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We tackle a raw listener question about carrying $520k in med school debt, feeling guilty about pursuing Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and navigating first‑gen family expectations. We break down what PSLF really is, why it exists, and how to compare it against traditional and accelerated payoff paths.

FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums

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This episode is sponsored by

Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!

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The Affordable Care Act marketplace is facing a massive premium spike in 2026 — and Congress is running out of time to stop it.
In this episode of Docs Outside The Box, Dr. Nii and Dr. Renee break down exactly why ACA premiums are increasing, what happens if Congress does nothing, and how this will impact:

• Medical students
• Residents & fellows
• Early-career doctors
• 1099 independent contractors
• Locums physicians
• Patients relying on marketplace plans

Whether you buy your own insurance or you care for patients who do — this episode gives you the real-world implications and action steps you need right now.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

✔️ Why ACA marketplace premiums could jump 40–60%
✔️ How expiring federal subsidies affect patients AND physicians
✔️ Why independent contractors will feel the biggest financial hit
✔️ The impact on hospitals, uninsured rates & ER volume
✔️ What doctors can do NOW to prepare (financial steps included)

🎧 Perfect Episode For:

• Medical students navigating their first insurance decisions
• Residents & fellows in high-deductible plans
• New attendings planning their 2026 budgets
• Locums docs & 1099 contractors buying their own insurance
• Any clinician wanting clarity on the latest healthcare policy changes

FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums

LINKS MENTIONED

ACA Premium Spike Analysis — HealthSystemTracker
https://www.healthsystemtracker.org/brief/how-much-and-why-aca-marketplace-premiums-are-going-up-in-2026/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Subsidy Expiration Breakdown — Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
https://www.cbpp.org/research/health/health-insurance-premium-spikes-imminent-as-tax-credit-enhancements-set-to-expire?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Congressional Update on ACA Debate
https://cnycentral.com/news/nation-world/congress-enters-crunch-time-to-figure-out-how-to-deal-with-aca-subsidies-affordable-care-act-obamacare-health-insurance-premiums?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Independent Contractors & ACA Tax Credit Changes
https://jasonfintips.com/insurance-risk-management-blog/affordable-health-insurance-for-independent-contractors-understanding-the-new-aca-tax-credit-changes/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!

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We help a graduating resident weigh a bold plan of using locums to pay down $478k in student loans while planning a sustainable U.S.–Ghana travel rhythm. If you’re a physician considering locums, global living, or a career design that puts family and culture first, this conversation gives you a clear, workable path forward.

FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums

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Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com

This episode is sponsored by

Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!

Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox

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In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the five financial moves that created real change in our lives....no fluff, no hype, just the systems and decisions that actually stuck. We discussed the importance of going all in on a few moves instead of ten half‑started projects.

FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums

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Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox

Email: team@drniidarko.com

Twitter: @drniidarko

Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com

This episode is sponsored by

Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!

Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!

Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox

Have a question for the podcast?

Text us at 833-230-2860

In this episode, we paid a tribute to D’Angelo whose albums like Brown Sugar and Voodoo shaped our teenage years. We also talked about how slow jams are no longer there, and the split between what people say online and how we actually treat each other off screen.

FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums

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Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox

Email: team@drniidarko.com

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Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com

This episode is sponsored by

Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them outHERE!

Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!

Drs. Nii and Renée do a semi-ok job at explaining the difference between 1099 independent contracting and W2 employment. Dr. Renée runs down the ways in which we give up control of our careers to others. Then the docs meet long-standing listener, Jamar Cromwell, to give him advice as a non-traditional pre-med.

Things you'll learn in this episode:

• The difference between 1099 and W2
• How to take control over your career so that you can control your life
• How students and doctors can focus on medicine while still staying true to their identities

▶️ WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!


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This episode is sponsored by
Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!

Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!

Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox

Have a question for the podcast?

Text us at 833-230-2860

In this episode, we answer a question from our listener who is considering a locums position but is having mom guilt and wants to know how other women do it. Dr. Renée opens up about her journey working exclusively as a locums doctor while still maximizing her presence at home. If you're struggling with parental guilt this conversation is for you.

FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums

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Wanna listen instead?

Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

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Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox

Email: team@drniidarko.com

Twitter: @drniidarko

Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com

This episode is sponsored by

Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!

SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!

Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox

Have a question for the podcast?

Text us at 833-230-2860

In this episode, we share our experiences from our recent medical mission trip to Ghana. We also discussed a medical resident who was caught performing unauthorized genital ultrasounds in his apartment and concluded with giving career advice to residents who are transitioning to work as attending physicians.

If you're interested in volunteering with International Healthcare Volunteers, check out their information down below.

FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums

LINKS MENTIONED

International Healthcare Volunteers (IHCV) - https://www.ihcv.org/

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!

Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox

Email: team@drniidarko.com

Twitter: @drniidarko

Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com

This episode is sponsored by

Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them outHERE!

Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!