Creative Careers in Medicine Podcast

Dr James Somauroo on a Career in Health Tech Media and Podcasting

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine podcast, host Dr Elise Putt speaks with Dr James Somauroo, an anaesthetics and intensive care doctor by training who has carved out a path in healthcare innovation, media, and entrepreneurship. Dr Somauroo is the co-founder and CEO of SomX, a communications and creative agency working with healthtech, biotech, and pharmaceutical companies. He also hosts the Healthtech Podcast, is editor-in-chief of Healthtech Pigeon, and previously contributed to Forbes on health technology topics.

Dr Somauroo shares his own journey through medical training and clinical practice before moving into leadership, innovation, and startup roles within the NHS, Health Education England, and the British Medical Journal. Discussing the value of understanding healthcare from multiple vantage points, and how this breadth of perspective informs effective communication and marketing in the health sector.

He candidly reflects on the challenges and opportunities involved in transitioning from traditional medical roles into entrepreneurial and creative fields, offering practical advice for clinicians considering similar paths.

Exploring Dr Somauroo’s forays into media, podcasting, and writing, including the origins of his own Healthtech Podcast and the importance of clinicians having a voice in the public dialogue around medicine and healthcare. Providing thoughtful commentary on the intersection of public health communication, digital content, and the evolving opportunities for doctors to make an impact beyond the bedside.

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Dr Ariella Heffernan-Marks on a career as founder in women’s health

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine podcast, Dr Elise Putt is joined by Dr Ariella Heffernan-Marks, a medical doctor, PhD candidate, and the founder of Ovum AI, a platform dedicated to transforming women’s healthcare through an integrative, lifespan-focused digital solution. Providing insight into her journey from law and reproductive biology, to medicine at Macquarie University, and through to her internship at Prince of Wales Hospital. She shares how her personal challenges with vestibular migraines during medical school revealed significant gaps in women's healthcare and ultimately inspired the concept for Ovum AI.

She gives a clear explanation of the Ovum AI platform, how it brings together women’s longitudinal health data, integrates wearable and medical reports, and offers personalized guidance to empower women in clinical settings. Highlighting the importance of addressing gender bias in research and healthcare delivery, as well as her commitment to building the world's largest proprietary women’s health dataset.

Dr Heffernan-Marks shares her thoughts on leaving structured clinical training, the impact of her medical background on the success of her startup, and the importance of preparation and resilience when seeking funding and validation from both the healthcare community and investors. She also underscores the value of research, collaboration with clinical experts such as Professor Amanda Henry and Professor Rebecca Deans, and ongoing user-and evidence-based development for lasting impact.

Offering actionable insights for clinicians considering alternative or innovative career paths and serves as a testament to how lived experience, clinical expertise, and research can converge to drive positive change in healthcare.

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Dr Rob Grenfell on a career as a GP-turned-public health leader

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine podcast, host Elise Putt speaks with Dr Rob Grenfell, a rural GP turned public health physician whose career has spanned clinical practice, public health leadership, corporate health, and significant roles within government and research. Dr Grenfell shares insights from his early days as a rural GP in Victoria through to becoming the director of the CSIRO’s Health and Biosecurity Unit. Exploring his experience setting up a regional Aboriginal health office, his role as Chair on the board of the West Vic Primary Health Network and Biogrid Australia, and his contributions to shaping public health at both the local and national level.

Providing an honest overview of his career path, describing his motivation to enter medicine as a country student, his passion for addressing health inequities, and his ongoing commitment to community-focused care. Delving into the future of general practice, the impact of artificial intelligence in healthcare, and the need for more integrated payment and preventative health models. Dr Grenfell discusses things such as his involvement in pandemic preparedness, vaccine development with CSIRO, and long-term advocacy for improved Indigenous health.

Clinicians interested in alternative medical careers, public health, or making a broad impact on patient outcomes will find it inspiring and informative, with Dr Grenfell’s reflections providing valuable guidance for those considering their own career trajectories in medicine.

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Dr Ruth Mitchell on a career in Nobel Peace Prize-winning advocacy

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine (CCIM) podcast, the hosts share an inspiring session from the recent CCIM25 conference held in Melbourne, featuring Dr Ruth Mitchell. Dr Mitchell is a pediatric and adult neurosurgeon, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, international public speaker, and prominent advocate in the anti-nuclear movement. She’s a leading voice for diversity and inclusion in surgery and science.

Reflecting on her advocacy journey, from her early days as a medical student, through her involvement with International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW), and her role in founding the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, which was instrumental in securing the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and culminated in being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

She talks about the value of using clinical voices to drive policy and societal change, particularly by telling patients’ stories and bearing witness to the impacts of nuclear weapons. Dr Mitchell also shares her clinical advocacy work in brain tumor research, alongside her fundraising activities for the Children's Cancer Institute.

Reflecting on personal experiences, including the loss of her sister following a complex medical journey, Dr Mitchell offers candid insights on the need for more compassionate and equitable health systems. Emphasising the role clinicians can play in creating positive change in listening to patient needs, challenging systemic shortcomings, and supporting colleagues’ mental health.

Offering thought-provoking perspectives for clinicians interested in exploring wider career opportunities that combine clinical practice with meaningful advocacy, philanthropy, and leadership.

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Dr David Corbet, sound doctor and rural GP

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine (CCIM) podcast, Dr Elise Putt welcomes Dr David Corbet, a rural GP based in Anglesea, Victoria, who also works at Wathaurong Health Service, the Aboriginal Health Service in Geelong. Sharing his multifaceted career in general practice. Along with his enthusiasm for lifelong learning and the diverse opportunities presented by general practice, particularly in rural settings.

Dr Corbet reflects on his career journey prior to medicine. Spending fifteen years as a professional musician and dancer, performing internationally and working within the performing arts at a high level, before transitioning into medicine as a graduate entrant. Describing the motivations behind his career change and the challenges and rewards of returning to science after an established career in the arts.

He is the founder of the Sound Doctor, a not-for-profit music event series bringing acclaimed national and international artists to Anglesea’s town hall for intimate performances. He discusses the inspiration behind the initiative, the challenges of sustaining it within a difficult arts funding landscape, and the impact of arts on individual and community wellbeing.

Giving practical advice for clinicians considering a career change or diversification, and reflections on how skills and interests from outside medicine can enhance clinical practice. Dr Corbet also offers personal advice to medical students and early-career doctors in following their interests, being open to uncertainty, and finding balance in a fulfilling career.

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Dr MaryAnn Ferreux on a career a career in medical leadership

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine podcast, Dr Amandeep Hansra speaks with Dr MaryAnn Ferreux, a medical leader with extensive experience in both Australia and the UK. Dr Ferreux shares her unique journey from her early days as a generalist doctor in Newcastle, Australia, to her current portfolio career in the UK. Her roles include Chief Medical Officer for Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex, NHS non-executive board director positions, public health and policy research, and trustee work at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, with a focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Discussing her non-linear path into medicine, which led to her determination to pursue a medical career despite her challenges. Reflecting on her experiences across a variety of clinical specialties and how these varied roles informed her later transition into health system leadership and management. Highlighting her commitment to addressing health inequities, particularly the impact of social determinants of health and how digital transformation in healthcare can sometimes exacerbate these disparities.

The also talked about the differences of the Australian and UK healthcare systems, with Dr Ferreux noting similarities in service delivery and the persistence of challenges such as bias, underrepresentation, and system-wide resistance to large-scale change. They both discuss the global nature of the health workforce movement and the opportunity for sharing insights and innovations across borders, particularly in the digital health sphere.

Gaining practical insights into managing a portfolio career as a clinician, balancing leadership roles, academic pursuits, family, and personal wellbeing. Offering candid reflections and advice for doctors considering alternative or expanded career pathways, and the value of a broad base of experience and the importance of purpose-driven work.

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Dr Paul Eleftheriou on a career as a healthcare consultant

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine (CCIM) podcast, Dr Elise Putt speaks with Dr Paul Eleftheriou, Principal Consultant and Co-Lead of Digital Health at Nous Group. Dr Eleftheriou discusses his professional journey, including a period pursuing neurosurgery and a PhD in neuroscience, before transitioning into medical leadership and consulting.

Explaining the role of a management consultant, particularly within the healthcare sector, and how his work at Nous Group spans project management, strategic planning, policy development, evaluation, stakeholder engagement, and leadership facilitation with organizations across Australia and internationally.

Dr Eleftheriou also shares practical advice for clinicians considering a move towards leadership and consulting, emphasising the value of clinical experience, formal qualification pathways such as RACMA fellowships, and proactive networking with current medical leaders.

Exploring the realities and challenges of transitioning from clinical medicine to consulting, Dr Eleftheriou reflects on the balance of immediate clinical impact versus broader, systemic change, and the need for patience when working within complex healthcare systems. Providing perspective on project choice, ethical alignment, and maintaining job satisfaction in the consulting sector.

Dr Eleftheriou’s experiences underline the breadth of opportunities beyond traditional clinical roles and the ways medical training can translate into effective leadership and consultancy positions.

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Dr Katie Treble on publishing a medical memoir, psychiatry training and humanitarian medicine

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine podcast, host Elise Putt speaks with Dr Katie Treble, a psychiatry registrar and recently published author.

Dr Treble discusses her career journey, beginning in the UK and progressing through a variety of roles including emergency medicine in Australia, humanitarian work with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in the Central African Republic, and her current training in psychiatry.

Sharing insights on the process of working with MSF, the challenges and requirements, necessary for humanitarian medical work in resource-poor and conflict settings.

Describing the impacts of her time in Central Africa, including the difficulties of transitioning back to clinical work in Australia and her motivation for documenting these experiences.

They covered Dr Treble’s recently released memoir, "Field Notes from Death’s Door," which recounts her MSF experience and addresses the need to bear witness to humanitarian crises that are often overlooked. Dr Treble explains how and why she shaped her personal reflections and field notes into a published book, as well as the realities of the publishing process. She also touches on her ongoing interest in research, having spent time working in the Clinical Psychedelic Lab at Monash University.

Dr Treble reflects on the value of having a diverse and non-linear career path in medicine, the broader context of global healthcare inequities, and the importance of pursuing meaningful work beyond traditional professional trajectories.

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Dr Max Rath on a career in medical technology, AI and global health

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine podcast, host Adam Rushford speaks to Dr Max Rath, a specialist physician trained in South Africa who has since become a prominent figure in the digital health and medtech space. Discussing his journey from clinical medicine, to completing an MBA at Oxford and into his current role as Chief Medical Officer of a medtech startup, AI Diagnostics.

Sharing insights into the South African healthcare system which drove him to solve deep-seated problems and innovate. Providing an overview of the AI-powered digital stethoscope his company has developed, which enables affordable, effective tuberculosis (TB) screening, which is especially vital in resource-constrained, high-burden settings. The device’s use of advanced sound analysis represents a significant step forward in expanding access to care in developing countries.

They ecplore the regulatory, financial, and practical challenges involved in bringing digital health technologies to market, particularly the significant capital requirements and the need for global awareness around TB. Dr Rath emphasises the importance of validating AI models across diverse populations and engaging key stakeholders in global health to ensure broad adoption and impact.

Offering candid reflections on making the transition from bedside care to systems-level problem solving, while maintaining clinical ties to ensure relevance and patient focus.

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Dr Sibhi Raja on a career as a gastroenterologist and digital health innovator

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine podcast, host Adam Rushford is joined by Dr Sibhi Raja, a consultant gastroenterologist at the Whittington Hospital in London. Dr Raja shares his career journey, beginning with his early exposure to medicine as part of a medical family and his initial interests in the humanities. Discussing his formative experiences which inspired his interest in gastroenterology and hepatology, particularly where medical science intersects with social and socioeconomic issues.

Dr Raja reflects on his unique path between the UK and Australia, noting how working in different healthcare systems, especially his training and fellowship work in Adelaide and at St Mark’s Hospital in London, has shaped his adaptability and broadened his clinical perspective.

Expanding into Dr Raja’s observations around systemic gaps in the care of chronic gastrointestinal conditions, notably irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Drawing from his research and clinical work, he identifies the limitations of current pathways in managing IBS, both from patient and healthcare system perspectives. These have led Dr Raja to explore digital health solutions, to which created his holistic digital therapeutic app, Ahara. The app aims to deliver evidence-based, multidisciplinary care in a format that is accessible to patients, utilising an integrated approach which covers education, diagnosis, and a spectrum of therapies. Dr Raja emphasises the importance of translating clinical guidelines and evidence into digital tools that genuinely improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Dr Raja shares his interests outside medicine, noting how a passion for history and storytelling helps both his holistic approach to patient care and his vision for digital health innovation.

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Dr Alex Cameron on a career as a plastic surgeon and musician

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 03:30:00 +1100

Welcome to a new season of the Creative Careers in Medicine podcast!

In this episode, Dr Elise Putt is joined by Dr Alex Cameron, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon based in Adelaide, South Australia. He is also a songwriter, musician, and guitarist for the band Bad Dreams. In addition to his clinical and musical pursuits, Dr Cameron founded the record label Endless Recordings, which supports emerging artists.

They explore his unique combination of a medical and music career, detailing how Dr Cameron balances a full-time role as a surgeon with his ongoing commitments to his band and record label. Over the past 15 years, he has maintained a full-time clinical workload while actively writing, recording, performing music, and even touring particularly within Australia.

Dr Cameron discusses the realities of balancing dual careers, the importance of having interests and experiences outside of medicine, and ways in which diverse experiences can enhance a clinician's ability to connect with patients and colleagues. Providing insights into the nature of plastic surgery training, the sacrifices involved in combining clinical and creative work, and the supportive and sometimes challenging responses from mentors and colleagues in both fields.

They also discussed Dr Cameron's record label Endless Recordings and his passion for supporting fellow musicians, as well as his reflections on alternative career paths he might have pursued such as documentary filmmaking. Throughout the episode, Dr Cameron emphasises the value of multidisciplinary experiences in fostering both personal fulfillment and professional excellence in medicine.

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Dr George Eskander on a career as a clinical executive and changemaker

Tue, 06 May 2025 03:30:00 +1100

In this season finale of the Creative Careers in Medicine podcast, host Dr Elise Putt sits down with Dr George Eskander, Executive Director of Clinical Performance and Transformation at WA Health. Dr Eskander brings a wealth of experience, having held numerous leadership roles both in Western Australia and previously in the UK. As well as being an executive, Dr Eskander continues to work as a GP proceduralist and is the founder of Past GP, an educational resource supporting GP registrars through their exams.

Beginning with Dr Eskander’s journey into medicine, his early aspirations to become a pilot and his eventual training as a doctor influenced by family tradition.

His work as a change-maker in clinical leadership, particularly his role in the development and implementation of the JMO Manifesto at Sir Charles Gairdner (Charlie’s) Hospital in Perth. Exploring how this initiative addressed some of the key challenges facing junior doctors, such as leave entitlements, flexible part-time work, and workplace wellbeing.

Delving into Dr Eskander’s entry into medical leadership, his advice for clinicians who wish to contribute to leadership regardless of their current level of experience. Which were developing skills in advocacy, the importance of listening, kindness, and self-confidence in leadership roles, as well as practical advice for managing common workplace issues such as underperformance and bullying.

Dr Eskander discusses the origins of his start-up, Pass GP, which was created in response to the challenges faced by GP registrars sitting their fellowship exams, with particular awareness of the difficulties experienced by IMGs and the broader consequences of persistent exam failure.

Dr Eskander’s story offers practical guidance and inspiration for clinicians interested in medical leadership and innovation, and shows how positive workplace culture and new career opportunities in medicine can be developed through advocacy, responsiveness, and care for colleagues.

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Dr Darren Ng on a career as a professional basketballer and phlebologist

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine podcast, host Dr Elise Putt speaks with Dr Darren Ng, a phlebologist and cosmetic physician based in Adelaide. They reflect on his unique journey of combining nearly two decades in medicine with a decade-long professional basketball career in the Australian National Basketball League, most notably with the Adelaide 36ers. How he managed to balance medical training and professional sport, sharing insights into the challenges and rewards of pursuing dual careers.

Dr Ng explains his progression from medical school and junior doctor years to working as a GP, and subsequently moving into the field of phlebology and cosmetic medicine. He describes phlebology as the branch of medicine focused on vein health. Dr Ng talks about the Australasian College of Phlebology training and the opportunities for clinicians from varied backgrounds to enter this niche specialty.

