Speaking up in the medical profession can be daunting, especially in the early years of training. In this episode, I sit down with Dr Isabelle Wood, an F2 doctor in the Northwest, to discuss the challenges junior doctors face when voicing concerns, advocating for patients, and navigating hierarchical structures. We explore why it feels difficult to speak up, how to overcome these hesitations, and practical advice for making your voice heard in a supportive and effective way.  

Whether you're a junior doctor, medical student, or healthcare professional, this conversation will inspire you to find the confidence to speak up when it matters most.  

In this episode of A Doctor’s Insight, I’m joined by Dr Ellen Rowe, an F2 in the East Midlands, to discuss the key to not just surviving, but thriving during medical rotations. Whether you’re a new junior doctor or looking to make a lasting impression, we’ll share actionable advice on how to:

✔️ Navigate new environments with confidence
✔️ Build strong relationships with your team 🏥
✔️ Manage your workload without burning out
✔️ Go above and beyond to truly stand out

With real-world tips, relatable stories, and practical insights, this episode will give you the tools to succeed in any rotation.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into Dr Michelle Ting's journey to becoming an Oculoplastic Surgery. It wasn't always her plan but something inspired her along the way, listen to find out what it was.

Discussion points:

- choosing a surgical vs medical specialty

- optimising your CV

- experiencing medical training abroad

- general advice

Leave us a review or feedback to let us know what we're doing well and what can be improved!

In this episode, Consultant Oncologist Dr Ricky Frazer talks to us about his experiences as an Oncologist and introduces a positive perspective on a specialty traditionally stigmatised as "depressing".

Topics discussed:

- Novel cancer treatments including immunotherapy

- Improvements in patient prognosis

- Continuity of care

- Exploring non-medical interests

- Doctor through a patient lens https://blogs.bmj.com/bmj/2018/08/29/ricky-frazer-doctor-through-the-patient-lens/

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What doesn't Dr Ami Jones MBE do?

In this episode, we talk about her journey to becoming a consultant in each of these specialties and her involvement in the Royal Army Medical Corps. Dr Jones explains how one week is never the same, letting us in the most and least exciting parts of her job plan.

Topics Discussed:

- training pathways for ITU, Anaesthetics and PHEM

- boosting your CV

- common patient presentations

- what personality best suits these jobs

- what she would have done differently on her journey and how you can avoid having those regrets

In this episode, we do something a bit different! Rather than having a medical doctor today, we have Clinical Microbiologist Dr Eleanor Senior who gives us a great perspective on what it's like working in the lab - what goes on behind the scenes of patient care if you will.

We discuss:

- What is microbiology

- the pathways to microbiology

- her role in patient care

- working dynamics with medical doctors

Make sure to leave a review and tell us what you think!

In this episode of a Doctor's Insight, Dr Nay Aung who is a Consultant Cardiologist and MRC Clinical Scientist helps us understand what the job of a Cardiologist entails.

Topics discussed:

- subspecialties within cardiology

- the importance of being a researcher in the field

- optimising your CV

- differences of the job role between developing vs developed countries

- advice for all medical students and foundation doctors

Please leave a review or comment as it really helps me to better tailor the show for listeners

In this episode, Paediatric Trainee Dr Aiesha Alexander talks about her journey to becoming a paediatric trainee, highlighting the new training pathway and talking about the ins and outs of the job.

Topics discussed:

- Progress + which is the new run through speciality training programme in Paediatrics

- Supportive team dynamics

- What it means to be a senior led specialty

- Common patient presentations

- General Paediatrics vs Subspecialty training

and much more!

More about Progress+ https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/education-careers/training-assessment/progressplus

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In this episode, Consultant Endocrinologist Dr Lansdown gives us the run down of what we need to know about working as an endocrinologist. We discuss:

- daily duties

- the training pathway

- factors to consider when thinking about if any specialty is right for you

- not discounting a specialty based on your medical school experience

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In this episode, Dr Jade tells us all about Radiology.

Topics discussed:

- typical day in the life of a radiologist

- common presentations and imaging modalities

- the radiology request form that is hardly filled in correctly

and much more!

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In this episode, Mr Marsden, a consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon tells us about a specialty that medical students don't usually get much exposure to. Topics discussed in this episode:

- common misconceptions of plastic surgery

- common presentations and pathologies

- changing career paths

- career uncertainty

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BAPRAS - BAPRAS: HomeBAPRAShttps://www.bapras.org.uk

In this episode, Dr Scott, a registrar in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, tells us about the fascinating speciality of Obs & Gynae. Throughout the conversation, we talk about:

- daily routine

- training pathways

- work/life balance

- common misconceptions

- life advice

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A Doctor’s Insight is Back!
Welcome to 2025 with a brand-new episode of A Doctor’s Insight!

FY1 Dr. Parmis Vafapour and I dive deep into her first-day experience as a junior doctor, unpacking:
✔️ The nerves and excitement the night before
✔️ “Sink or swim” moments on day one
✔️ Lessons learned and advice for new doctors

From funny stories to stressful challenges, this episode is an honest look at the rollercoaster of emotions that come with stepping into the world of medicine.

