In this episode, Mariam speaks to Dr. Khalid Khan, a consultant cardiologist at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, shares his journey into medicine and his passion for cardiology. He reflects on the early influences that shaped his career, including mentors and personal experiences that guided his path. Dr. Khan discusses the challenges and rewards of his diverse roles as a clinician, lecturer, and expert witness, emphasizing the importance of teaching and mentorship in medical education. He candidly addresses the current state of the NHS, expressing concerns about workforce issues, morale, and the impact of systemic pressures on healthcare professionals. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• A lifelong interest in the human body and a desire to work with diverse populations led to a fulfilling career in medicine, particularly in cardiology, which was influenced by significant advancements in the field during the early years of practice.

• Positive and negative experiences with mentors have shaped professional development, highlighting the value of role models in guiding one's career path and the importance of learning from both good and bad examples.

• The shift towards more formalized and structured medical education has led to a decrease in organic teaching opportunities, which were once integral to the learning experience. This change has resulted in a focus on completing tasks rather than fostering genuine learning.

• There is a growing concern about the erosion of morale within the healthcare system, leading to experienced clinicians leaving the profession. Creating a supportive and valued work environment is essential for retaining staff and ensuring quality patient care.

• The emotional toll of witnessing patient suffering can be challenging for healthcare professionals. Finding ways to cope, such as sharing experiences with family and friends, is crucial for maintaining well-being while continuing to provide compassionate care.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think I was very fortunate. It was really the real heyday of cardiology in terms of new developments."

"Work has become a lot more business and service orientated."

"Ultimately, we are humans with some skills, but sometimes nature is nature, and I've come to be quite accepting of that."

"It seems like the work culture is more, let's just get this done because we're so short-staffed."

"I think we need to make people feel special and valued. It's not workload per se, but it's working in a happy place."

HOST BIO

Mariam is a GP trainee in Wales passionate about improving our healthcare colleagues' wellbeing. She has experience on the Schwartz Round Steering group and as a facilitator for her health board, and she created and led the Balint Group Programme for Foundation Doctors in her hospital. These are regular spaces for healthcare professionals to speak about real issues that affect their well-being amongst colleagues to improve mutual support and camaraderie in the workplace. She also holds qualifications in Life Coaching and healthcare leadership and management. Whatever your reason for joining us on this podcast, we are glad you have taken the time. 

Dr Melany McKenna is a Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Analytic Therapy practitioner, and Executive Coach. With a specialist interest in staff wellbeing, and supporting NHS professionals, Dr McKenna offers psychologically informed reflections, prompting us to consider staff wellbeing from a systemic perspective.

If you are having stressful days at work, leaving you feeling demotivated, and depleted, I'm hoping I can help here.

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

SafeSpace is a new grounding and respite podcast aimed at Healthcare Professionals focused on staff wellbeing in the healthcare work environment, a grossly overlooked issue and yet, the cornerstone of the healthcare system which is why it is crumbling. There are 3 components to the podcast:  

- Candid interviews with healthcare leaders, and a wide variety of passionate healthcare professionals about their own experiences and struggles with their well-being as they have progressed through their careers  

- Reflective discussions with a clinical psychologist, my co-host, regarding key topics that have arisen such as coping with bullying, depression, burnout, grief, menopause, etc  

- Guided meditations specific to the healthcare worker getting ready for the day ahead, pausing during, winding down, and accepting following the working day.  

This podcast is not a panacea or substitute for a formal management plan, but a motivating, and catharsis tool to help during a stressful day.

In this episode, Dr Mariam Pereira and Melanie McKenna delve into the pressing issue of overworking in the healthcare sector and its detrimental effects on staff well-being. Drawing on their experiences within the NHS, they discuss the systemic challenges that lead to excessive workloads, the erosion of passion among healthcare professionals, and the resulting compassion fatigue. They also explore the positive impact of Schwartz Rounds as a reflective practice that fosters emotional connection and camaraderie among healthcare workers.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Overworking leads to significant stress and burnout among healthcare professionals, affecting their well-being and job satisfaction. This systemic issue is an individual problem and a broader organizational challenge.