They touched on Dr Ng’s experience in entrepreneurial ventures, including clinical practice ownership and managing business operations, complemented by ongoing clinical trial involvement and mentoring roles. Candidly discussing his transitioning out of professional sport due to burnout, the pivotal decision points in his career, and the value of flexibility and self-reflection throughout his journey.

Dr Ng’s story offers practical advice about work-life balance, choosing specialties compatible with personal interests, and the importance of taking time to enjoy and explore opportunities as they go.

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Dr Steven Gluckman on a career as a doctor, entrepreneur, and an advocate

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of Creative Careers in Medicine, host Dr Elise Putt is joined by Dr Steven Gluckman, a medical doctor, entrepreneur, and director at Toga Health. Dr Gluckman shares insights into his diverse career spanning clinical work, business, and community initiatives. He discusses his journey into medicine, with his early aspirations in the performing arts, and how he was drawn to the intersection of art and science within the medical field.

Dr Gluckman details his journey in medical school at the University of Sydney. He reflects on the turning points in his vocation, and the decision to explore opportunities outside of surgery and into mental health, medical entrepreneurship, and innovation.

He talks about his transition from full-time clinical medicine to work in the startup sector. He shares practical advice on seeking opportunities outside of traditional medical roles, noting the importance of networking, mentorship, and embracing non-linear career paths.

They covered Dr Gluckman’s experience pursuing an MBA at MIT and the skills he gained in understanding healthcare economics, funding structures, and interdisciplinary problem-solving. Explaining how these experiences influenced his current work as director and co-founder of Toga Health, an organisation focused on transforming mental health services in Australia. Dr Gluckman outlines Toga Health’s mission to design innovative, collaborative, and community-based models of care, drawing on lessons learned from international best practices and hospitality.

He reflects on the importance of building “identity capital” throughout one’s career, and the value of diverse experiences for clinicians. Along with his candid thoughts on work-life balance, professional uncertainty, and the role of collaboration in achieving large-scale healthcare innovation.

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Dr Linda Swan on navigating a creative path in medicine and health systems

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine (CCIM) podcast, Dr Amandeep Hansra speaks with Dr Linda Swan, Chief Executive Officer of Go Gentle Australia. Dr Swan shares her journey from a medical graduate uncertain about her desire to practice clinically, to a leading figure in health management and advocacy.

Initially immersed in psychiatry as a registrar, Dr Swan found general practice more engaging before venturing into the pharmaceutical industry. Her 12-year tenure at Merck Sharp & Dohme as a medical director and director of corporate affairs equipped her with the versatility and skills to navigate health management.

Dr Swan transitioned to roles with Healthway and Medibank, where she focused on population health management and the delivery of healthcare services, respectively. She emphasises the importance of strategic leadership and clinical governance in health services, leveraging her diverse experiences to make a significant impact.

Now at Go Gentle Australia, Dr Swan uses her skills to provide strategic leadership aimed at ensuring choice at the end of life through voluntary assisted dying laws across Australia. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of advocating for this cause, highlighting the importance of providing compassionate end-of-life care options.

Dr Swan reflects on her career path, sharing insights on embracing opportunities and the importance of mentors and leadership skills. Her story of personal and career growth is a beautiful message for clinicians exploring innovative career paths.

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Dr Roy Mariathas on a Career in Startup Innovation

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine podcast, host Dr Elise Putt converses with Dr Roy Mariathas, co-founder of the startup Reggie Health. Dr Mariathas shares his current roles, focusing on developments at Reggie Health, which offers innovative solutions in healthcare using generative AI technologies. Along with his work in telehealth and with large language model developers.

After his brief appearance at the HLTH in Vegas episode last year, Dr Mariathas elaborates on the changes and developments in his career trajectory since then. He discusses his entry into medicine, highlighting his desire to help on a broader scale and his journey in navigating the challenges of the medical career path.

Dr Mariathas explains his transition from clinical practice to working on something innovative within medical technology. A pivotal moment for him was recognising the balance required in personal growth alongside career advancement, which he expresses as a "slingshot moment."

They delve into Reggie Health’s aims, focusing on building revenue cycle management 3.0 with workflow automations for medical administrative tasks. Using generative AI technologies, Reggie Health aims to enhance patient experience by streamlining administrative workflows, thereby improving the sustainability of healthcare delivery.

Dr Mariathas's story is a testament to the emerging opportunities at the intersection of medicine and technology, inspiring clinicians who are contemplating broadening their career horizons.

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Dr Isobel Marshall on a Career in Women's Health Advocacy and Medicine

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine podcast, host Dr Elise Putt welcomes Dr Isobel Marshall, a newly minted doctor known for her contributions to women's health. At just 18, Dr Marshall co-founded Taboo, an organisation aimed at breaking down the stigma surrounding menstruation and providing access to hygiene products globally. Her efforts earned her the Young Australian of the Year award in 2021. Since stepping away from Taboo, she has co-founded Acro Health, a company focusing on helping peri and post-menopausal women prioritise their musculoskeletal health through lifestyle changes.

Dr Marshall's innovative use of social enterprises to address women's health issues provides an inspiring model for clinicians exploring non-traditional career paths. They highlight her commitment to evidence-based approaches in product development and her desire for greater integrity in the health and wellness industry.

Dr Marshall shared personal anecdotes about how her passion for women's health was sparked by reading "Hospital by the River" and how this interest guided her medical career choice. She candidly discusses the challenges of maintaining balance and the importance of staying curious and forgiving oneself for not always achieving perfection. Offering valuable takeaways for medical professionals interested in creating meaningful healthcare innovations.

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The CCIM Podcast is part of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network, offering the latest in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, and more. Discover the network at [www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network](www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network).

Dr Norman Swan on a Career in Health Journalism

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine podcast, host Dr Elise Putt welcomes Dr Norman Swan, a producer and presenter known for his work on "The Health Report" on ABC Radio National and the podcast "Watch That Rash." Dr Swan shares his career journey, how his initial aspirations in acting led him to a career in medicine, and ultimately to a prominent role in health journalism.

Dr Swan candidly discusses how his recurring frustrations guided him towards media and journalism, where he could combine his medical knowledge with creative storytelling.

He carved out a niche for himself in broadcast media, sharing health information that challenges the norm and empowers listeners. His skills in writing for radio translated into authoring his health books. His recent works, including "So You Want to Know What's Good for Your Kids," aim to demystify health information for parents and grandparents, focusing on the evidence-based, debunking myths that circulate within the health industry.

They delve into Dr Swan's methodologies in research and writing, explaining the significant role of structure and relentless editing in producing informative and accessible content. With a passion for translating complex information for the lay audience, Dr Swan’s insights into health anomalies such as rising anxiety and eating disorders among children are particularly noteworthy. He stresses the importance of combining warmth and boundaries in parenting to foster well-rounded and autonomous individuals.

Dr Swan offers advice on career transitions, emphasising the importance of identifying adjacent opportunities rather than making drastic career shifts.

You can find his latest book, So You Want To Know What’s Good For Your Kids here: https://www.hachette.com.au/dr-norman-swan/so-you-want-to-know-whats-good-for-your-kids-the-ultimate-parenting-guide-on-what-matters-from-birth-to-ten-by-one-of-australias-most-trusted-doctors.

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Jemima Montag on being an Olympic medalist and medical student

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine (CCIM) podcast, host Dr Elise Putt welcomes Olympic athlete and medical student Jemima Montag. Jemima shares her impressive journey of balancing a demanding dual career as a medical student and an elite racewalker.

She talks about her experience at the Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games, where she won two bronze medals in the 20-kilometer walk and the mixed marathon racewalk relay. Despite her athletic success, Jemima emphasises the importance of staying grounded through humor and support from her family.

Exploring Jemima's inspiring initiative, Play On, which encourages girls and women to participate more in sports. They focused on key topics such as female health, body image, nutrition, inclusivity, and confidence.

She shares her experiences juggling training with her studies at Melbourne University, and expresses gratitude for the support she has received from her family, coach, and university to manage both commitments.

Jemima reflects on her journey into medicine, her decision to pursue an undergraduate degree in science before committing to medical school. She describes her intrigue with public health and women's health issues.

Jemima Montag shares valuable life lessons and advice applicable to anyone interested in creative career pathways, not just in medicine or athletics. Her passion for sports, medicine, and public health shows she describes her dedication to empowering young girls through education and positive role models.

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Dr Magdalena Simonis on a career as a GP and health communicator

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine podcast, Dr Elise Putt welcomes Dr Magdalena Simonis, a general practitioner with a career in both clinical practice and healthcare advocacy.

Dr Simonis has dedicated her career to advancing women's health, family violence education, and technology in healthcare. Her commitment to healthcare extends to various roles, including board director positions with the RACGP and AMA, where she has been an influential voice for change.

Dr Simonis shares her journey from a planned career in obstetrics or emergency medicine to becoming a passionate advocate for general practice. Her initial involvement in advocacy through the National Women's Health Strategy and with PRONIA, an organization supporting elderly Greek citizens.

Dr Simonis candidly discusses her dual role as a full-time GP and an active participant in research and policy development. She emphasises the importance of conveying accurate health information amidst the challenge of combating misinformation in the digital age.

She envisions general practitioners becoming true specialists and physicians, offering comprehensive, in-depth care as the healthcare landscape evolves. Finally, Dr Simonis offers invaluable advice for maintaining a balanced career in medicine, underscoring the importance of nurturing non-medical interests and relationships.

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Dr Jeremy Robertson a pilot, doctor and changemaker in aviation medicine

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 03:30:00 +1100

Welcome to a new season of the Creative Careers in Medicine podcast!

In this episode, Dr Elise Putt engages in a conversation with Dr Jeremy Robertson, who is both a pilot and a doctor specialising in aviation medicine.

Dr Robertson shares his journey, working as a Boeing 737 First Officer two days a week and an Aviation Medical Officer three days a week. His role as a First Officer which is the second in command of the aircraft, while as an Aviation Medical Officer that focuses on pilot medical checks and clearances.

His career initially took him to Qantas, where he served as a Boeing 767 First Officer. However, after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2010, Dr Robertson had to give up his commercial pilot medical certification, leading him to reevaluate his career path.

Dr Robertson then explored medicine. He passed the GAMSAT and entered Sydney University to study medicine. His interests led him to pursue GP training for better control over work hours.

Despite these challenges, he remained passionate about flying, maintaining his skills and eventually regaining his Class 1 medical certificate. Leveraging precedents from the UK and Canada, he convinced the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to allow insulin-dependent pilots to fly under specific conditions, using Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs).

His persistence not only reinstated his own flying career but also paved the way for other pilots with diabetes. His advocacy has positively impacted everyone who can now pursue their aviation careers while managing their medical conditions.

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HLTH 2024: Diverse Paths in Healthcare from Dr Jon Bloom, Dr Rekha Kumar, Stephen Ma, and Dr Roy Mariathus

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the HLTH 2024 series on CCIM, hosts Dr Elise Putt and Dr Amandeep Hansra engage in conversations and reflections with guests, focusing on the intersection of clinical practice, entrepreneurship, and health tech innovation.

Dr Rehka Kumar, an endocrinologist and Chief Medical Officer of Found Health, shares her transition from clinical practice to health tech without a prior business background. Dr Kumar discusses how she learned business skills on the job, drawing parallels between the challenges of learning business and medical school.

Dr Jon Bloom, an anesthetist and CEO of Podimetrics, discusses his journey from medicine to health tech, inspired by the potential to improve healthcare efficiency through technology. He talks about Podimetrics' mission to prevent diabetic amputations using innovative technology like a daily foot mat for early inflammation detection.

Alongside these personal narratives, reflections on the dynamic health tech landscape and the cross-cultural business experiences were also discussed with Stephen Ma and Dr Roy Mariathus from Reggie Health. Stephen Ma highlights the advantages of operating in both Australia and the U.S., including talent quality and production costs. Dr Mariathus discusses the trend of gaining experience in the U.S. market before returning to Australia and adapting communication styles to succeed internationally. Both express the need for a stronger presence in global markets and share their aspirations for future events and collaborative opportunities.

Dr. Bloom and Dr. Kumar emphasized the importance of wellness practices and balancing personal and professional goals during career transitions. Concluding with the importance of passion in medicine and the evolving role of physicians as lifelong learners and innovators.

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HLTH 2024: from the Chicago Bulls to Obesity Medicine with Dr. Jeremy Alland and Dr. Katherine Saunders

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the HLTH 2024 series on CCIM, host Dr Amandeep Hansra delved into the critical topics of obesity medicine and sports medicine with gaining insights from Dr Jeremy Alland and Dr Katherine Saunders.

Dr Jeremy Alland, a sports medicine physician who recounts his career journey from the Windy City Bulls to the Chicago Bulls. He gave insights into the world of professional sports medicine, the importance of evidence-based care, teamwork, and maintaining professionalism under the pressures of public scrutiny.

Dr Katherine Saunders, co-founder of IntelliHealth, explores the need for proper education regarding obesity medications, stressing the importance of evidence-based practices and comprehensive treatment plans. Dr Saunders and Dr Hansra raise concerns about technology businesses prescribing weight loss drugs without adequate programs, making it hard to distinguish credible services.

Both Dr Saunders and Dr Alland share their passion for their respective fields, advocating for continuous education, patient-focused care, and a holistic approach to treatment.

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HLTH 2024: Revitalisation and Innovation with Dr. Andrea Austin and Dr. Arti Masturzo

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the HLTH 2024 series on CCIM, hosts Dr Elise Putt and Amandeep Hansra explore diverse career paths in healthcare, focusing on the journeys of Dr Andrea Austin and Dr Arti Masturzo. Packed with insights from the HLTH in Vegas conference and reflections from both U.S. and Australian healthcare professionals.

The CCIM hosts reflected on the HLTH in Vegas conference, where topics like healthcare burnout, systemic frustrations, and evolving career paths were discussed. Dr Elise Putt and Dr Amandeep Hansra share their perspectives on the differences between U.S. and Australian healthcare systems, particularly around access to medications and the impact of new technologies like AI in alleviating clinical workload.

Dr Andrea Austin shares her multifaceted career, juggling roles such as Simulation Director at Southwest Healthcare and Director of the Simulation and Healthcare Certificate Program at the Naval Postgraduate School. She also works clinical shifts in emergency departments, manages a coaching business, and recently authored the book "Revitalized," addressing the pressing issue of healthcare burnout.

Dr Arti Masturzo elaborates on her passion for building and scaling healthcare programs, a career trajectory that blends clinical care with entrepreneurial ventures. Transitioning from a hospitalist to the Chief Medical Officer at CCS (Chronic Care Solutions), Dr Masturzo discusses the importance of aligning professional interests with career decisions. She underscores the need for physicians to self-reflect and appreciate their unique skills and interests to avoid burnout and find fulfillment.

Dr Masturzo and Dr Austin encourage clinicians to explore diverse roles and leverage their strengths, whether through portfolio careers or integrating frontline workers' input into administrative decisions to reduce burnout and enhance patient care.

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Meet Your Hosts: Dr Amandeep Hansra on a Career as a Healthcare Innovator

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this special episode of Creative Careers in Medicine, we get to know our hosts better! Dr Elise Putt interviews Dr Amandeep Hansra, the founder of Creative Careers in Medicine, to unpack her journey from traditional general practice to pioneering roles in digital health.

Dr Hansra touched on her academic journey, which includes a Bachelor of Medicine with honours, a Global Executive MBA, and a Master’s in Public Health and Tropical Medicine. Her leadership roles span prestigious organisations, including Telstra Health, Medibank, NIB, and the Department of Home Affairs. Despite her myriad achievements, she continues to practise as a GP in Sydney and remains actively involved in various boards and committees.

Her journey into non-traditional medical fields began with a telehealth role which let her balance family needs. It spurred into a cascade of opportunities, leading her to work in management, clinical governance, and more.

Being active in governance, Dr Hansra advocates for clinical representation on healthcare boards and emphasises the importance of balancing family and career. She aspires to make a positive impact on the health system and seeks more international exposure, fueled by a passion for global healthcare challenges.

Dr Hansra offers solid advice for junior doctors and medical students, on navigating the broad field of digital health, emphasising the importance of networking and engagement in community spaces, without the necessity of specific qualifications. She encourages exploration and professional growth rather than rushing towards specialisation.

Dr Hansra also tells the beginnings of Creative Careers in Medicine, a community supporting professionals exploring unconventional medical careers. Which has grown significantly, fostering connections, peer support, and career advice among its members.

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Meet Your Hosts: Dr Dana Phang on a Career as a GP/Podcaster

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this special episode of Creative Careers in Medicine, we get to know our hosts better! Dr Dana Phang, is interviewed by Dr Amandeep Hansra, the founder of Creative Careers in Medicine. Dr Hansra delves into Dr Phang’s personal journey, and the experiences that shaped her career.

