A Doctor's View: Recent Episodes
Dr Polyvios
Ever wondered what a doctor really thinks of the latest health crazes, the anti-vax movement and vegan diets? Join Dr Polyvios, a doctor who discusses everyday topics in health, fitness and mental wellbeing including health issues that can affect all of us in today’s society.
By teaming up with special guests and experts in their field, this podcast also provides an insight into medical life and its challenges including work related stress and burnout. All from a light-hearted but opinionated doctor’s perspective.
Have a topic that you'd like to have discussed on the show? Visit us at: adoctorsview.uk
Instagram: @adoctorsview
Twitter: @DrPolyvios
Disclaimer Please note that all opinions and the content of this Podcast represent those of the host and the show's guests. The content of this podcast is for informational and/or entertainment purposes only and should not replace the medical advice given to you by your own GP/doctor. Please ensure you seek medical advice from your own doctor or healthcare professional if you have any concerns regarding your health or have any medical questions. Under no circumstances shall the Podcast's host or guests be responsible for any damages arising from the use of the Podcast.
If you have any comments or suggestions, send us a text message!
In this episode of A Doctor’s View, Dr. Polyvios sits down with Viktor from Tough Muscles to explore how calisthenics — simple bodyweight strength training — can transform not just your physical health but your mental well-being too. From boosting focus during stressful exam periods to finding calm after intense hospital shifts, discover why moving your own body through space can be the most empowering workout of all. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a complete beginner, this conversation offers practical tips and real-life insights on building strength, resilience, and mental clarity through calisthenics.
Tough Muscles Website. Click here: https://toughmuscles.co.uk/
Instagram: @Tough_Muscles
Thank you for listening!
email: adoctorsview@gmail.com
instagram: @adoctorsview
twitter: @DrPolyvios
If you have any comments or suggestions, send us a text message!
Have you ever wondered why you struggle to decide what to have for dinner after a long day at work? That mental exhaustion has a name—decision fatigue—and it affects everyone, but takes a particularly heavy toll on healthcare professionals.
Decision fatigue refers to the deteriorating quality of our choices after prolonged periods of decision-making. While it might sound like an academic concept, its effects are profoundly practical and widespread. For doctors and nurses, decision fatigue isn't just an inconvenience; it's a daily challenge that can affect patient care and personal wellbeing.
Throughout a typical hospital shift, healthcare workers make hundreds of micro-decisions. When a nurse reports a patient's overnight blood pressure drop, this triggers a cascade of mental questions about causation and treatment options. Even seemingly simple requests like prescribing pain relief require careful consideration of drug interactions, patient history, and potential side effects. These continuous small decisions gradually erode mental reserves, leading to compromised judgment as the day progresses.
Compounding this challenge is what I call "noise fatigue"—the mental drain caused by constant exposure to beeping monitors, alarms, phones, and the general cacophony of busy wards. This sensory overload further taxes already strained cognitive resources. It explains why many hospital staff eat lunch in silence or why closing your front door at home becomes the most cherished moment of the day—finally experiencing silence and freedom from the pressure of constant decision-making.
Understanding these psychological phenomena helps explain seemingly irrational behaviours and underscores the importance of creating systems that minimise unnecessary decisions. While recognising decision fatigue doesn't excuse poor choices, it helps us develop strategies to preserve mental energy for critical decisions and create environments that support rather than deplete our cognitive resources.
Next time you feel inexplicably exhausted, consider how many decisions you've made recently and perhaps give yourself the gift of silence. Your brain will thank you.
Thank you for listening!
email: adoctorsview@gmail.com
instagram: @adoctorsview
twitter: @DrPolyvios
Ready to debunk the myths, lies, and half-truths about obesity and healthy living? Listening to this episode will challenge the 'health at any size' idea that obesity and health can coexist. I dive into a dissection of the 'obesity paradox' and 'fat but fit' - a term that has been doing rounds on social media and even within medical circles. The episode looks at the World Health Organisation's definition of health and discusses a study that proves that metabolically healthy obese people are at a higher risk of coronary heart disease than their normal weight, metabolically healthy counterparts.
I don't stop at challenging the 'obesity paradox'; we also take a hard look at the controversies around obesity and health, explaining why being 'metabolically healthy' doesn't necessarily mean you're healthy if you're obese. I bring to light the risks of obesity, including complications during pregnancy and other health issues, often ignored in popular discussions, including the impact of obesity on fertility.
This episode also talks about the dangers of taking everything you see online at face value and dispel some of the myths about caloric intake and the role the laws of thermodynamics has in weight gain and loss.
