Dr Shauna is answering YOUR questions and in this week’s episode, you wanted to know more about her experiences as a family doctor. When seeing people who are unwell is part of the job description, how do you manage not to take on the emotions of sick patients?

In short, it is very difficult - but one of the reasons Dr Shauna transitioned from surgery to General Practice was because she wanted to have the opportunity to get to know her patients better, and be there for the happy times as well as the tough ones. What strategies can you use to separate work from emotions? What support systems are helpful when you do have a bad day, or need to break some difficult news? How can you provide support to loved ones in your life, without necessarily taking the pain on board yourself?

To get in touch with Dr Shauna, send her a message on Instagram @‌allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts or contact her through the podcast website: www.allaboutyoupod.com.