Dr Phang shares that her decision to become a doctor was heavily influenced by her parents rather than a personal aspiration. She found enjoyment and a sense of belonging in medical school, eventually considering specialties such as ophthalmology.

However, during her junior doctor years, particularly during a challenging rural internship, Dr Phang contemplated leaving the profession. She recognised that such struggles were not uncommon but are rarely discussed. Which led to her creation of Junior Doctor’s Corner, a podcast aimed at providing support and resources to junior doctors.

Dr Phang taught herself podcasting through online resources and handled all aspects of Junior Doctor’s Corner which served as a creative outlet beyond her clinical work. Developing her passion for storytelling and honing her interviewing skills.

After locuming across Australia, Dr Phang enjoyed the flexibility and eventually chose general practice for its long-term patient relationships. As a GP Fellow, she now balances her clinical work with podcasting, offering her a blend of creativity and professional fulfilment. She focuses on integrating her personal and professional life, particularly with upcoming family commitments.

Finally, Dr Phang also reveals a variety of ambitions, from wanting to be an air hostess to owning a bridal dress shop, and later, a fiction writer inspired by her love for books like Harry Potter. Acknowledging the cultural pressure from her Asian family to pursue traditional careers but has found ways to incorporate her passion for creativity within her medical career.

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Meet Your Hosts: Dr. Elise Putt on a Career as a Medical Explorer

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this special episode of Creative Careers in Medicine, we get to know our hosts better! Dr Dana Phang interviews co-host Dr Elise Putt. They explore her journey into and through medicine, and the various influences along the way.

Dr Elise Putt graduated medical school wanting to become a paediatrician and now finds herself working at a ski clinic, studying a Masters of Public Health and podcasting (and much more!) with Creative Careers in Medicine.

Dr Putt emphasises the importance of following opportunities and interests, rather than adhering to a traditional medical career trajectory. She encourages others to embrace the concept of equifinality – the idea that there are many different paths to the same destination. This philosophy has guided her varied and fulfilling career journey.

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Dr. Jaz Daniells on Blending Medicine with Creative Arts

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine podcast, Dr Elise Putt interviews Dr Jaz Daniells, an inspiring professional with a diverse and multifaceted career journey. Dr Jaz Daniells has not only made significant contributions in medicine but has also pursued her passion for the arts and public health. Dr Daniells is an ACRRM trainee, actor, and yoga teacher, and is now studying acting in France at the École internationale de théâtre Jacques Lecoq (International Theatre School Jacques Lecoq). She has a Master's in International Public Health from the University of Sydney and completed a Women in Science Leadership Fellowship with Homeward Bound.

Dr Daniells has balanced her work in medicine with her creative interests. Working in various roles, including as an Emergency Department Registrar in Alice Springs and as a Palliative Care Registrar in Launceston, Tasmania, where she also engaged in acting and yoga instruction. Dr Daniel’s’ journey into medicine was sparked by her love for biology, science, human connection, and problem-solving.

She was active in advocacy and student groups during medical school, particularly AMSA and Global Health. Dr Daniells discovered a passion for yoga and theatre, participating in a med school revue and later pursuing yoga teacher training in India.

Dr Daniells faced challenges following a serious cycling accident leaving her unable to work after just completing her ACEM primary exams. The accident left her physically disabled for many months and resulted in a loss of coping strategies, such as exercise and yoga. Due to this she found it difficult to recover from the burnout from both exams and the effects of working in an underserviced health service, and this impacted her work and training. During her period of rehabilitation the importance of taking breaks to gain clarity and rediscover personal interests became clearer. Her participation in the Homeward Bound women's leadership initiative, which included a 12-month online program and a four-week expedition to Antarctica, greatly influenced her personal and professional growth.

She talked about her experience working as a medical registrar in different locations, engaging in locuming to achieve a work-life balance, and her passion for social justice, climate justice, and health equity. Sharing insights from her transition to the ACRRM training program and her involvement in various public health initiatives, including her contributions to COVID-19 response efforts.

Dr Ashe Coxon on Mastering Medical CVs and Interviews

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of Creative Careers in Medicine podcast, host Dr Elise Putt sits down with Dr Ashe Coxon, a GP based in Townsville and the founder and director of Medical Career Planning. They delve into crucial aspects of interview and CV preparation for healthcare professionals aiming to advance their careers or transition into new opportunities.

Dr Ashe Coxon shares insights on different CV components, such as the appropriate use of high school achievements, the inclusion of references, and the importance of ordering and presenting contact information professionally. Providing advice on crafting a compelling career statement and cover letter, ensuring they are tailored to specific job roles and include relevant skills and experiences.

She also discussed CV formatting, including font styles and sizes, the use of colour, and the general order of CV sections. As well as effective techniques for preparing for different types of interview questions, using different frameworks to structure answers. She emphasises the importance of practising with others, understanding one's strengths, and building confidence for a successful interview process.

Bringing her wealth of experience as a career development practitioner and offers practical advice for both in-person and online interview preparation. They also discuss end-of-interview strategies, including how to address any critical points not covered during the interview and the significance of asking genuine questions about the job or company policies that matter to the candidate.

They also talked about the potential benefits of hiring an interview coach, especially for important job positions within the medical field.

Links and Resources:

Medical Career Planning website: www.medicalcareerplanning.com.au
Dr Ashe Coxon’s email: info@medicalcareerplanning.com au

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Dr Jason Lam on Switching Gears from Ballet to Medicine

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of Creative Careers in Medicine (CCIM), host Dr Dana Phang is joined by Dr Jason Lam, who shares his compelling career journey from ballet to medicine. Dr Lam discusses his struggles during residency, experiencing isolation and burnout, which led him to take a year off to pursue a Masters in Sports Medicine and a Diploma in Child Health. Initially contemplating a return to plastic surgery, he ultimately chose GP training and focused on sports medicine.

Dr Lam speaks about the emotional challenges of transitioning from plastics to GP training, and the process of rediscovering his passion for dance and teaching. His journey included completing essential paediatric/ED terms in Darwin and receiving the prestigious Crichton Dance Medicine Fellowship in Melbourne. This fellowship provided him with invaluable experience and the opportunity to work closely with top professionals, leading to his contribution to a textbook chapter on the foot and ankle.

Clinically, Dr Lam practises with a special interest in sports and dance medicine, utilising a broad skill set that includes skin cancer management and ultrasound. He emphasises the complexities of treating dance-related injuries, particularly in ballet dancers, leveraging his own background as a dancer. Discussing the rigorous schedule of the Australian Ballet and the importance of conditioning and load management.

He shares personal advice on self-care and the importance of reassessing goals to prevent burnout. He recounts his post-sepsis recovery, which deepened his empathy for patients with chronic conditions.

They also touch on lighter topics, such as Dr Lam's interest in an alternate career as a chef and his pandemic hobbies of barbecue and coffee. Listeners will find Dr Lam's resilient and adaptable career path both inspiring and educational.

Visit Dr Jason Lam’s website here: https://www.drjasonlam.com.au/

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Dr Hatim Abdulhussein on a Career as a Healthcare Transformation Leader

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of Creative Careers of Medicine Podcast, host Dr Elise Putt engages in a conversation with Dr Hatim Abdulhussein, Chief Executive of Health Innovation in Kent, Surrey, and Sussex. Dr Abdulhussein discusses his journey from being a GP to leading innovation and technology projects within the NHS. Delving into service automation in healthcare, emphasising the benefits of robotic process automation (RPA) and artificial intelligence (AI) in streamlining tasks such as blood test analysis, patient registration, and online consultations. Dr Abdulhussein highlights how using AI for triage in general practices can optimise consultation times and significantly improve patient care.

Exploring future technologies, focusing on remote monitoring and P4 medicine: Participatory, Preventative, Personalized, and Predictive. Using continuous blood glucose monitors for diabetes as a prime example of these advancements. He shares insights from the international healthcare scene, noting the innovations in Australia’s remote healthcare solutions and accessible imaging technologies. He also underscores the importance of cross-country learning and the potential AI scribes and ambient voice technology hold for enhancing patient consultations.

Dr Abdulhussein touches upon the differences between public and private healthcare systems, particularly in the adoption of new technologies. Drawing parallels with the U.S. healthcare system and reiterates his belief in universal healthcare, despite the associated challenges. Addressing the UK’s NHS, he discusses the pressures of an ageing population and increasing comorbidities. Emphasising the need for an adequately staffed healthcare system by 2040 when one in five people may have a long-term disease.

Packed with insights on implementing technological advancements in healthcare, fostering innovation, and balancing clinical and non-clinical roles for a fulfilling career. Dr Abdulhussein encourages healthcare professionals to embrace new opportunities and be part of the transformative journey in medicine.

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Dr Ushma Narsai on her Career in Clinical Trials and Multi-faceted Medical Roles

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of Creative Careers in Medicine, host Dr Dana Phang introduces Dr Ushma Narsai, a multi-faceted professional whose career spans across the healthcare landscape in both South Africa and Australia. Dr Narsai shares her journey into medicine, inspired by a pivotal moment in high school when one of her sisters fell seriously ill. Delving into her diverse roles, starting with her medical school experience in South Africa at the University of the Witwatersrand, transitioning into her internship at the largest trauma hospital in the Southern Hemisphere, and her ultimate decision to pursue general practice.

Dr Narsai discusses her extensive involvement in clinical trials, beginning as a sub-investigator in South Africa and advancing to the role of principal investigator in Australia. She also elaborates on the terms and roles within the field of clinical trials, offering guidance for those interested in pursuing this path.

Dr Narsai also talks about her role as a clinical editor for HealthPathways, and how a chance encounter with a patient led to this fulfilling opportunity. She breaks down the responsibilities of a clinical editor, emphasising the importance of writing clear protocols and collaborating with both clinical and non-clinical stakeholders.

Exploring Dr Narsai’s dual role at Avant as a Senior Medical Advisor and Claims Manager. Outlining the intricacies of her job, from managing claims and providing medical advice to supporting her colleagues through challenging situations. She highlights how her medical skills have seamlessly transitioned into these non-clinical roles, encouraging other physicians to recognize the transferability of their expertise.

They wrap up with reflections on balancing multiple roles and the cognitive shifts required to transition between them. She emphasises the importance of persistence and the confidence to pursue varied career opportunities within and beyond clinical practice. Dr Narsai also reveals her unfulfilled dream of becoming a writer, illustrating the diverse aspirations that many healthcare professionals hold.

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Dr Michelle Johnston on a Career Balancing Medicine and Literature

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the CCIM podcast, host Dr Elise Putt sits down with Dr Michelle Johnston, an emergency physician at Royal Perth Hospital and a published novelist. Dr Johnston discusses the challenging balance between her clinical role and her passion for writing, emphasising the highly controlled environment of emergency medicine and the struggle to find time to write.

Sharing her writing journey, Dr Johnston recounts early failures and rejections, learning from feedback, and progressively improving her craft. She describes the long journey of her first serious work, "Dustfall," detailing the timeline and process of eventual publication in 2018 after numerous rejections.

Emphasising the slow, incremental nature of writing progress, Dr Johnston speaks about the significance of patience and focusing on the quality of work over the outcome. She identified herself as a "pantser" who does not outline her plots or characters beforehand, underscores the essential role of feedback and learning in developing writing skills.

Dr Johnston admires the work of authors such as Rebecca Solnit, Virginia Woolf, Barbara Kingsolver, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and several others, for their beautiful writing and profound sentences. She shares that her most formative books include "Catch-22" and "One Hundred Years of Solitude." For her, the craft of writing is about creating sentences that combine observation, philosophy, and poetry, while also engaging readers with rhythm and musicality.

Reflecting on her experiences in emergency medicine, Dr Johnston finds joy in the absurdity and delight in human behaviour and choices, although she is cautious about sharing specific patient stories. She emphasises the writer's role in capturing the unnoticed beauty and humour of the world around us, aiming to help readers see things from a new perspective.

Discussing her nonfiction work on the human body and critical illness, sharing challenges encountered when starting with answers rather than questions. Reflecting on the things she learned through writing, the importance of time, and feedback for improvement. When considering an alternative career, Dr Johnston expresses an interest in journalism, highlighting its significance in delivering fair and accurate information.

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Dr Nirvana Luckraj on Embracing Opportunities in Medicine

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of CCIM, host Dana Phang is joined by Dr Nirvana Luckraj, the current Chief Medical Officer at HealthDirect Australia. Dr Luckraj's career spans multiple continents and diverse medical environments, offering invaluable insights for clinicians seeking new career opportunities.

Dr Luckraj began her career as a general practitioner in South Africa during a period of significant political change, gaining extensive experience in diverse medical settings. After medical school, she moved to the UK, where she held various hospital roles before settling as a general practitioner outside London. Her journey then led her to Australia, where she worked as a GP in the Sutherland Shire, and pursued locum positions in remote areas, including with the Royal Flying Doctors Society and Aboriginal medical services in Mount Isa.

Her curiosity for non-clinical roles led her to International SOS, where she managed medical assistance for companies and became the medical director for healthcare services for refugees and asylum seekers in detention centres. Dr Luckraj's career progression was fueled by her passion for diverse medical and cultural experiences rather than specific job titles. Being exposed to digital health in Singapore and role as a medical director at Babylon Health boosted her expertise in clinical artificial intelligence, software development, and regulation.

Feeling claustrophobic in Singapore during COVID-19, She moved to Australia to serve as the Chief Medical Officer at HealthDirect, her current role. She leads organisational-wide clinical governance, strategic initiatives, and represents HealthDirect externally. She shares the importance of career growth driven by passion and seizing opportunities, emphasising that every experience contributes to personal and professional development.

Dr Nirvana Luckraj's passion for exploring new cultures and her comfort with change have been pivotal in her international ventures, underscoring the minimalism and adaptability required for such transitions. Her journey serves as a testament to the value of continually learning and embracing new opportunities in the evolving digital health landscape.

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Dr Jackie Rabec on a Career Transition from Medicine to a Product Manager at Google

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of CCIM, host Elise Putt speaks with Dr Jackie Rabec about her journey from clinical medicine to prominent product roles in HealthTech and beyond. Dr Rabec, originally from South Africa, started her non clinical journey via an MBA at the University of New South Wales' Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM), with an international exchange term in New York. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she grappled with an existential crisis and considered returning to clinical work in South Africa, but ultimately forged on to find her niche and zone of impact in the world of tech.

Her professional non-clinical journey has included roles in early-stage startups and scale-ups, including but not limited to working as a data & partnerships manager at Prospection and head of product at Heidi Health. Today, Jackie is a product manager at Google on the Payments Identity Team. She discusses the significant adjustment moving from smaller companies to a large corporation such as Google, where the product impact is at a much greater scale, with a correlatory increase in the number of cross-functional stakeholders & org complexity.

She broke into healthtech product management specifically because she found the field to be challenging and impactful. She initially did pro-bono work for a friend building a ward task management app for doctors in South Africa and took product management courses at NYU. Her early non-clinical ventures also included volunteering with Helpful Engineering to develop 3D-printed nasal pharyngeal swabs, to address COVID-related supply shortages. Dr Rabec utilised platforms such as LinkedIn and Seek, while actively networking with people that had trodden the non-clinical path before her, to uncover opportunities to break into the world of tech.

Jackie credits her mother, a doctor working in rural South Africa, for inspiring her initial interest in medicine. Her own clinical years were filled with hands-on experience in public hospitals in South Africa. Despite initially considering careers in journalism and fine arts, Dr Rabec's path led her to medicine before moving towards business ventures and non-clinical careers. Her decision to pursue an MBA in Australia was driven by a desire for greater impact on healthcare systems, more lateral creative thinking in her day-to-day, varied longer term career opportunities and flexibility to travel the world whilst pursuing a highly engaging job.

Jackie shares valuable insights on transitioning from clinical medicine to other fields, highlighting the importance of courage, self-assessment, introspection, and building a supportive network. She advises adopting a mental model of directional decision-making and being comfortable with ambiguity as key factors in pursuing varied career paths. When asked about an alternate career, Dr Rabec envisions roles intersecting health tech and global health, alongside personal interests in meditation instruction, painting, and being a dog mom.

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Dr Clare Skinner on a Career as a Mentor and Advocate in Emergency Medicine

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 03:30:00 +1100

This episode of CCIM Host Dana Phang invites Dr Clare Skinner, an emergency medicine staff specialist and a former hospital director, who was the immediate past president of the Australasian College of Emergency Medicine. Dr Skinner offers insights into balancing a demanding medical career with family life. Emphasising the importance of strategic decision-making, rather than merely declining opportunities. Dr Skinner shares how an audacious approach has led to positive outcomes, despite the sacrifices and imperfections along the way.

