Pharmacists are Becoming Doctors [Find Out Why] with Stephanie Ferrell, MD | TLZ Ep. 35

On this episode of The Last Zebra Podcast! 🎙️🦓: Ugo sits down with Dr. Stephanie Ferrell, a Pulmonary and Critical Care fellow at Tulane University, to discuss her incredible journey from pharmacist to physician. Dr. Ferrell shares her unique career path, starting from her early years in South Carolina, her experiences as a pharmacist, and the pivotal moments that led her to pursue a career in medicine. She dives deep into the challenges she faced as a non-traditional medical student, the integration of her pharmacy background into her medical practice, and her specialization in Pulmonary and Critical Care. Throughout the episode, Dr. Ferrell provides valuable insights into the healthcare field, reflecting on the impact of COVID-19, the importance of empathy in patient care, and her future aspirations in lung transplant. She also touches on her personal life, including her love for running, fostering animals, and spending time with family.
This episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice for anyone interested in healthcare, career transitions, or personal growth. Don’t miss this engaging conversation with Dr. Stephanie Ferrell!
🔍 In This Episode:
- Introduction and Background: Dr. Stephanie Ferrell shares her journey from South Carolina to becoming a Pulmonary and Critical Care fellow at Tulane.
- Early Career and Pharmacy: Insights into Stephanie’s early career as a pharmacist, including her experiences and challenges.
- Transition to Medicine: The pivotal moments and motivations that led her to pursue a career in medicine, overcoming initial rejections and personal hurdles.
- Pharmacy and Medicine Integration: How her background in pharmacy has influenced her approach to medicine, particularly in internal medicine and pharmacology.
- Challenges in Medical School: Stephanie discusses the difficulties of being a non-traditional medical student and how she overcame them.
- Specializing in Pulmonary and Critical Care: The reasons behind her choice to specialize in Pulmonary and Critical Care, and her future aspirations in lung transplant.
- COVID-19 Impact: Reflections on the impact of COVID-19 on her personal and professional life, including the loss of her mother and the challenges faced during the pandemic.
- Personal Life and Hobbies: A glimpse into Stephanie’s life outside of medicine, including her love for running, fostering animals, and spending time with family.
🕒 Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Stephanie Ferrell.
00:02:00 - Stephanie’s background and journey from South Carolina.
00:04:01 - Early career and decision to become a pharmacist.
00:06:02 - Transition from pharmacy to medicine and challenges faced.
00:08:03 - Experiences in pharmacy school and early career.
00:10:04 - Insights on managing pharmacy roles and deciding on medical school.
00:12:05 - Overcoming the first year of medical school as a non-traditional student.
00:14:06 - Influence of pharmacy on her medical practice.
00:16:07 - Choosing Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Critical Care.
00:18:08 - Personal reflections on career decisions and experiences.
00:20:09 - Challenges and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.
00:22:10 - Balancing professional and personal life, including family and hobbies.
00:24:11 - Insights into the hospital pharmacy operations and her interaction with pharmacists.
00:26:12 - Reflections on her time at Tulane and future aspirations in lung transplant.
00:28:13 - Discussion on the importance of diversity in medical education.
00:30:14 - Personal hobbies and interests outside of medicine.
00:32:15 - Future career plans and the possibility of returning to New Orleans.
00:34:16 - Exploring career alternatives and the importance of a balanced life.
00:36:17 - Impact of COVID-19 on professional practice and patient interactions.
00:38:18 - Reflections on the COVID-19 pandemic and its long-term effects on healthcare.
00:40:19 - Final thoughts on the future of medical education and personal aspirations.
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Special Thanks to Producer and Videographer Matt Koesy! Appreciate you my guy!
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