Thank you for listening! For more information please visit adoctorsview.uk
email: adoctorsview@gmail.com
instagram: @adoctorsview
twitter: @DrPolyvios
Ever felt the weight of perfectionism bearing down on you, be it personal or professional? Join me, Dr. Polyvios, as I engage in a profound discussion with Dr. Samantha Anthony about perfectionism and the corresponding burnout it can provoke, particularly in the healthcare field. With a personal touch, Dr. Anthony uncovers her own struggles with perfectionism, highlighting the often-overlooked traits such as persistent guilt, fear of criticism, and a compulsive need for excessive preparation. From this enlightening exchange, you'll discover how accepting our limitations and recognizing the elusive nature of perfect outcomes can moderate perfectionism and kindle productivity.
Steering the conversation towards the darker side of perfectionism, we expose the specter of unrealistic expectations and the storm of guilt and fear it can stir. Unpacking the importance of downtime, we spotlight how career interruptions are not just breaks but opportunities for personal growth and development. Drawing inspiration from nations like Australia that have mandated time off, we dig into how such strategies can ward off burnout. Listen and gather valuable insights on the significance of reliable support for those who step back from work to reclaim their wellbeing.
Wrapping up our discussion, we consider the broad-ranging impact of perfectionism across various professions, acknowledging its role in fuelling creativity yet also recognizing its potential to lead to burnout. Our dialogue circles around the stress perfectionism can engender in the workplace and the strategies to support those wrestling with its weight. We stress the importance of open communication in recognizing burnout signs and promoting a safe space for these crucial conversations. Listen in to gain actionable ideas on balancing perfectionism with creativity, navigating career decisions in medicine, and supporting mental health in the workplace.
Permitted to Pause Mugs:
Buy a Permitted to Pause mug here
Permitted to Pause:
Website: www.permittedtopause.co.uk
Instagram: @permittedtopause
Doctors in Distress:
Website: www.doctors-in-distress.org.uk
Instagram: @docs_in_distress
Thank you for listening! For more information please visit adoctorsview.uk
email: adoctorsview@gmail.com
instagram: @adoctorsview
twitter: @DrPolyvios
In this episode I revisit the topic of acne and relive the experience of taking Roaccutane (Isotretinoin). I discuss some myths around acne and the various treatment options.
Video Podcast:
https://youtu.be/1Xe20F_fK14
Thank you for listening! For more information please visit adoctorsview.uk
email: adoctorsview@gmail.com
instagram: @adoctorsview
twitter: @DrPolyvios
This episode focuses on an important topic that is becoming more and more prevalent.
An eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia is a severe psychological eating disorder where an individual restricts their food intake to lose weight or avoid weight gain.
Recorded at The London Centre for Eating Disorders and Body Image, I’m joined by Dr Bryony Bamford, Founder and Director and Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Christina de Beukelaar, The London Centre’s Lead Dietitian.
We discuss a number of questions that surround eating disorders and the role of a clinical psychologist and dietician when treating such a difficult and debilitating illness. These include:
- Why eating disorders are so hard to treat.
- The common personality traits seen in eating disorders.
- Other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED).
- The role a dietitian plays in treating eating disorders, a psychological illness.
- What is refeeding syndrome and why is this such an important risk in eating disorder patients?
- What an initial consultation and process with a patient looks like.
- How treatment plans vary for different eating disorders and different ways of controlling weight such as laxatives, purging and over-exercises.
- Treating eating disorders with patients who have strict vegan diets.
- Thoughts on showing calories on restaurant menus.
- How the pandemic impacted the number suffering with eating disorders.
- How social media is contributing to the rise in eating disorders.
- Advice for parents or people coming to terms with an eating disorder.
- How to seek help.
**Bios:
Dr Bryony Bamford**Dr Bryony Bamford is a specialist eating disorder psychologist treating children adolescents and adults with eating disorders, eating problems and low body esteem. She has been treating eating disorders throughout her 20-year career. She has worked with individuals with eating disorders across a number of different treatment settings, inpatient and outpatient, and within the NHS and privately.
Early on in her career Dr Bamford worked in international research, developing psychological treatments for severe and enduring anorexia. In 2013 Dr Bamford founded The London Centre for Eating Disorders and Body Image.
Christina de BeukelaarChristina de Beukelaar is a specialist dietitian and has over 15 years clinical experience, her expertise spans all areas of Dietetics and Nutrition, specialising specifically in eating disorders.
Christina’s practical and person-centred approach allows individuals to establish long term lifestyle changes.
She works directly with clients and additionally provides education and training for their family members around food and meal times.