• They both highlight the relevance of Maslow's hierarchy, emphasizing that basic physiological and safety needs must be met for healthcare staff to thrive, rather than merely survive in their roles.

• Schwartz Rounds provide a reflective space for healthcare professionals to share experiences and emotions related to their work, fostering a culture of openness and support that can combat feelings of isolation and burnout.

• Implementing meaningful flexible working options can empower healthcare staff, allowing them to balance their professional and personal lives better, which can lead to improved job satisfaction and retention.

• The discussion stresses the importance of rebuilding relationships and camaraderie among healthcare professionals and fostering compassion towards colleagues and patients to combat the effects of compassion fatigue and moral injury.

BEST MOMENTS

"Excessive workload has all kinds of secondary impacts on the person... people aren't going to be able to achieve a sense of well-being in work whilst they are under so much pressure."

"We all should have the right to thrive. And it frustrates me that people are giving their all and being abused for it; it's not fair."

"There's a kind of common mentality of jaded... of that kind of attitude of, well, there's no point anyway, I've just got to get on with it."

"We need to start with the well-being of the healthcare professional... making people feel like they're valued and feeling like we care about them."

"Schwartz Rounds... are a reflective forum where people from across all different professionals can come together to reflect on the work that they do in healthcare."

HOST BIO

Mariam is a GP trainee in Wales passionate about improving our healthcare colleagues' wellbeing. She has experience on the Schwartz Round Steering group and as a facilitator for her health board, and she created and led the Balint Group Programme for Foundation Doctors in her hospital. These are regular spaces for healthcare professionals to speak about real issues that affect their well-being amongst colleagues to improve mutual support and camaraderie in the workplace. She also holds qualifications in Life Coaching and healthcare leadership and management. Whatever your reason for joining us on this podcast, we are glad you have taken the time. 

Dr Melany McKenna is a Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Analytic Therapy practitioner, and Executive Coach. With a specialist interest in staff wellbeing, and supporting NHS professionals, Dr McKenna offers psychologically informed reflections, prompting us to consider staff wellbeing from a systemic perspective.

If you are having stressful days at work, leaving you feeling demotivated, and depleted, I'm hoping I can help here.

In this episode, Dr. Mariam Pereira and Dr. Melany McKenna delve into the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome among healthcare professionals. They share personal experiences and insights, highlighting how the pressures of medical training and the high expectations within the healthcare field can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. The discussion emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, the value of seeking support from colleagues, and the need for a compassionate workplace culture that encourages open communication and learning from mistakes.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Many healthcare professionals, including doctors and psychologists, experience imposter syndrome, which involves doubting their accomplishments and fearing being exposed as a fraud despite evidence of their competence.

• Practicing self-compassion is crucial when dealing with imposter syndrome. Acknowledging the critical voice without harsh self-judgment can help individuals respond more kindly to their feelings of inadequacy.

• Building a supportive team culture where colleagues feel safe to share their experiences and mistakes can help mitigate the effects of imposter syndrome.

• Establishing Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-scaled goals can help healthcare professionals manage their workload and reduce feelings of overwhelm, making it easier to track progress and celebrate achievements.

• It's essential to remember that healthcare professionals are human and can make mistakes. Acknowledging this humanity can help reduce the stigma around discussing mental health and the challenges faced in the profession.

BEST MOMENTS

"I personally felt like I was going to fail every year and had a miserable time of it and really struggled with feeling like I was good enough."

"I wonder whether there's something in that that then means that even when we're really successful or we're doing a really good job, that it's just never quite good enough in our minds for that little imposter voice."

"I think the doctor population is just such an intelligent and experienced and skilled profession, full of the best of the best."

"It's about promoting safety, feeling safe in that culture, and feeling safe to speak out about anything that might be going wrong."

"I think it's really important to try and take positive criticism for what it is and use it to improve your skills or to improve the quality of the work that you put out."

