“It’s our standard contract.” As doctors looking for jobs, we hear this all too often from hospitals and practices. Jon Appino, founder of Contract Diagnostics, is back to debunk the myths of the “standard contract.” Jon talks about why doctors should have standard contracts reviewed because standard doesn’t necessarily mean non-negotiable.   Things to expect in this episode: How to be the optimal client for contract review and negotiationWhat you need to understand before working with a...

Dr. Nii recently celebrated his 45th birthday which got him thinking a lot about the life that he’s built as a locums trauma surgeon and family man. In this locums series episode, the docs talk about how doing locums has afforded them a flexible, nanny-free lifestyle. Dr. Renée reminisces about taking maternity leave after their first baby. Things to expect in this episode: Nii’s crazy trauma surgery weekendRenée’s take on being a stay-at-home OBDispelling the biggest myths about traveling...

We’re back with our guest Jon Appino, founder of Contract Diagnostics. We’re going through the process of contract reviews and negotiations. Especially as we get closer to the season of residents and fellows getting their first attending jobs, this convo is one that you’re gonna wanna share out. Things to expect in this episode: Why MGMA salary numbers doesn’t tell the whole storyHow to leverage the situation that the hospital is in to your advantageOther things to negotiate other than...

We’re talking to Jon Appino, founder of Contract Diagnostics, about why negotiating contracts is vital for doctors to have a great working experience. Jon shares what doctors should consider when approached with a contract by a hospital or practice. He also tells the story about how not getting a contract reviewed almost cost a doctor just a year out of residency nearly 6-figures out-of-pocket. Things to expect in this episode: What exactly is the purpose of negotiationsWhat are the risks of...

Drs. Nii and Renée are back sharing how and why they started their locum tenens company, Equal Access Health. This is the third episode in the locum tenens series, answering the questions asked by two ER doctors who want to quit their jobs to start a locums agency.  This episode focuses on why and how every locums doc should start a limited liability company (LLC) whether working with an agency or getting gigs individually. The docs give quick easy steps that anyone who is already doing or is...

The docs stream LIVE as invited guest speakers to the Fundamentals of Interprofessional Practice class at the Rosalind Franklin School of Health Sciences. Using their usual playful banter, they share the impact of debt, the importance of money management for health professionals, and the failures and lessons they experienced along their own journeys..  Things to expect in this episode:   Why signing promissory notes doesn’t guarantee understanding of student loan debtImportance of knowing...

The docs break down the process of getting your first locums gig. They share their own experiences of learning about locums for the first time and having to navigate through before locums was all the rave.  Things to expect in this episode: The surprising person who first mentioned locums to Dr. RenéeHow many locums companies you’re allowed to work with simultaneouslyThe different ways that a locums interview can take placeDOWNLOAD - 7 considerations to make before becoming a locums...

The docs get a question from a 4th-year surgery resident about how to take journaling about his experiences as a resident to the next step and start sharing his content with the public. Then they dive into accomplished Harvard surgeon Dr. Carrie Cunnigham’s speech announcing that she struggles with substance abuse.  Things to expect in this episode: Find out what Usher and Dr. Nii have in commonWays to jumpstart a career as a blogger/content creatorPitfalls to avoid and how to protect your...

We love audience questions! 2 ER doctors who want to quit their jobs and start working locums wrote in to find out the blueprint to starting their own locums company. There’s a lot to cover with this subject. So much so that we decided to answer this question over several episodes. For the next six weeks, every Friday we'll answer aspects of this question. Every medical professional should listen in.   Things to expect in this episode: Nii and Renée discuss why many doctors are unhappy with...

In this fun episode, Dr. Nii and Dr. Renée chop it up about some IG reels that are trending. Things to expect in this episode: Philippines nursing school hack to avoid student loansMother causes her children stress by taking them through a personal finance exerciseNurse shares her cautionary message about dating doctors and why dating a dentist is preferable. WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Join our community Text word PODCAST to 833-230-2860 Twitter: @drniidarko Instagram:...

In this episode, Drs. Nii & Renee discuss: Is there a Deion Sanders-like person in medicine?Coco Gauff wins the US Open vs the long journey of becoming a doctorDr. Qaali Hussein’s video on fitting into medicinePhysician Burnout  & Depression Report by Medscape discussionCatching up with Dr. Steven Bradley, Host of The Black Doctor’s Podcast.  Dr. Steven Bradley IG:  @stevenbradleymd WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Join our community Text word PODCAST to 833-230-2860 Twitter:...

On this episode, Dr. Renee and Nii talk  Origins of Docs Outside the Box PodcastDid you get into medicine to be broke?Biggest a-ha moments over the last 10 years of practiceDr. Renee realized how hard it was to focus on marriage vs her career aspirations.Dr. Nii talks about the hardest part of medicineDocs Outside the Box Podcast is about lifestyle WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE! Join our community Text word PODCAST to 833-230-2860 Twitter: @drniidarko Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox Email:...

In this episode, you’ll get a reintroduction to Dr. Nii Darko. We’re talking about everything from growing up in New York City, finding out when he wanted to be a doctor, applying to medical school twice, and his life as a locum tenens trauma surgeon. Things to expect in this episode: Getting rejected from medical schools and the plan to reapplyDoing General Surgery residency with Morehouse at Grady Memorial HospitalFinishing fellowship with $332,000 student loan debtStarting Docs Outside...

Nii is joined by Eric McGlothen, CPA and CEO of Eric McGlothen, LLC, to kick off a special tax series for doctors looking to save on taxes and build wealth. Eric brings over 20 years of experience to a conversation focused on teaching physicians and other high-earning professionals how to give less of their money to the IRS and government. This show is for those going into side hustles, real estate, who are independent contractors or own their own private practice or business. Things to...

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.  In this episode, Nii and Renée are sharing some money traps that doctors fall into with Money Trap #3: Doctors not negotiating their worth and not maximizing or diversifying their income.   Things to expect in this episode: Doctors trading time for dollars and finding that sweet spot in pay...

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.  We’ve officially completed our medical mission and are now taking the next week to spend time with family in Ghana before heading back to the States.  We’ve really enjoyed having our kids here with us for this trip and Dr. Renee enjoyed being able to spend time with the kids and enjoy Ghana...

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.  Before we dive into the episode, Dr. Nii gives everyone a behind the scenes look at what’s currently happening on their medical mission in Ghana so make sure to tune in.  Julien and Kiersten Saunders are on today's episode. They are creators of the award-winning rich & REGULAR podcast,...

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...

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...

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 YOUTUBE Links Mentioned:  MEdEq Article: Depression in Premedical...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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]...