

Docs Outside The Box
Dr. Nii Darko
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!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 7, 2023 • 46min
REPLAY: What Dying Can Teach you about Financial Freedom #372
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!While we’re in Ghana for the month of August, we didn’t want to leave you hanging so we will be running replay episodes of our top listened to episodes in the past year with a few new tidbits thrown in. If you could see your life as a series of time slots, how would you fill each one? Listen in as Nii talks to Jordan Grumet, MD (a.k.a. Doc G and host of the Earn and Invest podcast) about his new book Taking Stock. It challenges readers to view money and wealth building through the lens of purpose, identity, and passion – with the end goal of living life to the fullest and without regret.Things to expect in this episode:[02:43] 3 shocking things you need to know before joining a medical mission [12:22] The meaning of money as oxygen[12:58] What happens after you have enough money[20:55] What the deathbed teaches about living without regrets[37:56] What investing in your life looks like[38:35] The “one more year” syndrome, golden handcuffs, and “what ifs”Connect with Jordan:Website: www. Jordangrumet.comTwitter: @earnaninvestFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/earnandinvestBook: Taking Stock▶️ WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBEThis episode is sponsored by Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!This episode is sponsored by Healthy Conversations by CVS Health hosted by Dr. Daniel Craft. Check it out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts and tell them I sent you!Links Mentioned: Episode 371 Join our community:Text word PODCAST to 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comOur podcast equipment:Sony ZV E-10: https://amzn.to/3oXXtvVDummy Battery for ZV E-10: https://amzn.to/3J6ycGrNeewer Tripod: https://amzn.to/42FJ0T3DJI Wireless Lavalier Mic: https://amzn.to/43BDaU5Shure SM7B Mic: https://amzn.to/3CJFZqtCloudLifter for Shure SM7B: https://amzn.to/3oUWfl8Pocket RGB Camera Light: https://amzn.to/43C5iWWXLR Cable: https://amzn.to/3X0NPVTGVM 100W Video Light: https://amzn.to/3JaIA03Samson Q2U Mic: https://amzn.to/3CpyPqX

Jul 31, 2023 • 58min
How we made our vacation to Ghana a tax write-off: Step by step #371
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!In today’s episode, we discuss the exact steps we took to make our vacation to Ghana a tax write off. We also dive into some common things you can expense in your business to decrease your tax burden, tax deductible travel expenses, health insurance and pregnancy, and so much more. In this episode:[02:22] Keeping up with the Darkos segment [07:10] How our Ghana trip is 100% tax deductible[09:50] What the Darkos business is paying for to decrease their tax burden[14:09] Steps you need to take to make a trip like this tax deductible[19:56] Tax deductible travel expenses[25:42] Health insurance and pregnancy [40:30] Reaction video on Dr. Mike [45:36] Why student loans are so high, especially for those in the medical field[53:21] The reason why we do this show ▶️ WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBEThis 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.comThis episode is sponsored by Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!Links Mentioned: IRS Publication 463 Forbes Article: How Much Does IVF Cost?Article: Financial Resources for Family BuildingJoin our community:Text word PODCAST to 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comOur podcast equipment:Sony ZV E-10: https://amzn.to/3oXXtvVDummy Battery for ZV E-10: https://amzn.to/3J6ycGrNeewer Tripod: https://amzn.to/42FJ0T3DJI Wireless Lavalier Mic: https://amzn.to/43BDaU5Shure SM7B Mic: https://amzn.to/3CJFZqtCloudLifter for Shure SM7B: https://amzn.to/3oUWfl8Pocket RGB Camera Light: https://amzn.to/43C5iWWXLR Cable: https://amzn.to/3X0NPVTGVM 100W Video Light: https://amzn.to/3JaIA03Samson Q2U Mic: https://amzn.to/3CpyPqX