HOST BIO

Mariam is a GP trainee in Wales passionate about improving our healthcare colleagues' wellbeing. She has experience on the Schwartz Round Steering group and as a facilitator for her health board, and she created and led the Balint Group Programme for Foundation Doctors in her hospital. These are regular spaces for healthcare professionals to speak about real issues that affect their well-being amongst colleagues to improve mutual support and camaraderie in the workplace. She also holds qualifications in Life Coaching and healthcare leadership and management. Whatever your reason for joining us on this podcast, we are glad you have taken the time. 

Dr Melany McKenna is a Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Analytic Therapy practitioner, and Executive Coach. With a specialist interest in staff wellbeing, and supporting NHS professionals, Dr McKenna offers psychologically informed reflections, prompting us to consider staff wellbeing from a systemic perspective.

If you are having stressful days at work, leaving you feeling demotivated, and depleted, I'm hoping I can help here.

In this podcast episode, Melany guides listeners through a mindfulness meditation focused on enhancing awareness of the senses. Melany encourages participants to find a comfortable position and directs their attention to various aspects of their physical presence, including the sensations of their body, breathing, and the environment around them. The meditation culminates in a return to breath awareness, allowing participants to ground themselves before re-engaging with the world.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Begin by bringing awareness to your body, noticing how it feels in the chair, the sensations of your feet on the floor, and the texture of your clothing.

• Shift your attention through various senses—sound, smell, taste, and sight—encouraging a deeper awareness of your surroundings and internal sensations.

• Acknowledge that your mind may wander during the exercise, and gently but firmly bring your focus back to the present moment and the specific sense you are exploring.

• Pay attention to your breathing, noticing the sensations of air entering and leaving your body, and the temperature changes associated with each breath.

• After the meditation, take your time to transition back to the external world, allowing yourself to fully absorb the experience before moving on.

BEST MOMENTS

"Just notice how your feet feel on the floor. Notice your hands resting at your sides or on your thighs."

"When your mind wanders, gently but firmly bring it back to listening to any sounds that you can hear."

"Just really focus in on that sense of taste in your mouth."

"Just notice all around you, perhaps what looks way out beyond your immediate sight."

"Notice if the air feels cooler as you breathe it in, warmer as you breathe it out."

HOST BIO

Mariam is a GP trainee in Wales passionate about improving our healthcare colleagues' wellbeing. She has experience on the Schwartz Round Steering group and as a facilitator for her health board, and she created and led the Balint Group Programme for Foundation Doctors in her hospital. These are regular spaces for healthcare professionals to speak about real issues that affect their well-being amongst colleagues to improve mutual support and camaraderie in the workplace. She also holds qualifications in Life Coaching and healthcare leadership and management. Whatever your reason for joining us on this podcast, we are glad you have taken the time. 

Dr Melany McKenna is a Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Analytic Therapy practitioner, and Executive Coach. With a specialist interest in staff wellbeing, and supporting NHS professionals, Dr McKenna offers psychologically informed reflections, prompting us to consider staff wellbeing from a systemic perspective.

If you are having stressful days at work, leaving you feeling demotivated, and depleted, I'm hoping I can help here.

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

SafeSpace is a new grounding and respite podcast aimed at Healthcare Professionals focused on staff wellbeing in the healthcare work environment, a grossly overlooked issue and yet, the cornerstone of the healthcare system which is why it is crumbling. There are 3 components to the podcast:  

- Candid interviews with healthcare leaders, and a wide variety of passionate healthcare professionals about their own experiences and struggles with their well-being as they have progressed through their careers  

- Reflective discussions with a clinical psychologist, my co-host, regarding key topics that have arisen such as coping with bullying, depression, burnout, grief, menopause, etc  

- Guided meditations specific to the healthcare worker getting ready for the day ahead, pausing during, winding down, and accepting following the working day.  

This podcast is not a panacea or substitute for a formal management plan, but a motivating, and catharsis tool to help during a stressful day.

In this episode, Mariam & Melany reflect on an insightful interview with Professor Partha Kar, focusing on key themes such as allyship, leadership, and well-being within the healthcare system. They discuss the importance of allyship in driving change, particularly for marginalised groups, and the systemic issues of racism and sexism that persist in the medical field. Mariam & Melany emphasise the significance of fostering a sense of belonging among colleagues and the necessity of taking time for self-care, including the importance of using annual leave to recharge.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The discussion emphasises the significance of allyship in driving change, particularly for marginalised groups. Building relationships and connections with those who have privilege can help challenge injustices and create a more equitable society.

