Balancing Med School and Relationships with Dr. Kate Mangona

“It doesn’t matter how busy you are in life. If you don’t make your intimate partner a priority, then they might as well not even be in a relationship.” Dr. Kate Mangona speaks the truth about relationships with Dr. DeRouen in this episode of Prospective Doctor. 

Dr. Mangona is a pediatric radiologist passionate about marriage and intimacy coaching. She also hosts the podcast Love Lab MD and brings a unique perspective, having personally encountered the challenges of balancing relationships while pursuing her medical career and supporting her husband’s journey into medicine. 

They discuss the art of relationship management amid the grueling medical training schedule. She shares practical tips on clear communication, setting priorities, and creative ways to maintain intimacy—even when you’re miles apart. Whether you’re single, dating, or married with kids, she offers strategies to ensure your career and personal life thrive.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Balancing a demanding medical career and personal relationships involves clear communication and prioritizing your partner.
• Maintaining chemistry and proximity is key. FaceTime dinners and disconnect times help keep your relationships strong. 
• Immersing yourself in relationship literature, podcasts, or even hiring a relationship coach can provide invaluable insights into avoiding the high divorce rates seen among medical professionals.

Jump into the Conversation:

[00:00] Introduction to The Prospective Doctor

[01:35] Introduction to Dr Kate Mangona

[03:00] Managing Expectations and Guilt when balancing a busy medical career and relationships

[04:45] Scheduling quality time with partners on a calendar

[07:17] Long-distance relationships while studying medicine

[10:20] Establishing rituals for a healthy relationship

[14:11] Misconceptions about Medical Relationships

[16:47] Radiologists and Relationships

[21:16] Avoiding high divorce rates among physicians

[24:14] Final advice for medical students

Resources:

You can find Dr. Mangona on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-mangona-35719a20/ 

More about Love Lab MD: https://www.lovelabmd.com/ 

To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at www.prospectivedoctor.com. 

You can also reach us through our social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MedSchoolCoach  

Dr. Erkeda’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctordgram/  

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MedSchoolCoach