The Fully Well Doc Pod

Ep. 15 - Rebellious Health: Revolutionising Doctor Well-being

In this episode we welcome Dr. Emma Presern, a GP with over a decade of experience who is a passionate advocate for the holistic well-being of healthcare staff. 
 
Emma shares her transformative journey from experiencing burnout to specialising in lifestyle medicine and exploring modalities such as breathwork, nature therapy. 
 
Through her initiative, Rebellious Health, Emma aims to encourage healthcare professionals to take time away from clinical practice for self-care and to advocate for institutional changes that prioritise mental and physical health. 
 
The discussion delves into the importance of recognising and addressing burnout and the need for a systemic shift towards supporting healthcare workers.
 
This episode is for you if you’d like to hear more about how doctors can take their career path and wellbeing into their own hands, but alongside a like minded, motivated community.
 
We talk about the systemic changes that we want to see in the healthcare system and the need to normalise breaks and time away from work for doctors, to allow them to rest and return to work rejuvenated.
 
Trigger warnings
 
 This episode makes references to suicidal ideation and self harm.  If you feel this would be upsetting for you, we'd recommend skipping parts of our conversation.
 
You may want to skip through the following sections: 
 
15:19 - 15:51 
20:05 - 20:17
 
Timestamps
 
00:00 Welcome to the Fully Well Doc Pod
00:44 Introducing Dr. Emma Prezern and Rebellious Health
01:32 Emma's Journey Through Burnout
03:43 The Turning Point: A Year Out and a Solo Hike
04:58 The Struggles of NHS Doctors
08:16 Discovering Breathwork and Self-Healing
22:10 The Mind-Body Connection and Emotional Healing
31:56 Therapy Sessions and Emotional Disconnect
32:43 Expressing Emotions and the Emotions Wheel
33:07 Medics and Emotional Suppression
34:54 Journaling and Voice Notes for Processing Emotions
36:21 Introducing the Wellness Wonder: The RE Project
37:23 Book Recommendation: Permission to Feel
39:24 The Concept of Rebellious Health
41:11 The Five Pillars of Rebellious Health
42:44 Moving to North Wales and Reconnecting with Nature
46:16 Professional Rebellion and the Need for Sabbaticals
49:52 Pilot Project for Rebellious Medics
59:20 Final Thoughts and Advice for Medics
01:00:51 Conclusion and How to Get Involved
 
Resources mentioned in this episode:
 
Rebellious Health website
 
Connect with Dr Emma Presern:
LinkedIn
Instagram
 
Wellness wonder: https://www.rebelliousmedic.com/thereproject
You can apply for the RE project 2.0 by clicking the link.
 
Other resources:
 
Samaritans UK
 
Samaritans USA
 
Doctors in Distress
 
NHS Practitioner Health
 
See more episodes: thefullywelldocpod.podbean.com
 
Email us: fullywelldocpod@gmail.com
 
Find us on social media:
 
Instagram @fullywelldocpod
 
Twitter @fullywelldocpod
 
Looking for coaching? Reach out for a free call with one of us:
 
Emily - www.fullybecoaching.com or Natasha - www.thewelldoctor.org
 
You can also connect with Emily or Natasha on social media:
 
Emily is on Instagram and LinkedIn
 
Natasha is on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn
 
Photography by Antony Newman
Music by Alex_MakeMusic from Pixabay

Ep. 14 - How are finance and wellbeing related? Crossover with “What Medical School Doesn’t Teach Us!”

The Fully Well Doc Pod talks to Dr Cyra Mackintosh from “What Medical School Didn’t Teach Us” - a podcast by Medic’s Money. 
 
Dr Cyra Mackintosh is a chartered accountant and doctor and we came together to share our experiences with anxiety, burnout, and career changes within and outside of medicine. 
 
We talk to Cyra about her mental health difficulties during the foundation years of her medical career. So many subjects arise for us including being a woman in medicine, the extra pressures on those from an ethnic minority in the UK, the changing definition of what a medical career path can look like and much more.
 
We discuss the challenges that doctors face today with lower pay, fewer benefits and logistical complications. Cyra shares how she is using her skills as an accountant to provide much needed help for medics, and has actionable advice for helping doctors manage their finances. 
 
This episode covers the interplay of financial health and mental wellbeing for medical professionals, and you’ll be glad you’ve listened!
 