• There is a call for a shift towards compassionate leadership in healthcare, which involves not only good intentions but also actionable behaviours that prioritise the well-being of staff and patients.

• Many individuals in healthcare experience a toxic work environment where they fear reporting harassment or discrimination. This fear can lead to silence and perpetuate injustices.

• Building a sense of belonging among staff is crucial for retention. Initiatives such as social events for new employees and team-building activities can foster connections and improve workplace morale.

• The conversation stresses the importance of taking annual leave and allowing oneself to rest without guilt. Engaging in activities that provide relaxation, even if they seem trivial.

BEST MOMENTS

"If you've got power, if you've got privilege, use it as a positive to speak up and to speak out against injustices and biases."

"There are certain injustices that one inevitably experiences as you go about life and work in society."

"The NHS probably won't change until there's kind of new leaders emerging with younger staff coming through."

"Compassionate leadership involves behavior change. And that's not an easy thing to do."

"For a long time, there's been this notion... that NHS work is a vocation and that we can all burn ourselves at the altar to do the work."

HOST BIO

Mariam is a GP trainee in Wales passionate about improving our healthcare colleagues' wellbeing. She has experience on the Schwartz Round Steering group and as a facilitator for her health board, and she created and led the Balint Group Programme for Foundation Doctors in her hospital. These are regular spaces for healthcare professionals to speak about real issues that affect their well-being amongst colleagues to improve mutual support and camaraderie in the workplace. She also holds qualifications in Life Coaching and healthcare leadership and management. Whatever your reason for joining us on this podcast, we are glad you have taken the time. 

Dr Melany McKenna is a Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Analytic Therapy practitioner, and Executive Coach. With a specialist interest in staff wellbeing, and supporting NHS professionals, Dr McKenna offers psychologically informed reflections, prompting us to consider staff wellbeing from a systemic perspective.

If you are having stressful days at work, leaving you feeling demotivated, and depleted, I'm hoping I can help here.

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

SafeSpace is a new grounding and respite podcast aimed at Healthcare Professionals focused on staff wellbeing in the healthcare work environment, a grossly overlooked issue and yet, the cornerstone of the healthcare system which is why it is crumbling. There are 3 components to the podcast:  

- Candid interviews with healthcare leaders, and a wide variety of passionate healthcare professionals about their own experiences and struggles with their well-being as they have progressed through their careers  

- Reflective discussions with a clinical psychologist, my co-host, regarding key topics that have arisen such as coping with bullying, depression, burnout, grief, menopause, etc  

- Guided meditations specific to the healthcare worker getting ready for the day ahead, pausing during, winding down, and accepting following the working day.  

This podcast is not a panacea or substitute for a formal management plan, but a motivating, and catharsis tool to help during a stressful day.

In this episode, Mariam engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Professor Partha Kar, a distinguished consultant in diabetes and endocrinology, and the National Specialty Advisor for Diabetes within NHS England. Professor Kar shares his inspiring journey from being an international medical graduate to a leading figure in diabetes care, discussing the transformative impact of continuous glucose monitoring systems on diabetes management. He elaborates on the Super 6 diabetes model, emphasizing the importance of integrated and collaborative care. Professor Kaur offers valuable insights on maintaining emotional well-being, the importance of work-life balance, and the necessity of creating safe spaces within healthcare institutions.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Continuous glucose monitoring systems represent a significant advancement in diabetes management, allowing patients to track their glucose levels in real time via their phones.

• The Super 6 diabetes model emphasizes integrated and collaborative care, focusing on six specialized areas within hospitals while promoting community-based support and education.

• Speaking out against inequalities in the healthcare system is crucial. Many individuals remain silent due to fear or complacency, but using one's privilege to advocate for change can help create a more equitable environment for all healthcare professionals.

• Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for emotional well-being. Taking regular breaks, planning holidays, and surrounding oneself with supportive friends and family can help healthcare professionals manage stress and avoid burnout.

• Adversities and injustices faced throughout one's career can serve as valuable learning experiences. By reflecting on negative interactions and using them to inform future behavior, individuals can foster a more supportive and inclusive environment for others.

BEST MOMENTS

"The principle being that within a hospital we will do only six things that were super specialized... the rest of it was very much in the community whereby our presence would be virtual."

"Whenever you try and bring about change... there are different groups of people you meet... some people resist it, right? That's the four groups you always will deal with."

"I've always said that the biggest problem with inequalities... isn't the perpetrators. It's the people who keep quiet. That's the problem."

"It's really important that the difficulties and challenges that people who aren't cisgendered white men experience... are still perceived as valid."

"I think the change has to and will come from the generation of yourselves... I see a lot more people who are less afraid."

HOST BIO

Mariam is a GP trainee in Wales passionate about improving our healthcare colleagues' wellbeing. She has experience on the Schwartz Round Steering group and as a facilitator for her health board, and she created and led the Balint Group Programme for Foundation Doctors in her hospital. These are regular spaces for healthcare professionals to speak about real issues that affect their well-being amongst colleagues to improve mutual support and camaraderie in the workplace. She also holds qualifications in Life Coaching and healthcare leadership and management. Whatever your reason for joining us on this podcast, we are glad you have taken the time. 

Dr Melany McKenna is a Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Analytic Therapy practitioner, and Executive Coach. With a specialist interest in staff wellbeing, and supporting NHS professionals, Dr McKenna offers psychologically informed reflections, prompting us to consider staff wellbeing from a systemic perspective.

If you are having stressful days at work, leaving you feeling demotivated, and depleted, I'm hoping I can help here.

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

SafeSpace is a new grounding and respite podcast aimed at Healthcare Professionals focused on staff wellbeing in the healthcare work environment, a grossly overlooked issue and yet, the cornerstone of the healthcare system which is why it is crumbling. There are 3 components to the podcast:  

- Candid interviews with healthcare leaders, and a wide variety of passionate healthcare professionals about their own experiences and struggles with their well-being as they have progressed through their careers  

- Reflective discussions with a clinical psychologist, my co-host, regarding key topics that have arisen such as coping with bullying, depression, burnout, grief, menopause, etc  

- Guided meditations specific to the healthcare worker getting ready for the day ahead, pausing during, winding down, and accepting following the working day.  

This podcast is not a panacea or substitute for a formal management plan, but a motivating, and catharsis tool to help during a stressful day.

In this episode, Melany a clinical psychologist, guides listeners through a meditation exercise known as "leaves on a stream." This practice focuses on cognitive diffusion, helping individuals learn to detach from their thoughts and experiences by observing them rather than getting caught up in them. Dr. McKenna encourages listeners to find a comfortable position, close their eyes, and visualize a gently flowing stream where they can place their thoughts, feelings, and sensations on leaves, allowing them to float by. Throughout the meditation, she emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and observing each experience without judgment, gently bringing the mind back to the stream whenever it wanders.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The meditation exercise focuses on cognitive diffusion, which helps individuals detach from their thoughts and experiences, allowing them to observe rather than engage with them.
• Participants are guided to visualize a gently flowing stream and leave floating on it, representing their thoughts, feelings, and sensations. This imagery aids in the practice of letting go.
• The exercise encourages a non-judgmental approach to thoughts and feelings, suggesting that both positive and negative experiences should be placed on leaves and allowed to float by without resistance.
• It is normal for the mind to wander during the exercise. When this happens, individuals are reminded to gently bring their focus back to the visualization of the leaves on the stream.
• At the end of the meditation, participants are guided to gradually return to their surroundings, encouraging awareness of their physical sensations and the environment around them.

BEST MOMENTS

"This is a great exercise for practicing cognitive diffusion, which essentially means learning to detach from our thoughts and experiences and become an observer of them."

"Each time you notice a thought or a feeling or sensation, imagine placing it on a leaf letting it float down the stream."

