In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine podcast, host Dr Elise Putt speaks with Dr James Somauroo, an anaesthetics and intensive care doctor by training who has carved out a path in healthcare innovation, media, and entrepreneurship. Dr Somauroo is the co-founder and CEO of SomX, a communications and creative agency working with healthtech, biotech, and pharmaceutical companies. He also hosts the Healthtech Podcast, is editor-in-chief of Healthtech Pigeon, and previously contributed to Forbes on health technology topics.

Dr Somauroo shares his own journey through medical training and clinical practice before moving into leadership, innovation, and startup roles within the NHS, Health Education England, and the British Medical Journal. Discussing the value of understanding healthcare from multiple vantage points, and how this breadth of perspective informs effective communication and marketing in the health sector.

He candidly reflects on the challenges and opportunities involved in transitioning from traditional medical roles into entrepreneurial and creative fields, offering practical advice for clinicians considering similar paths.

Exploring Dr Somauroo’s forays into media, podcasting, and writing, including the origins of his own Healthtech Podcast and the importance of clinicians having a voice in the public dialogue around medicine and healthcare. Providing thoughtful commentary on the intersection of public health communication, digital content, and the evolving opportunities for doctors to make an impact beyond the bedside.

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The CCIM Podcast is part of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network, offering the latest in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, and more. Discover the network at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine podcast, Dr Elise Putt is joined by Dr Ariella Heffernan-Marks, a medical doctor, PhD candidate, and the founder of Ovum AI, a platform dedicated to transforming women’s healthcare through an integrative, lifespan-focused digital solution. Providing insight into her journey from law and reproductive biology, to medicine at Macquarie University, and through to her internship at Prince of Wales Hospital. She shares how her personal challenges with vestibular migraines during medical school revealed significant gaps in women's healthcare and ultimately inspired the concept for Ovum AI.

She gives a clear explanation of the Ovum AI platform, how it brings together women’s longitudinal health data, integrates wearable and medical reports, and offers personalized guidance to empower women in clinical settings. Highlighting the importance of addressing gender bias in research and healthcare delivery, as well as her commitment to building the world's largest proprietary women’s health dataset.

Dr Heffernan-Marks shares her thoughts on leaving structured clinical training, the impact of her medical background on the success of her startup, and the importance of preparation and resilience when seeking funding and validation from both the healthcare community and investors. She also underscores the value of research, collaboration with clinical experts such as Professor Amanda Henry and Professor Rebecca Deans, and ongoing user-and evidence-based development for lasting impact.

Offering actionable insights for clinicians considering alternative or innovative career paths and serves as a testament to how lived experience, clinical expertise, and research can converge to drive positive change in healthcare.

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The CCIM Podcast is part of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network, offering the latest in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, and more. Discover the network at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine podcast, host Elise Putt speaks with Dr Rob Grenfell, a rural GP turned public health physician whose career has spanned clinical practice, public health leadership, corporate health, and significant roles within government and research. Dr Grenfell shares insights from his early days as a rural GP in Victoria through to becoming the director of the CSIRO’s Health and Biosecurity Unit. Exploring his experience setting up a regional Aboriginal health office, his role as Chair on the board of the West Vic Primary Health Network and Biogrid Australia, and his contributions to shaping public health at both the local and national level.

Providing an honest overview of his career path, describing his motivation to enter medicine as a country student, his passion for addressing health inequities, and his ongoing commitment to community-focused care. Delving into the future of general practice, the impact of artificial intelligence in healthcare, and the need for more integrated payment and preventative health models. Dr Grenfell discusses things such as his involvement in pandemic preparedness, vaccine development with CSIRO, and long-term advocacy for improved Indigenous health.

Clinicians interested in alternative medical careers, public health, or making a broad impact on patient outcomes will find it inspiring and informative, with Dr Grenfell’s reflections providing valuable guidance for those considering their own career trajectories in medicine.

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The CCIM Podcast is part of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network, offering the latest in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, and more. Discover the network at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine (CCIM) podcast, the hosts share an inspiring session from the recent CCIM25 conference held in Melbourne, featuring Dr Ruth Mitchell. Dr Mitchell is a pediatric and adult neurosurgeon, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, international public speaker, and prominent advocate in the anti-nuclear movement. She’s a leading voice for diversity and inclusion in surgery and science. 

