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Hanlie du Plessis talks about a career in anaesthesia. I love the idea of choosing a specialty by "finding your tribe". Her top tip for doctors exploring careers is to talk to lots of people about their careers, but don't ask them about the best bit, ask them about the worst bit - because unless you can cope with that, it doesn't matter how good the rest of the job sounds.

Hanlie grew up in South Africa and after completing her medical degree she moved to Scotland to complete her post graduate training in Anaesthesia. She worked as a consultant anaesthetist in the West and Central Scotland before moving to Oxford in 2015. Her work involves anaesthesia for major emergencies, spinal trauma, urology and gynaecological procedures. She has been awarded for her compassionate care and previously nominated for the ‘Doctor of the Year’ award in Oxford University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. She was instrumental in establishing their departmental wellbeing and sustenance initiative during the pandemic. She is the lead for clinical governance in her group and teaches medical students from the University of Oxford on their rotation in anaesthesia. She is a holistic clinician and practices as a life coach working with clinicians to prevent burnout and find clarity to navigate their career transitions. She is currently training in lifestyle medicine which aligns with her interests in preventative medicine. She lives by her values of empathy, empowerment and equality-especially for women in medicine. She regularly practices yoga, reads as much as possible, loves the outdoors, the ocean and coffee.

You can connect with Hanlie at
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanlie-du-plessis-791658142/