00:00 Introduction to the Crossover Episode
01:01 Meet the Hosts: Saira, Natasha, and Emily
01:28 Natasha's Journey: Mental Health and Advocacy
01:52 Emily's Story: Leaving Medicine and Finding Purpose
03:06 The Struggles of Medical Training
04:40 The Importance of Mental Health Awareness
06:50 Challenges Faced by Female Doctors
16:01 The Impact of Ethnic Backgrounds in Medicine
33:47 Balancing Career and Family as a Female Doctor
44:39 Societal Expectations and Physical Realities
46:25 The Birth of Fully Well Doc Pod
48:02 Shared Struggles and Mental Health
50:50 Navigating Career Changes and Grieving Processes
01:06:27 Financial Realities for Medics
01:20:36 Empowerment and Self-Care
01:27:00 Final Thoughts and Gratitude
Resources mentioned in this episode:
 
What Medical School Doesn’t Teach Us - a podcast by Medic’s Money
 
Medic’s Money podcast
Other resources:
 
Samaritans UK
 
Samaritans USA
 
Doctors in Distress
 
NHS Practitioner Health
See more episodes: thefullywelldocpod.podbean.com
 
Email us: fullywelldocpod@gmail.com
 
Find us on social media:
 
Instagram @fullywelldocpod
 
Twitter @fullywelldocpod
 
Looking for coaching? Reach out for a free call with one of us:
 
Emily - www.fullybecoaching.com or Natasha - www.thewelldoctor.org
 
You can also connect with Emily or Natasha on social media:
 
Emily is on Instagram and LinkedIn
 
Natasha is on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn
 
Photography by Antony Newman
Music by Alex_MakeMusic from Pixabay

Ep. 13 Part 2 - Tackling Bullying and Fostering Workplace Kindness in Medicine

We talk to Dr Adam Harrison about bullying in medicine, supporting women in leadership and how to pivot in your career. 
 
Topics we discuss:
 
Dr Adam Harrison’s background: from medicine to law and leadership coaching
Exploring the intersection of medicine and law
The role of coaching in supporting healthcare professionals
The prevalence and impact of workplace bullying in medicine
Building kind leadership cultures to combat toxic workplace environments
How kindness and compassionate leadership are the antidotes to bullying
The complexities of addressing workplace bullying in healthcare.
Practical steps for doctors experiencing bullying, including stress management, self-compassion, and self-care.
Tips for those considering a career pivot in healthcare
Adam’s journey to supporting women leaders and the driving force behind his podcast.
How to follow your dreams and rediscover your passions, no matter your age.
 
Resources mentioned in this episode:
 
MDU (Medical Defence Union)
“Inspiring Women Leaders” - Dr Adam’s Harrison’s Podcast
Kristin Neff's Work on Self-Compassion
The Entrepreneur MD Podcast by Dr. Una
The Fully Well Doc Pod Ep. 3 - What to Do if You’re Unhappy in Your Medical Training Programme with Dr Ashiq Zaman - who experienced burnout and depression and pivoted from neurology to occupational health medicine
Connect with Adam Harrison:
Website: www.dradamharrison.com
Podcast: Inspiring Women Leaders
LinkedIn
Facebook
YouTube:
Instagram
X
Wellness wonder:
 
The National Bullying Helpline
 
Need help?
 
Visit the National Bullying Helpline website
Helpline: 0300 323 0169
Telephone: 0845 225 5787
Open 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday.
Want to help?
 
Donate 
 
Other resources:
 
Samaritans UK
 
Samaritans USA
 
Doctors in Distress
 
NHS Practitioner Health
 
See more episodes: thefullywelldocpod.podbean.com
 
Email us: fullywelldocpod@gmail.com
 
Find us on social media:
 
Instagram @fullywelldocpod
 
Twitter @fullywelldocpod
 
TikTok @fullywelldocpod
 
Looking for coaching? Reach out for a free call with one of us:
 
Emily - www.fullybecoaching.com or Natasha - www.thewelldoctor.org
 
You can also connect with Emily or Natasha on social media:
 
Emily is on Instagram and LinkedIn
 
Natasha is on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn
 
Photography by Antony Newman
Music by Alex_MakeMusic from Pixabay

Ep. 13 Part 1 - Tackling Bullying and Fostering Workplace Kindness in Medicine

We talk to Dr Adam Harrison about bullying in medicine, supporting women in leadership and how to pivot in your career. 
 
Topics we discuss:
 
Dr Adam Harrison’s background: from medicine to law and leadership coaching
Exploring the intersection of medicine and law
The role of coaching in supporting healthcare professionals
The prevalence and impact of workplace bullying in medicine
Building kind leadership cultures to combat toxic workplace environments
How kindness and compassionate leadership are the antidotes to bullying
The complexities of addressing workplace bullying in healthcare.
Practical steps for doctors experiencing bullying, including stress management, self-compassion, and self-care.
Tips for those considering a career pivot in healthcare
Adam’s journey to supporting women leaders and the driving force behind his podcast.
How to follow your dreams and rediscover your passions, no matter your age.
 
