Addiction doesn’t discriminate - even in medicine.
Dr. Jason Giles was a successful physician, trained at top universities, and on track for a thriving career. But behind the scenes, he was battling a growing dependence on fentanyl, one that nearly derailed everything.

In this episode of Med School Minutes, he opens up about the moment things changed, how recovery reshaped his purpose, and why being high-functioning can also mean being high risk.

This isn’t just a story about addiction—it’s about honesty, second chances, and the power of medicine to heal both patients and doctors. 🤍🥼

Watch now and subscribe for more conversations that matter.

00:00 – Introduction & Dr. Giles Background
02:58 – How Addiction Quietly Took Hold
05:23 – The Turning Point
06:43 – Recovery & Finding Purpose in Addiction Medicine
10:23 – Writing His Story: Books & Lessons
18:42 – Warning Signs of Lurking Addiction
28:36 – High-Functioning but Struggling
36:42 – The Hidden Toll of Medical Training
50:51 – Final Advice to Aspiring Doctors


#MedSchoolMinutes #AddictionInMedicine #FentanylAwareness #DrJasonGiles #CaribbeanMedSchool #SJSM #SaintJamesSchoolofMedicine

🎙️ In this episode we sit down with Dr. Mike Van Thielen—biohacking expert, PhD in holistic nutrition, TEDx speaker, and record-setting athlete. From mastering your mindset to improving test performance and reversing biological age, Dr. Mike shares powerful, practical tools for students and professionals alike.

💡 Learn how breathwork, belief systems, and daily routines can help you stay focused, reduce anxiety, and unlock your full potential—no matter your age or background.

📌 Whether you're a med student, entrepreneur, or just looking to level up your health and performance, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Tutoring isn't just about teaching—it’s a game-changer for mastering medical school! In this episode MD4 student Anazuo Ohieku-Ajanaku shares how tutoring has strengthened her understanding, helped fellow students, and made studying more effective. Learn her top study strategies, time management tips, and insights on thriving in an accelerated MD program.

00:00 - Introduction & Guest Intro
02:36 - Medical School Expectations vs. Reality
06:01 - How Tutoring Helps in Med School
10:17 - Top Study & Time Management Tips
26:22 - Overcoming Test Anxiety & Self-Doubt
38:10 - Career Goals & Giving Back
44:18 - Final Advice for Medical Students

#MedSchoolMinutes #SJSM #MedicalStudentLife #Tutoring #MedSchoolTips #FutureDoctors #StudySmart #MedicalEducation #USMLEPrep #MedStudentSuccess

Dr. Youssef Majed, Chief Academic Officer at South Texas Health System, shares insider insights on Caribbean medical grads, residency selection, and breaking the IMG stigma. Does the appointment of Dr. Janette Nesheiwat as a Surgeon General of United States help alleviate that stigma?

🔹 What do residency directors really look for?
🔹 Has the perception of IMGs changed?
🔹 How can Caribbean grads boost their match chances?

Don’t miss these expert tips!

0:00 - Intro & Meet Dr. Youssef Majed
1:02 - The Changing Perception of Caribbean Med Grads
7:45 - How Residency Directors Evaluate IMGs
18:09 - Do IMGs Have a Harder Time Matching?
35:29 - What is a Transitional Year in Residency?
45:43 - Final Advice for Residency Applicants

#MedSchoolMinutes #IMGResidency #CaribbeanMedStudents #ResidencyMatch #SJSM #MedicalEducation #USMLE #FutureDoctors #IMGSuccess #ResidencyTips #MedicalSchool #DoctorJourney #MatchDay #MedicalTraining #USResidency #MedSchoolLife

How is AI shaping the future of medicine and education? Join us as we sit down with the father of virtual assistant, Kevin Surace, to explore how generative AI is revolutionizing medical education and practice.

Don’t miss this insightful discussion on how students and professionals can leverage AI for greater efficiency and success!


#AIInMedicine #VirtualAssistant #GenerativeAI #MedSchoolMinutes #MedicalEducation #AIRevolution #FutureOfMedicine #SaintJamesSchoolOfMedicine #AIForStudents #LearnWithAI #MedicalStudents #CaribbeanMedicalSchool #AIandAcademia #InnovationInMedicine #HealthcareAI

From Canada to the Caribbean to the U.S., Dr. Sanket Chaudhari’s journey to becoming an MD is anything but ordinary. In this episode of Med School Minutes, hear how he navigated cultural shifts, career pivots, and the realities of med school life at St. James. From his work as a student counselor to tips on excelling as an international medical student, Dr. Sanket shares real insights and practical advice for those considering the same path.

Watch now to see what it really takes to succeed in med school!

0:00 - Intro to Med School Minutes with Dr. Sanket
1:03 - Dr. Sanket’s Journey from Canada to Medicine
5:40 - Transitioning from Sales to Med School
10:18 - First Impressions of St. Vincent
15:09 - Adjusting to Life on the Island
20:35 - Unique Experiences: Living in 5 Countries
29:22 - The Med School Experience at SJSM
38:10 - Insights as a Student Counselor
45:15 - Final Thoughts & Advice for Aspiring Doctors

#MedSchoolMinutes #FutureMD #MedicalJourney #InternationalStudents #MedSchoolLife #StudentCounselor #CaribbeanMedicalSchool #MedicineCareer #HealthcareEducation #SaintJamesSchoolOfMedicine #StudyMedicine #FromCanadaToMD #DoctorInTheMaking #SJSM

Curious about what it takes to land a residency spot? In this episode of Med School Minutes, Dr. Raeleigh Payanes and Dr. James Kruer share insider tips on family and internal medicine programs launching in 2025. Whether you're an IMG, considering fellowship, or perfecting your application, this episode is a must-watch. Tune in for exclusive advice straight from the experts!


0:00 - Introduction to Med School Minutes
1:06 - Meet the Hosts and Guests
1:22 - New Residency Programs Overview
4:22 - The Growing Need for Doctors in California
6:00 - Affordable Living in Modesto
10:00 - Pathways to Competitive Fellowships
13:42 - Family Medicine and OB-GYN Opportunities
18:00 - Application Process and Tips
33:03 - Writing a Great Personal Statement
39:46 - Virtual vs. In-Person Interviews
47:03 - International Medical Graduates and J1 Visas
55:12 - Final Thoughts and Conclusion

#MedSchool #ResidencyProgram #MedicalEducation #IMG #FamilyMedicine #InternalMedicine #SutterHealth #MedicalResidency #Fellowships #ResidencyTips #Modesto

From navigating the red tape in the U.S. to tackling patient shortages in Canada, Dr. Ivan Escudero’s journey is a crash course in healthcare extremes.

Ever wondered what it’s like balancing two systems? Dive into his story, where every decision could mean the difference between life-saving care and waiting lists. Get a unique behind-the-scenes look at the real-life struggles and triumphs that shaped his career across borders.


#HealthcareSystems #MedicalJourney #SJSM #DoctorLife #InternationalMedicine #Residency #MedSchoolMinutes #Podcast #MedSchool #MedicalPodcast