Reflecting on her advocacy journey, from her early days as a medical student, through her involvement with International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW), and her role in founding the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, which was instrumental in securing the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and culminated in being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

She talks about the value of using clinical voices to drive policy and societal change, particularly by telling patients’ stories and bearing witness to the impacts of nuclear weapons. Dr Mitchell also shares her clinical advocacy work in brain tumor research, alongside her fundraising activities for the Children's Cancer Institute.

Reflecting on personal experiences, including the loss of her sister following a complex medical journey, Dr Mitchell offers candid insights on the need for more compassionate and equitable health systems. Emphasising the role clinicians can play in creating positive change in listening to patient needs, challenging systemic shortcomings, and supporting colleagues’ mental health. 

Offering thought-provoking perspectives for clinicians interested in exploring wider career opportunities that combine clinical practice with meaningful advocacy, philanthropy, and leadership.

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The CCIM Podcast is part of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network, offering the latest in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, and more. Discover the network at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine (CCIM) podcast, Dr Elise Putt welcomes Dr David Corbet, a rural GP based in Anglesea, Victoria, who also works at Wathaurong Health Service, the Aboriginal Health Service in Geelong. Sharing his multifaceted career in general practice. Along with his enthusiasm for lifelong learning and the diverse opportunities presented by general practice, particularly in rural settings.

Dr Corbet reflects on his career journey prior to medicine. Spending fifteen years as a professional musician and dancer, performing internationally and working within the performing arts at a high level, before transitioning into medicine as a graduate entrant. Describing the motivations behind his career change and the challenges and rewards of returning to science after an established career in the arts.

He is the founder of the Sound Doctor, a not-for-profit music event series bringing acclaimed national and international artists to Anglesea’s town hall for intimate performances. He discusses the inspiration behind the initiative, the challenges of sustaining it within a difficult arts funding landscape, and the impact of arts on individual and community wellbeing.

Giving practical advice for clinicians considering a career change or diversification, and reflections on how skills and interests from outside medicine can enhance clinical practice. Dr Corbet also offers personal advice to medical students and early-career doctors in following their interests, being open to uncertainty, and finding balance in a fulfilling career.

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The CCIM Podcast is part of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network, offering the latest in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, and more. Discover the network at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine podcast, Dr Amandeep Hansra speaks with Dr MaryAnn Ferreux, a medical leader with extensive experience in both Australia and the UK. Dr Ferreux shares her unique journey from her early days as a generalist doctor in Newcastle, Australia, to her current portfolio career in the UK. Her roles include Chief Medical Officer for Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex, NHS non-executive board director positions, public health and policy research, and trustee work at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, with a focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Discussing her non-linear path into medicine, which led to her determination to pursue a medical career despite her challenges. Reflecting on her experiences across a variety of clinical specialties and how these varied roles informed her later transition into health system leadership and management. Highlighting her commitment to addressing health inequities, particularly the impact of social determinants of health and how digital transformation in healthcare can sometimes exacerbate these disparities.

The also talked about the differences of the Australian and UK healthcare systems, with Dr Ferreux noting similarities in service delivery and the persistence of challenges such as bias, underrepresentation, and system-wide resistance to large-scale change. They both discuss the global nature of the health workforce movement and the opportunity for sharing insights and innovations across borders, particularly in the digital health sphere.

Gaining practical insights into managing a portfolio career as a clinician, balancing leadership roles, academic pursuits, family, and personal wellbeing. Offering candid reflections and advice for doctors considering alternative or expanded career pathways, and the value of a broad base of experience and the importance of purpose-driven work.

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The CCIM Podcast is part of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network, offering the latest in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, and more. Discover the network at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine (CCIM) podcast, Dr Elise Putt speaks with Dr Paul Eleftheriou, Principal Consultant and Co-Lead of Digital Health at Nous Group. Dr Eleftheriou discusses his professional journey, including a period pursuing neurosurgery and a PhD in neuroscience, before transitioning into medical leadership and consulting. 

Explaining the role of a management consultant, particularly within the healthcare sector, and how his work at Nous Group spans project management, strategic planning, policy development, evaluation, stakeholder engagement, and leadership facilitation with organizations across Australia and internationally.

Dr Eleftheriou also shares practical advice for clinicians considering a move towards leadership and consulting, emphasising the value of clinical experience, formal qualification pathways such as RACMA fellowships, and proactive networking with current medical leaders.

