On qualifying as a GP, I followed a traditional route from trainee to salaried and locum doctor, to partner, trainer, and appraiser. A path that many doctors of my generation have taken. Underneath, I suspected that the anxiety which appeared in my 30’s, as the invincibility of my 20’s faded, would limit my time in … Continue reading Jungle gyms and re-defining success
Category: work-life balance
A follow-up post by Dr Clare Barton who wrote "On Leaving Medicine." Behind the new door: It’s now been over 6 months since I properly left medicine. No more appraisals, off the GMC register, proper door shut stuff. I’ve had lots of the usual questions – do you miss it? Any regrets? Did you want … Continue reading Life after medicine
How often do you start the New Year with optimistic resolutions, which you never see through, despite good intentions? As medics, we are used to setting ourselves SMART goals and objectives. These work for the purposes of appraisal. They commit us to something specific that we can evidence to others. Last year, I discovered a … Continue reading # My 3 words. Reword yourself for the Year Ahead.
I was asked at my last appraisal if I was sleep deprived. When considering our health and fitness to practise, the Leicester Health Structured Reflective Template (SRT) suggests asking about sleep, along with other questions relating to managing stress and work-life balance. As a mum of three, my youngest being 15 months old, I certainly was sleep … Continue reading The Power of Sleep
A really inspiring post by Dr Kate Dyerson, a GP principal in Berkshire, who recently went through some struggles of her own. By taking action, she has come out the other side stronger. And thriving. Following on from the stories that other GPs have been brave enough to post I thought it might be time … Continue reading What helped me get back to work. And thrive.
When I was first writing about preventing burnout, I did not feel that I could add much personal value. I bypassed the prevention stage completely. I headed straight to having to think about recovering from burnout. If I had recognised where my escalating stress would have led me, if I had appreciated how unwell I … Continue reading Preventing burnout – what I would do differently knowing what I know now
“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” Jon Kabat-Zin When I talk or listen to peers and colleagues, I am amazed at how many healthcare professionals are already integrating mindfulness, meditation or relaxation techniques into their lives on a regular basis in order to ground themselves and find headspace and calm . Many successful apps, like Headspace … Continue reading Mindfulness meditation