Jul 24, 2023 • 50min
Am I too old for medical school? #370
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!In today’s episode, we discuss several listener questions like “am I too old for medical school” and how to manage personal struggles alongside medical training.In this episode, we discuss: [00:50] Keeping up with the Darkos segment [09:17] Question: Am I too old for medical school? [29:01] What is Medeq?[30:03] Question: How do we manage our personal struggles alongside our medical training?▶️ WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBELinks Mentioned: MEdEqArticle: Depression in Premedical GraduatesThis 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.comJoin our community:Text word PODCAST to 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comOur podcast equipment:Sony ZV E-10: https://amzn.to/3oXXtvVDummy Battery for ZV E-10: https://amzn.to/3J6ycGrNeewer Tripod: https://amzn.to/42FJ0T3DJI Wireless Lavalier Mic: https://amzn.to/43BDaU5Shure SM7B Mic: https://amzn.to/3CJFZqtCloudLifter for Shure SM7B: https://amzn.to/3oUWfl8Pocket RGB Camera Light: https://amzn.to/43C5iWWXLR Cable: https://amzn.to/3X0NPVTGVM 100W Video Light: https://amzn.to/3JaIA03Samson Q2U Mic: https://amzn.to/3CpyPqX

Jul 17, 2023 • 54min
Supreme Court votes against affirmative action - Our Thoughts #369
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!In today’s episode, we discuss the recent Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action and how we think it will impact medical school admission going forward. In this episode:[02:47] Keeping up with the Darkos segment [16:50] The recent Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action [18:20] Dr. Renee’s thoughts on the recent ruling [22:44] Reasons for low diversity numbers in medical school [27:14] A deeper look into the case study [34:19] Dr. Nii’s experience working at Grady [39:32] Is the admissions process part of the problem? [46:00] Dr. Renee’s advice for pre-med students regarding affirmative action[51:43] Final takeaways ▶️ WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBEThis episode is sponsored by Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!This episode is sponsored by Healthy Conversations by CVS Health hosted by Dr. Daniel Craft. Check it out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts and tell them I sent you!Links Mentioned: Article: The Supreme Court's Affirmative Action Decision Puts Lives at Risk Case Study: Racial and Ethnic Differences in Barriers Faced By Medical College Admission Test Examinees and Their Association With Medical School Application and MatriculationArticle: Affirmative Action Bans and Enrollment of Students From Underrepresented Racial and Ethnic Groups in U.S. Public Medical SchoolsJoin our community:Text word PODCAST to 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comOur podcast equipment:Sony ZV E-10: https://amzn.to/3oXXtvVDummy Battery for ZV E-10: https://amzn.to/3J6ycGrNeewer Tripod: https://amzn.to/42FJ0T3DJI Wireless Lavalier Mic: https://amzn.to/43BDaU5Shure SM7B Mic: https://amzn.to/3CJFZqtCloudLifter for Shure SM7B: https://amzn.to/3oUWfl8Pocket RGB Camera Light: https://amzn.to/43C5iWWXLR Cable: https://amzn.to/3X0NPVTGVM 100W Video Light: https://amzn.to/3JaIA03Samson Q2U Mic: https://amzn.to/3CpyPqX

Jul 10, 2023 • 48min
This OB was on call 300 days in 1 year! #368
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Considering going from a traditional W2 employee to a locum tenens gig? In this episode, we’re dishing the ins and outs of what it’s like to be a locums doctor - both the good and the bad. In this episode:[02:10] Logistics of pursuing locum tenens vs. W2 employment [04:14] Dr. Nii’s experience working as a locum tenens doctor [12:09] Cons of locum tenens work [15:29] Dr. Derrick’s transition from traditional OB Doc to Locum Tenens OB Doc [16:25] When Dr. Barnes made decided to make the transition [17:05] What Dr. Derrick wanted that traditional employment didn’t have [17:58] How Dr. Derrick dealt with being the only OB doctor in his community [21:00] Dr. Derrick’s journey to becoming a doctor [22:10] The timeframe from traditional doc to locum tenens doc [24:43] The process of becoming a locum tenens doctor [27:02] Timeline of interview process to accepting a locum tenens gig [27:27] Short or long term assignments - which is best?[28:50] Who foots the bill for travel assignments? [31:07] How far in advance Dr. Derrick knows his assignments [33:14] Benefits of locums to hospitals and patients [35:30] What an OB hospitalist is and the difference between employment and locums [39:46] Dealing with health insurance as a locum tenens [41:41] Dealing with retirement and savings as a locum tenens[43:28] How Dr. Derrick manages working at multiple hospitals [46:19] Dr. Derrick’s final words of advice for anyone considering locums▶️ WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBEThis episode is sponsored by Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!Connect with Dr. Derrick: WebsiteInstagram Join our community:Text word PODCAST to 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comOur podcast equipment:Sony ZV E-10: https://amzn.to/3oXXtvVDummy Battery for ZV E-10: https://amzn.to/3J6ycGrNeewer Tripod: https://amzn.to/42FJ0T3DJI Wireless Lavalier Mic: https://amzn.to/43BDaU5Shure SM7B Mic: https://amzn.to/3CJFZqtCloudLifter for Shure SM7B: https://amzn.to/3oUWfl8Pocket RGB Camera Light: https://amzn.to/43C5iWWXLR Cable: https://amzn.to/3X0NPVTGVM 100W Video Light: https://amzn.to/3JaIA03Samson Q2U Mic: https://amzn.to/3CpyPqX