Throughout her career, Dr Skinner has experienced gender bias and has navigated the challenges of being a woman in leadership roles. Recounting the assumptions made about her abilities and priorities, particularly during her pregnancy, and discusses the discrepancies in treatment compared to her male counterparts. Dr Skinner underscores the need for women to remain true to themselves in leadership roles, avoiding the adoption of aggressive male leadership styles.

They engage in a candid conversation about the complexities of juggling multiple roles as women in medicine. Highlighting the importance of prioritising and negotiating with partners to balance work and family life effectively, sharing examples from her own life.

Her journey to medicine was unconventional, with initial interests in medical research, music, art, and communication. Her formative years were shaped by a focus on health policy, public health, and education, but her internship at Canberra Hospital shifted her focus to clinical practice. Her admiration for a physician at Canberra Hospital inspired her to view medicine as an inclusive and community-oriented practice. Dr Skinner recounts her involvement in the Canberra bushfires, an experience that shaped her as a clinician and solidified her passion for emergency medicine.

They concluded with Dr Skinner stressing the importance of empathy and understanding within the healthcare system, acknowledging the challenges faced by medical professionals and the need for compassion in the workplace. She encourages individuals to reach out for support in times of psychological distress or addiction, highlighting the trust placed in health professionals.

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Dr Bethan Richards Sydney's first Chief Wellness Officer and Rheumatologist

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of CCIM, host Dr Elise Putt sits down with Dr Bethan Richards, the first Chief Medical Wellness Officer for the Sydney Local Health District. They delve into the pioneering efforts by Dr Richards and her team to address the well-being of medical trainees and the systemic changes needed in the healthcare system. Noticing concerns about distress and burnout amongst junior doctors, Dr Richards led the implementation of a pilot program that included workshops on performance under pressure, physical well-being activities like boxercise and yoga, mindfulness training, and workshops on breaking bad news. The initiative showed promising results which garnered support and funding from the Ministry of Health.

With a diverse background, Dr Richards is a clinician, researcher, and lecturer. She co-directs the Institute of Musculoskeletal Health, which boasts 75 researchers, over $60 million in grants, and approximately 300 publications per year. Initially resistant to a career in medicine, inspired by her father and a personal interest in science, Dr Richards eventually found her calling in rheumatology.

Dr Richards touches on the importance of extending well-being programs to senior doctors, emphasising that their well-being significantly influences junior doctors. Seeking guidance from Stanford, she developed a strategy to include all medical staff, with the ambitious goal of ultimately supporting all 14,000 staff members at her organisation. System-level changes such as introducing healthy vending machines and reinstating a popular food option for doctors were also implemented to foster social connections and improve well-being.

Dr Richards highlights the crucial role mentorship plays in personal and professional development, encouraging practitioners to seek out mentors and prioritise relationships. She underscores the need for systemic change in healthcare, advocating for small victories and finding joy in practice to mitigate burnout. Her advice includes identifying meaningful work, creating a positive and supportive work environment, and being proactive in seeking well-being resources.

Dr Richards also shares her passion for teaching, seeing trainees grow, and her love for the outdoors and nature, joking about an alternate reality where she pursued marine biology. Her multifaceted career and dedication to improving medical staff well-being offers a wealth of inspiration and practical advice for clinicians looking to navigate their career paths.

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Dr Michael Wright on a Career in Medicine, Policy, and Research

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 03:30:00 +1100

Welcome to a new season of Creative Careers in Medicine (CCIM) podcast! In this episode, Dr Dana Phang interviews Dr Michael Wright, a second-generation General Practitioner (GP) and health economist. He shares insights from his diverse career, which includes research at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, a PhD from the University of Technology Sydney, and his current role as Chief Medical Officer at Avant Mutual.

Dr Wright describes how his upbringing in a family with a home-based GP surgery inspired him to pursue a career in general practice. Sharing his journey through various medical disciplines during his training, revealing how his experiences in dermatology and psychiatry ultimately reinforced his commitment to general practice. His decade-long practice alongside his father and the evolution of their solo practice into a medical centre.

They also discussed Dr Wright's extensive involvement with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. As Deputy Chair of the NSW/ACT Faculty Council and a member of the Expert Committee for Funding Health System Reform, Dr Wright provides insight into how he collaborates with other GPs to influence policy and improve funding models to support sustainable general practice.

In his role as Chief Medical Officer at Avant Mutual, Dr Wright is committed to advocating for doctors and enhancing professional support. He leads the Advocacy, Education and Research division, working to develop resources that help physicians navigate the complexities of the healthcare system.

Despite his numerous roles, Dr Wright maintains a regular clinical workload, emphasising the importance of staying connected to patient care. He discusses how this ongoing clinical engagement keeps him relevant and informed, aiding his research and policy advocacy efforts.

Dr Wright had thought-provoking reflections on healthcare innovation and the challenges of increasing interest in general practice among medical students. He underscores the need for structural support, appropriate funding, and innovative models of care to attract new generations to the profession.

The episode offers a comprehensive look at a career that spans direct patient care, academic research, health policy advocacy, and leadership within a major medical organisation. Dr Wright’s passion for general practice and his multifaceted career path provide inspiration and valuable lessons for clinicians exploring diverse career opportunities.

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Dr Anni Mekhail on a Career as a Product Manager at Google

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of Creative Careers in Medicine podcast, host Dr Elise Putt engages in an enlightening conversation with Dr Anni Mekhail, an intensive care doctor turned Google product manager. Dr Mekhail has an impressive background, having been a founding member of two successful bootstrapped health tech startups and co-authoring medical textbooks and articles in medical journals. She initially trained in New Zealand, then moved to the UK to work in the NHS, and now resides in Australia.

Dr Mekhail discusses her current role at Google, where she is a product manager on the identity team, working on big data platforms to determine user identities online. She explains the complexity and responsibility involved in ensuring secure and user-friendly verification processes. Also sharing her journey from clinical medicine to tech, detailing how her interest in the more data-driven parts of medicine and personal experiences guided her career shift. She talks about her various roles, including working in intensive care in both New Zealand and the UK, and her transition to tech consulting for Deloitte before moving into product management positions in startups and eventually Google.

Dr Mekhail offers valuable advice for clinicians interested in transitioning to tech, emphasising the importance of gaining diverse experiences, networking, and continuous learning. She also touches on the similarities between her roles in clinical medicine and product management, such as people management skills and cross-functional teamwork. Insights into her multifaceted career path provide inspiration and practical guidance for medical professionals contemplating a career change.

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Dr Izzy Bigio on Her Shift from Medicine to the Startup World

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine podcast, host Dr Elise Putt is joined by Dr Izzy Bigio, a New Zealand-trained doctor currently working in operations and community at Lyrebird AI. Dr Bigio shares her compelling journey from deciding to leave clinical medicine to finding her niche in the startup world. Her story begins around two years ago when she posted about her career concerns on the Creative Careers in Medicine Facebook page. From there, she started her own newsletter, Bootstrapped NZ, focusing on the New Zealand startup scene, before eventually landing her role at Lyrebird AI.

Dr Bigio tells the transition from her teenage years, when she first aspired to study medicine, to her realisation midway through her clinical training that she wished to pursue a different career path. In her operations and community role at Lyrebird AI, she focuses on creating internal structures and interfacing with the clinical community, aiming to reduce non-patient-facing work for clinicians. Despite the challenging decision to leave clinical work, Dr Bigio emphasises her desire to enact long-term systemic changes rather than "fight fires" in a clinical setting.

Exploring both the support and caution she received from her colleagues to her career switch. She highlights the importance of conversations and networking, which led her to the Startmate Women’s Fellowship and her entry into the startup ecosystem. Dr Bigio also reflects on the skills she gained from clinical practice, such as problem-solving and people management, and how they translate effectively into her roles in the startup and venture capital spaces.

Dr Bigio shares her future aspirations, including making significant contributions in her role at Lyrebird and the possibility of pursuing a Chief Operating Officer role in a startup. She emphasises the importance of staying curious and open to opportunities, as well as the value of blending head and heart in career decisions. Dr Bigio concludes with a reflection on her creative side, expressing amusement at the hypothetical idea of owning a coffee shop or becoming a touring musician, illustrating the diverse range of interests that professionals can explore.

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Dr Zach Tan on Venture Capital and HealthTech in New York

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine podcast, host Dr Elise Putt speaks with Dr Zach Tan, a prominent figure working at the intersection of technology, venture capital, and healthcare. Dr Tan splits his professional time between Australia and New York, holding significant roles such as General Partner at Aegis Ventures and President of the health tech startup Optain Health. Additionally, he serves on the US board of the Fred Hollows Foundation and engages in academic and consulting work.

Dr Tan begins by sharing his journey into medicine, driven by a lifelong interest in science and an upbringing in a healthcare-oriented family. He describes his clinical years, beginning with his undergraduate medical education at the University of Queensland and subsequent placements in hospitals in Brisbane and Sydney. Dr Tan identified significant inefficiencies and administrative burdens in the healthcare system, prompting his interest in technology's potential to improve clinical workflows.

Dr Tan’s accidental yet transformative shift from clinical roles to tech and venture capital. During his PGY2 year, a chance meeting at a conference led to an opportunity with CancerAid (now Osara Health), marking his entry into the tech space. What began as a planned gap year evolved into a decade-long journey in healthcare innovation.

On the topic of balancing multiple roles, Dr Tan outlines his current commitments, which primarily involve Optain Health - a company leveraging AI technology and hardware to diagnose and detect eye and systemic diseases. He explains the dynamic and demanding nature of the tech ecosystem in New York compared to Australia. He shares his aspirations to demonstrate that Australian innovation can achieve global impact, aiming to build Optain Health into a national champion of healthcare AI.

Providing valuable advice for clinicians aspiring to transition into tech or venture capital, emphasising the 70-20-10 model of learning: 70% on-the-job training, 20% mentorship, and 10% formal education. He highlights the importance of networking, mentorship, and continuous learning through formal programs and industry-specific media.

Dr Tan envisions an alternate career in architecture, reflecting his interest in how built environments shape human experiences. His insights offer a blend of inspiration and practical guidance for clinicians exploring new career avenues.

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Dr. Adaira Landry and Dr. Resa E. Lewiss on Crafting Careers in Medicine and Literature

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of Creative Careers in Medicine, host Dr Dana Phang is joined by Dr Adaira Landry and Dr Resa E Lewiss, co-authors of the insightful book “Microskills.” Dr Landry's passion for medicine was ignited at a young age by her interest in science and maths and her desire to help sick individuals. Dr Lewiss, who always aspired to be a doctor, confirmed her career choice through her experiences in emergency departments, feeling at home among fellow physicians.

Dr Landry has been an emergency physician for nine years, during which she has experienced both the rewarding and challenging aspects of clinical work, including the impact of burnout. Similarly, Dr Lewiss found her medical school and training years overwhelming, often feeling without a clear "playbook" for her career, which also led her to address the issue of burnout. Their shared experiences and challenges inspired them to write “Microskills,” drawing from their professional journeys to offer practical advice and support to others in the medical field.

Exploring how Dr Landry and Dr Lewiss managed their co-writing process alongside their demanding careers. Sharing insights on the importance of having a writing partner to divide the work and maintain motivation, utilising shared documents and navigating different schedules effectively. They emphasised the unique nature of their book, which is designed to be comprehensive, accessible, and inclusive, with a strong focus on self-care, compassion, and valuing employees as individuals in the workplace.

“Microskills'' encourages a holistic approach to professional life, highlighting the importance of self-care, caring for others, and then focusing on work tasks. The discussion also covers how networking is featured within the book as a vital micro skill, stressing the significance of maintaining and nourishing professional relationships. Dr Landry and Dr Lewiss initially connected through a colleague's referral, leading to a fruitful collaboration in writing about the workplace and mentorship, which culminated in the publication of their book after three years of dedicated effort.

Delving into their journey of publishing, from researching and writing a book proposal to finding an agent and securing a publishing deal through an auction. Both Dr Landry and Dr Lewiss utilised various communities of practice and social media platforms to gain insights and support from experienced writers. Balancing their roles as mothers, clinicians, and academics, they managed their time effectively to complete the book.

Their book, “Microskills”, is now available in several English-speaking countries and being translated into other languages, recommended for professionals at any stage of their career and can serve as a valuable gift.

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Dr Sally Phillips on Being a Doctor in the Insurance World

Tue, 28 May 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of CCIM host Dr Dana Phang featuring Dr Sally Phillips, delves into the crucial role of medical capability within insurance companies, particularly in life insurance and workers’ compensation spaces. Dr Phillips, head of Zurich Medical Analytics, brings her extensive experience as a clinician and her unique insight into the importance of properly understanding and pricing medical risk to stabilise premiums and prevent excessive claims. She underscores the significance of up-to-date product definitions and building strong relationships with doctors to better comprehend treatment protocols.

Dr Phillips explains that there is no dedicated degree for insurance medicine and encourages doctors interested in this field to explore opportunities within insurance companies. She shares her exceptional journey from South Africa to Australia, highlighting her work with various insurance companies and her pioneering efforts in developing severity-based insurance products.

Discussing the vital role of incentivizing and promoting preventative medicine to support the overall health and well-being of policy holders. Dr Phillips describes her career journey, including her initial aspirations in forensic pathology and neurosurgery, her detour into neurophysiology research, and how personal circumstances guided her towards a rewarding career in the insurance industry.

Her role within the insurance company encompasses medical examinations, interpreting ECGs and lab results, product design, underwriting assessments, and health fund establishment. Dr Phillips discusses her work on Zurich's LiveWell digital solution, which emphasises holistic health and preventative measures, and compares health systems across countries, highlighting the importance of insurance in financial security and advocating for increased funding for preventative health programs.

Concluding with Dr Phillips exploring her current responsibilities and dedication to improving health awareness and preventative measures through insurance. Her story is an inspiring testament to the diverse career opportunities available to clinicians beyond traditional medical practice.

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Dr. Melanie Mapleson on a Career Championing Breastfeeding and Perinatal Medicine

Tue, 21 May 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the CCIM podcast, host Dr Dana Phang is joined by Dr Melanie Mapleson, a general practitioner who has transitioned to specialising in perinatal care and breastfeeding medicine. Dr Mapleson discusses her journey from general practice to her current focus, driven largely by her personal experiences with breastfeeding challenges. She provides insight into the slow medicine approach she adopts to address newborn concerns, pain, and parenting challenges. Dr Mapleson advocates for greater recognition and training in breastfeeding and lactation medicine.

Dr Mapleson's career path started in more generalised medical practice but shifted due to burnout exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, handling high patient loads that involved mental health, women’s health, chronic diseases, and complicated cases. Her transition into her current specialty reflects a broader narrative of medical professionals moving into niche areas to address specific community needs. She emphasises the importance of extended consultations in perinatal care, which allow for a more thorough approach to patient care.

Also touching on her experiences with Hodgkin's lymphoma, which brought about a profound change in her perspective on life and medicine, further influencing her compassionate approach to care.

Apart from her medical practice, Dr Mapleson participates in international singing competitions with a large chorus, echoing the collegiate atmosphere of medical training.

Further details on Dr Mapleson's practice and her journey can be found on her website, www.perinatalprimarycare.com.

She also encourages connection through Instagram and emphasises the value of the Breastfeeding Medicine Network Australia/New Zealand directory for finding specialised care providers, www.breastfeedingmed.com.au/find-a-doctor.

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Dr. Emily Kirkpatrick: Merging Medicine with Tech and Innovation

Tue, 14 May 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of CCIM, host Dr Dana Phang welcomes Dr Emily Kirkpatrick, who shares her expansive career journey from a general practitioner to her current role as an executive in the health sector. Dr Kirkpatrick’s career is marked by a series of strategic shifts and advancements, initially sparked during her time away on maternity leave when she delved into research in skin cancer prevention. This set the stage for her further engagement in significant advisory and advocacy roles which played a crucial role in her being called upon for South Australia's COVID-19 response efforts, subsequently leading to her appointment as Deputy Chief Health Officer.

Dr Kirkpatrick discusses her challenges and strategies in juggling part-time general practice with responsibilities in machine learning and her eventual roles in healthcare leadership. Despite the pressures and demands of her high-stakes positions, she emphasises the critical importance of work-life balance, strategic delegation, and the investment in personal and professional development. These principles guided her through challenging decisions during the pandemic, including the implementation of public health measures and managing press scrutiny.