Resources mentioned in this episode:
 
MDU (Medical Defence Union)
“Inspiring Women Leaders” - Dr Adam’s Harrison’s Podcast
Kristin Neff's Work on Self-Compassion
The Entrepreneur MD Podcast by Dr. Una
The Fully Well Doc Pod Ep. 3 - What to Do if You’re Unhappy in Your Medical Training Programme with Dr Ashiq Zaman - who experienced burnout and depression and pivoted from neurology to occupational health medicine
Connect with Adam Harrison:
Website: www.dradamharrison.com
Podcast: Inspiring Women Leaders
LinkedIn
Facebook
YouTube:
Instagram
X
Wellness wonder:
 
The National Bullying Helpline
 
Need help?
 
Visit the National Bullying Helpline website
Helpline: 0300 323 0169
Telephone: 0845 225 5787
Open 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday.
Want to help?
 
Donate 
 
Other resources:
 
Samaritans UK
 
Samaritans USA
 
Doctors in Distress
 
NHS Practitioner Health
 
See more episodes: thefullywelldocpod.podbean.com
 
Email us: fullywelldocpod@gmail.com
 
Find us on social media:
 
Instagram @fullywelldocpod
 
Twitter @fullywelldocpod
 
TikTok @fullywelldocpod
 
Looking for coaching? Reach out for a free call with one of us:
 
Emily - www.fullybecoaching.com or Natasha - www.thewelldoctor.org
 
You can also connect with Emily or Natasha on social media:
 
Emily is on Instagram and LinkedIn
 
Natasha is on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn
 
Photography by Antony Newman
Music by Alex_MakeMusic from Pixabay

Ep. 12 Part 2 - Institutional Change for Doctor Suicide Prevention: A Call to Action

Dr Ananta Dave, Churchill Fellow and Medical Director, talks to us about her report on preventing doctor suicide, and what institutional changes are needed to support this cause. 
 
Topics we discuss:
Dr. Dave’s path to becoming a leader in mental health advocacy within medicine
The alarming statistics and stories of suicide among healthcare professionals
How healthcare inequalities impact mental health
The need for diverse, humane leadership in the medical field
The importance of providing emotional support to medical professionals
The role of the Churchill Fellowship in driving local and national mental health initiatives
How systemic change can break the stigma around mental health in medicine
The importance of building a comprehensive body of evidence on mental health in medicine
Balancing research and the need for immediate action
The impact of individual actions and leadership in supporting medical professionals
The role of universities and research institutions in creating a culture of well-being
Challenges faced by international medical graduates and how we can support them
A special reading from An Agony of Hope, Ananta’s poetry book
The ongoing need for diversity, inclusivity, and equity in healthcare systems
This is part 2 of this conversation, so be sure to listen to part one first.
 
Resources mentioned in this episode:
 
Preventing doctors from dying by suicide: Constructing cross-organisational collaboration, by Dr Ananta Dave
An Agony of Hope
 
Contact Dr Ananta Dave on LinkedIn and X
Wellness wonder:
 
Need help?
 
Samaritans UK
 
Shout
 
988
 
Want to help? 
 
Donate to Samaritans
 
Donate to Shout 
 
Donate to 988 
 
Other resources:
 
Samaritans USA
 
Doctors in Distress
 
NHS Practitioner Health
 
See more episodes: thefullywelldocpod.podbean.com
 
Email us: fullywelldocpod@gmail.com
 
Find us on social media:
 
Instagram @fullywelldocpod
 
Twitter @fullywelldocpod
 
TikTok @fullywelldocpod
 
Looking for coaching? Reach out for a free call with one of us:
 
Emily - www.fullybecoaching.com or Natasha - www.thewelldoctor.org
 
You can also connect with Emily or Natasha on social media:
 
Emily is on Instagram and LinkedIn
 
Natasha is on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn
 

Ep. 12 Part 1 - Institutional Change for Doctor Suicide Prevention: A Call to Action

Dr Ananta Dave, Churchill Fellow and Medical Director, talks to us about her report on preventing doctor suicide, and what institutional changes are needed to support this cause. 
 