Jul 3, 2023 • 54min
Doctor accused of sexual assault gets slapped #367
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!In this episode, we’re talking about the slap heard around ACOG and diving into if violence like this is ever really justified and when is the right time to discuss these issues. We also address an article from our good friend over at Physicians on Fire about the Top 5 Reasons Not to Retire Early and why you’re actually leaving millions on the table if you decide to retire early. Press play and tune in to this jam packed episode. In this episode:[04:43] The slap heard around ACOG: Dr. William Burke gets slapped while speaking at a medical conference[13:00] Should everyone be saying “this isn’t the time”? [22:56] Is violence like this ever justified? [31:54] Top 5 Reasons Not to Retire Early[35:08] Why you’re leaving millions on the table if you retire early[47:51] Mommy Makeovers: Are they worth the risk?▶️ WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBEThis episode is sponsored by Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!This episode is sponsored by Healthy Conversations by CVS Health hosted by Dr. Daniel Craft. Check it out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts and tell them I sent you!Links Mentioned: Article: Can Violence Be Moral?Article: Top 5 Reasons Not to Retire EarlyJoin our community:Text word PODCAST to 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comOur podcast equipment:Sony ZV E-10: https://amzn.to/3oXXtvVDummy Battery for ZV E-10: https://amzn.to/3J6ycGrNeewer Tripod: https://amzn.to/42FJ0T3DJI Wireless Lavalier Mic: https://amzn.to/43BDaU5Shure SM7B Mic: https://amzn.to/3CJFZqtCloudLifter for Shure SM7B: https://amzn.to/3oUWfl8Pocket RGB Camera Light: https://amzn.to/43C5iWWXLR Cable: https://amzn.to/3X0NPVTGVM 100W Video Light: https://amzn.to/3JaIA03Samson Q2U Mic: https://amzn.to/3CpyPqX

Jun 26, 2023 • 1h 2min
Q&A: Should I get an MBA while in medical school? #366
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!In this episode, we address doctor’s student loan debt and if the public should care or not in addition to answering two listener submitted questions about pursuing an MBA while in med school and bullying in residency. In this episode:[03:51] Keeping up with the Darkos segment [13:01] Student loan debt from college, med school, and beyond [16:29] Should the public care about doctors’ student loan debt? [21:10] Q&A: Should I get an MBA or an MHA or a JD?[37:08] Q&A: I feel like I'm being targeted in residency. What should I do?[47:03] Effects of bullying on residents [57:09] The difference between receiving feedback vs. being targeted ▶️ WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBEThis episode is sponsored by Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!This episode is sponsored by Healthy Conversations by CVS Health hosted by Dr. Daniel Craft. Check it out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts and tell them I sent you!Links Mentioned: Episode 318: Are MD/DO MBA programs worth it?Join our community:Text word PODCAST to 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comOur podcast equipment:Sony ZV E-10: https://amzn.to/3oXXtvVDummy Battery for ZV E-10: https://amzn.to/3J6ycGrNeewer Tripod: https://amzn.to/42FJ0T3DJI Wireless Lavalier Mic: https://amzn.to/43BDaU5Shure SM7B Mic: https://amzn.to/3CJFZqtCloudLifter for Shure SM7B: https://amzn.to/3oUWfl8Pocket RGB Camera Light: https://amzn.to/43C5iWWXLR Cable: https://amzn.to/3X0NPVTGVM 100W Video Light: https://amzn.to/3JaIA03Samson Q2U Mic: https://amzn.to/3CpyPqX