Currently serving as the Executive Medical Director at Calvary Medicare Joint Venture, Dr Kirkpatrick is at the forefront of integrating innovative healthcare solutions, including artificial intelligence, to improve service delivery. This role is enriched by her ongoing involvement with the Australian Institute for Machine Learning, highlighting her commitment to fostering innovation in healthcare.

Covering her advice for aspiring medical leaders as well, emphasising the necessity of aligning educational pursuits with career objectives, and her personal philosophy on investing in oneself and one’s family over financial markets.

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The CCIM Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network .

Dr Shewit Belay on Her Dual Life: From Scripts to Scrubs

Tue, 07 May 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the CCIM podcast, host Dr Elise Putt chats with Dr Shewit Belay, a multifaceted professional who seamlessly transitions between her careers as a medical doctor and a musical theatre performer. Dr Belay shares her journey from medical school to the stage, the challenges of balancing clinical practice with performing arts, and her aspirations in both domains.

Dr Shewit Belay is a PGY-4 medical professional who uniquely combines her clinical responsibilities with her passion for the performing arts. She initially made her stage debut in 'Hamilton,' and currently stars as Nessa Rose in 'Wicked'.

She provides insights into the demanding yet rewarding world of working full-time in musical theatre, while maintaining her clinical skills through locum positions. She touches upon the balancing act required to manage two intense careers, utilising strategic planning to align her medical commitments with her touring schedule.

Furthermore, She discusses her ongoing passion for both her medical and theatrical careers, contemplating potential plans to shift her focus towards a more flexible domain within medicine, such as general practice. Besides her acting career, she is also pursuing her musical aspirations, currently working on an array of tracks that reflect her diverse creative influences.

Dr Shewit Belay exemplifies what can be achieved when one embraces diverse passions and career opportunities. Through strategic choices and managing demanding schedules, her life story is a testament to thriving in multiple careers by aligning them with personal growth and passion.

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Dr. Leigh Golding on the Thrills of Sports Medicine Careers

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the CCIM podcast, host Dr Elise Putt welcomes Dr Leigh Golding, the team doctor for the Australian Cricket Team, to talk about his fulfilling career in sports medicine. Dr Golding shares how he juggles his duties with the Australian Cricket Team, the NRL Injury Surveillance Bunker, and consulting work at Ortho Sports in Sydney.

Dr Golding discusses his academic journey, beginning with his focus on playing sports during medical school, which eventually shifted to a fascination with sports medicine during his tenure as an SRMO. Draws on the unique challenges and opportunities that come with a career in sports medicine, as well as the role's demanding nature and the balance it requires.

Dr Golding outlines the rigorous training process, including the necessary qualifications, the comprehensive nature of the training, and tips for aspiring professionals in this field.

Listeners will find Dr Golding's experiences with the Australian Cricket Team especially captivating. As he shares anecdotes from his travels and his role, highlighting not only the glamorous but also the more demanding and less discussed aspects of working with a national sports team.

Concluding with practical advice for medical professionals interested in pursuing a career in sports medicine. Emphasising on the importance of networking, gaining a diverse range of experiences, and attending relevant conferences to understand the field better and meet other professionals.

If Dr Golding's experiences and insights have piqued your interest in sports medicine or you wish to share your experiences, we encourage you to join our Facebook community to further the discussion.

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Dr Jillann Farmer on a Career as a Global Healthcare Leader

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 03:30:00 +1100

Join us on this episode of the CCIM Podcast where host Dr Dana Phang has an enlightening conversation with Dr Jillann Farmer, who has had an extraordinary career path ranging from being a clinician in rural emergency medicine and primary care to serving as the Medical Director of the United Nations. Dr Farmer's unique journey is a testament to the myriad of possibilities that exist for medical professionals looking to shape a career filled with passion and individuality.

Delving into the Better Culture project's initiatives aimed at enhancing culture in healthcare workplaces by tackling issues such as bullying, harassment, racism, and discrimination. Her focus on intersectional equity is particularly salient, emphasising the need for disaggregated data to better understand the diverse experiences of underrepresented groups in the medical sphere.

Reflecting on the systemic issues within the medical field, they also discuss the importance of safety and governance systems for patient care, and how her experiences in student leadership and advocacy shaped her understanding and commitment to regulatory improvements.

The episode will leave medical professionals with a nuanced view of the potential for meaningful career diversification and how determined efforts can result in significant cultural change within the healthcare industry.

We invite you to delve deeper into Dr Farmer’s current work by visiting the Better Culture project, an excellent resource for those looking to contribute positively to the medical community's work environment.

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The CCIM Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network, the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

A/Prof Derrick Tin on Crafting a Life in Extreme Medicine

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In an educational instalment from the CCIM24 Meet Me in the Metaverse conference, A/Prof Derrick Tin discusses his career in Disaster and Counter-Terrorism Medicine. He outlines a unique, high-demand medical specialty that diverges from traditional paths.

A/Prof Tin delves into Disaster Medicine's complexities, its global impact on public health, and how thinking beyond traditional disaster scenarios is necessary to prepare for compound disasters and unpredictable "black swan events."

His work encompasses groundbreaking research into terrorism and mass casualty events, counseling governments, NGOs, and healthcare corporations, and implementing practical disaster risk mitigation and response measures. Notably, A/Prof Tin translates this research into real-world applications, such as training emergency physicians in tactical casualty care and leading medical teams in crisis zones.

A/Prof Tin’s message is clear: Disaster Medicine aims to provide top-tier medical care to vulnerable populations in the most challenging circumstances. This session is a testament to the dedication and innovation needed to excel in this specialty.

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A/Prof Fiona Brownfoot on "Delivering" Innovation: A New Era of Foetal Monitoring

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the CCIM podcast, we are joined by Associate Professor Fiona Brownfoot, an obstetrician and clinician scientist, and co-founder of Kali Healthcare. Fiona details her journey of innovation, from identifying the need for better foetal monitoring to conceptualising and developing a wearable device that transcends the limitations of 1970s CTG technology. Sharing her experiences in turning a concept into a potential game-changing product in the field of obstetrics.

Fiona shares valuable insights into the importance of collaboration, drawing on expertise across disciplines, notably with Professor Gregor Grady and a talented team of electrical engineers. Through rigorous research and AI-assisted development, they devised an accurate method to detect foetal heartbeat—critical to their success.

She then outlines the complexities of the commercialization journey, the transition from prototype to commercially viable product, and the necessity of navigating FDA and TGA regulatory pathways. Fiona discusses the challenges and rewards of working towards Series A funding and the anticipated launch of the device.

Networking and mentorship were highlighted as crucial elements that have shaped Fiona's success in the MedTech space. Fiona then reflects on the emotional rollercoaster of starting a MedTech company and her readiness to support others interested in this field.

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Dr Pat Aouad on a Career at the Intersection of Neurology and Entrepreneurship

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of CCIM, host Elise Putt sits down with Dr Pat Aouad, a neurologist specialising in neuroimmunology and the co-founder of CU Health, to explore the intersections of clinical medicine, digital health, and entrepreneurship.

Pat shares his time management technique of time blocking, which helps him wear different hats effectively in his diverse roles. Providing insights on the advanced treatments available for multiple sclerosis and touches on his own journey from practising neurology to co-founding a virtual healthcare platform.

For clinicians considering a move into entrepreneurial endeavours, Pat stresses the importance of mentorship, aligning personal values with business goals, and maintaining well-being to prevent burnout.

Delving into how CU Health operates, highlighting how services are accessed via telehealth or in-person and whether the platform employs staff exclusively or serves as a connector between companies and healthcare providers.

Pat Aouad provided insights from his experiences in healthcare startups, underscoring the necessity of having healthcare professionals involved from the outset to ensure that business strategies meet clinical needs. Despite lacking formal business training, he has built expertise through practice and partnerships and delves into the collaboration among specialists, general practitioners, and business experts to drive innovation in healthcare.

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Dr Jo Prendergast on a Career in Psychiatry and Stand-up Comedy

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the CCIM Podcast, host Dr Elise Putt welcomes Dr Joanna Prendergast, whose diagnosis of breast cancer in 2021 profoundly influenced her dynamic career as a child and adolescent psychiatrist, stand-up comedian, and author.

Dr Prendergast shares the intertwining of her professional pathways and the resilience she has shown through her health challenges.

Dr Prendergast discusses her upcoming book, "When Life Sucks," which provides guidance to parents navigating teenage mental health issues. The book represents her multifaceted experience, combining expertise as a physician, comedian, and parent to create a valuable resource set to release with HarperCollins.

In the realm of comedy, Dr Prendergast illuminates her creative process in developing her show "Cancer and Cartwheels," and her experiences performing at the Adelaide Fringe and aspiring for the Billy T award. Her commitment to comedy stands out as she reflects on its therapeutic value and its challenging yet addictive nature.

Delving into her clinical background, Dr Prendergast speaks of her diverse practice, which has ranged from perinatal mental health to working with severe chronic mental illness and specialised disorders. Her stories from medical school to her decision to focus on psychiatry reveal the continuous evolution of her career and interests.

Additionally, she teases her upcoming tour with "The Cool Mum," acknowledging the unpredictability of her health and the importance of finding a sustainable work-life balance. With aspirations to become an "entertaining psychiatrist," Dr Prendergast contemplates a possible media presence through a show merging mental health discussions with humour.

Her personal insights provide listeners with a glimpse into her family life, where her children's support shines through, being involved in her shows and bearing her "cool mum" persona with a touch of playful exasperation.

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Dr Richie Austerberry on Building Health Technology

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In the latest episode of the CCIM Podcast, host Elise Putt sits down with Dr Richie Austerberry to explore his unique journey from a musical background to the field of medicine and ultimately to his role as a pioneer in healthcare technology. Richie shares his experiences that led him away from a career in music and into the halls of medical school, where he found a passion for neurosurgery, only to later realise that his true calling lay elsewhere.

Richie reflects on the pivotal moment when he decided not to continue his pursuit of neurosurgery, which opened the door for his exploration into the world of urgent care. This transition was the catalyst for his interest in coding and the conception of Night Doctor, a service that underwent a rigorous ten-month planning period before its launch in 2016. He delves into the creation of Night Doctor's web application, developed using Ruby on Rails to ensure a mobile-first approach and compatibility with various devices, emphasising the strategic benefits of cloud-based applications in healthcare such as portability, cost efficiency, and convenience.

Richie highlights the broadening of his team's vision to extend their design principles across various healthcare specialties, fostering an inclusive approach to healthcare innovation. At the heart of Airclinix, the health tech startup where Richie serves as co-founder and CEO, lies a commitment to practitioner collaboration in the development of practice management systems that are both principled and practitioner-involved.

Also sharing some intimate insights into his personal life, discussing his passion for language learning, especially Chinese, which has become a therapeutic hobby providing him with balance and control. Despite facing regulatory hurdles that affected Knight Doctor and Perth Home GP, Richie's dedication to improving patient experiences through advanced software remains steadfast.

Delving into the future of healthcare, with predictions about automation's role in enhancing efficiency and making healthcare provision more rewarding for professionals. Richie encourages listeners to follow careers that genuinely satisfy them, using his own experience of leaving clinical practice to focus on technology as an illustration of finding fulfilment in one’s work.

Join host Elise Putt as she unpacks these topics and more on this enlightening instalment of the CCIM Podcast, which offers a glimpse into the evolving landscape of healthcare and the potential impacts of technology on medical practice.

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Dr Michela Sorensen on Balancing General Practice with Medical Consulting

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of CCIM, host Elise Putt sits down with Dr Michela Sorensen, a Sydney-based GP who has diversified her medical career into various other roles. Michela works part-time in general practice in the eastern suburbs of Sydney and also serves as a medical consultant for Warner Brothers and other tech companies. Additionally, she has made appearances as a media commentator on print, TV, and podcasts, leveraging her medical expertise to communicate health information in an easily understandable manner to the general public.

Michela shares her journey into medicine, discussing her early interest in medicine despite a non-medical background and revealing how she ultimately decided to pursue general practice after exploring various medical specialties. She provides insights into how she found herself involved in media and consulting work, highlighting the serendipitous nature of some of these opportunities and how she balances her multifaceted career.

Despite her varied professional pursuits, Michela emphasises that her passion for seeing patients and practising as a GP remains a crucial aspect of her career. She discusses her approach to balancing her clinical work with her media and consulting commitments, embracing the diverse nature of her career and the energising effect of engaging with different roles.

When asked about her dream career in an alternate universe, Dr. Sorensen expresses an interest in the fashion industry, citing her passion for fashion design as a potential alternate career path.

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Dr. Carlo Bellini on a Career Bridging Healthcare, Business, and Coaching

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of CCIM, host Dana Phang is thrilled to welcome Dr Carlo Bellini back to discuss not only his personal and professional evolution but also to share his expertise in the realm of health innovation and coaching methodologies.

Carlo tells the story of how his immigrant family's dedication to pharmacy and his own curiosity in medicine shaped his early career ambitions. His shift toward healthcare management and entrepreneurship was driven by a desire to tackle health inefficiencies, leading to the foundation of Health Innovation Performance Consulting.

He explores his evolution from clinical work to building a coaching institute, built upon his medical experience, formal coach training, and human insights. Carlo's coaching approach aims to unravel emotional and behavioural patterns, aiding professionals overcome personal and career hurdles.

Carlo candidly shares his career path surprises, from achieving unexpected leadership roles to embracing the risks of non-traditional career paths. He reflects on the impact of family expectations, particularly in migrant households, and how these pressures can influence professional satisfaction and the cultural health of organisations.

Additionally, Carlo expresses his love for music and its role in creating meaningful experiences. Looking ahead, he speaks about the value of the CCIM 2024 conference for networking and inspiration.

The conversation ultimately highlights the delicate balance between risk and certainty in career decisions, the shaping influence of intention-setting, and the serendipitous nature of opportunity that rewards the curious mind.

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Dr Cheryl Martin on a Career as the Mind Full Medic

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of CCIM, host Elise Putt is joined by emergency physician, well-being advocate, and senior executive MBA student Dr Cheryl Martin. Together, they discuss Cheryl’s career journey, her experiences in podcasting, and her diverse professional interests.

Cheryl shares her passion for emergency medicine and her journey from the UK to Australia, including the challenges she faced in finding work and the rewarding flexibility and creativity she found in her training program. She delves into her involvement in physician well-being initiatives and the pursuit of an MBA for personal and professional growth.

Discussing her interests outside of medicine, such as trail running, yoga teaching, and coaching, as well as her immediate career goals and aspirations for the future.

This episode offers insights into the diverse opportunities beyond clinical practice and the importance of balance and personal development in a medical career.

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Dr Prash Puspanathan on a career in Psychiatry and Psychedelics

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of CCIM, host Dana Phang interviews Dr Prash Puspanathan, who will be presenting at the upcoming Creative Careers in Medicine 2024 conference. Prash shares his unique journey in medicine and the path that ultimately led him to found two companies.

Prash was drawn to medicine due to his personal connection as Asia's second IVF baby, a testament to the power of medicine and science. Despite initially aspiring to become an obstetrician, his career trajectory led him to explore diverse avenues such as surgical work, humanitarian trips to remote areas, and providing medical services at music festivals, sports events, and detention centres.

His career took a significant turn when he discovered psychedelics, which ignited a deep fascination for the mind. This led him to transition from surgery to psychiatry, specifically focusing on psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Prash's current work involves pioneering research and development in the field, with a focus on leveraging technology to optimise the psychotherapy component of psychedelic therapy.

Prash advises aspiring clinicians to take the time to explore different opportunities and specialisations, emphasising the importance of gaining clinical experience and foundational knowledge. His unconventional career journey serves as an inspiration to those navigating the early stages of their medical careers.

To hear more inspiring career insights and innovative approaches to healthcare, subscribe to the Creative Careers in Medicine podcast and join the CCIM Facebook community. Also, subscribe to the newsletter for the latest updates and industry news.

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Dr Sarah Arachchi on a Career in Women's Health Advocacy

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of CCIM, host Dana Phang speaks with Dr Sarah Arachchi, a paediatrician based in Melbourne. Sarah shares her journey from medical school to becoming a passionate advocate for women in medicine, all while balancing the roles of a mother and a doctor.

Sarah reflects on her experience in medical school, the challenges she faced during her intern rotations, and her passion for paediatrics. She emphasises the significance of social skills and compassion in paediatrics and sheds light on the cultural aspects of the medical field.

Sarah’s involvement in organising medical conferences, coordinating lecture series for paediatricians, and serving on the council and committees of medical associations demonstrates her commitment to advocating for women in medicine and educating junior doctors and medical students.