Topics we discuss:
Dr. Dave’s path to becoming a leader in mental health advocacy within medicine
The alarming statistics and stories of suicide among healthcare professionals
How healthcare inequalities impact mental health
The need for diverse, humane leadership in the medical field
The importance of providing emotional support to medical professionals
The role of the Churchill Fellowship in driving local and national mental health initiatives
How systemic change can break the stigma around mental health in medicine
The importance of building a comprehensive body of evidence on mental health in medicine
Balancing research and the need for immediate action
The impact of individual actions and leadership in supporting medical professionals
The role of universities and research institutions in creating a culture of well-being
Challenges faced by international medical graduates and how we can support them
A special reading from An Agony of Hope, Ananta’s poetry book
The ongoing need for diversity, inclusivity, and equity in healthcare systems
This is part 1, be sure to listen to part 2 of this critical discussion on mental health in medicine.
 
Resources mentioned in this episode:
 
Preventing doctors from dying by suicide: Constructing cross-organisational collaboration, by Dr Ananta Dave
An Agony of Hope
 
Contact Dr Ananta Dave on LinkedIn and X
Wellness wonder:
 
Need help?
 
Samaritans UK
 
Shout
 
988
 
Want to help? 
 
Donate to Samaritans
 
Donate to Shout 
 
Donate to 988 
 
Other resources:
 
Samaritans USA
 
Doctors in Distress
 
NHS Practitioner Health
 
See more episodes: thefullywelldocpod.podbean.com
 
Email us: fullywelldocpod@gmail.com
 
Find us on social media:
 
Instagram @fullywelldocpod
 
Twitter @fullywelldocpod
 
TikTok @fullywelldocpod
 
Looking for coaching? Reach out for a free call with one of us:
 
Emily - www.fullybecoaching.com or Natasha - www.thewelldoctor.org
 
You can also connect with Emily or Natasha on social media:
 
Emily is on Instagram and LinkedIn
 
Natasha is on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn
 

Ep. 11 Part 2 - Saving Doctors in Distress from Suicide, with Amandip Sidhu

Amandip Sidhu shares his experience of losing his brother Dr Jagdip Sidhu, a cardiologist, to suicide in 2018, and how he founded Doctors in Distress to stop this happening to others.
 
Topics we discuss:
 
Evolving - the better approach to discussing and making change. 
How being signed off sick can be harmful for a burnt out doctor
Responsibilities of employer and employee of preventing and treating burnout.
Societal perception of healthcare workers and the importance of public support and empathy, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic
Insights into establishing a meaningful charity, focusing on authenticity, impact, and the value of keeping things simple
The power of purpose and authenticity
Finding joy and success by embracing uncertainty and giving things a go
How medics often find it difficult to let go of perfectionism 
How to communicate to persuade others and get your important message across
Amandip’s advice on how to be a fully well doctor
Resources mentioned in this episode:
 
Also Human - a book by Caroline Elton
 
Doctors in Distress
 
Wellness wonder:
 
Doctors in Distress
 
Need help?
Check out the charity’s current programmes and webinars
 
Want to help?
Donate here and find out more about current campaigns
Other resources:
 
Samaritans UK
 
Samaritans USA
See more episodes: thefullywelldocpod.podbean.com
 
Email us: fullywelldocpod@gmail.com
 
Find us on social media:
 
Instagram @fullywelldocpod
 
Twitter @fullywelldocpod
 
Tik Tok @fullywelldocpod
 
Looking for coaching? Reach out for a free call with one of us:
 
Emily - www.fullybecoaching.com or Natasha - www.thewelldoctor.org
 
You can also connect with Emily or Natasha on social media:
 
Emily is on Instagram and LinkedIn
Natasha is on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn

Ep. 11 Part 1 - Saving Doctors in Distress from Suicide, with Amandip Sidhu

Amandip Sidhu shares his experience of losing his brother Dr Jagdip Sidhu, a cardiologist, to suicide in 2018, and how he founded Doctors in Distress to stop this happening to others.
 
Topics we discuss:
 
Learn about Dr Jagdip Sidhu, Amandip’s brother and a cardiologist, who was academically excellent with a great deal of compassion and dedication
The devastating story of Dr Jagdip Sidhu’s tragic death by suicide and reflections from Amandip in the aftermath
The aims of Doctors in Distress, the charity founded by Amandip:Promoting positive mental health
Protecting healthcare professionals through resources
Preventing suicide by addressing root causes
A call for changing the culture to allow honest conversations about mental health, reducing the stigma associated with vulnerability in the medical profession
The importance of emphasising the human aspect in medical practice, rather than striving for perfection in an imperfect system
Bullying in the NHS, including "education by humiliation," and how it’s contributing to stress and burnout
The concept of evolving practices and mindsets, rather than fearing change, is essential for improving the medical profession
Resources mentioned in this episode:
 
