever♥️♥️ Yayyyyy!!🥰. You are a true inspiration🦋.......when ever i dont feel like to study i watch yours videos even if i saw it like 100 times😅....but really a sincere thanks to you Rachel....🌼(from india)

You are the sweetest soul out there. Your "why" is so inspiring🙏... keep going!! I'm only 1 month into medicine, but I can relate. You're almost there❤❤ Btw thank you bc you inspired me to start my own KZfaq channel

I love how you allow yourself to be so vulnerable; so inspiring :)

I totally understand your thoughts about weighing the risks of going to a doctor or not. My brother is also diabetic, although T1 and he’s been in a similar situation. Our health insurance situation is complete BS and my brother is my inspiration to help change it

girl i feel you so much on this! i JUST got my application for health insurance approved yesterday, after not having insurance for five years. i had it prior to that only for a year before it lapsed and i was left without it. i can't even remember the last time i had a check up, let alone an actual primary care doc! it's honestly unreal.

been having such a crappy week with feeling like school is taking over my life and feeling like I'm running off of 0 in the tank. thank you so much for this. i kind of felt your energy in the last vlog and I'm so happy you shared this moment for us to bring us all back together and recharge.

Tried sooo hard not to cry. I dont know why. I DO KNOW youre going to be an amazing doctor, Rachel 💕💕💕

Hi Rachel!! You have no idea how this video helped me. I'm also a med student and motivation was rough on the last few days, but listening to your story gave me strength. You are amazing!! Thank youuuu!! 😊

Such a good vlog!! Why? Because I left inspired and connected