The Fully Well Doc Pod
Dr Natasha Holmes and Dr Emily Fulleylove have warm and genuine conversations about the universally challenging experience of working, training and living as medics. Their mission is to inspire and empower doctors globally to make changes in their personal and working lives for greater happiness and fulfilment. Because all doctors deserve to be fully well.
Listen on:
Episodes
Friday Aug 30, 2024
Friday Aug 30, 2024
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
Friday Aug 30, 2024
Friday Aug 30, 2024
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
Thursday Jun 13, 2024
Thursday Jun 13, 2024
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
Sunday Mar 24, 2024
Sunday Mar 24, 2024
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
Sunday Feb 25, 2024
Sunday Feb 25, 2024
Learn invaluable skills to help you take control of your stress in this insightful discussion with Stress Coach Bernadette Dancy.
Topics we discuss:
Bernie’s personal experience with burnout and how it led her to becoming a stress coach.
Bernie’s invaluable experience working with athletes and how it relates to helping medics manage stress.
Defining stress, burnout and overwhelm and the science of how these experiences affect us.
The science of stress and behaviour change and how we can apply it to managing our daily challenges.
How do we know when to seek help to prevent becoming unwell from chronic stress
Doctors as patients. How medicine cultivates the belief that doctors should be at lower risk than their patients for susceptibility to disease.
The balance of personal responsibility and workplace duties of care.
Practical ways medics can prevent burnout and manage their stress right away - using a visual tool.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Instagram: @bernadettedancy_stresscoach
www.bernadettedancy.co.uk
Wellness wonder:
Just B Counselling and trauma phone helpline, created by Hospice UK and staffed by Just B
Need help?
Helpline is 0300 303 4434.
Want to help?
Donate to Just B
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
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
We talk to Dr Ally Jaffee about Nutritank, the importance of nutrition for wellbeing and her experience of overcoming depression.
Topics we discuss:
How Ally started a campaign for better nutritional education in medical schools including working with Jamie Oliver
All about Nutritank and it’s work to better the education of healthcare professionals in nutrition and lifestyle advice for patients, and to improve food available to medical staff.
What it’s like being part of a pioneering initiative alongside studying medicine.
How to back yourself and persevere when you have a calling and want to make change
Ally’s personal story of her experience with depression and how she came through it
The risk factors for burnout and mental health difficulties that are present in people drawn to medicine.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Dr Ally Jaffee at drallyjaffee.com
You can find Ally on Instagram @drallyjaffee
Nutritank - medical education for healthcare professionals on nutrition and other lifestyle medicine topics.
Survey asking for NHS junior doctors’ views on the impact of hospital food on their health, wellbeing and performance.
Nutritank’s free membership https://www.nutritank.com/become-a-member
No Hungry Staff Campaign - https://www.nohungrystaff.co.uk/
Wellness wonder:
BMA Counselling and Peer Support
Need help?
Check out the BMA counselling website
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
Monday Nov 27, 2023
Monday Nov 27, 2023
We talk to Dr Teddy about the realities of life as a doctor including her experiences as a black female medic, and the importance of advocating for yourself as a junior doctor.
Topics we discuss:
The highs and lows of being a Foundation Year 1 doctor
How you can put your needs first in order to do your job well
The importance of good peer and colleague friendships for improving your wellbeing
Noticing and acknowledging your growth and progress as a clinician
The importance of speaking up against - and documenting - events and experiences that are unjust and not working. Acknowledging the barriers to doing so.
The unspoken difficulties of junior doctors.
The added pressures and labour that comes from being a black female medic working in the NHS
The misunderstood nature of junior doctors’ pay and privileges.
Resources mentioned in this episode
You can find Teddy at @teddybearmedic on Instagram and TikTok
Wellness wonder:
The Royal Medical Benevolent Fund
Need help?
https://rmbf.org
Want to help?
https://rmbf.org/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
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
Monday Aug 14, 2023
Monday Aug 14, 2023
We talk to Dr Marianne Gazet about transitioning from medical student to doctor and how you can thrive during your first year as a medic.
Topics we discuss:
Practical tips to protect your wellbeing while doing a good job as a first year doctor
How to cope with the pressure and strain of understaffing in the NHS
The identity of a doctor - the importance of having interests outside of medicine to nurture your whole self
Respecting yourself, owning your individuality as a doctor and putting yourself first.
