Maysam has championed medical student wellbeing through research-backed initiatives like “wellbeing days,” allowing students time off without explanation. As Curtin Association of Medical Students’ first Equity Director, she ran mental health events, formed a wellbeing working group, and served on the Education Committee for three years, advocating for flexible attendance and free access to study resources. These efforts earned her an MWI Scholarship. In this episode, she joins Dr Sam Hazledine to discuss how collaboration and innovation can transform student wellbeing across medical faculties.

As a first-in-family med student, Greeshma didn’t have relatives to turn to for advice. But this experience inspired her to create opportunities for collective peer learning and support.As NZMSA Pre-Clinical Representative, Greeshma champions student wellbeing, co-founded a mentoring programme with AUMSA, and organises events to foster connection. As Director of Events for the Women in Health Network, she helps female students across health specialties connect and thrive.Her leadership and advocacy earned her an MWI Scholarship.In this episode, Greeshma sits down with Dr Sam Hazledine to share advice for other first-in-family medical students, explain how mentorship programmes can help break down traditional university hierarchies, and discuss why she believes in the power of supporting her peers.

Dr Sarah Arachchi is a Melbourne-based Paediatrician and debut author of Brown. Female. Doctor.  Which tells a powerful first-hand account of her journey to become a Paediatrician as a woman of colour in Australia. The book explores the complexity of navigating two cultures: her fiercely proud Sri Lankan heritage and her identity as an Aussie girl who enjoyed playing cricket with the boys. In this episode, Dr Sam Hazledine caught up with Sarah to discuss her debut novel and the valuable insights her experiences offer for others in the medical profession.

You can get your copy of Brown. Female. Doctor. here:

https://publishing.monash.edu/product/brown-female-doctor/

https://www.amazon.com.au/Brown-Female-Doctor-Sarah-Arachchi/dp/1923192167

Dr Andrew Jeklin’s medical journey is anything but ordinary. Originally from Canada, his career has taken him from Boston to remote locum roles across Australia and unexpectedly to Uganda, where he helped found CAFAR, an NGO that uses creativity, theatre, and play to support the psychosocial well-being of refugees and foster fresh perspectives within their communities. Despite this adventurous path, Andrew has continued to progress toward specialist training. In this episode, he joins Dr Sam Hazledine to share how blending purpose, adventure, and medicine can enrich one's career and life.

Check out CAFAR here:

https://www.cafarfoundation.org/

Janvi and Marcus are medical students at the University of Otago. Marcus serves as the President of the Otago Medical School Student Association, while Janvi leads the ECCO Conference. Coming from diverse cultural backgrounds—Janvi is Hindu, and Marcus is Māori—they bring unique perspectives to their mindfulness practice. In this episode, they join Dr Sam Hazledine to discuss how mindfulness supports them through the pressures of medical school and how their cultural beliefs have shaped their approaches to staying grounded and well.

Dr Nelu Simonsz is a paediatrician dedicated to both medicine and parenting. Having transitioned to a consultant role a few years ago, she brings valuable insights into career progression. With a large social media following, Nelu shares practical children’s health advice with a broad audience. In this episode, she joins Dr Sam Hazledine to discuss the transition from registrar to consultant, exploring mindset shifts, identity, leadership, and the realities of consultancy—both the challenges and the rewards.

Follow Dr Nelu on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/dr_nelu_simonsz/

Dr Jo Braid is a physician of 20 years and a professional coach specialising in helping healthcare professionals overcome burnout through the mind. In this episode, Jo takes Dr Sam Hazledine and listeners through a practical coaching exercise to understand and control the thought cycle. You will learn how to catch, check, and change negative thoughts.

Links discussed in this podcast:

• https://www.drjobraid.com/
• https://howwefeel.org/
• https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-burnout-recovery-podcast/id1651327553

Daniel Lavin, a final-year medical student at the University of Auckland, has never failed an exam—and has made it to his final year without burnout.

In this episode, Dr Sam Hazledine talks with Dan about the psychology and mechanics of medical exams, sharing strategies for effective preparation and long-term retention.

Dr Tom Petrie saw his Instagram following grow to over twenty thousand after using the platform as a way of online journaling: telling adapted anecdotes from his ward rounds. Now, he is in his second year as a junior doctor. In this episode, Dr Sam Hazledine chats with Tom, offering advice for medical students on navigating med school. They discuss what worked for Tom during his studies and insights gained from hindsight.

Dr Nina Su is a paediatric and emergency doctor in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Frustrated by healthcare systems that felt like a "revolving door," Nina founded the podcast Revolving Door Syndrome. In this episode, Dr Sam Hazledine and Nina discuss how small habits like humility, seeking feedback, note-taking, and thoughtful communication can help you master the art of medicine, win on the wards, and ultimately become a better doctor.