Useful Links:
- The London Centre
- NHS
- BEAT Eating Disorders
- Other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED) information
Thank you for listening! For more information please visit adoctorsview.uk
email: adoctorsview@gmail.com
instagram: @adoctorsview
twitter: @DrPolyvios
A look at how perfectionism can be a destructive personality trait and why it can leave me feeling superficial and guilty when working as a doctor. I discuss the difficult scenarios medics are often exposed to and how as healthcare professionals we become 'numb' to the emotion that should follow the horrific scenes we see everyday.
I also discuss the recent NHS nurses strike in England and provide an insight into the reasons why they have made the decision to go on strike.
Article referenced: “The Downsides of Perfection” BBC article by Amanda Ruggeri
Thank you for listening! For more information please visit adoctorsview.uk
email: adoctorsview@gmail.com
instagram: @adoctorsview
twitter: @DrPolyvios
CONTAINS SPOILERS AND STRONG LANGUAGE In this episode I give my thoughts on the recent TV series based on the book "This is Going to Hurt" by Dr Adam Kay. In my opinion it was a masterpiece and will change the public perception of what a doctor does and has to go through.
I also talk about a recent letter I received regarding my sick leave...
In this episode we look at studying medicine at an international university vs a traditional medical school. I'm joined by Dr Josh Ramjist a graduate from St. George's University School of Medicine in Grenada to talk about these differences as well as offer advice to those looking to study or practice medicine abroad.
We discuss:
- Entry criteria.
- Length of course.
- Tuition fees.
- Qualification at the end.
Working in the US
- Career path.
- Specialising.
- Patient journey in US.
- Cost of treatment?.
- What happens if you don’t have insurance?
As well as comparing and contrasting Josh's experience training and working in different countries and the advice he has for prospective medical students.
For this episode we are joined by a medical colleague in the USA. Dr Philip Ovadia is a board-certified Cardiac Surgeon and founder of Ovadia Heart Health. Once a morbidly obese heart surgeon, struggling to lose weight Dr Ovadia learnt about the importance of metabolic health. This helped him lose over 100 pounds.
Dr Ovadia has since been determined to help patients improve their metabolic health and ultimately teach them new habits which could save their lives.
He has written a book about my metabolic health methods called Stay off My Operating Table: A Heart Surgeon’s Metabolic Health Guide to Lose Weight, Prevent Disease, and Feel Your Best Every Day. Stay Off My Operating Table shares the truth about metabolic health so people struggling with chronic disease, heart problems, and obesity can finally discover what’s been holding them back and keeping them sick.
Together we discuss:
- What is metabolic health and why it is so important.
- Markers for metabolic health.
- Cholesterol (LDL/HDL) and its relevance to diet.
- The principles of metabolic health outside of diet.
- How improving your metabolic health can help you not only lose weight but improve your health.
- And much more...
Dr Ovadia's website: ovadiahearthealth.com
Stay Off My Operating Table (Book by Dr Ovadia):
USA
UK
Stay Off My Operating Table (Apple Podcasts):
Click Here
We are joined once again with our friend Dr Haidar Al-Hakim for a candid discuss. We discuss the evolution of physician psychology within medicine, hierarchies, the importance of change within ourselves to help us become more balanced and content.
Listen to Dr Haidar Al-Hakim's podcast:
Surgical Spirit podcast click here
A discussion with our friends at Doctor’s in Distress; a charity which is dedicated to supporting healthcare workers suffering within the NHS and prevents suicide within the profession. With 3 guest speakers we discuss:
- The consequences of not looking after the mental health of our healthcare workers
- Increased burnout
- Healthcare workers leaving the profession
- Poor mental health and in some cases suicide amongst all healthcare professionals
- The current GP crisis
- The damage of the healthcare workers as heroes narrative
- Increased pressure on an already burned out and perfectionist workforce
- Healthcare workers are already reluctant to ask for help – if they’re called heroes/heroines this inhibits this further.
Links:
Doctors in Distress
Permitted to Pause
Bios:
Dr Gavin McColl
Gavin is a trustee of 'Doctors in Distress' a charity that supports healthcare workers and prevents suicide within the profession. He helped establish the 'Primary Care Gambling Service', an integrated counselling service for problem gamblers that also helps to improve recognition and competence in primary care of this emerging public health issue. He is the Clinical Lead for New Cross Health Centre and Sternhall Lane Surgery and is passionate about transforming the patient journey through health services in order to better address the complexity now seen in modern primary care. In 2010 he established the charity 'On Call Africa' with three colleagues and has developed a replicable model that addresses remote health care delivery in Zambia which works to strengthen and augment, rather than replace, the capacity of the existing health services.
