In this episode, I sit down with an Army anesthesiologist to explore her journey into medicine, military service, and leadership. She shares what inspired her path to anesthesiology, why she chose to serve as a military physician, and the unique rewards and challenges of practicing medicine in the armed forces. We also discuss how her experiences as a woman and woman of color have shaped her career, the importance of confidence and representation, strategies for protecting mental health in demanding environments, and the advice she has for the next generation of young women pursuing medicine. This conversation offers valuable insights on service, resilience, leadership, and staying grounded in your purpose.

Medical training can be demanding, but does it have to come at the expense of meaningful relationships? In this episode, Dr. Emily Foit shares her experiences navigating friendships, family, marriage, and community throughout medical school, residency, and beyond. We discuss maintaining connections during busy seasons, overcoming guilt and burnout, and the lessons she's learned about balancing ambition with the people who matter most. Tune in for an honest conversation about relationships, resilience, and finding support throughout the journey in medicine.

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.