Podcast: Mastering Medical School — Insights from Two Chief Residents
The path to medicine is a remarkable journey, marked by challenges, triumphs and pivotal decision-making. In the latest edition of “Inside U Miami Medicine,” two chief residents, Sarah Sukkar, M.D., and Josh Kronenfeld, M.D., open up about excelling in medical school, choosing a specialty, surviving the couples match, getting involved in community outreach and more.
Dr. Sukkar, currently a pediatric chief resident, recalls the moment she was accepted into the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and offered a scholarship to help cover tuition.
“I remember the day so distinctly,” Dr. Sukkar said. “After a grueling year of trying to figure out where to go to medical school, and on top of that, crunching numbers to see how to afford it all, suddenly appeared this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I don’t think I’ve ever heard my mom cry like that. I remember feeling for weeks like it was a dream. It was surreal.”
During medical school, giving back to the community became a pillar for Dr. Sukkar. She credits her time in the Mitchell Wolfson Sr. Department of Community Service — a student-run program that provides preventive care for underserved populations throughout Florida — for teaching her time management, clinical efficiency and leadership skills.
“The bread and butter of what it means to be an intern, we practiced it there when we were medical students,” said Dr. Sukkar.
Dr. Kronenfeld, currently a chief resident in general surgery, chose a medical school and residency path that allowed for two years of dedicated research.
“A lot of people are a little hesitant to do research and they’re worried if they do research in a field they don’t end up pursuing, it won’t be worthwhile,” he said. “But it helped me have a different perspective; just understanding the process of how to do research is very valuable for the medical field.”
Tune in to hear more! Find the episode wherever you listen to podcasts or click here to listen on Apple.