Miss Samantha Anthony
Samantha is an Associate Specialist in Dermatology at West Herts NHS Trust, principally working as a skin cancer surgeon for the past 14 years and previously as a GP too. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2006 and when reaching burnout in 2017, she created Permitted To Pause (www.permittedtopause.co.uk and instagram @permittedtopause), to reach out to doctors and healthcare professionals to encourage positive changes to their well-being, and share understanding of why self-care is so often a low priority in the profession, and to help us all to overcome our barriers to this. Samantha has met and collaborated with DiD since 2020, sharing ideas and fund raising, and continues to support all the excellent work that they do.
Brenda Donnelly
Brenda is a CD for South Southwark PCN serving a 145K population. She qualified as an RGN in Belfast in 1983 and has practiced in the UK, The Netherlands and Australia. She landed in primary care in 1994 as a GPN and happily found her niche, she completed a MSc in Primary Care development 2003 and a PGCE in Primary care in 2015. An ex-Nurse partner in South East London she currently enjoys a portfolio career she is particularly interested in community and practice development and working with families and children in deprived areas. She is passionate about growing and supporting multi professional primary care teams fit for providing future population health.
In this episode I take a look at imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome leaves you feeling like you don’t deserve your success. You feel as if you have achieved everything through luck, easy obstacles and without merit. This can make you constantly afraid of being ‘found out as a fraud’, prevent you from applying for a better position and constantly belittling your own abilities.
I also discuss the reasons as to why imposter syndrome is affecting more and more people progressing through their academic life as well as why I believe it affects a number of healthcare workers.
I left surgery to pursue a career in anaesthetics or anaesthesiology for our friends in the USA. In this episode aimed at medical students and Foundation Year Doctors I talk about why I left surgery, my general experience when it comes to choosing a specialty and why I think it’s important to take lots of things into consideration before disregarding other specialties.
For the general public, this episode definitely serves a purpose into providing an insight into the different choices a doctor has to make early in their career as well as some of the different roles an anaesthetist has and what they do during an operation.
Linked episode: Professionalism and bullying - my experience
https://www.buzzsprout.com/342848/2975830
From amateur gym goer to winning a professional bodybuilding competition, all on top of being an intensive care nurse. With an inspiring story of how you really can achieve anything you put your mind to, Lauren shares her story as well as providing an insight to the hidden world behind the camera and how social media posts aren’t always what they seem. She also talks of the dangers and misconceptions regarding fad weight loss regimes, insecurities and learning to be comfortable in your own skin.
Danny Hiles, received a liver transplant which saved his life. He was diagnosed with Wilson's disease which is a rare autoimmune disease. He shares his story about receiving his diagnosis and what it means to be an organ recipient.
Danny's YouTube page:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7XGBd1JjV7U2ddoGeFooiQ
Danny's Instagram:
https://instagram.com/danny_hiles86?igshid=puzgnurvka08
Join me, Dr Polyvios for an opinionated view on popular health topics and an insight into medical life.
Disclaimer Please note that all opinions and the content of this Podcast represent those of the host and the show's guests. The content of this podcast is for informational and/or entertainment purposes only and should not replace the medical advice given to you by your own GP/doctor. Please ensure you seek medical advice from your own doctor or healthcare professional if you have any concerns regarding your health or have any medical questions. Under no circumstances shall the Podcast's host or guests be responsible for any damages arising from the use of the Podcast.
How many times have you heard someone complain about a situation and then following with “I just have a hard time saying no.”? Insecurities and anxiety often result in unhappiness and depression, but do we actually recognise this as a reason for why we might be unhappy?
In this episode I look at anxiety and more specifically ‘people-pleaser syndrome’ and how it may manifest in very subtle ways and why this may be the cause of depression as well as explain how many may not even realise they have it.
Mental health and wellbeing affects us all. Never has this been more true than over the last few months, especially for key workers and nurses on the front-line during the covid pandemic. Hollie Lawrence is a student nurse who has created a group called ProVent, a safe area where healthcare workers can discuss openly and confidentially matters that may be contributing to stress and burnout in the workplace including the ever increasing feeling of guilt that healthcare workers have felt when they themselves have had to self-isolate. She joins the show to discuss ProVent and share some of her experiences.
The links:
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/ProVent
Email for support: support@provnt.com
ProVent Funding Page
Instagram
Twitter
LinkedIn
Website coming soon! : www.provnt.com
A special episode. A roundtable discussion hosted by Dr Haidar Al-Hakim host of the Surgical Spirit podcast joined by Dr Shan Hussain host of Enduring Health podcast, Dr Suhail Hussain a portfolio GP and senior tutor and myself discussing a range of topics that are not usually talked about within the medicine including racism in the NHS, the sustainability of our health system and the flaws of protocol driven medicine.
This is an entertaining yet highly charged and controversial discussion between friends searching for the answers.