The value of connection and finding a community at work
Recognising the responsibilities of the individual versus the workplace and the system
The More than medical students podcast and what it’s about
Surprises from the first year working as a doctor
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Marianne’s social media page @MarianneDoesMedicine
Marianne’s podcast @MoreThanMedicalStudents can be found on all major streaming platforms
Wellness wonder:
Frontline19
Need help?
Register online for free support, such as therapy.
Want to help?
You can purchase from the Frontline 19 online shop. If you are a therapist, could you donate some time to support healthcare workers?
Other resources:
Samaritans UK
Samaritans USA
Doctors in Distress
NHS Practitioner Health
You Okay Doc
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
Photography by Antony Newman
Intro and Outro Music by Alex_MakeMusic from Pixabay
Sunday Jun 25, 2023
Sunday Jun 25, 2023
We talk to Coach Andry Anastasis about whether resilience training has a role in the medical profession and how we can improve our resilience both individually and collaboratively.
Topics we discuss:
Defining what resilience truly means today and the different ways people understand it
How working in the wellbeing/mental health industry, or writing a book about resilience, doesn’t always protect you from your own burnout or mental health challenges
The importance of paying attention to your body and how you feel in order to be sustainably resilient
The balance of responsibility between the individual and the organisation when it comes to being resilient at work
Examples of organisational leaders getting it right when it comes to fostering a resilient workplace
Andry shares some practical and actionable tools we can use today, to improve and grow our resilience
How to recognise when it’s time to shift your focus from trying to build resilience and instead step away from a situation
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Andry’s website: www.thelearningmoment.org
The Really Resilient Guide book: in the UK or in the USA
Wellness wonder: You Okay Doc?
Need help?
Check out The Huddle - a free 6 week programme for doctors and medical students
Want to help?
Donate or buy something from the You Okay Doc shop, to help deliver more critical mental health support to frontline staff
Buy ‘Burnt Out’ by The Sounds of Settling on Bandcamp (100% of proceeds go to You Okay Doc)
You can also listen for free on Spotify
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
Photography by Antony Newman
Intro and Outro Music by Alex_MakeMusic from Pixabay
Listen to Burnt Out by Sounds of Settling on Spotify
Friday May 12, 2023
Friday May 12, 2023
Find out what to do if you’re unhappy in your medical training programme from Dr Ashiq Zaman, who shares his story of pivoting from neurology resident doctor to occupational medicine.
Topics we discuss:
The impact of sleep deprivation and long hours on functioning and how this differs for different people
The stigma of talking about mental health in medicine and what is changing (in the UK and the US)
The lesser spoken expectations of a doctor’s character and how these can be harmful to a doctor’s wellbeing
The impact of feeling shame within medicine
Lessons from leaving a traditional medical pathway
What it’s like working in occupational medicine
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Research shows that being awake for 17 hours is similar to having a BAC of 0.05% and being awake for 24 hours is similar to having a BAC of 0.10%. Source: The Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) website)
Wellness wonder: The Dr Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation
Need help?
Read publications from the Dr Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation and others about the rising support for doctors and their mental health.
Want to help?:
Get recognition for work to protect clinician's wellbeing , check out the All In Wellbeing First for Healthcare Campaign or donate here.
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
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
Photography by Antony Newman
Music by Alex_MakeMusic from Pixabay
We want to see fully well doctors
Once upon a time there was a 24 year old medical student who had reached the end of her many years studying at medical school. She had finally qualified as a doctor. She was hard working and dedicated. And completely overwhelmed with anxiety.
She quietly persevered through exhaustion, digestive issues and a crushing sense of failure, knowing that she was strong and resilient, and that it was her job to "fix herself". She had been trained to believe that she had to be the best. To be a doctor above all else. To be superhuman.
One day, it all got too much and she had to take a break from her medical career. She felt like she was the only one who had experienced this.
That was Emily in 2009.
And it was Natasha in 2017.
When Natasha and Emily met, in 2020, they compared their stories of medical culture and the challenges on mental wellbeing. They were shocked that the picture of support for the wellbeing of doctors hadn't changed in over 10 years.
So they decided to start recording conversations about physician burnout, career adjustment, mental health and healthcare culture.
They want to see normalised conversations about how doctors can be better cared for by their employers, colleagues and loved ones. And how they can find their own best path to a fulfilling life, whilst working as a doctor.