They also talked about her social media initiatives that are aimed at providing accurate medical information and advice, as well as her endeavours in leadership positions beyond her medical practice. Through her experiences and insights, Sarah encourages others to pursue their passions both within and outside of medicine.

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Dr Janice Tan on Navigating a Career in Primary Care and Digital Health

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine (CCIM) podcast, host Elise Putt welcomes Dr Janice Tan, who discusses her career journey and the transition from clinical medicine to a leadership role in digital health. Janice shares her experiences starting a new role as the clinical director at Telstra Health, as well as her continued work as a general practitioner in Southwestern Sydney.

Janice shared insights with her late entry into medicine and her journey from junior doctor years to general practice. She shares her involvement in digital health, including her participation in focus groups, roles at startups, and her experiences with the Startmate Fellowship, offering practical advice for clinicians interested in transitioning to digital health roles.

Discussing the incorporation of digital health solutions into her GP practice, sharing her vision for eliminating administrative burdens to maximise patient interaction time. She also reveals her career aspirations, including a desire to hold a leadership role influencing system-changing decisions in healthcare.

Tune in to this insightful episode to gain practical advice on transition opportunities in digital health and to hear Janice's inspiring career story.

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Dr Andy Tagg on a career in emergency medicine and founding "Don't Forget the Bubbles"

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of CCIM, host Elise Putt sits down with Dr Andy Tagg, an emergency physician in Melbourne with a diverse background and passion for paediatric medicine. Andy shares his unique career journey, including his experience as a cruise ship doctor and his co-founding of "Don't Forget the Bubbles," a global education initiative in paediatric emergency medicine.

Andy discusses the challenges and rewards of working in various medical settings, from shipboard clinics to paediatric emergency departments. Sharing insights into his unconventional experiment involving the ingestion and passage of a Lego head, which garnered significant media attention and was published in the Journal of Pediatrics and Child Health.

Tune in to learn about Andy Tagg's career trajectory, the evolution of "Don't Forget the Bubbles," and his valuable advice for clinicians seeking diverse and fulfilling career opportunities.

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Reflections Behind the Mic Episode 2: Peter Birch on a Career in Podcast Production #CCIM2024

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the CCIM Podcast, Dr Dana Phang, Dr Elise Putt, and CCIM Founder Dr Amandeep Hansra, are joined by Peter Birch from Talking HealthTech sharing his expertise in podcast production and the partnership between CCIM and Talking HealthTech. The hosts reflect on the recent episodes of the podcast, and speak with Pete about the process of podcast production.

They reflect on the unexpected and inspiring conversations they've had with guests on the podcast. Delving into the common themes that have emerged from the interviews, such as serendipity, creativity, feeling trapped, and the desire to break away from conventional career paths. Amandeep Hansra shares insights from her experience in the medical field, discussing the benefits of having a coach and the value of developing non-clinical skills, such as event management and podcast hosting.

They express excitement for the upcoming CCIM conference, discussing the speakers and the social aspect of the event. Amandeep Hansra encourages listeners to buy tickets for the conference and mentions the possibility of recording sessions for those unable to attend. Plans for the conference, including potential podcast episodes and recording sessions, are also discussed.

The episode wraps up with an emphasis on the importance of being open to opportunities, surrounding oneself with supportive individuals, and taking risks in career development.The hosts invite listeners to engage with the CCIM team in person at CCIM 2024 and express their gratitude for the ongoing support.

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REWIND EPISODE: Dr Kate Kloza on a career as a Polar Medicine Practitioner

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine Podcast, we're revisiting our interview with Dr Kate Kloza, who shares insights from her experience working in remote places, drawing parallels to space exploration.

Dr Kloza has extensive experience practising polar medicine in Antarctica and is gearing up for her fifth winter on an Australian Antarctic research base. She reflects on the challenges of extended missions and the sense of adventure and frontier element in her work, as well as the mental and emotional preparedness required for living and working in extreme environments.

Dr Kloza discusses her typical day as a flexible doctor in Antarctica, involving administrative work, medical equipment maintenance, attending to minor medical issues, and interacting with station members. She emphasises the extensive preparation and training involved before going to Antarctica, including theoretical and practical training on search and rescue, navigation, survival skills, and specific equipment usage.

The episode also covers the unique aspects of station life, from forming enduring friendships and communities in the close-knit environment to witnessing wildlife like penguins and auroras. Dr Kloza provides advice for clinicians interested in polar medicine, highlighting the need for diverse experience and competitiveness.

As we conclude the episode, there's excitement about Dr Kloza's upcoming expedition, her adjustment to life back home, and the challenges she faced due to COVID-19 travel restrictions at the time of recording.

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REWIND EPISODE: Dr Philip Nitschke on voluntary euthanasia rights

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 03:30:00 +1100

In this throwback episode of the CCIM Podcast, we hear a candid conversation with Dr Philip Nitschke on the controversial and complex topic of voluntary euthanasia.

Dr Nitschke shares personal and professional experiences related to his involvement in the euthanasia issue and his evolving views on this sensitive subject. Dr Nitschke, known for his pioneering work in voluntary assisted dying, reflects on his early experiences in social justice activism, his commitment to pacifist principles, and his journey towards advocating for euthanasia laws.

The discussion delves into the challenges and ethical discomfort surrounding voluntary euthanasia, including the issue of obtaining consent from individuals with progressive illnesses affecting cognition. The conversation also sheds light on the slow progression of euthanasia laws in Australia and the need for a broader human rights approach, rather than medical control, in the debate on voluntary assisted dying.

The episode explores the personal and professional risks involved for doctors advocating for socially progressive causes, and the impact of opposition and clashes within the medical profession.

Dr Nitschke shares his experience with the first physician-administered legal lethal injection under voluntary euthanasia laws, as well as the development of the "Deliverance Machine" to enable patients to self-administer lethal drugs.

Throughout the episode, we address the complexity and sensitivity of voluntary euthanasia, emphasising the importance of civil discourse and the need for medical education to include emotional, social, and political intelligence. The conversation also touches on the impact of social media and outrage culture on the voluntary euthanasia debate and the involvement of doctors in advocating for vulnerable patients on various social issues.

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Setting yourself up for success in the new year with Dr Carlo Bellini

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 14:15:00 +1100

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine podcast, host Dr Dana Phang is joined by Dr Carlo Bellini to discuss tips and strategies for setting oneself up for success in the new year.

Dr Bellini, an experienced consultant and coach with a background in healthcare, psychology, leadership, and innovation, shares valuable insights on how to approach career planning and personal growth as the new year approaches.

With a focus on intentionality, Carlo emphasises the importance of reflecting on past experiences, identifying areas for improvement, and setting specific, measurable goals for the future. He discourages the idea of "New Year, New You" and instead advocates for being intentional about desired changes and deliberately planning for personal and professional development.

Dr Bellini offers practical advice for implementing these strategies, including adopting a mindset that recognises the influence of present decisions on future outcomes and taking a proactive approach to planning one's calendar for the year. Drawing from his own experience, he provides actionable steps for structuring and scheduling activities that align with individual goals and aspirations.

Carlo encourages listeners to bet on themselves, emphasising the power of self-confidence and resilience in pursuing career ambitions. His message of empowerment and self-investment serves as a valuable source of inspiration for healthcare professionals seeking to take charge of their careers and personal growth in the coming year.

For more insightful discussions on creative careers in medicine, stay tuned for future episodes. To get more CCIM, subscribe so you never miss an episode, join our Facebook community and subscribe to our newsletter!

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Managing stress during the holiday season with Dr Ashe Coxon

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 03:30:00 +1100

In this festive episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine (CCIM) podcast, host Dr Dana Phang is joined by Dr Ashe Coxon to discuss managing stress during the holiday season in the medical profession.

Dr Coxon shares insights from her experiences as a clinician and offers practical tips for navigating the challenges of the festive period.

The conversation delves into the impact of the Christmas season on both patients and healthcare professionals, addressing topics such as managing increased workloads, understaffing, and the emotive nature of this time of year in clinical settings. Ashe and Dana provide valuable advice for clinicians on handling the various stressors that may arise during the holiday season, drawing from their own experiences as clinicians.

Additionally, the episode highlights the diverse experiences of individuals who may not celebrate Christmas, emphasising the importance of mindfulness and support within the medical community during this period. The conversation offers a balanced perspective on managing the demands of the festive season within healthcare settings, with consideration for patients, colleagues, and personal well-being.

You will gain practical insights on stress management, work-life balance, and fostering a supportive environment in healthcare during the holiday season. The discussion offers a valuable resource for clinicians seeking to navigate this challenging time while prioritising patient care and professional well-being.

In closing, Dana and Ashe share some festive jokes as they extend warm wishes for the holiday season.

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Dr Honor Magon on a career in Clinical Informatics and Occupational Medicine

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the CCIM podcast, host Dr Elise Putt interviews Dr Honor Magon, who shares her journey from clinical medicine to a career in health tech and clinical informatics.

Honor discusses her work at a health tech company in San Francisco, where she uses data to optimise patient care and enable better decision-making for clinical trials. She also reflects on her decision to explore non-traditional career paths after clinical medicine, detailing her experiences in occupational environmental medicine and clinical informatics. Honor outlines the challenges and rewards of her current role, emphasising the importance of work-life balance and continued learning.

Throughout the conversation, Honor delves into her Fulbright scholarship experience and her pursuit of a Master's degree in Clinical Informatics Management at Stanford University. She shares insights into life at Stanford and her eventual plan to return to Australia, expressing her desire to merge her expertise in clinical informatics with a continued interest in occupational medicine. Honor also extends an invitation for junior doctors to connect and exchange career experiences.

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Dr Sandro Demaio on a Career in Public Health

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of Creative Careers in Medicine, host Dr Elise Putt speaks with Dr Sandro Demaio, CEO of VicHealth, a statutory agency in Victoria focused on promoting public health.

Sandro shares the importance of living longer, healthier lives and promoting well-being over appearance and weight. He underlines the impact of external factors on health and calls for understanding and compassion in addressing health challenges.

Sandro advocates for less judgement and more humility and kindness in the healthcare system, sharing insights on his career transition from clinical work to public health and his various impactful initiatives.

Sandro's career path was influenced by his Italian background, passion for food and culture, and his experiences as a junior doctor delivering aid work in various communities.

His role as CEO of VicHealth involves managing complex public health systems to improve health outcomes for populations facing significant challenges. His work includes running health awareness campaigns, influencing national data privacy legislation, working with local governments, investing in research and programs, and rolling out youth-led food hubs to address food insecurity.

Sandro emphasises the importance of communication and understanding in addressing issues such as chronic disease and climate change. He highlights the need for people to understand the challenge, recognise existing solutions, and contribute to creating a healthier world. Demaio also shares insights into time management, leadership development, and the need for better public health advocacy among doctors.

This episode provides valuable insights into career opportunities in public health and emphasises the impact of purpose-driven leadership in making meaningful contributions to society.

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Dr Kath Giles on a career in Venture Capital and MedTech

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the CCIM podcast, Dr Kath Giles, CEO of OncoRes Medical, discusses her work in developing new imaging technology to assist surgeons in removing cancer during breast cancer surgeries. The technology utilises light waves to provide micro-scale imaging of tissue stiffness, allowing surgeons to accurately identify and remove cancer during surgery.

Dr Giles shares the journey of developing the technology, from the initial concept to its current stage of scanning patients inside the surgical cavity. She highlights the potential impact of the technology in improving surgical outcomes and reducing the need for additional surgeries. Furthermore, she provides insights into her role in venture capital and the process of evaluating and investing in innovative healthcare solutions.

During the conversation, Dr Giles also delves into her experience in clinical medicine and the decision to transition into a non-clinical career. She reflects on the empathetic aspects of patient care and the challenges of working in under-resourced hospital environments, offering valuable perspectives on the realities of clinical practice.

Additionally, Dr Giles shares her passion for sewing as a creative outlet and expresses her interest in pursuing a career in fashion design if she weren't already involved in her current endeavours.

For those seeking inspiration in diversifying their careers, this episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of medicine, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

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Dr Sarah Dalton on a career as a paediatrician and clinical coach

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of CCIM, host Dr Elise Putt sits down with Dr Sarah Dalton, a clinician and a respected figure in the quality and safety space. Sarah shares her unique mix of skills and experiences, from her early involvement in clinical leadership to her interest in digital health and coaching.

Sarah's journey in healthcare began with a passion for working with children, which ultimately led her to pursue a career in paediatrics. Along the way, she discovered a love for theatre sports and developed a broad range of interests in medical school.

Driven by a desire to make a greater impact, Sarah embarked on a Fulbright scholarship, focusing on clinical leadership. Mentors and hands-on experience helped her develop a strong set of leadership skills that would shape her future.

A pivotal moment in her career came when she discovered coaching as a means of supporting clinicians. Realising the importance of coaching skills in effective leadership, she pursued a coaching certificate program and established Capstone Partners, a successful coaching business serving the healthcare sector.

Sarah shares the results of a coaching study conducted in the medical field, which showed significant improvements in well-being and solution-focused thinking for doctors. Capstone Partners now focuses on leadership development, performance coaching, and career decision-making.

Sarah reflects on her future plans, expressing a desire for a retirement project that involves creativity, storytelling, music, or art. She emphasises the importance of finding a balance between work and personal interests and shares her aspirations for a fulfilling retirement.

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Dr Mustafa (Musty) Sultan on big picture medicine

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of Creative Careers in Medicine (CCIM), we have the first international guest, Dr. Mustafa Sultan, who joins us from the UK to discuss his journey and explore alternative career opportunities in medicine.

Dr Sultan, also known as Musty, balances his work as a doctor with his podcast hosting duties. He shares insightful tips on how to approach influential guests for interviews, emphasising the power of persistence and going above and beyond the competition.

Drawing inspiration from his fascination with mini documentaries and websites, Musty ventured into digital health and podcasting. Through his podcast, "Big Picture Medicine," he aims to create a serious media asset and build distribution for better industry reach.

Reflecting on the future of AI in healthcare, Musty believes that doctors will not be replaced by AI, but their roles may evolve. He delves into the potential applications of AI, such as assisting with tasks like writing patient notes and interpreting tests. He also expresses admiration for those who lead independent lifestyles and write about technology trends.

Musty shares his motivation behind podcasting, finding self-worth in producing and sharing podcast episodes. He acknowledges the necessity for extensive research and preparation to ensure meaningful conversations. While balancing clinical work and podcasting, he prioritises and makes the most of his time.

Join us in this inspiring and educational episode as we explore unconventional career paths in medicine with Dr. Mustafa Sultan.

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Dr Jo Braid on a career in burnout recovery coaching

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 03:00:00 +1100

In this Creative Careers in Medicine podcast episode, Dr Elise Putt speaks with Dr Jo Braid, who reflects on her career journey as a rehabilitation medicine physician and a burnout recovery coach.

Dr Braid, operating out of Orange, New South Wales, splits her time between the Central West Brain Injury Rehabilitation Programme and her coaching business. Her medical practice is centred on aiding those with traumatic brain injuries to regain their roles in the community, while her coaching focuses on guiding healthcare workers through burnout.

Within her varied schedule, Dr Braid consults biweekly at Bathurst Health Service, coaches around ten clients weekly, and manages her podcast and administrative duties. Tennis remains a consistent part of her life, anchoring her weekly routine.

Her medical career, prompted by her uncle’s encouragement, commenced at Nottingham Medical School. Her journey took her from the UK to Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital, driven by familial ties to Australia and a quest for a balanced lifestyle. Although initially drawn to anaesthesia, the hands-on nature and calmer pace of rehabilitation medicine steered her path.

Dr Braid’s pivot to rehabilitation medicine and subsequent experience with burnout in her clinic led to a career-defining shift during the pandemic, culminating in her coaching and podcasting ventures from October 2021.

Dr Braid's shift to coaching and podcasting shows her strength and ability to enjoy different kinds of work in medicine. Her dedication to helping people get over burnout highlights her as a guiding light for healthcare workers looking at different career paths.

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Dr Ben Bravery on a career in zoology, conservation, and the transition to medicine

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine podcast, Dr Elise Putt speaks with Dr Ben Bravery, where he shares his experiences and insights that will resonate with both healthcare professionals and those with their own lived experience as a patient through the healthcare system.

Ben starts by discussing his observations of the behaviour among junior doctors, senior doctors, and nurses during his time on the wards, which led to him writing articles published in reputable outlets like ABC and The Guardian. As he embarked on his internship in oncology, he reflected on his aspiration to become an oncologist and his evolving understanding of medicine and being a patient.