Dr Haidar Al-Hakim's website
http://drhaidaralhakim.com/
Dr Haidar Al-Hakim's podcast - Surgical Spirit
Dr Shan Hussain’s website
https://thehealthstudio.net
Dr Shan Hussain’s podcast - Enduring Health
In view of the recent lockdown one thing that a lot of us have probably noticed is just how much tea and coffee we are drinking. This episode looks at the physiological effects of caffeine on the brain and how the effects of adenosine and dopamine help to explain why we love our morning cup of coffee so much. But is our love of caffeine harmful? And how much is too much?
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
Joined by Amandip Sidhu of Doctor’s in Distress and Dr Katie Carpenter, a newly qualified junior doctor to discuss the different stresses on mental well-being that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic can have on medical staff and why we should still be vigilant when looking out for our colleagues and indeed our own mental health. We also learn about the roles medical students are playing in helping hospitals on the front line.
Useful links:
Doctors in Distress:
https://doctors-in-distress.org.uk
NHS guidance:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
If you’re pregnant and worried about coronavirus... advice given by the Royal College of Obstetricians Gynaecologists.
https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/covid-19-virus-infection-and-pregnancy/
111 coronavirus service
https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19/
Instagram:
@DrPolyvios
@docs_in_distress
@katiecarpenta
After a night shift, I reflect on a some of the hidden pressures that healthcare workers can face as well as an update on the current situation within hospitals. I give my thoughts on the of the coronavirus testing program for NHS staff and take a look at some of the articles that I believe may be offering a false sense of security regarding the severity of COVID-19.
After undergoing a kidney transplant at young age, Ciara Roberts, author of Wholly Aligned, Wholly Alive discovered new ways to cope with the stresses involved with such a treatment as well as new challenges she would have to face in every day life.
Using nutrition and yoga as her tools, she created Wholly Aligned; a way to help corporations, medics and people in positions of stress deal with the challenges of difficult environments.
Click here for Ciara's website
Buy Wholly Aligned, Wholly Alive: Awakening your inner physician from Amazon
An episode I wish I didn't have to publish. I shed an insight into how bad things looking in hospitals and discuss the differences between coronavirus and flu and why we should pay attention to the warning signs and the advice given.
A brief but essential podcast.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
Useful links:
NHS guidance:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
If you’re pregnant and worried about coronavirus... advice given by the Royal College of Obstetricians Gynaecologists.
https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/covid-19-virus-infection-and-pregnancy/
111 coronavirus service
https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19/
A look at my experiences of professionalism and bullying within the NHS. This episode looks at the reasons why what we wear to work is important as well as discussing the controversial topic of whether a doctor should introduce themselves by their first name.
With depression and suicide rates within the NHS continuing to rise, I talk about my past experiences with bullying and discuss the use of bullying as a 'training tool'.
Sleep is essential for all of us and a good sleep cycle is key part of health. Regular poor sleep puts you at risk of serious medical conditions, including obesity, heart disease and diabetes as well as a shortened life expectancy. A poor sleep pattern is very common in shift-workers like healthcare professionals.
Joining me this week to talk about how crucial sleep is to our physical and mental health and how shift-work can impact junior doctors as well as some sound advice for healthcare professionals who undertake night shifts is Dr Mike Farquhar, a consultant in children’s sleep medicine at London's Evelina Children's Hospital. His work in educating healthcare professionals on the importance of sleep and the impact of fatigue in healthcare has led to the introduction of the “HALT: Take A Break” Campaign and he was awarded the Association Award by the AAGBI for his contribution to the #FightFatigue campaign.
Useful links:
GSTT Medical Education webpage:
https://www.guysandstthomaseducation.com/projectsleep-looking-after-your-wellbeing/
AAGBI resources on fatigue
https://anaesthetists.org/Fatigue
BMA fatigue and facilities charter
https://www.bma.org.uk/advice/employment/working-hours/fatigue-and-facilities-charter
If you think you have problems sleeping check out sleepio, a great online resource:
Sleepio - https://www.sleepio.com/
Fighting a lifetime battle with depression Frank King has thought about killing himself more times than you can imagine. Frank has led an extraordinary life. He wrote for The Tonight Show for over 20 years, and his journey with chronic suicidality not only makes for a fascinating listen, he has become a public motivational speaker and trainer who travels the world and has given key-note speeches at multiple TED talks events. He is also a full-time comedian and uses his humour and compassion to not only educate others about terms like ‘chronic suicidality’, ‘chronic suicidal ideation’ and ‘generational depression and suicide’ but also to help others who are suffering from the same condition, including those who didn’t realise that is what they had all along.
In this podcast Frank talks about his story; what was the tipping point? Why is he still alive? He also explains how on so many occasions his talks have led to more and more people coming forward suffering from a similar problem.