Doctors in Distress
 
Wellness wonder:
 
Doctors in Distress
 
Need help?
Check out the charity’s current programmes and webinars
 
Want to help?
Donate here and find out more about current campaigns
Other resources:
 
Samaritans UK
 
Samaritans USA
 
Doctors in Distress
 
NHS Practitioner Health
 
See more episodes: thefullywelldocpod.podbean.com
 
Email us: fullywelldocpod@gmail.com
 
Find us on social media:
 
Instagram @fullywelldocpod
 
Twitter @fullywelldocpod
 
Looking for coaching? Reach out for a free call with one of us:
 
Emily - www.fullybecoaching.com or Natasha - www.thewelldoctor.org
 
You can also connect with Emily or Natasha on social media:
 
Emily is on Instagram and LinkedIn
Natasha is on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn
 

Ep. 10 - Lessons in Compassion and Communication from a Paediatric Palliative Care Physician

We talk to pediatric palliative care physician Dr Jared Rubenstein all about how we deal with death as physicians, how we can exercise more compassion and self-compassion in difficult moments, and what we can do to become better communicators. 
 
Topics we discuss:
 
Communicating the difficult parts of life and medicine effectively and prompting important discussions
Jared’s experience of personal tragedies and illness and the effect this had on his work
Mental health awareness campaigns and advocacy in healthcare
The importance of asking colleagues about their well-being genuinely and being prepared to offer support.
How to communicate the realities of what is happening to someone who is sick
The value of processing clinical cases, especially challenging ones, with colleagues and how this can be done effectively
Jared’s project called Discrimination 911, which focuses on addressing racism and discrimination, using communication skills that are widely practiced in palliative care specialties
Personal examples of staying healthy, protecting our mental health and continuing to grow
The need for inclusive and diverse work cultures in healthcare
Resources mentioned in this episode:
 
Jared’s website: https://www.jaredrubensteinmd.com/
 
Find Jared on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube at @drjrubenstein
 
Learn more about Discrimination 911 response framework
 
Wellness wonder:
The Emotional PPE Project.
 
Need help?
If you live in the US, you can search the therapy directory by state. 
 
Want to help?
You can donate here.
 
Other resources:
 
Samaritans UK
 
Samaritans USA
 
Doctors in Distress
 
You Okay, Doc?
 
NHS Practitioner Health
 
See more episodes: thefullywelldocpod.podbean.com
 
Email us: fullywelldocpod@gmail.com
 
Find us on social media:
 
Instagram @fullywelldocpod
 
Twitter @fullywelldocpod
 
Looking for coaching? Reach out for a free call with one of us:
 
Emily - www.fullybecoaching.com or Natasha - www.thewelldoctor.org
 
You can also connect with Emily or Natasha on social media:
 
Emily is on Instagram and LinkedIn
 
Natasha is on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn
 

Ep. 9 - Can Traumatic Experiences Help Doctors Grow?

Dr Amrita Sen Mukherjee talks to us about her research in post traumatic growth, and how it plays a part in our wellbeing.
 
Topics we discuss:
 
Dr Amrita’s experience delivering a TEDx talk where the theme was “tackling adversity and embracing change”
Post traumatic growth. What is it and how does it benefit people?
How timing is important when considering how traumatic events have an affect on us
The medical identity that’s formed at medical school and how this can be harmful
“Human first, doctor second” approach to improving doctor wellbeing, and therefore healthcare
The importance of real reflection and how it can have most impact.
Positive psychology - what it is and how it can help us improve our wellbeing.
How cultivating vulnerability can lead to ongoing personal growth and improved wellbeing.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
 
Dr.Amrita Sen Mukherjee’s website - https://yourwellbeing.doctor/
 
Email - amrita@yourwellbeing.doctor
 
Dr. Amrita’s Tedx Talk - Watch it on YouTube
Wellness wonder: 
 
Disabled doctors network
 
Other resources:
 
Samaritans UK
 
Samaritans USA
 
Doctors in Distress
 
NHS Practitioner Health
 
See more episodes: thefullywelldocpod.podbean.com
 
Email us: fullywelldocpod@gmail.com
 
Find us on social media:
 
Instagram @fullywelldocpod
 
Twitter @fullywelldocpod
 
Looking for coaching? Reach out for a free call with one of us:
 
Emily - www.fullybecoaching.com or Natasha - www.thewelldoctor.org
 
You can also connect with Emily or Natasha on social media:
 
Emily is on Instagram and LinkedIn
Natasha is on Instagram and Twitter