In this episode of More Than Mountains, I speak with a dermatologist, Dr. Sanjna tripathy, to explore the world of skin health beyond what is often seen online. The conversation unpacks what inspired their journey into dermatology and what continues to make the specialty meaningful today, while also addressing common misconceptions,especially the idea that dermatology is only cosmetic.

We discuss how conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis can deeply impact a person’s confidence and mental health, and why dermatology often goes far beyond treating skin alone. The episode also dives into the influence of social media on skincare trends, the rise of misinformation, and the challenges of helping patients set realistic expectations in a filtered world.

From skincare myths and common mistakes to the importance of prevention and healthy habits, this conversation highlights how dermatology blends science, education, and empathy. At its core, this episode reflects the mission of More Than Mountains: understanding how health, identity, and confidence are deeply connected, and how medicine can shape the way we see ourselves and others.

In this episode of More Than Mountains, I speak with medical student Raven Foster about the winding path that led her into medicine, beginning with her gap year and continuing into her transition to medical school. She reflects on how stepping away before starting her training helped build her confidence and gave her space to grow into her identity as a future physician.

Raven opens up about moments of self-doubt and imposter syndrome, and how those feelings have shifted as she’s progressed through her journey. The conversation also explores what it really feels like to enter medicine and question whether you belong, along with the realities of medical school that often go unseen.

We also discuss the importance of mentorship, representation, and support systems in shaping a student’s experience in medicine, especially for women of color navigating the field. Raven shares her perspective on both the challenges and the meaning she finds in these spaces.

At its core, this episode highlights growth, identity, and confidence, reminding us that the path into medicine is rarely linear, and that becoming a physician is as much about self-discovery as it is about training.

In this episode of More Than Mountains, I sit down with Dr. Shreya Gupta to explore her journey through medicine—from undergrad to medical school and into residency. She reflects on the experiences that shaped her path, the challenges that mattered most, and the moments of self-doubt and imposter syndrome along the way.

We discuss the realities of medical training that often aren’t shown publicly, including evolving study strategies, emotional challenges, mental health, and the balance between empathy and self-preservation in patient care. Dr. Gupta also shares insights on what continues to inspire her in medicine despite the demands of residency.

This conversation highlights the mission of More Than Mountains which is uncovering the human side of medicine, amplifying honest conversations about growth and struggle, and reminding listeners that every journey is more than what it appears on the surface.