
Docs Outside The Box
Docs Outside the Box is a fusion of money, medicine, and pop culture. After paying off $662,000 in student loan debt, quitting their jobs, and launching 3 businesses, husband and wife, Drs. Nii and Renée Darko, have a lot to say about earning, saving, and investing your way to the lifestyle you’ve always wanted. These two docs parley about personal finance, careers, and the real world. Tune in for the gems. 💎 Stay for the laughs .😂 Welcome to medicine’s new media!
Latest episodes

Jun 20, 2025 • 15min
Trump's Bill's Caps On Grad School Loans Could Worsen Doctor Shortage. #464 Part 2
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Is the “One Big Beautiful Bill” really beautiful? We discuss the potential impact of the proposed bill that would cap federal loan amounts for graduate students, particularly affecting medical education. America already faces a severe physician shortage. By creating additional financial barriers to medical education, this legislation threatens to worsen this crisis, potentially leaving more communities without adequate medical care.FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED The NewYork Times Article - https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/09/health/trump-budget-student-loans-doctors.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShareQ&A and Suggestions Form - https://forms.clickup.com/9010110533/f/8cgpr25-4614/PEBFZN5LA6FKEIXTWFSend us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxSIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Have a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

Jun 13, 2025 • 35min
The REALITY of Balancing Locums Life and Relationships. #463 Part 1
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!We share some medical school scholarship opportunities and then answer a listener's question on what happens when your partner has a seasonal job in one location, but the best locum work opportunities are elsewhere. Dr. Love Anani also joined us over the phone and we discussed what we use to track payroll, expenses, deductions and mileage. FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED Payroll - http://Gusto.comTracking expenses - http://Quickbooks.comMileage - http://mileiq.comQ&A and Suggestions Form - https://forms.clickup.com/9010110533/f/8cgpr25-4614/PEBFZN5LA6FKEIXTWFSend us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxSIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Have a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

Jun 13, 2025 • 34min
Is it Sustainable To Work 24/7 Calls As A Doctor For A Week Every Month? #463 Part 2
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Is a 24/7 call one week per month sustainable for an entire career? This question strikes at the heart of physician work-life balance, career longevity, and personal wellbeing. From personal experiences, these schedules cause sleep disruption, cognitive impairment, and physical strain. To be honest, a position paying substantially above market rate usually demands extraordinary sacrifice but as physicians we can create a sustainable medical career. Tune in to hear our practical strategies.FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED Q&A and Suggestions Form - https://forms.clickup.com/9010110533/f/8cgpr25-4614/PEBFZN5LA6FKEIXTWFSend us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxSIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Have a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

Jun 10, 2025 • 46min
REPLAY: What medical leaders need to know about Pre-Meds #282
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Things to expect in this episode:We’re in Denver, CO at the AACOM Educating Leaders Conference! We talk about our responses during the first-ever panel dedicated to Dr. Meta Christy, the first Black Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. We’re partnering with locumstory.com on a special campaign this year. We give you a brief rundown of the common questions that are answered on their platform.Dr. Renée recaps her answer on the panel about what medical school leaders need to know about pre-meds.Dr. Nii rounds it out with his response to “what’s the biggest issue facing docs financially?”WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!! TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR ON FUTURE EPISODES!!!!FILL OUT THE DOCS OUTSIDE THE BOX PODCAST SURVEY (in partnership w INCROWD)WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!https://www.youtube.com/drniidarko Join our communityText text word PODCAST to 833-230-2860 Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @drniidarkoEmail: team@drniidarko.com Podcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by Locum Story. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out at www.locumstory.com

Jun 3, 2025 • 26min
Mistakes We Did In Med School That We Regret Now As Clinicians/Doctors. #462 Part 4
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!We reflect on our medical school experiences, sharing regrets and lessons learned that have shaped our perspectives as practicing doctors. So what medical school mistakes do you regret?FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED Q&A and Suggestions Form - https://forms.clickup.com/9010110533/f/8cgpr25-4614/PEBFZN5LA6FKEIXTWFSend us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxSIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Have a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

