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.