"It is normal and natural to lose track of this exercise; your mind will wander."

"If a leaf gets stuck or won't go away, let it hang around for a little while, just observing the experience."

"When you notice yourself losing track, just gently bring yourself back to watching the leaves on the stream."

HOST BIO

Mariam is a GP trainee in Wales passionate about improving our healthcare colleagues' wellbeing. She has experience on the Schwartz Round Steering group and as a facilitator for her health board, and she created and led the Balint Group Programme for Foundation Doctors in her hospital. These are regular spaces for healthcare professionals to speak about real issues that affect their well-being amongst colleagues to improve mutual support and camaraderie in the workplace. She also holds qualifications in Life Coaching and healthcare leadership and management. Whatever your reason for joining us on this podcast, we are glad you have taken the time. 

Dr Melany McKenna is a Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Analytic Therapy practitioner, and Executive Coach. With a specialist interest in staff wellbeing, and supporting NHS professionals, Dr McKenna offers psychologically informed reflections, prompting us to consider staff wellbeing from a systemic perspective.

If you are having stressful days at work, leaving you feeling demotivated, and depleted, I'm hoping I can help here.

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

SafeSpace is a new grounding and respite podcast aimed at Healthcare Professionals focused on staff wellbeing in the healthcare work environment, a grossly overlooked issue and yet, the cornerstone of the healthcare system which is why it is crumbling. There are 3 components to the podcast:  

- Candid interviews with healthcare leaders, and a wide variety of passionate healthcare professionals about their own experiences and struggles with their well-being as they have progressed through their careers  

- Reflective discussions with a clinical psychologist, my co-host, regarding key topics that have arisen such as coping with bullying, depression, burnout, grief, menopause, etc  

- Guided meditations specific to the healthcare worker getting ready for the day ahead, pausing during, winding down, and accepting following the working day.  

This podcast is not a panacea or substitute for a formal management plan, but a motivating, and catharsis tool to help during a stressful day.

In this episode, Mariam and Melany delve into a thought-provoking conversation inspired by an interview with Dr. Ian Happs, a retired GP from near Wrexham. They explore the evolving role of GPs from family physicians deeply embedded in their communities to primary care providers navigating a more mobile and diverse patient population. The discussion highlights the emotional toll of healthcare work, the importance of maintaining compassion, and the challenges of building lasting patient relationships in a fast-paced environment. Mariam and Melany reflect on the nostalgia, the impact of technology on patient interactions, and the complexities of balancing time constraints with the need for meaningful connections in healthcare.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• There is a strong sense of nostalgia for the traditional family physician role, where GPs had long-standing relationships with their patients, fostering a deep sense of community and continuity of care.
• The emotional toll of healthcare work can be significant, as healthcare professionals often carry the grief and pain of their patients, which can affect their well-being and ability to maintain compassion over time.
• The shift towards a primary care provider model has led to a more transactional relationship between doctors and patients, with time constraints and technology often hindering the quality of interactions and the building of rapport.
• Healthcare professionals may experience compassion fatigue, where prolonged exposure to the suffering of others leads to emotional burnout and a diminished capacity to empathize, highlighting the importance of self-care and support.
• In clinical psychology, the quality of the therapeutic relationship is crucial for effective treatment, and the common six-session model may not be sufficient for many patients, as building trust and rapport often requires more time.

BEST MOMENTS

"GPs had to stay within a five-mile radius of the community that they were looking after. So that's where I remained. I was an integral part of it."

"I do crave that time for when you knew the grandmother, you knew the mother, and you know the child, because you've lived with them."

"It's important to talk about it, it's important to communicate, share with colleagues... about how it's affecting you, sharing half the burden."

"When you're part of the fabric of the community that you're serving, these things are going to have an impact, and they're going to have an impact for a long time."

"I wish that maybe there was an understanding from patients that their stories affect us and that we do care."

