🩺 Episode Summary
In this inspiring and practical episode of Soul Thursdays Live, host Calvin sits down with Dr. Nicole Forsythe, a board-certified physiatrist (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation specialist) and the founder of AplombMD — a coaching platform that helps med-school applicants transform anxiety into assurance.
Dr. Forsythe opens the show by demystifying what a physiatrist does, describing her work at the intersection of medicine and movement — restoring function and treating pain without surgery. From her early passion for medicine to her decision to launch her own business, Nicole shares a story of purpose, preparation, and poise.
The conversation explores the Aplomb Method — her signature framework for confidence building through Mindset, Message, and Mastery. She explains how personalized mock interviews and real-world feedback help applicants find composure in high-pressure situations, a skill equally vital in medicine and life.
Through laughter, relatable stories, and candid reflection, Dr. Nicole reminds listeners that:
“Confidence isn’t a gift — it’s a skill you can practice.”
Together, Calvin and Dr. Nicole discuss entrepreneurship, imposter syndrome, family influence, and the power of preparation. The episode closes with heartfelt advice for future doctors and the families cheering them on: give space, not pressure, and trust the process.
💬 Key Takeaways
What is a Physiatrist?
A medical doctor specializing in non-surgical rehabilitation—bridging the gap between physical therapy, chiropractic care, and orthopedic surgery.Origin Story:
Dr. Nicole’s journey from shy student to physician and entrepreneur, inspired by family roots in business and service.The Aplomb Method:
Mindset — cultivate calm through realistic practice.
Message — clarify your “why” with authenticity.
Mastery — prepare deeply so confidence feels natural.
Top Applicant Mistakes:
Underestimating the interview’s importance
“Winging it” without mock practice
Failing to connect emotionally with their “why”
Advice for Families & Mentors:
Support with love and resources — not pressure. The med-school journey is a marathon, not a sprint.Imposter Syndrome Never Disappears:
Even successful professionals face it; confidence is built by showing up and practicing poise in real time.
🎧 Favorite Quotes
“You don’t want the first time you feel pressure to be the real interview.”
“Aplomb means self-confidence under pressure — and that’s what every applicant deserves.”
“Entrepreneurship was in my DNA. I tried to run from it, but it found me.”
“Poise isn’t personality. It’s preparation.”
👩🏽⚕️ About Dr. Nicole Forsythe
Board-Certified Physiatrist | Founder of AplombMD
Dr. Forsythe specializes in interventional spine and sports medicine at Barbour Orthopaedics in Atlanta, GA. Through AplombMD, she provides personalized coaching for medical-school applicants, helping them approach interviews with composure and confidence.
🔗 Website: aplombmd.com
📅 Book a Mock Interview: aplombmd.youcanbook.me
📸 Instagram: @aplombmd
