In this episode we catch up with Dr John Curtis, our very first guest on the podcast back in 2018, who recently retired from his position as Radiology consultant at Aintree University Hospital. He tells us how he is spending post retirement life, the highlights from his career, gives some top tips for new consultants (see full list below) and also gives us some exclusive news on a potential return...
Advice to new consultants - By Dr John Curtis
1. Under-promise, overdeliver
2. Seek a trustworthy, emotionally intelligent
3. Don’t be afraid to declare your limitations - ask
colleagues, radiographers and even trainees!
4. Don’t take on too much, too soon
5. Do what you like, like what you do
6. Develop strong relationships with your clinical
colleagues. It is often these colleagues who know
7. Teach the trainees – they will never forget the
time and expertise you give them (this also applies
to clinical colleagues).
“Medical Education = saving lives in slow motion”
8. Never compromise on your standards and if asked
for a “quick” opinion always provide that opinion
as if you are issuing a formal report.
9. Have a list of colleagues (not necessarily within
your own department) who will listen to you, keep
matters confidential, offer sound advice in cases of
conflict, doubts, confidence and for 2nd opinions.
These colleagues can be specialty specific
radiologists, any radiologist, clinicians or
colleagues outside your Trust
10. Be kind to others and to yourself
11. Enjoy your job