HOST BIO

Mariam is a GP trainee in Wales passionate about improving our healthcare colleagues' wellbeing. She has experience on the Schwartz Round Steering group and as a facilitator for her health board, and she created and led the Balint Group Programme for Foundation Doctors in her hospital. These are regular spaces for healthcare professionals to speak about real issues that affect their well-being amongst colleagues to improve mutual support and camaraderie in the workplace. She also holds qualifications in Life Coaching and healthcare leadership and management. Whatever your reason for joining us on this podcast, we are glad you have taken the time. 

Dr Melany McKenna is a Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Analytic Therapy practitioner, and Executive Coach. With a specialist interest in staff wellbeing, and supporting NHS professionals, Dr McKenna offers psychologically informed reflections, prompting us to consider staff wellbeing from a systemic perspective.

If you are having stressful days at work, leaving you feeling demotivated, and depleted, I'm hoping I can help here.

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

SafeSpace is a new grounding and respite podcast aimed at Healthcare Professionals focused on staff wellbeing in the healthcare work environment, a grossly overlooked issue and yet, the cornerstone of the healthcare system which is why it is crumbling. There are 3 components to the podcast:  

- Candid interviews with healthcare leaders, and a wide variety of passionate healthcare professionals about their own experiences and struggles with their well-being as they have progressed through their careers  

- Reflective discussions with a clinical psychologist, my co-host, regarding key topics that have arisen such as coping with bullying, depression, burnout, grief, menopause, etc  

- Guided meditations specific to the healthcare worker getting ready for the day ahead, pausing during, winding down, and accepting following the working day.  

This podcast is not a panacea or substitute for a formal management plan, but a motivating, and catharsis tool to help during a stressful day.

In this episode, Mariam engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Ian Happs, a seasoned GP with a remarkable 30-year career. Dr. Happs shares his journey into medicine, highlighting his passion for patient interaction and the evolution of primary care over the decades. He reflects on the changing responsibilities of GPs, the impact of societal mobility on patient relationships, and the importance of curiosity and holistic care in medical practice. The discussion also delves into Dr. Happs's contributions to global health initiatives, particularly in Lesotho, and his experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• A passion for working with people and a desire to help others led to a career in medicine, with a specific focus on general practice due to the appeal of being a generalist and maintaining patient contact across various conditions.
• Over the years, primary care has evolved significantly, with GPs now having less direct responsibility for out-of-hours care and a shift towards more specialized roles within healthcare, which has impacted the continuity of care and the personal relationships between GPs and patients.
• In training future GPs, fostering curiosity and good listening skills is essential. This approach encourages doctors to engage deeply with their patients and avoid making assumptions based on past interactions.
• A strong belief in a global community drives involvement in global health initiatives, emphasizing the importance of understanding diverse healthcare practices and learning from international colleagues, particularly in resource-limited settings.
• Working in general practice can be emotionally taxing due to the intimate nature of patient relationships and the shared experiences of pain and loss. Healthcare professionals must find ways to cope with these emotional challenges to maintain their well-being.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think my favourite word talking to trainees is a curiosity because I think we need, as doctors, as GPs particularly, you need to be interested in your patients and you need to be curious."

"I think there are, not necessarily inappropriately, but there are roles that have been taken off the GP by other primary care people and that's changed the role."

"I think fundamentally I believe very strongly and passionately in a global community. I think the world is a small, fragile and increasingly interconnected place."

"So I feel like there's been a shift from that family physician type role to more of a local GP role of moving as and when it suits the career of the doctor."

"I think general practice is a huge privilege... people let you into the most important, meaningful, sometimes the happiest, but also the most painful times of their lives."

HOST BIO

Mariam is a GP trainee in Wales passionate about improving our healthcare colleagues' wellbeing. She has experience on the Schwartz Round Steering group and as a facilitator for her health board, and she created and led the Balint Group Programme for Foundation Doctors in her hospital. These are regular spaces for healthcare professionals to speak about real issues that affect their well-being amongst colleagues to improve mutual support and camaraderie in the workplace. She also holds qualifications in Life Coaching and healthcare leadership and management. Whatever your reason for joining us on this podcast, we are glad you have taken the time. 

Dr Melany McKenna is a Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Analytic Therapy practitioner, and Executive Coach. With a specialist interest in staff wellbeing, and supporting NHS professionals, Dr McKenna offers psychologically informed reflections, prompting us to consider staff wellbeing from a systemic perspective.