Jun 3, 2025 • 18min
The One, Big, Beautiful Bill Breakdown: After The $100K Student Loan Cap How Will You Pay for College? #462 Part 1
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!We unpack the latest news on a controversial bill that could drastically change higher education by capping federal student loans at $20K per year and a total lifetime limit of $100K. While it sounds simple on the surface, the implications are massive and may push students toward private student loans, scholarships, family wealth, and potentially limiting access for those from underrepresented or low-income backgrounds. Tune in to hear why this legislation could reshape who gets to pursue higher education in America and the looming student loan crisis.FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED Q&A and Suggestions Form - https://forms.clickup.com/9010110533/f/8cgpr25-4614/PEBFZN5LA6FKEIXTWFSend us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxSIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Have a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

Jun 3, 2025 • 8min
My 2-Mile Time Trial Run Did NOT Go as Planned! #462 Part 3
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!We were in Houston, Texas recently and I did a 2-mile time trial. Let’s just say towards the end I was struggling. Y’all know I have a goal of bench pressing 250 pounds and running a 5K in under 20 minutes. I will keep updating you on my progress.FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED Q&A and Suggestions Form - https://forms.clickup.com/9010110533/f/8cgpr25-4614/PEBFZN5LA6FKEIXTWFSend us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxSIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Have a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

Jun 3, 2025 • 19min
How Student Loan Changes Could Reshape Medical Education. #462 Part 2
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!There's a new bill being discussed that aims to cap federal student loans. We discuss how this move could deepen inequality and disproportionately affect students from less privileged backgrounds. Check out the video for more financial education and how proposed student loan changes could dramatically alter the future of healthcare education and what it means for future doctors!.FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED Q&A and Suggestions Form - https://forms.clickup.com/9010110533/f/8cgpr25-4614/PEBFZN5LA6FKEIXTWFSend us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxSIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Have a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

May 28, 2025 • 57min
REPLAY: Meet Dr. Trevor: Nomadic Pediatric, Making Ortho Surgery Money, $300K Student Debt Loan Slayer #292
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Nii sits down with Trevor Cabrera, who completed his residency training in General Pediatrics at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston and then transitioned to working as an exclusive Locum Tenens provider. Listen in as Dr. Cabrera, also known as The Nomadic Pediatrician, talks about his first locum job, paying off student loans, the lifestyle locum work affords him, and his blog that documents his travels and experiences.Things to expect in this episode:Trevor discusses why he pivoted to locum workThe early, lean locum daysConsistent locum work and paying off student loansThe lifestyle of a locum, especially the benefitsGrowing through locum workCheck out The Nomadic Pediatrician Blog: www.thenomadicpediatrician.comAdditional Dr. Cabrera writings:5 ways to make locums housing feel like homeFrom medical school to residency to…locums?Paying off medical school debtThe social life of a locum physicianWE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!!TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR ON FUTURE EPISODES!!!!FILL OUT THE DOCS OUTSIDE THE BOX PODCAST SURVEY (in partnership w INCROWD)WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Join our communityText word PODCAST to 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @drniidarkoEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is edited by: Your Podcast PalThis episode is sponsored by:Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them outHERE!

May 13, 2025 • 59min
REPLAY: Medical Students Financial Implications. #397
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!As we navigate the tumultuous seas of medical education's financial demands, you'll discover the myriad of ways it shapes decisions, lifestyles, and the future of healthcare. Joined by Dr. Love Anani from the Student National Medical Association (SNMA), we're celebrating 60 years of the organization's incredible support for medical students as we dissect the costs from MCAT to residency. Delve into our candid exchange on how the weight of student loans can alter career paths and delay life’s milestones, and learn why choosing a specialty isn't just about passion but often a calculation tinged with economic considerations.Imagine a world where your student debt doesn't chain down your aspirations but acts as a springboard to your dreams. You'll see that Dr. Love treats student loans like a utility bill—steady, manageable, and non-crippling. Together with his wife, also a physician, they've crafted a repayment strategy that's ambitious yet grounded. Their aim: to clear their loans without letting them eclipse the joy of their profession or life's pleasures. In an era where the price tag on medical education skyrockets without a corresponding leap in resident salaries, we contemplate the ethical quandaries and barriers this creates. The narrative isn't all grim; our discussions on strategic indulgences, the distinction between good and bad debt, and how even the smallest contributions to organizations like the SNMA can ripple into significant impact, will leave you inspired. Join us as we dissect these issues, and more, offering a lifeline of advice and solidarity to those embarking on the noble journey of a medical career.Medical student’s loans statistics- https://images.app.goo.gl/gNk2FSPLJP6JuEit8SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Wanna listen instead? Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lPD2QG...Have a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860Send us a message HERE! Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.com