If you have been affected by or are suffering with suicidal thoughts, please seek medical help and advice immediately.
The Samaritans contact details:
https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
Frank also has a new book coming out March 1st 2020. Link to the book’s website found here: http://www.gutsgritgrind.com/
Frank can be contacted over phone and email:
Contact Frank King:
Call Frank: +1 858-405-5653
Email: frank@thementalhealthcomedian.com
Frank King’s website and social media:
http://www.TheMentalHealthComedian.com
http://www.facebook.com/thementalhealthcomedian
http://www.instagram.com/mentalhealthcomedian
http://www.twitter.com/theMHcomedian
https://www.youtube.com/thementalhealthcomedian
https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankkingthemhcomedian
First episode of the new series. I talk about Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). What is it? What causes it? What can we do about it? What are the Red Flag symptoms? I will also talk my own personal experience with IBS and the dangers of self-diagnosis and what can happen when we neglect to act on what our bodies tell us.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
This year, for this season, I'll be focussing on how to make our lives better and healthier. I’ll be meeting people who have changed their lives for the better; taking time out for themselves and adopting new lifestyles be it in the forms of diet, meditation yoga and a few other things which I admit I’m sceptical of. On top of that I’ll be trying some of these lifestyle changes to see if there are any real works effects on me.
As well as lifestyles, I’ll be talking more about medical conditions that we often overlook or are too embarrassed to talk about and what happens when we neglect what our bodies are trying to tell us.
And finally there will still be the odd controversial discussions with old and new friends, talking about important topics within medicine.
I’m excited to introduce a new affiliate with the podcast.
Doctors in distress is a wonderful charity founded by Amandip Sidhu who appeared on the show last year. Amandip’s brother was a consultant cardiologist who tragically took his own life as a result of burnout. Doctors in distress is a charity which helps doctors suffering from burnout to prevent such a tragedy from happening again. It is an absolute privilege to be affiliated with this incredible charity and this year we will be working closer together to try and help spread the message to all doctors that there is help available.
Episodes will be launched every 2 weeks
Enjoy the show!
Doctors In Distress website:
https://doctors-in-distress.org.uk
Dr Haidar Al-Hakim otherwise known as ‘The Third Eye Doctor’ is a surgeon, a speaker, an author and a life coach. He joins us once again for the season finale. We discuss the different personality types within the medical specialties, the power of hypnosis, the cultural trend of instant gratification in society and other taboo topics in a very candid, unscripted conversation.
The Third Eye Doctor’s website:
https://www.thethirdeyedoctor.co.uk
His Podcast – The Surgical Spirit
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/surgical-spirit/id1437997713
Dr Haider Al-hakim’s YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/user/haidarahf
Riana Milne is a Certified, Global Life & Love Coach, a Cert. Clinical Trauma & Addictions Professional, a Certified Mindfulness Coach, #1 Bestselling author, the Host of her Podcast called Lessons in Life & Love™, an Educational Speaker, and is a Certified Mindset Coach and Licensed Mental Health Counselor for close to 20 years living in Palm Beach County, Florida.
Riana joins me this week to discuss the 10 traumas that are experienced during childhood that affect an adult later in life and in their love relationships.
Links to Riana Milne’s resources:
Website: RianaMilne.com
Facebook:Coach Riana Milne LinkedIn YouTube Twitter
Podcast: Lessons in Life & Love Podcast Archive of shows
After a long few night shifts, I took to the internet to see what was in the news. It turns out Oxford University have banned clapping. This frustrated me… then after a video on breatharians; talking about how we can live off the sun’s energy and Prana instead of food appeared in my YouTube feed, I decided to have a rant.
Dr Shan Hussain is an author, general practitioner, health coach, wellness advisor and ambassador to the World Health Innovation Summit as well as a podcaster and radio presenter.
He joins me today to discuss some of the shortcomings that we experience within the health system and how the bureaucracy within our health system has changed over the years. More importantly, he shares his suggestions to solve these issues.
Dr Shan Hussain’s Website
https://thehealthstudio.net
Dr Shan Hussain’s Podcast: Enduring Health
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/enduring-health/id1442268572
Joined by ‘Soul in the Raw’ founder Marina Yanay-Triner, a vegan blogger, educator and recipe creator, who uses a whole-food plant-based diet as a key to changing her clients lives for the better. An honest and very realistic conversation that will help anyone thinking about adopting a plant-based diet make the first step as well as receiving guidance on how to do it.
Marina’s website:
https://www.soulintheraw.com
Her YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoH2yHQMXNnJ229YTEE1YgA
I am joined by Spiro Koulouris, a sufferer from gout. Spiro has dramatically improved his condition through lifestyle and dietary changes. He tells us how.