Drawing from his personal experiences as a patient, Ben shares his struggles to navigate the healthcare system, feeling a lack of agency, and encountering difficulties in understanding technical concepts. These experiences motivated him to address the dissatisfaction felt by both doctors and patients, leading him to write the book "The Patient Doctor" and advocate for a more compassionate and patient-centred approach to healthcare.

During the conversation, Ben opens up about his own health journey, sharing the anxiety he felt before his colonoscopy and the shocking discovery of a large ulcerated lesion. He candidly discusses the challenges and setbacks he faced during his recovery, including feeling miserable and forgotten in the hospital, and the distressing threat of having a tube inserted due to troubles eating.

Transitioning to his career choices, Ben explores his unique path from initially working in a department focused on conservation and animal protection to joining Questacon's science circus, and subsequently becoming a youth ambassador in China. Through these experiences, he developed a strong interest in patient safety, patient advocacy, clinician well-being, system redesign, and quality improvement.

To wrap up the episode, Ben highlights the importance of understanding the individuality and complexity of patients, as well as the need for doctors to prioritise their own well-being. He shares his passion for making a positive impact on people's lives, changing perspectives on illness, and reshaping the healthcare system.

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Dr David Carmody on a Career as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 05:15:00 +1100

In this episode of CCIM, host Dr Elise Putt speaks with Dr David Carmody, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, to discuss his clinical work, the challenges of managing a growing business, and the impact of telehealth on psychiatry.

David shares his schedule, which includes clinical work, and working at the Child Protection Service. He shares how he overcame funding and people challenges to build a large high performing clinical team.

The conversation then delves into the assessment and treatment of ADHD, highlighting the difficulties clients face in finding suitable assessments and the need for a more consistent approach among clinicians. David also discusses the goal of providing certainty for patients regarding assessment timelines and treatment processes.

David expresses his passion for his clinical work and the fulfilment he finds in learning from the families and young people he works with. He also explains how his involvement in growing his business has provided a nice balance between a systems view and focusing on individual patients.

The episode explores the increasing use of telehealth for psychiatric referrals, including the challenges and opportunities it presents. David discusses the role of contractors and employees in telehealth and the benefits it offers for individuals with trauma.

David also shares his experience in setting up a telepsychiatry business and the enjoyment he found in the process. He encourages listeners to be proactive in their ideas, seek feedback, and take the initiative to bring them to life.

In the latter part of the episode, Elise and David discuss the growth of Call to Mind, his telehealth platform, and the partnership with Someone Health, a telepsychology group. Together, they aim to expand their offerings and bring together care teams regardless of geography.

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Reflections Behind the Mic: Candid Conversations with the Hosts of CCIM

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the CCIM Podcast, hosts Dr Dana Phang and Dr Elise Putt are joined by CCIM Founder Dr Amandeep Hansra, as they reflect on the lessons learnt from recent podcast guests, and on the challenges and triumphs of pursuing creative careers in medicine.

Amandeep shares her own journey in founding the Creative Careers in Medicine (CCIM) community and how it helps thousands of clinicians to overcome burnout and explore nonclinical career paths.

Elise and Dana reflect on the recent interviews they’ve conducted on the CCIM Podcast and the lessons learnt from those inspiring discussions.

The conversation touches on the importance of diversity in creative careers in medicine, and how each individual's unique story adds value to the community. Amandeep shares her own experience mixing clinical and nonclinical work, emphasising the importance of variety in preventing burnout and staying engaged in the medical field.

The episode also explores tips for transitioning into nontraditional roles, including focusing on exciting opportunities now rather than planning years ahead. They discuss their favourite podcasts and their love for storytelling and learning from other people's experiences.

The episode ends with a preview of upcoming guests, details about the CCIM conference in March 2024, and the availability of job opportunities on the CCIM website.

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Dr Melanie Tan on a career in clinical governance

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 03:00:00 +1100

Welcome to another episode of CCIM, the podcast that explores creative career opportunities in the field of medicine. In this episode, our host Dr Dana Phang is joined by Dr Melanie Tan, who shares her experiences and insights into the world of clinical governance.

Dr Tan starts off by recounting a heartbreaking case she worked on involving a doctor who was a witness in a claim against a hospital. Despite following all correct procedures, the doctor broke down in tears during a conference about the claim. This incident deeply affected Dr Tan, and she shares her reflections on the impact it had on both her and the doctor involved.

Dr Tan then discusses her journey in the medical field, recounting her experience studying medicine and her initial interest in becoming a therapist. She shares how she discovered her empathetic nature, which influenced her decision to pursue a career focused on enhancing the quality of life for patients holistically. Dr Tan also talks about her transition from medicine to law, her interest in medical law, and her decision to combine her medical knowledge with a law degree.

Throughout the episode, Dr Tan emphasises the importance of gaining diverse skills and experiences in the medical field. She encourages young doctors and medical students to be open-minded about different projects and research opportunities, as they can contribute to the development of transferable skills that are valuable in any medical specialty.

In the latter part of the conversation, Dr Tan discusses her latest career shift into clinical governance - her ‘forever job’. She explains the concept of clinical governance and highlights the significance of maintaining control and overseeing healthcare practices to optimise patient outcomes. Dr Tan shares her passion for quality and safety in aged care and her interest in ethics and the intersection of law and medicine.

Tune in to this thought-provoking episode as Dr Melanie Tan inspires clinicians to explore new career opportunities and embrace the possibilities of combining medicine with other disciplines.

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Dr Anthony Llewellyn on a career in coaching

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 03:00:00 +1100

In this episode of the CCIM podcast, host Dr Elise Putt speaks with Dr Anthony Llewellyn to discuss his diverse career and the various roles he currently holds.

Dr Llewellyn shares how he balances his time between psychiatry, coaching other doctors, consulting with organisations, and participating in speaking engagements and podcasts. He also talks about his recent board role as the chair of the accreditation committee for South Australia Medical Education Training.

Dr. Llewellyn reflects on his journey into medicine, mentioning that he was drawn to the field due to his desire to help people and the admiration doctors receive in society. While he initially had an interest in psychiatry, he found himself gravitating towards management and administrative roles, which started during his time in medical school. He attributes his success in these roles to his problem-solving skills, people management abilities, and willingness to take on new challenges.

The discussion also dives into Dr Llewellyn's decision to take a year off between medical school and his internship, a decision that was frowned upon by many. However, he shares how this year off actually enhanced his skills and prepared him for the role of an intern. He emphasises the importance of gaining experience in logistics, negotiation, problem-solving, and people management, as these skills are often crucial for interns.

Join Elise and Anthony as they delve into the various career opportunities available in medicine and discover how following a non-traditional path can lead to fulfilling and impactful roles within the healthcare industry.

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Find resources including access to career coaching from Dr Llewellyn here: https://advancemed.com.au/

Dr Helena Franco on a career in orthopaedic surgery

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 03:30:00 +1100

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine podcast, host Dr Dana Phang interviews Dr Helena Franco, a medical professional with a diverse background and a passion for orthopaedic surgery.

Dr Franco shares her journey from being an undergraduate student in medicine to becoming an orthopaedic PHO in Queensland.

Dr Franco talks about her early interest in law and her experimentation with kidney cells during her high school years, which sparked her curiosity about Pathophysiology and the human body. Combining her love for biology and chemistry, along with a desire to build relationships with patients, she decided to pursue a career in medicine.

During her time as a medical student, Dr Franco became involved in various societies, including the Surgical Society and the Australasian Student Surgical Association. These experiences allowed her to meet new people and explore her interest in surgery, ultimately leading her to orthopaedics.

Interestingly, Dr Franco admits that orthopaedics wasn't her initial choice. She was initially inclined towards ear, nose and throat surgery. However, a fortuitous encounter with a mentor during a total hip replacement procedure changed her perspective. She shadowed experienced consultants in orthopaedics and gradually realised her true interest in the field.

The conversation also delves into Dr Franco's recent achievements, including winning the Harvard Prize and graduating from Harvard Medical School with a Master's of Medical Sciences in Global Health Delivery. She shares the backstory of how she obtained these prestigious scholarships and the decision to take a step away from clinical practice, something not commonly pursued by medical professionals.

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Dr Josh Case on a career as a software developer

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 03:00:00 +1100

In this episode of CCIM, host Elise Putt interviews Dr Josh Case, who has found a unique career path that combines his passion for medicine with his expertise with software engineering.

Josh works as a locum doctor a few days a month in various locations across Australia and also runs a company called Go Locum, which is a medical workforce marketplace aimed at making the locum work industry more efficient and accessible for doctors.

During the conversation, Josh shares his background and journey, starting from his upbringing in Melbourne and his decision to pursue medicine after being inspired by the concept of physiology. He discusses his time at the University of Queensland and the initial worries he had about missing out on other experiences while focusing on his career.

However, Josh's perspective changed over the years, and he now emphasises the importance of trying something different to protect against burnout and challenges in the medical profession. He shares his decision to reduce his clinical hours and pursue health tech part-time, describing the various software projects he has developed and maintained to improve workflow in hospitals.

Josh also talks about the founding of his company, Go Locum, and the challenges and successes they have experienced. He speaks of the importance in creating maintainable software, and discusses the unique model they have adopted, prioritising flexibility and freedom in their work-life balance.

Throughout the episode, Josh provides valuable insights into the intersection of clinical medicine and software engineering, encouraging clinicians to consider new career opportunities without completely giving up on their aspirations. His story serves as inspiration for those looking to make a difference through innovation in healthcare.

To hear more inspiring stories and valuable insights from creative careers in medicine, make sure to subscribe to CCIM. Join our Facebook community and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date with the latest episodes and resources.

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The CCIM Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialization. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.

Dr Ashe Coxon on medical career planning

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 03:00:00 +1100

In today's episode, host Dr Dana Phang sits down with Dr Ashe Coxon, a GP with a non-traditional career path. Ashe shares her journey from being encouraged by a stranger to consider medicine to questioning her decision during her junior doctor years. She describes the challenges she faced and how she eventually found her calling as a General Practitioner, career counsellor and is the founder of Medical Career Planning.

This episode delves into the complexities and challenges one can encounter in a medical career, highlighting the importance of aligning your work with your personal values and passions.

You will also hear why Ashe secretly always wanted to work in the deli section at Woollies...

Stay updated on future episodes by subscribing to CCIM, joining our Facebook community, and signing up for our newsletter.

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The CCIM Podcast is part of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network, a top source for insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, and digital health. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.

A/Prof George Rubin on a career in public health

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 03:00:00 +1100

Welcome to a new episode of Creative Careers in Medicine, hosted by Dr Elise Putt.

Today's guest is Associate Professor George Rubin, a seasoned expert in public health. George walks us through his multifaceted career, beginning with his time in Atlanta where he confronted the struggles of a city driven by business interests. He then discusses his contributions in Bangladesh with the Ford Foundation, focusing on initiatives to enhance maternal and child health.

George has also played a significant role in strengthening public health infrastructure in New South Wales. His expertise extends to program evaluation, strategic grant-making, and advocating for the establishment of public health units across health services. George shares how his involvement led to pivotal changes in hospital care quality, including the creation of the Australian Commission for Safety and Quality in Healthcare.

Even in semi-retirement, George remains active. He takes on contract work, mentors younger healthcare professionals, and sits on a hospital board. George also touches on his other interests including landscape gardening, travel writing, and potential work with large donor organisations.

For those contemplating a career in public health, George underscores the value of varied clinical experiences and recommends pursuing a master's degree in the field. He advises on the importance of teamwork and documenting achievements.

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Dr Sarah Rav on a career as a social media influencer

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 03:00:00 +1100

In this episode of Creative Careers in Medicine, Dr. Dana Phang interviews Dr. Sarah Rav, a 25-year-old doctor from Melbourne who has redefined her career through social media and content creation.

Dr. Rav discusses her journey into medicine, driven by a personal experience with her grandmother's Alzheimer's disease and a desire to support and educate families facing similar challenges. She also shares her own struggles with academic performance and the skills she developed to become more productive and efficient in her studies.

Dr. Rav explains how she took a break from medicine to focus on her social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, where she posts about study tips and productivity. She emphasises the importance of not only excelling academically but also prioritizing personal well-being and enjoying life outside of medicine.

The episode highlights Dr. Rav's transition into becoming a social media influencer and content creator. She discusses her initial foray into fitness and nutrition videos on TikTok and how she pivoted to focus on studying and productivity due to the saturated nature of the fitness space. Dr. Rav's goal is to provide valuable information and strategies to help others achieve academic success while maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life.

Tune in to this inspiring episode as Dr. Sarah Rav shares her personal journey, insights on productivity, and the importance of finding a balance between academic pursuits and personal well-being.

To stay updated on the latest episodes of Creative Careers in Medicine, make sure to subscribe to the podcast. Join the Facebook community and subscribe to the newsletter for additional resources and support.

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Dr Simon Kos on a career in technology

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 03:30:00 +1100

Dr Simon Kos is the Chief Medical Officer for Microsoft with a career that’s taken him international in the world of tech.

What’s now a booming industry, the world of ‘health tech’, was only in it’s infancy when Dr Kos first started out. Here he talks about that journey and how he’s gotten to where he is today.

Thanks for listening.

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Prof Nicholas Talley on a career as a textbook author and clinical researcher

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 03:00:00 +1100

Laureate Professor Nicholas Talley is a world renowned Neurogastroenterologist and author.

He’s known by medical students across Australia and around the world for co-creating the bible of clinical examination in ‘Talley and O’Connor’s Clinical Examination’. This is just one of his many publications, with additional textbooks and over 1000 papers to his name. His current research focuses on neurogastroenterology and functional gut diseases including the role of inflammation and the microbiome.

On top of his work as an author and in clinical practice, Prof Talley has worked as Editor-in-Chief of the MJA, in Pro-Vice Chancellor roles and as President of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

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Dr Karl Kruszelnicki on a career in media

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 03:00:00 +1100

Welcome back to a new season of the Creative Careers in Medicine Podcast. Today we are joined by the one and only Doctor Karl!

You probably know a bit about his career in TV and radio but do you know about his career as a doctor, mechanic or roadie?

Join us as we find out all about the many lives Doctor Karl and what it takes to be a medical professional in the media!

Thanks for listening.

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Dr Kate Gregorevic

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 03:18:00 +1100

Dr Kate Gregorevic is a Melbourne-based geriatrician and writer. In this interview she discusses caring for vulnerable patients in the midst of a pandemic, why she's so passionate about her specialty, overcoming imposter syndrome to grow and challenge herself, and the experience of bootstrapping a health business.

#CrazySocks4Docs Special Episode | Geoff Toogood & Michael Myers

Mon, 24 May 2021 06:02:00 +1100

In this special episode, guest host and Crazy Socks 4 Docs day founder Dr Geoff Toogood discusses physicians' mental health with Professor Michael Myers, a professor of clinical psychiatry and behavioural sciences at SUNY-Downstate Health Sciences University in Brooklyn, New York.

Associate Professor Jane Munro

Wed, 05 May 2021 08:35:00 +1100

Associate Professor Jane Munro is a paediatric rheumatologist at Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital and one of the founders of the Pandemic Kindness Movement. In this interview she talks about how and what kickstarted the movement, the overwhelming support and humanity it very quickly attracted, and the importance of following your heart and values.

Dr Lucy Cooper

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 02:59:00 +1100

For the last 20 years, Dr Lucy Cooper has been working as the clinic GP at the St Vincent de Paul Society's Matthew Talbot Hostel in Woolloomooloo Sydney.

After initially feeling a little out of place in the medical profession, Lucy eventually managed combine her interests, personal values and faith, and her desire to really help people into a rewarding career.

In this interview she discusses the monumental task of caring for homeless and vulnerable people during the outbreak of a pandemic and the many research projects she's contributed to as part of her desire to help improve access to care and service delivery models for those living rough.

Clinical A/Prof Louise Stone

Sun, 28 Feb 2021 23:57:00 +1100

In this chat, Louise discusses the way she balances all the competing commitments in her life, the importance of finding your own professional path by following your interests, and achieving what she describes as "flow".

Dr Chris Moy

Sun, 06 Dec 2020 21:19:00 +1100

Dr Chris Moy is the current Vice President of the Australian Medical Association.

In this conversation, the Adelaide GP discusses how he "accidentally" got into medicine and ultimately discovered the anger which initially drove him into medico-politics.

