
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

Mar 13, 2025 • 23min
Money Habits & The Journey to Becoming A Debt-Free Doctor. #452 Part 2
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!We unpack the journey to financial freedom for physicians, discussing how developing good money mindsets and financial habits can lead to extraordinary debt payoff success later in your career. No one will ever care more about your money than you do, so start caring today because whatever habits and behaviors you develop today have compounding interest.FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED Wealth-Minded MD podcast Website - http://Wealthmindedmd.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.com

Mar 12, 2025 • 14min
How An Internal medicine physician Paid Off $138,000 in Student Loan Debt in Under Three Years. #452 Part 1
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Taking control of your financial future sometimes means going against conventional wisdom. Dr. Brittne's story of paying off $138,000 in student loan debt in less than three years proves that physicians don't have to remain shackled to debt for decades. With the right strategy, financial freedom is within reach much sooner than most imagine.FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED Wealth-Minded MD podcast Website - http://Wealthmindedmd.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.com

Mar 11, 2025 • 55min
How We Paid Off $662,000 In Student Loan Debt! #452
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Dr. Brittne Halford, co-host of Wealth-Minded MD podcast, joins us at Docs Outside the Box Podcast to reveal how she paid off $138,000 in student loan debt in less than three years while still traveling and investing. We also share our story on how we paid off $662k of student loan debt in 3 years. For physicians struggling with student loan repayment, tune in to learn how to take control of your financial destiny. We Discuss:0:00 Introduction03:13 Dr. Brittne's journey, family and background.07:46 How much debt Dr. Brittne had after Med school & Residency.10:09 Being savvy and smart with paying your debt. 14:32 How to survive residency + pay debt at the same time.18:50 Investing and the necessity of building habits early.20:57 Paying off debt as a couple.28:19 How we paid off $662k of student loan debt in 3 years.31:09 How Dr. Brittne consistently paid off her debt as an attending.36:06 Real estate investments.37:03 PSLF uncertainties and advice on handling debt as a resident.44:20 Having a plan and goal when paying off debt.FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED Wealth-Minded MD podcast Website - http://Wealthmindedmd.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! https://darkos.lpages.co/newsletter-signup/ 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.com

Mar 10, 2025 • 46min
Surgery or Emergency Medicine? Finding Your Path. #451
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Choosing between two medical specialties when one means potentially giving up a vital part of your identity is not easy. A question from a medical student torn between general surgery and emergency medicine, launches us into a discussion of what it truly means to find fulfillment in medicine without sacrificing who you are. Listen now to join this fun conversation about maintaining authenticity in medicine and making choices your future self will thank you for. We Discussed:0:00 Intro04:44 Dr. Renée's birthday celebration🎉🎂15:05 Choosing Between Emergency Medicine And General Surgery.FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED S-Corp vs LLC: Which Is Better for Locum Tenens? - https://youtu.be/zvcKrrhPAgwQ&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.com

Mar 7, 2025 • 25min
The Dark Side of Residency. Is It Time to Reassess? #450 Part 3
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!We unpack the emotional and psychological impact of residency training on medical professionals. From the undeniable stress that comes with this phase to how it can transform personal interactions and overall well-being. Join us as we share our real-life stories from when we were residents and the challenges we faced.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! https://darkos.lpages.co/newsletter-signup/ 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.com

Mar 6, 2025 • 20min
4.8M Healthcare Workers at Risk As GOP May Cut Loan Forgiveness. #450 Part 2
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!We explore the potential impact of upcoming budget cuts on student loan forgiveness programs, such as PSLF, and examine personal experiences surrounding student debt in the healthcare sector. We also discuss why everyone should have a plan B and prepare for your financial future amidst uncertainty.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.com

Mar 5, 2025 • 15min
Why Are We Accepting Gun Violence in Hospitals? #450 Part 1
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!As healthcare providers, the burden of delivering bad news often leads to traumatic experiences, both for patients and practitioners alike. We discuss a recent case of a man who, in his grief over losing his wife, turned to violence at UPMC memorial hospital. As an OBGYN and a trauma surgeon, we point out the pressure we bear when delivering devastating news. Listen to our reflections on the matter here at docs outside the box podcast.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.com

Mar 4, 2025 • 59min
How Medical Residency Changes Your Personality Forever. #450
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!We break down a shocking incident where a gunman held ICU staff hostage at UPMC Memorial hospital, killing a police officer and injuring five other people. Then, we dive into the GOP’s potential cuts to student loan forgiveness for 4.8 million healthcare professionals and what it could mean. Lastly, we get real about the mental toll of residency, the intense stress, and how it reshaped our personalities. We share our personal stories of what we went through during residency from the intense pressures, the emotional tolls, etc. This Week We Discuss:0:00 Intro02:57 Deadly UPMC memorial hospital shooting16:01 GOP considering cutting student loan forgiveness for 4.8 million healthcare workers29:36 The Tom Brady Story and having a plan B32:57 Cancelation of Joy Reid's MSNBC Show34:46 Residency & the stress that comes with itFREE 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.com

Feb 25, 2025 • 55min
REPLAY: Failures on the Path to Becoming a Doctor #399
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Unlock the secrets to a successful medical career with insights from Drs. Love and Uchenna Anani, esteemed Howard University College of Medicine alumni. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for budding medical professionals, shining a light on the importance of self-awareness, adaptability, and mentorship in navigating the winding road to residency. Dr. Uchenna Anani, an assistant program director in a pediatric residency program, joins us to share her priceless advice on how to present the best version of oneself while remaining true to one's personal and professional goals.Ever wonder what it takes to maintain a spark of passion in the grueling world of medical school? This discussion goes beyond textbooks and test scores, emphasizing the pursuit of areas that truly pique your curiosity. We delve into how organizations like SNMA are essential in championing underrepresented students. Plus, we add a dash of humor with unlikely hobbies and draw surprising parallels between match day and sports drafts, proving that a medical education can still have its light-hearted moments.The road to a medical residency is fraught with challenges, but our conversation provides a guiding light for those facing setbacks. We tackle recent changes in ERAS, the intricacies of signaling programs, and the tough realities of medical residency, including dismissals. This episode isn't just about professional hurdles; it's a candid look at the personal growth and the interpersonal skills necessary to thrive in the demanding medical field. So join us, and let this episode be your mentor in carving out a fulfilling path in medicine. LINKS MENTIONEDSNMA Annual Medical Education Conference SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!👀 WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!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.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!

Feb 24, 2025 • 26min
Surgeon Leaves OR for Insurance Call. Doctors, Social Media & Ethics. #448 Part 3
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!We explore a case where Dr. Elisabeth Potter, a surgeon , decided to pause a surgery to respond to a phone call from UnitedHealthcare. Dr. Potter took to social media to express her frustration and later clarified in a follow-up post that there was a second surgeon in the operating room with her, who watched over the patient as she took the phone call.UnitedHealthcare have denied Potter's claim that she was forced to step out of the surgery that day to take the call by saying," Let us be clear: any suggestion that UnitedHealthcare asked you to step out of surgery, or that the call was urgent, is false. UnitedHealthcare did not ask - now would it ever expect - a physician to interrupt patient care to return a phone call about a notification error or any other insurance matter."Join us for a discussion on whether Dr. Potter made a necessary move or was there a lapse in judgment from her.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 https://setforlifeinsurance.com/