Meet Heath Rutledge-Jukes

We had the good fortune of connecting with Heath Rutledge-Jukes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Heath, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Balancing the demands of medical school with the responsibilities of running a startup has been both a complex and fulfilling challenge for me. When embarking on the journey of founding King of the Curve, it quickly became apparent the intensity of juggling academic commitments and entrepreneurial pursuits. My initial struggle with work-life balance leaned heavily towards work, as medical school alone demands an immense amount of time and dedication with endless studying, lectures, and clinical rotations. Incorporating the responsibilities of a startup into my schedule often meant working from the early morning till late at night.

However, as time passed, I came to understand that sustaining such an intense pace wasn’t viable in the long run. I had to reevaluate my approach to balance and prioritize self-care in order to excel in both areas. This realization led me to adopt more structured time management strategies. I began allocating specific time slots dedicated solely to studying and separate blocks for working on the startup, allowing me to focus fully on one task at a time, resulting in increased productivity and reduced burnout.

Maintaining equilibrium between these demanding roles necessitated deliberate decisions concerning my personal life. Allocating time for my family and friends became a deliberate priority that required careful planning. Weekends and evenings became dedicated to family gatherings and catching up with friends, providing not only a reprieve from work but also emotional and mental rejuvenation. My family, particularly my parents, have been a tremendous source of support, consistently encouraging me to take breaks and emphasizing the importance of maintaining balance.

One significant lesson I’ve learned throughout this journey is the necessity of flexibility and self-compassion. There are times when medical school demands peak, such as during exam periods and intensive clinical rotations, during which the startup temporarily takes a back seat. Conversely, when King of the Curve faces crucial milestones or deadlines, I may need to temporarily scale back on my academic commitments.

Sustaining this balance is an ongoing process that demands continual adjustment and self-awareness. It’s about recognizing when I’m stretched too thin and taking proactive measures to make necessary changes, which sometimes entails declining additional projects or seeking support from colleagues and mentors.

All in all, the delicate balance of medical school, running a startup, and maintaining a personal life is a dynamic and evolving challenge. It calls for a deep understanding of my priorities, effective time management, and a supportive network of family and friends. This equilibrium is something I relentlessly strive for, understanding its essential role in my long-term success and well-being.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

Throughout my career journey, I’ve relied on hard work, resilience, and the unwavering support of my family. As a medical student at Washington University (WashU) and one of the founders of King of the Curve, a platform dedicated to helping students prepare for the MCAT, I’ve faced various challenges and celebrated successes. What makes me stand out is my dedication to innovation and my love for education. The idea for King of the Curve stemmed from my desire to develop a comprehensive, user-friendly tool to equip students with the resources they need for success in their medical careers. This journey has been incredibly fulfilling, and I’m proud of the impact our platform has had on thousands of aspiring medical professionals.

One of the most thrilling moments in my career was winning the Global Impact Award and Arch Grants. These accolades validated the hard work and dedication put into building King of the Curve and showcased the positive influence our platform has on the community. Getting to where I am today was far from easy. The journey was filled with challenges, from balancing medical school and startup responsibilities to dealing with the uncertainties of entrepreneurship. One significant challenge was the tough decision to take a break from medical school to focus on King of the Curve full-time. The support and encouragement of my parents made this decision easier, as they believed in my vision and stood by me every step of the way.

Overcoming these challenges required perseverance and a strong support system. I relied on my family’s unwavering belief in me and the lessons learned from my upbringing on a farm. The work ethic instilled in me during those early years proved invaluable as I faced the demands of building a business. Through this journey, I have learned several crucial lessons: resilience is key, support systems matter, passion drives success, and embracing challenges is essential for growth.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that King of the Curve is more than just a test prep platform; it’s a community dedicated to empowering students. Our mission is to make high-quality education accessible and to support students on their journey to becoming medical professionals. My story is one of resilience, passion, and the power of community. I am committed to continuing this journey, growing King of the Curve, and making a positive impact on the lives of aspiring doctors.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my closest friend were to spend a week in St. Louis, I would make sure to share all the things I adore about this vibrant city. Our adventure would kick off with a mouthwatering lunch at Pappy’s Smokehouse, indulging in some of the most delectable BBQ St. Louis has to offer. We would then head to the iconic Gateway Arch and take the tram to the top for a breathtaking view of the city. A leisurely walk along the picturesque Mississippi Riverfront would allow us to absorb the natural beauty and historical significance of the area, followed by a luxurious dining experience at Tony’s where we would relish extraordinary Italian cuisine.