Exploring the realities and challenges of transitioning from clinical medicine to consulting, Dr Eleftheriou reflects on the balance of immediate clinical impact versus broader, systemic change, and the need for patience when working within complex healthcare systems. Providing perspective on project choice, ethical alignment, and maintaining job satisfaction in the consulting sector.

Dr Eleftheriou’s experiences underline the breadth of opportunities beyond traditional clinical roles and the ways medical training can translate into effective leadership and consultancy positions.

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The CCIM Podcast is part of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network, offering the latest in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, and more. Discover the network at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine podcast, host Elise Putt speaks with Dr Katie Treble, a psychiatry registrar and recently published author. 

Dr Treble discusses her career journey, beginning in the UK and progressing through a variety of roles including emergency medicine in Australia, humanitarian work with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in the Central African Republic, and her current training in psychiatry. 

Sharing insights on the process of working with MSF, the challenges and requirements, necessary for humanitarian medical work in resource-poor and conflict settings. 

Describing the impacts of her time in Central Africa, including the difficulties of transitioning back to clinical work in Australia and her motivation for documenting these experiences.

They covered Dr Treble’s recently released memoir, "Field Notes from Death’s Door," which recounts her MSF experience and addresses the need to bear witness to humanitarian crises that are often overlooked. Dr Treble explains how and why she shaped her personal reflections and field notes into a published book, as well as the realities of the publishing process. She also touches on her ongoing interest in research, having spent time working in the Clinical Psychedelic Lab at Monash University. 

Dr Treble reflects on the value of having a diverse and non-linear career path in medicine, the broader context of global healthcare inequities, and the importance of pursuing meaningful work beyond traditional professional trajectories.

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The CCIM Podcast is part of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network, offering the latest in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, and more. Discover the network at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine podcast, host Adam Rushford speaks to Dr Max Rath, a specialist physician trained in South Africa who has since become a prominent figure in the digital health and medtech space. Discussing his journey from clinical medicine, to completing an MBA at Oxford and into his current role as Chief Medical Officer of a medtech startup, AI Diagnostics.

Sharing insights into the South African healthcare system which drove him to solve deep-seated problems and innovate. Providing an overview of the AI-powered digital stethoscope his company has developed, which enables affordable, effective tuberculosis (TB) screening, which is especially vital in resource-constrained, high-burden settings. The device’s use of advanced sound analysis represents a significant step forward in expanding access to care in developing countries.

They ecplore the regulatory, financial, and practical challenges involved in bringing digital health technologies to market, particularly the significant capital requirements and the need for global awareness around TB. Dr Rath emphasises the importance of validating AI models across diverse populations and engaging key stakeholders in global health to ensure broad adoption and impact.

Offering candid reflections on making the transition from bedside care to systems-level problem solving, while maintaining clinical ties to ensure relevance and patient focus.

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In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine podcast, host Adam Rushford is joined by Dr Sibhi Raja, a consultant gastroenterologist at the Whittington Hospital in London. Dr Raja shares his career journey, beginning with his early exposure to medicine as part of a medical family and his initial interests in the humanities. Discussing his formative experiences which inspired his interest in gastroenterology and hepatology, particularly where medical science intersects with social and socioeconomic issues.

Dr Raja reflects on his unique path between the UK and Australia, noting how working in different healthcare systems, especially his training and fellowship work in Adelaide and at St Mark’s Hospital in London, has shaped his adaptability and broadened his clinical perspective. 

Expanding into Dr Raja’s observations around systemic gaps in the care of chronic gastrointestinal conditions, notably irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Drawing from his research and clinical work, he identifies the limitations of current pathways in managing IBS, both from patient and healthcare system perspectives. These have led Dr Raja to explore digital health solutions, to which created his holistic digital therapeutic app, Ahara. The app aims to deliver evidence-based, multidisciplinary care in a format that is accessible to patients, utilising an integrated approach which covers education, diagnosis, and a spectrum of therapies. Dr Raja emphasises the importance of translating clinical guidelines and evidence into digital tools that genuinely improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Dr Raja shares his interests outside medicine, noting how a passion for history and storytelling helps both his holistic approach to patient care and his vision for digital health innovation. 

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The CCIM Podcast is part of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network, offering the latest in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, and more. Discover the network at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.