What does it take to pave the way for the next generation while navigating the scars of being first? When we sat down with Steve Sample, an emergency medicine physician, we were struck by his mix of gratitude, hard-earned wisdom, and tough decisions.

From his untraditional path into medicine—starting as a young father with dreams of becoming Garth Brooks—to now supporting his daughter through medical school, Steve offered a candid look at the challenges and triumphs of being a first-generation doctor building generational wealth.

We explored the financial and emotional realities of supporting a child through one of the most expensive educational journeys out there. Together, we unpacked big questions: How do you balance a child’s dreams against daunting debt? What financial lessons can you pass along while helping them build independence? And how do families create equity among siblings while setting the next generation up for success?

Looking for help with Disability Insurance, Physician Banking, Student Loan Refinancing, Physician Mortgages, Contract Reviews, and more? Check out our "Best of the Best" sponsors page to find a list of the professionals Chad & Tyler team up with for their clients.

• (00:00) How physicians manage family finances while building generational wealth
• (00:34) Steve Sample’s journey from aspiring musician to emergency medicine doctor
• (02:15) Lessons from a nontraditional path to medicine and early financial struggles
• (06:00) Supporting kids through medical school without sacrificing independence
• (16:30) Preparing for fourth-year med school costs and residency transitions
• (27:00) Smart strategies for retirement savings and long-term wealth building
• (33:40) Balancing career demands with family life and personal health

The best of the best list is a paid sponsorship, but these are professionals/companies that Tyler and Chad collaborate with within their own practices or have been vetted to earn a spot on this list. By supporting our sponsors, it allows Chad & Tyler to dedicate more time to you and the Physician Cents community. If you ever have a question (or not a great experience, which we don’t expect!) about a sponsor, please let us know. We call it the “best of the best” for a reason, and we will maintain that standard for our listeners & viewers.

• Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) fact sheet
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

• Steve Sample on LinkedIn