Best Podcasts and YouTube Channels for Pre-Meds

Why Pre-Meds Should Plug Into the Right Content
Let’s face it — the pre-med journey is not just about organic chemistry and GPA. It’s also about navigating a complex, competitive, and constantly evolving landscape that demands more than textbooks can teach.

That’s where podcasts and YouTube channels come in. They offer:

• Bite-sized mentorship
  
  
• Real talk from physicians and med students
  
  
• Study hacks, MCAT tips, and motivation
  
  
• Guidance on applications, interviews, and burnout
  

This isn’t about passive entertainment. It’s about using your screen time (or commute) to fuel your goals.

Top Podcasts Every Pre-Med Should Subscribe To
1. The PreMed Years (Dr. Ryan Gray)
Why it’s great: It’s the gold standard. Weekly episodes cover every step from pre-med to residency, with honest interviews and actionable tips.

Best for: Understanding the real application process and avoiding rookie mistakes.

2. Specialty Stories
Also hosted by Dr. Gray, this show interviews physicians in all fields — from pediatrics to pathology — to help you choose the right specialty.

Best for: Exploring career paths early so you don’t panic later.

3. Inside the Boards
This one blends high-yield medical content with case-based learning and boards prep. Yes, even pre-meds can benefit from hearing how clinical reasoning evolves.

Best for: Future-focused students who want to hear what’s coming next.

4. The Undifferentiated Medical Student
Long-form conversations with doctors from all specialties. They discuss career choices, challenges, and advice they wish they’d known earlier.

Best for: The curious pre-med who doesn’t want to limit options.

5. MCAT Basics (by Med School Coach)
Short, focused episodes that break down complex MCAT topics like metabolism, behavioral science, or bio stats.

Best for: Reinforcing MCAT concepts during walks, workouts, or commutes.

6. Dear Premed (Dr. B)
Empathetic, experience-driven podcast offering advice from doctors who’ve been through the stress. Focuses on self-care and authenticity too.

Best for: A supportive voice when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

7. Short Coat Podcast
Produced by Iowa’s Carver College of Medicine students — funny, unfiltered discussions about pre-med, med school, and everything in between.

Best for: A real, student-led peek into what’s ahead.

Top YouTube Channels That Actually Help Pre-Meds
1. Ali Abdaal
A former Cambridge med student turned productivity guru. Videos on how to study, beat procrastination, and survive medical training.

Best for: Study hacks, lifestyle tips, and motivation — with aesthetics.

2. Med School Insiders (Dr. Jubbal)
High-quality, evidence-based content on MCAT prep, medical school admissions, study strategies, and specialty guides.

Best for: Visual learners who want crisp animations and no fluff.

3. Karma Medic (Nasir)
A London-based doctor who vlogs his life in medicine, giving a relatable look into pre-med, med school, and hospital life.

Best for: Relatable, day-in-the-life insights with emotional honesty.

4. Jamie Albahri, MD
A U.S. based internal medicine resident sharing helpful, calm, and non-hype videos about how to get into med school, survive exams, and maintain balance.

Best for: Students looking for guidance with less stress and more realism.

5. Sarah Clifford
UK medical student content — covering study with me, pre-med guides, and what to expect when applying.

Best for: Friendly, real-time companionship during long study sessions.

6. Ninja Nerd
Hands-down one of the best channels for deep science concepts, from anatomy to biochem. Not pre-med-specific, but immensely helpful.

Best for: Visualizing MCAT and pre-clinical concepts like never before.

7. Daniel Jung
MCAT-specific tutorials, strategy breakdowns, and walkthroughs. Great energy, to-the-point teaching, and step-by-step tips.

Best for: Boosting your MCAT score without buying a $2000 course.

Tips for Using Podcasts & Videos Wisely

• Avoid overload: Pick 2–3 creators you vibe with. Don’t try to follow everyone.
  
  
• Active > passive: Take notes, apply concepts, or discuss with peers.
  
  
• Balance content: Mix technical with motivational so you stay grounded.
  
  
• Unfollow hype: Ditch content that makes you feel “less than.” You want mentors, not influencers.
  

Bonus: Follow These to Stay Inspired

• Dr. Mikhail “Mike” Varshavski (Doctor Mike) – Fun, myth-busting, and engaging.
  
  
• Kevin Jubbal, MD on Instagram/YouTube – Application tips and transparent career talk.
  
  
• The PreMed Reddit (r/premed) – A wild ride, but sometimes full of golden advice.
  
  
• Physician social accounts like @mdmotivator – For perspective, hope, and humor.
  

Final Thought
Pre-med life can feel isolating, overwhelming, and full of doubts. But you don’t have to walk it alone.

Podcasts and YouTube channels — when curated right — can serve as free mentorship, community, and strategy sessions, all from your earbuds.

So study smart. Stay curious. And don’t forget: the best doctors never stop learning — and neither should pre-meds.