The following day would be dedicated to exploring Forest Park. We’d begin with a delightful breakfast at Rooster, savoring their renowned crepes and omelets. The park is home to numerous attractions, from the St. Louis Zoo and the St. Louis Art Museum to the Missouri History Museum. A delightful lunch at The Boathouse, boasting a lovely lake view, would be ideal, and renting a paddleboat afterward would provide a fun-filled afternoon. In the evening, we’d revel in a live performance at The Muny, an iconic outdoor theater renowned for its outstanding shows.

For a glimpse into St. Louis culture, we’d start the day with breakfast at Blueprint Coffee followed by a visit to the Missouri Botanical Garden to wander through the enchanting gardens and the Climatron. A delightful lunch at The Crossing, with its contemporary American farm-to-table menu, would be a delightful experience. The Delmar Loop is a must-visit for its unique boutiques, vintage stores, and the St. Louis Walk of Fame. We would conclude the day with a delightful dinner at Blueberry Hill, known for its music history and delectable cuisine.

We would immerse ourselves in the city’s rich history with breakfast at Half & Half, followed by a visit to the breathtaking Cathedral Basilica adorned with stunning mosaics. The Fountain on Locust would be our chosen lunch spot, offering gourmet ice cream in a charming, retro setting. We would then delve into the history of the Old Courthouse and learn about the Dred Scott case. Finally, we would savor an authentic Italian dining experience at one of the family-owned restaurants in The Hill.

To incorporate some outdoor activities, we’d commence the day with breakfast at Soulard Coffee Garden before embarking on a tour of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery to taste some exquisite beers. A lunch at Urban Chestnut Brewing Company, featuring local craft beers and delectable cuisine, would be delightful. A leisurely walk through Tower Grove Park and a visit to the Piper Palm House would provide a serene experience, and we would culminate the day with an innovative menu in a cozy setting at Sidney Street Cafe for dinner.

For a dose of arts and entertainment, we’d kickstart the day with breakfast at The Mud House before exploring modern art exhibits at the Contemporary Art Museum. Lunch at Union Station would be enjoyable, with its new attractions like the aquarium and Ferris wheel. We would wander through Lafayette Square, admiring the historic homes and stopping for a coffee at Park Avenue Coffee. The day would conclude with a sophisticated dinner at a Niche Food Group restaurant.

On the final day, we’d take a leisurely brunch at The Cheshire before visiting Grant’s Farm to witness the animals and enjoying a refreshing beer at the Bauernhof. An engaging lunch at Fitz’s Root Beer, observing the bottling line in action, would be a nostalgic treat. We would unwind in Forest Park, finding a tranquil spot to relax, and wrap up the week with a farewell dinner at Cinder House, reveling in a stunning view of the city from the Four Seasons Hotel.

This comprehensive itinerary encapsulates the essence of St. Louis, from its historic landmarks and cultural attractions to its diverse culinary scene and enchanting outdoor spaces. Each day is filled with activities that highlight why I hold this city dear and why it is such a special place to me.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to express my deep gratitude to my family, especially my parents, for their unwavering support and encouragement. From a young age, they instilled in me the values of hard work, perseverance, and resilience, which have been instrumental in my success. Growing up on a farm, I learned the importance of dedication and developed a strong work ethic.

Throughout my life, my parents have always been my biggest supporters, encouraging me to pursue my dreams even when the path was uncertain. Their belief in my potential gave me the courage to take risks, such as taking a hiatus from medical school to focus on King of the Curve full-time.

The values and experiences I gained from my family have shaped me into the person I am today. My parents’ dedication to our family and their ability to balance hard work with unconditional love have taught me valuable lessons that extend far beyond the farm. They have shown me the importance of community, the power of perseverance, and the significance of staying true to one’s values.

I see the reflection of my family’s support and sacrifices in every success I achieve and every milestone I reach. They deserve all the recognition and credit for shaping me into who I am today. To my parents, thank you for your endless encouragement, your belief in me, and the love that has been the foundation of my journey.

As I continue on my path, I carry with me the lessons and values imparted by my family. Their support has been a beacon of light guiding me through challenges and successes alike. This shoutout is dedicated to them, with all my love and gratitude.

Website: https://kingofthecurve.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcatkingofthecurve/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heath-rutledge-jukes-11a02b187/

Twitter: https://www.tiktok.com/@kingofthecurve

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kingofthecurve

Other: https://kotc.atlassian.net/wiki/external/Yzg0NThmNDJmY2M4NDAxYjk4MGE3YWFjMDk2NmI4NDg