Jun 19, 2023 • 55min
From Cosigned to Cancelled #365
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!This week we’re covering some topics we’ve seen circulating on the Internet the past couple weeks like Dave Ramsey’s lawsuit, DJ Envy’s partnership with Cesar Piña, and so much more. In this episode:[0:34] Juneteenth commemoration [03:47] Current happenings for the Darkos[02:16] Dave Ramsey being sued for $150 million [06:14] DJ Envy and business partner Cesar Piña deny scamming real estate clients out of millions [08:05] Why this is relevant to podcasters + influencers [15:23] Circling back to the Dave Ramsey lawsuit [20:19] How this is relevant to the medical field [25:57] Our thoughts on the potential outcome of the Dave Ramsey lawsuit [31:01] Burned out doctors turn to temp work[39:34] The benefits of locums [45:44] Last week’s dating question response backfired on social media ▶️ WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBEThis 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.comThis episode is sponsored by Healthy Conversations by CVS Health hosted by Dr. Daniel Craft. Check it out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts and tell them I sent you!Links Mentioned: Juneteenth The History of Juneteenth Dave Ramsey News DJ Envy NewsWall Street Journal Article Join our community:Text word PODCAST to 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comOur podcast equipment:Sony ZV E-10: https://amzn.to/3oXXtvVDummy Battery for ZV E-10: https://amzn.to/3J6ycGrNeewer Tripod: https://amzn.to/42FJ0T3DJI Wireless Lavalier Mic: https://amzn.to/43BDaU5Shure SM7B Mic: https://amzn.to/3CJFZqtCloudLifter for Shure SM7B: https://amzn.to/3oUWfl8Pocket RGB Camera Light: https://amzn.to/43C5iWWXLR Cable: https://amzn.to/3X0NPVTGVM 100W Video Light: https://amzn.to/3JaIA03Samson Q2U Mic: https://amzn.to/3CpyPqX

Jun 12, 2023 • 1h 16min
Death of a Resident #364
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Trigger Warning: If you are experiencing thoughts of harming yourself, please call 988 or text the word TALK to 741741 Crisis Helpline which are open 24/7. In this episode, we discuss the unfortunate passing of Dr. Nakita Mortimer, the effects of residency on mental health, and so much more. In this episode, we discuss: [04:00] Dr. Nakita Mortimer’s unfortunate passing [06:56] The effects of residency on mental health [10:53] Dr. Nii’s mental health journey during residency [19:55] Dr. Renee’s mental health journey during residency[30:52] Why is this important? [42:18] What Dr. Renee would say to their kids if they decided they wanted to be a doctor [44:21] Dr. Nii’s first experience with applying to med school [45:45] How the pursuit of becoming a doctor affects those in pre-med and beyond [48:44] Why so many doctors avoid seeking help [53:07] Dr. Nii’s second and third year as a resident in the ICU [1:01:09] How medical programs can do better when it comes to prioritizing mental health[1:04:58] A message to the pre-meds and residents from Dr. Nii and Dr. Renee [1:10:44] The signout segment: Shannon Sharpe leaving FS1 + Be Your Girl (Kaytranada Edition) by Teedra Moses▶️ WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBELinks Mentioned:Residency Program Factors Associated With Depressive Symptoms in Internal Medicine Interns: A Prospective Cohort Study Study: Prevalence of Depression, Depressive Symptoms, and Suicidal Ideation Among Medical Students (2016) Medscape Survey Phsician Suicide Report 2023 Join our community:Text word PODCAST to 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com

Jun 5, 2023 • 1h 4min
Top 6 Money Tips after Graduating from School #363
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!On the verge of graduating from med school and want to get your finances in order from the get go? Tune into today’s episode to learn our top 6 money tips for making your money work for you not just after graduation but for the rest of your life. In this episode, we discuss: [3:37] Elmhurst Hospital strike update [5:31] The inspiration behind this episode [9:58] Make sure you’re aware of the stipulations behind any sign on bonuses[13:26] Money tip #1: Determine your salary, where you’re going to be living, and use ADP Salary Calculator to get your take home pay[16:58] Money tip #2: Figure out how much you’re able to spend on rent [23:59] Money tip #3: Factoring in your student loan debt into your monthly expenses [30:47] Money tip #4: Determine what your expenses are aside from rent + student loans [34:49] Listener question: What challenges do you see yourself or other doctors facing in regards to saving, investing, retirement planning, tax planning, and estate planning?[39:51] Money tip #5: Start protecting your money [55:02] Money tip #6: Create an emergency fund for any left over money Links Mentioned: ADP Salary Calculator Student Aid Investopedia TermsJoin our community:Text word PODCAST to 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by Set for Life Insurance. Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com