If you are having stressful days at work, leaving you feeling demotivated, and depleted, I'm hoping I can help here.

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

SafeSpace is a new grounding and respite podcast aimed at Healthcare Professionals focused on staff wellbeing in the healthcare work environment, a grossly overlooked issue and yet, the cornerstone of the healthcare system which is why it is crumbling. There are 3 components to the podcast:  

- Candid interviews with healthcare leaders, and a wide variety of passionate healthcare professionals about their own experiences and struggles with their well-being as they have progressed through their careers  

- Reflective discussions with a clinical psychologist, my co-host, regarding key topics that have arisen such as coping with bullying, depression, burnout, grief, menopause, etc  

- Guided meditations specific to the healthcare worker getting ready for the day ahead, pausing during, winding down, and accepting following the working day.  

This podcast is not a panacea or substitute for a formal management plan, but a motivating, and catharsis tool to help during a stressful day.

In this episode, Melany guides listeners through the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique, a simple yet effective exercise designed to help individuals become present and manage stress, especially during busy shifts or transitions between work and home. The technique involves a series of sensory observations: identifying five things you can see, four things you can feel, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. Melany encourages listeners to engage deeply with their surroundings, describing each sensory experience in detail to foster mindfulness and relaxation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• This exercise is designed to help individuals become present and can be used during busy shifts or as a transition between work and home.
• The technique involves identifying and describing five things you can see, four things you can feel, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.
• When identifying items, it's important to describe them in detail, considering aspects like color, size, movement, and texture to enhance mindfulness.
• Participants are encouraged to close their eyes or gently fix their gaze downwards when identifying feelings, which can help in focusing on the sensations.
• The exercise allows for variations, such as imagining tastes or acknowledging the absence of certain smells or tastes, making it adaptable to different environments and situations.

BEST MOMENTS

"This is a great short exercise that you can easily pick up in the middle of a busy shift if you need a quick pause."

"For each thing, describe them in detail. Pay close attention. What color are they? Are they big or small?"

"Just try and identify and describe to yourself three things that you can hear."

"Take a moment to notice two things you can smell right now. Could be a smell of the room or the aroma of food wafting from nearby."

"Identify one thing you can taste. It might be gum that you're chewing, or the flavor of food and drink you had earlier."

HOST BIO

Mariam is a GP trainee in Wales passionate about improving our healthcare colleagues' wellbeing. She has experience on the Schwartz Round Steering group and as a facilitator for her health board, and she created and led the Balint Group Programme for Foundation Doctors in her hospital. These are regular spaces for healthcare professionals to speak about real issues that affect their well-being amongst colleagues to improve mutual support and camaraderie in the workplace. She also holds qualifications in Life Coaching and healthcare leadership and management. Whatever your reason for joining us on this podcast, we are glad you have taken the time. 

Dr Melany McKenna is a Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Analytic Therapy practitioner, and Executive Coach. With a specialist interest in staff wellbeing, and supporting NHS professionals, Dr McKenna offers psychologically informed reflections, prompting us to consider staff wellbeing from a systemic perspective.

If you are having stressful days at work, leaving you feeling demotivated, and depleted, I'm hoping I can help here.

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

SafeSpace is a new grounding and respite podcast aimed at Healthcare Professionals focused on staff wellbeing in the healthcare work environment, a grossly overlooked issue and yet, the cornerstone of the healthcare system which is why it is crumbling. There are 3 components to the podcast:  

- Candid interviews with healthcare leaders, and a wide variety of passionate healthcare professionals about their own experiences and struggles with their well-being as they have progressed through their careers  

- Reflective discussions with a clinical psychologist, my co-host, regarding key topics that have arisen such as coping with bullying, depression, burnout, grief, menopause, etc  

- Guided meditations specific to the healthcare worker getting ready for the day ahead, pausing during, winding down, and accepting following the working day.  

This podcast is not a panacea or substitute for a formal management plan, but a motivating, and catharsis tool to help during a stressful day.