In this episode, Dr Dai, a consultant hepatologist and clinical lead for gastroenterology at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital, tells us about his work and the passion behind it all. We discuss:

- common presentations

- stigma surrounding liver disease

- importance of a patient centred approach

- workload

...and much more!

Dr Dai is happy to be contacted on twitter if you have questions @docdai

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In this episode, Mr Carleton-Bland, a consultant neurosurgeon at one of the UK's highly rated dedicated neurology and neurosurgical centres, tells us about his exciting and highly rewarding job. More specifically, he tells us about:

- common patient presentations

- misconceptions amongst medical students about the job of a neurosurgeon

- the workload

- AI and its past, present and future impact on medical practice

- advice to students and clinicians feeling overwhelmed about their career path

Exam resource!

Keen on listening to clinicians discuss interesting neuro cases that may come up in exams? Give this podcast a listen

https://www.neuropodcases.co.uk

Listen, share to one person who may be interested and leave us a review so we know how we can improve for you!

In this episode with Dr Kyle, as with all others, we discuss in detail about working in his respective specialty, that being a salaried GP. We also delved into interesting conversations about the following:

- the public image and media publicity surrounding GPs

- access to community mental health services 

Listen, share and leave us some feedback to tell us how you found it and what other specialties you would like to see.

In this episode, Dr Stross talks to us about working in care of the elderly/geriatrics as well as being a clinical teaching fellow at Cardiff University.

In this interview, as with all others, we discuss the following topics:
- A deep dive into being a Geriatrician 
- The path to confirming Geriatrics as her career 
-  General advice to budding healthcare professionals

Give it a listen, leave a review and let us know what other specialist doctors you would like to hear from.

In our very first episode of the series, consultant Dr Olwen Payne talks to us about working in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). 

In this interview, Dr Payne and I discuss three main questions:
1. Can you tell us about your specialty ?
2. How did your arrive at your current career path?
3. What advice can you give to medical students and foundation doctors?

Give it a listen, let us know what you think and what other specialist doctors you would like to hear from.

In this episode, I chat with the Medical Director of East Anglian Air Ambulance, and PHEM consultant Dr Victor Inyang.

We explore the shift routine of a flight doctor, learn how they manage cognitive bandwidth to avoid overload on scene and delve into some of the most challenging and dramatic cases they've encountered, and the incredible teamwork that makes it all possible. Plus, get insider tips on crafting a standout portfolio to secure a coveted training post.

In this episode, we've compiled the best advice from some of our amazing guests that has shaped their careers as clinicians. Tune in to hear these game-changing tips and get inspired by the wisdom shared by:

Dr Payne - Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Dr Kyle - GP

Mr Carleton-Bland - Neurosurgeon

Dr Aung - Cardiologist

Mr Marsden - Plastic Surgery

Whether you're a seasoned clinician or just starting out, these insights are sure to resonate. Don't miss out on this treasure trove of practical wisdom!

In this episode, the lovely Dr Reema Chawla, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon tells us about what it takes to not only become a plastic surgeon but be successful in the field.

Dr Chawla also gives a handful of tips about how to navigate choosing the specialty most suited to you!

This episode is a bit different from our usual. In Episode 3, our most listened to podcast guest Dr Kyle highlighted the journey to becoming a GP and what the role entailed.

One year later, Dr Kyle is back to talk about the most contentious topics in GP land.

Topics discussed:

- GP appointment waiting times

- Delays in accessing care

- Allied healthcare professionals

- The existing physician associate tension

and more!

We also have our FIRST EVER GIVEAWAY hidden within the episode so listen to carefully to make sure you don't miss out!

In this episode, Dr Mahdi, founder of the educational platform Blood Academy, talks to us about what the life of a Consultant Haematologist is like.

You'll learn about the treatment advances in haematological malignancies, the work/life balance and advice on preparing to apply for a Haematology post.

Visit Blood Academy on Instagram for educational info about all things Haematology

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In this episode, Dr Jeremy Chan, an ST3 in Cardiothoracic Surgery shares his experiences of navigating this notoriously competitive specialty. He shares the challenges of entering a competitive training program, the profound rewards of the profession, insights on crafting a compelling CV, and valuable advice on maintaining a balanced life amidst the demanding field of medicine. Tune in to gain firsthand knowledge and practical tips from a medical expert who continues to navigate the complexities of Cardiothoracic surgery.

In this episode of "A Doctor's Insight," join us as we delve into the world of trauma and orthopaedic surgery with consultant T&O surgeon Mr Kassam who is not only skilled in the operating room but also passionate about leadership. Discover his inspiring journey, the reasons behind choosing this specialty, and gain valuable insights on standing out to secure a training number. Whether you're a student or a medical professional, this episode offers practical advice and a unique perspective on excelling in the field.