Spiro's website: Gout & You:
www.goutandyou.com
Spiro's Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/GoutandYou/
I discuss why it’s so easy for us to become addicted to video games and how to recognise the symptoms. I’ll also look at some of the underlying problems that we need to look out for as to why someone has become addicted. Finally, I’ll look at the debate between violence and computer games and give my own thoughts.
Referenced previous episode with Dr Giles P. Croft
https://www.buzzsprout.com/342848/1716280-how-your-psychology-works-and-managing-your-life-changes
A fascinating episode bringing together two prominent advocates for helping those suffering with stress and burnout.
In November 2018 a kind and compassionate cardiologist who excelled in his work and was loved by both patients and colleagues alike sadly, as a consequence of work related burnout tragically took his own life. In August of this year, I published a podcast episode on burnout where I interviewed his brother, Amandip Sidhu who shared his story with the show.
Link here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/342848/1509820-the-devastating-effect-of-burnout-a-real-life-story
I am once again joined by Amandip who is now an advocate for personal wellbeing and has set up a charity called doctors in distress to not only help doctors suffering from burnout but to help educate employers in how to avoid such tragedies from happening again in the future.
I am also joined by Dr Sonia Hutton-Taylor who is one of the foremost experts in burnout. Sonia has worked at the interface between career/performance and health/wellbeing for 30 years and has assisted some of the most burnt out people on the planet move through burnout effectively and either resume or change their careers.
In 2017 she set up Burnout Geese for all industries - a platform for sharing her unique perspectives on burnout causes and prevention as well as offering thought provoking innovation on burnout resolution.
Amandip's Website
https://doctors-in-distress.org.uk
Dr Sonia Hutton-Taylor's Website
https://www.burnoutgeese.com
Burnout Survey Link for medics:
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/2ZJPQTM
Other useful links:
Speak in confidence: The British Medical Association (BMA) offers a 24/7 confidential support line:
https://www.bma.org.uk/advice/work-life-support/your-wellbeing/check-yourself-out
The Samaritans:
https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwp5_qBRDBARIsANxdcimPhH1FMeeFg2-nLJ_jKIQb9smCRmw74MJhNWtXjqKGe8_gOjDF-PoaAtSIEALw_wcB
A more controversial and highly opinionated look at relationships. I discuss affairs, why relationships fail and why having ex partners is not a bad thing.
Explaining about cervical cancer, what causes it, who is at risk and do you really need to go for screening if you have no symptoms? In this episode I explain all these things and why it is important to go for your cervical smear test.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
On the back of being privileged to be invited to the Financial Times Health Live Dementia Summit, I have decided to dedicate this episode to dementia and hopefully answer some questions the patients with newly diagnosed dementia may have or indeed anyone who has a friend or relative affected and wishes to learn more. I will focus on the symptoms of dementia as well as what needs to be done once a diagnosis has been made. I also discuss some of the things I learnt from the summit and what is being done to try and improve the quality of life for dementia patients.
Useful links:
NHS information:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/about/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/help-and-support/
Dementia UK
Talking Point is the Alzheimer's Society's forum.
Dementia Information Service
Alzheimer's Research UK
Admiral Nurses can give practical, clinical and emotional support to families living with dementia.
In this episode, I chat with Dr Giles P Croft who is a psychology graduate and former NHS orthopaedic surgical trainee. He left clinical practice to create a career in Health Informatics. He has spoken to audiences about career change for the last decade and now runs a coaching business, working with individuals to help them manage life changes. We discuss career change, why people leave medicine, the steps you should take to manage life changes, how your psychology works and why an understanding of your psychology will help you get perspective on career change.
Watch the video podcast! - https://youtu.be/KJ-S3HNoBAU
Related links:
Giles’s Facebook page facebook.com/drgilespcroft
Giles’s closed Facebook group (where people can talk about stuff in private): facebook.com/groups/enjoywhatyoudo
The coming events Giles is speaking at: facebook.com/drgilespcroft/events
If anyone wants to email Giles: dr@gilespcroft.com
Giles on Twitter: twitter.com/gilespcroft
Giles on LinkedIn: linkedIn.com/in/drgilespcroft
Giles’s YouTube video: https://youtu.be/28k4U4roKIs
The book mentioned in the podcast is called “How to Turn Stress on its Head” by Rani Bora (Amazon link)
In this episode I take a look at a recent study which has led to some dramatic newspaper headlines concerning fizzy soft drinks and in particular, diet drinks. Should we take this at face value or is more information needed?
