Embracing Acceptance and Self-Care in the Fast-Paced World of Healthcare

In this episode, Mariam and Melany reflect on their insightful interview with Dr. Khalid Khan, a consultant cardiologist at Wrexham Hospital. They discuss Dr. Khan's joyful demeanor, his passion for teaching, and the importance of fostering a supportive learning environment for junior doctors. They also delve into the challenges faced by healthcare professionals, including the pressures of time management, the impact of administrative burdens on training, and the need for social connections within the workplace. Mariam shares her experiences as a junior doctor, highlighting the disheartening feeling of being undervalued in certain rotations, while Melany emphasizes the significance of investing in relationships and team cohesion.

Key Takeaways

• The discussion highlights the significance of mentorship and teaching in medical training, emphasizing that junior doctors should not just be seen as extra hands but as learners who need guidance and support to develop their skills.

• There is a concern about the current work culture in healthcare, where the focus on service provision often overshadows the need for social connections and team cohesion, leading to feelings of burnout and disconnection among staff.

• Engaging in social activities outside of work is deemed essential for fostering camaraderie and reducing workplace stress. The lack of such interactions can lead to a harsh work environment where colleagues are seen only in the context of their professional roles.

• The conversation reflects on the struggle to balance career ambitions with personal well-being, particularly in the context of saying no to opportunities that may lead to burnout or detract from personal time and self-care.

• There is a call for healthcare professionals to take a moment to slow down during consultations and work processes, as this can enhance the quality of care provided and foster innovative thinking, which is often stifled in high-pressure environments.

Best Moments

"You could really hear his passion for sharing knowledge and experience... how important it is to share and keep passing down, you know, generation to generation almost, the wisdom and the experience and knowledge."

"When you're doing those jobs day in, day out, it becomes quite repetitive... you just feel like a bit of a dog's body really."

"The training time being quite short... there is something to be said for how short the placements are, so people don't really feel like they have that time to connect with their colleagues."

"It's a hard one. If you're not going to put value to it, if you don't want to make the time for it, then you don't."

"I don't, I'm not sure I do very well, actually. Learning to say no seems like such a simple concept, but it's actually really tricky."

HOST BIO

Mariam is a GP trainee in Wales passionate about improving our healthcare colleagues' wellbeing. She has experience on the Schwartz Round Steering group and as a facilitator for her health board, and she created and led the Balint Group Programme for Foundation Doctors in her hospital. These are regular spaces for healthcare professionals to speak about real issues that affect their well-being amongst colleagues to improve mutual support and camaraderie in the workplace. She also holds qualifications in Life Coaching and healthcare leadership and management. Whatever your reason for joining us on this podcast, we are glad you have taken the time. 

Dr Melany McKenna is a Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Analytic Therapy practitioner, and Executive Coach. With a specialist interest in staff wellbeing, and supporting NHS professionals, Dr McKenna offers psychologically informed reflections, prompting us to consider staff wellbeing from a systemic perspective.

If you are having stressful days at work, leaving you feeling demotivated, and depleted, I'm hoping I can help here.

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

SafeSpace is a new grounding and respite podcast aimed at Healthcare Professionals focused on staff wellbeing in the healthcare work environment, a grossly overlooked issue and yet, the cornerstone of the healthcare system which is why it is crumbling. There are 3 components to the podcast:  

- Candid interviews with healthcare leaders, and a wide variety of passionate healthcare professionals about their own experiences and struggles with their well-being as they have progressed through their careers  

- Reflective discussions with a clinical psychologist, my co-host, regarding key topics that have arisen such as coping with bullying, depression, burnout, grief, menopause, etc  

- Guided meditations specific to the healthcare worker getting ready for the day ahead, pausing during, winding down, and accepting following the working day.  

This podcast is not a panacea or substitute for a formal management plan, but a motivating, and catharsis tool to help during a stressful day.