He also discusses the recent mini-lockdown in his state of South Australia and what it has been like to work closely with health authorities and governments to manage public health in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr Neela Janakiramanan

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 22:34:00 +1100

Dr Neela Janakiramanan is a Melbourne based reconstructive plastic surgeon specialising in hand and wrist surgery and skin cancer.

Neela is an incredible communicator with a passion for public health advocacy, social justice and equity.

In this interview she discusses everything from experiencing Victoria's extended lockdown restrictions as a clinician, to being inspired by her grandfather performing surgery in rural India, the culture changes going on in the medical profession and of course her experiences as a public health advocate for asylum seekers.

Neela will be speaking as part of the CCIM 2020 conference.

Dr Fiona Lander

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 04:13:00 +1100

Dr Fiona Lander is an engagement manager with consulting firm McKinsey & Company, specialising in healthcare strategy and transformation.

After studying both medicine and law concurrently, she's worked as both a doctor and lawyer, forging an impressive career while working and living in Australia and abroad.

In this interview she discusses how following her passions and blazing her own path resulted in incredible opportunities including working for the United Nations and helping to inspire and empower other young women to make positive changes in the world.

Dr Brandon Carp

Sun, 01 Nov 2020 23:38:00 +1100

Dr Brandon Carp is a Melbourne-based doctor who transformed his medical career into a very successful business career as the founder of Unified Healthcare Group.

In this interview Brandon talks about the changing attitudes around how people view the commercial side of medicine, and how these kinds of medical careers are becoming increasingly recognised and validated as important professional pathways for doctors.

He also opens up on what it's like to ultimately walk away from clinical medicine in pursuit of a different kind of health career and the journey that took him to that point.

Brandon has a lot of interesting perspectives to share about how he got started in business, the lessons he's learned and why it is easier nowadays to do the kinds of things he was doing in the 90s.

Dr Kate Kloza

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 21:21:00 +1100

Dr Kate Kloza is currently preparing to spend her 5th winter on an Australian Antarctic research base. With a truly inspiring passion for Antarctica and for the work she does for the Australian Antarctic Division, Kate

has served as the sole doctor on different expeditions on each of Australia's 4 permanent Antarctic and sub-Antarctic research stations, for periods of around 12 months at a time.

In this interview, she explains what gives her the confidence to able to take on that kind of challenge in such inhospitable environments, and she describes the wonder and beauty of the region that keeps drawing her back.

With her next voyage due to set sail in January 2021, she spoke to CCIM from her home in WA.

Associate Professor Marie Bismark

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 08:26:00 +1100

Associate Professor Marie Bismark turned her medicine and law degrees into a successful medical, medicolegal and research career. She's currently retraining and working as a consultation liaison psychiatry registrar with Melbourne Health.

This year, a team she's leading at the University of Melbourne received $1m in NHMRC investigator grant funding to research why health practitioners in Australia have higher rates of burnout, depression, and suicide than other occupations. The project hopes to identify new ways to better support doctors to thrive in their professions.

Marie also talks about managing her own personal struggles, and ways that doctors can support their colleagues throughout their shared journeys.

Dr Hugh Harvey

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 00:48:00 +1100

Hugh is an experienced clinician and health technology advisor, with a focus on leveraging big data and artificial intelligence.

He is a board certified consultant radiologist and academic, trained in the NHS and Europe's leading cancer research center, the Institute of Cancer Research, where he was twice awarded ICR Science Writer of the Year.

In this conversation he discusses all these roles as well as his involvement in startups and what it's like trying to help manufacture PPE for health professionals during a pandemic-induced supply shortage.

Dr Jill Gamberg

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 00:58:00 +1100

Dr Jill Gamberg is a Sydney GP and one of Australia's first certified lifestyle medicine physicians. Originally hailing from Canada, Jill had always wanted to eventually become a doctor but took a very interesting pathway to get there. In this conversation she talks about her background as an athlete and athletic therapist, the future of lifestyle medicine, her forays into media and commitment to public health education, and why she believes in making the most of every opportunity life might throw her way.

Professor Michael Kidd AM

Sun, 12 Jul 2020 23:04:00 +1100

Professor Kidd has more than 30 years' experience working as a general practitioner in urban and rural locations across Australia, with special interests in the care of people with HIV, mental health and Indigenous health.

He served two terms as the elected president of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners from 2002-2006.

Professor Kidd completed his research doctorate with the Monash University Department of General Practice and has research expertise in primary care policy, digital health, chronic disease management, communicable diseases, preventive care, mental health, medical education, and safety and quality.

Since 2017, he was Professor and Chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto providing strategic leadership to the world's largest academic department of general practice and family medicine, and also leading the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre on Family Medicine and Primary Care.

He has worked for many years as a consultant with the World Health Organization, was president of the World Organization of Family Doctors, and prior to his work at the University of Toronto, was Executive Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at Flinders University in South Australia.

Dr Jacqueline Strudwick-Day

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 00:02:00 +1100

Alongside her work at Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital, Dr Jacqueline Strudwick-Day is also a medical advisor on the Channel 9 TV series Doctor Doctor which, just aired its 4th season.

In this chat she discusses how she came to be working on the show, the experiences she's had as a result and how it was that her creativity and writing ambitions led her - ultimately - into a career in medicine.

Dr Jess Foley

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 05:17:00 +1100

Dr Jess Foley is an Adelaide-based GP registrar. After a decorated basketball career in which she captained the Adelaide Lightning, won a WNBL championship and represented Australia, Jess switched to playing Aussie rules and was an integral member of the 2019 Adelaide Crows AFLW premiership side that defeated Carlton in an historic grand final in front of a crowd of 53,034 cheering fans. Jess talks about the impact of COVID19 as both an athlete and GP, her own journey through sport and what it was like to play in that AFLW grand final, how she came to pursue a career in medicine later in life, and what her experience playing footy and basketball has done to balance and prepare her for a career in general practice.

Dr Tu Pham

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 00:53:00 +1100

GP Dr Tu Pham first got into hip hop music in his early teens and quickly went from fan to performer and has never looked back. His debut album Made of Jade, was released under his performing name Tu-P in 2013 and he continues to make new music including his latest track Save Our Seas which we discuss - and you'll here a snippet of - in this interview.

Tu Pham discusses the very personal motivations and inspirations that fuel his two very different vocations, how rap and medicine intersect for him and what he hopes to do with his passion for music and public health.

To hear more of his music or see the video clips for the tracks that he talks about in this episode, check out his youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB1aMNlbyFocHdUdfpvV1wA

Dr Mikaela Seymour

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 06:00:00 +1100

Dr. Mikaela Seymour graduated Griffith University in 2015, and has been participating in medical volunteering in Papua New Guinea ever since. As an unaccredited general surgery registrar, her passions are surgery in low resource environments and combatting communicable disease. Working with Queensland Rural Medical Education (QRME) she assists in the administration of the PNG health Project Orienteering Medical students to work in developing health care systems. In her spare time, she sits on the Qld council of doctors in training, and serves with the Australian Army as a reservist medical officer.

Dr Sara Souter

Fri, 06 Dec 2019 00:13:00 +1100

Sara is an Occupational and Aviation Medicine Specialist, kiwi born and bred but now living in the colder part of Australia (Snowy Mountains) with her husband and two teenage children. She is currently Group Medical Officer at Virgin Australia Airlines, but previously has held roles as Senior Medical Officer at Air New Zealand, and Senior Medical Officer at CASA. She has lived in the hotter parts of Australia (Broken Hill) on two occasions, early on as a doctor with the Royal Flying Doctor Service. It was here she began working hand in hand with pilots and so began a career in and love of aviation medicine. She has been a CAA/CASA pilot Medical examiner for nearly 20 years.

Sara is lucky enough to have the support of her very patient husband and children to allow her to live in a rural community, but commute to work in Sydney and Brisbane for Virgin, and follow her passion for the airline industry.

Dr Michael Bonning

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 20:36:00 +1100

Dr Michael Bonning is a practicing GP who works in Sydney for Loxley Health and is Chief Medical Officer for Inspired Adventures. He is also Medical Director of a US tech start-up, Dermasensor and has split his time between Australia and Sydney since 2017. Prior to that he was a medical officer in the Royal Australian Navy deploying overseas to the Middle East, South East Asia, the Mediterranean and off Australia's northern borders. He is the current Chair of the AMA (NSW) and a Director of GP Synergy. He has previously led the Australian Medical Students' Association and the AMA Council of Doctors in Training and been a Director of Beyond Blue. Once, just for fun he was a partner in a healthcare consulting firm.

Dr Vyom Sharma

Wed, 16 Oct 2019 07:18:00 +1100

After gaining his medical degree in 2008, Vyom Sharma completed specialist training and currently works as a General Practitioner. However alongside his clinical work, he has carved out a career in show business. As a magician and mentalist, he has performed live stage shows at the Sydney Opera House, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and was a grand finalist on Australia's Got Talent. He enjoys engaging in health and science communication. He is a regular Guest Lecturer at Monash University's school of biological sciences, writes op-eds on health issues and is a regular host on RRR radio station.

Dr Preeya Alexander

Mon, 07 Oct 2019 20:16:00 +1100

Dr Preeya Alexander is a GP based in Richmond, Melbourne with a passion for all things 'prevention' in medicine. She also works as a medical educator at Eastern Victoria GP Training where she assists in the education of training GPs. Preeya is a regular commentator on lifestyle publications, Mamamia and The Grace Tales and is often called in as an expert for Channel 7's morning program, Sunrise.

Philip Nitschke - Live from CCIM 2019

Sat, 24 Aug 2019 00:02:00 +1100

Recorded live on the CCIM 2019 stage, this episode features the conversation between CCIM Chief of Pod, Andrew Bracey and Dr Philip Nitschke that kicked off Day 2 of the event.

Philip Nitschke is a passionate activist, author, former physician and founder and director of the pro-euthanasia group Exit International. He campaigned successfully to have a legal euthanasia law passed in the Northern Territory and assisted four people in ending their lives before the law was overturned. He was the first doctor in the world to administer a legal, voluntary, lethal injection, after which the patient activated the syringe using a computer.

In 2015, Philip burned his medical practising certificate in response to what he saw as onerous conditions that violated his right to free speech, imposed on him by the Medical Board of Australia.

This conversation focuses less on Philip's belief around an individual's right to die and more in depth at an interesting medical career that went against the largest governing bodies. It delves into the drivers and barriers to follow a passion or standing by your convictions.

Dr Lucy Desmond

Thu, 20 Jun 2019 02:40:00 +1100

In this episode I spoke with Melbourne doctor, author and speaker Lucy Desmond who is spearheading a project titled "Beauty Within Medicine" - it's aimed at changing the way we teach medicine through a series of beautifully designed and illustrated infographic textbooks that she and her team hope will provide more engaging resources for medical students that also reflect the diversity of our modern society.

As Lucy explains in this episode, early on in her own medical training, it occoured to her that the range of human bodies used as the basis of her anatomy education was pretty much limited to - in her words - skinny young anglo-saxon males - and that it seemed to her that a lot more could be done to prepare modern doctors for the much more diverse range of human bodies they would ultimately be confronted with throughout their careers.

With the first text in Beauty Within Medicine series is currently on track to be released later this year, Lucy spoke about how she has been able to find the time to work on this project, some of the push back she's received as a junior doctor challenging the way medical education is delivered, and why she feels it is so important for her to put her money where her mouth is on this issue.

Dr Geoff Toogood

Wed, 05 Jun 2019 10:46:00 +1100

The founder of crazysocks4docs movement. Dr. Geoff Toogood is a Cardiologist and specialist consulting Aviation Cardiologist who has practiced for 20 years on the Mornington Peninsula. He has held The Director of Cardiology position at Frankston Hospital and is a Fellow of the College of Physicians, Cardiac Society and the prestigious Heart Rhythm Society.

He has lived experience of both depression and anxiety. He faced stigma and discrimination at many levels and was determined that once recovered he would create awareness movement to break down the stigma faced by health professionals. He wants to reduce Doctors suicide round the world.

CRAZYSOCKS4DOCS DAY IS 7 JUNE POST YOUR CRAZY SOCK PHOTOS & TAG #CrazySocs4Docs

If you are a Doctor needing help know there is help available, below are only some of the options available:

•See your GP

•AMA ANONYMOUS PEER SUPPORT line 1300 853 338 (Note you do not need to be a member to access this line)

•RACGP GP support 1800 331 626 / membership@racgp.org.au

•Victorian Doctors Health Program (03) 9495 6011 / vdhp@vdhp.org.au

•Lifeline 13 11 14

Dr Mitch Anderson

Mon, 13 May 2019 06:43:00 +1100

Sports Doctor | Physiologist | Physiotherapist | World-Class Endurance Cyclist | 12 & 24 Hr World Record Holder

Having studied Physiotherapy, Physiology and Anatomy in addition to his medical studies, Mitch is registered as a both a Medical doctor and Physiotherapist. His areas of interest are diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation, with a particular interest in musculoskeletal injury. Mitch also consults a broad range of athletes on nutrition, training and bike fit from his unique perspective as a former professional triathlete (12 years) and physiologist.

Mitch holds the World Record for 24hr endurance cycling. The 24 hour is considered the pinnacle of endurance cycling and is an event that most get the opportunity to attempt only once in a lifetime. In the lead up to his attempt, he'd already successfully broken the 12 hour endurance cycling world record with a ride of 492km which taught him a lot of lessons but also proved to himself that he had what it takes to attempt the 24 hour.

Mitch has some really fascinating insights from a personal perspective, but also a medical standpoint about what he and his research partner have to share from the physiological data and observations they logged, compiled and examined along the way.

Dr Dinesh Palipana

Wed, 17 Apr 2019 05:34:00 +1100

Dinesh was the first quadriplegic medical intern in Queensland, and the second person to graduate medical school with quadriplegia in Australia.

Dinesh earned a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), prior to completing his Doctor of Medicine (MD) at the Griffith University. He has completed an Advanced Clerkship in Radiology at the Harvard University. Halfway through medical school, he was involved in a catastrophic motor vehicle accident that caused a cervical spinal cord injury.

As a result of his injury and experiences, Dinesh has been an advocate for inclusivity in medicine and the workplace generally. He is a founding member of Doctors with Disabilities Australia.

Dinesh is currently a resident medical officer at the Gold Coast University Hospital. He is a lecturer at the Griffith University and adjunct research fellow at the Menzies Health Institute of Queensland. He has research interests in spinal cord injury, particularly with novel rehabilitation techniques.

Dinesh is the Gold Coast University Hospital's representative in the Australian Medical Association Queensland's Council of Doctors in Training. He is a member of the scientific advisory committee of the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation, adjunct member of Gold Coast Orthopaedic Research and Education Alliance (GCORE), and member of the Ambassador Council at the Hopkins Centre.

Dinesh was the Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service's Junior Doctor of the Year in 2018. He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2019.

Dr Vijay Paul & Dr Nishanth Krishnananthan

Thu, 28 Mar 2019 08:52:00 +1100

Dr Vijay Paul & Dr Nishanth Krishnananthan are the Co-CEOs of Vantari VR, Virtual Reality for Healthcare. Their technology provides transformative applications for Doctors and Patients as they bring to life medical imaging and the human body. A little bit about these medtech entrepreneurs... Vijay has over 7 years of clinical experience working as an MD primarily in Emergency Medicine, leading teams in high pressure situations everyday. Nishanth is a Surgical doctor in Australia, with experience in Medicine and Surgery in both metropolitan and rural hospitals.

Dr Sonia Henry

Fri, 22 Mar 2019 09:11:00 +1100

Sonia Henry is in her early thirties and lives and works in Sydney as a doctor. When she's not being a medic she devotes her spare time to writing and has been published in Kevin MD (America's leading physician blog), SMH, The Australian Medical Students Journal, and has scientific publications in the ANZ Journal of Surgery. Her most widely-read article was an anonymous piece about the stress of medical training and was shared more than 20,000 times and republished widely around the world. Sonia's debut novel is a darkly funny, sad and inspiring novel about the brutal world of medical training and will be published in mid-2019.

Dr Tony Chu

Fri, 22 Mar 2019 09:06:00 +1100

Tony Chu is a Medical Doctor (University of Sydney) with diverse creative interests. He is an award-winning director-producer who has made over 35 short films. Within the film industry, Tony is well-known as the Head of NAFA [Networking Action for Filmmakers & Actors] which he founded in 2002 and Festival Director of Show-Fest International for ten years. He is also an accomplished actor ("Packed to the Rafters", "Wild Boys") and professional screenwriter. Interested in connecting with other doctors with creative pursuits, Tony was the Founder/ President of the Creative Doctors Network and Festival Director of Doc Art Festival for four years.