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
An entertaining, frank and candid conversation with Dr. Haidar Al-hakim otherwise known as ‘The Third Eye Doctor’. He is a surgeon, a speaker, an author and a life coach. He talks to me about his earlier life and how he became an ophthalmic surgeon, started a charity that sought to provide sight-saving eye care for people in impoverished areas. He tells this fascinating story whilst sharing his experience with stress and burnout and how the highs come with the lows. Dr Al-hakim now runs life-coaching sessions to help others who have suffered from stress in the workplace and burnout.
The Third Eye Doctor’s website:
https://www.thethirdeyedoctor.co.uk
His Podcast – The Surgical Spirit
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/surgical-spirit/id1437997713
Dr Haider Al-hakim’s YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/user/haidarahf
In this episode I discuss acne vulgaris, dispel some of the myths surrounding this common skin condition and look at the various treatments available including Isotretinoin (Roaccutane) and what happened to me when I took it.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
In this episode we look at the menopause. What is it? Why does it happen and what are the side effects? Also explored are the treatment options available for women both pre and post-menopausal including Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). What are the risks and benefits of HRT and what do you do if you can’t or don’t want to take it?
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
A look at social media and its sociological effect with respects to mental health. Are the headlines true? Does the use of social media really cause depression and what are the dangers of spending too much time on social media sites?
This episode focuses on the tragic story of a doctor whose life was tragically cut short as a consequence of burnout. I join his brother Amandip Sidhu who shares the events leading up to his death and together with his charity ‘Doctors in Distress’ advises doctors and employers on how to cope with and find support for dealing with stress related to the workplace.
Useful Links:
Speak in confidence: The British Medical Association (BMA) offers a 24/7 confidential support line:
https://www.bma.org.uk/advice/work-life-support/your-wellbeing/check-yourself-out
The Samaritans:
https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwp5_qBRDBARIsANxdcimPhH1FMeeFg2-nLJ_jKIQb9smCRmw74MJhNWtXjqKGe8_gOjDF-PoaAtSIEALw_wcB
Doctor’s in Distress charity
http://www.doctors-in-distress.org.uk/
The National Health Service (NHS) is a national treasure, providing comprehensive, free and accessible healthcare for those in the United Kingdom. In recent times the NHS has become under threat of privatisation. In this episode we are joined by Dr Aislinn Macklin-Doherty an Oncology trainee and a member of the BMA committee during the junior doctor strikes and a national officer for the NHS campaign group Health Campaigns Together. Together we discuss some of the myths surrounding the NHS and whether or not privatisation is the way forward.
A look at e-cigarettes and vaping. Is vaping safe and should we be more lenient with people who choose to vape over those who smoke regular cigarettes. This episode explores some of the dangers of vaping and whether or not we should be using it as a form of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).
This episode focuses on occupational burnout. Something all doctors can suffer from. We look at what burnout is and why it is so prevalent amongst healthcare workers.
An episode looking at homeopathy. The alternative medicine that claims to cure 'like with like'. I explore the principles behind it and whether or not terms like 'potentization' are credible medical principles.
In this episode we look at what a plant-based diet is and the health benefits they can provide. Are these health benefits substantiated? Is going vegan the way forward for maximum health benefits? Approached from a pragmatic and opinionated perspective.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a devastating mental health disorder said to affect up to 1 in 50 people in the UK and joining me in this podcast to share her story and experiences with BDD is Minnie Iris. Minnie is a remarkable lady who not only knows the effects BDD can have first-hand but facilitates BDD support groups to help other sufferers.
If you are affected by any of the topics discussed and or feel you need to discuss BDD please seek help from your GP if you are in the UK. If you are having suicidal thoughts, please seek urgent help either from you GP or local emergency department. Links to the Samaritan and SANE websites can be found below.
Useful links:
BDD Foundation:
https://bddfoundation.org
The Samaritans
https://www.samaritans.org
SANE
http://www.sane.org.uk
A look into some of the fad diets that we hear about on a daily basis. From the lemon juice diet through to the blood type diet, this episode explains what they are and debunks their 'magical' properties.
What are the aspects of medicine that you don't see? This episode describes some of the challenges that a typical UK doctor faces in everyday life, mainly outside of hospital walls.
This week's podcast looks at childhood development with an aide to provoke a discussion and explore the question of whether we should be changing the milestones for children to achieve in today's society.
In this episode I describe some of the difficulties patients face in understanding their conditions and some of the problems with Dr Google.
This episode focuses on the MMR vaccine and the complications and health implications that can arise from not vaccinating your children. Also explored is where the supposed link between autism and vaccination came from.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
A look into the myths about the 'Health At Any Size' message and the potential implications this movement is having to our health. This episodes focuses on the risks of being overweight as well as the rise of the 'Fat Acceptance Movement'.